[IC] Halo: The Great Journey

[Arlear]

It wasn't horribly long after the arrival of Hagana that another member of the team made his entrance- In a rather loud, obnoxious, and completely unintentional manner. Their first warning would be a loud curse in the language of the Kig-yar. The next was a flash of plasma energy from above, promptly followed by the falling body of Rak. He'd been sitting in the catwalks high above the hanger, apparently trying to get his energy garrote to work. It had started working, certainly- That much was clear by its active state as it hit the ground a bit before him- but the blast it had made in the process had thrown the poor Jackal clear from his perch.

He hit the ground with a crash not three feet behind the arbiter, groaning and simply laying there a few moments before forcing himself to his feet, rubbing at his shoulder.
"Of all the broken, faulty, reactive pieces of sh-"
He cut off, catching sight of who he was near and immediately scooping the garrote off, shutting it off, and clipping it to his belt, standing at sharp attention. Falling Jackal with an assassin's weapons nearby the arbiter, a spec-ops officer, a pair of Mgalekgolo, and of all things, a high councilor? Noooooot a good image. The only thing likely to save him was the distinctive orange of his armor, head-set, and weapons- Rak was well known for being... well, Rak. Everyone knew he wouldn't dare -try- to assault a councilor. Right?

"Greetings, High Counciler, Arbiter."

He nodded to the both of them, hoping his reputation for -not- putting his skills to use against people he worked with would keep him from getting... Well, obliterated by everyone there.

[Master Crim]

Igora heard the blast and looked up to its origin and saw the falling Jackal. Unsure of how, and not really caring why, he was falling he turned and put up his shield as the garrote and Kig-yar hit the ground protecting the councilor and growled low when he saw who it was. "Rak." He wasn't particularly fond of working with him and didn't like his constant tinkering.

[Daboss]

Simgi looked at the poor grunt’s corpse, then at the grunts working on the cannon. It was a shame, his brethren were prone to acts of stupidity but pulling a weapon on a Sangheili was a death sentence. Still, the standard equipment of an Unggoy was notoriously weak the Sangheili could have disarmed him before he made it passed his shields. Oh well, he thought, it is not uncommon for this to happen to his kind, even though the act as plasma sponges more often than not saving the rest of them from taking plenty of hits. He dare not confront the Sangheili lest he face the same fate. The remaining grunts of the group working on the cannon were scared into work, but Simgi could tell that they were distraught. Then there was the lonely Armor Clad giant, Simgi couldn’t tell what to make of it. The bird-things at least had a personality but every Armor thing he’d met just stood or destroyed. Simgi cursed himself; he should know the names of his comrade’s species at least.
Everybody knew Simgi didn’t deserve his rank, everybody except his fellow Unggoy. Simgi was not particularly adept at combat, save for on-target grenade throws, fear still filled him but he could just barely manage it enough to keep a fight going, and most of the kills he got were thanks to extremely circumstantial environment, the hanging electric wire, the unstable scaffolding, and the ever present explosive corpses of his brethren thanks to the methane, at least they continued to serve in death. This lead Simgi to believe that, at least where cannon fodder is concerned, Ranks are given based on how long they can soak up fire. “Competent Fighter” was giving him too much credit, but at least the other Unggoy appreciated him, and would even follow his orders sometimes.
He had barely noticed the counselor, he glared at Rava,
“The more you kill my brothers, the less likely they are to stop plasma for you” Simgi said. He wouldn’t take physical action, and the pilot may not care, but at least the Unggoy’s feelings would be known.

[MisterButtons]

Hagana couldn't help but quirk his head after the grunt spoke. 'Brave speech from a small one.' He thought, quickly returning his head to the proper angle. Hagana's splitting from his bond brother had not happened long ago, but the shared intelligence he had received after the splitting was enough to tell him that it was unusual for the small ones to speak out like this one had. Or speak anything coherent at all. Hagana did not have much respect for the small ones, but this one, he felt, deserved some. He thought back to the fast one falling from the ceiling. It brought warm feelings to him seeing the fast one land like that, although it was somewhat dampened by what he felt from Igora. Igora did not like this fast one; that much was obvious, although Hagana couldn't glean a reason from Igora.

Hagana sighed internally. 'Feelings are weird.'

[amberstrike]

"Tahlia Diboon, is making her way to the front procession, leading a small pack of grunts. We are all sufficiently armored, and will advance upon the enemy!"
This was many of the monologues that surfaced in the mind of the lowly grunt. Although her speech was not as adequate as one might hope, it did serve her to at least think in a way that would befit her clan. On a day like today however, it was best to keep low and make like a duckling behind a more superior leader. Unfortunately the most awkward entrance that befit a Jackal, was promptly exposed to the higher up's. Sneering with contempt and a shredded giggle, Tahlia watched the bugger make fancy words at those who should be respected. Her own form was hidden by a wall, and thankfully it wasn't occupied by anyone else at the moment. She didn't stay long to watch what would happen, but instead went off to find someone who would be able to give her orders. Marching somewhat raggedly to a different set of halls, Tahlia saluted the one's in charge.
"Me ready for mission!" She squeaked as her ethanol hissed comparatively.

[Drakel]

The councilor looked at the arbiter as he was asked for his purpose on the mission. As the Arbiter spoke the other metal giant walked towards him. Indeed Arbiter, I will be joining your team to help fight with them in combat. I hope they won't dissa- As the Councilor spoke he listened to the pilot's response to his previous question... By the end of it the counselor stopped speaking for a second to turn to the pilot in near disbelief. "wha- Asked the Councilor but was cut off by the falling Kig-yar. The Councilor was seconds from grabbing his plasma rifle out of the shock and lucky for the kig-yar he did't. The only real reason he didn't however was the fact that the Mgalekgolo beside him moved forward to defend his councilor. As the Kig- yar first noticed the councilor he turned around and said his hellos to only the arbiter and the councilor... completely forgetting the Spec-Ops officer. Looking at the Kig-yar the councilor didn't look pleased at all. Anger was seen behind his eyes now as was his frustration great. " Please Kig-Yar... Continue what you had to say. Don't let us stop you... I think your last words were, 'reactive pieces of...' Next thing the Councilor did was call out for an elite. "MINOR!!! Yelled the counselor as he pointed to one of the other Sangheili in blue armor. The elite quickly ran up to the councilor standing tall and ready for any orders. "What are your orders? "

Looking at the elite and around at the group the councilor made no eye contact as he began to speak. I have a message that you are to deliver to the Ship Master... I am displeased with the crew handling of this ship. So far I see twenty violations thus far. This includes the following... Unggoy are working on engineering instead of the Yanme'e. Members of this ship do not know their higher ups, nor do they know how to greet their commanding officers, this is including yourself. An Unggoy attacked a Sangheili, showing signs that they are undisciplined. Mgalekgolo were not be with their brothers, Kig-Yar are playing around until they fall from above and most importantly, thus far nobody greeted the spec-ops officer other than me... The Ship Master WILL have his ship in top Military condition when we are back on this ship or I will personally see to it that he will be replaced and executed for disgracing our Covenant with this carelessness. AM I CLEAR?!" The Sangheili Minor gave a quick nod before replying to the counselor with a simple "Yes High councilor, I'll be sure to give you his messa- I mean give him your message right away." With that the counselor gave him a dismissive wave and looked at the Arbiter and Spec-ops officer and letting out a sigh and a shake of his head he looked at the Arbiter again. " Apologies for my rudeness Arbiter, as I was saying... I volunteered to work with the troops so that I can see what needs and what doesn't need to be fixed within our military forces. I'll then be proposing new ideas onto the council in hopes that they will actually agree with ideas that are made off of the pleas of our troops... as am I here to check if our standards are being held at all times."

Right when the Councilor finished he noticed a grunt come and not only talk out of turn, but spoke hid mind against the pilot. With a irritated growl the councilor looked down at the unggoy and with a clench of his fist the councilor stared at the Unggoy, waiting for the proper military greetings. This was three times was far too many and soon the Councilor looked at the Spec-Ops Officer and the arbiter, trying his best to ignore it. "So Arbiter, I've heard about your abilities in the field of combat and leadership. You know I'll still be keeping you at a high standard if those stories are true. Likewise for you Spec-Officer..." jokingly said the Councilor before he gave a slight pause at the ending of his statements as a signal that he has yet to meet or even know the Sangheili's name.

[NacNak]

Rava's eye's widened at the high councillors "outburst" but he kept a calm stance, he watched as the high councillor sent a minor to go to the ship master and waited to be spoken to again, when he was Rava gave the councillor his full attention
"I wouldn't expect anything less high councillor" he said with a slight smile that was hidden by his helmet
"now, let us make hast, the Light of Truth is closing on the heretic base" Rava said as he made his way onto the Phantom

[Master Crim]

Igora was not satisfied with the report the high councilor was sending to the ship master. This made staying with him as a guard difficult for him, but he was glad when Rava gave the command to board which gave him and his brother a reason to leave the councilor'c side. "Come, maybe now we can get a better briefing on what we are to do on this mission." He said to Hagan which to others sounded like just a bunch of growling. Making his way into the Phantom his big armored shoes klanging.

[Stryder]

Katan gave somewhat of a nod toward the High Councilor, nothing more than that though, he was slightly bothered by the Kig-yar and others. He wasn't going to dwell on it, after all he would see them all in battle and battle was something he lived for. Now that their vessel was closing in on the heretic's hole in which they may have referred to as a safe haven. He readily followed the Arbiter, standing to the left of him, glancing at the hunter that had been walking without his brother accompanying him .The sooner they got onto the Phantom then the sooner they would strike down the heretics.

[datadogie]

Ramo was about to say something, but stopped himself as the councilor gave an outburst, making Ramo's eyes widen a tiny bit. He didn't say anything, lest he anger the high councilor more than he apparently was. The Arbiter said that they should make haste, and Sangheili pilot obliged by walking into the phantom, then walking to the cockpit and sitting down on the pilot's chair. He began to tap on holographic displays, beginning the system and subsystem check for any problems on the craft. He would do this until his superiors gave the order to take off.

[Arlear]

Rak lofted a brow at the Councilor's outburst, holding back a wide variety of sarcastic jabs and comments. Oh what he'd give to be able to insult someone that high up and not get slaughtered... But, thankfully, he held his tongue for now, following the rest onto the ship. Just after Ramo, he slipped into the cockpit, taking a seat in a corner near the pilot's chair and setting to tinkering with his skirmish shield, turning it on and off every once in a while to ensure it was working properly.

"How much you want to bet the councilor has us all shot when we get back for 'Poor behavior as military personnel'?"

His words were directed at Ramo, accompanied by a snicker- And said too low for anyone else to hear, just in case said councilor was nearby. Not a good idea to say that where he could hear, after all.

[datadogie]

Ramo paused when he heard the Kig-Yar sit near him and make a comment about the councilor. Ramo turned in his seat as a few holographic items of the display re-arranged themselves, and face the Kig-Yar.
"Do not say such things." Ramo said quietly. "If he were to hear you, he'd have your head." Ramo shook his head slightly, and turned back to the console. Even quieter than before, he added; "I hate to say it, but I agree with you." Ramo went back to tapping on the console.

[Arlear]

===================
PUSHING THE STORY
===================

Some time later, through a good deal of grumpy looks, awkward silence, and stealthy flying on Ramo's part, the phantom and crew touched down on the target asteroid. Hidden behind a particularly large rock outcropping, the team unloaded from the phantom. The hunter pair came first, High Councilor between them, shortly followed by Rava and Katan. Behind them came Rak and Ramo, and everyone else really. They all peered around, some wary, some excited, some generally emotionless at the prospect of slaughtering a bunch of heretics.

They were, thankfully, within walking distance of where the base was estimated to be, just out of sight of possible watchmen. As the Councilor began explaining the mission- Still grumpy, apparently, and having been silent for the phantom ride- Rak tuned out, only mumbles reaching his ears as he simply stared around, drumming his fingers on his thigh absently. He furrowed his brows, stomach suddenly rumbling, and with that his thought train trailed off further.

I wonder if the heretics are meaty.... Maybe I can steal a quick meal while nobodies looking...? The food on the ship is so bland, I could use a good chunk of Sangheili right now...

With that thought, he gave a brief glance to the elites standing around him, resisting the urge to lick his lips before shrugging and turning his gaze towards where the heretic base was estimated to be. He'd find a meal there, certainly...

At a particularly firm snap of speech from the Councilor, Rak's attention snapped back to the group, head shaking a moment to clear other thoughts from it. A few of the group were staring at him, apparently having noticed he hadn't been paying attention. He made no attempt to hide it, simply shrugging and pointing at the Arbiter.

"He was picking his nose."

Just trying to get yourself killed, aren't you?

[NacNak]

Rava slowly glared at Rak before giving him a backhand to the head, knocking him to the ground making his face get buried into asteroid dirt
"hold you lies in you beak, less you want me to rip them out..." Rava growled to Rak before he continued forward to the heretic base, as the entrance into the asteroid came into view that led to the heretic base, Rava activated his camouflage as he made his way to the entrance

[Stryder]

Katan stared at the downed Kig'yar for a brief moment before grabbing the being by the arm and lifting him to his feet. "Save your words, Rak..." The spec ops officer spoke before joining the Arbiter's side once more, going into active camouflage as well, he caught sight of two guards at the door, sanghelli heretics. "Arbiter, our enemy greets us..." He spoke, the two elites stood firm, wielding carbines.

[Arlear]

Rak gave a loud grunt as the smack impacted and he went sprawling. It wasn't like he hadn't expected it, so it really only amused him further. After laying there a moment trying not to bust out laughing, he accepted the help up from Katan, nodding a thanks and following the two, hiding in a more conventional manner, seeing as he lacked a cloaking module. Still, he was a stealthy son of a bitch.

"Will you two be killing them, or shall I?"

He -was- the assassin figure here, after all.

[Stryder]

Katan was prepared to ready his blade before he heard Rak's words, asking if he could deal with the heretics. The officer smiled somewhat, if he wished to prove himself against their foes then so be it. "You have my approval Rak...." He said, for now he staved his blade, not going to strike at all unless Rak's assassination attempt went wrong. If such a thing occurred, he would be ready to jump into the battle.

[Drakel]

As they traveled in the Phantom to their destination the Councilor looked at the group and began to explain the entire mission in grave detail on the plan as to how they were going to defeat the heretics. Their mission wasn't to kill them all, but assassinate their main generals and a heretic major Heretic leader. Once he was finished with the details he looked at the Kig'yar completely looking around in the ship and ignoring the details. 'This Kig'yar is going to kill the entire team...' thought the councilor, as he looked at the others to make sure they understood the mission. Right when he finished and the others looked at the Kig'yar did the jackal gave out a major outburst and utter lie about the arbiter. The councilor narrowed his eyes at the creature before hearing from the phantom shipmaster that they have reached their destination. Slowly the councilor walked out of the phantom, along side with the arbiter and spec-ops officer. " Remember Katan, I'm will only be following for this mission. So if needed don't hesitate to give out your orders. whispered the Counselor, trying to reassure the Spec-ops officer that for the time being it's okay to give the councilor orders... It was, after all, the Spec-op's officer's mission to lead after all. After he spoke to the Spec-ops officer the councilor activated his own active camouflage as he continued to walk with the arbiter and the spec-ops officer.

[amberstrike]

Staying near the back of the squad that made up the Phantom's regiment (which Tahlia secretly called the phat-man), Tahlia stood stock still at attention. Watching with interest all the goings-on of her fellow comrades. As she jealously stared at the Elite's invisibility, her head tilted to the side in amusement, and went over the instructions that were given. She was hoping to be of some use in the battle, even though a hireling would probably do most of the fun work. More than likely she would be outposted near some other low ranking creeps, and they would patrol a small quarter of the space, for back-up. While her tank whined shortly, her mind rolled backwards to another memory. Just her and a few other grunts had fallen asleep near a carbine deposit. They were supposed to be patrolling, but their feeble minds had shut off when there were no enemies around. Nevertheless, it had been a failure on her part as well, and she hoped to not fall asleep on this mission. Though standing around listening didn't help either. Her stubby legs wanted to lock into position, thereby causing her to buckle and pass out. This would not bode well with her superiors. So she waddled in place for a bit, wondering how long it would take before they actually got to leave the phat-man.

[Master Crim]

Igora and his brother took seats nearest the exit of the Phantom as it took off and began heading the the asteroid where they would engage the Heretics. The flight was relatively short as they landed only minutes after takeoff. The Hunter Brothers were first off securing the Drop Zone as the others followed once the all clear was given. Everyone was off and listening to the mission orders while Igora and his brother stood watchig the surroundings. The mission details didn't really hold much relevance to them as their orders came on an as needed bases of 'take bown that door' 'hold our flank' 'clear the room' and other such orders.

As the group moved foward the Hunters stayd at the back of the pack to stay out of view waitig for their next order.