RP:Red vs Blue: Revolution/Episode 14

 Episode XIV: Harcolni fogunk az utolsó lehelete

 * Agent_Carolina stares at her TACPAD, studying images of Covenant ships over Reach.  Damn.  They weren't kidding when they said it was bad.  The fighting sure started quickly. < Agent_Washington > They're all over the place.  * Agent_North is sitting nearby, holding his helmet.  Apparently most of the planet doesn't even know about it yet. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> The local nets aren't even reporting this stuff. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What the hell is ONI playing at, trying to keep this quiet? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> How the fuck that makes any sense is beyond me. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York peers over the images of the Covenant ships, his heart pounding inside his chest. His signature weapon, an M45 shotgun, is lying beside him. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If the Covenant glasses Reach, ONI'll only have themselves to blame. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington shakes his head. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> It must have something to do with operational security. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> They never do anything without a reason. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The question is, how many lives are they going to give up for those reasons? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York huffs rather nervously and begins pacing. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ONI's up to something. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> But we have more... immediate problems. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Of course they are. Aren't they always? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Keeping us in the dark, even when the only thing in the way of Earth is on fire. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> We haven't lost yet. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I know, Wash. I—I'm just nervous. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI pauses, having received intel. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Carolina? The ODST team is here. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They're waiting for you in the briefing room. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns and walks out of the room, heading for the briefing room, fully armored and helmeted with an MA37 across her back. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North watches the others, placing his helmet on after a few seconds. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You might have to do without Florida. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> ONI's pulled him for something important elsewhere. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI looks around at the team. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Hell, they've spread most of us out pretty far. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Guess they need all they help they can get. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I've seen a fair share of Spartans running around all over the place too. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York shakes his head and heads for the briefing room with Carolina, his shotgun now on his back and his helmet adorning his head. * Amelia_Dawson and her ODSTs snap to attention as Carolina and the Freelancers enter, holding her helmet under one arm. <Amelia_Dawson> Ma'am! Sergeant Amelia Dawson, 15th Marine Regiment. 28th Shock Troops Battalion, Alpha Company. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> At ease, Sergeant. <Amelia_Dawson> Yes, ma'am. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is inscrutable behind her visor, but seems to regard Amelia for a moment before turning to the others. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York glances to Carolina for a moment. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> ODSTs? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> What sort of op is this, anyway? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What happened to not questioning orders? <Amelia_Dawson> Hell if I know. <Amelia_Dawson> But the Covenant's tearing up the planet, and we've been assigned here by ONI. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington nods at the mention of ONI, as if that answers everything. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good, Then I expect no issues to affect our working relationship. <Amelia_Dawson> Of course not, Major. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs for a moment and decides to take off his helmet, slipping it under his arm. He nods towards Amelia. <Amelia_Dawson> You have utmo— * Amelia_Dawson breaks off and blinks when she sees York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York blinks twice. Amelia would most certainly notice his blind eye. * Amelia_Dawson returns her gaze to Carolina. <Amelia_Dawson> ...uh... * Amelia_Dawson has forgotten in her surprise what she was going to say. <Amelia_Dawson> ...we're, um, awaiting your orders. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington suppresses a smile behind his helmet, in spite of himself. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York smirks before putting his helmet back on, straightening his posture. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We aren't Spartans. But we're here to hold the line. Agent York here is going to do his job, and I expect you to do yours. <Amelia_Dawson> Yes, ma'am. Of course. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina. When do we move out? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI flickers into view and activates the main holotable. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Our mission is to hold down a key position in a small city while the civilians are evacuated. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It's a hotspot for the Covies. If we lose our grip on the city, they'll come pouring through. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York decides to listen, putting his hands behind his back. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The Covenant hasn't overrun this position yet, but it's a good tactical point to keep them at bay. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> So we won't lose it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> It's the first city to be evacuated, but it won't be the last. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> It has only a population of five hundred thousand, but it makes an excellent choke point. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're looking at heavy oppoisition. The UNSC has defensive assets installed, but we'll have to maintain them ourselves. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> There's an underground Forerunner facility located three hundred klicks from the city, which is most likely the Covenant's objective. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But if they can't get past us, they won't get to it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Assuming the Spartans can hold off the other fronts and whatnot. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This city is called Palhaza. Learn it by heart. It's going to be your first and foremost concern now. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington nods, tapping his battle rifle. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> What kind of support can we expect from Command? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Spartan Noble Team will be inbound to defend the facility itself as soon as they disable a network of Covenant cloaking arrays on the far side of the continent. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Once the worst of the fighting is over, they'll help us set up a trap to lure in three Covenant cruisers that will try to deploy above the city in roughly eighteen hours. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If all goes well, we should be able to take down all three capital ships. <Amelia_Dawson> That's quite a tall order. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It's doable. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I know humanity's lost a lot of colonies to these alien bastards, but Reach is our last line of defense. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> We know where their ships will be? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Love to know how we got that intel. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Their battle network isn't the most secure. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They're on a busy schedule, so a few of ONI's AIs managed to slip through. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Dropships are already prepped. The Army is expecting us, so let's not keep them waiting. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's move out, people. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington nods. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Affirmative. * Amelia_Dawson moves her eyes to York as her ODSTs follow the Freelancers out of the briefing room. * Amelia_Dawson waits until everyone else is walking out before approaching him. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey...sister. Sorry I couldn't find the time to write to you. <Amelia_Dawson> Clyde, what are you doing here? What happened to your eye? Why are you a Freelancer? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Amelia, I had my reasons. I wasn't just going to lie around jobless after getting out of college. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I meant to write you about the...eye. Training incident. <Amelia_Dawson> Geez. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, it was you who told me to get my life together. * Amelia_Dawson can't help but grin. <Amelia_Dawson> Well, you've certainly turned yourself around. <Amelia_Dawson> Never would have thought you'd make it into a project as ambitious as Freelancer. <Amelia_Dawson> Although if you lose the other eye, I'm sending you straight back home, Agent York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York chuckles, shaking his head. * Amelia_Dawson looks out into the havoc-ridden city in the distance. <Amelia_Dawson> If we don't lose our home, that is... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington shakes his head as he passes York and Amelia. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> More siblings. <Amelia_Dawson> I heard something about a leaderboard in the project. <Amelia_Dawson> I hope you're not ranked at the bottom of the list, Clyde? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heads for the Pelicans waiting outside the base, slipping Tex's chip into her helmet. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You would be right. I got myself in gear and made my way to the top. * Amelia_Dawson looks impressed. <Amelia_Dawson> Well, I can't wait to see you in action then. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Something about this whole operation rubs me wrong. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What do you mean? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'm not about to shirk orders... but Command's got its head up its collective ass. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington follows Carolina and the ODSTs onto the Pelican. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I can't even make sense of their tactics. Warning only half the planet? Really? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I don't think even they'd mess around with a planet as important as Reach. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Command knows what it's doing, Carolina. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> There's something else going on here, but I'm either stupid or blind enough to miss it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We'll do everything we can. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Just because we can't understand the full picture doesn't mean they don't either. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Nothing wrong with our orders right now. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Fuck it. Let's go. Bitching won't save those civvies. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina huffs, tense but focused on the here and now. * Amelia_Dawson sighs rather wistfully. <Amelia_Dawson> I think mom and dad would have liked to see you like this. <Amelia_Dawson> Well...not the eye, but...everything else. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Yeah. And seeing me a grade above you. * Amelia_Dawson checks York's rank on her HUD and sure enough, sees displayed the electronic chevrons of a Staff Sergeant. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> For once, I'm on top. I'm glad I got given this chance. And I wouldn't have made it without our mutual teal-armored friend. * Amelia_Dawson blinks. <Amelia_Dawson> Wait, what? <Amelia_Dawson> ...huh. * Amelia_Dawson glances at Carolina. <Amelia_Dawson> You mean...are you two...you know... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You...wouldn't be far off, actually. <Amelia_Dawson> You two close then? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Yeah. She's a bit rough, but she's alright when you know her. * Amelia_Dawson grins. <Amelia_Dawson> Well, you have my approval. <Amelia_Dawson> Better than that ragtag street girl you used to run around with. * Amelia_Dawson climbs on board with York. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North climbs aboard. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns her helmet toward York. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> "Ragtag street girl?" <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North smirks behind his visor. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Oh, boy. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI laughs quietly. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That was before you and me! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I swear. I look back at myself and what I was when I was younger, and I'm like... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> "Jesus, what was I doing?" <Amelia_Dawson> I've asked that question myself, believe me. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York tries to maintain a straight face behind his visor and fails. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We're on approach to Palhaza. Deploying in four minutes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina checks her gear, hefting her MA37. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This army stuff isn't my cup of tea. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York totes his M45, checking for any signs of the weapon wearing down. <Amelia_Dawson> Alright, Helljumpers! Get ready! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Strange to be away from home for a while, isn't it. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, I'm right back at home. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances out at the scenery, at the distant trees and mountains. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Guess it could feel like home if it wasn't under attack. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Only more reason to keep fighting for it, isn't it? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Doesn't look like the Covenant's hit this place yet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Then we'll have at least one advantage. Take us down. * Amelia_Dawson waits until the Pelican descends to ground level next to an undamaged UNSC base, where a dozen Army troops are waiting, before hopping out. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'll defend this city without both eyes if I have to...heh. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Looks like they've already set everything up. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington exits the Pelican, getting into a security formation with the other ODSTs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way off the pelican, his shotgun at the ready. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York checks his bracer after he's landed and forms up with Wash. * Amelia_Dawson looks over the numerous Gauss cannons, organized array of vehicles, and weapon racks laid against the wall, along with the two MAC guns sitting on top of the base. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North exits the dropship, drawing his sniper. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina surveys their surroundings, walking calmly. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm guessing that was the trap they were talking about... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Damn. <Amelia_Dawson> Covenant's gonna have to make a real go-around to get pass this choke point. <Amelia_Dawson> And there's an entire division of Army troops holding the line. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They'd die by the thousands for their Forerunner trinkets. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That'll be their downfall, Carolina. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You ever read Sun Tzu, Clyde? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You lose wars when you underestimate the enemy's will to win. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet for a moment. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You're right. They can't win forever. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Precisely. * Amelia_Dawson speaks briefly with an Army officer before walking over to Carolina. <Amelia_Dawson> Trap's all set, Major. <Amelia_Dawson> The Covenant will see the two MAC guns and think they can overrun it if they send in capital ships and bombard it. <Amelia_Dawson> ONI confirmed as much on the Covenant's battlenet. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Mmh. They're too cocky for their own good. <Amelia_Dawson> There are actually six additional guns hidden inside the base that'll pop out when the time comes. <Amelia_Dawson> With this much firepower, we'll bring them down in no time. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> No kill like overkill, huh? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let them see the big guns and think that's all there is to it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Hidden in plain sight. Smart. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North walks around, looking at the defences, impressed. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> If only we had something like this sooner. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Then we should arm up. <Amelia_Dawson> Lieutenant says there's Covenant inbound on this position and they'll reach us in ten minutes. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Only half the Gauss guns are occupied. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> That's a bit of a waste. <Amelia_Dawson> Agreed. <Amelia_Dawson> And these vehicles look like they could do a lot of damage. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York grins behind his visor. * Amelia_Dawson looks up as a trio of Pelicans fly overhead and up into the clouds. <Amelia_Dawson> Evacuation's going well. <Amelia_Dawson> Let's keep it that way. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Copy that. * Amelia_Dawson turns to her ODSTs. <Amelia_Dawson> You know the drill, Helljumpers! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks by York and nudges him with her elbow. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Sorry, Clyde. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Something's just got me rattled. <Amelia_Dawson> Fireteams of three, take key positions on your assigned points. <Amelia_Dawson> Take whatever firepower you'll need. <Amelia_Dawson> One sniper and heavy per team. <Amelia_Dawson> Assault weapons will hold off the infantry. <Amelia_Dawson> Move it! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North checks his weapons. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns his attention to Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> What's on your mind? You know I'll listen, Victoria. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ONI's on my mind. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> They're on all our minds at the moment. I don't like it either.

<font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Keep an eye on Amelia. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina chuckles. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> "An eye." Damn. * Amelia_Dawson goes with two ODSTs and take positions between Gauss cannons, sniper rifle up and ready. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You're terrible. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rubs his visor with mocking exasperation. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) North, I want you up high where you can do what you do best. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Washington, I want you to take some Marines and man a Warthog. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Got it. Heading to higher ground. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) Understood. What's our field of fire? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I think we should leave the tanks for the infantrymen. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) York, you'll coordinate with Sergeant Dawson and keep us informed of their progress. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) It'll be my pleasure. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington crosses over to a Warthog and nods at the gunner and passenger. * Amelia_Dawson tosses York a DMR as he approaches. <Amelia_Dawson> I see you favour a shotgun, but you might need a bit of medium range for now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York catches the DMR and puts his shotgun on his back. His dual magnums are on his thighplates, too. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Alright, let's get this thing rolling. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington climbs into the driver seat and mutters under his breath. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Hope this isn't like the last five car experiences I've had. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We've got movement on the sensors. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina consults her TACPAD, acquiring a satellite view of incoming friendly and enemy forces. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North heads into a nearby building, taking the elevator up. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI checks Carolina's tacpad and confirms the data. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They're coming in fast, lots of ground vehicles. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York peers into the scope of his DMR, checking his surroundings. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They'll be in range in thirty seconds. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) Right, I've got a patrol of 'Hogs moving to intercept. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York mutters to himself about Delta having to watch his blind side. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Light 'em up. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North takes up a position on a balcony. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Okay, let's see what they've got... * Amelia_Dawson fires the first shot, taking an Elite through the head and throwing him off his Ghost, causing a Spectre behind it to collide with the vehicle. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington guns his Warthog and shoots towards the incoming Covenant forces along with half a dozen other LRVs. <Amelia_Dawson> Not a bad start. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Nice shot, too. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) We're on 'em now! <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington and the other 'Hogs harry the Covenant flanks, sheparding them into the UNSC fields of fire. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Anybody on Gauss, fire over the 'Hogs and concentrate on the Wraiths! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Okay, Carolina. What type of alien-killing are you in the mood for today? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Find me something quick and efficient. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North fires at a leading Ghost, killing the driver and causing it to veer off into another two. * Amelia_Dawson shifts fire to the Kig-Yar snipers, making sure they don't kill the Gauss gunners. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Keep up the fire, we've got them in the barrel! <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Hey, I think we've got fliers coming up in the back! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North takes aim, and manages to snipe a banshee pilot, the craft plummeting downwards onto the battle below. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington swerves quickly to avoid the falling banshee. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> That was too close! * Amelia_Dawson waves at her heavy-weapons specialist. <Amelia_Dawson> Bishop, put some rockets in the air! <Amelia_Dawson> Take down those Banshees! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI marks a target locator on Carolina's HUD. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> That looks like fun. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Oh yes. Yes it does. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North hits another Banshee, ducking as two more fly over his balcony <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And those tanks over there sure are clustered pretty close together. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows Tex's waypoint and finds the target locator, picking it up. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Anybody in area grid sector E-6, MOVE.

<font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia stands within the cramped confines of a Covenant Phantom dropship, surrounded by warriors from the Governors of Contrition faction. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Holy warriors, this is your hour. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> You have permitted such a lowly worm as I to guide you to this holiest of places. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Now, you have only to stretch out your hands and take it. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> We cannot let the unbelievers possess it, but neither can we let your brethren reach it first. You know as well as I that they would not fully grasp how to access its secrets. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> I will go into the city of Palhaza, while your teams prepare to move in once your brethren have distracted their defenses. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Fight with honor, and die for your gods. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia peers out of the side door of the Phantom as it circles several miles from the battlefield. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> They had their defenses prepared well. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> They might actually win this one. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia shakes his head. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Right, looks like your brethren have their full attention. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia leans back into the Phantom. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Take us in quickly. Drop me off, then get out and proceed towards the holy site. * Amelia_Dawson fires shot after shot at the nearest Phantom, trying to bring it down. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia braces himself against the side of his Phantom as flak explodes all around it and the other waves of Covenant dropships. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia notices the dropship's escort Banshees diverting to make attack runs on the evac craft. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Pilot, if you permit those fliers to destroy the unbelievers' transports, they will lose the city too quickly and your brethren will seize the holy site before you can secure it. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Get in front of them and blast them out of the sky! <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia braces himself as the pilot reluctantly swerves the Phantom out of formation and brings it between the evac ships and the strafing Banshees. Its plasma turrets blast several formations into pieces. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia 's Phantom finishes off the last of the Banshee wave, but has taken a bad lashing from those pilots quick enough to react to the friendly fire. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Good work, pilot, you've extended this battle. Now get me low and put me down within the city. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia leaps to Palhaza's street as the damaged Phantom swoops down within a residential area. He uses a jetpack to cushion his fall and waves the Phantom away. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Now go! Rally your brothers and prepare to secure the holy site! <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia checks his weapon and slips unseen into an alley. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia uses his jetpack to rocket up to a rooftop, where he observes several lances of Covenant infantry advancing swiftly toward the evac zone. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia leaps to another rooftops, keeping pace with the advancing lance. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia sees the lance diverting towards the downed evac ship. He hesitates, then readies the same railgun that he used to kill South and leaps from the building, landing directly behind the Covenant infantry. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Not today. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia brings the railgun up and fires it into the Elite Major leading the lance. The warrior screams as the slug's specialized charge obliterate its nervous system. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia throws a grenade into the confused lance, blasting their formation to pieces before picking off the survivors with a pistol. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia looks around the now-deserted street, reloading his weapons and getting his bearings. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia heads cautiously towards the evac zone, on the lookout for Covenant stragglers that might have slipped through.

<font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York peers down the scope of his DMR and fires off two shots. One hits an Elite piloting a Banshee, causing him to fire it's cannon into a group of Ghosts, and the other hitting a Grunt through the head manning a Wraith turret. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Wow. I made that shot. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington keeps the Warthog moving as his gunner takes down a Banshee that made the mistake of flying too close to the ground. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina finds a good position and takes aim with the target locator, the thin green beam focusing until it turns red and beeps affirmatively. * Amelia_Dawson empties her last sniper magazine into an Ultra's head and snatches up a nearby Staunchion. * Amelia_Dawson brings up the heavy-slug weapon and fires at a Banshee, blowing it apart out of the sky. <Amelia_Dawson> Shit, that's got a lot of kick. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks at the rifle for a moment, then over to the Banshee going down in flames, then back to his rifle. * Amelia_Dawson reloads the rifle and aims it at a Revenant fifty metres away, taking the driver through the torso and obliterating the left side of the vehicle. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North reloads, grumbling, and looks up to see a banshee firing its fuel rod right at him. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Oh, crap! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North dives out of the way as the green blast incinerates part of the bridge. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Artillery incoming! <Amelia_Dawson> Cover, cover! * Amelia_Dawson scatters with her ODSTs as mortars rain down on the defensive line. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Oh, shit! * Amelia_Dawson gets up and grits her teeth. <Amelia_Dawson> Oh, no you don't. * Amelia_Dawson brings up the rifle and fires at a Wraith's firing mechanism, blowing it to chunks with the Staunchion. <Amelia_Dawson> Phillips, we've got infantry bearing down on us! Take them out! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches as orbital fire slams the clustered Wraiths, blowing them to bits. <Amelia_Dawson> ...or we can do that. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington swerves his 'Hog through streams of plasma as the battlefield becomes cluttered with the shells of more and more wrecked vehicles. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) We're taking a beating out here! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York dives towards a bit of cover as a plasma round almost blows him to bits. It kicks debris and grime all over his armor. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That was a bit too close. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) I've only got three 'Hogs left and it's getting hot all over the place! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Looks like they're closing in. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Time to get up-close and personal? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Past time. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Then let's make a mess. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heads for the thick of the skirmish, MA37 at the ready. * Amelia_Dawson notices that the soldier on the Gauss cannon beside her is dead and takes over, shooting deadly bolts at the closing Covenant vehicles. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North takes a running jump, and lands on the banshee that nearly killed him. He pulls open the cockpit and puts a few rounds in the pilot's head before taking control and pulling up. <Amelia_Dawson> Clyde, cover me, will you? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't need to ask, sis. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington spots a gaggle of Covenant infantry and speeds toward them as his gunner cuts down a pair of Ghosts. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires at a squad of Grunts, using the smoke and confusion to her advantage. She runs forward and kills the last of them with a melee, then whirls as pink needles thud her armor. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI plots weak points in the Covenant attack line and puts them on Carolina's HUD. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Frag grenade, there. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Right. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina hurls a grenade at the Jackal, and it rolls under the creature's shield, then blows it up. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York starts taking the hats of Elites with more DMR fire, the bullets whizzing majestically through their heads and causing clouds of purple blood to splutter from the area of impact. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And disable that Wraith at two o'clock, it'll block off the two behind it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina turns, seeing the Wraith. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has a Jackal close in on him and delivers a swift uppercut to its jaw, before removing its shield and smacking it over the head with it. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington slams into the infantry, sending their corpses sprawling. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North fires the banshee's fuel rod cannon, destroying two ghosts before pulling back <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington notices a Wraith incoming and tries to pull out, only for his 'Hog's tires to catch in the corpses of the Covenant he just killed. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Oh, shit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina runs and jumps, snapping one hand on the Wraith's mounted turret for stability. She punches through the Grunt gunner's head, then turns her attention to the pilot, protected by a conspicuous hatch. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Not the time to fail on me, car! <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Come on! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Sergeant Dawson, take out the Wraiths at this position on my mark. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Affirmative. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) ...wait, which Dawson? <Amelia_Dawson> I think she was talking to me, but you're welcome to help out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina reaches down with her other hand and pries the hatch up, breaking it off and flinging it aside. She then drops down and quickly snaps the Elite's neck, and the Wraith comes to a halt, folding into neutral mode. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Tex. Do you have any data on how to pilot one of these things? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Yep. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington fights uselessly with the Warthog's six pedals as the Wraith shoots towards him. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Everybody bail! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North tries to avoid the plasma fire, but is winged by a wraith's cannon. The banshee begins to lose altitude. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Crap. * Amelia_Dawson sees that the two Wraiths behind Carolina are blocked off from moving forward, and takes the chance to blow them apart with a half dozen Gauss shots. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Well, I'll see if I can't contribute. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North leaps off the banshee a split second before it crashes into a line of enemy infantry, tumbling across the ground in a heap before coming to a halt by a wall. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heaves, dragging the Elite up and out of the tank. He slides down the curved front leaving a trail of indigo blood from his splayed jaws. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Upload it to my HUD. <Amelia_Dawson> Get rid of the infantry swarming your girlfriend, would you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina slides in, dropping into a surprisingly snug area filled with glowing glyphs and controls. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington throws himself out of the Hog just as the Wraith carreens into it and destroys it. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington tumbles down onto the ground amidst the combat. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I think Wash needs some help. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York picks off the Covvies manning the turrets on the Wraiths, the bloodsplatters making targets for Amelia to fire. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York notices an Elite scrambling to get on top of Carolina's Wraith and shoots it through the knee, watching the hingehead tumble off the vehicle. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington scrambles up, firing his battle rifle at the Covenant warriors all around him. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Why do cars hate me? * Amelia_Dawson swivels the Gauss turret to cover Wash and clear him an escape route. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina blinks as her HUD is filled with instructions. She grasps the tank's controls, then taps a glyph. The tank comes back to life, heavy mortar launcher active again. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees a Banshee coming down to strafe her. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Oh, no you don't. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI pauses, hearing the reports. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) We're being pushed back. The evac ships are having trouble getting out. * Amelia_Dawson grits her teeth. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) We have to buy them more time. * Amelia_Dawson snaps off another shot, vapourizing a trio of Skirmishers running at North. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires a plasma mortar as the Banshee comes screaming down, blowing it to bits. Pieces fly everywhere. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington turns to run, then sees his gunner lying wounded in the mud and bends down to help him. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North rolls over, and takes out a trio of jackals with his SMG <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's DMR fire punctures the shields and helmet of an Elite trying to sneak up on Wash. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington spins in time to see the Elite collapse behind him. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Someone man the secondary gun on this thing! I can't have them sticking me up close! <Amelia_Dawson> Damn it! * Amelia_Dawson sees a Spectre speeding straight at Washington, and fires at it with the Gauss cannon but misses. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Oh, come on! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I have an idea. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI takes control of the Wraith's secondary guns and fires the plasma turret. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... thanks. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington bends down and hoists the wounded soldier over his shoulder and sprints towards the nearest friendlies. * Amelia_Dawson fires again, blowing up the Spectre just before it reaches Wash, causing it to explode in his face. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Yeah. Wash, cars hate you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts "driving" the Wraith, moving a bit clumsily, splattering a Jackal attempting to flee the field. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North climbs to his feet, and sprints back towards the UNSC lines, taking out some infantry before diving into cover. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI keeps up a consistent stream of plasma fire, hosing down aliens with deadly efficiency. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington deposits the wounded soldier, then turns back and immediately heads into the fighting again. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina focuses on aiming at clusters of infantry, sending plasma mortars that break up formations. * Amelia_Dawson casts her gaze skyward and sees Phantoms converging on the line of defence. <Amelia_Dawson> Dropships, inbound! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns his head to find another Gauss cannon gunner dead, and slides him off the turret. * Amelia_Dawson fires shot after shot at the nearest Phantom, trying to bring it down. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North takes the head off a Sangheili officer, causing his troops to panic and scatter <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York fires a shot towards one of the Phantoms, watching it explode the dropship, which soon crashes into the ground in a spectacular blast of purple fire. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hey, Amelia. Let's rain down hell on these Covvies. * Amelia_Dawson flinches as one of the MAC guns behind her fires, blowing apart one of the Phantoms in one clean shot, the reverberations of the shot sending shudders coursing through the ground. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia notices the dropship's escort Banshees diverting to make attack runs on the evac craft. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Dammit, cover the evac ships! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York waits for the cannon to cool down and fires another shot, this time blowing apart the plating covering the pilot. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Sister! Take the shot! * Amelia_Dawson fires at the already damaged ship, causing its turbines to overload and consuming the Phantom in a blue-white explosion. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI sets a line of trajectory on Carolina's HUD, compensating for the Wraith mortar's downward trajectory and allowing her to hit the Phantoms accurately. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Fire along the line. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North keeps firing at the seemingly endless waves of Covenant <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires, gritting her teeth, <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Take that, you bastards! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) All heavy weapons, focus on those dropships! * Amelia_Dawson looks down. <Amelia_Dawson> Dammit, hostile infantry is eighty metres and closing! <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Helljumpers, switch to close quarters weapons! Let's give them a bad day! <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Come on, soldiers, hold the line! <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington arrives below Dawson and the other ODSTs along with a platoon of Army infantry. * Amelia_Dawson dismounts from the turret as a Private relieves her, pulling out her M45 and pulling the slide. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York swaps out his DMR, clutching his shotgun and pulling back the pump, making an eerily satisfying chick-chick as it does. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Stand your ground! <Amelia_Dawson> Okay, Clyde. It's hunting season. * Amelia_Dawson leaps down from the elevated wall and takes cover behind a barricade, tossing grenade after grenade and firing lethal blasts of shotgun shells into the lines of the enemies. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) They're thinning out! Keep it up! <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI scans the area. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Good news, they're running out of ground vehicles. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) But we have to keep those Phantoms busy. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina drives her Wraith to escape incoming Phantom concussion blasts. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> They seem pissed I hijacked one of their precious tanks. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North attempts to angle a shot at the incoming Phantoms, hoping to hit something important <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Keep them busy, will you? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York manuevers around an advancing line of Grunts and drops his eye level a few inches, firing a powerful blast into the formation, taking out all of them rather messily. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ahah! Another one! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I need to make a quick call. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina taps an unfamiliar glyph and the Wraith speeds up briefly, slamming into a few infantry stragglers and sending them flying. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> The translation says these symbols are directions. Why the hell are there six? <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington fires at the oncoming Covenant as he and the soldiers make a stand beside a makeshift barricade of wrecked vehicles. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Ground teams in Palhaza, you've got enemy dropships on approach! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Anyone copy? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) I copy. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Min! Good to hear from you! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Hey Min! I was beginning to miss you! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Listen, you've got to protect the evac ships, that's your number one priority. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs to find higher ground <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Got it. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) I'll ask about why you're in AI form lat—shit. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota carefully picks off the advancing Covies with his BR55. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI cuts the connection. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I didn't know ONI put a Freelancer inside the city. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina moves as quickly as the Wraith will allow, using its burst speed to elude concussion fire, but the tank is looking poorly, purple arcs of energy sparking from its hull. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Damnit. Don't they run out of those concussion rounds? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York closes in on a jackal and shoots it in the head at point-black range, blasting its brains out and splattering blood all over his armor. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Carolina will be disappointed. I'm keeping this paintjob. * Amelia_Dawson blows an Unggoy's head off with a blast, then turns and takes down an Elite's shields with another. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York carefully slides off the shield off the deceased, now headless jackal, throwing it like a high-tech frisbee towards an Elite. The dazed and confused Sangheili stumbles before meeting its demise courtesy of the end of York's M45. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North headshots a trio of Sangheili advancing on him. * Amelia_Dawson pulls the trigger again but it clicks empty. <Amelia_Dawson> Shit! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Amelia! * Amelia_Dawson backpedalls and reaches for her sidearm as the alien advances on her. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way to cover his sister, sprinting towards an Elite with a furious gaze in his eyes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York unslides the knife from its comfortable holster, before leaping on the split-lips and shoving the knife deep into the alien's throat. * Amelia_Dawson brings up her M6D, putting three rounds through the head of an Energy Sword-wielding Sangheili lunging at York and killing the alien. <Amelia_Dawson> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina continues to distract two of the dropships, which are doing their best to pummel her Wraith with concussion fire. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Damnit. What does the flashing red light mean, Tex? Says "untranslatable." <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI examines the text. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Aw, shit. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> That's a fail-safe! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Bail out, now! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina immediately scrambles to climb out, managing to extricate herself and slide down, then roll across the ground. The Wraith blows up, a blinding white explosion that leaves a wide circle of blackened earth and charred metal. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington appears beside York and Amelia, firing his battle rifle into the oncoming Covenant as soldiers flanking him on either side lay down covering fire. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Come on, you two! <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> We're pulling back! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has the energy sword land literally inches next to him, and he eyes the weapon curiously before pulling it out of the ground. * Amelia_Dawson quickly reloads her shotgun, pumping the slide and bringing it up to bear as she regroups with Washington. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) All enemy vehicles destroyed. Just got some infantry to mop up and we'll be all done. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lifts her helmet and stands slowly, noting how the Phantoms have moved off. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Huh. Thought they'd stick around to finish me. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Unless... shit. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Uh, they've got Wraiths over here! Lots of 'em! * Amelia_Dawson looks around. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York regroups with Washington and Amelia, the sword now in his hand. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North smashes another elite into the floor, and finishes it off before looking around. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Huh, where'd they go? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Do either of you know what happened to Carolina? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> We've lost contact. <Amelia_Dawson> She was in one of the tanks... * Amelia_Dawson trails off when she sees Carolina's destroyed Wraith. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Tex, I can't hold things together here much longer! They're throwing Grunts at me faster than I can kill them! <Amelia_Dawson> There she is. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York spots a small hint of teal armor near the wreckage of the Wraith. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Oh, thank God... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Two Phantoms are heading into the city! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina coughs. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) I repeat, two Phantom-class dropships are inbound! My Wraith is toast. I'm moving in to assist. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) On my way. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) You heard her, we need to get the Phantoms! <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) They're trying to get troops inside the city! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) All Freelancers, rendezvous at these coordinates. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs forward towards the site of the Phantoms. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina transmits a location inside the city. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) All available Army and Marine units, converge and hold the perimeter. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Yes, ma'am. * Amelia_Dawson looks at York. <Amelia_Dawson> You'd better get going. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods, deactivating the sword and planting it on his hip, before double-timing it to the rendezvous. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) How's the evacuation going? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Getting messy. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington taps York on the shoulder. * Amelia_Dawson looks over the troops and is satisfied to see that a great number of them are still alive. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Let's move. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Min, we're coming in to assist. Hold out. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Can do. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Good luck, Freelancers. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Sister? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Promise me you won't lose yourself. <Amelia_Dawson> (COM) Same goes for you, kiddo. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina moves as quickly as she can into the city, past dead humans and even more dead aliens. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Looks like they had a bit of a tussle here. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Gave the Covies hell, too. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Still, could have been a lot worse. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North heads through the besieged city, wary of Covenant troops. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The Covenant lost a lot of their forces just to get a few dropships inside the city. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Gave the Covies hell, too. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Yeah, but they decide to pack those couple dropships with fuckloads of grunts. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Almost every civilian life in the city is in my hands right now. No pressure. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI grimaces when she sees one of the evac ships in flames crashed on a street corner. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Looks like they didn't all make it. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Any survivors? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Negative... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina says nothing and keeps walking past the crashed ship. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Right, Min is about seven klicks away. He's over at the evac centre, lending support to the local Army unit. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> He's managed to keep the Covenant away for now, but some of them have found civilians heading towards the evac centre, and...well, you know... <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI looks around and sees that everyone is present. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emerges from a gutted building and heads for the rendezvous, limping slightly. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI scans Carolina's injuries and sees to what she can. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> These plasma weapons aren't exactly soft, huh. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Damn armor. Skin blisters under it even without a breach. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll be fine. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If Halsey could figure out how to get her MJOLNIR to work for Freelancers... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Well, at least you have shields now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rests his hands on his thighs and bends over slightly, his panting stopping. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North checks his TACMAP, seeing that the RV point is not far off. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I'm seeing more alien casualties than human, not counting civilians. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Troopers really gave them hell. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota headshots a suicide grunt, causing its grendes to stick to a grunt behind it, which panics and beelines for an elite, killing both them and several other aliens in the ensuing explosion. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North creeps along a side street, stealthily taking out a patrol of Grunts with his SMG's. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks around, noting the empty restaurants and shops, all of them with unfamiliar Hungarian names and titles. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This place was barely more than a bunch of farms back before the war. Now it's so... big. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> What a shame. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia follows the sounds of the firing and rounds a corner just in time to see Minnesota finish off the last of the latest Covenant assault. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota turns. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia begins to bring his railgun to bear, then stops and lowers it. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Minnesota. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I almost shot you. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> So did I. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Wait, you're not... <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Fuck. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia glances around the evac zone. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> You shouldn't worry about me, Minnesota. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Try to save as many of these people as you can. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North checks his surroundings, draws his sniper, and carries on. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Then get out of here. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I don't have time for this. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North comes into view of the extraction point, seeing Georgia and Minnesota. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia nods and turns away, heading away from the evacuation site and towards Palhaza's nearest government building. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North takes aim, and opens fire on the pair with his sniper. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> North has opened fire... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) North, what's going on? <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Uh, not me! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina brings her rifle up, looking around. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia 's improved senses allow him to hear and avoid the shots before they hit him. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia doesn't engage and instead runs further into the city. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Georgia. That's what's going on. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York is sprinting as fast as his legs can take him, vaulting over the edge of a balcony. His armored boots land on the ground below, and is almost at the rendezvous. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia tuns to see North. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Damn it... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Carolina, get a move on. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) North! Respond! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York see an Elite comes rushing at him and York draws his stolen Energy Sword, swinging towards the feral beast. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington covers York as he advances on the Elites with the sword. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts moving, following the direction of the shots. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) North, hold fire! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's sword is plunged into the Elite's gut, and he twists it, liquifying the alien's organs and killing it as he draws it back out. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North fires dangerously close to Minnesota, before putting a round into Georgia's shoulder. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia stumbles, grabbing at the wound. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Argh! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York peers towards where the shots are coming from. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Hear that, Wash? Let's go see why Georgia's paid us a visit. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Right, let's go. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North slowly advances. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) North, stand down! Min is not hostile! <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Min, get back. Now. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota complies. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) He seems chatty enough with the traitor, Tex. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) I was chatty with you, dumbass. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar flickers into view as Carolina reaches North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What's the matter with you? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina approaches North. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Who the fuck is tha— <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina freezes, catching a glimpse of Georgia. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North glances towards Carolina, and back to Georgia <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia gets up and continues to run, not looking back. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Oh, I don't think so. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North fires at the retreating Georgia <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Take him down! <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> (COM) Did I mention I stuck a tracking device to him? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York approaches North and Min with Wash, suddenly stopping in his tracks as Agent Georgia comes into view. He quickly draws the not-ditched magnum and starts firing. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia ducks around a corner, crying out with pain as he pulls the sniper bullet out of his shoulder. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Damn it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Guys, we need to stay with the evac ships. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> This mission just got a lot more complicated. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs after Georgia <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> North! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina clenches a fist. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Stand down! <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Georgia's here? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Dammit. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI turns to look at Min. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> He didn't shoot you, did he? <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia continues to move away from the evac zone, pausing only to gun down a pair of surprised Jackals as he retreats. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Nope. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Good. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> All the same... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) Agent North, you will be charged for desertion if you abandon your post! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North slows down slightly for a moment, then keeps running. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Agent Carolina, would you kindly fuck off. Thank you. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI blinks. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Did North just say that? <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota ignores the question, dumbstruck. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North continues pursuing Georgia <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) I am ORDERING you to stand down! These civilians need us! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North switches off his COM.

<font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> He's gone dark. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) North! Damn it... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Can't pick him up on the motion tracker. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) You gonna let a bunch of innocent people go like South—dammit. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Damnit! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But if he's going where Georgia's going, we'll find him again. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> The Forerunner site. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota kicks a nearby dumpster, crumpling it somewhat. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI looks around. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We still have our objective. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> This is lovely. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Picking up hostile movements. Covenant infantry teams, closing in on the square. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And there are still a lot of civilians to evacuate. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's get to it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Just a warning, there's enemy vehicle support. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Phantoms dropped off a few. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota ditches his BR for an MA37 from a dead Army trooper. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI listens in on the transmissions. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Army units say they're doing their best to protect the civilian routes, but a line of them has been cut off by Covenant. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I don't think we all need to stay here to protect the evac ships. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Freelancers, move to assist those troopers. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> This will all be over. Very soon... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington takes up an overwatch position and begins firing down at more Covenant. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI pinpoints the location of the Covenant ambush team on the Freelancers' HUDs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I think two or three of us could take out the teams. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Focus your fire on the Elites. Take them out, the little ones go nuts. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They're half a klick this way. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks to his HUD and eyes it cautiously. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> But be careful. The midgets will pull out grenades sometimes. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Noted, Clyde. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs ahead, closing in on a plaza <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> There's more taking positions here, and here. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina picks up a fallen trooper's grenade launcher and inspects it. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Alright then. Let's make them miserable. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York notices a M247H has been blasted off its tripod, but remains mostly intact. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota 's rifle jams <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Fuck! <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> I thought this was an MA5! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...One moment. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Army piece of shit! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches curiously as York inspects the turret. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way over and totes the turret gun, lifting it up on to his shoulder and making his way to the nearest gathering of Covvie troops. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina activates her speed unit, rushing past York and toward the ambush team a little further off. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI scans the area of the ambush team's location as they reach it in less than a minute. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Damn...civilians and their escorts have all been killed. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And the next group of civilians are heading this way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They'll reach us in two minutes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires off a grenade at the group of Covenant, who seem surprised by her sudden appearance. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let's clear them out quickly. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Two minutes is all I need. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York whirrs up the turret and rains down bullets like a shower of lead upon the gathering of Covenant soldiers, felling the aliens on by one. It puts a slight strain on Clyde's forearm as the recoil goes off, but he's holding on to the turret. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Huh...not bad. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches as several Grunts fly from the detonation, though the Jackals use their shields to escape the blast. The Elite Major snarls, his shields gone. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires off another grenade, this time taking out the Jackals. The Elite evades the blast, charging toward her with speed nearly rivaling her own. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... shit. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI activates an EMP drain, locking down Carolina's armour in the same moment. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI deactivates the EMP and the armour lock, sending the Elites sprawling back, disoriented and without shields. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina snaps into motion, shooting the ELite in the head with the Magnum from her thigh. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York cuts down more lines of Covvies as an energy sword-wielding Elite closes in. York gasps as it swings its sword, but he quickly dodges it and kicks it in the gut, stamping his foot down. He fires into the alien's mouth until it's shields die out and it succumbs to the wave of bullets. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Like clockwork. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Thanks, Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Don't mention it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> That all of them? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks up as a strange Elite emerges from a nearby building, wielding an energy sword. Its armor is magenta, with blue lights. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Guess not. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... the fuck? It's pink. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Carolina, my area's secure. Need me to come to you? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Carolina? Civilians are inbound in thirty seconds. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Ugh, fuck it. I'm coming. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Er... lightish red? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina watches as the Elite charges at her. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Shit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York throws his turret aside and pops out from a nearby balcony, landing near Carolina. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> He's certaintly not here to take you to prom night! <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good to see you, Clyde! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs at full pelt, ducking into cover to avoid the plasma before sprinting out again, trying to get out of the turret's line of fire <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York draws the energy sword still dangling from his hip and swipes at the Elite, blades clashing. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> It looks more lightish red to m—woop! <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York dodges a quick swing and parries another. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let's help him out. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina fires with her MA37 at the pink Elite, wearing down its shields and trying not to hit York with the spray. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Any idea what this guy is, Tex? I don't remember seeing any pink ones in our briefing. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Neither do I. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The colour's not making him any less nasty though. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Clyde, we gotta kill this thing now. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York decides to take the moment to dodge from Carolina's fire, swerving around to the back of the pink Elite. It rams its sword into the side of the building too late, but delivers a kick, decisive kick to York's chest, felling him. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Ow! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Oh, shit. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York clutches his chest. The armor and shields has absorbed most of it, and he pants. The Sangheili's shields flare up and dissipate, indicating it's down. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia stumbles backwards, then retaliates with a swift kick to North's legs. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina leaps at the Elite, yanking a combat knife from her belt. She grapples the Elite's ornate helmet and swings, stabbing the knife into its neck. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York clutches the sword next to him and almost burns his finger and then rams the sword through its gut and stabbing it from two ways at once. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Tag. You're it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York retracts the blade, sputtering a medium-sized wave of purple blood over his armor.

<font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia emerges into a large plaza, stopping when he realizes that it is full of dead civilians. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Oh. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North notices a splash of blood on a nearby wall, and follows the trail. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia glances at his shoulder wound, realizing that the blood has coagulated abnormally fast. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North follows the trail, which disappears unnaturally fast. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia steps gingerly over the corpses of the dead as the sounds of gunfire resume in the distance. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> ... <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North activates his advanced motion tracker, picking up a very faint heat signature ahead. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia hears the sound of rapid footsteps behind him and readies his rail gun. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North keeps going, SMG's raised. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> (COM) Holy warriors, the battle continues. Both sides are fully engaged; now is the time to strike. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> (COM) I need a Phantom to come pick me up. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North slows down a little, checking his weapons. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia moves to the center of the plaza, scanning the area for movement as he waits for the dropship to arrive. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia looks up as he hears the approaching hum of a Phantom's engines. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia waves to the Contrition Phantom as it swoops down into the plaza. Warriors disgorge to cover him as he moves to step aboard. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North runs out, gunning down several elites as he runs towards the Phantom <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia turns, surprised to see North. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Holy warriors, hold fire! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North ducks and smashes one Elite into the concrete before dodging and taking out two more in close quarters <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia winces. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> On the other hand, let him have it. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia walks toward the Phantom as plasma fire erupts around him. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North rolls to avoid fire, and takes out another Elite, getting closer to the dropship <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia clambers aboard and mans the door turret, spraying the ground around North with plasma fire. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> That's close enough, North. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia and the remaining warriors fire after North. Two zealots step forward and draw energy swords while hurling plasma grenades at North's position. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North activates his bubble shield momentarily to survive the grenades before leaping towards the elites. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Delay him, warriors, while we pursue the holy site. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Your sacrifices will be rewarded in the next world. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia signals the Phantom's pilot to take off. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North dashes past the two elites and takes a running jump, clambering aboard the Phantom. The two zealots look down as a grenade explodes at their feet. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia levels a pistol at North's face. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Enough. I don't want to kill you. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Oh really? <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> You didn't seem to have that attitude with my sister! <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North kicks the gun away from Georgia's hand and punches him in the stomach. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> She sacrificed herself to save you. Are you really going to throw that away here? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina pulls her knife out and jumps back, covered in indigo blood. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North staggers, rolls, and leaps at Georgia, the confined quarters of the Phantom's insides giving little room for retreat <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia grapples with North, pain shooting through his body as his enhanced reflexes give him the edge in the confined brawl. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia shoves North away and snatches his pistol back up, firing after the Freelancer. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North dives away and activates his magnetic boots, momentarily running onto the dropship's ceiling before smashing down onto Georgia <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia is pushed down to the dropship floor, but wraps an arm around North's waist and drags him down as well. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia draws a knife and stabs North in the leg. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North grits his teeth in pain, and grabs Georgia's arm, holding him there as he repeatedly kicks him in the helmet with his other leg <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North yanks the knife out, and tries to slash Georgia's throat <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia struggles against the pain coursing through his body, then throws his shoulder into North and sends them both rolling out the Phantom's open door. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Agh! <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Shit, shit shit... <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia activates his jetpack, stopping his fall while North plummets back towards the ground. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North grabs hold of Georgia's foot at the last moment, dragging the pair of them down <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia reverses directions at the last moment, throwing his shoulder into North's chest and using the jetpack's acceleration to slam him into the ground. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North tries to activate his bubble shield as a way of reducing the impact, enclosing the pair of them as he plunges the knife into Georgia's backpack <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia knocks North's arm away and wraps a hand around his throat. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Enough! <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> I will kill you if I have to, North. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North starts to laugh, and flings Georgia off in a surprising display of strength. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> You fucking bastard! <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> After everything you've done, all the people you've betrayed or killed or left behind, and you STILL act like you're the good guy?! <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia staggers back, drawing his pistol again and firing at North. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North jumps to his feet, and runs at Georgia, punching the former Freelancer with all his might into the chest <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia staggers back as the force of the blow passes through his armor and into his warped organs, rupturing his heart. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North kicks Georgia to the ground. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> You... know... nothing... <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia slumps, his vitals flatlining. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> That was for Sonia, you son of a bitch. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North slowly walks away, heading back towards the fight. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia 's body lies in the plaza, completely limp. He isn't breathing. He doesn't stir as the dropship slowly returns to the ground and two warriors rush out and drag his lifeless body into the dropship before taking off.

<font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... you okay? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> As long as you don't complain about the paintjob... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gestures at her own spatter. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We match. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI frowns, running another scan. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The civilians aren't here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Odd. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> What do you mean, not here? Where are they? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI sets up a navpoint. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This was their last known location. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They just...disappeared. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Wasn't Covenant, otherwise I'd have picked them up. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York grins at Carolina's previous comment, although it's not visible through his visor. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's investigate. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Come on. People don't just disappear. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's sword sparks briefly, and the sword's blade retracts, indicating it's out of charge. He tosses the useless weapon aside. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm comin'. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina gestures at the pink Elite's sword. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Refill. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York picks the hingehead's sword and hooks it onto his hip plate. The DMR he had previously is also gone. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina starts walking toward the navpoint, though she waits for York to fall in before proceeding. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods at Carolina, putting on a smile as he walks with her to the navpoint. He looks around the ruined city. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> They put the hammer down on this place... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Yeah. I don't remember Innies doing anything half this bad. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Strange... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Reports say there was an engagement with the Covenant not a half hour ago. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> What? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And I checked with the superintendent. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This evac route wasn't in the original plans. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> In fact, it's been registered as an anomaly and apparently confirmed that no one went through here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But I know I picked up civilians exactly in this area earlier. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Then who's route is it? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI narrows her eyes. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I suspect ONI. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sniffs. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI swears. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Who'd have thought? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York clenches his fists as soon as he hears that. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Hmph. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Even in the middle of a crisis they'd fuck with peoples' lives like this. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Knew it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Well, we could forget about them and focus on the rest of the civilians. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Or we could look into this and try and find out what happened here. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I say we look into it. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> If ONI's fucking with our game plan, the whole mission could go to hell. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Yeah, and every life matters. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not that they know it. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI starts running scans of the area, trying to find anything that's out of place. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI perks. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Got North's FOF on my sensors. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> He's heading this way. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI continues to scan the area. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has drawn his shotgun again, glancing around for any sign of trouble. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... Good. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I have some words for him. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Dammit, I just know it's around here somewhere. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> There aren't any more civilians heading this way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not that there should be. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> My guess is, ONI has what they want. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Or maybe someone in particular among them. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Hang on, I'll check the list. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Fucking spooks. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington spots North. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way around Carolina's back, pointing the shotgun at any suspicious noises. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Hey, I've got a visual on North! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) Where is he? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) North, come in. Where the hell have you been? <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North sighs, and reactivates his COM <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Georgia's dead. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (COM) The last evac ships are away. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI is surprised. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) You killed him? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI exhales. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Finally. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Dead? That's great. Just fucking great. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It doesn't change the fact that you ignored a primary directive. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs with irritation. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (COM) ...Damn it, North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Well, can't say I'm going to miss him. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> (COM) Carolina, do you honestly think I care about 'primary directives' right now? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) North, you're going to have another check-up when this operation is over. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Now form up on my position, or so help me I will have you court-martialed. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> ... <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North heads over to the other Freelancers, albeit reluctantly. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar appears as North, Wash, and Min reach them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (COM) We have a group of civilians fucking disappeared into thin air, and more hostiles inbound at any moment. Now get. Your insubordinate ass. ON THE LINE. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington shoots North a look, but doesn't say anything. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI "walks" over to North, her expression resolution but with a hint of sympathy. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What were Montana's last words to you? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> What was the promise you made her? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Remind me, please, because I wasn't there. I can't recall. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> I think I remember. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota is exhausted. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Something about not changing because of her death, I believe. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York waits aside Carolina, his shotgun resting on his shoulders behind his neck. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not just her death. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But everything. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This whole war. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI looks away. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And it's not just you I'm worried about, North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We have lives to protect. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York approaches North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We have missions to carry out. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> Yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Remember what she said, Theodore. She said she'd hate to see you change. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We can't let others die because of some personal vendetta. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> hmph. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI turns back to glare at North, all traces of sympathy gone. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Or you'll have to answer for every life you let go to waste. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Do you understand? <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> I understand what you're saying. I don't like it, but I understand. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI nods stiffly. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Good. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> C'mon, North. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> After what happened with the Director, I'd have thought that some of you would have learned a thing or two about vengeance... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks at Tex's hologram and looks back to North. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI sighs. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We stopped him because we had to. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We didn't kill him even though we would have very well had the right. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Just remember that. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North frowns beneath his helmet, and doesn't reply. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI turns back to the others. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI forms a holographic array before Carolina, each frame with the projection of a human face. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I've consulted the Superintendent and got a confirmed list of the missing civilians. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I had to wipe the Super's database though, in case ONI knew about it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> These are the ones that disappeared. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina looks the faces over. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Huh. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI snaps her fingers, causing most of the faces to disappear save one. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This one, however, caught my interest. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns his head back to North and nods slowly. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Because she was supposed to have been evacuated 4 days ago. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> In a UNSC relay station at Visegrad. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> It must be some sort of error in the system. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> She actually encountered Noble Team and was taken off-planet. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington leans forward. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Her name is Sára Sorvad, and I want to know how she ended up back on Reach. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And I suspect that she's the one ONI decided to go after. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> How can you confirm that? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Why would they go after a... a kid? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Her father was a researcher who worked with Dr. Halsey. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... oh. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Now that makes sense. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Now, as I understand it, Halsey and Dr. Laszlo Sorvad uncovered some Forerunner dig site elsewhere on Reach. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> ONI wanted to cover it up, and it's possibly related to why they kept the Covenant's presence a secret. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But since Dr. Halsey went and revealed it to HighCom, they're very interested in finding out more. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Obviously, ONI isn't pleased, but they can't do anything apart from go along with it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But it seems Miss Sorvad had found something in the Visegrad Relay, something ONI might have wanted for themselves. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> What's a civilian doing going over ONI's heads like that? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI gives Washington a look. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I'm more concerned with why ONI is letting civilians die to hold onto their secrets. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> It doesn't matter. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I'm more concerned with why ONI is letting civilians die to hold onto their secrets. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'd better find her. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Yeah. The rest of the civilians casualties were collateral. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> No witnesses. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You know how ONI operates. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> That can't be true. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> You're just jumping to conclusions. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Wash, trust me on this. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I had a surveillance drone watching these civilians a half hour ago. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I saw them heading this way. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And if they disappeared, we're going to find them, ONI be damned. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Still, we're in the middle of a planetary invasion and you're diverting us for a handful of civilians? <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Didn't we just rake North over the coals for pursing a personal agenda? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I want to know why ONI isn't warning the rest of the planet. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And I have a feeling this is a lead. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Those civilians could be important to the war. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Let the few Spartans left and Noble Team fight the invasion. We'd do better to go after these civvies. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> You have got to be kidding me. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Min, can you keep ONI distracted for us? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Don't let them know where we're going. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Make it look like we're still defending the city. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota nods affirmative. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Make it look like... <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> You realize this is desertion, right? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I said, make it look like we're still defending the city. <font color=#FFFFFFF>< <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota <font color=#FFFFFFF>> Don't get killed. <font color=#FFFFFFF> * <font color=#007F0E>Agent_Minnesota glares at North. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Same for you. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> You people really are serious, aren't you? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Now, I've linked up with the city's surveillance system, which was encrypted a little more carefully than...surveillance normally would. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> That was my first clue. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York scratches his helmet. He averts his gaze to Tex's hologram. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And I've caught footage of a camouflaged Phantom dropship bringing the civilians on board. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Odd. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Doesn't seem very Covenant-like, if you ask me. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Wait, what? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> A Phantom? <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington withdraws from the group, shaking his head. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I've managed to pick up on its trail just a minute ago. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina listens intently, inscrutable in her helmet. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Good. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We have a heading. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> It's headed towards that underground facility on the far side of Palhaza. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not far from here, but heavily guarded by ONI troops. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI points the location on the Freelancers' HUDs. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> That looks like a no-no if we go after it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We're not going to be shooting our way in. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The fighting's a little too extreme right now to be turning on our own side. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> So, we'll be getting in another way. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington clenches his fists, but remains silent. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York rests his hands on his waist. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI begins establishing a connection. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Noble Two, this is Agent Texas. Come in, Noble Two. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington moves several feet away and tries to open a channel to the command frequency, only to realize that his signal is being jammed. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) I read you, Texas. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) I understand that your team is currently being deployed to defend the ONI facility on the outskirts of Palhaza? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) That is correct. We're wrapping up. I'm... attending to some delicate matters at the moment. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) I'll bet. I need you to do me a favour, Lieutenant Commander. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) What sort of favor? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) One that can get a team of Freelancers into the underground levels of the facility. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) ...preferably without resorting to violence. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Sounds naughty. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Naughty? Commander, are you a puppet or a Spartan? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 laughs softly. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) I've been manipulating comm channels since we landed. There's more going on here than my Commander wants to admit. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) You're the perfect means I need to satisfy my curiosity. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) That much is obvious. Listen...you've fabricated false orders before on missions because you didn't think ONI had the best judgement for how to carry out a deployment? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) I make a habit of shaping circumstances to our advantage, if that's what you mean. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Such as the operation on Arcadia three years ago, when you "gained clearance" on the orbital MAC guns and used them to destroy six Covenant battalions on the surface. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) I've also caught word that Dr. Halsey has confiscated a data module from you two days ago, the one you retrieved from the Visegrad Relay? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 is quiet for a few seconds. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) You're correct. But I learned enough from what little I was able to access. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Long story short, ONI is up to no good and I want to know why. Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) So can you arrange some clearance for my team to get into the facility? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> (COM) Our interests are mutual. Of course you'll get clearance. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Good. We'll see you in ten minutes. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI cuts the connection. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Who was that? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You've met her before. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> SPARTAN-B320, Noble Two. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North watches the others, checking his rifle as he does. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina glances at North. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Agent North Dakota. I need you to return to the line and hold it. Any more screwups on this mission and we could all face execution. <font color=#207C3D>< <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North <font color=#207C3D>> I'd say that this mission is already pretty screwed up... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps toward North. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Which is exactly why I can't have a soldier with contempt toward my command, on a mission that deals with top-secret alien technology. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> You have your reasons. I'm not going to argue over them. But I have to draw the line. <font color=#207C3D> * <font color=#731FD3>Agent_North walks off. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington approaches York and opens a private channel. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sees the notification pop up and opens his link to Wash's private channel. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) You can't seriously be going along with this. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (Private COM) This is war. It's a dirty business, Wash. But it's what we have to do. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (Private COM) There's nothing you and I can do about it. David. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Clyde, this is treason. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI taps into Washington's channel, having been listening in. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) And what ONI is doing is committing war crimes. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) I don't know about you, Wash, but I'm not going to stand for that. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) I should have known you'd listen in. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) We're not going to cause any damage to ONI. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Not going to... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Just undo any damage they're doing. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) And get these civilians off-planet where they belong. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) You are a human being before you're a soldier, Agent Washington. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Don't you forget that. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) I took an oath, as a soldier of the UNSC, to obey the chain of command. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Not be part of Carolina and your little private army. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Wash, the last time we obeyed orders blindly from someone we thought knew better than us, it didn't end so well. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Remember what almost happened to you? With Epsilon? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) ONI doesn't care about your life any more than the director did. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Now, we're still on the same side. We just need to correct their mistakes. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (Private COM) This is something we need to do. Screw the rules. We do what's right, not what the spooks tell us to do. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington clenches his fist. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) You do what you think is right. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) You don't know the full story. You could have guessed this entire thing wrong. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Maybe. But if ONI didn't kidnap any civilians, then we won't have to cross them anyway. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Doesn't hurt to make sure. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) If they're really as righteous as you say they are, then we won't have any problem with what we find in that facility. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Now come on, we're wasting time. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) We'll have abandoned our post during a time of war. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) What post? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) The civilians are all evacuated, except the group ONI decided to kidnap. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Maybe you didn't get the memo, but this planet is being attacked. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> (Private COM) Damn it, Wash. We know that. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Our orders are to protect these civilians. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) As far as I'm concerned, we'll not have completed our objective until they're safely off-planet. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) So if you want to follow orders so badly, then get ready to move out. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI turns her back on Wash, looking at North. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington laughs coldly. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Well, it's like Georgia said when he gave Carolina that Forerunner artifiact. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> (Private COM) Nothing any of us can do to stop you, right? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI spins around, glaring at Washington. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You make it sound like I'm the threat here. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes her head. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> That's enough. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Both of you. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> As your commanding officer, I am ordering you to do this. We can decide who's committing treason after those civilians are safe. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Right. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI indicates a flipped Warthog near a barricade. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Come on. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington clenches his fist, but steps back in line with York. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Yes... ma'am. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns his head and nods at Wash. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> C'mon. I had a hard enough time with North. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington follows reluctantly behind York, fingers clutching his rifle tightly. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York grips his hands underneath the warthog and groans as he tries to flip it. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Lil' hand here? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina moves and helps York flip the 'Hog. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll drive. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> York, you get on the gun. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI plots a NAV point on Carolina's HUD. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Got lots of Covenant activity in that area. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Noble's holding them off pretty well though. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington gets into the passenger's seat. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI checks on Amelia's team and the Army line. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Sergeant Dawson has successfully repelled a third wave of Covenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hops to the turret, clutching the non-business end. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Their numbers are flagging though...let's do this quick. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I'm not letting her down. Step on it. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sees the navpoint on her HUD. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Right. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina accelerates, easing the 'Hog over some debris and then following a road. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina drives through the ruined city, passing into the outskirts. The terrain is desolate, littered with crashed ships and alien bodies. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Damn, fighting didn't go so well on this side of the city. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York swerves the turret about, looking for any Covenant stragglers. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Damn. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina drives through a cluster of trees, that leads into thicker forest. The 'Hog bounces over tree roots and rocks, finally coming out to a clearing. An encampment has been set up beside a metallic structure that seems to extend down into the ground, covered up with attempts at a mock civilian structure. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina stops the 'Hog upon seeing what appear to be Spartans. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 sees Kat typing rapidly into a data module and walks over to her. <Carter-A259> What's that you've got there? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 glances at Carter and clutched the module in her robotic hand. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Nothing that should worry you. Just some extra credit work. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 looks up when he sees Carolina. <font color=#706A15><Jun-A266> Commander, we've got visitors. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 decides not to ask and hears Jun. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 walks over and recognizes the Freelancers. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina climbs out of the 'Hog. <Carter-A259> Major O'Connell. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Commander. Sir. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York swerves the turret to the front and jumps down from the turret. <Carter-A259> I don't suppose you're here for trooper support? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar appears. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If we were, there'd be more of us, Commander. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We're here to investigate the disappearance of some civilians. <font color=#D50039> * <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 approaches as well, eyeing the Freelancers. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We have reason to believe they may... be inside this structure. <Carter-A259> We've been here all day. <Carter-A259> Haven't seen anything out of the ordinary. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 looks around at the battle-strewn courtyard. <font color=#D50039>< <font color=#8E8983>Emile-A239 <font color=#D50039>> The ordinary being all the aliens we killed. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 emerges from the structure, looking up at the newcomers. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> About time we got reinforcements. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI spots Tess walking out behind Jorge. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Oh, hell... <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington peers around Carolina. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Friend of yours? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not exactly. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 leaps down from his perch next to Jorge. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI raises a holographic eyebrow. <font color=#706A15><Jun-A266> Hey, it's those Freelancers you said you worked with before you joined Noble. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 seems to stay in Jorge's shadow, DMR gripped tightly. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Does ONI send a Spartan on a mission with us whenever they want to put someone on the team? <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 glances from the Freelancers to Six, tilting his helmet. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> I'm guessing you've got some history, too. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> We...ran into her on a mission, to say the least. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar strides over to Jorge, ignoring Tess completely. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We're looking for someone. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 remains silent, standing off to one side, aloof. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> So I got your Lieutenant Commander to lend us a hand. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Looking for who, exactly? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> A civilian. A young woman by the name of Sára Sorvad. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You found her at Visegrad 4 days ago, right? <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 doesn't so much as look up, appearing innocent. <Carter-A259> Yes. <Carter-A259> We also had seen her off for evacuation. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Looks like ONI had other plans. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> On my way here, I found a bit more intel. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> From the sounds of it, Sára's been keeping a low profile in the last 4 days. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I'm not completely sure, but I think she escaped ONI custody and they tried to cover it up. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And if I'm not mistaken, maybe she tried to blend in and get off Reach by waiting for evacuation in Palhaza. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI turns to look at Kat. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> All I know is that ONI's not pleased with Dr. Halsey at the moment, and they're trying to figure out what Sára found at Visegrad. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They thought they could get away with it amongst all the fighting. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Sára's innocent. Her father was the scientist, not... damn. As if we don't have enough problems. <Carter-A259> Sounds like you're getting in pretty deep. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I've asked Noble Two to fabricate clearance for us to get inside and get those civilians out. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Most of them were only taken because they'd have been witnesses. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> ONI even went as far as to kill the civilians' Army escorts to keep it quiet. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> It all happened in a district where there was fighting earlier so the bodies would pass undetected. <font color=#706A15> * Jun-A266 listens intently to what was being told, deep in thought. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> It's true, Commander. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 stands beside Jorge, looking from Freelancer to Freelancer, quiet. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 ponders the information. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Commander, we can't just leave her. <Carter-A259> You have the clearance ready, Kat? <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> Ready as it'll ever be. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods. <Carter-A259> Jorge, you and Six go with them into the facility. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 picks up his turret, hefting it. "Yes, sir." <Carter-A259> Kat...you'd better stay away from all this or ONI will suspect your hand in it. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 gives Carolina a long look. <Carter-A259> If this goes wrong, you'll have to take full responsibility, Major. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 shifts uncertainly, but doesn't budge from Jorge's side. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll be glad to. <Carter-A259> And Six... <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> Sir? <Carter-A259> It wouldn't be anything new for you, but keep your gun pointed away from ONI personnel, if at all possible. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 nods. <Carter-A259> I don't want an inquiry in the middle of a battle against the Covenant. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks from Six to Carter. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> She'll do her job, sir. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 nods. <Carter-A259> Okay Kat, give them the clearance. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 taps her datapad and it chimes. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI watches Tess closely, and notes the tone of Jorge's voice. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> There. Nobody will think twice. You really don't want to know how many people on my hit list will take the fall if this goes south. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I think they'll be more worried about the Covenant glassing the planet. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina raises both eyebrows under her helmet. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Okay, let's get going. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina heads for the entrance to the strange facility, past Carter, Kat and Jun. She stops to regard Six, then continues on. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Form up. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Yes ma'am. <font color=#706A15><Jun-A266> Contact. Got Covenant coming in on our position. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 slips on her helmet. <font color=#999797> * <font color=#557FE8>Carter-A259 signals for the Army troopers assembled around the facility to get ready. <font color=#999797>< <font color=#33B7E8>Catherine-B320 <font color=#999797>> A good distraction. You'd all better get moving and quick. <Carter-A259> Good luck, Freelancers. <Carter-A259> We'll keep them out. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thanks, Commander. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington forms up silently with York. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods and falls into formation with the other Freelancers and the two Spartans. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI examines the data module. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 sticks closer to Jorge instead of going near the Freelancers. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I guess you just scan the module to open the doors. Simple. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina walks up to the door and holds the module in front of a human scanning device. It blinks green and the door swishes open, revealing a dark interior. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I guess ONI's been crawling in and out of this place for a while. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina steps in cautiously. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York follows in beside Carolina. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI observes the ONI personnel walking in and out of the doors of the facility, too busy on their work to make much observation of the unlikely group. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Accessing the system now... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This clearance is handy. No need to break in. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 follows the Freelancers, grunting in disapproval as his huge gun catches on the side of the door. He lugs it in with some effort. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Okay, confirm the presence of sixteen unidentified "subjects", likely the civilians. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Wait...most of them are scheduled for execution. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Execution? For what?! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Oh, I imagine ONI just doesn't want any witnesses. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> All they need is Miss Sorvad alive. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's expression is one of utmost disgust. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> They'll probably do it quietly too. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And then make the bodies disappear. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Not if we can help it. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI 's avatar appears in front of Washington's face, and her arms are crossed. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Well? Do you still think this is no big deal? <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington says nothing, but just returns Texas' glare from behind his helmet. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 clears her throat. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> I know how these things work. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> My... expertise may be of some use. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI shoots Tess a look. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks at Tess as if surprised she made noise at all. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If you can get them out alive, then by all means. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> It's just a matter of killing the captors first. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I'm a little short on sympathy for them at the moment. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York glances at Tess for a moment, then back to Tex. He lifts his arms for a moment and then they fall down. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Come on, they're being held five levels down. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 places a hand on Tess's shoulder. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Remember what the Commander said. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 hesitates, then shrugs it off. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Keep it together. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> These people are depending on us. Now let's do this quickly and quietly. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks down at his massive, inevitably noisy gun. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Er. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> I'll take point. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina shakes her head. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I'll take point, and— <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> No, listen. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> They'll react as soon as they know something's wrong. Wipe the slate as quickly as they can. <font color=#9B9B9B><Tess-B312> I'm fast. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... alright, Lieutenant. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York hasn't said a word since walking in the door. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I've seen what you can do. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina sounds a bit cold, maybe disgusted. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Just don't go mutilating any of them. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We don't have time for that. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks at Tess. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> What? <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 doesn't react. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 moves forward quickly, heading down the stairs with more stealth than her size suggests. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Come on. Let's go. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina follows Tess, assault rifle at the ready. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York clutches his shotgun and follows the two downstairs. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington trails behind York, keeping guard on the rear. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> There's something different about her. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Different? <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina mutes her comm from outside listeners. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (Private COM) That woman's a maniac. Why is she even here? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Isn't it obvious? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) She's part of the team. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (Private COM) She's a fucking psycho. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) And although she hasn't admitted it yet, she likes being part of the team. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) This team, at any rate. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 encounters a black-uniformed guard and kills him by simply grasping his neck and crushing it, then tossing him aside. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) She's still getting used to it, but if she didn't want to be with them, she wouldn't still be here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) I don't think orders would stop her if she wanted to be on her own. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 reaches the lower level and sees a cell block. There are civilians inside, guarded by armed personnel. They seem to be waiting for something. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina creeps up behind Tess. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 holds up a fist, then motions for Carolina to stay put. She pulls out her knife, is still for a moment, then lunges inside. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... shit. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> ...wow. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Not even I would've done it like that. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington pauses beside the dead guard, inscruitble behind his visor, before looking ahead and then quickly averting his eyes. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 grabs the nearest guard and spins him around, hurling him at another with enough speed to break their spines. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 then catches the guard's weapon as it sails in midair, opening fire with precise, controlled bursts. The guards fall one by one, killed by headshots. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> ... dammit. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 follows after Tess, ignoring Carolina for the moment. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York has to shield his eyes with his forearm. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Wait! <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Holy shit. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI grunts. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Spartans. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 seems oblivious to the frightened screams of the trapped civilians. She stalks up to the last guard and puts the barrel of her pistol to his forehead, even though he's on his knees and staring up at her with hands raised. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Stand down, Lieutenant! <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington raises his rifle, unsure of whether to threaten the Spartan or not. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 seems to ignore Carolina, turning the pistol at an angle instead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York wiggles the fingers that are coiled around the pump of his shotgun. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> She's going to... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina lunges forward. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 glances at Carolina and grabs her arm, swinging her around so she ends up facing the opposite direction. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Hey. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 puts a hand on Tess's shoulder again, this time firmly. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> It's done. They're safe. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI flickers into view. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let's stay objective here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Knock this goon out and get the civilians away from here. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina emits a furious strangled noise but manages to remain composed. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 lowers the gun, then clips it to her thigh and steps back. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 then decks the guy in the jaw, but not hard enough to kill him. He sinks down. <font color=#C18900>< <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington <font color=#C18900>> Well, so much for not killing anyone. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 looks up at Wash. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI uses the clearance codes to open the cell doors. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York raises his shotgun, in a less-threatening pose. He shakes his head at Tess, showing his obvious disapproval. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI scans the faces, looking for Sára Sorvad. <font color=#C18900> * <font color=#7C7C7C>Agent_Washington simply turns away, adrift in his own thoughts. * Sara_Sorvad bangs on her cell door. <Sara_Sorvad> Hey! <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 releases Tess's shoulder and turns, seeing the familiar face. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Is that our girl? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I think so. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI "walks" over to Sara's cell. <Sara_Sorvad> I think my cell's programmed differently. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Ne aggódj. Most már biztonságban vagy. * Sara_Sorvad tilts her head. <Sara_Sorvad> ... ah. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Hozok neked ki. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 clears his throat. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Dammit...the clearance codes don't work on this one. * Sara_Sorvad seems almost afraid of Tex, but looks hopefully at Jorge. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> If I may. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York stands guard outside, his eye peering cautiously for any sign of danger or intrusion. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 approaches the cell and exchanges a few murmured words with Sara. * Sara_Sorvad nods and steps back. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 grabs hold of the cell door, wrenches it, and it comes off, the electronic lock sending out a mess of sparks before dying. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> There. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI raises an eyebrow. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York deadpans at Jorge, before slowly raising his own brow under his visor. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Very subtle.

* Sara_Sorvad steps out, steering clear of Six. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Get the others out of here. They don't need to see any more. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> But what about her? <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 gestures at Sara, who is making good use of his shadow. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We'll protect her. It's why we came here, isn't it? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Schematics indicate that there's an emergency way out of this facility. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 studies Carolina as if weighing his trust, then nods. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> It'll do. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> The clearance codes should open the doors. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I trust you two can get a Pelican for the others. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Kat had planned to drop them off remotely where an evac ship would take them. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Good. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI gives Tess a long stare before fixing her gaze on Jorge. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If we see you again, hopefully it won't be on board a ship leaving Reach in flames. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 shakes his head resolutely. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> I hope not. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Bad enough Palhaza's burned. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I don't want to see New Alexandria go up in flames... <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 tilts his helmet. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> You a native? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Yeah. Sister's still fighting the Covvies in Palhaza. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 is quiet for a moment. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Kill 'em all, will ya? This is our turf. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Gladly, big man. <font color=#9B9B9B> * Tess-B312 edges toward the nav point, the civilians following her with terrified expressions. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 looks over at Sara. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Maradj biztonságban. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York peers over to Jorge for a moment, then back out to the distance. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Harcolni fogunk az utolsó lehelete. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 nods approvingly. <font color=#96253C>< <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 <font color=#96253C>> Now if you'll excuse me. <font color=#96253C> * <font color=#C19717>Jorge-052 follows the civilians, taking one last look at the dead bodies before moving on. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI drops a NAV point on one of the alternate exits, in the hallway just adjacent to the brig. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let's get going, Freelancers. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> This tunnel goes a long way, but I'm not quite sure where it leads. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Can't get a signal to air recon. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Only one way to find out. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If anyone asks, the Covenant broke through and killed them. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way to the nav point, shotgun still at the ready. He glances to the corpses for a moment as a shudder passes over him, but he keeps moving. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina rubs her arm from where she was swung. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> I hope that never happens again. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> How does ONI plan to stop something like that if it— <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina clears her throat. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Unimportant. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI stares after Tess as she disappears through the hallway with Jorge. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Let's go. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> At least I won't feel sorry for the ones she's sent to kill. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI opens the hidden door with the clearance codes, revealing a surprisingly well-lit but narrow hallway. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina proceeds, rifle raised. <Sara_Sorvad> Hey, what about me? * Sara_Sorvad crosses her arms, glaring. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Stay in the middle. <Sara_Sorvad> What if I don't want to go with you? I'm supposed to go to Earth. Halsey said so. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Let's try to keep you out of ONI's sights for now, Miss Sorvad. * Sara_Sorvad emits an explosive sigh. <Sara_Sorvad> I'm tired of aliens, and people, and... robots, and monsters... * Sara_Sorvad rubs her weary eyes. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks back to Sara for a moment, hearing her complaints. Sometimes, he thinks the same. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Life's tough, kid. * Sara_Sorvad looks up. <Sara_Sorvad> You're not like the AI I've met before. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI casts Sára a sideways glance. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Which AI? <Sara_Sorvad> Oh, um... I'm not supposed to talk about that. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI observes Sára for a moment before looking away. <Sara_Sorvad> You're just... különbözo. Different. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> You can say that again. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> But I'd save your breath if I were you, kid. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We've got a long walk ahead of us. * Sara_Sorvad jams her hands in her pockets and follows Carolina and York, a bit pacified. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina mutes her external comms. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (Private COM) What's this girl to us again? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) She knows something that ONI doesn't want to get out. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) If Dr. Halsey really wants to send her to Earth, then I'm guessing she's more important than she looks. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (Private COM) Technically this could be called kidnapping. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) Kidnapping, from who? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) The spooks that imprisoned her in an ONI facility in the middle of a war? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> (Private COM) Good point. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) We'll try and find Dr. Halsey if we can. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (Private COM) She'll know what to do with her.

<font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia finds himself standing in a dark haze, alone and naked without his armor. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> What... * Gravemind (9968b0a4@gateway/web/freenode/ip.153.104.176.164) has joined #halo-fanon <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia peers through the smoke to see a man wearing his armor standing a few feet away. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> This is... <Gravemind> We are the alienated. <Gravemind> The scorned. <Gravemind> The despised. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia stares at his armor, frightened by the sickly red hue around his visor. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> What are you? <Gravemind> Our name is unworthy of praise, our body unworthy of envy. <Gravemind> We are the shadow, cast by the light of the heroes. The darkness born of their shining legend. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia is suddenly held aloft as the man in his armor seizes him by the throat and begins to strangle him. <Gravemind> Thus, we hate. <Gravemind> Thus, we despise. <Gravemind> We feed on the cries of those who sink into darkness, cursing those who shine so brightly. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia struggles helplessly, gasping for breath as a seam opens in the visor and the helmet begins to crack. <Gravemind> And you? <Gravemind> You are the sacrifce! <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia cries out in terror as the helmet splits open. * Gravemind has quit (Quit: Page closed) <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia awakes, gasping, on the floor of a Phantom, surrounded by the stares of Contrition warriors. He is wearing his own armor, the helmet lying off to the side. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Damn it... I, I died. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia slumps down, ignoring the warriors around him. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Healing won't help me. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> I'm going to die soon. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia runs a hand over his increasingly wan, sickly face and nods to the warriors around him. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> Holy warriors, prepare for the assault. <font color=#727272>< <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia <font color=#727272>> The holy site is within your reach. Seize it from these nonbelievers and claim your divine reward. <font color=#727272> * <font color=#A56542>Agent_Georgia slides his helmet on and slowly but steadily prepares his equipment.

(Several long hours later)

<font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI notes that the lights in the hallway here seem to have fallen into disrepair. Some are flickering, or completely burned out. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Doesn't look like they did a regular maintenance check here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Exit should be up ahead. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina continues on, still nervous. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I couldn't get a bearing on which direction we were heading, but I did a rough calculation of the mission log, and we should be moving back towards Palhaza. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Tex, is North still there? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Should be, unless he decided to run off again. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I hope Min kept a leash on him. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I...doubt he has any reason to. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI sees the small doorway at the end of the corridor. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Erm, try the clearance codes, I suppose. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI does so, but receives no response. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Old-fashioned way it is then. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...Shall I? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I haven't hacked a door for quite a while. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I don't see controls anywhere. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Uh...Carolina. Kick the door. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina kicks it deftly. The door nearly gives, but is stuck. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> That's about as good as it gets. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina kicks it again, frustrated. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Come on! <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> It's not like ONI to be this deficient. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina finally just lurches, slamming into it shoulder-first. The door gives way and she hurtles through. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI stares in disbelief at what she sees. They are standing in an alleyway, or what's left of it. Every building surrounding them seem to have collapsed, and are smouldering and broken. There is an eerie quiet over the city and there's no sign of movement. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Can't be... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's jaw slowly drops at the sight of the carnage that has passed, turning his head at various angles. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Surveillance indicates that we're in downtown Palhaza. But how did this happen so quickly? <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> No...no...shit... <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is utterly perplexed. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Don't tell me that trap failed... * Sara_Sorvad gets a glimpse of the devastation and puts a hand over her mouth. <Sara_Sorvad> .... nem lehet.... <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI detects a Banshee patrol flying overhead. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI is running scans all over the city and sees that it's been completely overrun by the Covenant. * Sara_Sorvad breaks from cover and runs out a few feet, shoes crunching on broken glass and rubble. <Sara_Sorvad> ... Isten... <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Hey, be careful! * Sara_Sorvad turns to look at them, red-eyed and lip quivering. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI stiffens as she detects three Covenant cruisers emerging from the cloud cover, looming ominously over the city and looking very much intact. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York 's heart drops as he sees those ominious cruisers looming overhead, his pupils widening. <Amelia_Dawson> Don't move! * Sara_Sorvad jumps. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Sergeant Dawson? * Amelia_Dawson emergees from cover with three of her ODSTs, rifle raised at them. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... Amelia. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs with relief, putting a hand to his chest. * Amelia_Dawson is looking a bit worse for wear, her helmet missing and her face blackened. Her armour is ripped and battered. <Amelia_Dawson> Oh, it's you guys. * Amelia_Dawson lowers her rifle. <Amelia_Dawson> I thought... * Amelia_Dawson bites her lip and looks down. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Amelia... <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Thank goodness. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I thought the worst, sister. * Sara_Sorvad turns away from them all and cries quietly. <Amelia_Dawson> So did I. * Amelia_Dawson clenches her teeth and grips her rifle tightly. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> How did this happen? <Amelia_Dawson> It's over. We've lost Palhaza. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Where are the others? <Amelia_Dawson> Your Freelancer friends met up with us just before we took the hits. <Amelia_Dawson> But something went wrong. <Amelia_Dawson> Our weapons all went offline. <Amelia_Dawson> The Covenant overran us...it was a slaughter. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> How did they do this? * Amelia_Dawson 's eyes darken. <Amelia_Dawson> Well, your friends say it was Georgia. <Amelia_Dawson> One of yours, as it were. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... that's impossible. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> What the hell? I thought North got rid of Georgia... <Amelia_Dawson> That's what Sergeant Hawkins said. <Amelia_Dawson> But we all saw that bastard breaking out of our weapon battery generators. When Hawkins saw Georgia, he took off after him. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York looks back to Tex. <Amelia_Dawson> So did Sterling. <Amelia_Dawson> They're both gone. They're going after him. * Amelia_Dawson gives a short, humourless laugh. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Looks like I jinxed us. <Amelia_Dawson> As for the rest of us... <Amelia_Dawson> At least they died a quick death, huh? <Amelia_Dawson> Just a few hundred to add to the millions we've already lost in the war. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns back around to give Amelia a frown, although it's not visible behind his visor. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We need to find North and Min. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Straight away. <Amelia_Dawson> Look, I don't know where your buddies went. <Amelia_Dawson> But they didn't seem to notice that they were leaving the others behind to die. <Amelia_Dawson> But right now, I don't know what the hell is going on. <Amelia_Dawson> I'm not saying it would have done any good to make a last stand. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York sighs, exasperant. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> We'll find them, Amelia. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina is quiet as she observes the devastation. <Amelia_Dawson> Clyde. <Amelia_Dawson> We have a war to fight. <Amelia_Dawson> A planet to save. * Sara_Sorvad sniffles and wipes her face with her sleeve, scowling. <Amelia_Dawson> If we go after them, we'll just let more cities go to ruin like this. <Amelia_Dawson> Now, the civilians that were here were lucky to have gotten out before the shit hit the fan. <Amelia_Dawson> But that won't always be the case. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York lowers his head and puts his shotgun to his side. <Amelia_Dawson> And if your friends are deserting, we don't have time to go chasing after them. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You've got a point. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> No. * Amelia_Dawson turns to stare at Tex. <Amelia_Dawson> What do you mean, no? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I mean, no. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Something's not right here. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Why is Georgia not dead? <Amelia_Dawson> I don't know. Does it matter? <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> Yes. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> People don't just survive executions. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And if he knows how to stop himself from dying, we need to figure out why. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> North never misses. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Georgia's always been good at surviving, but I didn't know he could raise himself from the dead. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If it's some Forerunner technology he's found, we have to make sure the Covenant never get it. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And so help me, if I have to find Georgia and wring the answers out of him, I will. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York lifts a hand on to Carolina's shoulder. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I want your say, Victoria. Do we go after him? <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> ... not until Reach is safe. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> That's not my call to make. <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> We have to do our duty here. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI exhales but doesn't argue. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> I hope North and Min can take care of themselves for a while then. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York nods, looking back to Amelia and taking his hand off. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Agreed. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> ...what now, though? <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI glances at Sára. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> In the meantime, let's find somewhere safe to put her. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And then we'll report in for our next mission. * Sara_Sorvad kicks absently at some twisted metal, hugging herself. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> And I will see if I can get a fix on Dr. Halsey. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We'll figure this out. We have to. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York makes his way over to Sara, taking his helmet off. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> You alright, there? * Sara_Sorvad looks up at York, fearful. <Sara_Sorvad> ... y-yeah. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gazes to the ruins of the city, blinking. <Sara_Sorvad> It's weird, seeing faces under those masks, I guess. <Sara_Sorvad> I thought you were all robots. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> I know how you feel. More than you'd think. * Amelia_Dawson can't help but grin despite the grimness of the situation. <Amelia_Dawson> My brother the robot. <Amelia_Dawson> Who'd have guessed. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York chuckles weakly, brightening up a bit. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> What I'd give for a robotic eye at this point... <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI appears to be concentrating intently on something. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> (COM) Okay, patrols are clear for the next eight minutes. Move quickly. * Four-Seven-Niner (d1c37aba@wikia/Sonasaurus) has joined #halo-fanon * ChanServ gives voice to Four-Seven-Niner * Four-Seven-Niner swoops in over the ruined alleyway, settling the Pelican in for a landing. <Four-Seven-Niner> (COM) Then get on quickly, if you don't mind. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#58C6E1>Agent_Carolina leads the way, entering the Pelican and sitting. * Sara_Sorvad gives York an uncertain smile. <Sara_Sorvad> I think I trust you. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York smiles, giving her a reaffirming pat on the back. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Well. Thanks. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York gazes up to the pelican and makes his way inside, taking a seat next to Carolina. His helmet is still under his arm. * Amelia_Dawson climbs on board the Pelican, giving Sara a hand strapping in next to York. * Sara_Sorvad follows York and sits beside him, absurdly small compared to the armored figures. * Amelia_Dawson waits until her ODSTs are all strapped in before securing her own harness. * Four-Seven-Niner immediately takes off, flying low to avoid the Covenant patrols and heading out of the city with all haste. <Amelia_Dawson> This isn't over. <Amelia_Dawson> Not by a long shot. <font color=#7C7C7C> * Agent_Texas|AI nods. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> We can save Reach. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York mutters to himself. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Az utolsó lehelete... <font color=#58C6E1><Agent_Carolina> Something tells me we'll be seeing more of those Spartans. <font color=#7C7C7C><Agent_Texas|AI> If not them, then definitely other Spartans. <font color=#FFFFFF> * <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York turns to Sara. <font color=#FFFFFF>< <font color=#D6B883>Agent_York <font color=#FFFFFF>> Minden rendben lesz. Megígérem. * Sara_Sorvad hasn't quite overcome her shock of seeing the destroyed city, but looks a little more reassured. <Sara_Sorvad> Én hiszek benned.