RP:Red vs Blue: Revolution/Episode 10

 Episode X: The Battle of Furmiole

 * Agent_Carolina seems deep in thought, perhaps even troubled. * Kalmiya sees Carolina standing outside Dr. Halsey's office.  Yes, Agent Carolina?  * Agent_Carolina looks up at the sound of the AI's voice, almost wary.  ... I'm here about my last mission. * Kalmiya gives Carolina a long stare.  * Agent_Carolina stares back, eyes narrowing defiantly. * Kalmiya opens the sliding door to Dr. Halsey's office.  Thanks.  * Agent_Carolina walks in with the barest hint of a swagger, asserting her right to be there. * Kalmiya slides the door shut and her hologram disappears. * Kalmiya reappears next to Dr. Halsey. * Doctor_Halsey seems to be expecting Carolina, merely clasping her hands on her desk as the Freelancer enters.  I know you didn't drop my name to command for your own amusement.  Risky, alerting them of the discovery you made. But now, that site is mine to handle as I see fit. * Doctor_Halsey peruses a file, expression a bit sour. <Doctor_Halsey> I would love to know why the ONI saw fit to assign a Spartan to your mission — and why that Spartan's information is a mess of black ink — but I won't compromise your objective. * Kalmiya accesses the datasheets, and selects one for Dr. Halsey. <Kalmiya> I believe this is the one you were searching for, doctor. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah, thank you. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I gave you that intel and technology because I know if there's one person who can use it to help Texas, it's you. * Doctor_Halsey seems amused. <Doctor_Halsey> That technology will enable the survival of the human race. And that's if we're lucky enough to decode it at all. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... yes. But you can also use it for Tex, right? <Doctor_Halsey> Beta is one AI. <Doctor_Halsey> Humanity is decimated by the hundreds with each passing day of this war. <Doctor_Halsey> I have priorities, Agent. But make no mistake, I can extract valuable information from the artifacts I examine. <Doctor_Halsey> I'll do what I can. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gives a slow nod. <Kalmiya> Agent Carolina, you had access to a tier-1 artifiact on Europa, is that correct? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... it is. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina produces the bag Wyoming gave her. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Don't even ask how I got this past security. * Doctor_Halsey watches calmly. <Kalmiya> I can conjure a few scenarios. * Kalmiya retains an innocent expression. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina produces the crystalline artifact from the sack, hefting it in one hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This... thing. It glowed, and for some reason... it was like I had to take it. * Doctor_Halsey is actually surprised at this. <Doctor_Halsey> Kalmiya. I presume you cut all security feeds at least ten seconds before Agent Carolina revealed her find? <Kalmiya> Possibly. * Kalmiya looks away slightly. * Doctor_Halsey taps an icon and her lab door locks from the inside. <Doctor_Halsey> Good. <Doctor_Halsey> Now let me have a look at that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina moves to hand over the artifact, setting it on Halsey's desk almost reluctantly. <Doctor_Halsey> ... fascinating. * Doctor_Halsey runs some passive scans on the object, standing to scrutinize it. <Doctor_Halsey> It's not geological at all. It's artificial. <Doctor_Halsey> If I didn't know any better... I'd say it's hardware. <Doctor_Halsey> Kalmiya. Compare data gathered from Anders' incomplete surveys and Sorvad's analyses. <Kalmiya> Yes, doctor Halsey. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches awkwardly, not really knowing what to do. <Doctor_Halsey> ... and feel free to borrow whatever Ackerson has collected in his archives, as well. * Kalmiya disappears to begin analyzing, with just a hint of a smirk at Halsey's last remark. * Kalmiya (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> So, uh... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> will it help? * Doctor_Halsey looks up, annoyed. <Doctor_Halsey> You've done your part, Freelancer, now let me do mine. <Doctor_Halsey> You are dismissed. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina opens her mouth to protest, then clamps it shut. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I'll hold you to that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and exits Halsey's office, the door sliding open to let her out only to slam shut and bolt after her. * Doctor_Halsey has quit (Quit: Page closed) <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... bitch. * Lt_Forenson (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Lt_Forenson * Lt_Forenson steps out of an adjacent debriefing room and spots Carolina walking down the corridor. <Lt_Forenson> Oh, there you are, Agent Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina salutes. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sir. <Lt_Forenson> We're needed to deploy for another operation, Agent. <Lt_Forenson> I've already informed your team. <Lt_Forenson> They're waiting for you in the armoury. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... another op? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks weary, then straightens up. <Lt_Forenson> The Covenant has found Furmiole. We're needed to deploy there ASAP. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina can't help her eyes widening. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... did you just say "Covenant?" <Lt_Forenson> That's right, Agent Carolina. It's time to get into the real action. <Lt_Forenson> One more thing...we're going to be assisting SPARTAN Noble Team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods, though she seems a little dazed. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... might as well be Spartans ourselves, at this point... <Lt_Forenson> You'll be reporting to Commander Carter-A259. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> of course, sir. <Lt_Forenson> Agents York, Maine, Michigan, and Virginia are preparing in the armoury. I'll see you during deployment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yes, sir. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'll do our best. * Lt_Forenson heads off to prep his own Helljumpers. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hurries to the armory, shaking off her trepidation. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine prepares multiple grenade belts around his body. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Phew...s'a lotta guns... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina enters the armory, donning her helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has a shotgun shell bandoiler over his chest, M45 on his back. He's also holding a pair of magnums. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Carolina! Check out all this equipment! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're gonna need it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns to see Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Heeey. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heads over to York, noting his extra gear. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Pack as much as you can without overloading. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're not going up against rebels this time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan picks up his BR85 and looks for the perfect scope. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slips on another bandoiler over his other one, and checks his pistols. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oh, great. What's it this time? Covvies? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Actually, yes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York trembles a bit. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'll be acting under the direction of Noble Team, a Spartan unit. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm not sure if I should be glad. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Our CO is now one Commander Carter-A259. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Spartans? Well...this is. New. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York scratches his helmet and takes some more pistol ammo, and tucks on a few grenades while he's at it. He also slips a combat knife onto a holster on his chestplate. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan finds an über-complicated, state-of the art scope and grabs it. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I do not want a repeat of our prior engagements. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We fight as a team. Together. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs two railguns. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This isn't Jonathan Ulan or some other psycho mook. This is something much bigger. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs slightly. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina opens up a private channel to York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods and opens up the channel as well. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) I'm worried. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs an M6/S and M363 <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) So I can imagine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks down, makes a disgusted noise, and picks up some more grenades, latching them on wherever there's room on York's gear. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs 25 "Sticky Detonator" grenades. * Delta_AI (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Delta_AI <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Rockets? Pfft. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Do I have to dress you myself? Pack more ammo! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) What are you, my fussy mom? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York collects even more ammo, before he can start to feel a bit weighed down. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan packs 30 BR85 magazines. <Delta_AI> Agent York, if you pack any more, you will be unable to walk. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Sorry, sorry. Yeah, I know D. I can feel the weight... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Guys? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops halfway in the act of clipping another grenade onto York's belt and lets her hand rest on his chest plating for a moment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) We're not Spartans, York. And the way we ended up last time... I'm glad you weren't there. That's why I'm worried. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine goes into a adjacent room and grabs a massive object before leaving the barracks to the landing pad. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Need me to carry anything? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine moves in front of Michigan and shoves a shotgun to his chest. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) I know, I know. I don't think I'll be able to move so well this way, either. Sooo... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps it there <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hands a few grenades to Mich and slips away. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps the grenades to himself <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine packs an abnormally large rocket launcher to his back, significantly different in size and appearance. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts loading up her own gear, taking the katana in her hands and contemplating it as if indecisive. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, is your team ready to leave? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hears the query and straps the sword onto her back. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine stashes multiple rockets into a bag and places it around his leg. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Affirmative. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Good. We goin'? <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger. You'll be in hangar bay ten. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine attaches a mysterious looking plate to each of his fists before leaving the barracks. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Just think of it like this: you're going up against things that are like Agent Texas, on a bad day, with a grudge. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> And prepare accordingly. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Freelancers, the Mother of Invention has arrived over Furmiole. We have to drop fast, before that battlecruiser points their guns at us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina strides out of the armory. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You heard him, people! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Pelican leaves ASAP. So haul ass. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York follows Carolina out of the armor, confidentally, with his pistols and shotgun strapped down to his armor. * Four-Seven-Niner (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Four-Seven-Niner * Foehammer (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Foehammer <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina * Lt_Forenson is waiting in hangar bay 10 with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina approaches Forenson, fully armored and armed. <Lt_Forenson> Okay everyone, these two dropships are our only ride on and off the ship. <Lt_Forenson> So, let's not dawdle once we're on the ground. * Four-Seven-Niner waves at the Freelancers as they enter the hangar bay. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Got it. <Four-Seven-Niner> Long time no see, guys. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Four-Seven-Niner! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Been a while, 479er. * Four-Seven-Niner fist-bumps Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes the pilot's hand after the fist-bump. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good to have you back. <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah, glad I get to do something interesting for a change. <Four-Seven-Niner> Wyoming isn't on the team? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. Wish he was here, though. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... the ONI didn't pick him for this. Sorry. * Four-Seven-Niner hides her disappointment with a single nod. * Foehammer walks over to Four-Seven-Niner. <Foehammer> So you guys are the Freelancers? <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. Guys, this is Foehammer. <Four-Seven-Niner> She's an ace pilot. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina regards the other pilot. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hello. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Well if Four-Seven-Niner calls you an ace pilot, you must know your stuff. <Foehammer> Thanks. She's not so bad herself. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at the ODSTs, then back at her team. * Lt_Forenson climbs on board Foehammer's Pelican with his team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods at Carolina. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They tell you what we're getting into this time, Four-Seven-Niner? <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. Aliens. Fantastic. * Four-Seven-Niner takes position behind the pilot's seat. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lays the large object on his lap, revealing it to be a turret. * Foehammer steps past the ODSTs and gets into the cockpit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina boards the Pelican first, seating herself near the hatch. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps in <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York boards the Pelican second, taking a seat next to Carolina and strapping himself in. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina remains quiet, hands on the tops of her thighs. <Foehammer> (COM) Ready to leave? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Roger. <Foehammer> (COM) Then let's roll. * Four-Seven-Niner launches. * Foehammer launches simultaneously. <Foehammer> (COM) Hold on tight, people! It's gonna be a bumpy ride! <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Oh boy. Here come the fighter squads. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Fighters? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Any last-minute tips on outflying them, Foehammer? <Foehammer> (COM) Floor it. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Thanks for your help. * Foehammer laughs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina braces in her seat, glancing at York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York tightens his grip on his straps, also bracing. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> No one warned us! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Just get us dirtside, Four-Seven-Niner. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Trying my best. * Foehammer swerves around Four-Seven-Niner, drawing some of the enemy fire. * Four-Seven-Niner pulls a complex dive, further confusing the fighters. <Foehammer> (COM) Not bad. Keep it up. * Four-Seven-Niner is hit by a stream plasma fire. <Four-Seven-Niner> Oh shit. * Four-Seven-Niner pulls hard, trying to maintain the downward spiral. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Hold on back there! * Foehammer adjusts her trajectory to stay close to Four-Seven-Niner. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slams into the back of her seat, only to be jerked forward. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I think... I'm starting to understand South... maybe just a little— <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York manages to stay in his seat, boots firmly planting on the ground. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm hearing you there, Carolina... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Holding on! <Foehammer> (COM) Touching down in sixty seconds. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Hope you're ready! <Foehammer> (COM) You steady, Four-Seven-Niner? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) I'm levelling out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around at her team, feeling a mixture of pride and dread. * Foehammer adjusts the Pelican's angle and pulls up as the ship flies horizontally not ten feet off the ground. * Four-Seven-Niner manages to pull a similar maneuver despite the Pelican's damage. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grabs one of her Magnums and preps it. * Foehammer pulls the Pelican to a hovering position behind a tall set of hills. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Be ready for action as soon as we're out. <Foehammer> (COM) Popping the hatch! <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Go, go, go! * Four-Seven-Niner opens the hatch. * Lt_Forenson jumps out with the ODST team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan loads his BR85. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes point, jumping out. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Hostiles just over the hilltops. Let's move, team! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan jumps. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York leaps out of the hatch, shotgun in hand. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine jumps out with his turret ready. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Get in formation, people! * Foehammer takes off again, with Four-Seven-Niner following close behind. * Foehammer (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon * Four-Seven-Niner (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Commander, we're on the ground. What's your position? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Carter-A259 <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around as dots show up on her map. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... lotta red out there. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan falls into formation * Lt_Forenson charges over the hills, guns blazing on the masses of enemies below. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts running toward the nav point indicated by her HUD. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine slowly makes his way, raining fire upon the Covenant troops. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires her first shot at a Grunt, killing it instantly. * Lt_Forenson 's battle rifle is in a fury of flares, dropping enemy after enemy. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... fuck, they're ugly bastards... <Lt_Forenson> See? Not so hard to kill. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York quickly sprints towards the nav point, blowing the head of an enemy jackal clean off with a shotgun blast. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't get too cocky. <Lt_Forenson> Just watch out for the tall squid-heads. They've got energy shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan kills two Jackals in one burst * Lt_Forenson reloads, allowing York to cover him. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine watches as 2 massive Hunter pairs approach him * Lt_Forenson takes aim again and starts firing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina tosses a grenade into a cluster of jackals after failing to penetrate their shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York catches two Grunts in a shotgun blast, watching them tumble to the ground. <Lt_Forenson> Aim for the weak spots on the Hunters! Shoot anything you see that's orange! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees the Hunters. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... what the hell? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts shooting again while firing his Brute Shot with his right hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Mich, concentrate fire on those... things! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Forenson, I'm sending some support to your position. They'll be ahead of the rest of us, but we'll catch up. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger, sir. Make it quick! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Shoot for the, uh, orange! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York quivers. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine 's turret starts clicking. * Lt_Forenson ducks into cover as the Hunters open fire on them. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Is that thing made of...made of...gah! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rolls over to cover, almost getting hit with a fuel rod blast. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan kicks an Elite, then kills it with the sticky detonator * Lt_Forenson pokes his head out of cover and fires at the Hunters' backs with his battle rifle. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine sprints towards one of the Hunters with his blade and slices it in half, covering himself in orange blood. * Lt_Forenson swears as his ODSTs are getting cut down one by one. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Why the hell were we dropped off here of all places? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Got something important in that facility we need to get to. Hold your position, Lieutenant. * Lt_Forenson grits his teeth as plasma splashes on his armour. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Yes...yes, sir. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sprints sideways to avoid the fuel rod guns, firing repeatedly with her pistol as a distraction. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan pulls out a railgun <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine shoves a grenade into another Hunter's backside. * Lt_Forenson drops a trio of Grunts with headshots. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits one hunter in the helmet with a shotgun blast, then unsheathes his knife and shanks it multiple times in its exposed weak spot. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan instantly kills one Hunter with the railgun <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina ditches the Magnum and pulls out her katana, charging one of the remaining Hunters. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes position near York, reloading. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... ah, screw it. <Lt_Forenson> Carolina, the hell are you doing?!! Don't be a fool! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slides the knife back into the holster, then notices Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't, Carolina! We can't lose you, damn it! * Lt_Forenson fires at the Hunter, trying to distract it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina leaps as the alien brings down its shield, barely avoiding being crushed, and grabs hold of its spiked armor, vaulting. She lands behind the gigantic creature and stabs backward with her blade, not even glancing, listening as the blade sinks into soft coils. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina then rips the sword out and turns as the Hunter roars and staggers, and slices through its "neck." * Lt_Forenson stares in disbelief for a moment. <Lt_Forenson> And they say Helljumpers are crazy... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Then you haven't met my friend Carolina! * Lt_Forenson turns to see more hostiles converging on them. <Lt_Forenson> Damn, we've got more Hunter pairs, coming out of the facility! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine looks at Carolina's six as an entire horde of split-lipped alien approach with glowing swords. * Lt_Forenson shifts fire, backpedalling and reaching for a grenade. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina regards the Elites. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Maine! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York vaults under an Elite and shoots it in the thigh, before climbing up and then shoving his knife into it's back. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly kicks off the aliens from Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina places a hand on Maine's shoulder for a moment. "Thanks." <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine nods back. <Lt_Forenson> Dammit, we're going to be overrun. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Thom-293 <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> (COM) Not today! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 charges through a mass of Covenant on a Warthog, splattering a dozen of them in a second. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 drives over the hill right behind Emile, rampaging through the aliens. <Lt_Forenson> Holy shit! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at the incoming Spartan, jumping back from the carnage. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Hey, ugly! Look over here! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 drives straight at a Hunter. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 is doing circles around the other aliens, avoiding gunfire and running them over as well. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine snatches his shotgun from Michigan's chest. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 runs over not one, but three Hunters. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Freelancers! Form up on me! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan forms up <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 drives in from the side and runs over the last one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pulls the knife from the Elite's back, sheathing it. He approaches Carolina and Maine, having a helmet covered in purple blood. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks York over. "Please don't tell me you're keeping that paintjob." <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Could use a gunner on the back! <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Negative, don't slow down! * Lt_Forenson continues fire, a bit more easily now that the enemy lines are thinned out. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly shakes himself of the Hunters' blood. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina then looks over at the Warthogs, a plan forming. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I like my new style. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York forms up with the other Freelancers. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sprints toward Emile's Warthog without saying a word. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Whoa! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 swerves to avoid running over Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grabs hold of the Warthog and jumps up, grasping the turret and situating herself. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Drive. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 floors it. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Holy shit, how did you not kill yourself, lady? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires the machine gun at the Covenant aliens, mowing them down. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's just say I'm good. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> I haven't even seen Spartans do that... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina activates an IFF tag, 077. * Lt_Forenson regroups the surviving Helljumpers and pushes the remaining Covenant back. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Well then. I guess I'm not a Spartan, am I? <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 doesn't reply to this and concentrates on running people over. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Forenson, did my backup arrive yet? <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger, sir. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine yells at York with a garbled voice. "Move up!" <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 cuts through an entire line of Grunts in one power-slide. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns the chaingun this way and that, cutting through shields and armor. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Cool! * Lt_Forenson sees Carolina taking out all the enemies around them and corners the last handful of Covenant with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York moves, shotgun hoisted forward. * Lt_Forenson finishes off the rest of the aliens with ease in a web of gunfire. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York catches one last grunt and blows his head open with a shotgun blast. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That's the last of 'em! * Lt_Forenson lowers his gun and pants heavily. <Lt_Forenson> Whew. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 stops the Warthog next to Thom. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 disembarks with Emile. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs, relieved. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Sir! Noble Four and Noble Six, as requested! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine rolls his neck with a loud 'crack' <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hops down off the Warthog, dusting her armor off. <Lt_Forenson> Thanks for the help, Noble. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks at her Freelancers, relieved they're okay. * Lt_Forenson looks around. <Lt_Forenson> Four ODSTs KIA, two WIA. Shit. Not a good start. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got more reinforcements farther in, sir. * Lt_Forenson looks at Thom. <Lt_Forenson> It's never a good thing to lose troopers, Spartan. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Yes, sir. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rubs his helmet, some purple blood smudging on his fingers. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Anyone got a towel or something? <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 's gaze is turned towards Maine. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> So, uh...you guys those what-do-they-call-its...Freelancers? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sure are. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine glares back at Emile. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps a little between the two of them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're here to kill the aliens. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine growls at Emile before acknowledging Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Alright. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Well...you guys don't do your job too bad. All things considered. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Still...keep up if you can. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 gives Emile an impercepible shake of the head. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 pretends not to see it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notices Emile's rank. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're capable, Warrant Officer. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 nods but doesn't say anything more. <Lt_Forenson> Right then. What did your Commander want us to do in this facility? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got some scientists to extract. The Covenant is crawling all over the place in this region though. <Lt_Forenson> Then let's get to work. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks back to the legion of dead aliens. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> So we found out. <Lt_Forenson> Will Carter be joining us? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Negative. He's being held up dealing with that battlecruiser. * Lt_Forenson looks around at the assorted UNSC troops. <Lt_Forenson> We should be able to suffice. Let's move. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Yes...sir. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 takes point and enters the facility. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 glances one more time at Maine before following suit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina falls in behind the Spartans. * Lt_Forenson stays in the centre of the formation, weapon ready. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stays in formation. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lastly follows the formation. <Lt_Forenson> Where are the scientists, Noble Six? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> They should be seven levels down, sir. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Careful. The place is swarming with Covenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina mutters. "Lovely." <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Looks like my armor isn't gonna get any cleaner... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> We can sneak down... <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Strange. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Why is this place empty? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> It was crawling with Covenant just a few minutes ago. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That's usually a bad sign. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina raises her BR, scanning for hostiles. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) This is First Lieutenant Joseph Forenson to any civilians in the facility. Do you copy? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Tangos only bug out when they're scared... or planning something. * Lt_Forenson shakes his head when he gets no response. <Lt_Forenson> These aliens think on a whole different level. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> So it's going to be the latter. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 leads the team to sublevel seven with no resistance, and calls a halt. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Something's definitely not right. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps toward York, turning so he has her back. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> You can say that again. * Lt_Forenson pauses and taps his COM. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Say again? What? You're breaking up. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Are you sure? How's that even possible? I don't know. Okay. I'll see if I spot anything. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan finds cover <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York guards Carolina's back, eyes peeled for anything. * Lt_Forenson turns to the team. <Lt_Forenson> I have news. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Good or bad? <Lt_Forenson> I'm not sure. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Bad it is then. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Just tell us what we need to know. <Lt_Forenson> The Covenant battlecruiser has vanished. Just...disappeared completely. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> What? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> You mean it jumped into Slipspace? <Lt_Forenson> No. Just vanished. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Invisibility? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 (cfbe3c01@gateway/web/freenode/ip.207.190.60.1) has joined #halo-fanon <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Wait. What's that? <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 point at a large alien device welded into the centre of the floor in the facility's core chamber. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Whoa... <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> The Covenant is definitely up to something... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina remains where she is. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I have a bad feeling about this. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York keeps his boots pinned to the floor. * Lt_Forenson flinches as a gigantic blue beam shoots out of the top of the device, rumbling into the sky with an ominous boom. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> What the hell was that? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina jumps back slightly, weapon raised. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York jumps, shotgun primed. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That cannot be good. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Ground teams, report! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> It may be a transmitter. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Covenant battlecruiser detected above the facility. Attempts to ground it with our MAC guns, unsuccessful. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Ma'am? How the hell did the cruiser get past the entire perimeter of MAC guns? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> You don't suppose it teleported... <Lt_Forenson> Shit. Let's move, people! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> RUN! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Battlecruiser opening fire on the facility, Lieutenant! Get out of there! <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 is suddenly thrown back as the alien device is hit by a huge ray of plasma and explodes, shattering metal and white plasma everywhere. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Damn! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ow! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 pulls Thom to his feet and notices that the floor is breaking apart. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Freelancers, retreat! <Lt_Forenson> Everyone, topside, now! * Lt_Forenson urges the others to make their way up the facility as the walls come crumbling and crashing down. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan runs faster <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sprints as fast as his legs can take him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina checks her team and hurries up the stairs. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 grabs Emile and Forenson, and activates his jetpack. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Hang on! <Lt_Forenson> You can't be serious... <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 soars up and around the stairs easily escaping the ground that is breaking apart beneath them. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine runs behind Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan activates his speed unit and runs as fast as he can <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows suit, hastily grabbing York and Maine as well. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ahhh! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM)... the battlecruiser appears to be focusing its fire on the facility. Almost like they're digging. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Copy that, ma'am. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York just makes it, landing on the ground outside the facility. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Phew... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Now what? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine is blown out, landing hard on his chest. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Noble Two, you still got that bomb the Commander hauled along? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) MFDD en route. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gets up from where she landed and checks Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York moves over to Maine, also checking him. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine, you alright? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine grumbles <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... he'll be fine. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Heh, I'll take that as a yes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York tries to help up the bear of a man. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine slowly attempts to get up but lands into the ground again. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 walks over and offers Maine a hand up. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York brushes off a bit of dirt on Maine's shoulderplate. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly jumps up at Emile's presence <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) My transport was shot down, Lieutenant. I'll be making this delivery myself. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger that. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got Covenant incoming on our position, and lots of them. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) I'm going to rally the troops. We have to keep those hostiles off the Lieutenant Commander's back for as long as possible. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan enters cover * Lt_Forenson turns to Carolina. <Lt_Forenson> Everyone else...keep pushing forward. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Got it, sir. <Lt_Forenson> See you on the far side. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine instantly takes out his large rocket launcher * Lt_Forenson gathers the troops and runs off towards the horde of enemy masses. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods, then looks at her Freelancers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You heard the man! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Hold the line! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> LET'S GO! <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Carter-A259 <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Jun-A266 <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 cuts his way through the Covenant lines with a hail of machinegun fire. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts firing at the swarms, the explosions rocking dozens of them with giant explosions. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Agent Carolina, good to see you! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods and keeps firing. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 sprints across the battlefield, accompanied by a Marine escort. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Keep pushing, Noble! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pops a shell from his shotgun's ejection port, then loads up a few more rounds from his bandolier. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 continues to cover Kat, turret blazing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan picks off Drones in dozens <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York takes a pair of grenades and primes both of them, flinging them towards the enemy and pelting at them with shotgun blast after blast. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 guns down a mass of Covenant and waves Kat through the hole in the enemy forces. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires off precise shots with her BR. "Everyone came to this party." <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 keeps running even as her Marines take fire and fall, firing with her Magnum and taking out nearby hostiles with headshots. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> We've got hornets covering us, but there's not much time! Kat, go! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Set the bomb! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Copy that, Commander. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts focusing on occupied buildings, easily leveling them. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 sees a group of Ultras moving to confront Kat, and he guns them down one by one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York is knocked over on his behind by an explosion. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oomph! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gets all his purple blood flicked off his armor <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 punches in the activation code for the MFDD and is rewarded when the screen turns red, displaying a countdown. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 keeps running, following the nav marker on her HUD. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lifts York by his back. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Agh...thanks, Maine. Returning the favor. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 continues to shoot at any enemies close to Kat's position. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine nods. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits a Grunt with his shotgun, one-handed, who was advancing on Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan uses a Sticky Detonator to kill a Brute <font color=#706A15><Jun-A266> (COM) Kat, look out! You've got two Banshees coming up on you. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 seems to ignore Jun, leaping and running toward the delivery point. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires at one of the incoming Banshees frantically. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 spots the Banshees, and raises his gun to distract them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Bring 'em down! <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sprays the aircraft, managing to destroy one of them with a persist stream of gunfire. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 adjusts his aim to the other one. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 picks up speed toward the objective, then is thrown up and back by a fuel rod explosion. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> (COM) Spartan down! <font color=#848484><Thom-293> (COM) I've got her! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly fires at the leading Banshee and destroys it in a magnificent explosion. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 fights his way through the Covenant lines, ignoring the hits he takes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits an advancing elite straight in the jaw(s) with another shotgun blast. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 is conflicted between covering Thom and protecting Kat. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 manages to make his way to Kat, and looks down at her shattered visor and the nuke clutched in her destroyed arm. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 struggles to move, her arm unresponsive as the armor along her shoulder smokes and melts. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 presses forward, trying frantically to get to Kat. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 forces her head to turn and looks at the bomb, her vision blurred but seeing the impending countdown. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> I have to... get up... <font color=#848484><Thom-293> I've got it, ma'am. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... Thom? <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 takes the nuke from Kat's injured arm and steps back. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... Thom, come back... that's an order... <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 pretends not to hear as he activates his jetpack and flies off. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 runs up next to Kat just in time to see Thom take off. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 seems to relax as she watches Thom fly away, weakly focusing on him. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... please... <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 manages to reach Kat and Emile, and shoots at the enemies around them, keeping them at bay. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Let's get her out of here. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 nods grimly and picks up Kat, and carefully carries her away. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emits a high-pitched snarl as she bludgeons an Elite with the butt of her rifle, then fires point-blank in another's face. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 stays in front of Emile and the injured Kat, making sure they don't take any hits. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 sees Emile carrying Kat but forces himself to focus on helping the Freelancers. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 snipes out several enemies that are swarming Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes another Elite eat his knife, then kicking it in the chest before giving it a shotgun facial. The pellets miss the knife, gladly, as York goes over to yank it from the alien's corpse. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees an Elite with an energy sword approaching, and pulls out her own sword. The Elite runs at her, but she does a backflip when he swings, only to kick him hard in the midsection, pop his shields with a blow to the neck, then stab through the roof of his mouth, the blade protruding from his helmet. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 stops and looks up at the sight of numerous explosions engulfing the battlecruiser, which has now ceased digging into the ground. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Thom... <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Thom, SPARTAN-293, do you copy? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Come in, Noble Six. That's an order. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) ...Thom? <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 looks up as well, and shakes his head silently. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 turns her head groggily, trying to push Emile away but failing. * Lt_Forenson charges over the hills with an entire platoon of ODSTs, all firing furiously on the Covenant. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Sorry about the delay, sir. We were held up until that battlecruiser stopped sending in dropships. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Don't worry about it, Lieutenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's shotgun clicks empty, and hits another Grunt over the head with the hilt like a baseball bat. He slaps the M45 on his back before reaching for his dual magnums, firing a hail of bullets towards an advancing jackal. A few bullets ricochet off the shield and hit a few more Grunts, before the jackal succumbs to the wave of lead and dies. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina picks up the fallen energy sword hilt and ignites it, wielding it in her left hand while the katana stays in her right. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Let's finish this, everyone. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 places Kat safely where the ODSTs can cover her well. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine ditches his rocket launcher and begins running in one direction letting off a line of grenades, resulting in explosions. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 gives a roar of fury and lets loose on the Covenant with his shotgun, blasting them apart one after the other. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emits a harsh laugh as more Elites run at her, enraged that she's holding one of their swords. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sprays an Elite with his turret until its shields fail and blood sprays from its body. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 watches as it tumbles back into the ranks of aliens before cutting them all down too relentlessly. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York regroups with Carolina, holstering one magnum and pulling his knife out. Using a combination of sharp objects and bullets, fells the squidheads one-by-one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands back to back with York as the Elites start to thin out. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 fires at an almost consistent speed, reloading swiftly and taking an Elite through the head, a second through the mouth, and a third through the eye. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oop! Big one! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm on it. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 mows down Grunts and Jackals with his assault rifle, and comes face-to-face with an Elite. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 ducks the Elite's swing, and smashes his rifle into its chest, sending it flying back and taking out its shields. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shoves the barrel of his gun into its gut and presses his fingers down on the trigger until it's dead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York notices a Field Marshall standing before him, clutching not one, but two, energy swords. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> And he looks...mean. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina draws up to her full height, holding the katana down while pointing the energy sword at the Field Marshall. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 moves to cover Maine, seeing how many of the Covenant are intent on swarming him. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Look what I've got. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 blows off a Grunt's head with one shotgun blast, before firing a second pellet point-blank into an overzealous Elite's torso, tearing it in half. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York points the knife and the pistol at the Marshall. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 turns around and brings the barrel of his shotgun down on another Grunt's head, and whacks a Jackal horizontally in one smooth motion. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Um, yeah. Mine's short, but sweet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York coughs. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly kicks the Field Marshall from York and activates the plates on his fists, revealing large daggers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> York? Piss it off. That's an order. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 fires some shots from a distance at the Field Marshall to get its attention. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 puts a round into the Field Marshall's abdomen, taking down half its shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York charges towards the marshall and reels under him, firing a few shots at it's legs before shoving a knife into it's belly, bringing it's shields down completely. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Now, Carolina! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lunges and swings with the energy sword, cutting off its head. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 kicks the headless body away, and sprays the surrounding enemies with automatic fire to cover Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan shoots a Brute's head off with a railgun. Its blood lands on Carolina, Maine, Wyoming, and York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gets his armor splattered in blood, yet again. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I got it cleaned last time, damn it! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sorry, York! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hacks at a few more enemies with the energy sword, then grunts when it flickers out. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Piece of crap. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina wields her katana with both hands again. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 sidesteps a Jackal and puts a close-range shotgun blast into the side of its head. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 turns and shoots an Elite right in the chest with a second round, taking out its shields. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 guns down the unshielded Elite with the same fury. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sheathes his knife and takes the other pistol out, giving a pair of Jackals a point-blank blast to both of their heads. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Not long now. The Covenant forces are cut off now that their ship's been taken out. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 puts two rounds into a Hunter's neck, neatly decapitating it. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 fires a third round into an Elite's head, the bullet flying right through and taking out two Jackals behind it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina dodges plasma pistol bolts and cuts into some Grunts, shoving her blade all the way through the last and then throwing it aside. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 sees another Elite rushing him, and coolly drops it with the last round in his magazine. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Fish in a barrel. Kill 'em all. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina has an eerie calm tone, devoid of her usual emotion. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods grimly, and reloads yet again to take down more hostiles. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gives a brute a kick to the crotch, watching it reel back and clutch it's nether regions in pain as he puts the ape out of his misery. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina engages an Elite with her sword and fist, swinging and stabbing, flashing back to her fight with Texas. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina growls, punctuating each word with a punch. "Fucking... alien... bastards..." <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 aims at a Hunter, firing the turret furiously. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sidesteps the fuel rod shot fired at him, and keeps advancing, putting bullet after bullet into the Hunter's belly. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 blocks the Hunter's shield swipe with his turret, and retalites by kicking it in the soft abdomen, knocking it back. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 points his turret's barrel at the Hunter again and keeps shooting until it's dead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina whirls, kicking a Jackal in the face, her frenzy picking up as her movements become faster, more surgical. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Why can't... we just fucking win... just once! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York steps over the Brute's corpse and puts his knife back in it's sheath, before planting his magnum back on his hip and reloading his shotgun. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Hey! Crazy lady! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 tosses his shotgun at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina catches the shotgun, then blows a Grunt's head into goo splatter. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 dashes at an Elite and tackles it to the ground. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 snatches the Elite's energy sword and runs it through with it. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 gets up and begins slashing and hacking at every hostile around him. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 spots an Elite lunging at Carolina with an energy dagger, and shoots it in the back, taking down its shields. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 rushes past Carolina, punching it in the face so hard that its brains fly out of its pulverized face. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina whirls only to see the Elite fall dead. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... thanks. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 nods at Carolina. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 shakes the blood off his fist and keeps moving. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine notices a bright glowing sphere at his feet. He growls quickly runs as it begins making a loud charging sound. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine is blown meters away, his visor shattered and his armor suddenly battered and scorched. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 sees Maine fall and cuts his way through the enemies to cover him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees Maine go flying and, momentarily free of immediate hostiles, dashes toward him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan covers Maine <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 picks up Maine and slings him over his shoulder. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> I got him. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine throws up blood in his helmet. Now his vision completely blacked by red, he falls unconscious. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York decides to stand back up on top of the brute's corpse, waiting for the grunts to come to him and pulls his other pistol out, giving a grunt a point-blank shotgun blast and a few pistol pelts towards an Elite, chipping it's shields. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Not many of them left! Keep pushing! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You can say that again! Agh! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York jumps up and decks an Elite with a double kick to the chest, landing on his chest and quickly picking himself up. The Sangheili is not so quick, lying on the ground with it's shields depleted. York steps on it's neck, and gives it a shotgun facial yet again. Now he's got blood all up on his boots. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 snipes out the last two Elites. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stares at all the dead bodies, human and Covenant, around them, silent and seemingly rooted to the spot. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 deposits Maine down next to Kat, where a team of ODSTs are covering them. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shoots one Jackal from the side, then kills the other who had panicked and turned his back to run. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 kills the last of the enemies with a hail of machinegun fire. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 lowers his assault rifle, and stands still, looking at the carnage around them. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks toward a Grunt that isn't quite dead yet, cowering and whimpering. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands over the wounded alien, silent, then places a boot over its neck. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina twists her foot quickly, crushing the alien's throat, and it dies slowly, cries fading into gurgles, then silence. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 walks to Carter's side but doesn't say anything. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is grimly staring at Kat and Maine's injured forms. * Lt_Forenson grimaces and clutches at the plasma burns that had penetrated his suit, and staggers over to the others. <Lt_Forenson> Looks like we actually won this one. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods but says nothing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina calmly turns and walks toward the others. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is now looking up at the sky, where the explosions were fading out from the remains of the battlecruiser. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pants, regrouping with the others. He'd taken a plasma shot to the shoulder, but it wasn't anything serious. He's clutching the wound. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You...you lost one of your buddies, didn't you. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 stands up from where he was examining Kat and Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sorry for your loss. We've...lost too many of our own. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods silently. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands a little off to the side from Jorge, gaze inscrutable behind her visor. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> The Freelancer is fine. He'll need surgery, but there won't be permanent damage. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> And Kat? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> She wasn't as lucky. That fuel rod blast took out her shields and fused part of her armour to her bicep. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Not to mention, she's lost a lot of blood and most of the muscles in her arm are destroyed. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> She'll...need it replaced. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 turns her head slowly, only half hearing Emile's words. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods again, masking his true emotions. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Thom... where's...where'd he go... <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 bows his head, and his grip on his turret slackens. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Just rest now, Kat. We're getting out of here. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> But Commander, I have to... <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 falls silent as her helmet lolls, having passed out. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 slowly gets up and turns to look at Carolina. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> We couldn't have done it without you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pants, and walks towards Carolina. His wound is getting slightly worse. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet for a long moment, then clenches a fist. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sorry we didn't do enough. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shakes his head. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> The responsibility was mine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes her head slightly, then turns to look at York. * Lt_Forenson takes off his helmet and looks around at all the dead ODSTs scattered on the battlefield. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 walks over to Forenson. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Sorry about your losses. <Lt_Forenson> Yeah. Sorry about yours. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> A life is a life, Lieutenant. A Spartan's is no more valuable than anyone else's. * Lt_Forenson takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. <Lt_Forenson> Thank you, sir. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine suddenly walks and takes a loud breathe while clutching a large portion of his stomach. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine falls back into consciousness. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York coughs, and leans on Carolina. He seems rather exhausted. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods and looks back at the others. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slowly brings up an arm to support York. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... take it easy. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 sees two Pelicans coming in and settling over the battlefield. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Atleast we won, huh? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hacks, again. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Took three plasma shots to the shoulder. And...hey. There's no victory without sacrifice. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yeah, we "won" alright. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around at all the bodies. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But I don't think winning is everything. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You're right. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Let's get out of here, everyone. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Four-Seven-Niner has been instructed to bring you back to the Mother of Invention. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Everyone else, get on board Echo Four-Nineteen. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan boards 479 * Lt_Forenson follows with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina helps York toward the LZ, moving slow enough that it doesn't hurt him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York struggles to support himself. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Careful, Carolina. You might have to carry me all the way there. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York chuckles, albeit weakly. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 carries Kat on board Foehammer's Pelican, walking a little quickly, as if he didn't want to see everything he was leaving behind. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 has quit (Quit: Page closed) <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks over her shoulder briefly at the Nobles, then turns her attention back to the LZ. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 glances at the Freelancers but doesn't say anything before climbing on board. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 looks briefly at the destroyed facility and the neat, perfectly circularly hole dug into the ground, before turning away and boarding the Pelican. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is standing next to Carolina. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> staring up at the sky. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> I didn't know him for long...but he was one of us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina keeps staring straight ahead, York's arm draped over her shoulders. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Took out an entire ship with just one bomb. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Brave. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Guess that's one way to go. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> He knew it was a one-way trip... <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> ...guess we all make it sooner or later. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks at the Freelancers sitting on board Four-Seven-Niner's Pelican. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Take care of them, Major O'Donnell. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina helps York board the Pelican, then turns abruptly upon hearing her name. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I will. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I have to. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 nods and slowly turns away to board Echo 419. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York is helped aboard the Pelican, then straps himself in. * Lt_Forenson is sitting at the back of the Pelican with the remainder of his ODSTs. <Lt_Forenson> These Covenant guys sure make a mess, huh. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet, leaning forward slightly in a broody posture. <Lt_Forenson> Is it easier for you to kill them because of what they are? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina raises her helmet slightly. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> No. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It's easier for me to kill them because I really want to. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Because they remind me of... something. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina falls silent again. <Lt_Forenson> Good. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I do know one thing, though. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> For the first time in a long time, we have a job to do. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Not for the Director. Not for ONI. For humanity. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. And it's for a worthy cause. * Lt_Forenson 's dishevelled face breaks into a smile. <Lt_Forenson> Welcome to the party, Freelancers. <Lt_Forenson> We're glad to have you join the fight. * Lt_Forenson notices that the Pelican has docked inside the Mother of Invention's hangar bay. <Lt_Forenson> Well, let's all limp down to recovery then. I've got a few burns need treating. * Lt_Forenson hops off the Pelican with a slight wince, followed by his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York grunts and lifts himself off his seat. He looks better, and manages to walk his way out of the Pelican. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows York closely, unwilling to let him injure himself. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stops for a moment. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina. Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gestures to Maine. * Lt_Forenson (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops short. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notes Maine's condition and reluctantly backs off from York. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> C'mon. Let's get you to recovery. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grunts as she hefts Maine up by his arms, only able to handle his weight thanks to the armor's circuits. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll do the pulling. You just keep him from flopping around. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Riiight. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York holds him up by his legs. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> This guy is heavy... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina half-drags Maine to Recovery with York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York lays him down on a bed. * Doctor_Halsey (cfbe3c01@gateway/web/freenode/ip.207.190.60.1) has joined #halo-fanon * Doctor_Halsey is standing in the Recovery ward, already having pulled up the Freelancers' med files. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns to face Halsey after helping situate Maine, taking off her helmet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> What are you doing here? * Doctor_Halsey deadpans. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm a doctor. * Doctor_Halsey brings up Maine's vital stats, watching coolly as Mother of Invention's medical staff tend to him. <Doctor_Halsey> But I'm not here to apply bandaids. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pulls his helmet off, revealing his face. He also takes off his chest plate and looks to his plasma burn wound. * Doctor_Halsey tsks upon seeing the burn. <Doctor_Halsey> Shielding wasn't enough, I see. Leonard always was... unimaginative with his training methods. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Those guns the aliens got are really good at taking out shields. <Doctor_Halsey> Plasma weaponry. Something we have yet to replicate. <Doctor_Halsey> You seem to get by well enough using projectiles, though. * Doctor_Halsey walks over and inspects the burned tissue, then sprays on a solution. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York winces a bit, then relaxes. <Doctor_Halsey> This will help with the pain. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That does help. Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches, not sure about Halsey. * Doctor_Halsey looks at Carolina. <Doctor_Halsey> What about you? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm... fine. * Doctor_Halsey nods curtly, then consults her glasses. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah. Yes. How timely. <Doctor_Halsey> Forgive me, Agent, but I must go. My attention is required elsewhere. * Doctor_Halsey taps the side of her glasses, gives Carolina a knowing look, then turns and walks out of Recovery. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Wait... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts to walk after Halsey, only to stop as a ping sounds from her helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina scowls and picks up the helmet, putting it on. A file appears on her HUD. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... what the hell? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slumps against the walls of the recovery bay. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches as the medics attend to Maine and wheel him off for surgery, then sits down on one of the bunks and motions for York to join her. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods and walks over. His wound no longer bothers him, and his armor is back on sans helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming appears in the medbay door, minus his armor. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> How goes it, lads? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stops, and looks to Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming notices their downcast expressions and sobers himself. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Sorry about my absence. Missouri was talking to me all day. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And...there was something else. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming gives Carolina a meaningful look. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notices but only gives a subtle nod. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Today was a bit...chaotic. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine's unconcious. I got hit a few times in the shoulder. I had it easier. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Is that so? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> In case you weren't aware... we're fighting aliens now. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> The Covenant. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> It's better than the alternative. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina clasps her hands together. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming strides over and takes a seat across from them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They can kill Spartans. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're really gonna have to step up our game. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> So you had casualties. It wasn't that Jorge fellow, was it? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Nope. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming nods. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I thought not. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> It was another Noble. Didn't know his name. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And what did we gain? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> The carrier was destroyed. That's how the he went out. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hell of a way to go out, but heroic none the less. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Hmm. . . not much, considering how many ships they seem to have. But a SPARTAN for a small army isn't bad, from a certain viewpoint. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> One man. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> No less disheartening. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> But it may come down to that. Our lives for thousands. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shifts uneasily. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're not used to... this. We weren't trained to blow ourselves up for the mission. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...You're right. And we're fighting for humanity, after all. Not some bastard who manipulated us into his bidding. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Humanity. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at the information on her HUD, skimming through paragraphs about AI research, all Doctor Halsey's writing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... nothing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We won, right? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sits up, attempting to appear alright. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> We kept another world between them and us. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Is that what counts for winning against them? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York raises the brow above his blind eye. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Grim days are ahead for us indeed, then. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You're characteristically optimistic, Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> It's one of my specialties. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes off her helmet, blinking in the artificial lighting. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming turns to look over towards a window. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I think I could do it. Accept my own sacrifice. But that's the easy part. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I couldn't watch anyone else pay the same price. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's what happened today, isn't it? This Spartan? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands up and walks over toward the window, leaving her helmet on the bunk. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks toward the window as well. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> We do what it takes, right? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We have to. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Exactly. So...we need to be prepared for whatever the Covenant throws at us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns her katana over in her hands, thumb brushing the triplicate symbol on its sheath. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That'll be difficult to swallow because of what we've already lost, but...if the time comes. Someone will go. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and looks at York, giving him a stern expression. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Don't go throwing yourself off the edge just yet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm gonna do whatever it takes to keep you all alive. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I won't if I don't have to. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming chuckles softly. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You won't have to protect us all, Carolina. We protect each other. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina smirks, more forced than anything. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Of course we do. We're a team, right? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font col or=#FFFFFF>> Damn right we are. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You can count on that. color=#FFFFFF>> Damn right we are. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You can count on that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina seems deep in thought, perhaps even troubled. * Kalmiya sees Carolina standing outside Dr. Halsey's office. <Kalmiya> Yes, Agent Carolina? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at the sound of the AI's voice, almost wary. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I'm here about my last mission. * Kalmiya gives Carolina a long stare. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stares back, eyes narrowing defiantly. * Kalmiya opens the sliding door to Dr. Halsey's office. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks in with the barest hint of a swagger, asserting her right to be there. * Kalmiya slides the door shut and her hologram disappears. * Kalmiya reappears next to Dr. Halsey. * Doctor_Halsey seems to be expecting Carolina, merely clasping her hands on her desk as the Freelancer enters. <Doctor_Halsey> I know you didn't drop my name to command for your own amusement. <Doctor_Halsey> Risky, alerting them of the discovery you made. But now, that site is mine to handle as I see fit. * Doctor_Halsey peruses a file, expression a bit sour. <Doctor_Halsey> I would love to know why the ONI saw fit to assign a Spartan to your mission — and why that Spartan's information is a mess of black ink — but I won't compromise your objective. * Kalmiya accesses the datasheets, and selects one for Dr. Halsey. <Kalmiya> I believe this is the one you were searching for, doctor. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah, thank you. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I gave you that intel and technology because I know if there's one person who can use it to help Texas, it's you. * Doctor_Halsey seems amused. <Doctor_Halsey> That technology will enable the survival of the human race. And that's if we're lucky enough to decode it at all. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... yes. But you can also use it for Tex, right? <Doctor_Halsey> Beta is one AI. <Doctor_Halsey> Humanity is decimated by the hundreds with each passing day of this war. <Doctor_Halsey> I have priorities, Agent. But make no mistake, I can extract valuable information from the artifacts I examine. <Doctor_Halsey> I'll do what I can. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gives a slow nod. <Kalmiya> Agent Carolina, you had access to a tier-1 artifiact on Europa, is that correct? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... it is. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina produces the bag Wyoming gave her. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Don't even ask how I got this past security. * Doctor_Halsey watches calmly. <Kalmiya> I can conjure a few scenarios. * Kalmiya retains an innocent expression. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina produces the crystalline artifact from the sack, hefting it in one hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This... thing. It glowed, and for some reason... it was like I had to take it. * Doctor_Halsey is actually surprised at this. <Doctor_Halsey> Kalmiya. I presume you cut all security feeds at least ten seconds before Agent Carolina revealed her find? <Kalmiya> Possibly. * Kalmiya looks away slightly. * Doctor_Halsey taps an icon and her lab door locks from the inside. <Doctor_Halsey> Good. <Doctor_Halsey> Now let me have a look at that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina moves to hand over the artifact, setting it on Halsey's desk almost reluctantly. <Doctor_Halsey> ... fascinating. * Doctor_Halsey runs some passive scans on the object, standing to scrutinize it. <Doctor_Halsey> It's not geological at all. It's artificial. <Doctor_Halsey> If I didn't know any better... I'd say it's hardware. <Doctor_Halsey> Kalmiya. Compare data gathered from Anders' incomplete surveys and Sorvad's analyses. <Kalmiya> Yes, doctor Halsey. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches awkwardly, not really knowing what to do. <Doctor_Halsey> ... and feel free to borrow whatever Ackerson has collected in his archives, as well. * Kalmiya disappears to begin analyzing, with just a hint of a smirk at Halsey's last remark. * Kalmiya (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> So, uh... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> will it help? * Doctor_Halsey looks up, annoyed. <Doctor_Halsey> You've done your part, Freelancer, now let me do mine. <Doctor_Halsey> You are dismissed. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina opens her mouth to protest, then clamps it shut. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I'll hold you to that. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and exits Halsey's office, the door sliding open to let her out only to slam shut and bolt after her. * Doctor_Halsey has quit (Quit: Page closed) <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... bitch. * Lt_Forenson (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Lt_Forenson * Lt_Forenson steps out of an adjacent debriefing room and spots Carolina walking down the corridor. <Lt_Forenson> Oh, there you are, Agent Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina salutes. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sir. <Lt_Forenson> We're needed to deploy for another operation, Agent. <Lt_Forenson> I've already informed your team. <Lt_Forenson> They're waiting for you in the armoury. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... another op? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks weary, then straightens up. <Lt_Forenson> The Covenant has found Furmiole. We're needed to deploy there ASAP. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina can't help her eyes widening. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... did you just say "Covenant?" <Lt_Forenson> That's right, Agent Carolina. It's time to get into the real action. <Lt_Forenson> One more thing...we're going to be assisting SPARTAN Noble Team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods, though she seems a little dazed. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... might as well be Spartans ourselves, at this point... <Lt_Forenson> You'll be reporting to Commander Carter-A259. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> of course, sir. <Lt_Forenson> Agents York, Maine, Michigan, and Virginia are preparing in the armoury. I'll see you during deployment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yes, sir. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'll do our best. * Lt_Forenson heads off to prep his own Helljumpers. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hurries to the armory, shaking off her trepidation. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine prepares multiple grenade belts around his body. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Phew...s'a lotta guns... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina enters the armory, donning her helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has a shotgun shell bandoiler over his chest, M45 on his back. He's also holding a pair of magnums. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Carolina! Check out all this equipment! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're gonna need it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns to see Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Heeey. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heads over to York, noting his extra gear. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Pack as much as you can without overloading. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're not going up against rebels this time. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan picks up his BR85 and looks for the perfect scope. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slips on another bandoiler over his other one, and checks his pistols. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oh, great. What's it this time? Covvies? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Actually, yes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York trembles a bit. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'll be acting under the direction of Noble Team, a Spartan unit. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm not sure if I should be glad. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Our CO is now one Commander Carter-A259. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Spartans? Well...this is. New. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York scratches his helmet and takes some more pistol ammo, and tucks on a few grenades while he's at it. He also slips a combat knife onto a holster on his chestplate. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan finds an über-complicated, state-of the art scope and grabs it. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I do not want a repeat of our prior engagements. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We fight as a team. Together. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs two railguns. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This isn't Jonathan Ulan or some other psycho mook. This is something much bigger. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs slightly. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina opens up a private channel to York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods and opens up the channel as well. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) I'm worried. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs an M6/S and M363 <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) So I can imagine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks down, makes a disgusted noise, and picks up some more grenades, latching them on wherever there's room on York's gear. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan grabs 25 "Sticky Detonator" grenades. * Delta_AI (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Delta_AI <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Rockets? Pfft. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Do I have to dress you myself? Pack more ammo! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) What are you, my fussy mom? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York collects even more ammo, before he can start to feel a bit weighed down. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan packs 30 BR85 magazines. <Delta_AI> Agent York, if you pack any more, you will be unable to walk. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Sorry, sorry. Yeah, I know D. I can feel the weight... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Guys? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops halfway in the act of clipping another grenade onto York's belt and lets her hand rest on his chest plating for a moment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) We're not Spartans, York. And the way we ended up last time... I'm glad you weren't there. That's why I'm worried. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine goes into a adjacent room and grabs a massive object before leaving the barracks to the landing pad. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Need me to carry anything? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine moves in front of Michigan and shoves a shotgun to his chest. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) I know, I know. I don't think I'll be able to move so well this way, either. Sooo... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps it there <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hands a few grenades to Mich and slips away. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps the grenades to himself <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine packs an abnormally large rocket launcher to his back, significantly different in size and appearance. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts loading up her own gear, taking the katana in her hands and contemplating it as if indecisive. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Agent Carolina, is your team ready to leave? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hears the query and straps the sword onto her back. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine stashes multiple rockets into a bag and places it around his leg. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Affirmative. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Good. We goin'? <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger. You'll be in hangar bay ten. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine attaches a mysterious looking plate to each of his fists before leaving the barracks. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Just think of it like this: you're going up against things that are like Agent Texas, on a bad day, with a grudge. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> And prepare accordingly. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Freelancers, the Mother of Invention has arrived over Furmiole. We have to drop fast, before that battlecruiser points their guns at us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina strides out of the armory. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You heard him, people! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Pelican leaves ASAP. So haul ass. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York follows Carolina out of the armor, confidentally, with his pistols and shotgun strapped down to his armor. * Four-Seven-Niner (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Four-Seven-Niner * Foehammer (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Foehammer <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina * Lt_Forenson is waiting in hangar bay 10 with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina approaches Forenson, fully armored and armed. <Lt_Forenson> Okay everyone, these two dropships are our only ride on and off the ship. <Lt_Forenson> So, let's not dawdle once we're on the ground. * Four-Seven-Niner waves at the Freelancers as they enter the hangar bay. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Got it. <Four-Seven-Niner> Long time no see, guys. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Four-Seven-Niner! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Been a while, 479er. * Four-Seven-Niner fist-bumps Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes the pilot's hand after the fist-bump. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good to have you back. <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah, glad I get to do something interesting for a change. <Four-Seven-Niner> Wyoming isn't on the team? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. Wish he was here, though. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... the ONI didn't pick him for this. Sorry. * Four-Seven-Niner hides her disappointment with a single nod. * Foehammer walks over to Four-Seven-Niner. <Foehammer> So you guys are the Freelancers? <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. Guys, this is Foehammer. <Four-Seven-Niner> She's an ace pilot. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina regards the other pilot. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hello. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Well if Four-Seven-Niner calls you an ace pilot, you must know your stuff. <Foehammer> Thanks. She's not so bad herself. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at the ODSTs, then back at her team. * Lt_Forenson climbs on board Foehammer's Pelican with his team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods at Carolina. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They tell you what we're getting into this time, Four-Seven-Niner? <Four-Seven-Niner> Yeah. Aliens. Fantastic. * Four-Seven-Niner takes position behind the pilot's seat. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lays the large object on his lap, revealing it to be a turret. * Foehammer steps past the ODSTs and gets into the cockpit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina boards the Pelican first, seating herself near the hatch. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan straps in <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York boards the Pelican second, taking a seat next to Carolina and strapping himself in. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina remains quiet, hands on the tops of her thighs. <Foehammer> (COM) Ready to leave? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Roger. <Foehammer> (COM) Then let's roll. * Four-Seven-Niner launches. * Foehammer launches simultaneously. <Foehammer> (COM) Hold on tight, people! It's gonna be a bumpy ride! <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Oh boy. Here come the fighter squads. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Fighters? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Any last-minute tips on outflying them, Foehammer? <Foehammer> (COM) Floor it. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Thanks for your help. * Foehammer laughs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina braces in her seat, glancing at York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York tightens his grip on his straps, also bracing. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> No one warned us! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Just get us dirtside, Four-Seven-Niner. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Trying my best. * Foehammer swerves around Four-Seven-Niner, drawing some of the enemy fire. * Four-Seven-Niner pulls a complex dive, further confusing the fighters. <Foehammer> (COM) Not bad. Keep it up. * Four-Seven-Niner is hit by a stream plasma fire. <Four-Seven-Niner> Oh shit. * Four-Seven-Niner pulls hard, trying to maintain the downward spiral. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Hold on back there! * Foehammer adjusts her trajectory to stay close to Four-Seven-Niner. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slams into the back of her seat, only to be jerked forward. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I think... I'm starting to understand South... maybe just a little— <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York manages to stay in his seat, boots firmly planting on the ground. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm hearing you there, Carolina... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Holding on! <Foehammer> (COM) Touching down in sixty seconds. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Hope you're ready! <Foehammer> (COM) You steady, Four-Seven-Niner? <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) I'm levelling out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around at her team, feeling a mixture of pride and dread. * Foehammer adjusts the Pelican's angle and pulls up as the ship flies horizontally not ten feet off the ground. * Four-Seven-Niner manages to pull a similar maneuver despite the Pelican's damage. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grabs one of her Magnums and preps it. * Foehammer pulls the Pelican to a hovering position behind a tall set of hills. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Be ready for action as soon as we're out. <Foehammer> (COM) Popping the hatch! <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Go, go, go! * Four-Seven-Niner opens the hatch. * Lt_Forenson jumps out with the ODST team. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan loads his BR85. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes point, jumping out. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Hostiles just over the hilltops. Let's move, team! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan jumps. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York leaps out of the hatch, shotgun in hand. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine jumps out with his turret ready. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Get in formation, people! * Foehammer takes off again, with Four-Seven-Niner following close behind. * Foehammer (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon * Four-Seven-Niner (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Commander, we're on the ground. What's your position? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around as dots show up on her map. * ChanServ gives voice to Carter-A259 <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... lotta red out there. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) We're getting swarmed, Lieutenant! Might want to pick up the pace a little! <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger. We're three klicks out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan falls into formation <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) We'll hold out till then. Weapons free, Noble! * Lt_Forenson charges over the hills, guns blazing on the masses of enemies below. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts running toward the nav point indicated by her HUD. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine slowly makes his way, raining fire upon the Covenant troops. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires her first shot at a Grunt, killing it instantly. * Lt_Forenson 's battle rifle is in a fury of flares, dropping enemy after enemy. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... fuck, they're ugly bastards... <Lt_Forenson> See? Not so hard to kill. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York quickly sprints towards the nav point, blowing the head of an enemy jackal clean off with a shotgun blast. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't get too cocky. <Lt_Forenson> Just watch out for the tall squid-heads. They've got energy shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan kills two Jackals in one burst * Lt_Forenson reloads, allowing York to cover him. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine watches as 2 massive Hunter pairs approach him * Lt_Forenson takes aim again and starts firing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina tosses a grenade into a cluster of jackals after failing to penetrate their shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York catches two Grunts in a shotgun blast, watching them tumble to the ground. <Lt_Forenson> Aim for the weak spots on the Hunters! Shoot anything you see that's orange! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees the Hunters. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... what the hell? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts shooting again while firing his Brute Shot with his right hand. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Mich, concentrate fire on those... things! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Forenson, I'm sending some support to your position. They'll be ahead of the rest of us, but we'll catch up. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger, sir. Make it quick! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Shoot for the, uh, orange! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York quivers. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine 's turret starts clicking. * Lt_Forenson ducks into cover as the Hunters open fire on them. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Is that thing made of...made of...gah! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rolls over to cover, almost getting hit with a fuel rod blast. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan kicks an Elite, then kills it with the sticky detonator * Lt_Forenson pokes his head out of cover and fires at the Hunters' backs with his battle rifle. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine sprints towards one of the Hunters with his blade and slices it in half, covering himself in orange blood. * Lt_Forenson swears as his ODSTs are getting cut down one by one. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Why the hell were we dropped off here of all places? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Got something important in that facility we need to get to. Hold your position, Lieutenant. * Lt_Forenson grits his teeth as plasma splashes on his armour. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Yes...yes, sir. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sprints sideways to avoid the fuel rod guns, firing repeatedly with her pistol as a distraction. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan pulls out a railgun <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine shoves a grenade into another Hunter's backside. * Lt_Forenson drops a trio of Grunts with headshots. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits one hunter in the helmet with a shotgun blast, then unsheathes his knife and shanks it multiple times in its exposed weak spot. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan instantly kills one Hunter with the railgun <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina ditches the Magnum and pulls out her katana, charging one of the remaining Hunters. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes position near York, reloading. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... ah, screw it. <Lt_Forenson> Carolina, the hell are you doing?!! Don't be a fool! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slides the knife back into the holster, then notices Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't, Carolina! We can't lose you, damn it! * Lt_Forenson fires at the Hunter, trying to distract it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina leaps as the alien brings down its shield, barely avoiding being crushed, and grabs hold of its spiked armor, vaulting. She lands behind the gigantic creature and stabs backward with her blade, not even glancing, listening as the blade sinks into soft coils. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina then rips the sword out and turns as the Hunter roars and staggers, and slices through its "neck." * Lt_Forenson stares in disbelief for a moment. <Lt_Forenson> And they say Helljumpers are crazy... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Then you haven't met my friend Carolina! * Lt_Forenson turns to see more hostiles converging on them. <Lt_Forenson> Damn, we've got more Hunter pairs, coming out of the facility! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine looks at Carolina's six as an entire horde of split-lipped alien approach with glowing swords. * Lt_Forenson shifts fire, backpedalling and reaching for a grenade. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina regards the Elites. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Maine! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York vaults under an Elite and shoots it in the thigh, before climbing up and then shoving his knife into it's back. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly kicks off the aliens from Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina places a hand on Maine's shoulder for a moment. "Thanks." <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine nods back. <Lt_Forenson> Dammit, we're going to be overrun. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Thom-293 <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> (COM) Not today! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 charges through a mass of Covenant on a Warthog, splattering a dozen of them in a second. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 drives over the hill right behind Emile, rampaging through the aliens. <Lt_Forenson> Holy shit! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at the incoming Spartan, jumping back from the carnage. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Hey, ugly! Look over here! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 drives straight at a Hunter. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 is doing circles around the other aliens, avoiding gunfire and running them over as well. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine snatches his shotgun from Michigan's chest. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 runs over not one, but three Hunters. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Freelancers! Form up on me! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan forms up <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 drives in from the side and runs over the last one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pulls the knife from the Elite's back, sheathing it. He approaches Carolina and Maine, having a helmet covered in purple blood. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks York over. "Please don't tell me you're keeping that paintjob." <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Could use a gunner on the back! <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Negative, don't slow down! * Lt_Forenson continues fire, a bit more easily now that the enemy lines are thinned out. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly shakes himself of the Hunters' blood. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina then looks over at the Warthogs, a plan forming. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I like my new style. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York forms up with the other Freelancers. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sprints toward Emile's Warthog without saying a word. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Whoa! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 swerves to avoid running over Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grabs hold of the Warthog and jumps up, grasping the turret and situating herself. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Drive. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 floors it. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Holy shit, how did you not kill yourself, lady? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires the machine gun at the Covenant aliens, mowing them down. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's just say I'm good. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> I haven't even seen Spartans do that... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina activates an IFF tag, 077. * Lt_Forenson regroups the surviving Helljumpers and pushes the remaining Covenant back. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Well then. I guess I'm not a Spartan, am I? <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 doesn't reply to this and concentrates on running people over. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Forenson, did my backup arrive yet? <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger, sir. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine yells at York with a garbled voice. "Move up!" <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 cuts through an entire line of Grunts in one power-slide. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns the chaingun this way and that, cutting through shields and armor. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Cool! * Lt_Forenson sees Carolina taking out all the enemies around them and corners the last handful of Covenant with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York moves, shotgun hoisted forward. * Lt_Forenson finishes off the rest of the aliens with ease in a web of gunfire. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York catches one last grunt and blows his head open with a shotgun blast. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That's the last of 'em! * Lt_Forenson lowers his gun and pants heavily. <Lt_Forenson> Whew. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 stops the Warthog next to Thom. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 disembarks with Emile. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs, relieved. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Sir! Noble Four and Noble Six, as requested! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine rolls his neck with a loud 'crack' <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hops down off the Warthog, dusting her armor off. <Lt_Forenson> Thanks for the help, Noble. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks at her Freelancers, relieved they're okay. * Lt_Forenson looks around. <Lt_Forenson> Four ODSTs KIA, two WIA. Shit. Not a good start. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got more reinforcements farther in, sir. * Lt_Forenson looks at Thom. <Lt_Forenson> It's never a good thing to lose troopers, Spartan. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Yes, sir. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rubs his helmet, some purple blood smudging on his fingers. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Anyone got a towel or something? <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 's gaze is turned towards Maine. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> So, uh...you guys those what-do-they-call-its...Freelancers? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sure are. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine glares back at Emile. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps a little between the two of them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're here to kill the aliens. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine growls at Emile before acknowledging Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Alright. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Well...you guys don't do your job too bad. All things considered. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Still...keep up if you can. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 gives Emile an impercepible shake of the head. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 pretends not to see it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notices Emile's rank. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're capable, Warrant Officer. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 nods but doesn't say anything more. <Lt_Forenson> Right then. What did your Commander want us to do in this facility? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got some scientists to extract. The Covenant is crawling all over the place in this region though. <Lt_Forenson> Then let's get to work. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks back to the legion of dead aliens. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> So we found out. <Lt_Forenson> Will Carter be joining us? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Negative. He's being held up dealing with that battlecruiser. * Lt_Forenson looks around at the assorted UNSC troops. <Lt_Forenson> We should be able to suffice. Let's move. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Yes...sir. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 takes point and enters the facility. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 glances one more time at Maine before following suit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina falls in behind the Spartans. * Lt_Forenson stays in the centre of the formation, weapon ready. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan follows Carolina <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stays in formation. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lastly follows the formation. <Lt_Forenson> Where are the scientists, Noble Six? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> They should be seven levels down, sir. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Careful. The place is swarming with Covenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina mutters. "Lovely." <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Looks like my armor isn't gonna get any cleaner... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> We can sneak down... <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Strange. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Why is this place empty? <font color=#848484><Thom-293> It was crawling with Covenant just a few minutes ago. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That's usually a bad sign. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina raises her BR, scanning for hostiles. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) This is First Lieutenant Joseph Forenson to any civilians in the facility. Do you copy? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Tangos only bug out when they're scared... or planning something. * Lt_Forenson shakes his head when he gets no response. <Lt_Forenson> These aliens think on a whole different level. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> So it's going to be the latter. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 leads the team to sublevel seven with no resistance, and calls a halt. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Something's definitely not right. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps toward York, turning so he has her back. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> You can say that again. * Lt_Forenson pauses and taps his COM. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Say again? What? You're breaking up. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Are you sure? How's that even possible? I don't know. Okay. I'll see if I spot anything. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan finds cover <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York guards Carolina's back, eyes peeled for anything. * Lt_Forenson turns to the team. <Lt_Forenson> I have news. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Good or bad? <Lt_Forenson> I'm not sure. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Bad it is then. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Just tell us what we need to know. <Lt_Forenson> The Covenant battlecruiser has vanished. Just...disappeared completely. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> What? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> You mean it jumped into Slipspace? <Lt_Forenson> No. Just vanished. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Invisibility? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 (cfbe3c01@gateway/web/freenode/ip.207.190.60.1) has joined #halo-fanon <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Wait. What's that? <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 point at a large alien device welded into the centre of the floor in the facility's core chamber. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Whoa... <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> The Covenant is definitely up to something... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina remains where she is. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I have a bad feeling about this. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York keeps his boots pinned to the floor. * Lt_Forenson flinches as a gigantic blue beam shoots out of the top of the device, rumbling into the sky with an ominous boom. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> What the hell was that? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina jumps back slightly, weapon raised. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York jumps, shotgun primed. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That cannot be good. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Ground teams, report! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> It may be a transmitter. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Covenant battlecruiser detected above the facility. Attempts to ground it with our MAC guns, unsuccessful. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Ma'am? How the hell did the cruiser get past the entire perimeter of MAC guns? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> You don't suppose it teleported... <Lt_Forenson> Shit. Let's move, people! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> RUN! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Battlecruiser opening fire on the facility, Lieutenant! Get out of there! <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 is suddenly thrown back as the alien device is hit by a huge ray of plasma and explodes, shattering metal and white plasma everywhere. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Damn! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ow! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 pulls Thom to his feet and notices that the floor is breaking apart. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Freelancers, retreat! <Lt_Forenson> Everyone, topside, now! * Lt_Forenson urges the others to make their way up the facility as the walls come crumbling and crashing down. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan runs faster <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sprints as fast as his legs can take him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina checks her team and hurries up the stairs. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 grabs Emile and Forenson, and activates his jetpack. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> Hang on! <Lt_Forenson> You can't be serious... <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 soars up and around the stairs easily escaping the ground that is breaking apart beneath them. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine runs behind Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan activates his speed unit and runs as fast as he can <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows suit, hastily grabbing York and Maine as well. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ahhh! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM)... the battlecruiser appears to be focusing its fire on the facility. Almost like they're digging. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Copy that, ma'am. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York just makes it, landing on the ground outside the facility. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Phew... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Now what? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine is blown out, landing hard on his chest. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Noble Two, you still got that bomb the Commander hauled along? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) MFDD en route. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gets up from where she landed and checks Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York moves over to Maine, also checking him. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine, you alright? <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine grumbles <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... he'll be fine. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Heh, I'll take that as a yes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York tries to help up the bear of a man. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine slowly attempts to get up but lands into the ground again. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 walks over and offers Maine a hand up. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York brushes off a bit of dirt on Maine's shoulderplate. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly jumps up at Emile's presence <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) My transport was shot down, Lieutenant. I'll be making this delivery myself. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Roger that. <font color=#848484><Thom-293> We've got Covenant incoming on our position, and lots of them. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) I'm going to rally the troops. We have to keep those hostiles off the Lieutenant Commander's back for as long as possible. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan enters cover * Lt_Forenson turns to Carolina. <Lt_Forenson> Everyone else...keep pushing forward. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Got it, sir. <Lt_Forenson> See you on the far side. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine instantly takes out his large rocket launcher * Lt_Forenson gathers the troops and runs off towards the horde of enemy masses. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods, then looks at her Freelancers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You heard the man! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Hold the line! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> LET'S GO! <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Carter-A259 <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Jun-A266 <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 cuts his way through the Covenant lines with a hail of machinegun fire. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts firing at the swarms, the explosions rocking dozens of them with giant explosions. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Agent Carolina, good to see you! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina nods and keeps firing. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 sprints across the battlefield, accompanied by a Marine escort. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Keep pushing, Noble! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pops a shell from his shotgun's ejection port, then loads up a few more rounds from his bandolier. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 continues to cover Kat, turret blazing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan picks off Drones in dozens <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York takes a pair of grenades and primes both of them, flinging them towards the enemy and pelting at them with shotgun blast after blast. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 guns down a mass of Covenant and waves Kat through the hole in the enemy forces. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires off precise shots with her BR. "Everyone came to this party." <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 keeps running even as her Marines take fire and fall, firing with her Magnum and taking out nearby hostiles with headshots. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> We've got hornets covering us, but there's not much time! Kat, go! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Set the bomb! <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Copy that, Commander. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine starts focusing on occupied buildings, easily leveling them. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 sees a group of Ultras moving to confront Kat, and he guns them down one by one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York is knocked over on his behind by an explosion. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oomph! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gets all his purple blood flicked off his armor <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 punches in the activation code for the MFDD and is rewarded when the screen turns red, displaying a countdown. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 keeps running, following the nav marker on her HUD. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine lifts York by his back. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Agh...thanks, Maine. Returning the favor. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 continues to shoot at any enemies close to Kat's position. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine nods. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits a Grunt with his shotgun, one-handed, who was advancing on Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan uses a Sticky Detonator to kill a Brute <font color=#706A15><Jun-A266> (COM) Kat, look out! You've got two Banshees coming up on you. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 seems to ignore Jun, leaping and running toward the delivery point. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires at one of the incoming Banshees frantically. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 spots the Banshees, and raises his gun to distract them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Bring 'em down! <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sprays the aircraft, managing to destroy one of them with a persist stream of gunfire. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 adjusts his aim to the other one. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 picks up speed toward the objective, then is thrown up and back by a fuel rod explosion. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> (COM) Spartan down! <font color=#848484><Thom-293> (COM) I've got her! <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly fires at the leading Banshee and destroys it in a magnificent explosion. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 fights his way through the Covenant lines, ignoring the hits he takes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hits an advancing elite straight in the jaw(s) with another shotgun blast. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 is conflicted between covering Thom and protecting Kat. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 manages to make his way to Kat, and looks down at her shattered visor and the nuke clutched in her destroyed arm. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 struggles to move, her arm unresponsive as the armor along her shoulder smokes and melts. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 presses forward, trying frantically to get to Kat. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 forces her head to turn and looks at the bomb, her vision blurred but seeing the impending countdown. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> I have to... get up... <font color=#848484><Thom-293> I've got it, ma'am. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... Thom? <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 takes the nuke from Kat's injured arm and steps back. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... Thom, come back... that's an order... <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 pretends not to hear as he activates his jetpack and flies off. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 runs up next to Kat just in time to see Thom take off. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 seems to relax as she watches Thom fly away, weakly focusing on him. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> ... please... <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 manages to reach Kat and Emile, and shoots at the enemies around them, keeping them at bay. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Let's get her out of here. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 nods grimly and picks up Kat, and carefully carries her away. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emits a high-pitched snarl as she bludgeons an Elite with the butt of her rifle, then fires point-blank in another's face. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 stays in front of Emile and the injured Kat, making sure they don't take any hits. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 sees Emile carrying Kat but forces himself to focus on helping the Freelancers. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 snipes out several enemies that are swarming Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes another Elite eat his knife, then kicking it in the chest before giving it a shotgun facial. The pellets miss the knife, gladly, as York goes over to yank it from the alien's corpse. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees an Elite with an energy sword approaching, and pulls out her own sword. The Elite runs at her, but she does a backflip when he swings, only to kick him hard in the midsection, pop his shields with a blow to the neck, then stab through the roof of his mouth, the blade protruding from his helmet. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 stops and looks up at the sight of numerous explosions engulfing the battlecruiser, which has now ceased digging into the ground. <font color=#848484> * Thom-293 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Thom... <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Thom, SPARTAN-293, do you copy? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Come in, Noble Six. That's an order. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) ...Thom? <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 looks up as well, and shakes his head silently. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 turns her head groggily, trying to push Emile away but failing. * Lt_Forenson charges over the hills with an entire platoon of ODSTs, all firing furiously on the Covenant. <Lt_Forenson> (COM) Sorry about the delay, sir. We were held up until that battlecruiser stopped sending in dropships. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Don't worry about it, Lieutenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's shotgun clicks empty, and hits another Grunt over the head with the hilt like a baseball bat. He slaps the M45 on his back before reaching for his dual magnums, firing a hail of bullets towards an advancing jackal. A few bullets ricochet off the shield and hit a few more Grunts, before the jackal succumbs to the wave of lead and dies. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina picks up the fallen energy sword hilt and ignites it, wielding it in her left hand while the katana stays in her right. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Let's finish this, everyone. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 places Kat safely where the ODSTs can cover her well. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine ditches his rocket launcher and begins running in one direction letting off a line of grenades, resulting in explosions. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 gives a roar of fury and lets loose on the Covenant with his shotgun, blasting them apart one after the other. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emits a harsh laugh as more Elites run at her, enraged that she's holding one of their swords. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sprays an Elite with his turret until its shields fail and blood sprays from its body. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 watches as it tumbles back into the ranks of aliens before cutting them all down too relentlessly. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York regroups with Carolina, holstering one magnum and pulling his knife out. Using a combination of sharp objects and bullets, fells the squidheads one-by-one. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands back to back with York as the Elites start to thin out. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 fires at an almost consistent speed, reloading swiftly and taking an Elite through the head, a second through the mouth, and a third through the eye. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oop! Big one! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm on it. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 mows down Grunts and Jackals with his assault rifle, and comes face-to-face with an Elite. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 ducks the Elite's swing, and smashes his rifle into its chest, sending it flying back and taking out its shields. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shoves the barrel of his gun into its gut and presses his fingers down on the trigger until it's dead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York notices a Field Marshall standing before him, clutching not one, but two, energy swords. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> And he looks...mean. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina draws up to her full height, holding the katana down while pointing the energy sword at the Field Marshall. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 moves to cover Maine, seeing how many of the Covenant are intent on swarming him. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Look what I've got. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 blows off a Grunt's head with one shotgun blast, before firing a second pellet point-blank into an overzealous Elite's torso, tearing it in half. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York points the knife and the pistol at the Marshall. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 turns around and brings the barrel of his shotgun down on another Grunt's head, and whacks a Jackal horizontally in one smooth motion. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Um, yeah. Mine's short, but sweet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York coughs. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine quickly kicks the Field Marshall from York and activates the plates on his fists, revealing large daggers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> York? Piss it off. That's an order. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 fires some shots from a distance at the Field Marshall to get its attention. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 puts a round into the Field Marshall's abdomen, taking down half its shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York charges towards the marshall and reels under him, firing a few shots at it's legs before shoving a knife into it's belly, bringing it's shields down completely. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Now, Carolina! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lunges and swings with the energy sword, cutting off its head. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 kicks the headless body away, and sprays the surrounding enemies with automatic fire to cover Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan shoots a Brute's head off with a railgun. Its blood lands on Carolina, Maine, Wyoming, and York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gets his armor splattered in blood, yet again. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I got it cleaned last time, damn it! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sorry, York! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hacks at a few more enemies with the energy sword, then grunts when it flickers out. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Piece of crap. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina wields her katana with both hands again. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 sidesteps a Jackal and puts a close-range shotgun blast into the side of its head. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 turns and shoots an Elite right in the chest with a second round, taking out its shields. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 guns down the unshielded Elite with the same fury. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sheathes his knife and takes the other pistol out, giving a pair of Jackals a point-blank blast to both of their heads. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Not long now. The Covenant forces are cut off now that their ship's been taken out. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 puts two rounds into a Hunter's neck, neatly decapitating it. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 fires a third round into an Elite's head, the bullet flying right through and taking out two Jackals behind it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina dodges plasma pistol bolts and cuts into some Grunts, shoving her blade all the way through the last and then throwing it aside. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 sees another Elite rushing him, and coolly drops it with the last round in his magazine. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Fish in a barrel. Kill 'em all. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina has an eerie calm tone, devoid of her usual emotion. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods grimly, and reloads yet again to take down more hostiles. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gives a brute a kick to the crotch, watching it reel back and clutch it's nether regions in pain as he puts the ape out of his misery. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina engages an Elite with her sword and fist, swinging and stabbing, flashing back to her fight with Texas. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina growls, punctuating each word with a punch. "Fucking... alien... bastards..." <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 aims at a Hunter, firing the turret furiously. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 sidesteps the fuel rod shot fired at him, and keeps advancing, putting bullet after bullet into the Hunter's belly. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 blocks the Hunter's shield swipe with his turret, and retalites by kicking it in the soft abdomen, knocking it back. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 points his turret's barrel at the Hunter again and keeps shooting until it's dead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina whirls, kicking a Jackal in the face, her frenzy picking up as her movements become faster, more surgical. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Why can't... we just fucking win... just once! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York steps over the Brute's corpse and puts his knife back in it's sheath, before planting his magnum back on his hip and reloading his shotgun. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Hey! Crazy lady! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 tosses his shotgun at Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina catches the shotgun, then blows a Grunt's head into goo splatter. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 dashes at an Elite and tackles it to the ground. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 snatches the Elite's energy sword and runs it through with it. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 gets up and begins slashing and hacking at every hostile around him. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 spots an Elite lunging at Carolina with an energy dagger, and shoots it in the back, taking down its shields. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 rushes past Carolina, punching it in the face so hard that its brains fly out of its pulverized face. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina whirls only to see the Elite fall dead. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... thanks. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 nods at Carolina. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 shakes the blood off his fist and keeps moving. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine notices a bright glowing sphere at his feet. He growls quickly runs as it begins making a loud charging sound. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine is blown meters away, his visor shattered and his armor suddenly battered and scorched. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine! <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 sees Maine fall and cuts his way through the enemies to cover him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees Maine go flying and, momentarily free of immediate hostiles, dashes toward him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan covers Maine <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 picks up Maine and slings him over his shoulder. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> I got him. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine throws up blood in his helmet. Now his vision completely blacked by red, he falls unconscious. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York decides to stand back up on top of the brute's corpse, waiting for the grunts to come to him and pulls his other pistol out, giving a grunt a point-blank shotgun blast and a few pistol pelts towards an Elite, chipping it's shields. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Not many of them left! Keep pushing! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You can say that again! Agh! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York jumps up and decks an Elite with a double kick to the chest, landing on his chest and quickly picking himself up. The Sangheili is not so quick, lying on the ground with it's shields depleted. York steps on it's neck, and gives it a shotgun facial yet again. Now he's got blood all up on his boots. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 snipes out the last two Elites. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stares at all the dead bodies, human and Covenant, around them, silent and seemingly rooted to the spot. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 deposits Maine down next to Kat, where a team of ODSTs are covering them. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shoots one Jackal from the side, then kills the other who had panicked and turned his back to run. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 kills the last of the enemies with a hail of machinegun fire. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 lowers his assault rifle, and stands still, looking at the carnage around them. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks toward a Grunt that isn't quite dead yet, cowering and whimpering. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands over the wounded alien, silent, then places a boot over its neck. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina twists her foot quickly, crushing the alien's throat, and it dies slowly, cries fading into gurgles, then silence. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 walks to Carter's side but doesn't say anything. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is grimly staring at Kat and Maine's injured forms. * Lt_Forenson grimaces and clutches at the plasma burns that had penetrated his suit, and staggers over to the others. <Lt_Forenson> Looks like we actually won this one. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods but says nothing. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina calmly turns and walks toward the others. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is now looking up at the sky, where the explosions were fading out from the remains of the battlecruiser. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pants, regrouping with the others. He'd taken a plasma shot to the shoulder, but it wasn't anything serious. He's clutching the wound. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You...you lost one of your buddies, didn't you. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 stands up from where he was examining Kat and Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sorry for your loss. We've...lost too many of our own. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods silently. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands a little off to the side from Jorge, gaze inscrutable behind her visor. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> The Freelancer is fine. He'll need surgery, but there won't be permanent damage. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> And Kat? <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> She wasn't as lucky. That fuel rod blast took out her shields and fused part of her armour to her bicep. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> Not to mention, she's lost a lot of blood and most of the muscles in her arm are destroyed. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> She'll...need it replaced. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 turns her head slowly, only half hearing Emile's words. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods again, masking his true emotions. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Thom... where's...where'd he go... <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 bows his head, and his grip on his turret slackens. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Just rest now, Kat. We're getting out of here. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> But Commander, I have to... <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 falls silent as her helmet lolls, having passed out. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 slowly gets up and turns to look at Carolina. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> We couldn't have done it without you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pants, and walks towards Carolina. His wound is getting slightly worse. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet for a long moment, then clenches a fist. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sorry we didn't do enough. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 shakes his head. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> The responsibility was mine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes her head slightly, then turns to look at York. * Lt_Forenson takes off his helmet and looks around at all the dead ODSTs scattered on the battlefield. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 walks over to Forenson. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Sorry about your losses. <Lt_Forenson> Yeah. Sorry about yours. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> A life is a life, Lieutenant. A Spartan's is no more valuable than anyone else's. * Lt_Forenson takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. <Lt_Forenson> Thank you, sir. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine suddenly walks and takes a loud breathe while clutching a large portion of his stomach. <font color=#BC4B00> * <font color=#FFFFFF>Agent_Maine falls back into consciousness. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York coughs, and leans on Carolina. He seems rather exhausted. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods and looks back at the others. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slowly brings up an arm to support York. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... take it easy. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 sees two Pelicans coming in and settling over the battlefield. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Atleast we won, huh? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hacks, again. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Took three plasma shots to the shoulder. And...hey. There's no victory without sacrifice. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yeah, we "won" alright. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around at all the bodies. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But I don't think winning is everything. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You're right. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Let's get out of here, everyone. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Four-Seven-Niner has been instructed to bring you back to the Mother of Invention. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 <font color=#999797>> Everyone else, get on board Echo Four-Nineteen. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=AD0000>Agent_Michigan boards 479 * Lt_Forenson follows with his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina helps York toward the LZ, moving slow enough that it doesn't hurt him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York struggles to support himself. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Careful, Carolina. You might have to carry me all the way there. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York chuckles, albeit weakly. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 carries Kat on board Foehammer's Pelican, walking a little quickly, as if he didn't want to see everything he was leaving behind. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 has quit (Quit: Page closed) <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks over her shoulder briefly at the Nobles, then turns her attention back to the LZ. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 glances at the Freelancers but doesn't say anything before climbing on board. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 looks briefly at the destroyed facility and the neat, perfectly circularly hole dug into the ground, before turning away and boarding the Pelican. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 (459ea99d@gateway/web/freenode/ip.69.158.169.157) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is standing next to Carolina. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> staring up at the sky. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> I didn't know him for long...but he was one of us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina keeps staring straight ahead, York's arm draped over her shoulders. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Took out an entire ship with just one bomb. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Brave. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Guess that's one way to go. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> He knew it was a one-way trip... <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> ...guess we all make it sooner or later. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks at the Freelancers sitting on board Four-Seven-Niner's Pelican. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Take care of them, Major O'Donnell. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina helps York board the Pelican, then turns abruptly upon hearing her name. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I will. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I have to. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 nods and slowly turns away to board Echo 419. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York is helped aboard the Pelican, then straps himself in. * Lt_Forenson is sitting at the back of the Pelican with the remainder of his ODSTs. <Lt_Forenson> These Covenant guys sure make a mess, huh. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet, leaning forward slightly in a broody posture. <Lt_Forenson> Is it easier for you to kill them because of what they are? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina raises her helmet slightly. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> No. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It's easier for me to kill them because I really want to. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Because they remind me of... something. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina falls silent again. <Lt_Forenson> Good. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... I do know one thing, though. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> For the first time in a long time, we have a job to do. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Not for the Director. Not for ONI. For humanity. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. And it's for a worthy cause. * Lt_Forenson 's dishevelled face breaks into a smile. <Lt_Forenson> Welcome to the party, Freelancers. <Lt_Forenson> We're glad to have you join the fight. * Lt_Forenson notices that the Pelican has docked inside the Mother of Invention's hangar bay. <Lt_Forenson> Well, let's all limp down to recovery then. I've got a few burns need treating. * Lt_Forenson hops off the Pelican with a slight wince, followed by his ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York grunts and lifts himself off his seat. He looks better, and manages to walk his way out of the Pelican. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows York closely, unwilling to let him injure himself. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stops for a moment. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina. Maine. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gestures to Maine. * Lt_Forenson (459ea99d@wikia/Sonasaurus) has left #halo-fanon <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops short. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notes Maine's condition and reluctantly backs off from York. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> C'mon. Let's get you to recovery. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina grunts as she hefts Maine up by his arms, only able to handle his weight thanks to the armor's circuits. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll do the pulling. You just keep him from flopping around. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Riiight. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York holds him up by his legs. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> This guy is heavy... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina half-drags Maine to Recovery with York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York lays him down on a bed. * Doctor_Halsey (cfbe3c01@gateway/web/freenode/ip.207.190.60.1) has joined #halo-fanon * Doctor_Halsey is standing in the Recovery ward, already having pulled up the Freelancers' med files. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns to face Halsey after helping situate Maine, taking off her helmet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> What are you doing here? * Doctor_Halsey deadpans. <Doctor_Halsey> I'm a doctor. * Doctor_Halsey brings up Maine's vital stats, watching coolly as Mother of Invention's medical staff tend to him. <Doctor_Halsey> But I'm not here to apply bandaids. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York pulls his helmet off, revealing his face. He also takes off his chest plate and looks to his plasma burn wound. * Doctor_Halsey tsks upon seeing the burn. <Doctor_Halsey> Shielding wasn't enough, I see. Leonard always was... unimaginative with his training methods. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Those guns the aliens got are really good at taking out shields. <Doctor_Halsey> Plasma weaponry. Something we have yet to replicate. <Doctor_Halsey> You seem to get by well enough using projectiles, though. * Doctor_Halsey walks over and inspects the burned tissue, then sprays on a solution. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York winces a bit, then relaxes. <Doctor_Halsey> This will help with the pain. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That does help. Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches, not sure about Halsey. * Doctor_Halsey looks at Carolina. <Doctor_Halsey> What about you? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm... fine. * Doctor_Halsey nods curtly, then consults her glasses. <Doctor_Halsey> Ah. Yes. How timely. <Doctor_Halsey> Forgive me, Agent, but I must go. My attention is required elsewhere. * Doctor_Halsey taps the side of her glasses, gives Carolina a knowing look, then turns and walks out of Recovery. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Wait... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts to walk after Halsey, only to stop as a ping sounds from her helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina scowls and picks up the helmet, putting it on. A file appears on her HUD. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... what the hell? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York slumps against the walls of the recovery bay. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches as the medics attend to Maine and wheel him off for surgery, then sits down on one of the bunks and motions for York to join her. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods and walks over. His wound no longer bothers him, and his armor is back on sans helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming appears in the medbay door, minus his armor. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> How goes it, lads? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stops, and looks to Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up at Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming notices their downcast expressions and sobers himself. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Sorry about my absence. Missouri was talking to me all day. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And...there was something else. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming gives Carolina a meaningful look. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina notices but only gives a subtle nod. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Today was a bit...chaotic. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Maine's unconcious. I got hit a few times in the shoulder. I had it easier. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Is that so? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> In case you weren't aware... we're fighting aliens now. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> The Covenant. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> It's better than the alternative. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina clasps her hands together. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming strides over and takes a seat across from them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They can kill Spartans. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're really gonna have to step up our game. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> So you had casualties. It wasn't that Jorge fellow, was it? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Nope. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming nods. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I thought not. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> It was another Noble. Didn't know his name. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> And what did we gain? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> The carrier was destroyed. That's how the he went out. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hell of a way to go out, but heroic none the less. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Hmm. . . not much, considering how many ships they seem to have. But a SPARTAN for a small army isn't bad, from a certain viewpoint. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> One man. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> No less disheartening. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> But it may come down to that. Our lives for thousands. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shifts uneasily. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're not used to... this. We weren't trained to blow ourselves up for the mission. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sighs. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...You're right. And we're fighting for humanity, after all. Not some bastard who manipulated us into his bidding. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Humanity. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at the information on her HUD, skimming through paragraphs about AI research, all Doctor Halsey's writing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... nothing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We won, right? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sits up, attempting to appear alright. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> We kept another world between them and us. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Is that what counts for winning against them? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York raises the brow above his blind eye. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> Grim days are ahead for us indeed, then. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You're characteristically optimistic, Wyoming. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> It's one of my specialties. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina takes off her helmet, blinking in the artificial lighting. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming turns to look over towards a window. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I think I could do it. Accept my own sacrifice. But that's the easy part. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> I couldn't watch anyone else pay the same price. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> That's what happened today, isn't it? This Spartan? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stands up and walks over toward the window, leaving her helmet on the bunk. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks toward the window as well. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> We do what it takes, right? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We have to. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Exactly. So...we need to be prepared for whatever the Covenant throws at us. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns her katana over in her hands, thumb brushing the triplicate symbol on its sheath. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That'll be difficult to swallow because of what we've already lost, but...if the time comes. Someone will go. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and looks at York, giving him a stern expression. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Don't go throwing yourself off the edge just yet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm gonna do whatever it takes to keep you all alive. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I won't if I don't have to. <font color=#FFFFFF> * Agent_Wyoming chuckles softly. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You won't have to protect us all, Carolina. We protect each other. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina smirks, more forced than anything. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Of course we do. We're a team, right? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Damn right we are. <font color=#FFFFFF><Agent_Wyoming> You can count on that.