[Halo] Onyx Wind

[DoctorFaust]

"Some weapons, but no covvies. Needlers and plasmas. I'm going to grab some ammo and then go poke around some."

[Erik Vale]

Argyle takes a moment to attach a plasma grenade to his grenade belt, inserting it to the spot vacated by a fusion grenade.

"As stated, weapon drop pod."
"I would guess that this would be either re-arming for a military action or for a covert group doing a resupply, but I doupt it's for covert. Just a mis possibly.... No, that would be to convenient."
"Unless is is planned to use the Drop pod as bait or another such item, that we resupply what we need and then use the left over ammunition and grenades to demolish the pod. It is doupted another is required for scientific investigation."

[Erasmas]

Valen begins making his way back towards the Spade as he gives his orders.

"Alright, rig it up and blow it. Let's see if we can't draw out anybody that might be hiding out down there. OW-013... you let me know if you see anything down there poking its ugly head out when this things blows."

John moves to the drop pod and rigs up one of the remaining plasma grenades to the remaining plasma cell of the entire pod. Once everyone was clear, he activated the explosive and ran for cover, ducking behind the Spade half a second before the blue ball of fire and purple shrapnel obliterated itself. Nothing was left of the drop pod, except a small crater in the sand lined with glass.

As Sammael peered out over the abandoned encampment, not a single thing stirred, aside from that which was blowing in the wind.

[Erik Vale]

"There is nothing like a good explosion. OW-013, has anything changed at your position?"
"I doupt much will change immediately. I suggest allowing for a 10-15 minute response time."

[Erasmas]

Several minutes pass without a trace of movement from down in the valley expanse below.

"Alright, Onyx Wind... that's enough down time, let's..."

Valen is cut short by Sammael's drone chiming in that he sees something; although, he indicates the sky as opposed to on the ground. When Sammael finally sees what his robotic counterpart is talking about, he feels a mild twinge in his gut that would be reminiscent of panic in a normal man. He scopes in and spots a V-formation of seven Banshees breaking the horizon line and just now entering the far side of the abandoned encampment.

[DoctorFaust]

"Derʹmo!" Volsung exclaims, as he sees the Banshees bearing down on the squad. He pulls out his needler rifle and makes a beeline for cover, crouching down behind a large rock.

[Erik Vale]

"Covenent Active, To Cover! Focus fire on the Illuminated, above all keep cover!"
"This must have been a scouting base that they have fallen back from."
"Doesn't Matter. Gnomere, if one of them is stupid enough have them suffer an automated eject."
"I'll give it a go."

Knowing at most it will help for one strafing round, Argyle quickly deploys cover, hoping for a chance to hijack a banshee.

[Erasmas]

Valen pipes up.

"I don't think they are heading this way, that seems like an awful lot of firepower just to investigate a plasma explosion. And if they weren't deployed to find us, we should just tuck up and let them pass. Maybe we can follow them and find out where they're going. Could be that they'll lead us right to the mothership."

Sammael can see that the Banshees appear to be traveling at cruising speeds and are not engaging their boasters, from the lack of their long blue plasma wake. And indeed, once they get out over the encampment, they bank in formation slightly and head in a more northernly direction.

[Erik Vale]

Argyle watches them move off, then slowly rises. He deactivates and restashes the cover.

"Didn't even care we where here? Must have had another mission, or been assigned for scouting only."
"Tracking and plotting. Valen, do we follow?"

[Erasmas]

"Affirmative, Onyx 3. Gentlemen... load up."

Valen returns to his position on the Spade class vehicle.

"Come in Valkyrie."

"I'm here, Captain. Go ahead."

"Tag those birds and keep an eye on them. Assign them Nav Point Charlie for the team."

"We have another flux in atmosphere drifting our way, it will likely cause communications to falter again, but my scanners and other instruments seem to work fine through the haze. Roger those orders."

"Roger that. Over and out."

[Erik Vale]

"Well then. Gnomere, tag them also, lets go Onyx."

((Drive Roll))

Spoiler

Argyle's Roll (1d20)[19] (19)
Argyl's Base Bonus: 6
Gnomere's Roll: (1d20)[19] (19) (Becomes 27)
Bonus to Roll: 8 (4 Pilot, 4 Smart)
Gnomere's Granted Bonus: 8
Iaoch's Roll: (1d20)[12] (12) (Becomes 18)
Bonus to Roll: 6 (4 Pilot, 2 Dumb)
Iaoch's Granted Bonus: 4

Total: 37.

[Erasmas]

All of Onyx Team loads up and you roll out of the immediate area, heading in the general direction of the road once more to even out the travel as much as possible. It appears, as fates may have it, that the Banshee Squadron was heading in the same general direction.

"Give them a good leash, Onyx 3. We don't want them catching us in their rear-view mirrors."

[Erik Vale]

"Acknowladged."

[Erasmas]

Onyx Wind presses on, driving on for close to an hour and a half. Soon, you find the road you are on begins to gradually rise while the ground to the right slopes downward. And growing up from the horizon, you all see a structure ahead. As you near it, you see no movement and it seems to be some kind of way station. Your road dead ends at a large steel wall, with a mechanized gate barring your further passage. The lowered area beside you looks as though it is some kind of run-off trench, as it too dead ends in a culvert-type drainage tube some 30-feet across.

Spoiler

There are also appears to be a free-standing terminal station nearby, just off the side of the road.

[DoctorFaust]

Volsung exits the spade and walks over to the door. He raps it a few times with the back of his hand to get a feel for how solid it is, and then walks over to the terminal and examines it for a power supply before pushing several buttons in the hope of turning it on. "Anyone know how to operate this thing?"

[Erik Vale]

"That is this units role, Onyx 5."
"No need to be rude Onyx 3. Lets go."

((Dice Rolls))

Spoiler

Knowledge Covenent (To see if its something likly remembered)
Gnomere (+8 Skill, +4 Advanced AI, Base Roller) (1d20+12)[16]
Total:

Use Computer
Gnomere (+12 Skill, +4 Advanced AI, Base Roller) (1d20+16)[33]
Argyle (+10 Skill, Aiding Roller) (1d20+10)[28]
Bonus: 9
Iaoch (+4 Skill, +2 Simple AI, Aiding Roller) (1d20+6)[21]
Bonus: 5
Total: 47

[Erasmas]

Volsung finds a power switch and, after flipping it, the terminal blinks to life. Once it does so, however, he finds what he sees to be little more than gibberish and code. The whole structure definitely was man-made, with no Covenant tech in sight presently. Valen, who had been investigating the controls for the gate on the road, calls out.

"Gate panel is fried and the damn thing looks like it's all but rusted in place. I don't think we're getting through that way. Keep looking."

When Argyle answers Volsung's request, he finds that it is an operator's access point, allowing them to control the floodgate nearby. After a second or two of prodding around in the innards of the program, it becomes clear he could override the safety protocols into thinking that the culvert was full and trick the floodgate into opening. A quick glance reveals that the Spade would easily fit between the bottom two slats, if the team could lift it into the pipe. He can also tell, however, that doing so will cause the alarms to sound.

[Erik Vale]

Argyle Speaks.
"Human tech... This unit can open now but I would set off alarms. I can keep looking for a way to skip those, but it might be easier to make the alarms unable to activate then blow the hatch. Being based for-"
"Unnesserary Input. Onyx 1, would you prefer to go in guns blazing or spend maybe half an hour seeing if we can get in quitely. I doupt this will be able to lock us out on the plus side."
"You've given then the option of using explosives and expect them not to take it?"

[Erasmas]

"The chances that these alarms going off would be loud enough to be heard by some random patrol is pretty slim."

Argyle can tell that, although he is fairly confident in his ability to hack the system, that it will take several minutes to do.

[Erik Vale]

"I worry more of computerised alarms, far of warnings if their manned, possibly with cameras tracking us through the tunnels. But then again, it is douptful, just an eventuallity. Everyone back in the verhichle and drive it up here."
"Well then. It's time to get driving."

Argyle waits for the squad to return to the verhichle and drive it up near the floodgate, then opens the gate, running to the verhichle.

[DoctorFaust]

Volsung runs back up to the car after what seems like several weeks debating on how to open the floodgate, managing to beat out Tristan to the drivers seat. He gets in, guns the engine, and drives it over the lip and into the culvert, finally pulling to a stop a few feet away from the flood gate. Hopping out, he circles around to the back of the truck in preparation to lift it into the tube. "Right, Argyle, pop the door so we can get this thing through."

[Erik Vale]

After opening the floodgate, Argyle jogs to the car, jumping onto one of the cramped spaces on the back left for him.

"Well, lets get moving."

[Erasmas]

Argyle begins messing with the terminal, hacking his way into the system. The moment he tells the floodgates that they need to open, the alarms do indeed sound... loudly.

UNK - UNK - UNK - UNK - UNK

Sammael, who had perched himself on top of the wall, broadcasts:

"Not to alarm anyone, but we've got company."

"What are we looking at, Two?"

"Inbound Phantom, sir."

Valen curses. "Sh!t. Onyx 3... stay on that system. I want this thing open ASAP. We'll hold them off until you're done! Onyx Wind, I have Three's back, the rest of you prepare for a drop."

[DoctorFaust]

Volsung jumps as the alarms sound, spewing forth a string of profanities, finally ending with a succinctly put "Well, sh**. Tristan, you're probably going to want your laser at this point. How far up are the phantoms?" Volsung stands and runs around the truck, pulling out both of his guns, chambering a round in each before stowing the SMG again. He stops on the side facing the wall and props his rifle on the truck and zooming in to get a view of the phantoms.

[Erik Vale]

"This unit has remote connection and works in conjunction with AI... Will remain close."
"Staying in the System. Setting Navpoints for best distribution."
"Cover Deployed. So much for noone hearing Onyx 1."
"No need to get snappy."

((OOC: Rolls and Actions))

Spoiler

Argyle will ready his Spiker (To leave a hand free) and activate his deployable cover. (Protecting him and the terminal)

Argyle/Gnomere will make a tactics roll to best position the spartens (Knowledge conenent may apply synergy bonus, your call)

Gnomere: (1d20+18)[27]
If Synagy: (1d20+20)[23] (Wait, I should hav ejust added two to the roll. Ehh.
Argyle: (1d20+8)[19]
Given Modifier: 4
Total: 31
Total (If Synergy): 27 (or 33)

Argyle/Gnomere/Iaoch will continue Computer use.
Gnomere: (1d20+16)[32]
Argyle: (1d20+10)[22]
Modifier: 6
Iaoch: (1d20+6)[20]
Modifer: 5
Total: 44

Iaoch will use the following spells: Resistance (Pending OOC Reply)

[Erasmas]

Sammael sends out:

"Just one drop ship, from what I can see. No bead on the personnel onboard yet... just the damn thing's nose since it's coming straight at us. He's flying low and fast though, leaving one helluva plasma wake!"

The rest of the team spreads out and bunkers down with some of Argyle's tactical recommendations:

• Valen moves into position beside Argyle, drawing his Battle Rifle.
• Sammael reports: "I have no shot and I'm too open up here." He hops down to the ground and puts some distance between himself and the wall, giving him the most time to shoot as will be possible.
• The blue energy of the deployable cover of Onyx 3 hums to life as he strategically tosses emitter onto the sandy ground. Valen stacks up behind it, watching things unfold through the semi-transparent shield.
• John pulls his shotgun and loudly chambers a shell, slowly walking to a fairly clear patch of ground. "This looks like a good spot for a drop. I think I'll wait right here." He activates his drop shield, the blue dome springing up around him as he takes a casual stance with his shotgun resting on his shoulder. You see the blue sunlight reflect off of his black visor as he turns his head skyward.
• Bracing his aim over the hood of the Spade, the softly-glowing pink needles of Volsung's Needle Rifle likewise reflect in the golden visor of his GISI helmet. The engine beneath his arms still radiating a dull heat.
• Tristan accompanies Sammael, moving away from the wall and readying his Spartan Laser, as he takes a knee. He calms himself, slowing his breathing and rapping his fingertips against the foreword grip of the heavy olive drab piece of artillery.
• Hinderance readies his Assault Rifle and moves to stand with John. H04 pulls the spike grenade from his belt as well, flipping it over once by tossing it a short distance into the air. "Two heads are better than one, they always say."

The Team... was ready...

Spoiler

Alright guys... roll for initiatives!

Valen:
(1d20+10)[25]
Sammael:
(1d20+7)[17]
John:
(1d20+5)[10]
Tristan:
(1d20+10)[12]
Hinderance:
(1d20+4)[15]

[Erik Vale]

"Use Plasma, Keep Inferno for throwing at the grunts, we're going to want to blow the turrets off early."
"Mmm... Your right, I probably cant catch two turrets..."

((Initiative Roll: (1d20+5)[13], Argyle has a Plasma in hand as he guides his AI through the maze of code.))

[Erasmas]

Valen steels himself for the in-coming deployment. A covenant drop ship was kind of like Christmas... you never knew what was in the box until it was already open; except that the squeals of joy amid the laughter were replaced with the squeals of grunts amid the slaughter.

Spoiler

Valen is reading an action - when the drop ship opens its bay doors, he is going to open fire.

[DoctorFaust]

Volsung smacks a panel on his chest plate, depressing it enough to trigger his suits ability, bringing up an extra layer of shields around himself. That done, he sights in on the rapidly approaching drop ship's side, taking a few breaths to steady himself for the firefight about to break out. "Come on Icarus, just a bit closer to the sun now," he mutters to himself, waiting for the ship to come into range.

Spoiler

I'm activating my armor ability and readying an attack on whatever comes out of the door.

[Erik Vale]

Argyle crouches behind the sheild, the DMR rests behind the sheild, loosely held in one hand to be drawn, but that wasn't the weapon he planned to use.
He hald a single plasma grenade, his finger waiting to turn it on, almost primed and waiting to throw at a turret.
Meanwhile, he spoke inside, and only inside his own suit.

"AI Gnomere, focus on the panel and do anything you can to make it faster. Ignore the battle, This unit and Iaoch will deal with it. Iaoch, as soon as that dropship comes into veiw, mark all opponents, attach target priorities and who is targeting what. You will need to run the link between this suit and the suit of Onyx 1 to organise fire. I also want you to prepare lights for flashing, reserve for elleites if found.
"Acknowledged."
"Organising, Organised, Tac's Prepped and Programs running."

Then he speaks simply to Onyx 1.
"Onyx 1, this unit is ready. Small tacs are organised for rellay. All units vitals are within acceptable ranges, AI Iaoch are ready to pass on Firing Commands and AI Gnomere is monitering the terminal, rendering this unit available to provide covering fire until hard access is required."
Spartens had stress and fear trained out of them. But spartens could pick it up in each other.
And there was the tinge, the concerned tinge of someone cornered by an uncertain enemy.
However he hadn't dropped into normal speech, so he was still holding.

Spoiler

Argyle has a Plasma Grenade out and a held action.
Iaoch has a held action.