Skyrte

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus" // Aboard the M510 Mammoth >>

Tasuma spent the next two days in a less traveled corner of the Mammoth, in a pile of lekgolo worms, with its armor and weapons piled next to it. Tasuma spent its time focused on growing the colony, expecting that it would need more mass to survive this mission. It noticed that under the command of the ODSTs, the hunter was used as a mobile mortar. Held back just behind the front lines to provide a solid defense for a quick and sudden fall back action, and utilizing its assault cannon as a makeshift mortar. However under the command of Sangheili and Spartans, it noticed that more often than naught Tasuma was utilized as a breakthrough or bodyguard unit, often times separated from the main team. Tasuma thought it was because of the smaller unit scale, and granted, Aegis was a smaller unit.

Occasionally members of the team would stop by and they would have some small talk. Yalu discovered that he was actually Tasuma's senior, having served longer in the military, though not by much. Aviza discovered that Tasuma had an interest in human movies and novels, and that once he pranked a whole platoon of ODSTs who were piling into a theater for some R&R. Tasuma had split his body into many smaller forms and taken each seat, eliciting some 40 or so surprised apologies or exclamations from drop troopers who nearly sat on the lekgolo worms.

When the Mammoth suddenly halted, Tasuma felt urgency in some of the crewmembers and Aegis members. In response the colony moved over, occupying its empty armor and forming the two armed, two legged Mgalekgolo form. It took only a moment, and then it stood upright. It looked around, signifying that Tasuma was idle and awaiting orders.

...

<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus" // Dismounted, approaching area of operation. >>

Tasuma followed the team, taking up the rear once more. It stayed a little more than a dozen meters behind the team, short enough that Tasuma would be able to sprint up to the team if they required armor, and far enough that the Hunter would be able to provide indirect fire support with its assault cannon. Though it didn't have a spotter to give it accurate coordinates and degrees to fire at, Tasuma knew enough to do it himself, though with less accuracy.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus" // Aboard the M510 Mammoth >>

”You seem ready for battle, but there is more I would know about you. I was given a document with your history, but I would prefer to ask you myself. You are unusual for one of your kind. Your armor, equipment, the way you act towards them… you have worked with the Humans long before the idea of this team was conceived. You also fight without a bond brother, yet the spikes on your back show that you do, or did, have one. I am curious what events brought you here.” Vael said. Tasuma thought to itself, unusual yes, and yes, it had worked with humans before Aegis was created. The Sangheili was a perceptive one, but then again, Tasuma knew that most were. Its story was quite a long one, and it began to think about how to structure the story, or even how to tell it. It knew that humans liked to embellish their stories, inject humor, draw the listener in with drama and tension. It knew that some Sangheili enjoyed heroic tales, by human standards, like their ancient epics. Or status reports, Tasuma supposed. Lekgolo communicated stories very differently however, and it likely would not be biologically feasible to do it the way the Lekgolo do it.

Thankfully, they were interrupted. Spartan Aviza had appeared with a query, concerning an unknown pattern of Energy Sword she had in her hands. Giving the colony time to collect its thoughts. But... the sword was a 'Spartan Killer'? Of the Silent Shadow? Tasuma looked at the blades hilt with curiosity, it had heard of no such thing before. It knew that the Spartan Clans were the greatest warriors of humanity. These red swords must be rare, for it to have appeared here in this vehicle for use by the team, someone must have 'pulled some strings', as the humans called it. Spartan Aviza then took off her helmet and suggested they go up a deck to plan out the next move. Commander Vael felt... Tasuma rose its spikes in an attempt to hone its sense. Anger? Most Sangheili wore anger on their sleeves, even to allies and each other. Irritation? And an attempt to be civil in a strange alliance? Tasuma wondered, but ultimately, the colony was amused. Most didn't care for the history of Hunters. Though the Commander did give Tasuma an order to explore the vehicle, a wise decision, if there was an attack the Hunter would need to know where it could go and where it couldn't. Showing that Vael liked to know the abilities of the team, in its environment. Then the Spartan and Sangheili departed, going up the stairs.

With Tasuma looking around the vehicle, it wasn't long that another grabbed its attention. Grik called the Hunter over, and Tasuma walked towards the friendly Unggoy. Grik gestured to a pile of forerunner metals, saying that he was done with his work. Tasuma was pleased, it would get to taste Forerunner material so soon? It wasn't exactly what its ancestors feasted on many years ago, but it was close enough. The metal-skin of Forerunner sentinels, the Holy Warriors of The Sacred Rings. Tasuma waved its assault cannon over the pile, its claws sifting through the pieces. After a moment it picked out a clean piece of scrap. It rose the piece to its helmet, so that the others knew it was examining it. Its team was being sociable, getting to know each other. Perhaps it should attempt to do the same.
"Ancient Lekgolo consumed the Rings of Te... we always wondered how it tastes." Tasuma spoke, looking at the metal. Just under its helmet, a hole appeared between the individual lekgolo, and Tasuma placed the scrap inside. The hole closed. It was... "Disappointing." Tasuma remarked. But it didn't spit it out, instead it rolled the metal inside of the colony, chipping away at it little by little. "Hard. Reminds us of Nanolaminate. But Nanolaminate becomes... chewy. Titanium-A. Easily best, to us. Cold, when brittle, becomes crunchy. A pleasant snack. Like... big potato chips." Tasuma said to Grik and Ben. Tasuma then picked up the pieces and walked over to the lockers, placing them inside. "We will clean them later. They will make a good snack for long deployments. Thank you." Tasuma said.

Tasuma then turned to the stairs and approached the right side stairwell. One of the Mammoth crewmembers, monitoring a console on the side of the troop bay, saw the Hunter and ran up to it.
"Woah woah, hold on there big guy, I know the stairs are rated for Spartans but you're like... ten of 'em at once!" The crewman said. In response, the Hunter looked at the man for a moment, then leaned over him menacingly, craning its neck to seem taller. Though, the Hunters spikes remained still. "Ah- I mean, you're looking great for a Hunter, slim and strong, not saying you're fat. You're just-"
Tasuma interrupted him with a, "Ha! Hah, hah."
"You're?" The crewman was confused, "Laughing? Ah you big joker." he chuckled nervously. Tasuma went back to its normal posture and looked at its shield. "Ah maybe if you- yeah, uh huh." Tasuma walked over and placed both its assault cannon, and two ton shield, under the stair well. "Maybe on all fours? Spread out the weight a little, it's why the Mammoths wheels are so wide. If they were any smaller it'd just sink into the ground and get stuck."
Tasuma followed the crewmans instruction, and placed its two hands on the stairs first, widening its grip, taking up two stairs per hand. It looked to the crewman, who nodded. The Hunter then carefully walked up the stairs, and after a few moments, the Hunter had successfully ascended the stairwell without falling through the stairs itself. It looked back at the crewman, who gave it a double thumbs up. Tasuma in reply nodded in thanks. It walked over to the cockpit, where the command section was, arriving several minutes into whatever conversation was happening.
"We are present." Tasuma announced in a well practiced 'inside' voice. Though its heavy footsteps may have given it away before his announcement.

A deck below, the Crewman returned to his post. "Man the girlfriends never gonna believe that I was on the ass-end of a Hunters joke. Didn't even know they could joke."
The other crewman next to him snorted with amusement.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus" // Aboard the M510 Mammoth >>

Tasuma stayed put in the troop bay, fearing that the stairs leading up to the 2nd and 3rd decks weren't rated for its weight. It instead passed the time by watching what Grik was doing. In honesty the Hunter was more interested in the pile of scrap metal than what the Unngoy was doing. But he felt it was impolite to impose, it seemed that Grik was familiar with what he was doing, and Tasuma knew that some people became irritable when their work was disrupted. When Ben offered his help, Tasuma turned his attention away, not wanting to bother them. Perhaps he would browse through the metal later, when it was piled and stored away for cataloging.

It turned to examine the Warthogs mounted on the rail above it, they were extremely common in the UNSC, and extremely versatile. It took a moment to admire the vehicle, it knew its abilities in battle, as an enemy and an ally. It felt a Sangheili approach, but Tasuma wasn't sure which one it was just yet. It turned its head to look at the Elite.
“Tasuma, what is the status of your armor? Are repairs possible?” Vael asked.
"Commander." Tasuma addressed. It bowed its head slightly, in respect. "Armor integrity, full. Shield integrity, neared melting point in battle. Will cool, and return to optimal status with time." Tasuma reported. Concerning repairs, that was a much more complicated outcome. Depending on the part, a full weapon forge or weapons factory would be the best option to repair the armor plating. He knew that the UNSC were constructing one such specialized factory at Spatha Base on Earth, for the Iteyi Recovery Project, to produce spares for Tasuma and to experiment with nanolaminate materials. Out here in the field, if Tasumas armor split, there would be no feasible way to repair and reshape the armor to specification. However, the ODSTs did have a few tricks up their sleeve, it remembered. "If armor fails, we will require a Forge to repair to operational status. Or... 'duck tape'."

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus >>

Tasuma continued to take shots at the sentinels, despite the information that there were more, it would not fall to despair. Spartan Rykers suggestion offered an alternative defensive formation. One that emphasized combined firepower, rather than small pockets of defenders. However with the combined firepower came the added risk that the robotic defenders only needed to fire at one place. While Tasuma was sure its shield could defend against one, or maybe two beams, any more and the shield would likely fail. Thankfully such measures didn't seem to be necessary. Over the horizon, with impressive speed, the M510 Mammoth rolled forward, kicking up dirt behind it. The Mammoth opened up with missiles that streaked through the sky, tracking the sentinels, smacking into them with explosive force. Tasuma would have smiled at the sight, it determined. It slowed to a halt, then opened its rear door.

Tasuma turned its head to face its allies, "Go. I am rearguard." it vibrated. As soon as the team and the pilots darted for the Mammoth, Tasuma jogged forwards, keeping pace behind them. It then turned around, running backwards with eerie ease, with its cannon aimed up into the sky, and its shield at the ready. It only fired at targets weakened by the missiles, to finish them off, or at targets the missiles failed to hit. Several sentinels managed to get a moments burst of laser fire at the team, and some at Tasuma, which was deftly blocked by his shield. Tasuma even jogged up the ramp backwards, managing to avoid running into any teammates, crewmembers, or equipment. It remained at alert, with his weapons up and his spikes fully vertical. It was only when the ramp closed that it relaxed. Aviza asked if everyone was okay, and Tasuma rumbled in reply.
"Tasuma okay." It knew that after a crazed situation, the squad leaders of his former companions, the ODSTs, preferred to hear names rather than 'I' or 'me'. Tasuma understood, it was easier to hear a name then a status rather than a collection of 'I'm okay's'. Tasuma then craned its head high and around, looking at each squad member and the pilots, giving each of them around a second of looking. While Tasuma could feel their presence and status through his neural net, the ODSTs found it more comforting to see it actually look at them. Hopefully this team would as well. It then turned to look at its shield, twisting it and touching where the sentinel beams struck with a claw on his assault cannon. While at first glance the shield seemed fine, it likely would have failed if it took any more punishment. Tasuma thought that was troubling, a little.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus >>

The team worked well together, fanning out and splitting into teams quickly as the leader ordered. Surprisingly it wasn't just Grik to be beside him. Spartan Ryker was behind Tasuma not far behind, and the Spartan finished off the two sentinels that the Hunter had weakened. As the Hunter shielded itself from one beam attack, the Spartan peaked around Tasuma and emptied his SMG magazines into the attacking drone.
"I got your six, Tasuma. Wouldn't do to not have each other's backs, right?" The Spartan said. Tasuma let out an agreeable grunt, the Spartan was correct. Another sentinel aimed at Tasuma, this time at its rear, but this seemed like a coordinated attack. Multiple sentinels attacked their group, one fired a beam towards Grik, and another, already damaged, dived towards them. A second Spartan leapt to Tasuma's defense, taking a beam to the shields, allowing Tasuma to act. It fired a burst of incendiary gel bolts at the the sentinel firing at Grik, the bolts tracking and smacking against its shield, depleting them. Tasuma had no time to finish it off, it would have to rely on its team for that. Tasuma turned its attention to the diving sentinel, waiting a second for the right moment, then it lifted its shield and swung it. The two ton shield smashed against the damaged sentinel with a loud clang, sending it careening away several meters and into the dirt.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus >>

Tasuma looked back at Aviza, "Understood.", it then looked down at the Unggoy beside it, "Grik, stay alive."
The two ONI members exited the Pelican first, quickly followed by Aviza herself. The Spartan immediately let loose a long burst of assault rifle fire. Vael swiftly used the opportunity to reposition himself under the Pelicans left wing, using the wing as cover against the flying enemies. As gunfire intensified as more members joined the fray, Tasuma bounded forward. The majority of the team was still in one location, in the troop bay. While the sides of the exit was granted some ground cover from the small trench dug by the crash, and the top was excellently covered by the Pelicans tail section... if the Sentinels dropped lower to the ground and fired down the trench, almost everyone in the team would be exposed. Tasuma would cover that weakness then. It stopped just below the end of the Pelicans tail, ensuring that it still covered him from above, and it brought its shield to bear.

The small radio attached to Tasuma buzzed to life, it was a new voice. She informed the team of the Mammoths location and distance, and the number of the surrounding enemies. Tasuma listened, then opened up with its assault cannon against the nearest sentinel. It was turning towards Aviza, but the assault cannon fired quickly. With a rapid, high pitched thudding, a burst of plasma like incendiary gel bolts flew out of Tasumas assault cannon and struck the sentinel, knocking the sentinel aside and stripping it of its shields. Tasuma switched targets, trusting that its team would finish off the now exposed sentinel. It fired a burst of bolts at another sentinel, they were wise to Tasuma now, and this one attempted to strafe to dodge. The bolts tracked, striking the sentinel and stripping another of its shields. A third sentinel turned and fired its beam weapon at the Hunter. Tasuma rose its left arm, and the beam struck the nanolaminate alloy shield. The Hunter tilted the shield and kept it moving, ensuring the heat from the beam spread across a wider surface of the shield.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Autumn-class Heavy Cruiser - UNSC Chorus of Thunder >>

The Mgalekgolo was pensive, entire wars had been fought over these Forerunner structures. The Covenant itself went to war with the ancient Lekgolo over the Forerunner structures over Te, and after the Covenant brought the Lekgolo into their fold. The Great War had many objectives tied to Forerunner artifacts and ruins, and after, the Covenant was destroyed. The Sangheili took their freedom back from the San'shyuum, and forming a friendship with the humans that they fought against not long ago. It seemed to Tasuma that whenever Forerunner anything was involved, great change would follow.

When the team assembled to the hanger, Tasuma felt particularly alone. Before, it would always be with his bond brother. They were in constant communication, and while it was some consolation to know that Iteyi was alive and healing, the colony missed its brothers. The ODST Platoon was strange, Lt. Horn kept his troops on a tight leash. They were all so used to fighting alongside each other that they seemed more akin to a Lekgolo colony, than a unit of human warriors. They were often so rowdy, loud, and many of them liked to crowd around Tasuma. With them, it felt connected, feeling so many familiar entities around it. It reminded it of Te, a little. The Hunter looked at the Mammoth. Human war machines. They were beautiful in their own way. Practicality and usability seemed to be at the forefront of human design doctrine, and Tasuma could appreciate that. It sometimes sat down with some of the ODSTs, and listened to them discuss the many vehicles of the UNSC. It had heard of the Mammoth, supposedly a rolling firebase in of itself, armed with a 'mini-mac', a massive cannon that could fell spacebourne warships. This particular Mammoth was missing its weapon, to make it lighter and quicker. But its thick armored shell and massive wheels still provided protection and speed.

Tasuma walked over to a small stack of crates near the Mammoth, marked with the symbol of the Swords of Sanghelios, and spray painted with the ODST's flaming skull droppod. It instantly knew what it was. It gently removed the tops of the three boxes, revealing its Assault Cannon, Pavise Shield, and a pouch with straps. It opened the pouch, and removed one of many rolled pieces of cloth. Tasuma unrolled it and draped the grasslands camouflage cloak over its head, shoulders and back. It wiggled its spikes, revealing that the camo cloak was cut in a way that allowed its spikes to move freely. Tasuma then strapped the pouch to its leg, and looked at the Assault Cannon and Shield. The Assault Cannon was a more modern variant, it had been using it for a number of months before joining Aegis, and along with the newer cannon, it had been given a newer version of the Pavise Shield. While Tasuma accepted the newer equipment, he only replaced his pauldron for the newer one. Opting to keep the older, longer and heavier version of the shield. It grabbed the pauldron and fastened it to its left shoulder, then placed both of its hands into the shield and cannon. Lekgolo worms flowed forward, filling the space.

<< Shield World 006 "Sarcophagus" >>

Inside the Pelican, Tasuma's spikes were flowing freely. It was sensing its teammates around it. It was familiar with most of what was around it... Spartan-IV, Human, Sangheili, Unggoy. But some of the Spartans were different... very slightly different, but the differences didn't escape Tasuma. Were they from a different Spartan clan? And the one Tasuma had apologized to before, Aviza, it noticed the addition of something that wasn't there before. Perhaps it would ask later.
"Contact!"
Every Lekgolo in Tasuma's body tightened together, and in an instant the Hunter brought up its shield arm, slamming the tip of its shield into the ceiling of the Pelican, denting the metal plating. Tasuma took a step forward and braced itself, its spikes pressing flat against its back, and its gun arm pressing against its chest. Tasuma felt the drop ship rock back and forth, then there was a lurch.
"We're hit strap in!"

Not long after, the Pelican hit the ground. Another lurch, with violent shaking as the Pelican skidded. All the while Tasuma stood unmoving, having braced itself well. When the shaking stopped, Tasuma removed its shield from the ceiling, then approached the rear exit in a combat stance, assault cannon at the ready. Tasuma's spikes slowly rose to a threatening height, and it growled. While it didn't know how Aviza or Vael would command the team, it did know how a common Sangheili Commander in the Covenant Era would face the situation... likely with Unngoy and Kig-yar moving out first to attract fire, leaving the Sangheili, and Sharpshooter Kig-yar to destroy the Sentinels. It also knew how Lt. Horn would react, likely having some of his troops rip out armor paneling from the Pelican to use as shields, and then to destroy each Sentinel with focused massed fire. But with Tasuma...
"Enemy, I attract. On your ready." Tasuma spoke.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< Autumn-class Heavy Cruiser - UNSC Chorus of Thunder >>

The Mess Hall was always somewhere Tasuma went to for formality. To join its comrades in arms with their meals, to forge stronger bonds. Mgalekgolo themselves could consume dozens of pounds of nutrients in many forms, in mere minutes. But that was messy, unsightly, and could be done once every few weeks comfortably. The daily meals of humans were strange to it at first, but it quickly found that a meal with humans wasn't done just for food. There was jesting, boasting, chatter, every meal with humans could be like a festive feast. But also like a solemn ritual, soon after the death of friends, or a mission failed. It confused Tasuma at first, but it decided that losing a comrade in arms was similar to losing a bond brother. Tasuma certainly wasn't very joyful after Iteyi was wounded.

The Mess Hall in the Chorus of Thunder appeared to have a light mood, but things quieted down significantly after Tasuma managed to squeeze in through the door. It quietly, and politely, stood in line. When it was its turn to order, it was unexpectedly swift. It chose a dish that would need a bit of preparation from a person, then the Hunter walked over to a vending machine and gently tapped a few buttons on the console. Like it was already used to all of the machinery in the room. Tasuma walked over to the table with a bag of cheese puffs in claw. It knelt by the table.

Vael addressed Tasuma, ”Wherever it is we speak, I believe you should join us as well, Tasuma. You may be a key to our success. We need to familiarize ourselves with the differences between Human and traditional Sangheili command, and you appear to be experienced with both.”
Tasuma nodded slowly before gently opening the orange bag of puffs. It put a finger into the bag, and a single puff was attached to the finger. Tasuma formed a hole just below his helmet and put the puff there. Imitating how others eat. While Aviza and Vael spoke, Tasuma listened intently while snacking. As Vael said, Tasuma was familiar with both traditional Sangheili command, and how humanity commanded their forces up to a platoon level. After fighting alongside both the Covenant and UNSC for years, Tasuma had opinions that many Sangheili Commanders may not agree with.

It wasn't long until a serviceman came over with a tray with a plate of parmesan chicken pasta and glass of water. Tasuma looked at the serviceman.
"Thank. You." Tasuma said, its voice was deep and powerful, vibrating the floor underneath Tasuma's feet.
"Uh- eh-" The man swallowed and blinked, "Yeah. Anytime." Just as the serviceman began to walk away, Grik coughed and scrambled for a liquid, spilling some food onto the ground. The man saw Ben talk to the grunt and explain a few things. "Ah jeez." he muttered under his breath, "I'll grab a bucket."

Tasuma glanced to Ben and Grik before turning its attention to its plate. It picked up the glass of water and took a sip, then picked up the fork and began to eat casually. Tasuma stayed quiet, opting to listen to Aviza and Vael, rather than speak up. It knew that concerning Humans, styles of command varied wildly. And with Sangheili, many commanders were rigid in their doctrine.

Halo: Aegis Team

Tasumameyofaxre

<< Mgalekgolo Hunter >>
<< HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6 >>

Tasuma paid attention to the briefing. The ODSTs always did with seriousness, so, Tasuma would as well. With Iteyi, briefings were always too long, too much talking, too much religious fervor. Sangheili were warriors, but they had to lead others, like the Unggoy and Kig-Yar, who sometimes needed encouragement. Tasuma looked to Grik before setting its attention back to the AI and Captain. The briefing was short and to the point thankfully, like all of the briefings it had with the ODSTs. Tasuma thought about how Humanity could be warriors such as the Spartan Clans, the ODSTs, the Marines, yet also be so fearful and... cowardly. It remembered something Lt. Horn said once. He said that he wanted his daughter in the military, as they were a military family, but she became a scientist. He was still proud of her, but she went against his wishes. Tasuma brought his head lower slightly. Humans chose? When Tasuma was born, he was automatically a Mgalekgolo. A warrior colony. It wasn't anything else other than a warrior. It could never be anything other than a warrior. But... Iteyi could heal faster. Not much faster, but Iteyi was taking its time. It said that it was surprised that it enjoyed the company of the humans. Tasuma admitted to itself that human legends of war were quite enjoyable to listen and watch. The heroes of ancient humanity were difficult to understand, but trying to understand was... fun. The ODSTs said.

Then it was revealed that they would be going to The Sarcophagus. Tasuma stood up straighter. It was tremendous, a structure Tasuma had never seek the likes of before. What sort of engineering would it have taken to create such a thing? It wondered. As the rest of the team began to ask questions and discuss, Tasuma stared at the structure, trying to envision it's systems, it's construction, and the planning required. It also wondered how it tasted. Ancient Lekgolo once feasted on Forerunner facilities, thanks to the alliance with the Covenant, no Lekgolo tasted Forerunner metal since. Tasuma wondered if he could be the first.
The Captain turned to Tasuma and told it that instead of a cabin, the Hunter had been given a section of one of the hangers. In reply, Tasuma nodded.

---

<< Autumn-class Heavy Cruiser - UNSC Chorus of Thunder >>

Tasuma had actually been on an Autumn-class Heavy Cruiser before, with the ODSTs. But now he didn't have them with it, and now there was a crew who was unused to it. When the pelican landed, Tasuma stepped off the pelican slowly and carefully. As the team split off to the Mess Hall and War Games facility, Tasuma looked to Yalu. Then at Grik and Vael. Tasuma followed the Unggoy and Sangheili, familiarity compelled it to.

Halo: Aegis Team

Sorry about the delay, been busy. Tas' doesn't talk much anyways so it works out.

EliteCommander would you want me to write up something like a report regarding Tasuma's whole thing about being away from his bond-brother? Since that kinda info would be in the info pack that Major Robinson handed Vael

Could put it in my CS in the notes section or something