[i][/i][color=f7941d]“Sir, am I to assume that you’ll boots will be touching land during the mission?"[/color]

Colonel Morrel returned the spartan's salute casually and without looking away from the view panel the ship's AI was presenting him. [color=0072bc]"That's correct Spartan Gravedigger, I'll be stepping off with the rest of the team."[/color] Finishing up his work at the panel the colonel closed it with a few shift keystrokes, finally turning to face his companion in full.

What was immediately apparent to any on-looker was not only the age difference between the armored behemoth and the unmodified human, but also their size. Despite Morrel's imposing rank Gravedigger all but towered over him, forcing the good colonel to look upwards when he spoke. [color=0072bc]"My first command as OIC is that we drop the salutes, formality from here on out is a potential risk. I trust you to lead your team, I'll just be observing for the most part."[/color] The colonel's gruff voice held a strong air of authority and seemed to brook no argument: this was the way things were going to be.

[color=0072bc]"Now, Spartan Gravedigger, assemble your team and prepare for land-based operations as per Avalon's orders. We should be departing shortly and it's likely we won't have much time to act after arrival."[/color]