[IC] Halo: ONI Section III Blacklist

[Legion-114]

PLANET: REACH, HEAVEN’S GATE STATION, UNSC BLADE’S EDGE HANGER

Far above the once military fortress of the UNSC, the Blade’s Edge, a UNSC Epoch-class Carrier that has recently been enlisted by ONI: SECTION III after receiving a distress call from Horizon, a small colony on the edge of UNSC space. With confirmation of Forerunner technology present, ONI has begun the preparations for a containment investigation.

Across the scared hull of the ship, pelicans and cargo-ships skim the edge and begin to make their way into the hanger bay where hundreds of troopers, all with standard issue armour race from one end of the hanger to the other as warthogs, mammoths and even mantises are loaded into their locking bays, ready for quick assault on hostile territory. Overseeing the entire operation was SPARTAN-W114, or rather known by most as Gravedigger. Standing there with his hands on his hips, he awaits Avalon to inform him that those specially chosen return from shore leave and meet him in the CIC.

[Nallore]

Vanessa sat in the back of a pelican, she was already wearing a black under suit that most Spartan-IV personnel wore she had her set of armor already sent to the Blade's Edge before she arrived and ready for use when she had gotten onto the ship. Vanessa stood up making her way over towards the small view port there was Reach below her, her home she grew up in after the Covenant came and attacked Arcadia the first time though she didn't remember since she was an infant back then. Just as the pelican had touched down in the hangar of the Blade's Edge, Vanessa was the first to get off of the pelican then a few marines and other technicians got out as well.

Vanessa looked around watching all of the activity going on in the hangar, she was given orders to report to the CIC of the Blade's Edge and started to make her way there.

[Izaka Sazaka]

"Attention on deck!"

It was only a moment or so after the colonel stepped off that a nearby trooper snapped to attention and offered a proper salute, soon after those around him followed suit in a similar manner. With a dismissive wave of his hand Colonel Morrel returned the action in turn, highly polished boots clicking against the cold, metallic floor of the ship's interior.

The colonel had always hated space travel. From the feel of zero-g pelican flight to the sick sensation one got when they realized that outside these metallic walls there was nothing offering protection from the vast expanse of limitless death, the Colonel had learned that space flight was and always would be a hazardous business. It was a few moments after the colonel stepped off that his staff followed suit, ten in total, these professional soldiers and intel specialists immediately returned to their previous actions: bombarding him with questions about the upcoming missions and the ships overall readiness.

Having been put in nominal command of the operation Morrel was obliged to answer a fair number of their concerns, though he was always wary to separate possibly restricted information such as their destination and total offensive capabilities. Indeed, most of these staff officers who were ONI themselves were not even aware that there were SPARTANS on board.

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The walk to the CIC passed quickly as the colonel's aids one by one dropped away to resume their jobs at various points throughout the ship. Coming to a halt outside the CIC main hatchway the colonel's boots again came together in a smart manner, clicking softly as the doors slide open to allow him passage inside. "Avalon, status update. What's our time on target for departure?"

[Legion-114]

@Izaka Sazaka

Blade’s Edge, CIC

As the Colonel spoke, a red, silhouette of a man materialised on top of the planning board. Besides the obvious male features, the A.I was completely blank.
“Greetings Colonel, Horizon Colony Command is still unresponsive from their emergency broadcast that we had received. 97% of crew and equipment have been checked in. We are to depart in seven hours and thirty –two minutes.” Avalon explained, his voice surprisingly human; almost like a young male student.

---

Knight walked in soon after Avalon had finished his explanation, surprised to see the Colonel, Knight was taken aback a bit and gave a quick salute before heading over to his post near the command console so he could explain to the rest of the newly formed Fireteam Quantum what their purpose and objective were.
“Sir, am I to assume that you’ll boots will be touching land during the mission?” Knight asked, his voice brisk but not without respect.

[Izaka Sazaka]

“Sir, am I to assume that you’ll boots will be touching land during the mission?"

Colonel Morrel returned the spartan's salute casually and without looking away from the view panel the ship's AI was presenting him. "That's correct Spartan Gravedigger, I'll be stepping off with the rest of the team." 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. "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." 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.

"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."

[Legion-114]

@Nallore@Flamelord@Otaku95@Izaka Sazaka

"As you wish, sir." Knight replied. Although he wasn't 100% happy that the Colonel was on-board, it did mean that something larger was afoot. And with Avalon working of a Blacklist closed network, he would have to actually be present during the mission.

"The Fireteam has already been called and should, with a bit of luck be on it's way." Knight explained as he called up Avalon who, once again materialised, but this time as a human sized figure who stood next to Knight. "How's Sparky holding up?" He asked. However, Avalon seemed a bit annoyed with the subject in question.

Avalon placed his hands on his virtual hips and shook his head. "He's bloody going round changing everything, he thinks he knows it all. Just a few hours ago he tried to upgrade one of the deck guns with some foreign material." Avalon remarked in an angry manner. But Knight just chuckled. "He's just trying to help, it's a new environment for him, plus he'll be needed for the mission, and he gives Adam company in the lab."

[Flamelord]

Mulgrew huffed to himself as he approached the CIC, a bit late compared to everyone else if he didn't miss his guess. But that was hardly his fault, or so he would like to think. It wasn't as if he had been responsible for the obvious favoritism that had taken over the UNSC defense forces, favoring the Marines over the Army. Sure, the Marines had greater tactical flexibility, and general quality, but that didn't mean the Army was any less deserving. But it seemed that the politicians didn't agree.

Still, he tried to not let things like that cloud his view, especially as he prepared to take part in this operation. It would be a nice change from dodging snipers and dealing with Insurrectionist IED's, now wouldn't it? And he supposed that was the best he could ask for, in the era after the Human-Covenant War.

The halls were bustling with activity, the ship preparing to get on the move for this mission even with the covert nature of it. It just meant that there wasn't any idle chit chat from those passing by, focused on their jobs as they were. A pity, but he'd survive. He was here after all.

He made his way in at a brisk walk, entering the room before saluting. "Thomas Mulgrew, reporting for duty sir," he said firmly, as he had been trained to do. ONI spooks gave him the creeps, and he noted the Spartans, but maintained his composure. If nothing else, he would show them what the Army could do.

[Legion-114]

As Mulgrew walked into the CIC he couldn't help but make a snide remark towards him. "I see that Corporal Mulgrew managed to find his way to the CIC, top military training right there." Avalon sniggered. However, Knight wasn't all too pleased with Avalon's attitude.

"You'll have to forgive him, he's just upset that he's not the newest toy on board the ship. Get comfortable, the meeting's going to start soon."

[Nallore]

Vanessa started to make her way over towards the CIC walking past some other personnel on the ship, as she got closer she could hear some talking and then entered the CIC looking around the room and saluted towards the colonel and then her fire team leader. "Spartan Vanessa Neal reporting for duty sir." Vanessa said as she took a few steps further into the room to listen to the briefing.

[Izaka Sazaka]

As soon as the second Spartan entered and rendered her salute the colonel returned in, ever wary of their all-important customs and courtesies. Turning to clasp his hands behind his back the staff officer once again observed the CIC and was pleased to note that most of the team had assembled as per his request. There were only a few stragglers who had yet to report in.

"Spartan Gravedigger I believe it's about time we got this briefing underway. The sooner the information is dispersed the sooner your men can start selecting their mission tailored load outs." The colonel's words had the subtle effect of putting Knight in charge, leaving the details of the mission explanation and squad organization to him. It was a delicate delegation of the colonel's power and not something he did lightly. Had he not had the highest trust in the Spartan to get the job done he would have given the briefing himself.

[Legion-114]

Knight would simply give a nod of approval towards Vanessa and make his way to the main Command Console. "Seeing that we've all managed to get here, let's begin." Knight stated as he begun swiping keys across the console until a holographic projection of a planet displayed in the centre of the room.

"Horizon, ladies and gentleman. A very remote colony that sparked the interest of many scientists and aerologists due to it's abundance of Forerunner technology. However a few days ago the colony reported it's biggest ever discovery. An instillation that is almost a perfect match to the Portal Structure in New Mombasa on Earth. However shortly after reporting its discovery the colony referred to the installation as 'Pandora's Box then the colony went dark. That means we lucky few are, for now on a recon mission. We are to go to Horizon and check out what the hell is going on. Once we've established the depth of the situation, we are to investigate this... Pandora's Box and find out its true nature, which our engineer and Forerunner expert, Sparky will help us with. Any questions?"

[Legion-114]

@Nallore@Izaka Sazaka@Flamelord

As Knight awaited any response from the newly formed and informed fireteam, Avalon evaporated into a dance of pixels that dashed across the room. Soon a smaller version of him would reappear on top of the planning board. Within moments the blast visors closed around all the windows, sealing off the view of the planet below. This meant that they would soon be spinning up the FTL drive.

“Sir, we will be using the ONI Slip-Gate. I estimate that the time to get to Horizon will be roughly twelve hours. That’s of course if we don’t get ripped to pieces with the new, untested technology first.”

Soon, the engines of the Blade’s Edge hummed their mechanical song of ignition and the vessel slowly began to pull away from Heaven’s Gate and drifted towards a small, semi-circle structure that was guarded by a vast amount of warships.

“Reporting that all crew and cargo are checked in. Slip-space jump authorisation confirmed. Beginning jump in 3…2…1…MARK!” Avalon announced and as he did so the structure lit up with a cracking lighting effect and the Blade’s Edge was travelling through the vast stream of space.

"I sure hope that Sparky didn't think about touching the FTL drive."

[Flamelord]

Mulgrew glanced over to the holographic representation of the AI, indicating his displeasure even while keeping from a full on expression of it. "I see," he replied succinctly, leaving his true feelings unsaid. But there could certainly be something said about the AI not being able to take a nap, or something.

His eyes widened slightly then as he looked over to see a Spartan entering the room, the Corporal still somewhat awed to be here with them. That could hardly be his fault though, given the near mythical status that had been built up about the Spartans during the war. Anyone else without significant contact with them would act the same way.

But there was no more time to dwell on that as the meeting began, and he listened quietly as the plan was explained, before they hit some sort of....'Slip-gate', and were on their way. Well then ONI certainly didn't waste their time, did they? Still, it didn't seem too bad he supposed. Certainly it was a step up from fighting the Innies.

"So what do we do now sir," he asked at that point, now that they were underway. If they had twelve hours to kill, then there was certainly plenty of time to be prepared.

[Legion-114]

Knight looked over the Corporal folding his arms in a some what unprepared way. He had his mind so focused on the future events he hadn't considered the present.

"I suppose you should take this as some recreational time, but don't get too excited, I want everyone ready for immediate combat deployment. "

[Izaka Sazaka]

"I'll be on station in the staff room if any of you have any question about the mission." The colonel uttered this succinct statement and was rather quickly moving to exit the command room. Although his main priority was indeed ONI's little pet op he did have the entire rest of the ship to run in the mean time.

After exiting the CIC colonel Morrel moved to the staff command room, an adjacent area filled with all manner of view screens and busily bustling officers of all kinds. Brass here ranged from lieutenant all the way up to lieutenant colonel as the various S-shops did their duties. After taking a seat near the back of the room in his command chair the first thing on the list was receiving status reports from the various officers who ran the ship. Most of the stuff was just part of the daily grind of his job, though a couple notables appeared and were resolved with his authority.

As the ship's AI Avalon was practically attached at the hip to Morrel, being given personal access to all files the colonel received. For the most part strong-boxed AI's like Avalon could be trusted with top-level military secrets, especially since this one was classed under ONI's command. Functionally, Avalon was an extension of the colonel's will and because of their collaboration the ship ran that much smoother. This is how the colonel spent the time between the briefing and the ship's arrival on target.

[ChaoticFox]

Angel hopped off the navy blue, ONI marked pelican that had just landed on UNSC Blade's Edge before it began to accelerate. She removed her helmet as the hangar doors closed and both gravity and air returned to the room. A soldier ran up to her and quickly saluted before running her through a short briefing of the mission before she nodded and began walking towards the CIC.

Upon arrival she nodded to the members of the newly formed fireteam that still remained in the CIC before walking into the staff command room to greet the colonel, her battle worn navy blue armor clinking lightly as she entered.

“Greetings Colonel, apologies for my absence at the meeting.” she nodded at the holographic figure “Avalon.”

Angel walked around and took in the command room, her own AI chattering quietly in her ear. Angel wasn't one to talk much and she was often silent during missions unless she was required to talk.

[Legion-114]

Avalon nodded back at Angel and although it couldn't be seen through his blank, hollow face, he was probably smiling.
Knight, dismissing the rest of Fireteam Quantum mentioned to Avalon, and the rest of the crew that he would be making his way to the research lab. The doors whipped open and Knight departed.

Traveling through the metallic corridor, Knight's immediate destination was the inboard monorail that would take him to the lab on the bottom deck.

As the doors of the lab opened, an entirely new world of chaos was awaiting inside. Knight carefully sidestepped down a few steps and examined the mess of tools and devices, of who's origin were yet to be determined.

"ADAM?!" William called out, taking his helmet off in the process and placing it down of a table which only had a small free space on it.
There was a ruffle of papers followed by a quite, insecure voice that had been caught off guard.

"Ah, there you are brother! Come, come. Take a look at this!" Adam called out, straightening his glasses and lab coat.
Reluctantly, William moved up towards the small office in which his brother, who was no doubly sleeping from a long, overnight shift.
"Here, take a look at this!" Adam cried out again, pointing towards an odd object that slept on Adam's desk.

William looked down at the object, clearly it was of Forerunner in nature, William couldn't saw much more than that.
"What is it?" He asked, almost scarred to what the answer may result in.

"It's a key of some kind!" Adam replied eccentrically, waving his arms rampantly. "Sparkly was able to repair it!"
William place a hand on his face.
"You need to get out more, Adam." William remarked, but his attention more focused at searching the ceiling above. "Sparky, you can come down from there." William called out.

At first, it would have seemed that William was just calling out into thin air, but after a second or so there was a low, extended cooing sound followed by soft crackling sounds.

After a moment a Huragok descended and floated towards William, tentacles waving in excitement. William patted it on the head with a smile.
"How you been, Sparky?"

[ChaoticFox]

Lt. Edwards tapped the earpiece she was wearing, speaking in a quiet voice as she promptly put her helmet back on "Iris, run me through the briefing notes again. Start to finish." On command, the female AI voice began to recite the shortened briefing that she had gotten not long before. The lieutenant got a few looks from passing ONI staff, some of awe, others in fear. But no one bothered her. The ones who knew her knew of her almost perfect service record, the ones who didn't knew her from the mission that was never spoken of.

After finishing a few run throughs of the mission, Angel removed her helmet, being careful to pull it around the tight bun that her short brown hair was in. She tucked the helmet under her arm before standing to head to the bridge. As she walked on, someone quickly turned, calling out “Officer on deck” to which most of the crew that wasn't occupied by piloting quickly saluting her. She calmly waved them off and stood on the bridge with her hands clasped behind her back, looking out into space

[Nallore]

As the briefing finally came to an end Vanessa looked along the other members of the team that she was now a part of seeing some going their own ways Vanessa could feel her stomach grumble slightly. "I'll be at the mess hall if anyone of you wants to hang out or something until this mission starts." Vanessa said turning around she removed her helmet and started to make her way towards The Blade's Edge's mess hall, as she walked down the hallway Vanessa looked along some of the fellow marines and ODSTs and other members of the crew of the Blade's Edge.

When Vanessa finally made it there she grabbed a tray and started to grab the food setting it down onto the tray before finding her own seat close to a window looking out all she could see was the darkness of slipspace.

[Legion-114]

Horizon Orbit

The twelve hours passed very quickly on board the Blade's Edge. The ship tore itself from slipspace and below them was Horizon, glimmering in the gaze of the twin binary stars. However the beauty of the image couldn't be savoured as alarms began to sound and red emergency lights began to flash. Avalon bgan to broadcast across all stations.

"Attention all crew, prepare for battle stations, several Covenant CSS battle cruisers have been detected. Report to team leaders for further orders."