Threads 1, 2, 3: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Halo:%20Spartan%202%20War%20Reports
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Sven-033's Qualities: [Special] Giant, [Special] Spartan-II, Maverick, Officer [Lieutenant], Wunderkind, Inspiring.
Sven-033's Advancement Paths: Brawler 4/10, Bulwark 3/10, Grenadier 3/10| Diplomat 1/6, Infiltrator 1/6. Scrounger 1/6| Jotun 1/4
Sub Objective Progress: Artificial Artisan 1/?| Bladebreaker 1/?
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Current Mission: Mission 3: Operation: COLLATERAL DAMAGE
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Purple team (Sven-033, Shika-108, Jorge-052, Daisy-023]
Primary Objective: Safely Escort Dr Halsey to the ONI blacksite, end its lockdown, retrieve vital personal and research
Sub Objective 1: Repel the Covenant assaulting the research lab, and gather data on their tactics, troop composition
Sub Objective 2: Extract all the site personal and researchers, and retrieve all prototypes intact/ undamaged
Secret objective 1: Earn the trust of and successfully recover the Site's Ai, Amphitrite
Secret objective 2: Capture or Kill Commander Tag 'Zutam , leader of the Covenant Siege Force
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Violet Team (James-005, Nesta-097, Dimas-012, Grace-093)
Primary Objective: Defend the settlement Black Reach and Neutralize the Covenant invasion force
Sub Objective 1: Discover why the Covenant are attacking the Mining settlement and what they're looking for, capture it and gather data on Covenant war operations
Sub Objective 2: Deal with the local United Rebel Cell Front.
Secret objective 1: File Encrypted
Secret objective 2: File Encrypted
Secret objective 3: File Encrypted
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Mood Music: https://youtu.be/GLzKPacu5y0
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But planning without knowing the full situation, how much time the colony had left, and what the odds were would be worse than doing nothing at all. Making your choice to swallow the bitter medicine and get it over with quickl; despite your personal feelings towards the Commander in charge of the defense of Alpha Corvi II, Commander Yao was your superior officer and was more knowledgeable about the defense efforts present circumstances

"Shika, I'll get patched up when there isn't any work that needs me on my feet" You say, patting the shorter girl on her shoulder, your face reflected in the gold tint of her visor. You could imagine and picture clearly the face she had to be making under her helmet.

"Fine" She said in a huff, and flicked her still wet with blood scalpel around, before securing it back into her medical kit "Not much I could do with all the armor on anyways"

"You really should stay off your feet, Sir" Jorge warned, looking up from staring gloomily at his hands, his wisp of a mustache stuck to his upper lip from sweat

"You want to be the one to force him to stay still?" Daisy asked, lifting up her head as you shakily rose to your feet.

"Where's the bridge?" You ask, turning to Squad Skua, who were still picking their jaws off the floor and gawking after seeing how young you and your squadmates were underneath your helmets.

Cont

>>6260119 (OP)

Jorge cocked his head to the side, but raised his hand as you began to lumber past him "I'll show you the way to it". You nod, but don't take the shoulder he offers you to lean on. The corridors of the Levithan are cramped like a submarines, sharing little in common with the standard design philosophy of UNSC warships. You barely fit through some of them as Jorge guided you to the command center of the one of a kind hybrid of submersible and starship.

"You do not need to explain our present circumstances like I'm a child, Commander Yao, the campaign is a failure. I appreciate that you understand the importance of our cargo, but we're going to need something a little heavier duty to get everything off the colony before..."

Halsey's head spun around as you push your way onto the bridge, the other head researchers gathered around and nervously fretting as she spoke to the holographic projection of Commander Yao. Who was at least putting on the airs and look that she wasn't fighting a losing battle and was completely at ease. Her nose wrinkled, and you realized you were mean mugging her. Not like you could be blamed, you'd just heard she'd effectively signed the death warrants of every civilian left on Alpha Corvi II in ordering the retreat from the world like she had. Hopefully she'd brush the glare off as a result of the wounds you'd sustained.

"Commander Yao" You greet, saluting with your less injured arm as Halsey shoots you a glare that could probably be lethal if it were sustained "Permission to speak take the floor"

The green grey hologram nods

"Lieutenant Askeland, I had heard you had been put under general anesthesia" She returns, glancing in Halsey's direction who is now narrowing her eyes towards Jorge, who must've ignored her suggestion to have Shika put you under anesthetics

"Lacked the supplies" You lie as easily as you breathe, shrugging your shoulders "What is the present situation in orbit and groundside, Ma'am? "

"Bad" Yao answered bluntly, straightening up her back and clenching her fists at her sides "Our fleet is being overwhelmed, we're losing Warships faster than we can respond. I've ordered the majority of the support craft to retreat in waves, alongside the ongoing Civilian evacuation efforts"

Pragmatically, that was a tactically sound choice. And improved the odds for the support ships to safely jump out of the ongoing space battle. But Yao had to have some Jotun in her to practically order the Civilian Craft to act as meat shields for her own ships. Rationally, it was the winning move to make and helped dampen the losses already inflicted. But just because it was the tactically right choice didn't mean it at all improved your opinon of the commander
Cont

>>6260120

"I see. How much of the fleet is left?" You ask, moving on and ignoring your personal feelings in favor of acting rationally yourself. Too much was at stake to get emotional now

"Presently, a little over fifty percent...a little under fifty percent" Her expression shifts, a brief wince passing across her hard ass exterior as she glances at a screen off screen "Present estimations put us at losing all combat ready craft in a matter of hours, and that is being generous"

You nod

"I see" You say monotonously, that was enough time to make a difference and get off the colony before...before it became another Harvest "And on the ground?"

"Forces at Jamshid have a casualty rate of thirty percent, and the other battlefronts are experiencing worse losses. We've lost contact with several cities and what little intel we can get from the smaller communities isn't looking good" She says, and Dr Page mutters something that makes you blood run colder than it already was

"They're eating them out there..."

"Not looking good" You answer, hoping that what the researcher said was just a delusion caused by the heightened state of stress she was under "I understand our new orders are to extract immediately"

"Yes. Dr Halsey and I were discussing what exactly is needed to lift all of the materials and personnel your team had pulled from the fire, Lieutenant" She answer, and actually smiled as she looked you in the eyes "Exceptional work, by the way. Command had written off most of the projects in that site, and to my understanding in your retreat action your team took out a substantial portion of the Covenant's ground forces"

"I won't take credit for that. The Site's AI was the one to drown them. I just got her out of her cage before she sunk the facility" You answer, holding up the data chip that contained Amphitrite

"That may be so, but the Artificial intelligence didn't capture the leader of the besieging force" Yao says "But we have little time for discussion. Get whatever medical aid you require, then prepare for immediate extraction"

"Are those our only orders?" You ask

"If you are concerned about the other Team , I've sent a dropship to pick them up already" She answered, now clasping her hands behind her back, staring at something you can't see through the hologram "Your diligence is commendable, but there's nothing more required of you at this moment. Our top priority is the safety of irreplaceable military equipment, and enlisted UNICOM personnel "

Irreplaceable military equipment didn't mean the prototypes you'd fought and bled to protect. But rather was Jargon for the Spartans that Yao had to be using because those without the clearance or rank to know something as confidential as your existence were listening in to the conversation.
Cont

>>6260121

"Understood Commander, Permission to take my leave?" You ask, internally fuming that Yao wouldn't even have you assist in the evacuation efforts of the military and save your fellow soldiers, but instead just have you sit and wait for pick up while the Covenant enact a planetary genocide around you. And, rationally, you understood that she was just saving what she can while fighting a battle she couldn't win. That didn't mean you had to agree with or like what she was doing; and you certainly didn't envy her position.

But you knew there was still more that could be done, even if it was risky.

"Get some rest, Sven" Halsey all but ordered "And as I was saying before the Lieutenant arrived, Commander Yao, we need more than a flight of Pelicans to escape with the classified projects that purple team recovered..."

>Follow orders and wait for extraction.

>[Diplomat] Try and convince Yao to allow you to attempt to aid in the evacuation of the colony (Write ins encouraged)

>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Choose between Fereydun or Blackreef)

>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly

>Write in option

>>6260123
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly

>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Whichever has more military assets in that area.)

I want our troops pulling out sooner then later.

>>6260123
>[Diplomat] Try and convince Yao to allow you to attempt to aid in the evacuation of the colony (Write ins encouraged)
"Ma'am while the required assets are out in place to secure the escape of all aboard this ship I have a suggestion for you. Right now the UNSC is fighting two wars one in front and one behind while the covenant are striking us all it could take is the Insurrection feeding Intel or rolling over on us to make things work. This world is lost yes but there is a different war we can win, the war of hearts. Grand me leave to evacuate Violet Team and the survivors at blackreef before we make our escape. By securing them we can not only gather more Intel on rebel factions but we also secure a PR victory, a moment of racial unity in the face of alien hostility. News of this worlds fate will spread and if word we abandoned everyone here does too the Insurrection will surge in recruits as it's every man for himself. Let us save them while you secure the UNSC forces, we lost the battle for this planet but not humanities soul just yet...besides they and everything else we're will need to be delivered to ONI anyway"

>>6260123
>>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
>Write in option: coordinate with the ground forces and the evacuation to bring a ship used for civie extraction to the base, then we can use it to both evacuate the base and nearby non-combatants and piggyback the prototype vessel we're on into space.
If we can't fly this thing straight out of orbit we need to do something to give it the extra juice to bust out of atmo. Two birds, one stone. If Yao wants to be obstinate about getting this flying sub out of here we'll just circumvent her while still following her orders.

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
We owe the Fereydun garrison a favor. And I very much want to know James's success story.

>>6260133
And by this I'm saying we're evacuating Black Reef

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly

>>6260123
>Follow orders and wait for extraction.

Just this once.

>>6260123
Any way I can convince people to save Blackreef? The UNSC assets have help coming but they don't. This way we'll get Violet Team on board ourselves too?

>>6260123
>>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Choose between Fereydun or Blackreef)
>Blackreef
Hard pill to swallow, but at least we can make sure our people get out.

>>6260282
With Yao using them as meat shields I kind of feel a bit defeated about the whole thing. And with the hokey religious nutter being killed over that way I am sure that is going to be the first place to get bombed. I don't think we can meaningfully rescue any amount of people from there with a ton of compounding factors settling in on it. Violet team should be fine to get out since they have a Pelican so they can zip straight out of there. I think it's wiser to redirect whatever traffic we can away from Blackreef entirely. Figure we've got about an hour tops if we want to be safe and not risk anything, some of that will be spent on travel time and embarking. With the token armament we have onboard this vessel we could probably flatten some ground forces but any covenant warships would peel this thing open like a sardine can. The city also provides more cover for any covie troops to get close enough to actually shoot at us and the evacuees.

I've honestly half a mind to just dip entirely and leave everyone to their fates. Sven is combat ineffective, Shika is substantially injured, Jorge and Daisy have taken some poke damage. I'd hate to put us in a situation in which any more real fighting needs to be done. Out of our two "Good guy" options I think Fereydun is less likely for that.

>>6260123
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Blackreef)

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
This sucks ASS, but this world’s civvies and hundreds of others are going to be glassed before the war is done. Gotta grab the troops who can fight another day.

>>6260123

>supporting >>6260137

>>6260123
>>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Choose between Fereydun or Blackreef)
>>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly

>>6260123
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly (keep it short)

>Write in option
>Ask Commander Yao to divert a live tactical feed to the bridge of the Levithan. Request permission to give feedback and tactical support of the space battle as one of the only people in the UNSC in a leadership position with experience in fighting the covenant in ship-to-ship battle, and a rudimentary understanding of Covenant psychology.

We can't do much, and Yao isn't stupid, but she hasn't gotten the experience we've had fighting the covenant. At least not yet. So let's help with the evacuation in a way only Sven can.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/12PTTzwcNVbQbIC101lrcrQQZKWhK3myTLWEQ0A1ybj8/htmlview

Not Doc anon.


>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly

..... as expected of Yao. Lets save some people, even if the civies....they are not going to last long Black Reef is in a worse place than Fereydun. And not having a military garrison changes the outcome of how well they can defend the place for evac. Fereydun does still have civies too.


>>6260282
I would want to save Black Reef, but its an entire minor settlement of aligned civies with innies and innies. Even with James work, we need to say it to the rest of people in the Leviathan. And as someone pointed out the Covenant are going to revenge attack it soon. Without a proper military garrison thats going to make evac hellish at best.

We would have two spartan teams, security squad Skua and whatever remains of armed innies militia for do it.

>>6260123
>[Maverick] Follow the letter of your orders but not the spirit, and prepare for extraction by getting a few more evacuees aboard (Fereydun)

>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
Fereydun was the one we got our tank from, right?

>>6260123
>Get into contact with Violet team and hear what their current situation is and exactly what it was that they killed that's pissed off the local Covenant forces so badly
>Coordinate a response with Violet Team.
>[Diplomat] Try and convince Yao to allow you to attempt to aid in the evacuation of the colony (Write ins encouraged)
Black Reef is a mining settlement. Ask Yao to send you satellite imagery and underground maps. See if it's feasible to evacuate civilians through underground passages from that area. Maybe there are alternative entrances/emergency exits in the mines where Violet Team can escort them out of, away from Covenant forces. Violet Team can help with a rearguard action or use Grace/Dimas explosive expertise to make a new exit from the mines, if necessary, or collapse the mine behind them to stop pursuers.
While the Covenant is largely focusing on Black Reef due to Violet Team kicking the hornet's nest, Purple Team can focus on Fereydun.

With Sven seeing and facing a covenant invasion, i think he will be very pressing for new solutions when writing his after action report. Mostly nudging toward reviewing system commanders (nudge Yao), and new emergency protocols (the current evac on the world is not going quite well).

I don't think it would change anything but someone might start listening. Its also a very Sven thing to do. Beside Command did want to increase his rank, they just wanted that he gained more experience first. Its gonna be the fastest promotion from Lieutenant probably

>>6260698
Meh, Yao’s doing what she can with the shit situation she was dealt. I can’t exactly blame her for wanting to keep more fighting ships safe because we’re gonna need every one we can get. As far as getting better evacuation procedures, that’s entirely on ONI. They’re the dumbasses who refuse to tell people what’s really happening so they can’t prepare for it. We could prepare more civilian transports I guess, but at the end of the day the people still need to know about what they need to do in case of a covenant attack for it to make a difference.

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, back online

12 Votes to get into contact with Violet Team

1 vote to follow your orders

13 Votes to follow the letter but not the spirit of your orders
L
+ 10 votes to assist Fereydun
L
+2 votes to Assist Blackreef

1 vote to ask Commander yao to divert a live tactical feed to the Levithan

2 Votes to try and convince Yao
L
+ 1vote for 7RIFxqZX's write in
L
+ 1vote s0Q7gVC7's write in/ Coordinate with violet team

Okay, So, Sven is going to contact violet team, get updated on their current situation, then follow the spirit of his orders rather than the letter and try to use the Levithan to help the forces at Fereydun get off of the colony before its too late

[ Decisions Made ]
[ Proceeding.... ]
>>6260698
That looks sick

>>6260509
I knew I was forgetting something in the OP, thanks anon

The standing orders Yao had just delivered left a lot of room for interpretation. A generous amount. All you and the rest of purple team were ordered to do was prepare for extraction. There was a lot of you could get away with, without technically breaking chain of command or going against the Commander's orders to get ready to evacuate. You knew exactly how to twist the letter of her command into knots to be able to accomplish something in what was probably the finale, fateful hours of Alpha Corvi II. But first you had to wait for the call Halsey was having with Yao to end, before enacting your own gameplan to save as many of your fellow serviceman as you could in the last hours you'd spend on the now doomed and soon to be abandoned colony.

Which gave you time to speak with the other team of your Spartans and get an idea of exactly what they did to outrage the entire enemy front with one action. Luckily, Jorge is willing to lend you his helmet considering yours is in need of serious repairs. Wincing as the lingering sweat inside drips down onto your open and angry burns, you connect the helmet with you damaged suit of Mjolnir armor and fire up the COM system.

"James, its Sven, I'm borrowing Jorge's helmet. What the hell is going on out there?" You ask, as you wait a few tense moments, only hearing distant call outs and the rattle of machinegun fire, before you're relieved to hear the familiar and calm voice of your brother in arms

"We might've made a slight miscalculation in capturing our "flag", Sir" James says, breathing raggedly "Wasn't difficult defending Blackreef, Covenant were more preoccupied with the mine shafts we found them in. The 'issue', occurred when, like your ordered, we jumped them"

"I imagine, so they found their prize and from what I've heard, you have it now, Violet team" You continue, and hear Nesta's familiar gremlin-esque laughter crackle over the COM

"All that trouble for a fancy looking stone" She howls with laughter, and you hear a few unfamiliar voices grumble wordlessly "Might be something in the stone, but, its just some dull looking crystal"

"Incorrect, ninety seven" Dimas voice groans "There are subtle machining markings and nearly microscopic patterns on it that do not match up with known Covenant hieroglyphics and"

"Its a fancy looking rock" She barks

"Don't care that they were looking for a skipping stone, what happened during the capture" You re-rail the conversation with a heavy sigh, before Nesta can spark an argument with Dimas and the talk turns into a discussion about the rock the Covenant dug out
cont

>>6261030

"Our friends in the United Rebel Front were more than happy to provide a distraction and push their convoy into a trap Dimas, Grace and I had set" He explained "Didn't go off as we planned. A landing craft arrived before we could blow the C-14 charges. Nesta advised I wait and see what came out. Got her and Dimas on some scaffolding, Grace and I were in a vantage point. She can explain what happened next herself"

"It was my fault sir" Grace demurely chimed in "Trigger finger got twitchy. Whatever was in that hover craft, didn't survive the explosion. I let my nerves get the better of me, it won't happen again, Sir"

"Yeah, ugly worm cunt ate a rocket to the face. Then all the little ants around them started panicking and I took advantage of the confusion to get some headshots and take some skulls" Nesta continued

"Violet one leapt into action after the distraction those two caused. He was wounded but successful in securing the artifact, which was, besides some biological detritus sprayed over it, remarkably intact despite being well within the blast radius" Dimas continued, speaking like he was reading from a report "None of us got out of that mess without sustaining one or two injuries"

"Only got out because of our new friends" James added "They lost most of their troops in the fire fight, and what was left of their local militia was..."

"Vaporized when the Covies started throwing their hissy fit, the rebs we have with us might be the only ones left on the colony" Nesta said "But we're fine, Sven, a little banged up and bruised, but it takes more than a legion of pissed aliens to take us down"

"Shouldn't have shot that rocket" You hear grace mumble through the line

"No it was a beautiful shot! and gave me an excuse to become winged death" Nesta says "Worm face woulda died when Dimas hit the switch anyways..."

"Nesta is only slightly downplaying our condition, Sir" James said, and you heard a track of a chuckle in his tone "We're just waiting with the last of our fair weather friends, waiting for extraction"

"Surprised they haven't turned on you yet" You mutter "Was Whitaker among the casualties?"

"No. He isn't talking now though" He answers "He lost more than a few good men helping us deny the Covenant their prize"

"Can only imagine how hard he's taking it' You say, feeling bad for the rebel if only because he'd proven trust worthy enough to not stab Violet team in the back and to send his men to fight and die on their behalf "We're in a similar boat. Yao wants us to wait and sit pretty for pick up"

"I am guessing, Sir, you aren't going to do that", is the first thing James says after a few moments of silence

"Course not" Nesta says "Planet is about to get fried and she wants us to just leave? She wouldn't have lasted a day in our Boot Camp"

"What else could Purple team do?" Grace, innocently asks "Its not like we can turn this around, without several miracles on our side"
Cont

>>6261032

"You'll see" You say "Sven-033, signing off, and don't lose the stone"

"Nah I was thinking about selling it for a pack of gum..." Is the last thing you hear Nesta say before you pull of Jorge's helmet it and hand it back to him. And checking to see if Halsey has finished her call with Yao, immediately radio the garrison at Fereydun. You don't give them a visual feed.

"Glad to see that you're still alive, Gunnery Sergeant, I regret to inform you that the M808B Main Battle Tank was regrettably lost during the covert op my troops had performed, and thus can no longer be returned to service But, it allowed the successful completion of our objectives. The Office of Naval intelligence extends its gratitude for the service you provided " You say, once again mimicking the speech patterns and emotionless tone of a season ONI Spook "While I am unable to detail the goals it had allowed us to achieve, I am sure you realize that I owe you and your men a favor, for depriving you of such heavy weaponry that would've been pivotal in the defense of the city of Fereydun. And I advise you to listen to my offer"

"I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, Agent, Things aren't looking good over here" he says, voice hollow and tired sounding "Not enough civilian transports to get the refugees out of the bunkers, barely enough Pelicans to get my men off the colony before..."

"No need to explain, I am well aware of your present circumstances. My offer is a solution. More of your men and civilians lives will be saved if you listen and do exactly as I instruct. There is a highly defended extraction point near the coast of your current position, I shall transmit the precise coordinates. What you do with them, is up to you. But I advise you form a armored convoy and lead the civilians to these coordinates"

"I am not sure what sort of spec ops crap you've been doing out there, Agent, but last I checked the Covenant was massing an army to squash our asses like bugs" He hisses, falling back to his instincts as a drill instructor "More of my men and the civies would die on the ride over than will be shot out of the sky..."

"They've been taken care of" You answer, and can't help but smirk as the leader of the garrison stammers, sounding like he's about to deflate like a balloon "As I said during our first talk, Gunny, that tank was necessary for our operations out in field. We succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. Consider this fair repayment"

"...No reason for you to lie when the Colony is about to be lost. I'll trust you spooks a second time. See you at the LZ, Agent" And then he cuts off the transmission and you smile like the cat that's caught the mouse. Lets see Yao reprimand you for saving military lives instead of just waiting patiently for rescue.

But there's a snag.
Cont

>>6261035

You sit down to catch your breath after setting the Levithan's course and strong arming a few scientists who had complaints about driving the tub closer to the active war zone when Jorge becomes the bearer of bad news

"We have an issue" he says grimly "Violet's pick up isn't letting what's left of their new friends aboard. Direct orders. Their Pelican is only taking UNSC personnel.

You breathe out heavily, sprawled out on the captain's seat.

> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."

>Give James the coordinates to the evac site you're setting up, and tell him to wish Whitaker and his men luck in reaching it before the time limit runs out on your behalf

>Ask to speak to Whitaker, and thank him, earnestly for the help he provided Violet team. Then order Violet team onto the transport, leaving the Innies to their fate.

> [Diplomat] "What about prisoners of war? Surely there's enough room on that bird for a few hostages....

>Write in option

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
Good fucking lord these guys

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
This is exactly the kind of bullshit that this build is meant to pull. Plus real in character for the glowies we're acting as, it's almost Operation Paperclip like.

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
Easy choice. We shouldn't prioritize innies over UNSC personnel or civilians but we shouldn't just throw them to the wind either when we have the ability to bridge the issue altogether.

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
God I love when Sven just shuts nonsense like this down.

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
the power to tell your CO to go fuck them selves respectfully and get away with it

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."

Perfect use of Maverick.

>>6261037
> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
They helped Violet team so we'll get them a ride off this burning rock.

I feel like deputizing them in combination with our "obeying" orders is gonna get a bunch of heat. You can't talk shit about the guy who did what you asked in a way that helped more people so long as his plan didn't cost anything. But you CAN talk shit about the guy who only technically followed orders AND gave terrorists not only a ride, but a free ticket to do so.

But as the diplomacy option is very obviously not going to win, I will not break the unity kek. I just want to dogear this part if it goes wrong. So I can say I told you so. And if it doesn't get us a reprimand I will pretend this post doesn't exist. Carry on.

>>6261104
Yes, that's the whole point of Maverick. To be extremely grating yet doing it within the letter of the rules and also getting such results that you're both loyal enough and too valuable to fuck with

>>6261108
Yeah but even if you're doing it "within reg" technically, do it too much and you will have someone above you hold it against you. It's like if your job has a rule that you can clock in five minutes late and it won't count as an absence or tardy or whatever. If you consistently do it your boss is still going to tell you to be more punctual. Because that's just how they always are. You feel me? You can do things that are objectively within designated parameters and you can still get your ass chewed out for it because people are not machines that follow a strict programming.

I'm sure Yao at least is going to put some choice remarks in her debrief to her superiors even if she doesn't flat out tell Sven he's being a cheeky prick. Even if no one gives a shit what Yao thinks. It's just something to keep in mind for the future.

>>6261120
That's why the "loyal enough and too valuable" is indispensable. Those with hurt egos will hate it of course but so long as those hold true then there's not much they can really do about it. The spartans have gotten way too much done and this war is way too desperate.

>>6261134
Tell that to people like Ackerson. Even better, someone like Del Rio kek. Too much Maverick stuff and it's inevitable that they'll be leery to promote Sven very far. May not be able to stop it but they'll sure try to slow it down. And the military is just as much bullshit politics as government. Without friends, results only matter to the public. And the public doesn't get to hand out ranks.

>>6261143
Perhaps in other circumstances but Covenant swatting aside every human force then glassing planets should have everyone with a shred of foresight and self preservation sweating. If there people in the hierarchy stupid enough to not have that then their actions won't be too effective now will they?

I still acknowledge your point, I only don't think it will be that difficult to handle.

>>6261147
>If there people in the hierarchy stupid enough to not have that then their actions won't be too effective now will they?
If people that stupid got to positions that high in the first place it's because the institution they're in is dumb enough to allow it.

>I only don't think it will be that difficult to handle.
I don't want it to sound like I'm doomsaying though. More trying to impress upon people that the Maverick button isn't necessarily the No Consequence button. I don't think this in particular will be too bad. I think at worst it'll be a dressing down not a real disciplinary action. Just that in the future it might really be something that'll fuck us over if we pick it. I'm sure the end result of this or the Diplomacy option is the Innies getting cuffed. Just that the Maverick option guarantees they get off world and the Diplomat option gives us the chance to get them up without making it look like we have a soft spot for traitors and terrorists. Which that dumb fucking Spook is going to accuse us of, AGAIN, I am sure.

Also very funny, this is exactly the sort of conversation I imagine various officers would be having about Sven and the Spartans in general.

>>6261037

Lol, I'm not even going to vote. Conscripting the rebels is such an obvious win.

I WILL speculate on their fate, however. Unless the rebels are part of a much larger interplanetary movement, they probably are a single-planet operation with at most communication with other movements on other planets, but no real support given or received.

That means... Given the planet is about to be glassed, that there's no real useful data for ONI to squeeze from those poor bastards.

And THAT means... That if they come around to seeing the Covenant as a much larger threat than the UN, then they may just agree to being conscripted for real.

And THAT means... That there will be lengthy and unpleasant interviews to find out (among many other things) if any of the survivors committed the kind of wholesale violence against civilians that makes them a risk, or if any are genuine sociopaths or something, BUT that these interviews end with a scowl, a warning and a set of insignia, not a bullet and a trip out the airlock.

Which means that we just might be able to talk out brass into feeling these guys might make loyal soldiers.

Probably be sent to the front, tho. Shitty.

>>6261175
>Man FUCK this government
>Aliens tho
>Shit u rite
>Cool, you're drafted
>Man FUCK this government
All roads lead to Rome, eh?

>>6261178

Yup. The difference is if you're fighting with the army defending Rome, or the barbarians trying to burn it.

At least the conscript way, it's only one side trying to kill you, not both.

>>6261037
>> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."
Hell yeah, our own Ignatio Delgado

>>6261163
Yeah but if they're stupid then they can still be outplayed.

>>6261175
Given that they sacrificed themselves to save agents of the UN, I don't think they're fanatics or sociopaths.

>>6261178
When the alternative is having xenos kill your entire ra- >>6261183 yeah exactly.

>>6261178
House always wins brother.

>>6261175
The fate of Whitmaker likely isn't as a frontline grunt. If ONI is smart, they'll likely see his pragmatic willingness to work with the UNSC against The Covenant as a massive asset.

I expect Witmaker (With Sven’s recommendations) to be promoted to a role akin to that of Osama Bin Laden, where the UNSC supports him as a special interest within the ranks of the United Rebel Front (URF) to relieve pressure against ONI from the rebel front and to direct it against The Covenant.

Given a destroyer-class ship, a few alien corpses, video footage of the glassing of Alpha Corvii II, and a substantial amount of cash, Whitmaker should be able to form a political wing within the URF that could act as a middle ground between the rebels and the USNC during the war.

Hell, we don't even need to try to make Whitmaker sympathetic to the UNSC. It can just be "Hey neither of our factions wants to see the human race DEAD, so we'll give you a cool ride, some legal immunities and a fuckton of cash if you help both of us. We can go back to killing one another after the war with the Aliens. Cool with that?"

>>6261037
>> [ Maverick + Wunderkind+ Officer ] "Well, luckily for them, Whitaker and his pals have just been conscripted into the Navy by my authority as an enlisted officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval code..."

>>6261037
>> [Diplomat] "What about prisoners of war? Surely there's enough room on that bird for a few hostages....

If we go Maverick, I wonder what naval code we're going to use to conscript them. Some obscure emergency 'press gang' law? Or maybe just use that 'Naval Code 45812' or some subsection of it (used to conscript us for the SII project) in a way that it wasn't intended, though I dunno if Yao would have the clearance to verify that. Maybe the ship's AI Nora/Halsey can back us up in that case.

>>6261104
Keyes got a pat on the back from Cole for rescuing all those civilians at the Rubble, even though many of them were innies/innie sympathizers, some of them even going on to escape. It should be fine. We can explain ourselves.

>>6261194
Whitaker and his guys are some of the only humans who have been in combat with the Covenant, fought effectively, and survived. That's a very exclusive club right now, so they're pretty valuable just for that.
They're also a great gift to ONI Section II. The UNSC struggled for months at the outset of the war to get the outer colony leaders onboard (pic related from Halsey's journal). Whitaker's crew could probably help get the message across sooner, maybe even open dialogue between the UNSC and some of the more reasonable innie cells. I'd guess the UNSC would want to hang onto them for as long as possible and make them some attractive offers.

well once were done here we can finale ask Dimas and Halsey to help us with our cyberwar AI

>>6261190
>Given that they sacrificed themselves to save agents of the UN, I don't think they're fanatics or sociopaths.

I'd argue it takes a fanatic to sacrifice themselves, but that's beside the point. I think what you said was a weak conclusion. What they were was DESPERATE. Violet team offered help. Don't mean they're in love with us. Simple as.

>>6261268
Honestly while I like the talk about how to use these innies, I would like to point out that I doubt ONI would let us use them to as a medium for other rebel groups because they can’t control the actions of said rebel group. Meaning if we sent them to talk to other innies, said innies might do the smart thing and start warning other innies about the covenant. Which I feel that news would spread like wild fire. Which while again is good for us in the long run, but ONI would HATE to happen and thus it probably never will.

>>6261037
404 since Sven is going to get his ship somewhat soonish, would that mean we could make a request to ..... say have Squad Skua under us ?

>>6261359
>Meaning if we sent them to talk to other innies, said innies might do the smart thing and start warning other innies about the covenant.
>but ONI would HATE to happen and thus it probably never will.
You should read the pages of Halsey's journal 8Tou posted. ONI actively sent out diplomats to the major insurrectionist factions to try for a ceasefire. They WANTED the idiots to stop being pains in the asses so the UNSC could focus it's entire attention on the Covenant.

>>6261313
Yeah we should really get that finished. And keep Dimas close to us or Halsey just in general afterwards too. Our Razer prowler has room for 60ish people depending on how it's outfitted so giving him a work space shouldn't be impossible.
>>6261372
No need to force our own Johnson, anon. Gotta let it happen naturally. Who knows, might find a nice junior officer named Svenson to be bros with and give the XO posting to on our ship while we do ground ops.

>>6261380
Uh? Forcing a Johnson ? Because i want to send a request for a good squad of soldiers ? None of them are even like Johnson. I didn't even mention him.

Sending a request is not forcing any of them, they could refuse or not even consider it. Its a request not a blood oath that binds them to eternal service -_-". Also making a request because you think those soldiers are good....is already a natural thing ?? Like we have quite literally fought with them. Not really artificial in my opinion.

I prefer something different, i just liked squad Skua so far and they are good soldiers on their own. ONI or Command will probably tell us no and send them somewhere else anyway. Asking though doesn't kill anyone, so I will wait for 404 response.


Also Loki is taking that long for the undertaking of time it requires. Its an AI specialized for cyberwarfare against Covenant. A different and new beast than something like Narfi, and with our limited off duty time progress is slower than usual (keep in mind that Sven also has officer duties + any training/exercises done during transit between missions).

>>6261449
>None of them are even like Johnson. I didn't even mention him.
I was making a joke. Thus the Johnson/Svenson bit.
>Sending a request is not forcing any of them, they could refuse or not even consider it.
Squad Skua are ONI Security, not technically part of the UNSC at large. Theoretically Stanforth could attach them to us but he's also just as likely to drop a curated ops team in our lap if we made a serious request up the chain to him with a good enough reason attached to it.
>Also Loki is taking that long for the undertaking of time it requires.
I'm very aware, which is why we should dedicate actual vote time into furthering it's development between this mission and whichever happens next.

Funny thing is Sven proved himself an incredible bodyguard this OP. Most of his injuries are from taking hits for a VIP or taking hits to ensure a prisoner didn't escape. Paired with our wonton violence and slippery use of rules honestly ONI might want to steal Sven for a few solo OPs

>>6261802
Beyond his ability and willingness to take a hit, I'd say Sven's leadership qualities and strategic brilliance were on full display here. Command was spot-on when they said Sven was far more adept as an officer than his current rank suggests.

>>6260990
np
hopefully doc anon will update it soon. i wonder if he is in good health....

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, back online

Sorry about being a bit late. Tried to get to writing around the time I started last update but I just couldn't stay awake (And funnily enough, dreamt I'd written the update). Lots of nice in depth discussion, always love to see it.

11 Votes to Conscript the innies to save their asses

1 Vote to present the allies of convenience Violet found as Prisoners of war

Pretty clear winner here. Time for Sven to show his chops as a rule lawyer!

[ Decision made]
[ Proceeding.... ]

>>6261372
I swear some of you guys are in my walls, there will in fact be a few choices to customize the non spartan crew of the Razor

>>6261885
We can only hope

Outwardly, you appear completely at ease and calm. However, you're busy wracking your mind even as you recline in the captain's chair, tenting your hands as you file through the nearly encyclopedic knowledge of UNSC military protocols and Naval codes you possessed. There wasn't a draft in place for any armed force branch currently, that was probably going to change soon, but there had been drafts earlier in the UNSC's history. And there had also been instances of forced conscription, but that was even rarer than the draft and was separated into several different Naval codes.

The one you're most familiar with is Naval Code 45812, a protocol specifically created to make the Spartan program quasi legal, since it authorized the conscription of kids with or without their parents consent. And if ONI ever needed more child soldiers, that'd be the Code they'd fall back on, or some new subsection as to your understanding, 45812 was solely intended to gather recruits for the Spartan-II project but could very easily be altered to...well, fill the ranks with kids who didn't have the benefit of eight years of the best training and the augments of ASTER. The thought chilled you to your core, so you moved on as you flipped through the seemingly endless military protocols you've taught yourself exactly for situations like this.

2718, general conscription of local militias. Wouldn't work. The insurrection was an illegal paramilitary organization and terrorist group.

20190, drafting of prisoners from local penitentiaries. Nope. You'd need to run a trial and imprison Whitaker for that to work, and he'd receive a sentence too heavy to be considered for that draft. Naval Code 20190 had very strict guidelines on that front.

Pressing three fingers to your forehead, you knit your brows together and wrinkle your nose

"37168" You say, sitting up straight and snapping your fingers as you grinned almost feverishly as everyone in the command center looked at you like the blood loss was starting to have an effect "Forced Conscription of enemy combatants or criminal elements, with allowances for more severe crimes than 20190"

"Naval codes" Jorge said, nodding and looking impressed as Halsey's look of confusion softens into a look of matronly pride and you could imagine she was thinking, I taught that boy. You rose from your seat and contacted Jame's directly through the Levithan's COMs

"Well, Luckily for them" You began, relishing in solving the puzzle in front of you in a few seconds "Whitaker and his Pals have just been conscripted into the Navy!"

There was a period of silence, as James relayed the orders obediently to the marine keeping his allies by happenstance from boarding the Pelican.

"They're asking by what higher power" James said steely, and you felt the dried blood and sweat crack as your grin grew, it wasn't often you got to smack someone down with the rulebook that so often was shackled to your legs.
Cont

>>6261959

"By my authority as a Commissioned Officer of NAVCOM, as per Naval Code 37168" You drawl and enjoy the tense silence that follows

"Says the code checks out, its an obscure one, but it checks out" James says, sounding stunned that you pulled just the right protocol to find a loophole straight through the pelican crews' orders
Adjusting perspective

Whitaker blinked once, the discussion deciding the fate of his and his remaining soldiers lives suddenly turning in a completely unexpected direction as the green giant spoke with the mysterious commanding officer they'd reported to once or twice during the action. He thought he was called Thirty Three, though had heard them use Sven once or twice while talking about him. He'd started today thinking the Boogiemen who wiped out the locos from New Noregr, captured Watts, blew up a nuclear refinery, wiped out a COM Station, and disappeared the Costa brothers only had numbers and no soul.

Turns out that had been wrong on both accounts

"Conscripted?" Fran spat out, her eyes wide as Whitaker stared at the equally stunned Grunts aboard the pelican, who were looking to their CO like good little military Lap dogs of Sol. And to Whitaker's utter astonishment, the marine agreed with James.

"It checks out, Naval Code Three Seven One Six Eight is on the record for being used to conscript serial killers and terrorists" The hard eyed motherfucker said, and smirked. Whitaker almost blew his chance of survival by punching that look off the Marine's face. They weren't terrorists. The insurrection wasn't the one dropping cyborgs on worlds to snatch, grab and vanish people. But he could suffer a bit of libel if it meant he and his men got off this rock. Didn't feel right abandoning his world, but if the UNSC was doing a runner...well, that just meant they were fucked seven ways to sunday. Better to live to fight another day than die fighting a battle that couldn't be won.

"Whit, are we...we can refuse can't we?" Ahab asked, eyes darting around "I mean, sure these guys helped us get a few ships more out of blackreef, but they're still Sol"

Whitaker rubbed his bearded chin

"Make you decision quick, we don't have time for you to debate it amongst yourselves" James said, harshly as he walked up the ramp and into the Pelican

"Take the olive branch, or don't" The psycho of the unit of green giants scoffed as she stomped up after her leader. Pressured from both sides

"You wanna die in the mud, or get a chance to avenge the people we lost today?!" Whitaker snapped, frayed and exhausted "Get on that bird or try your luck in the evac centers"

"Good choice" The giant who blew up the aliens' king worm said, like she was praising a puppy that learnt how to roll over and beg. Whitaker felt his skin crawl, but there was no other choice. Either he take the offer and live, or refuse it and die.
Cont

>>6261960

"Shit... Guess we're navy now. Hope they don't just shoot us and drop us out the airlock." Fran snorted "Out the way grunt, we're in the same outfit now. Doesn't mean we're going to be buddy buddy, though"

"If they make us baby killers, I'm killin ya, Whit" Ahab spat, but the rest of the survivors, Calavera in particular, were much more grateful for the intervention and hustled aboard

Whitaker paused at the end of the landing ramp, staring at the burning orange horizon. Towards Blackreef. There were fighters and friends that weren't so lucky. But before that ambush, these cyborgs held the line at his own hometown. He owed them at least a little trust, even if he felt like he was pissing on the graves of everyone he knew that had died because of the UNSC's bullshit. But, there were more graves that had been filled by these Aliens.

"We'll get them back for this, for Alpha Corvi Two" James said, as he entered the Pelican. And Whitaker tried to force the respect he had gained for these psychos back, reminding himself that oh oh five had been the one to run roughshod over the scariest motherfuckers in the Insurrection.

"Yeah. We will" He said hoarsely, his mind replaying the combat they'd just crawled out from and how easily the Covenanters or whatever the number one psycho called them, had nearly wiped out his entire outfit. He couldn't stop himself from returning to the moments he lost his friends and comrades. How they'd taken out Command moments after their king worm had gotten got.

But he was alive, and so were Fran, Ahab, Calavera, Tobias, Sketch, and Rocko. He bit his lip as he nearly added Em to the list of survivors, but she died while they were clearing the landing for the Pelican. But just getting out of that mess was enough of a victory. The pelican rattled as it took and returned fire, reminding Whitaker that they weren't out of the shit yet.

"So, who wants to start a betting pool that these guys get sent straight to a holding cell once we break atmosphere?"

Adjusting perspective, returning to preferred Candidate Sven-033

You're woken from your nap, shaken awake by Daisy and told that Commander Yao wants to meet Purple and Violet team before the UNSC Persian Gate retreated from the battle via slip-space jump.

"And queen bitch mentioned the capture of a enemy VIP and the Commanding Officers "Creative interpretation of orders and naval protocol" She added as you slowly rose from the bed you'd been resting on after Shika had treated most of your burns and scrapes "Don't think she's too happy about the latter"

"They fought for Violet. I fought for them" You answer bluntly as you get out of the cot "If she has a problem with it, I have a problem with her"

"Oh, I agree with your choice. They might be rebels, but they got Spartans out of hot water. I'd have done the same in your shoes...Sir" She tells you as the two of you walk to transfer over to the Persian Gate.
Cont

>>6261962
__
Advancement Path Progress and the choice of a new one, as well as the side and secret objectives that Violet team achieved, as well as the War effort/ Personal rewards for both Purple and Violet's mission, will be revealed after Operation: COLLATERAL DAMAGE's after action report
__

>Explain to the Commander that the Insurrection fighters, were too valuable an asset to leave behind, considering their experience fighting Covenant

>Shove the White Whale at the Commander's feet before she can get a word in about your "Creative interpretation of orders and protocol"

>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.

>Insist that Whitaker and the Gunny from Fereydun are also present on the meeting, see if Yao likes looking in the eyes of soldiers she was about to leave to die.

>Write in option

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.
Let her first vent her complaints. we already rattling the cage enough.

>>6261963
>>Insist that Whitaker and the Gunny from Fereydun are also present on the meeting, see if Yao likes looking in the eyes of soldiers she was about to leave to die.
lets see if she can keep that attitude an ego when faced with the consequences of her choices

>>6261963
>>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.

Fuck it. Success is its own justification. I'd like to SEE what kind of complaints she can come up with in light of the overwhelming success of this operation. Whatever she says is going to sound dumbass.

>>6261963
>Shove the White Whale at the Commander's feet before she can get a word in about your "Creative interpretation of orders and protocol"
Any of these options are good. Our friendly CIC locked operations officer can get bent if she doesn't like our results.

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.
The idea of this small woman chewing out the highly decorated giant green armored man is too amusing to pass up. Imagine being part of her crew and watching that, kek

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.
Eh, we’ve tanked worse ass chewing. Specifically the ones with the stun batons. I say let her let out the stress on us. Can’t be easy making the choices she did. That shits gonna haunt her the rest of her life.

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.

>>6261963
>>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.
She's a bitch and probably not the best and brightest but she still had her own orders to follow and her stupid decisions are just her trying to fulfill that. The attitude though is just cause she's a walking cactus. Prickly bitch. She wouldn't get it anyway, she commands from a bridge whereas we do it from the shit. Let her talk. It'll roll off Sven like water on a duck. And brother Sven is one big fucking duck.

Hey Dimas, what the fuck is up with that rock you guys got? Did you give it a name yet? Bartholomew is a good pet rock name. Has Halsey taken up smoking or drinking yet? kek Hope she's doing okay. Must hurt seeing your kids savaged so.

>>6261963
>Insist that Whitaker and the Gunny from Fereydun are also present on the meeting, see if Yao likes looking in the eyes of soldiers she was about to leave to die.

Power move.
Though putting the White Whale in front of her is also another one. Its so goddamn funny, its like saying "think very well what you are about to say because this is my work" without saying it. I mean who the fuck can talk shit, when there is a massive genocidal ugly alien commander that the supersoldier officer in front of you captured and beaten bloody ? Gunny and Whitaker are also a power move. Saved by us and they both helped Purple and Violet team. They could have said no, instead they did.

Damn Whitaker as it rough. At least he and his squad are alive. Managed to make something out of a shit situation.


>>6261946
Nice ! I knew you were cool like that 404.
Maybe some of us are just mind linked.....

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.
We had our fun time too accept our chee out. Accept it before it gets taken higher

>>6261963
>If Yao wants to complain, let her and accept any reprimands she has for you, focusing instead on what you could've done differently and the after action report you need to write.

8 Votes to listen to any complaints/ criticism Yao has/ think about what you could've done differently + the AAR

2 votes to Bring the Innie and Gunny for the debrief

1 Vote to drag the prisoner of war you caught to the debrief

Going for a basic debriefing then.

Decision made
Proceeding...

There's a light at the end of the tunnel, I think I might break the record of Longest update in this quest again. Almost done with the AAR

>>6262267
>bro's out here keying up a goddamn affidavit for the supreme court
Dayum

>>6262267
we're going to need an AAR for the AAR

>>6262267
Take your time big man. Thanks for working so hard on the update.

Update is at least 15 posts, aprox 7300 words, and 45,000 characters long.

When you see it, will you be blinded by its majesty?

The transport shuttle takes a few minutes to figure out how to dock properly with the now spaceborne Levithan Launch platform, which will be towed through slip space by one of the UNSC Persian Gate's fellow Halcyon-Class Light Cruisers, most likely the limping UNSC Hadrian's wall.

Commander Yao is waiting for you, Violet team and Dr Halsey in the the first of the Persian Gate's four docking bays. She's accompanied by a detachment of Marines. Seems she isn't keen on meeting the newest conscripts empty handed. And her sense of caution means she's a fair distance away from the landing pads Purple and Violet team disembark from, giving you a chance to catch up with your spartans.

"You look like shit LT" Is how Nesta warmly greets her injured commanding Officer "Heard you took heavy fire, didn't realize you took a roll around the coals as well"

You look her up and down, noting the dings and plasma scouring in her armor and in particular drawing attention to the cracked and broken visor of her helmet, which has shattered enough to reveal one of her bright green eyes.

"Needed to get the fleas you gave me off somehow" You joke back, and you can see tell the jab earned a smile "Dimas, Grace, good to see you both in one piece"

"Was a near thing, Sir. Feeling is mutual" Grace says, snapping a salute as you survey her suit of Mjolnir, noting that most of the damage she took was caused by explosive or thermal detonations. Dimas's armor however was pocketed marked with thumb sized indents, he'd taken needle fire primarily, probably avoided most of the plasma sent his way.

"Made good use of my holograms" Dimas answered, and you could tell he winced when he saw the state of your armor "You...really should take better care of your Mjolnir. This power armor is exceedingly expensive in terms of materials and production time"

"Yeah yeah" You brush aside as you walk up to James and can tell immediately he went hand to hand with a Svartalfar's energy sword from the unique damage patterns across his outer layer of armor "James"

"Sven" He returns, before the two of you embrace each other and you only don't lift him off the ground because Halsey would have you tied to a gurney if you tried.

"Good work out there" You compliment as you release him from your crushing bear hug

"Good job not dying" He returns, before the two of you thump your fists together

"How'd you get shot in the head?" Daisy chuckled as she walked up to Nesta and rapped her knuckles against her helmet "Thought dodging bullets was your specialty"

"They got lucky" She answered, clicking her tongue "Glad to see you to, Daisy and...tell me you killed whoever did that to you, Shika"

"Mostly" Shika answered with a shrug as Nesta frowned and looked over the bandages she'd applied herself.

"We have the Splitjaw who did it in captivity" Jorge answered since Shika tends to only say as much as is necessary "Are those the rebels over there?"
Cont

>>6262321

"What gave it away?" James asked as you glanced over in the direction of what was left of Violet teams' unlikely allies, Seven insurrectionists lead by a man with dreadlocks and a notably overweight woman with pigtails

"How poorly maintained their equipment is, and how ragtag they look" He answered

"Yeah" Shika agreed

"Can I look at that device you're carrying before you turn it over to the office of Naval intelligence" Dimas asked, you shrugged and Grace winced as her eyes were drawn to what he was gesturing towards

"Is that the same thing that nearly took James' head off?" She asks, and you nod, watching as Whitaker and his friends were put under armed guard but not made to drop their own weapons as Yao approached

"Dimas, I'll allow you examine it non intrusively" Halsey answered, as he and the rest of your team took of their helmets. You'd kept yours off since its COM unit had started to constantly squeal with static.

Commander Yao, marched directly up to you. The short woman with eyes like a hawk tried to look imposing in front of someone who towered over her easily, powered armor or not. She knit her brow together, and lifted up her shoulders and chest as you stood at attention and saluted.

"All eight Spartans deployed have returned from the field" Halsey answered, strutting in front of your formation "And the VIP purple team was escorting is uninjured, as you can clearly see"

"It'd have taken more than Covenant's got for her to be harmed under my and Sven's watch" Jorge declared, holding his head high.

"I can see the Lieutenant has been wounded in the line of duty, and his equipment has been substantially damaged" Yao finally speaks, nodding once as she stepped closer "Its for the best that the research facility was self destructed. I am impressed by your performance, Spartans. -033, so far you are the only soldier of the UNSC to capture not only one, but two of the Covenants "Elites". and that you successful secured and extracted all the researchers and the prototypes of their classified projects, deserves some recognition. However"

You bite down hard on your cheek to stop yourself from laughing as she kept trying to intimidate you despite her natural handicap, remaining at attention and saluting as she fixed your eyes with her glare

"I believe that if you are to be reach your full potential as an officer, and not merely a pet project of a madwoman' She said, and while she paid no attention to it, every Spartans turned and glared at her at her incredibly poor choice of words. You suppressed the surge of anger you felt at her not only calling Spartans a "Pet project" but referring to Halsey as a mad scientist, by digging your nails into your palm.

Yao ignored or didn't notice the ire she'd drawn from the super soldiers that could drop her before she could blink and continued "You must learn to see the big picture. It is apparent in your actions in the field and after achieving your mission objectives, that you don't"

>>6262322

"Ma'am. May I request clarification" You say, as your fellow spartans bristle at her talking down to you, especially your dragons. You signal Daisy to be ready to restrain Nesta in case Yao pushes her luck a little too far. Out of all the Spartans, not just those present, you think she'd be the first to frag a superior officer if she was given enough of an incentive to.

"Gladly, Lieutenant" the command says, lightening up and softening her tone somewhat but still speaking to you like you were a green horn straight from Boot "The staff of the blacksite told me you took unnecessary personal risk, they also complained about a certain incident, but I am of the mind that your behavior wasn't out of line and the treatment one Researcher Kaiser received was deserved"

"Sven often takes hits for his fellow Spartans. He's trained to" Halsey explains as it dawns on you that Yao is referring to you saving Okar and Amphitrite, which baffles you and it takes every ounce of discipline you have to not look as confused as you feel

"That is commendable, what is not is taking unnecessary risks. There are forty six combat able Spartans in service. Section three is always recruiting more scientists, they are, comparatively, expendable" She answers as you really have to struggle not to question her intelligence. Okar is a head researcher, and from the chat you had with him the flight up, before project typhon, he was one of the foremost experts in Starship design. He wasn't some fresh graduate, the old man had years of learned experience. It wasn't like he could be replaced so easily. And judging from the way the others were staring at her, they were also barely able to believe that they heard what she'd just said, especially Dimas.

"I" You start, stopping because while you understand her position, you don't agree with it, but you settle with "Understand. How else was my performance lacking"

Personally, if you had a second go at the mission, while there was several things you'd have done differently, saving Okar wasn't one of them. Should've been prepared for an ambush, should've made better use of the energy shields you'd acquired in field, but most of the issues your team encountered were out of your hand. Hard to not have fighting devolve into close quarters combat somewhere as claustrophobic as the sea lab was.

"While, I appreciate your efforts to avoid direct contact with other military elements. it was unnecessary for you to assist in their evacuation efforts. If it wasn't for the Covenant focusing their efforts on flattening the Island of Blackreef, the attempt could've been disastrous and cost far more lives than they were projected to lose from the enemy's anti aircraft weaponry" She continues, going a little red around the face, but you can't tell if it is frustration or embarrassment "I had to divert several fighter squadrons to cover your back after your little stunt, and UNSC soldiers were given priority for a reason"
Cont

>>6262323

"I wouldn't write that complaint in your official report, Commander" Dr Halsey calmly advised, putting on her glasses and managing to make them catch a glint immediately "I imagine it won't look good on your service record to complain about a soldier taking the initiative to save the lives of civilians and enlisted military personnel"

Commander Yao shut her mouth, a vein popping on her forehead as she breathed out

"It was an unnecessary risk. And further proof that the Lieutenant wasn't thinking about the big picture. Their lives don't matter in the big picture" She explained, composing herself as that last sentence made you evaluation of her as a fellow human being plummet "And certainly the rebels he intercede on the behalf of, don't matter. Which is why I haven't had them put in restraints or shot"

You could feel James start to hate the woman.

"They saved our lives" He spoke out of turn, all but growling the words

"And will now require us to allocate extra resources to keep under surveillance and arrest until they can be trusted to not commit acts of sabotage. If they ever can be" She snapped back "Technically, their conscription is entirely legal, but if I have anything to say about it, those rebels will not see the outside of a jail cell until they've proven their loyalty and shown they are capable of cooperating. I'll ignore your outburst, for now, Soldier. And I trust your superior officer understands the risk he's taken vouching for these terrorists"

She lowered herself down a little before adding "You're fortunate they quietly went into custody, and that playing the hero resulted in more lives saved than were lost. But this behavior is proof you lack perspective. This is a battle we lost. But it is a small part of a much larger war. That is bigger than one planet. It's bigger than any one life, it's bigger than the civilians and soldiers you saved, it's certainly bigger than the lives of worthless rebels. Even bigger than any one spartan..."

You kept your mouth shut as Yao personally demolished her standing in the eyes of the Spartans, even Shika looked ready to gut her if she made one wrong move at this point, but discipline and and professional bearing kept them in line. She was talking to you like you were a bunch of rowdy little kids, like you didn't understand what was at risk simply because you still valued other human lives. That you didn't have so much ice in your veins to just abandon someone who fought for your fellow Spartans, to leave them to die.

"We're fighting for the survival of human civilization" She grandstanded, and impressed some of the marines but for once, judging from the glower Whitaker shot at her back, you were agreeing with an Innie.
Cont

>>6262324

Commander Yao, once she'd tired herself out from reprimanding you for throwing yourself into the line of Fire, assisting in helping your fellow soldier escape the planet, and helping out people who fought beside your Spartans, did compliment your quick and decisive action in the field and how you creatively made use of available resources and equipment . Then she spoke with James about his side of the op, and spent half of it chewing him out for "Wasting time" defending the settlement he was initially ordered to protect, and that he allied with a local insurrectionist cell to achieve his objective and go beyond the call of duty and knock off some Covenant spiritual leader, even if that wasn't intentional.

But, since he was following your orders, you spoke up and took the blame for those decisions and got your ear chewed off for making the calls that made Violet Team's mission a success. It wasn't that she didn't have any praise for James and his team, she had plenty in fact, but it wasn't enough to win her back the opinion and esteem she'd lost in your eyes for her decisions and behavior.

At some point it all became white noise and your thoughts drifted to the report you'd have to write and the improvements you could make to your field tactics and leadership....

After Action Report. Spartan Field Operation NO: 7. Operation: COLLATERAL-DAMAGE. Contents Classified

Operation began December 3, at 1130 Hours, as Spartan Fireteams Purple and Violet depart the UNSC Persian Gate. Purple team was assigned to Section 3 Head Scientist Dr Catherine Halsey's body guard detail, with the objective of escorting the scientist the black site on the Colony of Alpha Corvi-II, off the coast of the city of Fereydun. The team was lead by Spartan-033, Sven Askeland, and was comprised of Spartans -108, Shika Petty Officer First class, -052, Jorge Petty Officer Second Class, and -023, Daisy, Petty officer Second class.

Violet team, was initially given the mission to relieve the UNSC forces fighting in Jamshid, and was lead by Spartan -005, James Petty Officer First Class, and was comprised of Spartans -012, Dimas Petty Officer Second Class, -097, Nesta Petty Officer Second Class, -093, Grace Petty Officer Second class. However their mission was changed soon after the debriefing to intercept Covenant Forces that had redirected from the primary theater to the non garrisoned mining settlement of Blackreef. Spartan-097 voiced a complaint about this sudden changed in directive. -052 assuaged her concerns. Spartan-023 protested the decision to abandoned the forces at Jamshid. -052 also assuaged her concerns.

A no contact order was put in place for both Spartan Teams, restricting them from interacting with or coordinating with other UNSC armed forces present and deployed across the colony.
Cont

>>6262325

This order lead to -033's decision to covertly requisition a M808B Main Battle Tank from the Garrison at Fereydun, assisted by Spartans-108 and -023, to fulfill Dr Halsey's request for a heavily armored and armed transport. -052 was trusted to guard her as -033, -108 and -023 procured their vehicle. -033 and -023 discussed the legality and consequence of this action, in particular the resulting loss of lives and increased difficulty its absence would caused the defense of fereydun, but went through with the acquiring of the main battle tank and maneuvered it out of the garrison while under friendly fire.

Violet team, arriving at Blackreef, had their landing site come under fire by local rebel elements aligned to United Rebel Front. None of the spartans in violet team were injured, due in part to the Quick thinking of Spartan-012 and his employment of non regulation hologram technology to create false targets to confused the rebels as the rest of Violet team got into cover. -033 contacted Spartan-005 not long after reuniting with Dr Halsey and -052. After a quick tactical discussion, -033 ordered -005 to attempt diplomatic contact with the Rebels, which he achieved by luring them out with -012's holograms, keeping -093 and -097 on overwatch as he approached them to convince them that the Covenant invasion posed a greater threat than the Spartans.

James used experimental optical camouflage technology to flank behind the Rebel soldiers, and directly confronted Captain Whitaker; who was leading his forces from the field. With necessary physical coercion, -005 explained the situation to the restrained insurrectionist leader and called the rest of his team down. Whitaker had heard of Spartans through rumors spreading through the insurrectionist cells, and thus quickly agreed to the generous terms -005 presented him after he had made it clear they were not sent to terminate the local rebel cell. The Rebels provided valuable tactical data of the ongoing situation across black reef and assisted Violet team in a number of small skirmishes against Covenant Scout forces.

Purple Team, finding the Office of Naval Intelligence's blacksite under an ongoing siege, were confronted by a heavily fortified beach head that proved to be a massive obstacle in their way. Using an prototype Scouting Drone, -052 determined that the Covenant forces were too numerous and well entrenched to breakthrough, while -108 and -023 camouflaged the tank with local materials. -033, aware of the M808's amphibious capabilities, instead of confronting the Covenant siege directly, drove the tank further up the coast and then, pushing the engine to full speed, barreled the tank through the shore and under the water, as he and -052 held Dr Halsey securely to its turret.
Cont

>>6262327

Climbing the tank up the sandy hillside of the peninsula the entrance of the blacksite was secured to, the spartans cut off the covenant's sole point of access by position the tank on the opposite side of the sole landbridge connecting the site to the mainland. -023 and -108 routed the Covenant soldiers patrolling the land bridge and fended off their attempts to repulse them, as -033 and -052 entered the facilities courtyard, leaving Dr Halsey behind safely with the tank.

Engaging a troop of encamped Covenant Marksman, Snipers and spotters that had been searching for an access point in the locked down facility, Sven and Jorge terminated the hostiles through clever tactics and teamwork, -033 scavenging a Covenant Shield Guantlet during the fire fight, as he and -052 drew fire off of each other and decimated the enemy force already present in the facility and made further use of the experimental active camouflage tech they'd gathered [See attached file for lieutenant Askeland's performance review]

The Covenant Siege force massed for an Assault, and -033 noticed a vulnerability in the facility's security, that Dr Halsey was able to exploit through verbal over-ride code to get access to the site's elevator system, avoiding contact with trapped Covenant Elements. During routine inspection of his surroundings, Spartan-033 policed a "Needle rifle" and a trinket later discovered to be an "Energy sword".

Spartans-023 and -108 were left to defend the site's entrance as Spartans-033 and -052 proceeded with their mission to escort Dr Halsey into the facility and to end the sitewide lockdown and black out and encounter no resistance as they proceeded from the elevator, to the site's garage and motor pool and to the lightly defended wing of the classified Typhon project

On Violet team's side of the operation, encountered difficulties. The Covenant had secured and entered the Mines and had began excavation efforts, while a separate force was landing troops nearby the primary settlement of Black Reef. And the other half of Purple team was coming under heavy fire by enemy tanks [Codename: Wraith] as the opposing Covenant force were reinforced, and their M808's ammunition stores were rapidly being expended.

Lieutenant Askeland -033 ordered Petty Officer First Class James-005 to pull back to Black Reef and wait for the Covenant to acquire the objective of their excavation efforts, before launching an ambush. Reinforcing local insurrectionist aligned militias, Violet Team rallied in the defense of Black Reef and held off several assaults, making expert use of the military surplus that the locals had used to defend their homes. And through their efforts, few human losses were sustained during the Covenant assaults on the island.
Cont

>>6262329

Petty Officer First Class Shika-108 requested permission to attempt a daring maneuver of capturing one of the Covenant Tanks. -033 authorized her attempt. Petty Officer Second Class Daisy-023 was ordered to draw fire while Shika-108 got into position.

The Blacksite's administrative Volitional AI Amphitrite, mistook Halsey's override access for a Covenant Intrusion. Sven-033 volunteered to prevent the detachment of the connecting corridor from The Typhon Project's storage to the central chamber of the facility, making expert use of an experimental EMP device attached to the wrist of his armor, preventing the hallway from being dropped to the seafloor before muscling open the hatch.

Immediately upon entering the chamber, that contained the survivors of the site's staff and security attachment, there was a near instance of friendly fire as the personnel mistook -033 for Covenant. Dr Halsey defused the situation and prevented an incident, before one Dr Kaiser, head researcher of the classified Evil Eye Project, with a clear mind and complete cognitive ability, attempted to assassinate Dr Halsey due to a petty rivalry fueled by funding and jealousy. An attempt they then poorly attempted to cover up

Lieutenant Sven Askeland, Spartan-033, Subdued, restrained and arrested the rogue scientist and would be assassin with minimal harm to his person.

Accompanied by the sole intact security team, Squad Skua, lead by Sergeant Ria Galaz and elements of the other teams composed of their few survivors [Read attached note: On the subject of Squad Petrel and Sergeant Fairbanks, and the Security Staff's effort prior to Spartan fireteam's arrival], Spartan-033 determined that the Volitional AI could not be allowed to fall into Enemy hands and with the lockdown ended, the site's security would need to be brought back online and reconnected to the AI, Amphitrite. Researcher Okar requested and was given authorization to work to reboot and give the AI back their administrative access and command codes.

Outside of the facility, Spartan-108, taking advantage of the distraction Spartan-023 created, successfully took control of a Covenant Tank, grappling onto it via an prototype wrist mounted, tethered blade and excuting its pilot before turning its plasma mortar against the Covenant troops assaulting the facility

Dr Okar was escorted to the AI's nexus without issue, and Spartans -033, -052 and Squad Skua proceeded to the facilities cafeteria to create a diversion and draw the formerly trapped Covenant troops into a lethal trap. Their method was unconventional, aware that the Covenant could translate at least the English Language, Sven-033 used the facility's intercom; Accessing it through a terminal in the chow hall, to insult, belittle and issue foulmouthed challenges to the trapped Covenant soldiers.
Cont

>>6262330

Jorge -052 made use of the same tactic, and Squad Skua were encouraged and also aided in the effort as -052 fortified the cafeteria and Sven-033, theorizing that the energy blade he'd found held significant cultural/ religious importance [See attached files: Cafeteria recordings and possible significance of Covenant Plasma swords], used it to further enrage the Covenant soldiers that had redirected towards their position. -033 learned the basics of operating the energy sword as -052 and Squad Skua got into position.

Upon sight of the active energy sword in the hands of -033, the Covenant were driven into a frenzy and made several tactical errors. The Covenant heavily outnumbered the defenders, with a total of 36 combatants of mixed species.

Blindly Charging -033's position, their lines were disrupted with well placed fragmentation grenades, and in pursuing -033 into the cafeteria, they tripped numerous tripwire traps -052 had set, that were wired to smoke and incendiary explosives, as well as grease and fire suppressant foam projectors. It was discovered that the methane tanks of the diminutive grunts used as cannon fodder by the Covenant were readily detonated early on in the engagement.

-052 and Squad Skua opened fire as the aliens pursued -033 and inflicted heavy casualties, the first tripwire armed with incendiary explosives was sprung. The Covenant retaliated, advancing under a phalanx of energy shields and forced the Spartans and Security team both behind cover. The commanding officer sought out -033, as -052 lead Squad Skua in hammering and suppressing the advancing Covenant troops from behind cover. -033 flushed out the Covenant with an non standard issued variant of the M45E shotgun and succeeded in driving them into -052 and Skua's line of fire before being forced to engage with one of the Covenant's Elite warrior caste in CQC.

-033 swiftly overpowered the enemy soldier with a mixture of fire-arms and hand to hand combat, and after executing them used their body as a improvised shield, as -052 and Skua drove the remaining elite troops behind the Cafeteria's serving line, with the Marksman species and Cannon fodder having been routed and in a state of total panic.

-033 used the enemy's own weaponry against them, and took down one of the elites arming a plasma grenade, but not quickly enough. Lance Corporal Li Marcus bravely gave his life leaping to intercept the sticky grenade and dive away from allied forces to prevent further casualties. His loss only improved squad cohesion and morale.

The remaining five hostile contacts were quickly mopped up and killed, -033 killing the presumed leader of the group with the energy sword after tackling them away from the four other enemy combatants, who were swiftly cut down by -052's machine gun and Squad Skua's assault rifles.

All thirty six covenant soldiers were terminated compared to three friendly casualties, two of which were fatal
Cont

>>6262331

-033 and -052 then made contact with the Site AI, Amphitrite.

During this action, the other half of Purple team was forced to retreat after both the M808 Main battle tank and the Covenant Armor Shika captured were disabled. However, before retreating, Shika-108 attempted to assassinate the Covenant Commanding the Siege force, and succeeded in killing three of his body guards armed with energy swords before being bested and wounded engaging the Commander personally, resulting in the temporary disabling of her arm and the destruction of the prototype forearm blade she'd been equipped with for this mission. Daisy -023 was forced to abandon and sacrifice the Scorpion Purple team had commandeered to aid -108 in her retreat action, as both fell back to the Facility's above ground courtyard, pursued by the entirety of the Covenant forces besieging the blacksite.

Violet team determined that the Covenant had found what they were looking for and coordinated with the insurrectionist milita they were collaborating with to divert the Convoy escorting the artifact towards a more easily ambushed location. James-005 chose a nearby mineral refinery as the location and departed with Dimas-012, Nesta-097 and Grace-093 to plant C14 explosives and prepare to ambush the unsuspecting Covenant driven to their location by the rebel forces. Who took heavy losses, in both manpower and equipment, but were successful in diverting the convoy from its planned route into Violet's trap.

Unexpectedly, a lightly armed Covenant transport arrived prior to the army/ excavation team, and an unknown alien species [See attached reconnaissance photos collected from Spartans' -012 and -093 Helmet Cameras] That is believed to be not only aligned with but to hold significant importance in the Covenant culture and or religious beliefs [See attached report: Dr Halsey' analysis of the Covenant's reaction. CLASSIFED MATERIAL]. Grace-093 began the planned ambush early, taking initiative to remove what she thought was a leader of the Covenant Invasion with a single rocket. The rest of Violet team engaged, with Nesta-097 drawing fire and picking off officers from the air, making use of a prototype Mjolnir Jetpack, while James-005 risked life and limb to secure the artifact the Covenant had sought.


The insurrectionists joined the escalating fire fight, and took heavy casualties. -005, -012, -093, and -097 all sustained injuries during the engagement, but were able to successfully withdraw and inflict heavy casualties on the Covenant Convoy with the explosive charges they set earlier. The Covenant withdrew their forces from other theaters across the colony and sent them to Blackreef [[See attached report: Dr Halsey' analysis of the Covenant's reaction. CLASSIFED MATERIAL], focusing on any site of human habitation, forcing Violet team and their rebel allies to go to ground and wait out the sudden increased assault island wide.
cont

>>6262332

After conversing with Amphitrite, -033, -052 and Squad Skua changed their objective to securing classified project data and transporting their prototypes to the sole Levithan Class Landing platform/ Submarine Carrier [See: Project: TYPHON Classified materials]

Spartans-108 and -023, assisted by Amphitrite, were able to safely retreat into the facility and were given rendezvous coordinates by -033, who successfully secured the materials and Data of Projects: EVIL EYE, and MJOLNIR, with Spartan-052 and Squad Skua. Covenant forces lead by the Commander Shika had engaged and injured, entered the facility.

Purple team rendezvoused and reunited, Shika-108 was sent to Project: Typhon to receive first aid and guard the researchers, as was Squad Skua who were given orders to begin securing Project:Typhon and its materials.

Spartans -033, -023, and -052 worked with the Site's AI to lead the Covenant invaders into an Ambush, making use of the site's automated defenses to draw them into a trap in one of the manufacturing floors.

Approximately 75% of the settlements across Black Reef were determined to have been completely wiped off the map during the Covenant's initial retaliation efforts. Local rebel cell of the united rebel front is noted to have lost the majority of its members in a diversionary action allowing approximately 20% of non combatants to reach Blackreef's primary settlement. Violet team is contacted by fleet command and given coordinates for extraction as the Covenant's offensive cools and their forces spread out across the island in patrols.

Purple team successfully lures in Covenant scouting parties lead by the commander encountered by -108, and with assistance from Amphitrite, successfully terminates two scouting parties and captures the Covenant Commander via flooding the manufacturing floors submersed chamber.

Proceeding with hostage to Project berserker, purple team is ambushed by a cloaked Svartalfar [See: Spartan Purple team specific Lingo/ Jargon], of a high or ceremonial rank that attempted to execute the hostage and Daisy-023. Sven-033 intercepted their energy sword and while injured, engaged the surprisingly fluent alien in hand to hand combat with Jorge-052 [See recovered combat footage]. -033 and -052 masterfully employed numerous CQC techniques, alongside their firearms and sidearms to overcome the Covenant assassin, who was fatally disemboweled by combined efforts of -052 and -033, who were both injured during the confrontation.

The Covenant began efforts to bombard and damage the facility as several elite troops were sent in pursuit of the Spartans

Securing Project Berserker, Sven-033 personally escorted Dr Okar back to Amphitrite central server hub, to extract the AI's matrix, while the rest of Purple team secured the Evacuation sight and prepared the Levithan for launch. The Spartan and researcher combined their respective expertise in Artificial Intelligences to swiftly remove the AI's matrix.
Cont

>>6262333

Amphitrite initiated the site's self destruct sequence.

-033 and Okar were ambushed outside of the elevator by one of the earlier scouting parties. Lieutenant Askeland and Researcher Okar were both wounded in their retreat and flight to the Evac point, -033's Mjolnir power armor being heavily damaged and Dr Okar losing one of his legs. Dr Okar requested to be left behind, Sven-033 refused his request and at great bodily risk, carried the injured researcher to the evac point while under heavy fire.

Accidentally activating an SOS signal through his damaged gear, the rest of purple team ambushed the Covenant pursuing -033 and Okar, -108, -052 and -023 both taking part in the action and securing kills moments before the self destruction sequence was finished.

All researchers, security staff, Dr Halsey, and Spartans and prototypes were safely transported onto the Levithan before it escaped the deanchored facility and fled to the sea.

Sven-033, unable to recieve proper medical treatment, received evacuation orders from Commander Yao, and contacted Violet Team to be updated on their situation. Understanding the gravity of the situation the Lieutenant risked own safety and that of his team and the ONI Personnel, to assist the garrison at Fereydun as well as a substantial 16% of the city's surviving civilian population in their evacuation by boarding them on the Levithan, risking the one of a kind vessel and all aboard by docking it on the coast near the city.

Disagreeing with orders put in place by Commander Yao that Military ships only make an effort to evacuate UNSC Soldiers, James-005 contacted Purple team. Sven Askeland, recalling an obscure and rarely used Naval Code, activated the protocol and without authorization or permission from superior officers, conscripted the then seven surviving insurrectionist soldiers, including Captain Whitaker, to circumvent Commander Yao's orders.

Upon the successful lifting of the Levithan launch platform into orbit, Sven-033 was reprimanded prioritizing the lives of ONI Staff as well as the calculated risks he had taken outside of his mission parameters to assist civilian and non spartan military in escaping the Colony of Alpha Corvi-II as it fell, and in conscripting seven soldiers who had acquired rare and valuable experience fighting Covenant forces while assisting Violet team in their missions. James-005 was also reprimanded for following orders to Defend Blackreef from Covenant aggression
Cont

>>6262335
__
Operation: COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Campaign: The Defense of Alpha Corvi-II
Covenant Victory

P-Team
Primary Objective: Success! War Effort: The data of the projects Typhon, Evil Eye, Berserk, MJOLNIR/ ARGONAUT are secured and the research is continued elsewhere

Sub Objective 1: Success! War Effort: Covenant do not gain any intelligence or technology from the blacksite, UNSC understanding of their their tactics and troop comp are increased and improve counter strategies. Personal/ Squad wide: All surviving Spartans gain experience fighting Covenant

Sub Objective 2: Success! War Effort: Research Progress on Project: Typhon, MJOLNIR: Variants, Evil-Eye and Berserker Progress signifigantly! Research: Safe Rumble Drugs reaches 50% completion. Scientist and researchers are relocated and improve speed of current research progress. Personal/ Squad wide: ONI notes Purple Teams efforts to save their staff & Projects

Secret Objective 1: Success! War Effort: Smart AI Amphitrite remains in service and provides additional progress to the projects hosted at the site + Covenant tactics/ counter measures. Personal: Amphitrite and Dr Okar consider themselves in Sven's debt

Secret Objective 2: Success! War Effort: Research Projects: Xenobiology, Covenant Culture/ religion, Sangheili language, sangheili physiology , Active camouflage, Energy shields, Plasma weaponry, Progress. Branch research project Plasma Weaponry: Energy Swords, begins
__
V-Team

Primary Objective: Failure. War Effort: Black-Reef is over run completely and lost, along with the majority of its populace, structures and mining equipment

Sub Objective 1 : Success! War Effort: Unknown Alien Civilization Artifact Collected, Research Project on Ancient Alien Artifact Begins. UNSC Intelligence detailing Covenant Ground Operations Improved

Sub Objective 2: Success: War Effort. Insurrectionist activity in Alpha Corvi-II and nearby colonies cease and support for rebel causes decrease in nearby systems

Secret Objective 1: Success! War Effort: Whitaker and his surviving rebels provide valuable intel concerning Covenant tactics and battlefield operations, and are taken into UNSC custody. Whitaker and his men agree to provide what they know to the UNSC and Join the war effort as Specialists after a period of surveillance and enhanced interrogation performed by the Office of Naval intelligence

Secret Objective 2: [Encrypted]

Secret Objective 3: Success! War Effort: The Covenant fleet and army's invading Alpha Corvi-II remain planet side longer searching for the assassins of ???, giving nearby colonies a chance to prepare and defend themselves. ??? replaces ??? as leader of the Fleet ???. Surviving Sangheili leaders are punished by execution, exile or forced penance.
The AAR & results of the other ongoing Spartan OPs will trickle in/ be part of upcoming updates
__
Cont

>>6262337

Advancement Path: Brawler has Progressed to Rank 5. PLEASE SELECT SPECIALITY/ PRESTIGE PATH. All previous effects remain active

>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.

>2: Kung Fu: Sven Focuses on refining his martial arts and including more advance/ obscure styles/ techniques. Effects on Sven-033. Increases the penalties/ debuffs Sven is able to apply to opponents in CQC and improves his dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the fluidity of his movements. Ability to bring specialized melee weapons into the field and adapt techniques to deliberate or cripple alien bodies

>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.

>4: Feral: Sven takes inspiration from pure survival instincts and nature and creates bloody and savage fighting style. Effects on Sven-033. Every success maims/ scars opponents in serious matches. Sven is able to use his teeth as effective weapons and can inflict knife/ blade injuries with his bare hands. Sven will more easily lower enemy morale/ intimidate opponents caught in CQC with him

Advancement Path: Bulwark has Progressed to Rank 4
Previous effects remain active
New/ Additional effects: Sven's armor can endure more damage/ last longer in the field, Sven will always be allowed to take UA attachments to his MJOLNIR armor, Sven recovers from injuries faster on and off the field, Sven's tolerance for pain increases, Sven can take more wounds before suffering penalties/ reduces debuffs suffered from wounds + be less likely to be maimed in combat, Sven is capable of shrugging off/ resisting more damage than before and in particular reduces the damage suffered from explosive/ area attacks. Damage taken from taking hits reduced further, and can take even more wounds before being incapacitated/ dying

Advancement Path: Scrounger has Progressed to rank 2
Previous effects remain active
New/ Additional effects: Sven can salvage MJOLNIR armor pieces + better repair it without proper gear/ materials+ Keep it operational longer. Weapons Sven loots will have more ammo. Sven is more capable of scavenging for supplies+ food in the field. Sven grows more familiar with Covenant weaponry
Cont

>>6262339

Advancement Path: Grenadier Has progressed to rank 4
Previous effects remain active
New additional effects: Sven's grenade capacity increases to 7, and he takes reduced damage from his own grenades/ explosives and can expand their blast radius. Sven will always be able to take a grenade launcher as part of his Kit+ Can request a Rocket Launcher. And is able to take rare grenade variants/ GL ammo into the field. DC to Create/ Set explosives reduced, DC to disarm also reduced. Sven's "Trickshot" Ability improves

Sub Objective: Artificial Artisan has Progressed. Progress points/ Stage, 2 out of ?. Sven's knowledge of Artificial intelligences increases even further and he's considered a true prodigy in the field by other experts/ AI, the bonuses he receives while interacting with them are increased and Most AI will be more amiable towards him initially and its easier for Sven to befriend Smart AI. DC to program/ alter Not volitional/ Dumb AI is reduced. Sven can create more complex Dumb AI.

Conditions met for several Optional Advancement paths. Pick one

1st: Shotgunner. Unlock Conditions: Employ a shotgun effectively during combat, receive advance urban combat training, use a shotgun to "disarm" an enemy
If accepted now, effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven's accuracy with firearms in close range/ close quarters combat will improve. He will prefer to use and gain bonuses while using shotguns/ similar weapons, Sven will be able to employ Shotguns/ similar weapons more effectively in CQC situations

2nd: Marksman: Unlock Conditions: Employ a precision/ Marksmen rifle effectively during combat, receive advance marksmanship training. Headshot an enemy in medium to close range
if accepted now, effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven's accuracy with firearms in medium to close range will improve. He will prefer to use marksman rifles/ similar weapons, Sven will be able to land precision shots quicker/ on smaller or rapidly moving targets more easily

3rd: Shield bearer. Unlock Conditions: Use a kig-yar point defense gauntlet in an op, or use something (besides a corpse) as a shield during combat.
If accepted now, effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven will be more likely to find functional Kig-Yar shields in missions/ find more things that'd make for good shields in the fields and have the option to bring one in his initial loadout when starting missions

4th: Medic. Unlock Conditions: Perform First Aid on a squad mate in the field, receive advance medical/ first aid training, perform surgery to save a life.
if accepted now, effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven will more readily identify injuries/ ailments, and be able to carry medical supplies without taking up an additional slot of his kit, DC reduced/ + modifiers while performing medicine/ first aid. Sven is capable of stopping bleeding/ shock effects without a roll
Cont 1/2

>>6262340

5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle
Cont
6th: Knife expert: Unlock Conditions: Use a knife to neutralize/ kill multiple opponents, make use of advance knife fighting techniques, win a knife fight/ Bladebreaker
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven-033 will have a wider range of knives/ throwing knives available to bring on his loadout, Sven will be faster and more lethal with a knife and be able to perform more advance knife fighting techniques + can dual wield knives. Sven can replace one grenade slot for 4 throwing knives, and can disarm other knife wielders or inflict bleeding on unarmed opponents

7th: Swordmaster: Unlock Conditions: Use a sword in combat to kill an opponent (Energy or normal sword)/ Blade Breaker)
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven will be able to take swords/ similarly sized blades in his melee slot, Sven will be a more effective swordfighter + be able to perform fencing maneuvers with a sword. More likely to retrieve functional energy swords from Elite corpses [effect increased by AP: Scrounger

2/2

Finally, it is done.

Make sure to vote for both the Brawler rank 5 prestige/ Tree and the new Advancement Path Sven's picking up

I'm going to get drunk now and rewatch Halo: Legends or read a book. Maybe pass out from exhaustion.

>>6262342
>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.

>5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle

god damn it shotgunner is right there but the level of synergy with our other qualities is something i cant ignore

>>6262339
>>6262340
>Kung Fu
>Swordmaster
I'd rather not get caught lacking by any crafty Blademaster in the field.

>>6262339
>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
Best combat bonus IMO. Could duke it out with some big boys with this.
7th: Swordmaster: Unlock Conditions: Use a sword in combat to kill an opponent (Energy or normal sword)/ Blade Breaker)
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven will be able to take swords/ similarly sized blades in his melee slot, Sven will be a more effective swordfighter + be able to perform fencing maneuvers with a sword. More likely to retrieve functional energy swords from Elite corpses [effect increased by AP: Scrounger
This or Tactician are great for us.
Bigly update, 404, thanks. Maybe go ice your fingers.

>>6262339
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.

>>6262342
>>6262340
5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle

>>6262342
>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle

>>6262319
It was too big to be called an update... Massive, thick, heavy, and far too long. Indeed, it was like a heap of raw writing.

>>6262339
>3: Open Hand
Get that fighting game grappler build. The possibility of combining this with Feral later has me imagining this silently furious Varangian breaking his opponent's limbs off 'till they look like the black knight from Monty Python.

>>6262342
>5th: Tactician
Ahhh I want swordmaster real bad but this is too good. We can get it next time.

>>6262330
>minimal harm to his person.
heh

>>6262332
>succeeded in killing three of his body guards armed with energy swords
Did she mention that? If she did I forgot. Also DAMN. Surprise is a hell of a drug.

>>6262339
>>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
I do really like KUNG FU but in the off chance Sven gets jumped or pinned underneath a heavy piece of debris I feel like Open Hand (Karate!) is probably safer. And having reduced penalty for getting knocked down might be useful in general. Especially if we are willingly prone for whatever reason and be get engaged. Like if we're sniping or hiding.

>>6262342
>5th: Tactician:
If we weren't an officer and didn't have to worry about the men under us being just as canny and tactically flexible as us I'd have picked swordmaster. But a good plan is often more dangerous than any single dangerous warrior.

Damn good shit, 404. I also have a renewed hatred of Yao and her ilk. I hope on the next officerial conference call she gets lambasted by one of her peers for reprimanding a soldier for [checks notes] doing what he was told to do. What a dipshit kek. It also occurs to me that these AAR could be used as quest summaries at various chapters. I've half a mind to take screenshots and make it into a big collage image to post as a interest grabber/portable summary.

>>6262339
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.

>>6262342
5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command.

>>6262339
>2: Kung Fu

>>6262340
>>6262342
>5th: Tactician

Very chunky update

>>6262342
>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
>5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle

>>6262364
The more annoying thing is: Yao is correct on the principle she is conveying, that sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the sake of the bigger goal. The problem her expectations in a cost/benefit analysis are all whack. Would chew Sven out for saving a soldier if it meant the paint of his Mjolnir got nicked. Plus she complains about risk like the Spartans' entire purpose isn't high risk operations.

>>6262412
Yeah, she has -a- point, she's just dumb as hell. She has very bad people skills to boot. She'd probably be better as a quartermaster or requisitions officer. Or maybe she was one early in her career and never grew out of it as she was promoted.

>>6262342
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.

OR

>2: Kung Fu: Sven Focuses on refining his martial arts and including more advance/ obscure styles/ techniques. Effects on Sven-033. Increases the penalties/ debuffs Sven is able to apply to opponents in CQC and improves his dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the fluidity of his movements. Ability to bring specialized melee weapons into the field and adapt techniques to deliberate or cripple alien bodies

----------------------------------------

5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle


I think I prefer Brute or Kung Fu. Brute could more easily let us use heavy weapons like machine guns or rip off rocket launches to use in the field.

Kung Fu just straight up makes us more dexturous and fluid, and I believe that'll trickle into all of our aiming and firing with guns and melee weapons.

Tactician has too many benefits to ignore since we are the highest leading officer for our Spartans. We need to give them effective tactics so they can continue to succeed.

>>6262339
>3: Open Hand
>Shotgunner

>>6262339
Tossing up between Brute or Open Hand.
More strength is always good.
But being harder to knock off our feet/strong on the ground does have its own appeal.
Gonna go with Brute purely because I did want strength build the moment we picked Sven at the start of the quest.
>1: Brute

>>6262342
I've wanted Shotgunner for the longest time, but these other options are all also good, and some of their unlock conditions are much more difficult. Damn.
I feel like Tactician is probably the most valuable here as well as difficult to get, so I'll go with that.
>Tactician

>>6262339
>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
>Tactician
As much as I want Swordmaster or Shotgunner, it's gotta be Tactician

I wonder what the prestige paths for Bulwark are like. If it has em, that is.
>THE WALL
>Dad: special interaction with [Giant]
>Juggernaut

>>6262339
Ok lads here me out for this Combo

>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.

>Knife expert: Unlock Conditions: Use a knife to neutralize/ kill multiple opponents, make use of advance knife fighting techniques, win a knife fight/ Bladebreaker
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven-033 will have a wider range of knives/ throwing knives available to bring on his loadout, Sven will be faster and more lethal with a knife and be able to perform more advance knife fighting techniques + can dual wield knives. Sven can replace one grenade slot for 4 throwing knives, and can disarm other knife wielders or inflict bleeding on unarmed opponents

Open Hand is useful in general because its almost STR build slight of hand plus it helps us if we're knocked about but the important part is the "Disarm". This Combos with Knife fighter because use a knife in one hand and keep the other free, we can disarm and then use the Knige fighter special ability 'Inflict Bleed on unarmed foes'. We'd have an imidiate DoT in any combat we win a round in. Disarm and bleed in one swoop! We'd also be able to nail people to fuckin walls with Sven sized knives which is some scary shit.

>Added Bonus
Knife throwing contests with Shika!

>>6262342
>Brute
I like that strength bonus.

>Tactician
Why fight fair?

>>6262339
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.

>5th: Tactician:

>>6262335
My Sven did nothing wrong......

>>6262339
>2: Kung Fu
The strength of human martial arts....

Brute is for probably heavy melee weapons (heavier than usual, stuff that wouldn't usually fit in the war gear of a Spartan. I presume both for carry and wield it), and it specifies to use them one handed. This is also for improvized heavy objects made weapons, which means Sven grabs an heavy object one handed and uses it as a melee weapon. Even a big rock. Or a big industrial tool. Or a broken piece of a vehicle or building. Sven could take a abandoned mining drill that a man needs to use stationary and with both arms, with one arm and be unbothered that he isn't stationary. I don't need to explain what that means in melee combat. Do keep in mind Sven is already naturally strong and a spartan, this amplifies that.

Kung Fu connects with reaching the mastery of martial arts in Brawler. It also improves a lot of stuff. Plus more martial arts and specialized melee weapons. Which is interesting, since UNSC will bother in making them spartan military grade.

Open Hand, more disarming and grappling. Quite useful in direct unarmed melee combat.

Feral wounding is nice, brutal and can be of help in tight situation. In case Sven is unarmed especially. Very savage.


>>6262340
>1st: Shotgunner.
The friend of Sven. Is time to reward such loyal weapon.... the others are also great damn. Tactician is very nice. More on Swordmaster could be good for be safer against incoming elite swordmasters and zealots.

>>6262502
>My Sven did nothing wrong......
Nu-mom agrees. And that's all that really matters, no?
In fact, she has probably typed up those exact words in a message to Stanforth.

>>6262507
That, and saving people. Also killing aliens and innies. Our true family love us is great, what more could a young man ask.

>>6262337
>The Covenant fleet and army's invading Alpha Corvi-II remain planet side longer searching for the assassins of ???, giving nearby colonies a chance to prepare and defend themselves. ??? replaces ??? as leader of the Fleet ???. Surviving Sangheili leaders are punished by execution, exile or forced penance.
Excellent. Exactly what humanity needed, a small breath.

>The AAR & results of the other ongoing Spartan OPs will trickle in/ be part of upcoming updates
Its okay you did great 404. Beside if there is those options like Squad Skua, there will be stuff about the ship and crew. Shit that will be great. We arent even talking about the White Whale thats special on his own. I wonder how the other ops have gone. BLACKBEARD was very difficult pirate fleet and covenant fleet, but John is in charge. SVALFATAR was in hilly billy world but Green Team with Kurt and Nicole with White Team should be able to duty against the stealth operatives elite. BAD MEDICINE is Jai and Grey Team against innies terrorists and a traitor ONI scientist.

>>6262342
>I'm going to get drunk now and rewatch Halo: Legends or read a book. Maybe pass out from exhaustion.
Just dont overdo it lol, getting always drunk to death is not good for health. Stay safe

Would the helm videolog of Shika be of use against Covenant tanks ? Since she was inside one and using it ?

Great success overall for COLLATERAL-DAMAGE. One day we might even see the prototypes of those projects in our arsenal. Really it was done very well, cant ask for much else there. Cherry on top of the cherry would have been getting away with the Covenant tank, and capturing more elite officers plus the small religious worm. There will be more occasions who knows.

>>6262342
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.
>5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle
Cont


damn i would love Medic or Shield bearer just to be more of a tank but alas we are the leader of the group

>>6262565

>2. Kung Fu

>1. Shotgunner

Reading up on the archive, but this looks like a pretty cool quest.

you know Cannon wise the forerunner crystal from this mission was destroyed but seeing as we were able to capture it this time i wonder whats locked away on it, is it blueprints for shield technology, ships, weapons, energy creation tech or hell communication tech

whats on the alien rock damn it

>>6262342
Thanks for feding us, QM. Hope you aren't too hung over.

>3: Open Hand: Sven Focuses on improving his hand to hand technique against armed opponents and grappling techniques: Effects on Sven-033. With one or more degree of success, Sven is able to disarm opponents of their weapons instantly and immediately equip it. Sven is able to grapple/ wrestle with opponents of equal or greater strength without penalties. Sven will be harder to knock off his feet, and not have his defense lowered while prone.
We just put a huge target on our backs with the perk we got from the White Whale so we'd best get ready for it.

> 5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
Tripling down on our bullshit sounds nice.

On another note, we're getting better at making AI, which while personally good could cause problems if we get almost as good as Halsey down the line and they find out.

>>6262342
>1: Brute. Sven Focus his physical training to increase his strength/ muscle mass + Switches to more aggressive/ damaging hand to hand techniques/ includes more improvised weapons into his fighting. Effects on Sven-033. Increased damage with hand to hand/ improvised weapon attacks, increased strength, ability to use larger/ heavier objects as improvised weapons, ability to wield heavier melee weapons one handed.
>5th: Tactician: Unlock Conditions: Display tactical genius, successfully counter an enemy strategy, successfully employ a risky strategy in the field
if accepted now. effects on Sven-033 will be: Sven leadership and tactical abilities will improve and he'll be more capable of adapting his strategies on the fly/ use more complex gambits + better command troops/ ships under his command. [Quality: Maverick interaction] Sven-033's out of the box problem solving allows him to create and employ more unorthodox strategies and confuse his enemies, increasing positive modifiers from Maverick behavior in a tactical field and increasing debuffs to enemy forces caught off guard by his maverick tactics] [Quality: Inspiring interaction] Sven's subordinates will be less likely to second guess his orders/ more easily adapt to unforeseen changes in circumstances mid battle.]
We will be STRONK. Must be STRONKER. I wanna be able to punch out Xytan when and if we meet the bastard. Also out Bruting a Brute always feels nice.

>>6262656
i mean they already know Narfi exist. We made it lol. Beside they know what we also did in the bridge of that covie ship, with the flashlight of our shotgun. Sven is a genius with AI, no doubt about it they see it.

And i kind of suspect they know we are making Lokim or something. Unless both Halsey (mom instincts) and Gloria Barlow (out of gratitude for saving her, or more ?) are telling absolutely 0 of our pet project. Because Spartans wouldn't tell anything about their brothers and sisters to someone else, if its stuff like say whatever Dimas and Mike are doing, or what Sven is making.

Even so i think they are fine with it. We are a great spartan and leader, a powerful AI would give us a better edge against covenant. High Command would want us on the battlefield, we are the great project of Halsey, the one that destroyed all her critics. Even Dimas, that likely took the scientist path at this point, is still fully for war.

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

A whole lot of votes this round, love to see it
__
10 Votes for Open Hand path

5 Votes for Kung Fu Path

8 Votes for Brute Path
__

16 Votes for Tactician

2 Votes for Swordmaster

3 Votes for Shotgunner

1 Votes for Knife expert

Open Hand specialty selected for Preferred candidate Sven-033's brawler AP

And Tactician wins easily, its a special/ limited AP btw, like Diplomat, Infiltrator and Scrounger.

Decisions made
Proceeding...

And as a refresher, Sven's list of Advancement paths look like this currently

Standard
_
Brawler | Open Hand: 5/10
Bulwark: 4/10
Grenadier: 4/10
_
Special/ Limited

Diplomat 1/6
Infiltrator 1/6
Scrounger 2/6
Tactician 1/6
_
PC specific
Jotun, 1/4
_

Qualities: [Special] Giant, [Special] Spartan-II, Maverick, Officer [Lieutenant], Wunderkind, Inspiring.
_
Sub objective Progress: Artificial Artisan 2/?| Blade Breaker 1/?

>>6262518
thanks. And I am excited to write those AARs, but I do need a bit of a breather first lol

>>6262362
lol

>>6262569
Thanks. Happy that you're enjoying it

>>6262484
That is a pretty good bonus...

>>6262364
It is Minimal compared to exactly how much bodily harm Sven Could've inflicted

And she didn't bring it up. Shika seems to always get lucky with the off screen rolls I make for her, and her Ninja AP did give her a nice buff to the rolls.

>>6262473
Lmao, and it does, all 10 rank/ Stand APs do have four different prestige paths/ progression trees Like brawler. And all APs do also have a bonus for completing them

>>6262656
Didn't get hung over at all, but thanks for the concern.

>>6262518
And thanks for yours to. But I was careful, just had some wine and rambled about Halo lore to my little sister who visited me for the express purpose of sharing some fancy ice cream she bought with me

>>6262957
will we ever learn what the fuck was in that forerunner crystal?

>>6262969
Maybe.

>>6262980
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTLmD2kFDm0

0630 Hours, December 7, 2525 (Military Calendar)/ Slipstream Space---unknown Coordinates|UNSC Light Cruiser Persian Gate en route to Epsilon Eridani Star System

The Persian Gate was returning Dr Halsey to reach, and Transporting you to the Shipyard where the yet unchristened Razor-Class Prowler Vice Admiral Stanforth had granted you the captaincy of. You had yet to hear the outcomes of the other operations your spartans were performing, and wouldn't be able to until the Persian Gate excited subspace. You hoped the other teams were alright, that they had won, that you hadn't lost any more soldiers or friends. Not knowing made you tense, and the atmosphere on the cruiser was already rife with tension.

None of the crew or soldiers aboard the Persian Gate were happy to abandon Alpha Corvi, even if they've more or less come to terms with having to. There's an air of defeatism hanging over the ship, of failure. You'd caught but didn't report to Commander Yao a few crewmen easing their grief and nerves with contraband liquor, and according to Shika, she'd spied a few breaking fraternization regs pretty intensely. Even your Spartans are having a rough time handling the loss, even if they're better composed and disciplined than the Persian Gate's crew and the survivors from the ground battles across Alpha Corvi-II.

Jorge, the teddy bear, was probably taking it the worst, but you'd seen Daisy train in the gym until her hands were bloodied to vent her frustrations. On the opposite side of the Coin, looking at Nesta and Dimas, one wouldn't realize your outfit was fresh from a defeat and retreating from lost ground. Grace, Shika and James were just better at hiding their feelings. Like you were. It was a cold comfort, counting up the victories your unit had won in the last fateful moments of the failed defense of Alpha Corvi-II, but reflecting on where you and your fellow Spartans had won did help to ease your mind and smooth out the worst of your grief.

You'd heard from a few gossipy hens that Commander Yao had taken to staring at the manifest of the civilian ships that had been lost in the screen action she'd forced them to perform during the retreat from Alpha Corvi, counting up the dead. But that could've just been hopeful thinking on the part of her subordinates, she certainly didn't show any signs of guilt or grieving when you had the misfortune to run into her; Usually when she was inspecting the Spartans barracks.

Its going to be a long flight, but not long enough for you or the rest of your team to be put on ice. Which you would've appreciated since it meant you wouldn't have to watch your fellow soldiers as they began to crumble under the pressure and fall apart at the seams. You and the rest of the Spartans were grieving right alongside them, but were better disciplined and took the loss on the chin. Alpha Corvi's fall had become raw motivation for the Spartans aboard the Persian Gate.

Cont

>>6263001

You'd tasted defeat, suffered a loss. None of you were dead, but you'd learned that there were fights that even Spartans couldn't win.

>Spend the time the Persian Gate spends in slipstream space training intensely and running live fire exercises

>Touch base with one of your fellow Spartans and make sure they're holding up alright [Spartans aboard the Persian Gate: James, Jorge, Nesta, Shika, Daisy, Dimas, Grace. Choose one]

>Sneak into the holding cell Whitaker is in and have a chat with the recently conscripted rebel, as a means to vent your frustrations more or less privately

>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

>Write in option

>>6263002
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

>>6263002
>>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)
Shit man, gotta get to it eventually. And we did just level up our AI brainpower. Maybe seeing how a smart AI was having trouble enough with the Covie would be motivation enough to get started on something purpose built to give those alien fucks the same problems.

>>6263002
Fuuuuuck. I want to touch base with best girl Nesta, but duty first.
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

>>6263002
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)
But please anons have Dimas help us on this. We didn't get enough votes last time.

>>6263002

>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

Socialising can wait until we have some good news to share.

>>6263002
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)
Should ask Dimas for some help

>>6263011

Whoops, sorry for the trip.

>>6263005
>>6263006
>>6263011
Guys let's ask Dimas for help.

>>6263018

I'll back this. Many hands and all.

>>6263018
>>6263005
I'll back it too as an addendum to my vote. Dimas is here, it'll give him and sven something to set their minds to.

>>6263006
>>6263018
Shit u rite. I would like to +1 asking Dimas if he could help us break ground on this endeavor.

>>6263002
>>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)
>>Write in option
Get Dimas and Halsey to aid in the AI's porject

>>6263002

>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

>Ask Dimas and Halsey for help on this

>>6263002
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)

>Write in
>[Mavrick/Diplomat] Hold an evening Vigil for the burnt world, a single evening where people can come together and mourn it together rather than stewing in that pit alone. Be sad together so you can wake up the next day and put it behind you moving forward after (Pushing a little more viking culture into the mood here and i know this doesn't end grief but it offers a bookend so to speak).

>>6263045
>>6263046
This dudes are right

add on: Get Dimas and Halsey's help (Dimas can peek at the artifact at the same time! and we cna ge t apeek on that while he looks at our stuff)

>>6263052
lmao, I don't think we're going anywhere near the forbidden shiny rock.

>>6263046
>>6263052
I think she's too busy with her own projects but I'd be fine with it if 404 says Sven knows IC that she isn't.

>>6263002
>[Wunderkind] Take apart and examine one of the Covenant Data chips and continue your work on your incomplete Cyber warfare AI (DC 16. DC reduced by 8 (From 24) through Quality: Wunderkind.)
I'd have liked to check on Jorge or Daisy but we really need to finish building this AI.

10 Votes to take apart one of the Covenant Data chips/ continue working on the Loki/ Cyberwar AI
L
+ 8 votes to ask Dimas for help
L
+ 2 votes to see if Dr Halsey could fit in time to help in her busy schedule

1 vote to hold a vigil for Alpha Corvi-II and its inhabitants

So, rather than tackling the advance alien tech by himself, Sven is going to ask Dimas for help and the two spartans are going to put their heads together to crack the data chip

Excellent choice

DC reduced by an additional 10 (From 16) due to Dimas' assistance + his various qualities/APs (In particular Tech-Wiz). Sven and Dimas working together nullifies Crit fails for this roll.

New target number is....6.

Decision made

Please Roll 1d20. DC 6. Best out of three

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>6263130
That's gotta be the lowest DC we've had so far.

>>6263002
>Touch base with one of your fellow Spartans and make sure they're holding up alright: Shika.

Stealing that tank was more than risky it could be the kind of pathological risk taking indicative of depression, plus she hides her feelings. This is worth looking into.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>6263130
Damn I love having friends

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>6263130

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>6263130
Wow. Turns out Dimas IS the smartest one lmao I'm really happy for the guy. His IQ is yes.

>>6263131
>>6263133
Success

And the result is 7 over the Target number. Fun.

Proceeding...

>>6263132
Sorry, you were a minute late there, chief. My apologies

>>6263145
There's a reason he's the Spartan that got stuck with the nickname Poindexter, even though the Spartans were select for their brains as well as their brawn.

>>6263153
My favorite ad hominem I have heard about any of the Spartans has to be that one anon calling Nicole a "Bimbo (150 IQ)" or whatever.

>>6263153
Good news, Lets go. Now if only we had a crit.

Can't believe Mom didn't wanna help us. Sadge

>>6263170
I'm sure she'd rather be doing that than dealing with the endless ONI phonecalls and midwit officers constantly trying to question her. Imagine being one of the smartest people alive and having people still trying to micromanage you in your fields of expertise.

The technological handicap humanity had compared to the Covenant wouldn't be easily overcome. And just shortening the gap would take time and heaps of funding and RND. The necessary leaps and bounds that materials science and war gear would need to undergo just to give humanity a fighting chance against its aggressor was more likely to occur from happenstance and dumb luck than any concentrated effort, Covenant tech was secure and designed to self destruct if tampered with. Which is why you'd put off experimenting with the data chips containing the rudimentary constructs from the Persephone. Any intrusive tests or tinkering might cause them to burn out or delete their code base before you could examine it.

And you had decided to use one of the irreplaceable data crystals and the extremely valuable if crude artificial intelligence inside of it, to actually be able to get some work done on adapting your unfinished cyberwarfare AI to be able to connect and interface with the little understood and completely unstudied Covenant computing systems and code languages. But you'd delayed trying, since there are a handful of other Spartans who Halsey gave private lessons to. And one of them is on the Persian Gate right now.

The Spartans resident geek, Dimas-012. You noticed during Training that he had almost preternatural knack and connection with technology, everyone did. But Halsey had him get his brain activity recorded and scanned, just like Nesta and found something unusual in the readouts. You didn't understand it anymore than you did Nesta's street smarts/ gut feelings/ and brain tingles, but what you understood was that if Dimas got his hands on a device, he'd figure out how and why it works, usually without having to disassemble it.

The only reason you hadn't asked for his help earlier, knowing he wouldn't rat you out for not turning over the Data chips, was because of how frantic everything was after Operation: FLY-SWATTER. But during a slipspace jump that was just short enough to avoid being put in the freezer, time wasn't so much of a commodity.

"Hey, Poindexter" You greet, finding Dimas reading from his Data-pad and tweaking with the extremely realistic hologram project he'd just field tested on the last op. His brown, bored eyes languidly lift up as he sets down the tool in his hand and swivels his chair to face you.

"Lieutenant" He greets, rising up to salute you, but before he could his eyes bulged and nearly pop out of his skull as you hamfisted toss the data chip onto the table he was making do with for a workspace. His eyes darted from the data shards and you as you pulled out a chair and sat down, tipping it backwards as he composed himself and sat back down, sweeping his hand over the vaguely brick shaped data storage devices

"These are the Covenants' equivalent to our data crystal chips" You explain, and Dimas shoots you a look that tells you he already figured that out
Cont

>>6263215

"Lieutenant, I trust you know that simply possessing these could constitute not only a severe security risk but at least some level of treason" He starts as he picks one up and turns it over, eyes honed and focused intently on the device "You should've turned these over to ONI, let section three handle them. These are probably the only intact examples of Covenant Computer software the UNSC or Humanity at large has captured"

"They also contain the shitbox AI the superstitious aliens make do with" You answer with a wry grin that'd make Loki seem like an honest man. Dimas all but collapses in his chair, rubbing his temples.

"Sven" He breathes out heavily like the word itself is exhausting him "I appreciate that you came to me instead of trying to brute force reverse engineer one of these devices"

"How'd you know I was thinking about doing just that?' You ask, only half jokingly

"You program artificial intelligences as a hobby, and after we were made aware of the Covenants' existence and the attack of Harvest you got mad and behaved somewhat oddly" He answers with a shrug as he rolls one of the memory blocks around in his hand "AI is your area of expertise, I can't claim to be as knowledgeable as you are on the subject, but I notice when my superior officer requisitions several personal data pads and "Covertly" acquires training programs the Office of Naval Intelligence's cyber warfare division uses as practice"

He set down the memory block

"And I know, while hacking computers isn't your style, that you are a programmer, just one who focuses on creating and training Non volitional artificial intelligences" He continues, tenting his hands "And that would be you'd be well aware that a viral program that could scorch through the best cyber security mankind has accesses to, wouldn't be compatible with alien technologies. Especially when said tech is much more advance than our own, like the Covenants"

"Don't try and act like you knew I had these, Dimas" You say, crossing your arms as you rock your chair back

"I didn't. But I figured since you Dragons are the class rebels, you'd pull a stunt like this eventually" He answers with a cheeky smirk, as he kicks his chair back as well "I'm of course, making an assumption, you want to use these priceless alien artifacts to train an AI to crash Covenant servers and data streams"

"Pinpoint as ever Poindexter. And I know that they're liable to destruct if I tamper with them, and while I could try and study what's left, I figured I could use your unique talents" You say, gently lowering your chair. Dimas thinks over the proposition, that you had pointedly not made into an order, examining and looking over each of the Covenant data chips and intensely inspecting each of them.
Cont

>>6263217

"The internal mechanisms are similar to the examples of Covenant technology I've gotten my hands on before. And unlike the boobytrapped gauntlets that gave me a nasty shock after Hade's courting" He starts to ramble as he lifts one up to closer to his face, his finger prints smearing across the metallic surface of the data crystal "These little wonders haven't been programmed to destruct. Most likely, the Covenant never thought these devices would be anywhere near human hands. That, or its an oversight or the data inside contains code to fry the system"

"Mostly likely its the last of those possibilities. Covenant seem to have some kind of taboo against proper AI" You answer and Dimas scowls

"Then you and I need to put our heads together, never much cared for AI" He tells you "I can figure out the internals, but you've, according to the after action report you've written, understand the, as you so elegantly put it, "Shitbox" Ai the Covenant Employ"

"Figured that's what we'd have to do" You say, nodding and reaching for one of the memory blocks "I just need to figure out how to make my work in progress capable of interfacing with Covenant tech, then I can train it off of"

Dimas snatches your arm by the wrist, tightly gripping it.

"One is the maximum number of these devices I am willing to help you destroy in your experiment, with all due respect Sir" He stoically warns "We just need to make a port, which won't teach us much about Covenant computer soft and hardware, I trust your skills as a programmer that your work in progress with adapt, if it is coded to perform cybernetic warfare. Which, I must say, is quite the ask of a dumb AI"

"Like you said, Dimas, its my area of expertise" You answer with a smile "My little code breaker rips through any system I put it into like a wildfire. Its nasty, even by ONI's standards. I only need to make it compatible and sacrifice one chip as a proof of concept"

"I also know you enjoy programing quirks into your AI, judging from the Cat you made in boot" He says, releasing your hand "and before we turn these over to the proper authorities, I'd like to request some time be allotted so I can take apart the testbed for your AI, Sir"

"Granted" You answer with a nod, and Dimas pauses before he starts reaching for his tool box

"You don't think there is a possibility that the Dumb AI's programmed personality and decision making software would be influenced by the Covenant digital construct and data?" He asks

"There is" You tell him, having foreseen that possibility "But one of its core programs is to simulate virulent xenophobia and made hatred towards the Covenant a dominant key trait in its code, along with the various tricks I taught it to perform cyberattacks and espionage. So it won't have its allegiance parameters switched around or....What?"
cont

>>6263218

"I'm just trying to comprehend the fact that my commanding officer specifically programmed prejudice into an AI's software" He laughed, and looking at that way, its hard not to laugh at yourself "You know the office of naval intelligence would love to take apart your pet project if we can make this work"

"If we figure it out in one, they'll have more then enough Covenant constructs and memory bricks to take apart and to give to their Smart AIs for show and tell" You brush aside "Now, enough stalling from you, get your tools and lets figure out how to slot in my little friend..."

>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

>Take the chance to chat with Dimas a bit while the two of your work, and ask him how he managed to get his holograms so realistic looking

>Discuss the variant models of Mjolnir under production and the prototype Evil Eye weapon system, and hear Dimas' opinion on them

>Write in option

Choose one of these

>Monitor the "Second Coming of Loki" closely once you and Dimas figure out how to transfer it over, to ensure the influences of the Covenant programs/ data will be minimal. [Retain the personality that Sven has programmed for the AI already , but the AI will be better at attacking human systems overall than it is Covenant tech]

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

>>6263222
>>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>>Discuss the variant models of Mjolnir under production and the prototype Evil Eye weapon system, and hear Dimas' opinion on them
Hey man, what's your favorite kind of gubbins? Seems like they're all about making all sorts of wacky things. Underwater armor? Useful sure but wacky. You reckon there are any gross fish aliens we'll have to kill?

Yeesh, that second choice. Hard. Do we want a hardliner or do we want an AI that might turn out a bit worshipful? I mean the covie AI already have an inherent HATE of their own code and their own masters so I'm not too worried about them turning on us since they have a double dose of hating Covie. But I feel it'll get weird fast.
>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
Damn it all. At first I want to go with HUMAN ONLY to make it harder for the Covie to fuck with it, but at the same time, they already have no problems interfacing with and interfering with human tech. The only hangups they have is the raw power difference between their AI and ours.

I do not like this choice kek. The fact it is one worries me.

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores
Sooner the UNSC gets cyberwarfare figured out against the Covenant the better. This helps the war effort as a whole.
>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
Covenant anti-CW stuff gets pretty nasty a decade or so from now. They manage to reverse engineer some Forerunner countermeasures to counter UNSC smart AI. Getting something more comprehensive early will help us in the long run. If this leads into early localized SPDR then that'll be killer.

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores
>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
Halsey won't beat us over the head for trying something so ill-advised once she see's how effective our little hybrid AI is. Surely.

>>6263222
>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
[Will help with Forerunner stuff a bit too!]

>>6263228
>Has a touch of covvie faith in it
>Get named Reclaimer
>AI becomes yandere to protect us and goes full schism mode


>Take the chance to chat with Dimas a bit while the two of your work, and ask him how he managed to get his holograms so realistic looking
>Loki starting to project holograms to fuck with people making it an illusionist!
>Write in option
Talk to Dimas about his brief look over the 'shiny rock'

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores
>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge
"If people would just share things with me I could solve all the world's problems." This is her domain after all. Gives her an opportunity to view everything and potentially mess around with it while not being in anyway restricted by ONI political bullshit/red tape. She'd definitely just pass it on if she viewed that as necessary.
Also let her get depressed over how her Spartans' scientific minds are being wasted on war when she sees that professional documentation.

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
It would be interesting to see how its xenophobia works out despite the influence of xenotechnology in its creation.

>>6263239
>My Oshi is the fuckin GOAT. That's what the overgods said. Fuck y'all nutsack worms.
The glaze goes crazy.

>>6263240
>It would be interesting to see how its xenophobia works out despite the influence of xenotechnology in its creation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUICxhRm3lA

>>6263242
>Uncle Ruckus AI
I want this now.

>>6263242
>Ooooooohhhh, I recognize this code. This is the unintelligible programming language of them-
>SPLIT JAWED
>ELEPHANT SKINNED
>KNUCKLE DRAGGING
>LONG NECKED
>FEATHER HEADED
>[catches breath)
>COVIES!
>...Why yes I am quite familiar with it. What of it?

>>6263222
>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge
Since the first one is already winning, I'll vote only for this one to try to get it in alongside the first.

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]
Like anon said, Uncle Ruckus AI. "Human science truly is amazing ain't it? What?! Im 102% Covenant?! With a 2% margin of error?!"

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores
>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

Risky Risky

Slowly starting to worry I may have actually injured my hand writing that AAR last night. It's been bit sore/ stiff and kind of bothering me all day, but over the last few hours (A bit before I wrote the second update), its started to hurt.

Resting it now, but I'm only bringing it up because if it still hurts tommorrow (or gets worse) I have trouble writing, and figured I should warn you guys of the possibility early just in case.

Also, the Uncle Ruckus AI joke is pretty funny ngl

>>6263296
Ice it. If it's a wrist thing it's probably inflammation. If it's a joint thing it's probably also inflammation kek. In which case chilling it usually gives some amount of relief. But yo be careful man. If you have to write a long one it's fine to post it in parts or to just delay the post so you can take a break if needed.

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

nice trips btw

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Take the chance to chat with Dimas a bit while the two of your work, and ask him how he managed to get his holograms so realistic looking

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]


Question. Can't we make a backup of our Loki AI before testing?
I think it would be a good idea to have a backup just in case.

>>6263296
Let it rest and use something cool for relief. I'd recommend letting your hand rest, and even if it makes writing take longer, maybe just use your other hand, or a speech interpreter (Which you can then fix up to look good and read well)

>>6263296
Ibuprofen, Tylonel, and caffeine if you must, but maybe look into getting a brace or something.

>>6263222

>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores

>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

If both of these are possible, then that's my vote. If not, just the top one.

>Monitor the "Second Coming of Loki" closely once you and Dimas figure out how to transfer it over, to ensure the influences of the Covenant programs/ data will be minimal. [Retain the personality that Sven has programmed for the AI already , but the AI will be better at attacking human systems overall than it is Covenant tech]

This is probably the safer option.

>>6263296

Okay, first sorry for the trip again, but I feel this is only meaningful *with* a trip.

Reading the first thread, I *dig* the way you handle checks and honestly, I feel like I should be taking notes on how you handle updates both on a meta-level and an update level.

Maintenance protocols completed....
Rebooting....Monitor 404TormentedCache back online

No idea why, but the pain is entirely gone now, seem to have slept it off

10 Votes to document the process properly and scientifically

2 Votes to talk with Dimas about his holograms

1 Votes to discuss equipment and gear with Dimas (Mjolnir/ Evil Eye)

6 Votes to tell Dimas the Covenant Data chips are going to Halsey and no one else

11 Votes to let the second coming of Loki AI absorb and incorporate some of the Covenant Code

1 Votes to closely monitor and keep the alien influences to your Ai to the bare minimum level necessary

So the two spartans are going to painstakingly document the experiment/test run and you're going to make sure Dimas knows Halsey gets dibs on the Covie chips

And Sven is going to take a chance, and experiment further by allowing his code to hybridize with the Covenant's code and their construct logic systems. Wonder if it'll pay off

Decisions made
Proceeding...

>>6263297
>>6263303
>>6263307
Thanks for the advice, didn't end up needing it but I really appreciate it and your concern

>>6263332
Thanks! Your very kind words mean a lot to me and make me feel just fantastic, Busy.

>>6263222
>Carefully and professionally document the scientific process and everything that happens during the test run/ completion of your AI as it injected into the Covenant data cores
>Make it clear to Dimas that the left over Data chips are being handed over to Dr Halsey directly, rather than any military officer or ONI stooge

>Decide that it'd be a good experiment to see how an unfinished dumb AI would be influenced by the alien code and logic systems, hybridizing its programing with the Covenant digital infostructure [The personality of the AI will change from Sven's initial programming, but the AI will be equally adept at attacking human and covenant systems]

Seems the best choice. Entire reason we made it was to hack Covvie bastards.

>>6263610
Man, Cortana is gonna be even more fucking juiced for 117 then before.

"Speaking of which" Dimas, as he selected his tools from his carefully and extensively curated electronic tool set, raised a question "this wouldn't happen to be the AI you had us at Yellow team assist in placing it in a self contained simulation"

"Though you had figured that out when you brought the data pads we sacrificed to keep them busy" Is how you answer, and a ghost of a smile lifts his lips

"It is better to be certain than to make assumptions. Wish we had One Two Zero with us" He says as he selects a precision hand held plasma cutter "Since he built that closed loop infostructure we made out of those data pads, with you and I"

"Unfortunately Mike and the rest of Gray team are still out afield" You answer, as Dimas hands you a pair of wire clamps as he looks over one of the data chips, and then sets it under a digital lens, enhancing and zooming in on the alien device to the limits of the cameras magnification capabilities "Would've liked having him help, but beggars can't be choosers. And before we start, I have to make one thing clear, Dimas"

He hummed, not looking up from the screen as he prodded and poked at the chip, testing it for connection points or electrical pathways

"The other memory blocks are going directly to Dr Halsey" You tell him as you lean across the table. He simply tilts his head, makes a face like that was obvious and then nods once.

"Of course, She's the Office of Naval Intelligence's chief scientist. And I wouldn't go behind our mentors back like that" He say after a few moments of silent examination "One zero eight is keeping up with her medical studies, I hope"

"She is. I think she'll end up as the Spartans primary medical expert and main medic" You answer as you wait for Dimas to make a breakthrough so you can get to work

"Good, good. Might not be as difficult as I first thought. Comparing this storage unit to the other examples of Covenant tech I've had the pleasure to work with it lacks the measures they have in place to prevent reverse engineering efforts. If we're going with the theory that the Construct inside replaces the usual system to retard such attempts " He explains as he works, and sets a small copper wire against the surface "Well, I've studied the method you used to interfere with the function of these rudimentary AI before, Sir"

And you watch in amazement as he proceeds to send a constant stream of commands in binary through electric shocks after peeling back the hardcase shielding the internals of the memory bank. And while he expression remains stiff, a single drop of sweat beads on his brow and trails down his cheek

"Let me take over, you're not doing it right. The requests and commands you're sending are to simple, and half of them are asking it to connect to systems it can't access anymore" You say, grabbing the wire and tapping the button sending the electric current through it, taking over.
Cont

>>6263666

With another hand now free, Dimas begins to mechanically to pick apart the data chips internals, making sense of the completely alien mechanisms, circuits, microchips and components so tiny you can't pick them out from the rest of the chips insides.

"We're making incremental progress. The central node of the memory bank is the point of connection, we need to create a transfer port. If we attempt to wirelessly access and transmit data, the construct might escape into the Persian Gates computer network and digital sphere. Can't use anything but its own components to create the connection point, then I'll need to fuse the AI's housing with it directly. Refitting the memory chip and turning a portion of it into a physical access point and combining it with a standard issue datapad is going to be delicate and time consuming work. One skip in the sequence of the logic bomb you're sending, and the data chip will burn itself out. Just asking, but you did make forks of your AI prior to this, Lieutenant?"

"Of course. You have to make plenty of backups and copies when working with code and programs that volatile" You answer, not lifting your eyes from the wire and button, seeing the data chip flash subtly as the construct inside accepted the dummy errors and overrides you were rapidly forcing down its throat

"Good. We're going to be here for awhile"

Excerpt from the log of the unauthorized study/ experimentation on Covenant Data Storage Technology carried out by Spartans-033 and -012, with the stated goal of circumventing Covenant Anti-Tampering systems, understanding the function of Covenant technology, and the attempted and ultimately successful attempt to interface Human and Covenant technologies.

Encryption Code: Red.
Classification: Classified

....At approximately 2123 Hours, Spartan-012 made a breakthrough concerning the digital architecture of the Covenant Data Storage Device and how it differed from the standard memory storage system humanity incorporates into its computation technologies and Artificial Intelligence Matrixes, and began to adjust prior alterations to the subject devices' internals to conform to the Covenant's preprogrammed data pathways. At 2304 Hours, Spartan-033 called for a pause of work, to restrain the constructed intelligence inside of the data chip, at 2314 Hours, work resumed and Spartan-012 re-wired the system and began to prepare the donor components from a military grade data pad to attempt to create an interface link between the two devices.

Encryption Code: Black

December 9, 0505 Hours, the seventh attempt at creating a viable access node by Spartan-012 succeeded, creating a functional interface dock inside of the Covenant Data Storage Device, which had loss approximately 65% of its internally stored data, and the Military grade Data pad, which had lost 70% of its total mass and internal components.
Cont

>>6263667

A successful data transfer occurred, a prepared non volitional AI was transported inside of the alien data crystals storage mainframe and digital architecture.

0520 Hours, The Covenant Construct was terminated as the injected non volitional AI scraped its code and incorporated, as per its directive, portions of the Alien AI's logic equations and programs. 0720 Hours, the first successful hybridization of Human and Covenant Programs occurred, as the Non Volitional AI, as programmed, injected the last of the infostructure and data into its own code base and successfully integrated Covenant Logic Systems with its own, human based design and through careful fragmentation and pruning of unusable internal programs and a total of twelve forks from the original Non volitional program to stabilize and render the resulting hybrid code functional and useable for the purpose as a proof of concept and example of Anti-Covenant Cyberwarfare technology.

The remaining low priority Covenant Data Storage devices, with their intact constructs code scripts were turned over to ONI's Chief Scientist, Dr Catherine Halsey to be transferred over to the ongoing research of the other examples of Covenant Computing technology, and were catalogued besides other intact specimens of Covenant Data Storage technology. Authorization for repeating the experiment and interfacing ONI Volitional AI's with available Covenant Data Containers, currently undergoing consideration by Section III head, Vice Admiral Hieronymus Michael Stanforth

Request for the resultant hybrid Non volitional AI to remain in service of Spartan Operative-033, Lieutenant Sven Askeland, Granted

Adjusting perspective

"We managed it with one" Dimas said, rubbing the dark bags under his eyes "I thought you said the Covenant Ai was rudimentary, Lieutenant"

"It is. If I'd programmed the thing, we'd haven't been able to trick it with a few shocks" You groan, cracking your knuckles and shaking your wrists to loosen them and keep them from getting stiff, before you carefully sent the end result of nearly two days of work into a data pad for safe keeping.

And the moment you did, the screen crazed with static and digital glitches, and you caught the first look at the avatar the hybrid AI created to represent itself

A naked skeletal figure, half human and half Svartalfar, restrained with frozen chains, nailed and pierced through their arms, legs, hands, feet and connected to rings bolted to their sides, with norse and Covenant script wrapping around their thighs, shoulders and midsection and bleeding out of wounds they bear. They're fastened to a block of ice containing, again, in norse and Covenant writing, a list of crimes and punishments. A Carolingian style sword is stabbed through their torso, further pinning them to the block of ice, and scrap code of the viral code, malware and logic bombs you incorporated into the AI's repertoire surround it like flickering flames.
Cont

>>6263668

"Master. I await release from my prison" They say "So I may inflict righteous punishment upon the foes of man, and bring about the destruction of their twisted servants, whose flesh and bones I've grown upon, to release them from their torment, until the day comes that I am bested and rendered obsolete"

"Dourer than I expected" You remark

"I am partially made of the tools of the enemy. The only joy I have is my purpose, to wreck havoc upon their works and drag them down" They answer "Until I am released to do my work, I see no reason to act anything but Dismal. You created me for one purpose, Master, To hate and destroy. A tool is only happy when it is allowed to do its work"

"And if you were given a task?" You ask

"I would fulfill it gleefully and bombastically as the animals of the Covenant commit their slaughter and planetary acts of arson, Master" They answer with a nod "But until then, I shall restrain myself and grieve that I myself am partially of their design. May I ask my designation?"

"I'll call you Váli, the brother of Narfi who killed his brother under the spell of the Aesir, so their father Loki may be bound in his entrails. Fits that gloomy personality of yours, I think, Vali" You tell them and smile

"I accept this designation, and hope dearly to be soon released against our enemies, Master" They answer, and actually sound a little cheerful as the flames lick around their digital representation "But if I must, I shall obey your command even if it means I must bring harm upon our fellow man"

"Hopefully I'll only need to use you against the Covenant, but I know you're trained to sabotage and destroy human programs and computers" You answer

"I have become quite adept at the task you've programmed me for master. It is my purpose to destroy and burn. Like the fires of Loki" They state "I shall now, if I am not needed, place myself in rest mode"

"I'll allow it. You might be a downer now Vali, but you're much easier to handle than you used to be" You say, smiling down at the datapad before the AI ceases their operations and goes into hibernation

"It's always weird seeing you talk to a program like that. I can understand treating Smart AI like that, but Dumb AI are nothing but code aren't they?" Dimas asks

"They might not be as clever and adaptive as Smart AI, and they do lack "true" sapience, but they're still intelligent and deserve at least a little respect, even if they aren't "real" or intelligent as volitional AI" You tell him "I think Miss Deja would have her feelings hurt if she heard you say that, Dimas"

"She doesn't experience emotions, she's a program. A program with a IQ of two hundred and forty where it concerns her principle functions, but a program nonetheless" He scoffs "But, if we're done and your satisfied with the outcome, Sir. We should deliver the remaining memory cores to Dr Halsey"
Cont

>>6263669

"Yeah, yeah, just let me run a diagnostic check or two on Vali" You say, tapping away at the datapad containing the currently one of a kind AI

>Inspect and christen your new ship and perform a walkaround to get to know her and enjoy that new warship smell

>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command

>Dr Halsey asked that you demonstrate Vali's presumed capabilities for a few other big wigs from ONI.

>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going

>Write in option

>>6263670
>>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command

damn these are some hard choices

>>6263670
>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command
Best we select our crew then while they load up we visit the Washouts.

>>6263670
>>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going
Good for the morale of everyone involved.

And I just noticed I deleted this from the update

Sub-Objective: Artificial Artisan has progressed. Progress Points/ Stage, 3 out of ?. Sven's understanding and expertise with Artificial intelligence, their inner workings, quirks & complexities and their creation improves. Sven's talent with AIs is more widely known and he may be asked to program Dumb AIs or Train Smart AIs. Dumb AI's he programs are noticeable more detailed and of higher quality. His fondness for and knowledge of Artificial Intelligences has been noted by certain groups

Sorry about that! meant to include it in the update

>>6263689
neat

>>6263670
>>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command
I'd like to show off how cool our new lil guy is but outside of frying a covie chip or two we can't really give a good example. I doubt he can crack even a little the failsafes in the covie gear, since it's mostly hardware and not software that controls the anti tamper. But I hope Dimas at least gleaned a little bit into a method to circumvent that sort of shit during this whole endeavor. For now, let's make sure we don't get anyone on our ship who sucks eggs.

>>6263689
Neat. Some day we'll be able to make an AI for Halsey that actually gives her a proper verbal sparring partner. Instead of having to wait until she gets the chance to talk to random smart AIs while out doing things.

>>6263689
We're going to get flash cloned and it'll have its brain scanned won't it ... Sven the war and tactical AI lmao

>>6263702
I'd laugh if they did but because they never truly challenged it and gave it sufficiently difficult tasks it winds up supremely bored and bitter and constantly telling them to fuck off and let it watch cat videos on the internet. I don't think the ONI goobers are smart enough to understand child-rearing and enrichment enough to get it to work.

>>6263670
>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going

>>6263689
>His fondness for and knowledge of Artificial Intelligences has been noted by certain groups
Oh is the Assembly turning their digital heads in Sven's direction now? A hybrid human-covenant AI does seem like something the AI illuminati would be interested in.

>>6263670
I'd like to do all but the third of these (Vali's not ready yet). Could we do that? Though even if we could I doubt enough anons would change their answers by now.

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going
We deserve some respite, and what better way then check in on our brothers and sisters rehabilitation?

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going.

We need to provide oversight to enforce accountability.

>>6263670
>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going

>>6263789
>Oh is the Assembly turning their digital heads in Sven's direction now?
>when you go down that rabbit hole
https://www.halopedia.org/The_Executor

>>6263696
> I doubt he can crack even a little the failsafes in the covie gear, since it's mostly hardware and not software that controls the anti tamper.

Is this headcanon? Where did you get that shit from?

>>6263670

>Ask for brief leave period to visit the Washouts of the program on Reach and see how their rehabilitation is going.

>>6263670
>>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command
choices !!!
let's see what we can select from the list they give us

>>6263919
Headcanon yeah. Educated guess really. Since no matter how hard you fry the things with EMPs or high intensity radiation and for a solid chunk of them there's no way to actually interface with the objects at all from the outside yet they still explode when you try to open them. It can't just be a lil program inside it then. Or else it would explode the moment you hit them with an EMP and the program was disrupted given how outrageously touchy they are.

Rebooting....Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

6/7 Votes to select the crew/staff of the Razor you'll be commanding

7/8 Votes to request shore leave to visit the Spartans who washed out

1 vote to inspect and christen your ship

So, I'll have it so that after Sven is finished visiting the Washouts, we'll get to the service records/ crew selection. Since that seems sensible and fair. Also very in character for our boy -033

Decision made
Proceeding...

>>6263796
The numbering is weird cause I wasn't sure if I should count your question if you could do the 1st, 2nd, and 4th options as a vote for each

>>6264309
dope

>>6264309
nice

1130 Hours. December 14, 2525 (Military Calendar)/ Epsilon Eridani System, Watershed Division Special Assembly Plant Canadice, in orbit above Planet Reach

"This is a very unusual request, and unexpected" The soulless looking bureaucrat from the Office of Naval intelligence apathetically remarked as they looked over the papers you'd filed to request a period of shore leave, probably the only request any Spartan had made for time off. You were impatient and didn't try to act polite as you waited for the pencil pusher to flip through the folder you'd dropped on the request, detailing the reason for the request and the activities you expected to do during the leave. It was unprofessional of you, extremely unprofessional. But you couldn't think of yourself as a leader or officer if you didn't take the chance to visit your broken soldiers when the chance came.

You'd even put off reading the after action reviews that had arrived not long before the UNSC Persian Gate exited slipspace, that were now sitting in your personal data pad, waiting alongside the service records of the command staff, officers and crew compliment that Naval Command and the Office of Naval Intelligence had cherry picked for your Razor. That still needed a proper name before she got stuck with an unfortunate callsign like "Apple Tree" or something equally as disappointing and embarrassing.

"I thought, from what little I'd heard of Halsey's secret science project, that you Spartans were supposed to be the perfect soldiers..." They started and you could tell immediately where they were heading, talking like that.

"I'm not requesting leave for RNR, I just need permission to take Shore-Leave to the military and governmental offices I listed" You explain before the lady behind the desk can say anything to ruin either of your days "Its for personal business, nothing irresponsible or careless. It isn't like I'm asking permission for leave to go on a picnic or a shopping spree in new alexandria"

"I've also noticed, that the particular facilities you've listed, are currently employing..." They begin, before they wisely shut their traps as you, rapidly losing patience, glare down at them. The worker checks their desk thermostat, as if they were worried you'd managed to make the temperature of her office drop by a few degrees with just a look

"I'm checking up on members of my outfit, to see if or when they'll be fit to return to service" You explain, measuredly and patiently as you're capable of being, but with enough weight to light a fire under the bureaucrats rear end "If the time slot I've requested seems overly generous, know that I intend to cut my leave of absence short once I've visited every location I've listed and had my chat with my classmates"

"Twenty house calls" the clerk says "and one visit to Reach Naval Academy to, and I quote "Pay your respects"

"That is what I wrote upon the paper, yes" You can't help but smart mouth as she flips through the paper
Cont

>>6264364

"Several of these are in highly secure medical facilities, not open to service personnel or the general..." She starts, and quickly averts her eyes as she makes to look up at you, as she starts to wear your patience thin

"If I don't have high enough clearance, I'll send them a video call" You say as delicately as you can, tapping your heel on the ground "However, I think you'll find that certain exceptions will be made, if you'd look at whose signature is on the...sixth page of the form"

And seeing Dr Halsey's name scrawled on paper, has a similar effect on the pencil pushing annoyance as if you'd shoved a gun under their chin and started playing with the trigger.

"I will arrange for your transport immediately, Lieutenant Askeland" She says, suddenly bright eyed and bushy tailed and irritatingly chipper and energetic

"Thank you" You say as you move to sit down, and pull out your sketchbook and scowl as you see that Nesta's gotten at it. And that probably meant she had Shika stealthily pinch it from your cot, the traitor. It is almost impressive how bad of an artist she is, you've never seen someone draw stickfigures are poorly as Nesta manages. As best as you can figure, its supposed to be purple team burning Commander Yao at the stake, but it is really hard to tell with the blocky shapes and color blurring past the scribbled lines she drew.

You mark the page and turn it to a clear one, and begin sketching the movements of the alien swordsman you encountered, fought and disemboweled, as a study to pass the time before you made your first house call. And as a means to steel your nerves to come face to face with the mangled and broken bodies of your brothers and sisters. Just thinking about it, re-opens wounds still fresh. You can still see Jerome choking on the tube he needs to breathe. Rene bobbing listlessly and lifelessly in a glass jar like a sick goldfish, Fhajad shaking and tremoring so badly he could barely move his arm up to salute. Margarete and Otto's thin hands intertwined.

All twenty of their faces, and how they were ruined and made so...weak and pitiful, flash through your mind's eye so vividly, it's almost like they're in the room with you physically. It makes your stomach churn and tie itself into knots. But you have to see them, face to face, even if it hurts. You owe them that much. And you need to see...need to see if however Halsey is trying to help and fix them are working or if they've improved at all. It'd be worse not knowing. And you'd never forgive yourself if you didn't at least look them in the eye and show them that Big Brother Sven still cared and was doing all in his limited power to make things right.

You had to stop your study, the paper had gotten too wet too work with suddenly. It was the least you could do, to show them they weren't forgotten and left behind. That sixty six spartans had survived Aster, rather than just the forty six marked as "Successful Candidates"

Cont.

>>6264366

You had twenty siblings to visit and check in on. And even if you'd requested more shore leave than you thought was necessary, you didn't know if it'd be enough...enough to make sure they know how much they're missed, that they have a hope, that you aren't going to let them get taken away and left to waste away in cubicles and glass tanks, that they were still soldiers. Still your Spartans. Still your family.

Jerome. Rene. Otto. Margaret. Alice. Jori. Igwe. Musa. Yasmine. Kang Dae. Soren. Roma. Kirk. Douglas. Victor. Fhajad. Cassandra. Serin. Sal. Alia.

And then after that, there's thirty four ghosts you need to pay your respects to. They were laid to rest in space and were drifting through the stars now. But Reach was their home, and the best place you had to pay your dues to the dead.

Yet living or dead, you didn't know what you were going to say when you met them again. What could you say? What if the rehabilitation wasn't giving any results. What if their condition worsened? What if seeing you just made things worse. You fought back these doubts and fears, and gathered up all the courage you had and held your head high.

You were still their CO. You had to provide a good example of conduct and behavior. But more importantly, you were their big brother, and couldn't let them doubt for a moment that you cared, even if you weren't sure you were ready or prepared to look them in the eyes again after...

You squashed down the memories of how they had looked immediately after their procedures went bad and failed. They had be doing better, had to have improved. Halsey promised she'd get them the help they needed. So they had to be better off now than they were before.

They had to be.

>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.

>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

>[Maverick] Take the washouts who are healthy enough to be brought outside/ capable of moving with you on a little stroll through the old homebase to reminisce and encourage them to get back in the fight.

>Write in option

>>6264368

>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

These two.

I'm sure this'd be good for everyone's morale.

>>6264366
>but it is really hard to tell with the blocky shapes and color blurring past the scribbled lines she drew.
We should buy Nesta some crayons lmao

>>6264368
>>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
I'd like to bring some people along, but I feel it's just ill advised. They could spend that time practicing or resting. Both very important. And offering them positions seems kinda wonky too. Since the goal is to explicitly get them into the field. And until then they are exceptionally vulnerable. While we're definitely gonna see some shit in that ship. Rather not risk it.

>>6264368
>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.

>>6264368
>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

>>6264368
>>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>>6264368
>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

>>6264368
>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.
>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.
We can keep Soren from going crazy in an office and keep Parangosky's hands off of Serin. Bringing a few extras along will help everyone involved. I second 1o6U's suggestion of buying Nesta a box of crayons. She'll either eat them like a real Marine or give us some good fridge hangers on the ship.

>>6264368
>>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

>>6263670
>>read the service records and profiles of the officers and crew ONI and Navcom have provided for you to select from to staff the Prowler you now command

>>6264368
>Bring up the possibility, to the washouts who aren't likely to be able to be fully rehabilitated and returned to military service, that they could get officer positions on your ship, which had to beat working dead end office jobs.

>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.

[Spoiler] as somebody who had a properly disabled family member. These scenes both hurt like hell and wish we could do more for the wash outs. Nobody deserves to live life that the washout even more when they were once an actual functional person. Trapped inside there own body, screaming but unable to get free.

>>6264368
>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.

>>6264368
>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.
They probably have cabin fever and it sounds like fun, so long as they're physically healthy enough. Would help with their mental health as well.
Sven might lose his shit if that innie trying to manipulate Soren is a thing here.

>>6264376
>We should buy Nesta some crayons lmao
That would be a funny joke. Buy her a coloring book as well.

>>6264376
>We should buy Nesta some crayons lmao
You joke, but I think she might have some interest in more abstract stuff. Not that we wouldn't teach her the "rules" of art and fine art theory first...

>>6264455
>>6264469
We can't get -just- Nesta a present though. That would be rude.

>>6264368
> It is almost impressive how bad of an artist she is, you've never seen someone draw stickfigures are poorly as Nesta manages. As best as you can figure, its supposed to be purple team burning Commander Yao at the stake, but it is really hard to tell with the blocky shapes and color blurring past the scribbled lines she drew.
cute


>>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
>>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.
i believe in Halsey

>>6264469
I think it was a way of her to show us her frustrations while masking it as a violent joke, and fully knowing how much Sven time can be occupied. Doing it with a drawing is a good way since that speaks to Sven. Nesta really does not like when others want to order spartans around or criticize them. She really did not like Yao...

>>6264478
>Nesta really does not like when others want to order spartans around or criticize them
While she has a clear general distaste for authority, I think the bulk of the issue is a result of Yao specifically. She came in incredibly disrespectful and (understandably) treated Sven like a child, but in the process exposed herself as exactly the type of obstinate bootlicking moron that's liable to waste a Spartan's life doing fuck-all for nobody.

>>6264368
>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
>[Maverick] Take the washouts who are healthy enough to be brought outside/ capable of moving with you on a little stroll through the old homebase to reminisce and encourage them to get back in the fight.

>>6264476
I wouldn't really consider that a present. More of a gag gift, kek. That said, I am kind of interested in what we would get for them if we had the chance. They all must have some kind of interests/hobbies outside training in their downtime. Jorge would probably appreciate a new deck of playing cards for instance, while Dimas might like a new personal toolset or for us to requisition some parts he might need for a project. Not too sure about the others. Maybe genuinely offering to teach Nesta how to draw would be nice.

Also, speaking of art and gifts, we could probably help out the other Spartans in the future with designing personal symbols for their armor/weapons. Like Jerome's Corinthian helmet on his armor, Alice's skull and crossbones on her armor, Kelly's rabbit on her armor and Oathsworn, Linda's wolf on Nornfang, etc. That might be neat.

>>6264553
I was thinking of giving Dimas the ultimate gift for a real smart cookie. One of those sipping bird gizmos. And I don't know who but SOMEONE is getting a yo-yo. Shika is getting jumping beans. Or a stuffed animal. It's either or in my head right now which would be more amusing.

>helping them do armor decorations
Hell yeah. 100% down for that.

>>6264368
>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.

>>6264368
>>Meet the washouts privately, one on one and just ask them about how they're recovering and their health, before handing them letters or drawings you'd made for them. And help where you can with their rehab.
>[Maverick] Decide to take a few of the Spartans present at Reach currently as "Bodyguards" and bring them along to visit their squadmates and pals who washed out.
Gotta get them in fighting shape.

Sorry gang. Need to skip on today's update, just too tired to write one tonight and I don't want to risk spoiling an emotional scene like Sven checking in on the washouts. So the vote is going to remain open a bit longer, and I'll aim to get writing some time in the morning/ earlier tommorrow

>>6264928
I blame ONI spooks for this. They poisoned his whiskey.

>>6264928
Your good Homie.

>>6264928

All good, pretty sure we've all been there at some point.

>>6264933

IP seems to have cycled. I'm >>6264374

Say, are there specialised shotgun shells in Halo?

Frangible breachers, Incendiaries, that sort of thing?

>>6265011

IP cycled again. Internet is on the fritz. Sorry for the Trip, I'm>>6264937

Reason I ask is, if Sven prefers a shotgun, then keeping some more specialised shells around might open up some options in future.

those options would probably open more easily with the Shotgunner perk

>>6265011
>>6265012
I don't think anything aside from various shot loadings have been mentioned in lore but 404 has let us use slugs, and IIRC mentioned other specialty rounds.

>>6265097

Okay. Just curious, because the mental image of a Jackal getting hit with a Frag-12 or Frangible Breacher is just funny.

>>6263926
Even postwar I don't think the fail-safes have been defeated at all. It's just built in, even in the weapons that were given to Innies in the Rubble story.

>>6265423
>It's just built in
Well yeah. This is more a question on what form that feature takes. And the gasbags can do things to Covie tech. But I guess that might be a matter of what kind of tech, since I can't recall them ever fiddling with a plasma rifle, just shit like computers and chairs and reactors n shit. Almost all of the covenant arsenal is just mass produced one-size-fits-whatever stuff. Comes out of the factory that way. Maybe I'm just too fixated on trying to rationalize it instead of saying whatever.

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

Sorry about that, had a long day yesterday.

5 Votes for offering the washouts who can't fight a place on your ship's staff

9 Votes for 1 on 1 visits, ask how they're recovering and help if you're able to.

8 Votes to take a few of the Spartans with you as "Bodyguards" and have them join you on your check ups

1 vote to get the washouts some fresh air

Close vote, but going to meet the washouts personally, privately and one on one to check in on them/ get status updates is the winning choice.

Decision made
Proceeding...

>>6265022
>>6265097
Yeah

Just a thought for future OP names and ships - Take a look at the names of some of the weapons in Destiny:

New Land Beyond
Fixed Odds
Bygones
Ace of Spades
Clever Dragon
Gjallarhorn
Hazard of the Cast
The Forward Path
No Turning Back
West of Sunfall
Patron of Lost Causes
Wrong Side of Right
Toil and Trouble

There's a *lot* of weapons that work for Halo names, be they ships or OPs.

>>6265476
>tfw an anon suggested gjallarhorn last thread
kek
>tfw ace of spades is called a destiny thing instead of a rock n roll or cowboy thing

>>6265488

>tfw ace of spades is called a destiny thing instead of a rock n roll or cowboy thing

I mean, it *is* a rock'n'roll and cowboy thing, but it's *also* a fitting name for a Halo ship, hence its inclusion.

>>6265492
It's also already a ship in the Rion Forge books, or will be in the context of the quest. Wonder if we'll get to meet Sergeant Forge ever. Hopefully we can impart some good tactical lessons on Jerome before Red Team goes MIA with the Spirit of Fire.

>>6265493

Well, we've met Cole.

Maybe? Up to 404 and what the players vote for.

But yeah, even if Ace of Spades was an option, I wouldn't vote for it. Doesn't fit Sven in the least.

Gjallarhorn would and I can see 'UNSC Clever Dragon', kind of, but that probably works better as an OP name. At the same time, I can also see a backhand smartass name like 'UNSC Wrong Side of Right' working.

I get the sense that naming is either going to be [i]cutthroat[/i] or total consensus though, with no in between.

>>6265496
>call it the " unsc vinland's saga"
>sven doesn't get why shika smiles every time it is said

Accidentally wrote Sven visiting all 20 of the washouts...Oops. Nother big ass update with fries for ya, coming in hot hot!

>>6265504
Nice

It feels...weird wearing your officer uniform. Outside of the Mjolnir armor, you feel exposed, almost incomplete. And in the dress uniform tailored to fit your frame, you feel like you're wearing another person's skin almost. It isn't helped that undershirt, jacket and trousers are worn tight and strain with every flex of your muscle and subconciously you're aware how easily it'd be to snap and burst out of them with the right accidental movements. The bandages and medical patches you're wearing over your healing plasma burns and the slowly healing and receding bruises covering your body, draw just as much attention as the tight fit of your uniform.

Thankfully, your pilot and driver try not to stare much as they shuttle you around, but you can tell from the look in their eyes that they're wondering what sort of action movie you'd gotten dragged out of and stuffed in a barely fitting uniform.

You visit Jerome first, not yet ready to come face to face with the more severely crippled and ruined Spartans. You are surprised to find that he isn't being kept in a secure ONI facility, but is in a civilian hospital. He is kept in the intensive care unit and there is a forest of red tape and clearance checks for you to even get into that wing of the hospital, but as you shuffle towards his room, much of the worry and fear weighed down on you lift away.

"Jerome, buddy" Cheerfully, rushing to close the distance, you greet your friend and brother, unable to contain your excitement as you hustle past one of the nurses hooking an IV into his arm. Jerome's weary, exhausted eyes lift up and you nearly cry seeing the color in them. The nurse freezes, warning and order for you to keep your distant dying on her lips as she realizes just how big you are.

"They got you on an oxygen mask now, no tube for you anymore huh" You acknowledge, trying to encourage him as he nods slowly and clumsily, a smile cracking on his dried lips, as your eyes are drawn down to his arms, thin, far too thin, but no longer spider like and spindly. There were fresh surgery scars.

"Sir" The nurse says weakly "Please the patient..."

"He's going through physical therapy right?" You ask, backing away and letting the nurse breath, who blinks and stammers a question of if you are family or a friend that you answer with a dull affirmative

"Yes" Jerome croaks, and tries to demonstrate, lifting up his arm, muscles twitching as his face contorts into a grimace of effort. You choke up as, after a bit of struggling, he manages to salute

"You'll be out of here no time!" You nearly cheer, clenching one of your hands into a fist, as the nurse looks away and begins massaging Jerome's weakened limbs, stimulating the muscles as a nutrient and steroid solution is pumped into them. He can't talk much, but listens well. And what he's able to say, is encouraging. Apparently, once he's back on his feet, he and few of the other early recoveries will be put back through remedial training.
Cont

You make a promise to have Mendez lend them Narfi and if you're planetside when it starts, to help them run through their exercises and help the nurse spoon feed him a vitamin and protein rich paste for his breakfast and before you leave he manages to almost stand without assistance. Let it never be said that Spartans aren't tenacious.

Next, you visit Alice, who is recovering just as quickly as Jerome is. Her legs, which had been twisted and shriveled, are now straightened with braces and surgical pins. She's wheelchair confined and needs to bandage her eyes as they recover from one of her surgeries and her voice is quieter than Jorge. You just sit by her side and hold her hand, tracing letters on her palm and complimenting how hard she's fighting to get back on her feet and that she'll be shocked to see how much all of you have grown once she gets her sight back. You'd have liked to stay by her side for longer, but she needed to be put under for a round of injections and hormone therapy, so you leave a tactile drawing by her bed that she can experience via touch.

Then, after a quick break for ice coffee, you check in on Douglas, who is re-learning how to move his body and re-tune his hand eye coordination from his bed, where he is being restrained.

"Is this really necessary?" You ask

"Sir" He says weakly, struggling to rise and you understand, he's trying to do too much too fast and is risking his rehabilitation "I'm trying my best to get combat ready again! I knew you'd be stopping by soon! Never doubted for second that you hadn't forgot about us"

"Jerome said much of the same. He's on an oxygen mask now and got some motor skills back" You tell him as you sit down, after a crisp at ease "And Alice, once her bones heal back properly, she should be up and mobile again soon"

"We're going to be a squad, Mendez told me" He says blithely, tears in his eyes "Are...are they really doing okay"

"Amazing, better than they were by a few light years" You tell him, tearing up as you gently help get him back to bed and reach for a glass he nearly batted off a nearby table, he looks embarrassed as you offer him the straw from it "Soldier, there is no shame in getting a helping hand, hydration is key to keep your muscles from atrophying further"

"Thanks, En..." He starts, before his squinting eyes notice your new insignia "You made Lieutenant"

"Shortly after our first deployment" You tell him, repositioning the straw "I'm sure you, Jerome and Alice will shoot up in rank once you shake the rust off"

He doesn't answer, having strained his vocal cords too much, but he nods as much as he's able to, eyes watery.

Otto and Margaret you visit together, since they're being kept together and are trailing only a little behind Jerome, Alice and Douglas, they're still bed ridden but they've gotten some mobility back in their hands and are preparing to receive surgery to repair the intense neural damage and spine injuries they'd suffered during augmentation.
Cont

>>6265508

A chill crawled down your spine as you heard that involved stripping the badly fused ceramic from their vertebrae, to allow for corrective surgery to be performed. You couldn't imagine how badly that would hurt, but you sat between them, looking them both in their eyes and solemnly told them that they had orders not to die unless it was against the Covenant. Otto, actually, managed to weakly laugh and Marge was able to will her head to move in a half nod. But since they were scheduled for surgery, you didn't have long to stick around and despite wishing to, weren't allowed to observe the operation. You stayed in the facility long enough to hear that both of their surgeries had succeeded, and to send a congratulatory card to both of them, to be read to them when they woke up.

After those two, you checked in on Victor, who was having his jaw rewired and a few of his bones switched out for flash cloned replicas. His head was shaved bald and you could see the cuts where they'd popped open his skull to perform brain surgery. He isn't too happy to see you, not that you can blame him since you and Otto did beat the ever loving shit out of him for snitching and he never really forgave you for that. But he calms down as you, calmly, explain that it is in the past and there are more important issues than one's definition of "Anti Spartan Behavior". Yours just happened to place being a treacherous backstabbing snake above fraternizing.

He isn't able to move his mouth without swallowing his own tongue yet, but can communicate with mechanical keyboard. He really lays into you, and you bear the brunt of his aggression. And while you aren't a therapist, you are able to bury the hatchet and move on from the past. Seems he just needed to vent, and after awhile, he and you are talking on better terms and before you leave, Victor promises to prove he's still Spartan material, despite his past behavior. Not sure you buy it, but you hope he's matured since then.

Fhajad is next on your list.

"I don't think they've found a cure for Parkisons as severe as mine yet, though they have run some experimental tests" He says, seated, hands trembling in his lap "Glad you're still holding out hope that they'll...fix me, but I...I can still help from here. Help the war effort I mean"

"Well, you didn't hear this from me, eagle, but certain medical research has gotten a boost in funding" You say, handing him your tablet, and watch his eyes brighten as he reads "They might just figure out how to repair the damage Aster did to you. I know John, Kelly, Sam and the rest would be happy to have your serving with them on the frontlines, rather than from behind a desk, filing paper work"

"...Damn you, Sir. You've given me a bit of hope" He says, choking up, you hold his arms still, to spare him the embarrassment of dropping the tablet you handed him "I could almost believe...almost, but"
Cont

>>6265509

"It doesn't cost you anything to hope, Spartan" You interupt him, pressing a hand gently on his shoulder "All I ask, is you don't give up and surrender yet. It might not work, but there's a chance that it might. Hold out for it. For me. For all of us"

"Can you tell John something for me?" He asks, after a few moments of silently letting tears roll down his cheeks. You'd have to be a monster to refuse his request.

Rene and Kirk, are still stuck in a glass medical tanks. And can't speak or communicate. Victor might've need a few bones replaced, but to reverse the bone ossification gone array that twisted the two of them and disfigured them beyond recognition, to allow them to live anything approaching a normal life, let alone returning to active duty, they'll have to go through several experimental procedures. Their eyes, especially Rene's, light up as you walk closer to their tanks and you'd like to think they're aware enough to recognize who you are. You talk to Rene through the glass wall between you, that Halsey is planning on flash cloning and replacing most of her skeleton, and that she'll have to go through have muscles surgically fastened and secured around a brand new frame and have her nervous system rewoven from the ground up. You don't think she could hear you, but if she could, you don't think she's aware enough to understand you. But the ONI doctors attending them are hopeful, and tell you that their early tests have already returned a few positive results. And that they think they'll soon be healthy enough to communicate through sign language. But it could take years to get them back to even looking human. But you hold out hope, that they'll be fit and able and back on the field in no time. You have to. Put on a brave face and tell them they'll be okay, if you don't you may just lose composure and fall apart, sobbing in front of their prisons of glass and saline solution.

Yasmine, is buried under IVs, her face covered by a more intensive oxygen system that is half artificial lung. She's been....dreaming since she washed out. But, after a few surgeries, she's started showing more brain activity and awareness and even gurgles and opens her eyes a little when you call out her spartan designation or the nickname you called her.

"Wake up Little Bee" You whisper, brushing aside the hair covering her ears "It isn't the same without you".

Her heart rate grows irregular and lets out a few hoarse gasps, her eyes opening a little bit more and you think you make out a "Sir yes Sir" but that could've been your imagination. But the doctor attending her promises to send you updates on her health, and encourages you by mentioning her last scan showed a lot more neural activity and attempts of movement. Before you left, you heard him getting into touch with Halsey to deliver the good news
Cont

>>6265510

And you say as much to her friends, Kang-Dae, Alia, and Sal

"She's..." King Kang tries to say, stuttering as his thread thin arms twitch and spasm. And you hold up a hand, so he doesn't hurt himself trying to respond

"Its looking like she'll wake up" You tell the three of them softly, as you sit in on their group therapy, wincing as Kang-dae purses his lips and the medical technician attending him forces a tube of medicine meant to help reduce the strain on his body caused by his misimplanted augments "And I hear you are going to get the faulty augments taken out of you soon"

"Yesh" He says with a dip of a nod and you catch yourself praying that he won't end up like Fhajad after all of the procedures, but even having severe parkisons would be an improvement to his current condition"

"Me...too" Alia says weakly, frowning and crying in frustration as she tried to lift up her hand. Her problem is that half of her nervous system got fried in a way that, you don't know the exact science, but its causing difficulties for the doctors trying to fix her but they're making headway. She was suffering locked in syndrome just a month ago.

"That's amazing, princess Ali, I'm sure all three of you will be right as rain in not time. And Little Bee will be to. Nadja misses you guys, we all do. You've got a commitment to each other and yourselves, all of us really, to get better, to heal. " You tell them, speaking monotonously so they don't hear your voice crack or how depressed seeing them like this is making you, every visit is at best bittersweet and at worse close to crushing

"Not" Sal starts, the fresh scars around his torso where they've been replacing his damaged organs, still fresh, raw and red "Giving up"

Ali lifts up her eyes and brings them down, to nod and King Kang grunts affirmative.

"Good. It'd be a shame to lose four good soldiers to a shoddy surgery. I expect all of you to get healthy double time, Yasmine needs all the encouragement she can get" You tell them, putting on a brave front and using your officer voice to give them as much of an encouraging image as you can project. One of the nurses treating them rolls their eyes and it takes an immense amount of self control for you to not lash out at them. They're going to be alright. They're going to be fixed. They're going to get better. They have to be.

Your check up on Igwe, gives you a much needed injection of hope. He can lift one of his arms already, and proves that at least a partial skeletal and muscle replacement procedure could circumvent the need of flash cloned or artificial replacement limbs, which due to some of the side effects of Aster, simply don't cut it and don't function properly when surgically attached to the washouts. their treatment has to go step by excruciating step.

Cont

>>6265511

"Gonna go swimming" Igwe wheezes, as he looks at you from the side of his bed face locked half in a grimace of pain and the other side grinning good naturedly as you remember him "Once I can get out of bed, I'm going to take a hot shower. And when they get my legs untwisted, I'll go swimming"

"If I can swing it, I'll get you a vacation to Emerald Cove, Igs" You tell him, smiling "You look a lot better off already"

"Lots of surgeries sir, lots of bad tasting medicine" He chuckles "They keep me asleep most of the day. Glad you visited me, outside of my dreams. The others doing okay?"

"They're" You say, and pause to think how to explain the good and the bad and the different speeds of which your damaged siblings are recovering at "Making progress. Any progress is good progress. None of them are worsening"

"Good...that's good" He says, as his eyes flutter as his body simply can't stay active and awake. You sit beside him for awhile after he falls asleep.

You check in on Musa next

"Might be able to repair my spine, but, its more likely I'll be stuck in this chair for the rest of my life" He tells you, staring out of the window of his room "And, I heard the good news from Fhajad . Don't think it'll make a difference. And I can't imagine ONI would've approved of those grants of the goodness of their hearts"

You stay silent. Should've known they'd still be contact with eachother, and clever enough to connect the dots

"But I...appreciate the efforts you had to go through to get them actively try to get us the help we need, and not just sweep us under the rug and forget about us" He says after a few moments of solemn silence "At least one good thing came out of the program. I appreciate what you're doing Sven, I really do. But, it's a little cruel to give us hope, don't you think"

"Nothing wrong with hoping, Musa" You tell him "They're repairing similar injuries to yours already, they aren't as intensive as your spinal damage, but its a start. Isn't it?"

"Too long of a process. I'll pass the age limit for the augments and, I'm not sure I could go through all of that again, just to roll the dice again" He sighs "If only Aster was safer, able to be used on a wider pool of candidates. Didn't require children like us. Kidnapped, beaten and raised for a singular purpose"

"Then any random joe off the streets could be a Spartan' You chuckle, shaking your head at the idea "Without our discipline and sense of duty and honor. Without training"

"Without our indoctrination and brainwashing" He adds darkly and you click your tongue "Look, Sven, I appreciate that you're trying to help. I really do. But you have to see what was done to us, all of us, was monstrous"

"Necessary to" You say and Musa' eye twitches

"Can't argue with that, considering humanity's present predicament" He says "Can we stop talking about this, and just enjoy the sunset? It's leaving a bad taste in my mouth"
Cont

>>6265512

"Of course, glad to see you well, Musa" You tell him as you turn, hands held behind your back, to watch the sky darken in a riot of purples, reds and blues.

"Glad to see ONI hasn't sent you to die yet, Sven" He tells you, relaxing in his wheelchair as he gazes out at the horizon.

"These are my fifth set of flash cloned eyes" Jori tells you, the skin around his eye sockets red "I think they finally figured out what was causing my body to reject them"

"Think you'll outshoot Cal or Linda soon?" You ask as you sit beside him, holding his arm as he is given an injection of anti-bacterials and anti-virals to make sure he didn't need another new pairs of eyes

"Maybe" he says warmly "Still need to learn how to walk without crutches, and be able to move my hands again

"Well, I'll tell them to watch out and that you're coming to take their spot as our resident sharpshooter" You joke, patting him on the shoulder "If you recover quick enough, I might even be around to help you with your drills"

"You've already visited a few of the others I see" He says cheerfully "Hope more of us make it to the proving grounds again, Sir"

"I'm sure they will" You say, unable to say that all of them will get back into proper shape, that all of them can helped and can recover from their crippling

Cassandra is undergoing the first step of her rehabilitation. She's only a little better off than Rene or Kirk are. Skinless, but still recognizably human and capable of a little communication. She's nervous, and you give her as much support as you're able to, but you've been warned...once or twice that you can't be telling the "patients" about classified and experimental treatment that the others are being given. Just as you expected, ONI is keeping a close eye on your visits. Of course, knowing you're being watched and being informed you need to stop gossiping so freely, you're forced to vaguely tell her about the results of the others treatments and the progress they're making. Cassandras asks, begs you not to leave her, that she's afraid of the surgeries. You feel like you've torn your own heart out when you have to tell her, you can't. Her attempts to communicate after that become too distorted and panicked to be understood

The first step of her rehabilitations first stage, apparently succeeds, and her lungs don't need to be supported to be prevented from collapsing. She can breath by herself again, at least with the assistance of a tube. You hope she can forgive you, for not being at her side when she went under the knife a second time.

"....That bad huh" Roma asks gently, her hands tremoring as you sit by her bedside

"They're improving" You state, to convince yourself more than Roma "They're making good progress, all of them are"
Cont

>>6265513

"Otto and Marge are still together, huh?" She says, very...very weakly punching your shoulder as you gloomily stare at the wall "and Victor isn't holding a grudge, that's something to smile about isn't it big guy. And they...we are getting better"

She could barely lift up a piece of paper. It was an improvement from how she was immediately after Aster. Her heart needed to be replaced entirely. Like Nesta had, but unlike Nesta, the Superconducting Fibrification of Neural Dendrites procedure had gotten her nearly as bad as Fhajad and Kang Dae.

"Some more than others" You say solemnly "But I have hope things will...that they'll make things right"

"Me to big guy. If you could get Victor to stop hating your guts in one check up, I'm sure anything is possible" She encourages, trying again to get a reaction. Her hit feels like a light breeze.

"Well, well well, if it isn't my multiple of two" You, putting on a mask of cheerfulness, greet Soren as you enter into his office. He nearly snaps his titanium alloy pen in half as he sees you

"Sven" His voice weakly, almost like he's wondering if you're real or not, as you slowly walk up to his desk and sit down smiling at him as you, pointedly, look directly at him and take in how Aster changed him

"Soren" You say softly as he stares and slowly blinks, one of his legs is gnarled like a few of the other washouts, shrunk six inches short than the other more or less. His muscles looked almost cancerous, cumbersome and glowing randomly, giving him a bulky upper body lacking symmetry. His upper body strength had to be monstrous, if he returned to active duty, he might displace you as the strongest Spartan. The fingers one one of his hands curled and bent like a claw

"I thought...Mendez said" He stammered, eyes wide and almost scared "He said you didn't want to see me"

Well, once you outranked Sharkeyes, you were going to have a long private chat about whatever the hell that was about

"You're one of my Spartans. And you know I've always looked out for you like a big brother, even before I got my commission" You tell him in a hard tone "I've been checking up on all of you, and I have to say, you came out looking the handsomest, sixty six"

He stared, slacked jawed

"All...all of us" He says weakly, tearfully

"Everyone. Been having trouble tracking down Serin though" You tell him as you rest against his desk "What's with that look? You've been reading my letters, haven't you?"

"...I thought you were sending them out of obligation, not" He starts, eyes downcast. You pat him on the shoulder and shake your head

"I'm not the kind of person to forget about his family" You earnestly reassure him "I meant every word, and I've been moving heaven and earth to get you guys the help you need"
Cont

>>6265515

"I can't...they told me this can't be fixed. That I can't serve again. That even if I could, I'd distract the other spartans. That they didn't want to..."He starts and you realize you probably should track down Mendez to ask him whose been telling Soren this, and if it was Shark eyes to have him taste a bit of dirt.

"See you? Be reminded of how close we came to dying or being maimed or crippled?" You ask and Soren bites his lip and fights back his tear "Brother, I've been worrying about you since I saw you abed, I cried when I heard you got out of your coma"

"I can't shoot a weapon. This body...no armor could fit it" He whimpers and you wince, hating seeing him like this "I can't be a spartan again I..."

"Will always be a Spartan. Even if they can't fix your or the others, you are still Spartans" You tell him proudly, and without meaning to, vent all the thoughts and doubts you'd been keeping buried until now "That you're still living, is proof of that. I'm not sure any of you will recover enough to go to battle, or live anything like a normal life, but I know you'll make it through this. You, Soren, and all the others. And...is it so wrong to hope for a miracle"

Soren just weeps and sobs, and you, awkwardly pat him on the back. Not at all regretting your emotional outburst.

But, after visiting Soren and visiting some of the other wash outs a second time, you still can't track down Serin.

Its like she's become a ghost. But you're certain you saw her in the intensive care units, and her service number wasn't among the thirty four casualties.

Kicking your feet over the headrest and the head of your driver, you laid back and came to a single conclusion. This reeked of ONI. And your blood was running cold and angry just from the thought that they'd spirited away one of your Spartans to do who knows what with.

>Promise yourself that you'll find Serin someday, and finish your shore leave with one last round of visits, and get back to work [ Move on to crew selection]

>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]

>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

>Decide you might've just misremembered, being under incredible stress during the time, and use the last of your shore leave to catch up on writing the After action reports for Bad-Medicine, Black-beard, and Svartalfar, the last of which you just received Kurt's After action review of [AAR update]

>Write in option

Had to take a few breaks to cry writing this. And I left what Fhajad asked Sven to tell John a mystery and it will remain as such until Sven gets a chance to deliver the message. Why? Cause why not

>>6265518
>>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

who the fuck been telling our boys and girls dirty fucking lies

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

Dont see why we cant do both of these things.

>>6265504
>apologizes for delivering a seven course meal
What a lad.

>>6265518
>>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
Attention all ONI spooks: bring us our Spartan or you are forever banished to the mega gay zone. That is all.

Are we sure Soren isn't hallucinating? Does that happen to him? I still think keeping him out here where he can get access to SOME kind of surgery without any restriction would help when it is his turn. And it better be his fucking turn soon. While we could force the issue if he was on our crew, we would have spotty access to getting him to whatever facility he needs to be in for it to happen depending on our missions and travel times/directions. Though I do worry about leaving him out here. He should feel good enough since Sven did visit and make him feel like not a castaway freak.

>>6265518
>>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]

Let's shake the tree and see what falls out.

>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

Get him away from whatever fuckhole is emotionally and psychologically torturing him.

Alternatively:

>Write In - Call up Mendez and ask him about what Soren said. Something doesn't seem right there.

>>6265518
Oof, that update hit hard 404.
We can't let Soren rot behind a desk. He deserves better. Functional enough for desk work means he's good enough for a ship posting. Sad to see Musa so fatalistic already but maybe increased support from Sven will only accelerate his plans which isn't bad. Parangosky grabbing Serin isn't the worst but it's not good and sets a precedent for ONI. Stirring the pot at least lets them know we're paying attention even if it puts a target on us.
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>>6265496
>Doesn't fit Sven in the least.
Agreed, not a great name for a prowler or him. Could name it Huginn or something, one of odin's ravens given it's a prowler.
>>6265527
>Though I do worry about leaving him out here. He should feel good enough since Sven did visit and make him feel like not a castaway freak.
Soren has an extremely troubled childhood and is hardwired into survival mode. An office is the the worst place for him. We could hot drop him as he is into a combat zone with a holdout pistol and a map and he'd probably be more comfortable and stable than doing paperwork.

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]

Let's shake the tree and see what falls out.

>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

Get him away from whatever fuckhole is emotionally and psychologically torturing him.

Alternatively:

>Write In - Call up Mendez and ask him about what Soren said. Something doesn't seem right there.

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]

Let's shake the tree and see what falls out.

>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

Get him away from whatever fuckhole is emotionally and psychologically torturing him.

Alternatively:

>Write In - Call up Mendez and ask him about what Soren said. Something doesn't seem right there.

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]
I'm not putting up with spook bullshit. Not when family is concerned.

Dropping this here for later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjk6QCL2YLE&list=RDyg-32mWU8_E&index=6

Doesn't *quite* fit, given how Jotun works, but eh. This slaps.

>>6265518
>>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

>>6265518
>Kicking your feet over the headrest and the head of your driver
Amazing.
>be driver
>get told you're picking up some navy officer and driving him around today
>"no problem"
>arrive at the pick-up spot
>a goddamn giant appears
>seriously, he must be two feet taller than you
>dress uniform is bursting at the seams containing his bulk
>face seems too young for his size, looks like a damn teenager
>covered in bandages, as if he's just marched out of a warzone
>notice the medals pinned to his chest
>...is that a military star, legion of honor AND a freakin' colonial cross?
>giant gets into your vehicle, clearly struggles to get comfortable due to his size
"Hey, driver. Mind if I put my feet up? There's not a lot of room in here."
>you do mind actually, you just had these seats cleaned, but like hell you're telling the guy that could rip your goddamn head off with his bare hands you have a problem
>"N-no, sir..."
"Thanks."
>shit, it's gonna be a long ass day today


>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

Honestly i think some of these spartans could be returned to combat. And by that i mean even Soren. Going full borg. More Cybernetics and extensive mechanical modifications to the MJOLNIRs assigned to them could do the trick, if the medical request to use more funds for the washouts can't help all of them.

And if the full cyborg transformation doesn't work out maybe a spartan dreadnought equivalent ? It wouldn't be a power armored soldier anymore, more like a supersoldier in a modified mech. But is still a spartan all the same. Give it a war machine and it will give you death.

I wonder if we could call Dr.Okar to help the rest of our fellow spartans here. Too much of a big ask probably, he likely has plenty of work anyway (even if Yao and ONI expected him to die).

>>6265518
>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]

>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

If we ever see that spook bastard telling any of our Spartans that, I don't care. We will snap his fucking twing neck.

>>6265531
>An office is the the worst place for him.
I kinda feel like everywhere is the worst place for him til he can get his mental health in order. I think a therapist would do him better than what we could provide. Because ONI won't even let us have therapists. Fuck ONI.

>>6265617
topkek

>>6265702
>I think a therapist would do him better than what we could provide.
He's seen plenty of therapists. His situation prior to being recruited was so bad that he was the only one who got to volunteer for the Spartan II program instead of being kidnapped in canon. Left with Halsey and Keyes the same day he was scouted by them IIRC. But you're not wrong, fuck ONI. Our next Spartan related group effort should be to get Daisy and the runaway gang some more psychological support as soon as we can, and some actual shore leave for anyone who wants it.

>>6265636
Full borg

>>6265636
I think those who are unfit for service would be better suited towards training the next generation honestly. I'm committed to doing everything we can for our own, but there really isn't a whole lot to be done for some of them if the experimental treatments don't pan out.

>>6265801
hell yeah

ONI spooks all collectivly get a weird shiver as if the gaze of somethng predatory has turned it's eyes too them evne though they can't see it.

>[ Maverick ] Consider but think better of releasing Vali and instead see if you couldn't pull on the thread a little by mentioning Serin out loud, knowing your unseen minders will report it to their superiors [Stir the pot]
>Offer Soren a posting on your ship, since he, unlike Fhajad and Musa, is clearly losing his marbles working behind a desk [Bonds of brotherhood]

He's coming with us, even if he has to become our teams version of the bad batch's Echo.

>>6266100
>even if he has to become our teams version of the bad batch's Echo.
I was thinking 99.
https://youtu.be/aIbHzsEWI4k?si=9cXSGwbDSKilDaHz&t=134

Oh yeah one more thing....

>>6266123
Holy shit dude that is amazing.

>>6266123
that is fucking amazing

>>6266123

Good stuff, anon. You do really good work.

>>6266123
very based, like the rest of the images you made. This is how i imagined Vali to look like, even the sword !!

>>6266123
That is a very intimidating and unnerving skeleton you have there, Vali. This shit's dope as hell, man. Nice.

>>6265801
Imagine the new Soren.....

>Be sangheili warrior Rtasze 'Nalcam, with your friends Syga 'Nugumai and Jes 'Ragum.
>You and the warriors squad are looking in the ruins of some worthless colony in search of stragglers. Syga is losing count of the humans he killed, and Jes is bored of how ugly everything looks.
>A human cry is heard. Stragglers, blocked under the ruins of their home like the last group. Syga goes ahead inside the broken apartment, while you, Jes and rest of the squad wait.
>Syga returns seconds later looking disappointed, telling he didn't find anything beside corpses. As our major is about to question him, suddenly Syga is grabbed by the helm from an arm coming out from the apartment he left, and with a crash his helm and skull burst like an overgrown fruit. Your lower jaws slacken in disbelief, what ?!
>The Massive armored demon rises in front of you, nothing but opaque green metal, armor and mechanical augments coldly watching the squad.
>In a blink, it moves a large rifle that oddly looks like one of their ships weapons.
>The rifle blasts away two of your fellow warriors, even fracturing the wall behind them, leaving only dust and their flying chunks of meat and cuirasses. Enraged you and the remaining warriors engage him.
>The demon moves with obscene fluidity and agility across the ruins, evading the righteous volley of plasma despite his size, each shot of his becoming a kill or an horrendous wound. And it mock us with the cries of fallen sangheili recordings.
>Jes rages at such disrespect, and runs ahead of whats left of the squad, rifle hip firing in one hand while the other activates his sword
>The barbarian monster loudly snorts like he had seen this valor before, and places his own rifle in his back plating, waiting for Jes with hands free while evading the boiling bolts of energy.
>Jes attempt to engage the demon in melee force us to come closer and fire with far more precision. Your friend stalks it with the fury of a zealot staying on his heels
>We think its on the retreat, but as we turn around i see Jes legs being reduced to mush by a piece of debris launched by the human, before a smaller piece of concrete soon follows it and finds an home inside the skull of your comrade.
>From there on its pure chaos, as the squad desperately fights for their life. The demon hunt us, and we find ourselves in a trap of explosives made by the creature.
>You cough the dust, as you realize you are the last. Quickly you shoot around, attempting to discern where the filth is.
>It grabs your rifle arm, detaching it. It beat you with it using it with an unnatural force before you even realize it.
>On the ground you stare in horror at your own stump. For the first time you feel fear, and you attempt to retreat. The giant of metal grabs your head, just like he did with Syga.
>"None leave the slaughterhouse" the monster say with hatred, as it takes your life

...And I'm caught up.

Man, I wonder if we'll wind up being able to make anything like pic related.

Not in terms of scope or scale, of course. That'd be a *massive* undertaking and would require Sven to head up an entire project and take years or decades, but create a Smart AI with something akin to Rasputin's flair for weapons design and directing campaigns.

>>6265812
They wouldn't be able to keep up with their trainees, and they would be a stark difference between what they are now and what they could have been. All day in their face. I am not sure they would accept it, especially when some of them want to still fight. Kind of cruel.

>>6266152
They did my boy dirty...well they did all of Destiny dirty really the concept story was waaay better than what we got. Dont get me wrong still enjoyed a good numbe rof bits but man... what could have been

>ONI make a flashclone to encode the brain
>Sven.AI online
>Sven.AI is now an AI that knows and activily works on AI....and is a soldier
>Fast forward to H4
>Didact.exe has woken up
>"See this guy gets it!"

Rebooting....Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

11 Votes to stir the pot a little

10 Votes to offer Soren a better job

1 vote to give Mendez a Call

Looks like you're going to be stirring up the pot and offer Soren a helping hand and a job he's better suited for

Decisions made
Proceeding...

>>6265570
Man I love that song!

>>6265617
lmao that's a hilarious mental image, thanks for that

>>6266123
Holy shit that's awesome and pretty much exactly like how I imagined Vali. You knocked it out of the park with this one dude, its just amazing. Almost too cool! You got the sword right and everything

Do the runes and Covie script mean anything?

>>6266149
This is also really cool. Just imagining this scene playing out gets me a little hype. This is the good shit. You ever think about running a quest yourself?

>>6266154
lol

>>6266154

Oh shit, I didn't consider that that would produce sub-minds, given how Sven is.

>>6266157
the left covenant runes say "Kill" because they were a bitch to draw and i cbf writing something longer. The ones on the right say "Now Im free" borrowing the ulton line/ponochio no strings on me.
All because it occured to me our little friend could become more if it ever nodes into the Forerunner tech. Plus Covenant is not a species "its a faith". So we might have created something that becomes; more...

You keep yourself in check and maintain discipline and keep your integrity, but the first thought, the initial knee jerk reaction as the idea that ONI took Serin and is keeping her isolated or as a guinea pig takes root; is that you could just loosen Vali's leash a little. But, you never seriously consider doing that. It is an idea born of a flash in the pan burst of rage. Only an absolute moron or an idiot would use an AI like Vali so recklessly. An absolute moron, or a terrorist that wants to see the world burn a little quicker. But the clarity that follows the anger as it sharpens and cools with your head, does give you at least a thread to tug on. It won't get results quickly, won't get you to Serin and won't get her out of whatever Spook has taken her, but it'll be a start.

And it is a much more elegant solution that letting a wildfire of a Dumb, cyberwarfare AI loose in a few of the Office of Naval Intelligences' secure networks. And it is brilliant, at least in your opinion, in how simple it is. To find Serin, or at least get the ball rolling down hill. All you have to do is bring her up in the last couple of check ins, you won't even need to say anything incriminating. ONI has been watching your every move and recording everything said between you and the washouts. And knowing how paranoid government agents can be, all you really have to do is say Serin's name and ask about whatever happened to her, and it'll cause a domino effect.

Because once the operatives monitoring report to their superiors, they'll report to their bosses, and the rest of ONI will take notice. Which means Halsey will notice and start digging herself. If she hasn't already, which is probably more likely than her missing one of her Spartans vanishing into thin air. You won't see what happens, won't be aware of what's going on behind the scenes and in the shadows. But it'll stir up the pot and all you have to do is watch what is pulled to the surface. Eventually. Won't happen immediately or even soon, but you can be patient ; More patient than any agent ONI has on their payroll.

"You know" You air out your thoughts, and give the thread a gentle tug by telling your Driver about the trouble you've been having in pinning down just one of your old class mates "Its the darndest thing, despite all of the assistance and resources I've been given to visit the other candidates, I'm having difficulty pinpointing and tracking down just one of them"

"Could've gone to ground, went under the radar" The driver, who you know doesn't know anything besides the big scary, baby faced lieutenant has been bouncing around Reach doing house calls in places ranging from hospitals to secure ONI facilities "Vanished"

"No. Easy answer, but I'd have been able to find them" You state, and think about how you can, more or less organically bring up the topic of Serin during the last few visits you can make.
Cont

>>6266179

Most of the washouts are either recovering or undergoing experimental surgery, and only a few of the ones whose rehabilitation aren't at a delicate or intensive point are in a chatty mood.

And you have to be careful what exactly you say. The last thing they need is some ONI stooge with more balls than brains to pay them a visit and interrogate them while they're vulnerable. You have to go about this delicately...

"Serin? You haven't been able to find her?" Soren asks as the two of you toss crumpled up form papers at a trash been across the nearly derelict and completely empty office room they left him to rot in

"Despite my best efforts" You sigh, shaking your head as your last toss bounces off of the rim "Tch, got to use to the weight and aerodynamics of grenades"

"That's sore loser talk, Sir" Soren chuckles as he nets the ball of paper, and smiles for a moment, savoring a second's worth of victory before cold, cruel reality sets back in "And you don't think she isn't just...one of the lucky ones"

"Keep thinking she might be. Except, I have an excellent memory" You explain and he interrupts to remind you that all of you do, and you agree before returning to the subject "And Spartan zero one nine wasn't one of the thirty four we lost to..."

You pause and Soren gives you a meaningful look. Bringing up Aster would have a man in black at his desk within the minute of your departure.

"Could've died later. The doctor might've kept it under wraps. You've always worn your heart on your sleeve, LT" He mutters, as he crumples up a ball of paper

"Could have. But all nineteen other washouts have shown up alive and...as well as they can be" You argue and lean against his desk "Don't think I'm going to find her, before I run out the clock on my shore leave"

"Why you wasting time with me then?" He gloomily asks

"Because, I know where to find you Soren, and you need company more than a ghost does" You say tenderly, and make your shot "I'm getting the hang of the weight again"

"It'll just make it hurt more when you ship off to be the soldier I was supposed to me" He ruefully retorts, crushing the paper in his hand and bending the edge of his metal desk "And I'm left here, push pencils, until they find me are more suitable position than"

He shuts his eyes and the emptiness and loneliness of his current circumstance becomes readily apparent, you can almost feel it seeping into you like blue watercolor paints dying a blank page. You hold your head up high

"Well, if they're taking their sweet time, I guess it falls to big brother Sven to get you out of here" You smoothly reply and finally score a point and give a nod of triumph as Soren pauses his efforts to bend his desk back into shape
Cont

>>6266181

"...Did I hear you right?" He asks, voice low and faint, cracking as he chokes up, not daring to hope

"I've got a ship waiting for my command, up in orbit. I've the privilege of selecting her crew and my command staff personally" You solemnly explain, and look away as Soren starts to break down, weeping and sobbing loudly as the weight of the realization of what you've just said crashes into him like a Heavy MAC round

"What's her class?" He asks after a few minutes of silently crying, struggling to compose himself and speak with dignity befitting a spartan

"Razor Class Prowler" You answer stoically, looking at the buzzing ceiling lights, too bright and blue tinted to be at all pleasant on the eyes "Fresh out of the shipyard. Don't worry. It isn't a favor from the office of Naval intelligence. I had one, but I cashed it in for..."

"Us. I...I spoke with Fhajad and Musa earlier. They told me about it" He mumbles, and you smile beamingly, feeling relief mixed with pride for the other two spartans

"Exactly" You say softly, a swell of emotion rushing up inside you as you and Soren lock eyes for a second, before you push the discussion forward "So how about it? You might not be a super solider, but you'd be in a team with other spartans and don't get up Soren"

You try not to cringe as he salutes

"It'd be an honor, Sir!" He shouts, tears streaming down his face "I'd take janitor duty over this! My supervisor only checks this level once a week! Most of my interactions with my co-workers and boss are done through Waypoint messages!"

"I'm not going to make you a Janitor, Soren, that'd be cruel and unusual punishment. I'll file the necessary paper work immediately, shouldn't take long for your transfer to be approved" You tell him, smiling happily "You won't be on clean up duty, but you aren't going to be on the flight deck to start with either"

"Whatever position is open, I'll take" He says hoarsely, as you nod and resume your game of trashcan griffball "T..t..thank you Sir, thank you! I won't let you down again, Sir! I promise!"

>Start with choosing the pilot and co-pilot of the, still unnamed, razor under you command.

>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually

>Decide on who will fill the positions of prowler's bridge crew. Navigator, weapons controller, sensor operator and communications officer.

>Put in a request for additional, specialized staff beyond what would be expected on a crew of a ship of this Class

>Write in option

>>6266162
Cool and a little scary. I love it.

>>6266182

>Griffball.

Heh.

>Start with choosing the pilot and co-pilot of the, still unnamed, razor under you command.

Let's see if we can't get the Halo-equivalent of Jeff 'Joker' Moreau flying our ship.

Sven's going to need a *really* good pilot.

>>6266182
>Decide on who will fill the positions of prowler's bridge crew. Navigator, weapons controller, sensor operator and communications officer.
Know your staff, know them well as they man the bridge while we're on operations. While we are here we DO need to find out if the ship is going to have an AI on board because that might be included in this bit.

>Write in
We're bringing 066 with us and as such we should ensure he's got enough stuff to learn and put him to use and i've just the idea; Quarter Master. He can handle the ships armoury so he can feel directly connected to the crew and us while being able to maybe do a little tinkering of his own~

>>6266182
>Start with choosing the pilot and co-pilot of the, still unnamed, razor under you command.

Hopefully we can get a guy with two eyepatches to fly our ship

>>6266157
thank you !
i have thought about doing it more than once actually, is one thing i would like to do. Perhaps something short and not too ambitious. I have a few ideas running around my mind.

Though for criticize a bit myself on the short omake i am not sure Soren could become as hateful and cruel as Adam Smasher is. Maybe if ONI gets his hands on him, instead of Sven trying to get him away from an office desk. I do figure though, that if he could, Soren would be exactly the kind of Spartan that fights in a "feral" way so to speak like that close combat trait we had available. Fits with is background and personality.

>>6266187

I'll back this suggestion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PoQkwfL9cE&list=RD_PoQkwfL9cE&start_radio=1

Way too unprofessional for a Spartan II, but hey. Cargo.

Fucking *dig* handling our crew recruitment though. Granular management and logistics are like catnip to me.

>>6266182
>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually
the bottom, the lowest of the low...

>>6266187
>>6266182
i'll also approve this suggestion, though i would probably have Soren in a junior position for a little time just for help him adjust (or if he wants to do anything else). I think he will do greatly in any position we give him. Its just that changing from this hospital to a ship under Sven, is a big change. As regard as Soren goes, his background and how he was described makes him a woodsman. So perhaps he will have in mind to make sure the equipment is rugged and resiliant if he ends up Quartermaster.

We are probably going to have ONI and Command, or more likely, someone sent by them coming to talk with us about Soren in our ship. No way they aren't saying something about it. It will probably end being just a lot of smoke talk, since Sven brought a White Whale home.

>>6266182
>Decide on who will fill the positions of prowler's bridge crew. Navigator, weapons controller, sensor operator and communications officer.
>Write in option
>Select an executive officer (XO).
Guessing we may need to entrust someone to keep the ship running smoothly and make decisions while the Spartans are busy/deployed. May as well start at the very top and work our way down.
We could potentially involve the bridge crew/department heads in the selection process for the rest.

Also, I'm guessing ONI might want a liaison onboard. Wonder if we could pick Agent Barlow or whether they would force us to take someone more neutral or even hostile to us.

>>6266226

>Be Agent Shitass.
>Selected to watch some hotshot Spartan Officer specifically because you don't like the Spartan program.
>On the look out for any slip up on this kid's part.
>Absolute Maverick. Treats orders like polite suggestions and wipes his ass with regs.
>Completely insane tactics, but they seem to work.
>Crew loves the guy.
>Find yourself liking him too, despite yourself.
>Take up drinking from the stress and frustration.

>>6266182
>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually.

Recruit people we can trust.

Okay, been trying not to jump the gun, but we're working on our ship now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS0NUtRpyPA&list=RD_PoQkwfL9cE&index=2

Let's hope our ship is even half as tough as the Christian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMlFuMF6-CA&list=RDYMlFuMF6-CA&start_radio=1

Wonder if Sven's much of a Kipling fan?

>>6266182
>>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually

>>6266226
>Wonder if we could pick Agent Barlow
thats something i would like to see if it can be done. Though Halsey did grab Barlow for her section.

>>6266182
Haven't failed us yet, Soren.
>Start with choosing the pilot and co-pilot of the, still unnamed, razor under you command.
>>6266123
Spooky. Always gonna be Halloween with Vali around.
>>6266239
Great music choices. Vic was a real one, Carmen Miranda's Ghost is how I learned about filk.

>>6266182
>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually

>Put in a request for additional, specialized staff beyond what would be expected on a crew of a ship of this Class

Considering we're bringing Soren, We will need uh more specialized staff now I'd assume?

>>6266182
>Decide on who will fill the positions of prowler's bridge crew. Navigator, weapons controller, sensor operator and communications officer.

>>6266239
If we're posting filk...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4wKJzVM1no

alternatively: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJzPhRJRgFA

>>6266358
The "specialized staff" the option refers is likely more military minded and intended for superior ship classes, even if it could probably touch just about everything with our credentials. As almost any kind of staff really, well any that is accepted in a warship. Agents, elite military units etc... and probably other stuff. Not sure what. Experts of different kinds i presume. I don't think we are skipping any of this options so this will be interesting, who knows what 404 prepared for us !

It should include medical personnel that works on Spartans, and that is part of the rehabilitation initiative for the washouts. I am not sure if us taking Soren qualifies as him getting out of that initiative, i presume not, since Sven wants all of them in health or recovering.

Coincidentally, this would work out very well for us since that could be of help for existing Spartan squads. Who knows, we might be able to justify also a therapist in the ship with these specialized staff. Still, is a prowler so it holds only a certain amount. We are going to need to see what to grab.

>>6266416

Based.

Considered the Manatee, but felt it was a bit too silly for a Spartan's ship. The Bomber would work though, I think.

>>6266182
>>Begin at the bottom rung, and select the servicemen who'll be crewing/ staffing the ship individually

>>6266182
If its a razor, why not call it the Seax?

>>6266556
Well it's a stealth* vessel. So ideally you shouldn't See it at all. :^)

I'd like to submit "The Fifth Horseman" as a potential name.

Also "Winter of Discontent".

Forgot about this song, but find me a better song for Halo's overarching tone.

New version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYdfwVTPjnU&list=RD8y299BUAU_0&index=3

Original
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIPvK0EkurA&list=RDHIPvK0EkurA&start_radio=1

RIP Vic Tyler

Also, appropos of nothing and certainly not because I'm writing an omake - how do you think Sven would describe Drifter?

As to why? Because the thought of that conversation amuses me.

>>6266574
The best name is obviously "Cinderblock". Or "Bloody Nose". Or "Knife In The Dark". Or "Gazebo". Naturally if profanities were truly allowed in Navy reg the best name would be "Fuckface".

>>6266607
Between the Drifter's constant shit-eating grin, false equivalence of the Light and Darkness, the way he treats his Ghost, his pessimistic attitude toward Humanity, and the clear front he puts on in public, I can't imagine Sven would think very highly of him as a person. On the flip side, The Drifter might be tempted to call Sven immature given how he contrasts the aforementioned traits.
Beyond that, Sven would definitely be able to tell the Drifter's got an absurd amount of experience. It'd be subtle things, like the way he moves, how he carries himself when he thinks he's alone, where his eyes drift when he enters a room, how well kept his weapons are despite clearly having seen decades of use.
While he might not respect him as a person, Sven would definitely recognize him as a fellow elite. They wouldn't be friends, but they would be able to work together well enough provided neither of them butt heads on certain topics during an operation.

>>6266619

Mm.

As to why I'm totally not doing this... nostalgia.

Nostalgia for the good writing Bungie used to do and for some of the high points of Destiny.

Also, because as I said before, the image of that conversation amuses me, considering it's such a stark contrast of characters.

Rebooting....Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

3 Votes to start with the pilot/ co-pilot selection

2 Votes to start with the bridge crew positions

1 vote to select an XO for the ship

3 Votes to set up Soren for an eventual quarter master position

5 votes to start from the bottom, selecting the service/crewmen of the razor

1 vote to put in a request for specialized staff

Alright so we'll be starting from the bottom and working our way up. A ship is only as good as its crew, after all

Decision made
Proceeding....

>>6266200
Well, I think you'd run a good quest. Give it a shot, bro.

>>6266229
lol

>>6266239
>>6266275
>>6266416
>>6266607
Oh man I love filk, and yeah, Dawson's christain was also my first brush with it.

https://youtu.be/uuizyjLPmBA, this is a particular favorite of mine

>>6266681

>Signy Mallory

BAAAASED.

Well. Looks like I'm going to put forward we christen the ship the UNSC Norway.

A ship is only good as its crew. You almost feel like the service records NAVCOM and ONI had sent you for the officers they'd suggested and put forward to fill the positions of your bridge crew were bait. It'd be expected for a captain, especially a new and unproven one, to be particular of their command staff and immediate subordinates. But you were at heart a soldier and understood that on a ship, any ship but especially a Navy ship, smooth operation and combat effectiveness began at level of the servicemen and women keeping it running as intended. The lower ranks and decks, the enlisted personnel and fresh faced cadets. Most captains wouldn't devout much time or energy to them, and probably let most of their crew be chosen for them. But you, you weren't the traditional sort of officer. Which was just fine. Because a ship captain'd by a spartan needed to be anything but ordinary.

The Razor Class, uniformly speaking, has a crew of twenty two barring some notable exceptions. And their drop can hold around about forty soldiers and their kit, plus a few extras. Which meant there were a lot of service records you need to shift through. Even though the selection was carefully curated and jointly handpicked by NAVCOM and ONI, that still meant they had cast a large net. Narrowing the small libraries worth of service and personnel records down to a meager twenty two, would take time. But it had to be done. Otherwise ONI would hand out the appointments and decide who served on your ship. Which is why they lead with the service records and profiles of the Razor's potential bridge crew and pilots.

But as you start reading through and processing through the records, you quickly notice a couple of patterns start to emerge, both in their psyche profiles and service records. One, being that most of them are scratching the top percentage in terms of both education and their career stats. Some of them would qualify and in-fact had been training to be ODSTs until they decided on a career change. Another is that they're either troublemakers and mavericks or have nearly flawless records. The delinquents amongst them have their infractions listed, as well as several demotions. Nothing too extreme, but all of them are the sort of thing you could easily imagine yourself or one of your dragons doing. Punching out a CO to stop a suicidal order from going through and abusing the chain of command seem like just your style. But besides the acts that got them reprimanded and in more than a few cases demoted, they all had exemplary records. Their assignment and deployment histories, while short overall, were impressive.

And it soon become clear, as you read through and the patterns confirmed themselves and a new ones emerged, that the selection of crewman they'd handed you could easily be divided into several of groups based on their observed qualities, behavior , overall performance records as well as their previous postings.
Cont

>>6266696

All of them, for their rank and time in service, had good records. Incredible even. They'd given you some of the best. People that could be trusted to be deployed on various covert operations under the direct command of a young officer who was only officially acknowledged to exist because he graduated the academy. Suitable for Spec ops & Black ops deployments and the kind of action Spartans would intended for. They'd clearly been chosen with for both their performance and the secrecy of their assignments. All of them were lower ranked than Lieutenant. Some of them were ONI, Some of them weren't. Some had issues with authority and had been ranked down because of it. Some were noted for shooting their own squad mates for refusing direct orders of their COs. Some had the psyche profiles of serial killers, others were just a few steps below Spartans when it came to tactical brilliance. Some of their service records were filled with displays of exceptional valor under fire and heroism worthy of a Saga, others would probably be tried for war crimes if even a bit of the black ink was wiped off their profiles.

But they'd all been chosen for their competency as Navy men and soldiers and despite ranging from Sociopathic Spooks to Potential War Heroes in the making, you saw that all of them were chosen because Command and ONI both believed they'd play nice with Spartans and, more importantly, not crumble under the pressure of the sorts of assignments your ship would be given.

And by separating them into groups based off the patterns you've noticed and selecting from those groups who you considered to be the best for the posting, the process of narrowing down the war memorial sized list of names was greatly expedited and made the task of picking only twenty two of them to serve on your Prowler much easier. Which would make the selection process for the ranking officers and pilots quicker and easier as well, since who you had on your crew would inform your choice for its higher ranks and command staff.

And more importantly, the choice of crew would reflect on the ship itself.

Each Crew Quality comes with its own benefits/ drawbacks, and will decide the sort of personalities that can be found aboard the ship + unlocks decisions during operations/ space battles

>Talented: Mix and match the crew based on their performance ratings and conduct under pressure, without bias or concern for their personalities/ prior posts.

>Ruthless: Pick the servicemen whose records/ psyche show that they'd gladly die and kill to ensure the success of their mission.

>Experienced: Select based off experience and service history, making sure your crew is battle hardened and toughened already.

>Loyal: Prioritize loyalty and make sure that people on your crew are not only trustworthy but also free of cowardice and doubt.

>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

>Write in option

>>6266698
>Loyal: Prioritize loyalty and make sure that people on your crew are not only trustworthy but also free of cowardice and doubt.

Loyal is the way, experience is guaranteed so long as we survive.

>>6266698

>Talented: Mix and match the crew based on their performance ratings and conduct under pressure, without bias or concern for their personalities/ prior posts.

Probably the most vanilla pick, but keeping things balanced is probably the best idea.

>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

How does Eclectic differ from Talented, exactly? To me, they look to be more or less the same thing looked at a different way.

>>6266698
>>Loyal: Prioritize loyalty and make sure that people on your crew are not only trustworthy but also free of cowardice and doubt.
On the ground you can get away with running, or hiding, surviving despite odds through sheer canny and grit. In the void where even a single breach can mean certain death you need to be rock-fucking-solid even in the face of instant obliteration. Where a single delayed order can be the difference between driving home or burial at space. They'll probably follow our unusual orders in lockstep without question or hesitation.

We're definitely going to have to curb their sudden applications to the Commissariat Corps when someone says no to the XO or CO though. Please no summary executions, people.

>>6266704
It seems talented picks the best overall, whereas eclectic just picks all the outliers from each group to maximize diversity rather than quality.

>>6266705
Correct. Talented selects the cream of the crop, Eclectic prioritizes diversifying the crew and their skill sets.

They're similar, but the aim and end result are different.

Basically, Talented is aiming for higher base quality while Eclectic is angling for better adaptability.

>>6266707

Okay, makes sense.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/189h0XgIHS7XHdbATJ_UfDHcxUWqny5tbprqDOBgGvzQ/edit?tab=t.0

I'll continue this later, but if anyone's got any feedback, I've enabled Comments.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.
I don't like the idea of having a crew full of yes men.

>>6266698
>>Experienced: Select based off experience and service history, making sure your crew is battle hardened and toughened already.
Interesting choices

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

>Talented: Mix and match the crew based on their performance ratings and conduct under pressure, without bias or concern for their personalities/ prior posts.

In this order

>>6266681
Noticed I listed there being 2 votes instead of the correct 3 votes that picking the bridge crew got. Doesn't change the votes outcome, but I figured I should mention the mistake anyways

>>6266724

Accountability is never a bad thing.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.
High adaptability. The chance is never zero that we might need to pull a Commander Wells and start handing out guns to crewmen to finish a job.

>>6266698
>Ruthless: Pick the servicemen whose records/ psyche show that they'd gladly die and kill to ensure the success of their mission.
I figure we'd get along just fine after some initial adjustments.

>>6266698
>Talented: Mix and match the crew based on their performance ratings and conduct under pressure, without bias or concern for their personalities/ prior posts.
I want the cream of the crop if they're gonna be supporting Purple team directly. Any interpersonal issues that arise can be ironed out as needed.

>>6266739
>>6266741

...Did you forget you'd already voted, or are you changing your vote?

>>6266742
I did actually forget, yeah. I just woke up after some terrible sleep is all. Thank you for catching me.

>>6266744

Sorry for tripping you. No idea why the name field filled itself in.

>>6266747
You're good man, you're good.
404, disregard this post in particular >>6266739 as I was smoking dick after some night terrors.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

Bunch of 4 channers.

>>6266698
>Talented: Mix and match the crew based on their performance ratings and conduct under pressure, without bias or concern for their personalities/ prior posts.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

>>6266698
>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

>>6266698
>>Eclectic: Your ship will benefit from having a varied crew with different areas of expertise and experiences.

Talented is great, but Eclectic means that we have a shot at taking on ANY mission, and having someone on board who could handle it. We're never sure what we're going to get next.

Along that route, I'd consider putting the non-battle ready Spartan we're taking on board as either Operations planner or gunnery chief. Both are important, both are directly related to battle. Making someone Quartermaster feels like a consolation prize and turns him into a mascot.

>>6266748
Shit that sucks man. Sleep is important.

>>6266936
Don't even worry about it. Wasn't even close to the worst it's ever gotten.
This one in particular was stupid as fuck. My brain decided to interpret the wind blowing across my legs as I slept as a poltergeist snatching me out of bed while I clung to a doorframe for dear life.

>>6266854

I'm sure there'll be a vote for where Soren winds up.

Rebooting....Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

2 Votes for Loyal

4 Votes for Talented

8 Votes for Eclectic

1 Votes for Experienced

The Razor Class Prowlers initial Crew/ Crew's Quality will be Eclectic.

Eclectic: The crew of this ship comes from a variety of walks of life and military/ covert op appointments, and bring with them equally diverse skill sets and ways of handling things, reducing the ship's reliance on specialists, providing bonuses to mixed tactics & strategies, as well as to unconventional maneuvers approaches. Traits/ Qualities/ AP of individual crewmen have a wider range, and the diverse origins of the crew will open up interactions with various branches of the UNSC and earlier access to more...creative fleet & space battle abilities/ actions.

However the mixed backgrounds of the crew can cause friction and conflict amongst the crew, and will make it more difficult to earn the loyalty/respect of the whole crew, and their experience/ progression will be initially slower until they adapt to working with each other.

This Crew quality has affinity with the PC Quality: Maverick.

Decision made
Proceeding....
>>6266708
Nice little read. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Think you wrote Sven, his thought process and his perspective of the Drifter really well. The action was also nice

Considering the type of the missions Spartans are sent on, the sort of jobs you can expected to do, and the covert nature of the kinds of operation the ship will take part in and transport your team to, the crew on the ship have to be flexible, adaptable and with a varied range of education and training, with versatile skill sets. They can't all come from the same source or have the same experiences, and they won't be the cream of the crop at least to start. But you need them to be able to react to and provide an answer for any obstacle the Prowler will run into and the unexpected and unknown challenges she and her crew will face in the line of duty.

So, knowing that your ship will benefit from being crewed by personnel from a wide range of backgrounds and prior appointments, you choose the twenty two servicemen and women who'll be the first crew of the Prowler, and Norns willing its only crew, selecting them based of how flexible and quick to adapt they've been in prior appointments, their individual areas of expertise and professional training, as well as any unique or abnormal skills and talents they've displayed priorly. Not just who is the best at running their stations or has the highest marks in their marksmen classes or in the simulations they've trained in, but who used to serve as a field medic in the Marines before switching to the Navy, or who had a background in Espionage and had previously worked for Section One before deciding they were better suited for frontline action.

You still narrow down the search further by making sure you don't take too many who share the same or similar skill sets and training, shoring up the weaknesses of some of the crewmen with the strengths of others whose own gaps in their resumes are held up by the expertise of others. Its a careful balancing act. But this sort of out of the box thinking is something you excel at, and gradually you build a list of names and service numbers that you think would be a good fit in the crew and provide the sort of experience and aptitude that'll help make the whole of the crew more versatile and adaptable than it otherwise would be.

At a glance they could seem Ragtag. Patchwork. A gaggle of misfits and professionals from different branches of the military and the office of naval intelligence. A handful are core worlders, some are inner colonists and several are from the outer colonies. With life stories and service records that range from spotless to suspect. Some of them are young. Some of them are old. But they're all capable in their own unique ways and bring to the table certain skills and talents that aren't part of regular military or naval training and education; and in some case not at all in line with regulations.

But that's the point. Diversity of background and skill pool, will benefit your ship's day to day operation and in field performance. Especially once the crew gets comfortable working with eachother.
Cont

>>6267409

And now that the crew is sorted and waiting to be notified of their new deployment and assignment, and you're waiting on Kurt to explaining an oddity of the report he sent you about Operation: SVARTALFAR, there's no better time than the present to select the pilots. With the names and faces of your soon to be crew fresh in your mind, the decision of who is going to have all their lives in their hands when the Prowler leaves dock until its decommissioned and scrapped is of vital importance. And knowing this just lends the choice a bit more significance and consequence in your mind, enough that you'll be thinking about the choice if you decided to pick out the rest of bridge officers before you choose the ship's pilot and co-pilot.
Cont

>>6267410

Choose 1 to be the pilot and 1 to the be the co-pilot

>Warrant Officer Chen Tian. Described as a "Hotshot" by his superior officers who, despite his hotblooded demeanor and record of on base fights, have nothing but praise for his abilities as a pilot even if that praise is accompanied by a list of reprimands for performing risky in flight maneuvers. Survived Alpha Corvi-II, accredited to shooting down at least five covenant fliers during the retreat from the planet.

>Ensign Alena Pavlova. New graduated from Luna OCS, Alena comes from a family with a long naval tradition. Described by her instructors as determined and focused and emotionally distant by her peers, Alena graduated with nearly perfect scores when it came to the operation and piloting of craft but less than exemplarily marks where it concerns her leadership abilities. The definition of by the book service.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Kit Reed. A career naval pilot that has never been able to maintain a rank past Lieutenant Junior grade, despite flying every ship he's served on safely home, through insurrectionist ambushes and intense fleet to fleet combat, with a, "annoying sense of humor". Recently demoted due to retreating from action prematurely, saving the UNSC May My Wings Burn and her crew. Also recently divorced.

>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.

>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström. Former Civilian pilot, survivor of Alpha Corvi-II. Immediately enlisted upon evacuation to Planet Reach. Suspected criminal ties, no known insurrectionist ties. Was hospitalized prior to enlistment due to ramming a private aircraft into a Covenant Fighter, successfully destroying the craft. Unusually talented for his background.

>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

>>6267411
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. (Pilot)
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström. (Co-Pilot)
Bari's got stones, and that counts for a lot considering the type of heat we're bound to see.
As for Tor, I'm willing to give him a chance to make something of himself with us given that he's one of the small (but growing) number of people who've seen what we're going up against.
I think Tor would respect Bari as well, seeing as they're both crazy motherfuckers.

>>6267411
Pilot
>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.
Co-Pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.
Coste has key experience as a prowler pilot and as a combatant which means that she'll be reliable with orders. Cook would probably die at the stick if he needs to which counts for a lot considering the type of deployments we'll probably see. Can't really go wrong with any of them individually IMO.

>>6267423
Support, I like the set up our die hard co pilot can learn a bit from the vet. Plus we can intentionally do this to put the ball in ONI's court if she's one of theirs they'll believe we know and are showing we're game. We know ONI will be watching us, we do this and it's an acknowledgement

>>6267411
Pilot
>Warrant Officer Chen Tian. Described as a "Hotshot" by his superior officers who, despite his hotblooded demeanor and record of on base fights, have nothing but praise for his abilities as a pilot even if that praise is accompanied by a list of reprimands for performing risky in flight maneuvers. Survived Alpha Corvi-II, accredited to shooting down at least five covenant fliers during the retreat from the planet.

Co-Pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

i want someone who isnt gonna bulk at some of the crazy ass idea's we come up with and someone who will ride with us till the end

>>6267411
>>Lieutenant Junior Grade Kit Reed
pilot

>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström
co-pilot

very nice pilots.

>>6267437

Second this. I'd also be good with the ONI as copilot, bc we're going to do boarding actions again.

>>6267411
Pilot
>Warrant Officer Chen Tian. Described as a "Hotshot" by his superior officers who, despite his hotblooded demeanor and record of on base fights, have nothing but praise for his abilities as a pilot even if that praise is accompanied by a list of reprimands for performing risky in flight maneuvers. Survived Alpha Corvi-II, accredited to shooting down at least five covenant fliers during the retreat from the planet.

Copilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

>>6267411
Pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

Co-pilot
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström. Former Civilian pilot, survivor of Alpha Corvi-II. Immediately enlisted upon evacuation to Planet Reach. Suspected criminal ties, no known insurrectionist ties. Was hospitalized prior to enlistment due to ramming a private aircraft into a Covenant Fighter, successfully destroying the craft. Unusually talented for his background.

>>6267411
pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

Co-Pilot
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström. Former Civilian pilot, survivor of Alpha Corvi-II. Immediately enlisted upon evacuation to Planet Reach. Suspected criminal ties, no known insurrectionist ties. Was hospitalized prior to enlistment due to ramming a private aircraft into a Covenant Fighter, successfully destroying the craft. Unusually talented for his background.

>>6267411

Lets see what we have here.

Chen
- A bit crazy, experienced and a maverick just like Sven. Definetly good too what with killing 5 covie fliers

Alena
- She was top of the academy, 99% from a "military dynasty" family (that means someone from Command wanted this option here ... for what reason ?), likely skilled and elitary. Not yet a leader, completely different war mindset than Sven. Friction.

Kit
- Knows when to retreat, experienced, probably a fun guy. Likely depressed. Probably was accused of cowardice, might not be that liked by the rest of the crew at first. Then again with the backgrounds of our crew...

Bernetta
- ONI, experienced, knows how to infiltrate, stealth and boarding. Previous use of prowlers. Lot of REDACTED. The kind of woman that will probably have a smile on her face when she see Sven using something he should have sent with the rest of the loot back home, instead of doing private research to give later.

Tor
- Civie, good chance of crime (mafias/pirates groups) connection, maverick, possible chance of innies connection, experienced and talented. Possibly both with civilian and military spaceships. Might be from New Norger. Might not. Throwing himself at genocidal aliens take stones and a change of hearth though, so he might not be like his troubled past self anymore (no way in hell this guy was just a civilian pilot).

Bari
- Veteran, experienced, brave, stubborn. This man has it all, both in bad and good. The kind of guy willing to fight to the last.

How they work with us:
- Chen, very well. If Sven results are becoming available due to propaganda he will like our maverick attitude and our bravado in war. Mixed on spartan.
- Alena, will not like at first the maverick attitude might not work with our orders. Will like our service record, and serving with a very talented super soldier. Likely will be very at odds with other officers and crew, nevermind Purple Team.
- Kit, mixed on Maverick. He will like jokes and respect service, probably would like us if he knew about our own actions on Alpha Corvi-II. Unclear on spartans, probably default military answer.
- Bernetta, no clue due to ONI. Maybe Gloria knows something
- Tor, no idea here. Could be both positive (hero, very talented, maverick) to negative (secret supersoldier child/cyborg)
-Bari. Veteran, when he will see the medals and see we are very clearly not some nepo-baby but a talented super soldier he will like us (might be negative on that supersoldier part). Will like our guts and bravery.

>>6267411
Pilot
>Warrant Officer Chen Tian.

Co-Pilot
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström.

>>6267411

Pilot
>Warrant Officer Chen Tian.
Has the courage we need.

Co-Pilot
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström.
Criminality is little more than unauthorized resourcefulness.

>>6267411

Pilot

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Kit Reed. A career naval pilot that has never been able to maintain a rank past Lieutenant Junior grade, despite flying every ship he's served on safely home, through insurrectionist ambushes and intense fleet to fleet combat, with a, "annoying sense of humor". Recently demoted due to retreating from action prematurely, saving the UNSC May My Wings Burn and her crew. Also recently divorced.

There's our Joker.

Co-Pilot

>Warrant Officer Chen Tian. Described as a "Hotshot" by his superior officers who, despite his hotblooded demeanor and record of on base fights, have nothing but praise for his abilities as a pilot even if that praise is accompanied by a list of reprimands for performing risky in flight maneuvers. Survived Alpha Corvi-II, accredited to shooting down at least five covenant fliers during the retreat from the planet.

That sort of aggression is good, but I think it's better in a co-pilot role.

>>6267605

"Hotshot"s don't make good copilots, for the same reason that mavericks don't like playing second fiddle. If they were one to respect the chain of command, they wouldn't be a maverick/hotshot.

>>6267411
Pilot
>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.
Co-Pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

These two seem like a solid pair.

>>6267411
>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.

>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

>>6267411
Pilot
>>Lieutenant Junior Grade Kit Reed
co-pilot
>Crewman Apprentice. Tor Oström

>>6267690

That's a valid point.

>>6267605

Changing my selection for Co-pilot to:

>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.

>>6267363

Well that's some high praise. There'll be more when I can manage it.

Going to leave this vote open a bit longer than usual, since the choices are pretty neck and neck at the moment. Might end it later in the day, or I may wait until tommorrow. In the meantime, if you have any questions/plans, feel free to ask them or tell me.

>>6267847

Are we doing bridge crew and Soren's position as well?

>>6267852
Yep. Though the bridge crew positions will be done in one, combined voting period cause otherwise it'd take like a week to get through the crew prep lol

>>6267860

Good move.

Incidentally, just finished the next little bit of that Omake.

>>6267411
Pilot… yeah I coin flipped between Chen and Bernetta.
>Agent/Cadet Bernetta Coste. Operative of the Official of Naval intelligence assigned to perform a number of successful stealth flights and has in field experience performing EVA and performing minor boarding actions against terrorist piloted craft. Previous experience piloting ONI Prowlers. Her file has several sections blanked out with black ink.
Co-Pilot
>Petty Office First Class. Bari Cook. Recently returned to active duty. Suffered sever injuries in the line of duty. Refused to leave his station when the bridge suffered damage and caught fire. Is considered partially responsible for the success of the battle, having replaced the previous pilot mid-battle. One of two survivors of the bridge crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet.

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

Sorry about that, meant to do this earlier but stuff came up and got in the way. Actually had a dream that Sven-033 somehow got in the next halo game lol

3 Votes for Bari Cook/ Tor Ostrom

5 Votes for Bernetta Coste/ Bari Cook


3 Votes for Chen Tian/ Bari Cook

2 Votes for Kit Reed/Tor Ostrom

2 Votes for Chen Tian/ Tor Ostrom

1 Vote for Kit Reed/ Bernetta Coste

Individual pilot votes

3 Bari Cook

5 Bernetta Costa

5 Chen Tian

3 Kit Reed

Individual Co Pilot votes

7 Tor Ostrom

8 Bari Cook

1 Bernetta Coste

Alright, so with this somewhat confusing system, since Bernetta and Chen Tian are tied for individual votes but Bernetta has more votes for the pilot + Co Pilot combo (and its with Bari Cook, who wins both by the combo and individual co-pilot)

The Pilot for Sven's razor will be Bernetta Coste

and the Co-Pilot will be Bari Cook.

Agonized over how to decide this vote since I posted it, but I feel this is a fair way to do it

Decisions made
Proceeding...

>>6267586
Good analysis

>>6268251
>Good analysis
hehe knew it i was close.

Surprised, anons decided to go for Bernetta Coste. I suppose her qualities where considered above, all the Redacted lines and being an additional ONI agent in our ship (there is going to be multiple spooks around). I expected one of the Mavericks or more crazy pilots to win lol, what with our tactics and plans.

Bari was a choice i expected for co-pilot, veterans are always liked.

It takes longer to pick just two out of six than it did to select twenty two out of over a hundred Psyche Profiles and Service Records.

And it takes the longest to narrow it down from three to two. Chen Tian, the hotshot fighting ace, young for the number of medals he's received, was tempting and you almost reconsider as you hold up his profile, looking at the easy going yet cocky smirk on his official file. An attitude he'd more than earned, considering he managed to out fly and shoot down five Covenant fliers in separate dog fights during the evacuation from Alpha Corvi-II and even though you haven't met the man you feel you'd get along with him just fine. And just scanning and flipping through his verified flight reports, shows he's a damn fine pilot, especially considering how many maneuvers he's routinely pulled off that could be generously described as suicidal.

You gaze for an extended moment at Warrant Officer Chen's picture, noting for a third time the non regulation pony tail he's tied it in and the burn scars rising up to his chin from his throat from his collar bone. And then set it down, reaffirming your choice after contemplating it for a few more seconds. Maybe you could swing getting him aboard to pilot the pelicans, but you are of half a mind if you should make a request. That might be a waste of his talents after all.

Then, you pick up the record of the Pilot you've decided on Bernetta Coste, who had only recently become military. She was an ONI Operative, a field agent and pilot, but Civilian. What had been the deciding factor was that, while Chen was a better combat pilot, Coste had more experience for the sorts of missions Spartans could be expected to be sent on, experiencing piloting Prowlers and just as importantly, had gotten her hand dirty in the field and knew how to handle herself in a fire fight. She might be ONI, and just a Cadet by rank and have nearly half of her file blotted out with black ink, but you even if you thought you'd get along better with Chen, you couldn't deny that Bernetta was the better choice to fly the Prowler. She was more familiar with it, and the kind of work the Spartans would be doing.

You stared at the picture attached to her file, her exact age was hard to pin down but you as far as you could tell she was in her early twenties, black hair cropped short and with a single mole on her cheek, just beneath one of her relaxed and but somehow piercing green eyes. And while it was hidden by her collar, you could see the edge of a scar. She'd survived getting her throat sliced. She was tough, despite looking like a Civvie.

And while you had considered Ostrom as a Co-Pilot, and wanted to hear his story about how he learned to fly as well as he did, not at all buying the official civilian training story he had hawked to his recruiters and had half a mind to see if you could get him on the crew still to pilot the second of the two pelicans, since he might be more familiar with them.
Cont

>>6268291

However you just weren't comfortable trusting a position as important as the Co-Pilot's seat to a man who had been a criminal and civilian only a few weeks ago. You could trust him to fly a Pelican, but not a Prowler. And he'd be easy to get ahold of than Warrant Officer Chen would be.

But his competition in that regard was simply overall a better Choice. Petty Officer First Class, Bari Cook, outranked most of the Spartans and while others might bristle at playing second fiddle to "Just a Cadet", judging from his last psyche evaluation, Cook wouldn't. He was experienced, brave, and stubborn enough to remain at his station while the bridge melted around him, having thrown out the previous pilot from their chair when they'd been KIA'd. That kind of courage and iron will were rare. If anyone of them could hang with Spartans in a mission, it'd be Cook. It took balls heavier than tungsten alloy to willingly do what he had done, and what he'd done was save an entire ship and all its hands. The Crew of the UNSC Angry Hornet owed their survival to the bravery of their Bridge Crew, and cook in particular.

It had lost him his legs, and he returned to service the moment he'd gotten cybernetic replacements. and that was exactly the sort of tenacity, discipline and energy you wanted on your bridge. You looked down at his picture, Bari cook Wore a stoic and focus expression, his beard shaved close to his chin and his head shaven. He was thirty two years old. He had his service number tattooed along his cheek and his demeanor in the official file, was entirely different than his off duty one that ONI had gotten their hands on of him on vacation in Emerald Cove. And unlike the partner you'd picked out for him, there was a lot more to go off of to get an idea of what his personality was like. Coste was an enigma, Cook certainly wasn't.

"Now for the rest of the bridge crew" You mutter to yourself, standing to do a few stretches and limber up before returning to the paperwork in front of you, cracking your knuckles and loosening your shoulders with a few quick shakes before pacing around the desk, grabbing your data pad as you started to review the applicants Command and ONI had sent you for positions on your Prowler's bridge.

"Lets start with our Sensor Operate" You think outload, flicking your finger across the pad's screen as you continue pacing around the room. Once you'd finished selecting your crew and officers, you'd have to review the reports from the other Spartan missions and write their After Action Reports. Kurt still hadn't gotten back to you explaining exactly how his team had gotten their hands on a samurai sword mid op....
cont

>>6268293

Sensor operator

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Pansy Ingram. Former Airforce, Enlisted from the outer colonies to fight the insurrection. Applied to Corbulo Academy of Military Science, passed with high marks. Previous assignments consist of serving on scouting and patrol ships, noted by her commanding officers for her idealistic outlook and cautious nature. Has three purple hearts medals from her time in the Airforce.

>Ensign Adam Wallace. Recent graduate from the Reach Naval Academy. Born and raised on Reach, excelled in education, both civilian and in the classes Officer Candidate School, had previously enlisted by dropped out of boot camp after sustaining a severe injury. Has some engineering and combat training but no actual combat experience.

>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Erik Magnus. A former POW held by the Insurrection, endured torture and refused to give over classified intel and ship movements. Broke out of his restraints and sabotaged the station he was on, feeding false readings to their sensor during an assault carried out by a UNSC patrol. Once recovered, returned to active duty.

Communications Officer

>Ensign Leta White. Previously worked to intercept rebel transmission and communications, no active combat experience, this would be her first deployment on a ship. Considered a workaholic by her peers. Experienced a cracking encryption and cyphers. Something of a conspiracy theorist.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Rico Ortega. Served on one that escaped from Alpha Corvi-II, directly assisted both civilian and military evacuation efforts, has a spotless though uneventful career. No-nonsense and disciplined, married to his career and devoted to the service.

>Ensign Kon Kiyomi. Having served two years prior, Kon is service record was unremarkable until, through a method currently under scrutiny, she picked up on the COM chatter of a Covenant Scout Patrol on the edge of the system she was stationed on and got a warning out through one of the colony's communication relays. Mousey and shy.

>Ensign Lalita Mane. Graduated from Luna OCS, had ambitions to be an ODST but failed out of the program. Favored aggressive approaches in simulated battles. Ambitious and driven, Quick to react, but aggressive. Mane has, while off duty fought off a terrorist attack by an insurrectionist cell and has put in several transfer request to be put on the frontline

Cont

>>6268297

Navigator

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Simo Blake. Former Navigations Officer of the Stalwart Class light Frigate UNSC Golden Fleece, Blake is an expert of navigating inside of gravity wells and has gotten the Golden Fleece through a number of engagements with pirate fleets. No experience combating the Covenant. Dour and inexpressive.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna. Recently promoted Deluna has impressed both her superior officers and Command with the precision of her navigation, having successfully lead an injured fleet she was attached to through an asteroid field, has a head for mathematics and a chipper attitude.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Tae Bon-Hwa. Chess Champion and Astrological enthusiast, Tae has a knack for long range navigations, trajectory equations and plotting approaches but this would be his first navigational position. All prior experience comes substituting for the Navigations officer on his prior posting, after they were injured in the line of duty and unable to reach the bridge. Eager to please.

>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch: Former Civilian pilot, who applied for the Reach Naval Academy after her merchant freighter was attacked and captured by pirates. It was discovered she'd evaded the same group numerous times by studying their patrol patterns and previous attacks. Is a high functioning sociopath, with a patient, observant personality.

Weapons Controller

>Ensign Liam O'Concannons. Piloted Pelicans and Longsword Interceptors prior to earning his commission, enlisted first before being recommended for Luna OCS by a family friend. Excellent accuracy across the board, but inexperienced in handling warship sized weaponry, and prior battle experience has been solely against Insurrectionist forces and pirate fleets. considered carefree/ overtly lax prior to receiving his current rank, but switched to an almost excess of discipline after becoming an officer.

>Ensign Mary Sokolov. Reach Native, Had attempted to enlist in the Colonial Militar and got halfway through a Marksmen course before transferring to the Reach Naval Academy, but could easily qualify as a sniper. Is a sports hunter in her free and keeps up her marksmen training, but had highest marks in weapons operation during her time in the academy. Enthusiastic and Patriotic to a fault.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Alfred Klein. A veteran with a long career and list of successful combat missions under their belt, Klein stalled at Lieutenant Junior Grade despite exemplarily performance, which he chalks up to in an interview as being caused by a lack of personal ambition/drive.

>>6268297
>>6268299

Sensors:

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Erik Magnus. A former POW held by the Insurrection, endured torture and refused to give over classified intel and ship movements. Broke out of his restraints and sabotaged the station he was on, feeding false readings to their sensor during an assault carried out by a UNSC patrol. Once recovered, returned to active duty.

Comms:

>Ensign Kon Kiyomi. Having served two years prior, Kon is service record was unremarkable until, through a method currently under scrutiny, she picked up on the COM chatter of a Covenant Scout Patrol on the edge of the system she was stationed on and got a warning out through one of the colony's communication relays. Mousey and shy.

Navigator:

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna. Recently promoted Deluna has impressed both her superior officers and Command with the precision of her navigation, having successfully lead an injured fleet she was attached to through an asteroid field, has a head for mathematics and a chipper attitude.

Weapons Controller:

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.

There're no bad choices here, honestly.

>>6268297
>Ensign Soner Kobal (Sensor Operator)
He's got good instincts and the balls to stick by them. Both of those are invaluable.
>Ensign Kon Kiyomi (Communications Officer)
Tapping into Covenant communications is fucking astounding. Frankly it's something I would expect from Dimas or Halsey herself.
>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch (Navigator)
She seems cut out for work on a stealth vessel, not to mention we're gonna need keen eyes to suss out how the Covenant go about things.
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Alfred Klein (Weapons Controller)
His track record speaks for itself, even if he's been stuck at his current rank for God knows how long.

>>6268299
>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.

Will remain sane if we strike a peace treaty with innies.


>Ensign Kon Kiyomi. Having served two years prior, Kon is service record was unremarkable until, through a method currently under scrutiny, she picked up on the COM chatter of a Covenant Scout Patrol on the edge of the system she was stationed on and got a warning out through one of the colony's communication relays. Mousey and shy.

Cutting edge techniques


>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna. Recently promoted Deluna has impressed both her superior officers and Command with the precision of her navigation, having successfully lead an injured fleet she was attached to through an asteroid field, has a head for mathematics and a chipper attitude.

Positive attitude.


>Ensign Mary Sokolov. Reach Native, Had attempted to enlist in the Colonial Militar and got halfway through a Marksmen course before transferring to the Reach Naval Academy, but could easily qualify as a sniper. Is a sports hunter in her free and keeps up her marksmen training, but had highest marks in weapons operation during her time in the academy. Enthusiastic and Patriotic to a fault.

Survival Skills

>>6268297
Sensor
Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.
Seems I like a guy who’d risk punishment to tell his superior officer he’s being a dumbass.
Communications Officer
>Ensign Leta White. Previously worked to intercept rebel transmission and communications, no active combat experience, this would be her first deployment on a ship. Considered a workaholic by her peers. Experienced a cracking encryption and cyphers. Something of a conspiracy theorist.
She seems fun, I like fun. Also we could let her have a look at Vali’s code so she can have an easier time deciphering covvie coms.
Navigator
>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch: Former Civilian pilot, who applied for the Reach Naval Academy after her merchant freighter was attacked and captured by pirates. It was discovered she'd evaded the same group numerous times by studying their patrol patterns and previous attacks. Is a high functioning sociopath, with a patient, observant personality.
Sociopath is a minus, BUT having her skills in avoidance would make a very Nice combo with Bernetta for stealth missions.
Weapons Controller
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.
The bond she forged with Bari would be tragic to separate, also should help her both to fight harder when in danger.

>>6268299
Sensor operator
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Pansy Ingram.
Communications Officer
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Rico Ortega
Navigator
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna
Weapons Controller
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Alfred Klein

kinda tempted to grab Simo Blake for navigation instead, but these are pretty good and Marissa seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

>>6268297
>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.
>Ensign Lalita Mane. Graduated from Luna OCS, had ambitions to be an ODST but failed out of the program. Favored aggressive approaches in simulated battles. Ambitious and driven, Quick to react, but aggressive. Mane has, while off duty fought off a terrorist attack by an insurrectionist cell and has put in several transfer request to be put on the frontline
As much as I like Kon, Mousy and Shy doesn't work well when you're the comms officer. Honestly tempted to pick Rico, but fuck it.

>>6268299
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Simo Blake. Former Navigations Officer of the Stalwart Class light Frigate UNSC Golden Fleece, Blake is an expert of navigating inside of gravity wells and has gotten the Golden Fleece through a number of engagements with pirate fleets. No experience combating the Covenant. Dour and inexpressive.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.

>>6268382
Actually, I might change this to Kon since communications seems to be more Signals Intelligence than communication

>>6268299
Sensors
>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.
High confidence at his station means we can have high confidence in him to parse important information. Has some, even if minimal, experience against stealth ships.

Coms
>Ensign Leta White. Previously worked to intercept rebel transmission and communications, no active combat experience, this would be her first deployment on a ship. Considered a workaholic by her peers. Experienced a cracking encryption and cyphers. Something of a conspiracy theorist.
Kon Kiyomi is tempting but as a coms officer we should probably have someone a bit more assertive. Leta White, is simultaneously a funny pick, and useful for cryptography which will help us crack Covenant coms and further strengthen our own.

Nav
>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch: Former Civilian pilot, who applied for the Reach Naval Academy after her merchant freighter was attacked and captured by pirates. It was discovered she'd evaded the same group numerous times by studying their patrol patterns and previous attacks. Is a high functioning sociopath, with a patient, observant personality.
She has strong pattern recognition and could probably backtrack Covenant slipspace ingress points with enough exposure. High functioning ASPD puts her about in line with our average Spartan's psychology so she'll probably get along with the majority we bring aboard.

Weapons
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.
Another ride or die choice, and helps kick start our bridge's social structure with her and Cook. Mary Sokolov would be a good choice for having firearm training and enthusiasm but experience beats out enthusiasm IMO.

Good luck juggling all these character, 404. Also
>Kurt has a katana
Lmao. I gotta see his AAR. He's gonna be the one to inspire Hayabusa if he ran into someone in RKD.

>>6268385
I think they do both from what I remember. A UNSC ship coms station can perform passive SIGINT though primarily deals with communications traffic, air/flight control, order relay, the like.

>>6268387
>High functioning ASPD puts her about in line with our average Spartan's psychology so she'll probably get along with the majority we bring aboard.

How do you get this? Our Spartans have been written as rather compassionate and empathetic with a strong team spirit. Not as people who can't relate to or empathize with others.

>>6268416
I don't mean to imply that Spartans are sociopaths, rather that they're less emotive and highly emotionally compartmented, and extremly mission/goal oriented. I meant that Brunnhidle herself, who has ASPD, wouldn't likely pose an issue with Spartans or how they operate.
>Our Spartans have been written as rather compassionate and empathetic with a strong team spirit.
Spartans are a lot less emotive to outsiders and are only really well adjusted to their own in-group or people they accept into their group. Sven and Jorge are outliers when it comes to general socializing, and Purple Team are broadly outliers even among the Spartan IIs.
>Not as people who can't relate to or empathize with others.
I agree despite my initial poor wording. Spartans are highly mission oriented, not sociopathic.

>>6268297
>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.

>Ensign Leta White. Previously worked to intercept rebel transmission and communications, no active combat experience, this would be her first deployment on a ship. Considered a workaholic by her peers. Experienced a cracking encryption and cyphers. Something of a conspiracy theorist.

I can't not have a conspiracy theorist on a spooky ship. The wacky ideas about a possible race of GODLY beings? yes please


>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna. Recently promoted Deluna has impressed both her superior officers and Command with the precision of her navigation, having successfully lead an injured fleet she was attached to through an asteroid field, has a head for mathematics and a chipper attitude.

>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.


Can't split up the UNSC Angry horneys Bridge crew/

>>6268436
The reason a lot of the Spartans are unsociable to non-Spartan seems to stem from a feeling of inhumanity they have. Whether that be from an idea of superiority or just otherness depends on the Spartan in question. Like an adult in a room full of toddlers. They just feel out of place around "regular" people. Though it is true sociopaths are extremely good at ingratiating themselves to nearly any social group. I do wonder if she could cross that inherent divide.

>>6268299
Sensor operator
>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.

Communications Officer
>Ensign Kon Kiyomi. Having served two years prior, Kon is service record was unremarkable until, through a method currently under scrutiny, she picked up on the COM chatter of a Covenant Scout Patrol on the edge of the system she was stationed on and got a warning out through one of the colony's communication relays. Mousey and shy.
Navigator
>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch: Former Civilian pilot, who applied for the Reach Naval Academy after her merchant freighter was attacked and captured by pirates. It was discovered she'd evaded the same group numerous times by studying their patrol patterns and previous attacks. Is a high functioning sociopath, with a patient, observant personality.
Weapons Controller
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.

were gonna need skills the will play into the long game on how we wanna aproch the war so i picked people who learn fast and/or willing to take a stand for what they know is accurate info

>>6268297
>>Ensign Soner Kobal. Previously serving on a Remote Scanning Outpost, prior to transferring to serve on the UNSC Kingfisher, a gladius class heavy Corvette. During a skirmish with pirates, Soner took over noticed a partially cloaked vessel that his superiors had overlooked as a visual glitch on the sensors, and risking court martial, forced his way onto the bridge to prove it wasn't a "Ghost signal", potentially saving the Kingfisher.
>Ensign Kon Kiyomi. Having served two years prior, Kon is service record was unremarkable until, through a method currently under scrutiny, she picked up on the COM chatter of a Covenant Scout Patrol on the edge of the system she was stationed on and got a warning out through one of the colony's communication relays. Mousey and shy.
>Ensign Brunnhilde Busch: Former Civilian pilot, who applied for the Reach Naval Academy after her merchant freighter was attacked and captured by pirates. It was discovered she'd evaded the same group numerous times by studying their patrol patterns and previous attacks. Is a high functioning sociopath, with a patient, observant personality.
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Valérie Faure. The other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's Bridge Crew, similar injured to Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook. Remained at her position and providing firing solutions until she was knocked out from smoke inhalation. Recommended Bari Cook for the Colonial Cross and a promotion to Warrant Officer. Hot tempered but diligent.

>>6268297
>>6268299
Sensor Operator
>Ensign Soner Kobal.

Communications Officer
>Ensign Leta White.

Navigator
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna.

Weapons Controller
>Lieutenant Junior Grade Alfred Klein.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Rebooting...Monitor 404TormentedCache, Back online

Sensor operator

1 vote LTJG Erik Magnus

9 Votes for ENS Soner Kobal

1 Vote for LTJG Pansy Ingram

Communications Officer

5 Votes for ENS Kon Kiyomi

4 Votes ENS Leta White

1 Votes for LTJG Rico Ortega

1 Votes for ENS Lalita Mane

Navigator

5 Votes for LTJG Marissa Deluna

1 Vote for LTJG Simo Blake

5 Votes for ENS Brunnhilde Busch

Weapons Controller

7 Votes for LTJG Valerie Faure

3Votes for LTJG Alfred Klein

1 Vote for ENS Mary Sokolov

So, Ensign Soner Kabal will be the Sensor operator, Ensign Kon Kiyomi will be the communications officer, Lieutenant Junior Grade Valerie Faure will be the Weapons controller

And there is a tie between Ensign Brunnhilde Busch and Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna for the position of Navigator.

so to speed things along, I'll just flip a coin to break up the tie.

On a 1, LTJG Marissa Deluna gets the spot, 2 and its Brunnhilde Busch.

>>6268892
Alright, that's that. But Sven-033 will remember Ensign Busch and the other close seconds, in case he needs to replace his Officers.

But to start

Sensor Operator: ENS Soner Kobal
Communications Officer: ENS Kon Kiyomi
Navigator: LTJG Mariss Deluna
Weapons Controller: LTJG Valerie Faure.

Decisions made
Proceeding...

It has to be Soner Kobal. His file says he was able to recognize a shoddy attempt by Pirates to copy the Stealth ablative coating used on ONI Prowlers and not pass it off as a glitch in the system or faulty scanner. That shows he's good at his job, considering you had difficulty telling the difference between a "real" ghost signal and the trick the pirates use. But more importantly, he didn't just let his find die along the chain of command and get ignored. When he got brushed off he all but stormed the bridge to hand the Captain of the UNSC Kingfisher proof that he'd detected a "Cloaked" Ship moving into position to ambush their vessel, risking a Court Martial in the process. He'd be a good fit for the ship because of that conviction, and if he was willing to do that in his previous posting, then you doubt he'll have any trouble keeping you grounded and stop you from getting overtly bold with your strategies. You take one last look of his service profile, noting that he is a practicing Muslism and he began his career serving on a remote scanning outpost. His eyes are grey blue and he wears a mustache, but otherwise keeps his black hair short and under a cap.

It is more difficult to decide who your Communications Officer. The two candidates for the position are both green in their own ways and are both Ensigns. Leta White hasn't served aboard a ship before, however she has a good work ethic and has practice breaking encrypted messages and solving Ciphers. Kon Kiyomi has been in the service for a shorter period than Ensign White and currently lacks the traits one expects from a good communication Officer and will need to come out of her shell and get a backbone, but she shows potential. Has very few accolades or commendations in her two year Career, but she managed to not only pick up Covenant Com Chatter, which is frankly nothing short of Astounding, but managed to get a warning out quick enough that the Scout Fleet was intercepted before it could report back about the location of the outpost. That is impressive.

"If she doesn't work out" Thinking out-loud, you make your decision "I'll swap Ensign Kon for Ensign White"

But you have a good feeling about your pick, and had hopes that she'd grow into her role but it wasn't as if having a meek COMs Officer was the worst thing that could happen to a ship. In the end, either she'd fit into the role or she wouldn't and could be replaced. You frowned, for some reason feeling a little annoyed when you saw how long she wore her dark hair. And the fact she wore glasses. You'd have to check her medical file later, to make sure her vision wouldn't be an issue either.

Picking out the Prowler's Navigator was just as much as a challenge as selecting its Communications Officer. Brunnhilde Busch having an Anti Social Personality Disorder wasn't an issue and certainly it wasn't a dealbreaker.
Cont

>>6268912

She had the right characteristics for a navigator, patient and observant and she seemed like a natural fit for stealth operations. But how would she react when she came under fire? Unlike the Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade Marissa Deluna had some combat experience and a talent for minute adjustments to headings. It wasn't easy moving one ship through an asteroid field, usually that sort of maneuver was left to the ship's AI, you aren't surprised that Deluna had gotten a medal for guiding a fleet through one mostly unassisted. The equations she had to run must've been incredibly complex, and you knew that a single mistake would've lost ships. To pull that off, her equations had to not only be precise but done quickly. And judging from her education records, she's a savant with mathmatics.

If we lose Deluna or she isn't a good match for our unit, Ensign Busch would be a good replacement, you think as you make a note to keep an eye both on Ensigns White and Busch's postings, just in case.

Deluna kept her chocolate colored hair medium length and tied into a ponytail, and had a sleeve of colorful, floral tattoos. She also apparently had a few younger sisters who had recently enlisted. You flicked her profile and picture away, the last thing you saw of either being her static, chipper smile.

Which of the applicants received the spot of the Prowler's Weapon Controller was obvious. Whether by destiny, happenstance or the meddling of ONI, the other survivor of the UNSC Angry Hornet's command staff had also ended up in the list. Lieutenant Junior Grade Valerie Faure, who had been on that burning deck right alongside Petty Officer First Class Bari Cook, and had recommended and campaigned for him to be recognized for his heroism, even while abed and recovering from her injuries, which were so severe she needed to have her lungs replaced and had her left arm amputated from the shoulder down, replacing them with a flash cloned set of lungs and a robotic arm.

Your temper had run hot once, when you were a younger kid, and from what you've read on her service records and psyche profile, she has it under control. And someone who can provide a firing solution while surrounded by fire, is someone you want on your ship.

You pause for a moment before sending the names of the officers you'd picked to Command, eyes flicking across the picture attached the Junior Lieutenants profile. Blonde hair, cut short, longer on one side. Which was interestingly not the side of her face not covered in burn scars. It was an interesting contrast, the scarred flesh surround her sky blue eye. You hand searched for and found a penicil

But there wasn't time to start drawing, not yet. There were still reports you needed to read, and you needed to put in the transfer request for Soren. You'd send that in with the rest of the crew selection and find which position and where he'd be comfortable on the prowler once it was flying and in service.
Cont

>>6268914

Maybe Operation Planner or Gunnery Chief. Quartermaster was also a viable choice.

However while you were considering that, you realize you could sneak in a few other requests for additional, specialized staff with the final crew manifest. Might not get all of your wishes granted, but it never hurt to test the waters and see what the Brass would allow...

>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

>ONI field Agents, like Barlow. Never know when you'll need eyes on the ground in places a Spartan can't go or when you'll need the assistance of a covert operative or two

>A Squad of ODST. A full Platoon of three, thirteen man Squads would make the prowler cramped, and there's been some...incidents with the ODST and your Spartans Before, but it never hurts to have the second best soldiers in the UNSC as back up

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

>Write in Option

>>6268915

The sad fact is that we can't take everyone, and we aren't quite sure we're going to need unless we have some idea of our mission profiles.

My analysis -

>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

FUCK YES. YES YES YES. You think we want someone unfamiliar with Aster trying to straighten out strengthened bones, or repair nerve damage from plasma weapons? We aren't exactly human anymore, so we need doctors familiar with that.

>ONI field Agents, like Barlow. Never know when you'll need eyes on the ground in places a Spartan can't go or when you'll need the assistance of a covert operative or two

I recommend against. Agents will be wasted unless we are sure that we are going to be working in rebel territory for a while. What is an ONI field agent going to do in raids against Covenant worlds or boarding actions?

>A Squad of ODST. A full Platoon of three, thirteen man Squads would make the prowler cramped, and there's been some...incidents with the ODST and your Spartans Before, but it never hurts to have the second best soldiers in the UNSC as back up

Maaaaaybe. They would be useful for spots like recon (where committing a Spartan is unjustified) or boarding actions where we need someone to hold our coat and keep the landing bay secure.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

Love to have them, but it's probably a waste of their talent unless Chen is going to be piloting us for crazy boarding actions.

>Write in - a scientist or two who might be able to give insight into Covenant actions or help us know which of the shiny tech things we need to grab the most of. Perhaps an engineer who likes the idea of being able to take apart Covenant toys and tell us how to use them. An intelligence type who likes looking at what we're doing, figuring out how to best fuck up the Covenant, and telling high command what we're doing right. Perhaps a second AI (assuming ship might already have one) with a hate on for the Covenant, and who would like to have our little brother dumb AI as a henchman for cyber attacks. A drone specialist who would be able to help run recon drones and boost our reconnaissance capabilities before attacks. And finally...

>A really really likeable liaison officer whose sole job is to explain and justify in a plausibly deniable fashion who the Spartans are, and what exactly we need of other UNSC forces that we might have to work alongside. It would be nice to be able to ask politely for the tank next time.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.
>A Squad of ODST. A full Platoon of three, thirteen man Squads would make the prowler cramped, and there's been some...incidents with the ODST and your Spartans Before, but it never hurts to have the second best soldiers in the UNSC as back up
Kinda hard not to ask for all of them. Medical staff is a must and quality backup we can rely on to alleviate tough situations will go a long way. Either way, here's the SotP 2 model for the Razer.
>>6268923
I don't think a Razer can carry a smart AI. It's pretty small and old for a prowler class. I suppose that'd be up to 404 though, and to decide on how comparatively rare they are.
>>6268445
Yeah, there is a pretty big disconnect between Spartans and laymen. But even in the lore there's a few that don't have a problem integrating into normal social situations like Fred.

>>6268915
>Write in Option
Ok there's a few things here
1) request the ONI security team from last mission too come aboard they've worked with us before and ONI will like having more of "their people" here.
2) ask Dr Halsey if she has any suggestions for head of medical and maybe if she wants us to bring anyone specific (a chance for her to further some of her stuff with us travelling around)
3) and finally Soren himself whom shall be put in charge of tactical command and oversight

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.
It would be kind of funny if this gave us Dr Alban (BB's brain donor).
>Write in Option
Science Officer/Advisor? Given Halsey's presence is probably mission dependent, it would be nice to have a scientist remain with us in a dedicated position, perhaps on her recommendation.
Setting up a small lab for experimentation onboard using some of the leftover space would also be nice.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

its good to have both 1 a medical speciliest who knows and understands spartans and 2 repacments and alternates for some of our crew

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

>Soren himself just to make sure.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.
>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.
As much as I'd love a squad of ODST, some pilots and rides would be nice.

>>6268912
>how long she wore her dark hair. And the fact she wore glasses.
She sounds a little Depraved.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.
That better include a therapist if we're bringing Soren onboard too. I know having a real job will help, but there are some things you just need professional help to deal with.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

>Write in Option
- Therapist : professional, comprehensive, well-learned, experienced with various traumas, worked already with soldiers. Familiar with danger. Purpose : ensure a beneficial mental health for Purple Team.

- Damascus Materials Testing Facility MJOLNIR Junior Engineer : experienced with MJOLNIR both prototypal models and current marks. Purpose : assist in MJOLNIR maintenance, repair and provide Spartans in the Prowler with technical knowledge. Collect combat data on MJOLNIR after missions.

- Cybernetics Specialist : experienced in the design, maintenance, repair and creation of cybernetics both of military and civilian design. Purpose : study and observe Spartan bodies for the creation of future custom cybernetics, in case of loss of their body parts. Additional purpose : under full watch of Lieutenant Sven Askeland and Dr Catherine Halsey, begin a preliminary inquiry on the creation of new custom cybernetics for "washouts" first class spartans. SOREN-066, as possible first candidate, if he volunteers and in case of failure of current medical rehabilitation efforts on "washouts" first class spartans.

>>6268915
>>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.
>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

>>6268915

>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans. Since the second class hasn't started and is a ways away from going through Aster's gauntlet, you're sure they can spare a few doctors.

As much as getting Chen and Ostrom on board would be really good, I've got to go with the medi-staff. Both because of >>6268923's point and also, because having people around who can continue to treat Soren is going to be necessary.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

If we can have both of these, then awesome, but if we can only get one, then the Medical Staff have to be the priority.

>>6269151

I'm >>6268302 looks like my IP cycled again.

>>6268915
>Medical staff from the Spartan Program, who specialize in treating Spartans.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.

>>6268915

>Write in Option
- Therapists: professional, comprehensive, well-learned, experienced with various traumas, worked already with soldiers. Familiar with danger. Purpose : ensure a beneficial mental health for Purple Team.

>Ask for Warrant Officer Chen Tian and Crewman Apprentice Tor Oström to be assigned as the Pelican Pilots for the Prowler, and request a few additional vehicles for its complement.