Coalition Operations III: Deception of the Iron Bear

[Romulan_Furry]

"It's just a subspace relay so a signal from the Pods can get to the Draconis Furiam," Viktor responded. On hearing Valentine's comment, Viktor said, "Good to know." The escorts stayed close to the APC, and on exiting the canyon, the Pods were in sight. "I have the Pods in sight. Personnel at the bottom - looks like there are survivors. Everyone, on your best behavior." In an aside directed at Ori, Viktor added in Dovahzul, "And keep your eyes open, my love - something's not right."

[Sohdakin]

Sohdakin chuckled softly as it seemed that the Rohkah had better intel than most of Earth realm and maybe even some of their own UNCS personnel.  "There will be no more Spartan II's, your Master Chief is one of the last of the Spartan II's that will ever exist.  All of the new Spartan's are generation three Spartans. Your UNSC has decreed that the Spartan II program was too edgy and candidate selection was not sufficient for the high dropout rate of the training and augmentation required." he hummed and looked to Krystel as he had indeed heard about the Sangheilli armor.  The Rohkah and the Shangheilli had gotten along quite well after the fall of the Covenant. 

The large Rohkah would lean back in his seat as the APC trudged along, his eyes closing for a moment as he let his mind rest a bit as there may not be another opportunity to do so.  He was not needed right now and so he would rest and listen in on what was being said around him.  When he heard that they neared the pods and that survivors were in sight, Sohdakin sat up and looked at the display to see what it was they were approaching "What can you tell us about them?" he would ask then click his tongue against the roof of his maw when Viktor spoke to Ori in a strange language, the ice wolf's use of another language unsettled the dragon a bit, however, he kept his thoughts to himself for now and hoped that it was some love note and not something he was keeping from the rest of the team that would prove vital.

[XIII]

"Like the whole operation was right from the start.". Ori said, smirked, and then looked at Sohdakin and Krystel like on privates. Sure thing, her face expression wasn't visible through her helmet. And although she wasn't a soldier in its classical meaning, her combat experience was precious. And that is why she was here. Besides, Orokin rarely was keen on the financial side of the agency, so with who or why the UNSC trades the girl rarely knew. Because aside from mission details, Ori didn't need to know anything else. "Rely on your armor is like trying to defend yourself with a can cover against a nuclear explosion. A silly allegory, but it's true. John is a bit old fashioned, but his experience easily compensates his armor. Because if you have no brains, no armor will help you. And this is how UNSC recruits other people. I'm entirely second them on that matter."

And then Pods came into the sight. The thing was huge, no doubt. How many people manage it? Regardless, Ori has embraced herself to act as a diplomat. On any UNSC' operation, which was including negotiation, Ori was one of the first persons who perform the role of an intermediator. Even in the case of pirates. And this time will be no different than previous ones. She never was in fond of a fight, when it's possible to handle the issue without bloodshed.

"We shall see. I have never been here before, so I can't tell. Watch for Rykov, though. I'm pretty sure we'll face him soon.". The female Orokin said, focusing her gaze on people at the bottom.

[Alessia Starfurr]

"The armor is just a second skin, a tool." Krystel began "Don't worry your little head I can fight when the time comes, one doesn't last as long as me even with armor, and not know how to use it to enhance my abilities." Krystel finished, getting a feeling Ori didn't like her or something.

[Weaver]

Lithian followed from up above. He was glad to see survivors, though he wasn't sure on their reception. While he was trying to salvage the situation and rescue who he could, absolutely no help was sent. Yeah sure, he could have wussed out, but that would make him just as good as the rest of the survivors. Granted, he didn't expect the non-combat personnel to do much, but the rest better have a good excuse for not sending even a token effort. A lot of innocent people died; there was only so much a single gargoyle could do.

[MintPlush]

The moment she started shooting everything just sort of...went black?  She was shooting and fighting and walking and following orders, but everything felt as if she were doing it from a fog. By the time she regained some form of composure on the real world she was sitting inside an APC, blasts were still going off. Minthe put a hand to her head, massaging her temple as she began to recall the last moments of action. 

The one thing that struck out in her mind was Lithian and Sohdakin's argument and how Lithian had stormed off in anger. She whipped to the side and smacked the dragon upside the head with quite some force for her small figure. The glare she gave him was deadly. "That Gargoyle was left..alone...watching his comrades and friends die and forced to survive a week down there in that base! Seventy-five percent of the survivors down there won't even be eligible for jobs any more because of the tremendous mental trauma they suffered down there! Study your bedside manners!" It didn't matter that she was a bit late to that. She'd been fighting her own demon after all.

Turning away from the dragon she would raise her visor, and ping Lithian privately. She felt like...out of everyone that had convened..Lithian was her real and true ally. He was the only one that she'd met so far who had been there through that horrifying week and she hoped that he would answer her call. She wasn't a part of the crew, she was a survivor just like him. She had been left there with nothing, watching as her friends and coworkers died just as he was. Minthe breathed deeply, praying that he would accept her hail.

"H-Hello?..Lithian?.." She began quietly. Pausing to see if he would answer. When nothing would come through she'd exhale slowly. Her voice was still shaky from everything, and she could feel herself at some sort of breaking point, but she felt the need to reach out nonetheless. He needed the distraction. "You were looking for survivors, right? " She smiled although he wouldn't he be able to see it, maybe he could hear it in her voice. "Well they're going to need lots of help...."

As she spoke she physically placed her head between her hands, her knees pressed against the back of the seat in front of her, she curled up. Minthe did not have the energy to navigate the real world right now.  "Even the ones who were trained to fight..Some of them have never even seen real combat, much less this horror. They are scared, terrified..They need someone to look up to and follow right now and to give them that hope that the awfulness is ending. They need someone who cares and who understands what they've seen...like you"
 

[Romulan_Furry]

The APC and its escorts drove down beneath the pods, where an elevator was now arriving with a tall, lanky man dressed in black, an equally tall, but stocky man dressed in more mercenary-military attire with the Iron Bear logo on his sleeve, two technicians, and a fire team of mercenaries armed with M41A Pulse Rifles. Viktor halted the APC near the elevator, and powered the craft down. "Remember, everyone - best behavior," he told the others as he went for the door. On opening it, Viktor was the first out, and approached the men. "Captain... welcome to the Forward Observation Pods." Viktor surveyed the faces present, but the stocky man - identified as Rykov, by the name stenciled on his uniform - seemed... maddeningly familiar. And he regarded Viktor with cold, calculating eyes. Almost as if he was pissed to see him.

"You are bold to come this deep into Xenomorph territory," Rykov said. "Or foolish."

"I was told you needed assistance, General," Viktor responded. He looked to the other man. "I assume you are Dr. Eisenberg?"

"You assume correctly, Captain," the man in black affirmed.

"My forces and I have come to render assistance - that is why we were sent here, after all. Is there anything I need to know about?" Viktor asked.

"We have teams out in the field for archeological research," Rykov said. "One of which is trapped amidst a Xenomorph Hive."

"I have spoken with the team - they're alive, but they don't have the supplies to last very long out there," Eisenberg added. "Ordinarily, I'd send some of Rykov's mercs to extract them, but... they're shorthanded. Half of them died at the POC when it was overran, and a third of what was left disappeared in the field. That is why I urged the General to ask for... outside assistance."

"If you'll allow it, I can link your comm systems with that of my ship's so we can coordinate our efforts," Viktor offered.

"If it were possible, I'd allow it, but the landline was severed when the POC was overran - communications with anyone beyond the surrounding areas is impossible," Eisenberg sighed.

"Actually, I deployed a subspace relay in the canyons leading to the POC, and I have the POC secure; if you'll show me to your comms equipment, I can make the necessary adjustments," Viktor told him. Eisenberg looked impressed.

"You don't waste a minute," he commented. He then directed an aside at one of the technicians. "Technician Stiles, please escort the Captain to the Communications Blister. Assist him in any way necessary. Before he got on the elevator, Viktor would turn to Ori. "Ori, take charge down here, get everything prepped... I have a feeling we're gonna need to roll out soon." He leaned closer and added in Dovahzul, "And keep your head on straight; anything happens, I'll come find you." Viktor then got on the elevator, and began the long ascent into one of the pods.

It was during this ascent that Rykov appeared in pain. Subtly, he nearly doubled over, and one of the mercs went to his side, whispering something in his ear. Rykov shook his head, but the merc seemed insistent, and Rykov reluctantly nodded, and headed off to a nearby bunker with the merc.

[Sohdakin]

A large armored talon reached out to give Krystel a pat on her shoulder after she finished her words with Ori. He found it odd that Ori would be the one to make a comment about relying on armor when hers was no different than anyone elses.  However, like Krystel, his armor was a tool and a good tool at that.  "If you or Viktor were worried about our skill as soldiers he would not have hired us in the first place." was all he got to say on the matter when a paw suddenly flew up and gave him a good smack on the back of his helmet with enough force to push his large noggin forward a bit. A warning hiss almost slipped from his maw till he turned to the one who smacked him and came eye to eye with an angry glare from Minthe.  His head reeled back as she tore into him, almost as if she had been building up to the exploding powder-keg of a sheep that now sat next to the large Rohkah. 

Oh Goddess, how he wanted to snap back at her, tell her that he was only trying to help and that he had not set out to push Lithian away.  But....none of that mattered as his anger slipped away. Minthe wasn't wrong, he was a fool and was already beating himself up over the whole thing so he took her verbal lashing  in stride and was glad that his full helmet hid the hurt look that befell his features.  With a huff, he looked away from  Minthe and sulked in his seat while she contacted Lithian. While he couldn't hear what she said he could hear the sorrow and worry in her voice and when she had curled up in her seat he tenderly reached out to place an armored talon on her lightly, hoping the contact would help calm her a little. 

When the APC came to a halt near the pods and Viktor stepped out, Sohdakin looked to both Minthe and Valentine "You two stay inside for now, you will be safer in the APC" he hummed and looked at one of the screens that showed Viktor approaching the one called Rykov, "Lets not forget about that Yautja still lurking about. Also, I am not sure if I trust this group and would rather them not know you are with us...yet" he said and hoped that Minthe would not take offense to it and listen to him about this.  He knew he would have a lot of work ahead of him if he wanted to rebuild any bridges he may have burned. "Please"

[Rayleonarde]

Valentine, who had remained silent for a while, finally spoke to no one in particular. “The monsters infiltrate. They are in our midst.” She looked around the APC. “Be on your guard, comrades. I feel something horrible approaches.”

[XIII]

Ori decided to shut as the conversation started to fall in the wrong direction. She didn't want one more conflict, which could involve her now. But sudden Minthe' returning to life and her next actions forced the UNSC' operative act more formal. The female was damn tired of what's happens in the squad. And it was a matter of time when she starts speaking on behalf of administrative protocols, which no one would like, Viktor including. It means cutting any connection between UNSC official operatives and hired guns. Essentially, it's an abandoning the last ones on their own. Of course, the evacuation of mercenaries, in this case, can't be even discussed.

"Ma'am, I'd like to ask you to restrain from harming the team members. Otherwise, your actions I'll evaluate as a threat, and the response will be according to them.". Ori said, picking a formal tone before leaving the APC, hoping nothing wrong will occur in the team anymore. Ori doesn't want to point out on her mates with her gun to stop debating and misunderstanding, which may lead to what just happened between the ram and dragon. Hoping that they were smart enough to negotiate anything without any assault. The team already has had problems, and internal conflicts won't solve them any better.

On another hand, Ori's appearance has probably impressed Pod's guards as they all directed their guns right on her. They had a good reason for that as Ori's warframe was the most intimidating thing from the entire rescue team. Luckily, after the female explanation of who she is, the security team has lowered their firearms. A relief, but it lasted for a moment. Viktor's fiancee listened to the end of the conversation very carefully, and before Vyktor was taken to the Pods, the female warframer decided to go with Eisenberg instead. Aside from knowing Xenos better, she wanted to discover the real activities here and how exactly the accidents happened.

"Ori Arashi, UNSC rescue team. Dr. Eisenberg, I'd like to get more information about Xenomorphs and ways to deal with them. Their anatomy in-depth, behavior, and what else. I know you were researching them for a long time. Would you like to share what you've got so far? UNSC would surely appreciate your job.". Ori asked, and after a brief node from the scientist, lifted to the Pods as well. But soon, she got separated from her beloved wolf and the rest of the team. What was in question is how easily Eisenberg agreed to share his info. Perhaps, he wanted to share not just intel about vicious creatures.

[Weaver]

Lithian continued to silently follow from up above. His thoughts were interrupted by a transmission. He was about to mute it when he heard Minthe's voice. For a while Lithian was silent, before responding, "I'll be around."

Up high, he could see a lot of the damage that had been done. Perhaps more useful however was that he could spot alien swarms more easily, at least, those out in the open. His motion scanner was pinging so often that it began to sound almost like a distorted duck on steroids. Lithian turned it off. He couldn't tell what was being said on the ground, but he had a feeling that Rykov had put his interests above evacuating all of the survivors. More reasons to make Lithian's metaphorical blood boil, but he couldn't be sure. He had already had a mental blowout, it was best to avoid another if he could help it, though strong words might be traded back and forth in the near future.

[Alessia Starfurr]

Krystel sensing something amiss, but unable to point it out nor speak of it without causing trouble decided to keep the thought to herself , but he hand mind hovered over another idea , a secret locked into her armor.

[MintPlush]

As the APC landed, she watched the screen aboard to see what was going on. There was Rykov and Dr. Eisenberg as well. She sat up straight, leaning in closely to hear and observe easier. Minthe listened intently to what they were saying, and watched as they walked toward the elevator.

Just before the doors were closing she saw it...the small grimace of pain as Rykov shifted in what was a movement to cover it. He had not wanted that pain to be seen. The ram about pressed her nose to the broadcast. "....He's in pain..." She whispered.

She furrowed her brow in thought. Minthe really did not want to contact the one they called Viktor. He was a bit....intimidating...buuut... She remembered Ori who had seemed to be second in command, and had a good head on her shoulders. It would be easier to tell her. "I need to breathe for a moment." She smiled toward Sohda and gently slid around him to step outside. The little ram stood in the entry of the APC as she spoke quietly, so that no one around her could hear.

"Ori? Minthe, here. Just listen. It's imperative that you know. I know that Rykov shattered his spine from an accident on Korari. I know that he elected for Synthetic Nerve Adaptation, which I helped perform under Dr. Eisenberg's command. It restored his ability to walk, but he still had near-constant pain that requires a constant pain medication..." She finally took a breath.

"I think...I have reason to believe that Eisenberg is going through great lengths to acquire this medication, even going into black market goods for it. I just...I wanted to tell you. " She really did not want to get thrown under the bus for that mess, and she could see that happening in the blink of an eye.

[Romulan_Furry]

While the others went about doing whatever, Viktor was escorted to the communications blister. The tech was familiar, and Viktor would find it easy enough to work with. He waved the technician away, then set to work. Accessing the comm routines was easy enough - almost child's play. It was as he was linking the blister to the subspace relay that he came across something he wasn't expecting to:

"Data: Rosters have been altered. Archeology team already dead, presumed killed by unknown adversary. Team lead by Horgus to be--" The data stream cut off abruptly, and the blister shut down.

"What the hell--? Any technician hearing this, I'm having trouble with the--" Viktor began, before the Force warned him of another approaching. Hostile intent, sort of. He immediately grabbed his rifle and rounded on the doorway, and a woman, human, was standing there. She made no hostile gesture, and Viktor lowered his weapon. "You shouldn't sneak up on people," he told her.

"My apologies - I often can't help being silent," the woman apologized, her accent having that thick Russian quality. The name stenciled on her armor read "Dunya". "There was a problem with this terminal - it gives us issues from time to time. You'll need to interface with the communications mainframe. Please follow me." Dunya turned to leave, and Viktor reluctantly followed. Strangely, he sensed no deception from Dunya. So why did the Force warn him she had hostile intent? Strange. "It would take a brave and cunning man to take back the POC from the Xenomorphs," Dunya commented after some time.

"Just doing my job," Viktor said. "I get paid for that kind of thing.

"I like brave and cunning men," she chuckled.

"I'm sure you do; but I'm spoken for, so don't get any funny ideas," Viktor told her.

"Don't worry - I have fiancee," Dunya stated. She halted suddenly, her hand going to a comms device in her ear. Viktor could hear no discernible transmission, but Dunya nonetheless nodded and spoke, "Yes, of course - I will be there soon." She looked to Viktor, and pointed through a nearby door. Viktor got the implication when he saw "Communications Mainframe" on the door. He headed for the door, and just before he could trigger the door's motion sensor, something hit the back of his head with such force, it knocked him out. His body slumped to the deck, and was quickly removed from the scene...

[Alessia Starfurr]

Krystel stood up her rifle in her hand cocked  itas soon as she stood up "Something is wrong, if this thing has shields activate it now!" The red vixen said her  armor's shield powering up. "I dunno what just happened but whatever it is it's not good, Minthe if you have any way to contact our friend the gargoyle privately do it now, something bad is happening."  Krystel finished, trying to contact Viktor "Viktor something is going down , are you alright?" she asked over the comm, while in her mind she wondered what the heck had set her senses off, why now of all places and of all times.