Constantine grimaced as he heard Saph shouting at the pilots.

I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.

He chuckled slightly before standing up and heading towards the cockpit doorway where Saph was standing. Planning on asking how much longer it’ll be, Constantine reached out to tap Saph on the shoulder and he could finally make out what she was saying. He froze and felt his blood run cold – metaphorically speaking, of course – and teetered for a few moments. Backing up a few steps, Constantine stood still for a few moments with a look of horror on his face.

We’re going to crash? This little shuttle wouldn’t survive the impact, much less us. And to make things worse, we have no communications other than short-range comlinks. This cannot get any worse.

With an air of resigned defeat, Constantine slowly made his way back to the middle of the seating area where the rest of Iron Horse sat, most chatting idly and some sleeping. Clearing his throat, he relayed the grim news.

“Are you sure?” Madman said quickly, shooting glances at Saph’s back.

Constantine nodded sadly while the seating area erupted into a loud murmur of hurried conversations.

“How long do we have?” Katarn asked, his face stony, but his voice betraying his fear.

Constantine could only shrug. He turned and made his way back up to Saph, who started to turn around as he did so. She took one look at his face and sighed.

“You heard?” she said slowly.

“Yes. I did. How long do we have?” Constantine asked.

“Not sure. The pilots said that we were entering the atmosphere of the nearest planet a few minutes ago so I would hazard a guess and say about two or three minutes.” she said, stepping forward.

Constantine moved backwards to let her pass and shot a quick glance into the cockpit. Frowning, he saw a few red lights flashing and then the deck lurched as the ship entered a steep dive. Eyes wide, he pivoted on his foot and leaped towards the nearest seat and pushed Saph forwards into a seat as he did so, taking the seat next to her. As Constantine strapped himself in, Saph did the same. A few moments later, they crashed, but before they did so, Constantine looked up and noticed that everyone else had had the same idea as he had and that they all were securely in place.

I hope this crash webbing is all it’s cracked up to be.

---Unknown amount of time later---
Ears ringing, Constantine sat up from where he lay, but was forced back down because of an intense pain a few moments later. His chest was on fire and it felt like he had broken a few ribs despite his chest plate. Rolling over, he winced slightly as his chest twinged again. Slowly, he got onto his hands and knees and panted for breath. Taking off his helmet, he breathed in fresh air, but doubled over when he started to cough heavily, recoiling when he spit out some dark blood which alarmed him. Bleeding from the mouth wasn’t normally that dark, so it couldn’t be coming from there. That left only one conclusion.

I do have broken ribs and they must have punctured something.

Bewildered, Constantine looked around and noticed a few of his squadmates already in the process of getting to their feet. They were still strapped into what was left of their seats and seemed relatively unharmed other than a few minor injuries. As he took in his surroundings, he realized with a jolt that he was lying next to the door to the cockpit. He gingerly stood up and started to move into the now demolished cockpit when he remembered that he had been strapped into a seat before the crash.

The frak? What happened to my seat? Nevermind. I need to find out what happened to the pilots.

Continuing on, he entered the cockpit with much effort. The short passageway was nearly blocked with debris from the crash and Constantine could only get his torso through the hole he found. What he saw didn’t fill him with much comfort. The whole front viewport was shattered with large rocks sticking through, some of which had reached the pilots’ chairs. A wave of nausea overcame Constantine as he saw what was left of the pilots’ bodies. He threw up, still alarmed to see blood, and took a second look at the remains. Large rocks had completely crushed both of the pilots’ heads, severing one of the pilot’s head and breaking the back of the chair off while the other rock just embedded itself in the chair. Multiple rocks had stuck in the bodies and broken off while their legs had been shattered by the force of the impact pushing the console into them. Withdrawing himself slowly and carefully as to not injure himself further, he retreated into the area where most of Iron Horse had now gathered. They looked up at him when he approached and he acknowledged them.

“Did you check on the pilots?” RK asked.

Constantine nodded slowly and sadly.

“Are they ok? Or are they hurt?” RK replied, looking a bit concerned by his reaction.

“Well . . . they’re dead. I’m not going to go into details, but you can have a look for yourself if you want. I don’t recommend it, but if you have to, go ahead.” Constantine reluctantly stated.

Stepping away, he started thinking about the pilots and realized that he would never forget about those bodies for as long as he lived no matter how hard he tried to. He resigned himself to that fact and sighed heavily.

OOC:

WC: 950

Madman forced himself to keep a strong front, his ‘special’ headgear made sure to hide the twisted features of pain and confusion from the blistering headache that ran through his head. He just had to keep it up, Constantine and RK were in tough shape as it is and they hadn’t even seen the brunt of a hostile force that might have stood in their way. Skjoll inhaled sharply as he repositioned the resilient strap, hoping that a delightful hike would at least give him time to let the throbbing die down a bit, no need to rush. Though, he did quite enjoy the feel of those strange, wriggly, horn-like appendages, though Madman himself couldn’t help but wonder if there was a name for them.

However now was not the time to ponder the mysteries of alien anatomy, he and his fellow Iron Horse’ had to press on. Each of them, pressed towards the foliage of the strange world, he himself not knowing what to expect as he turned the strange round lenses up and around to observe the canopies, many of the trees which lacked their leafy splendor, gave him an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach.

He could tell that their Squad Leader, was uneasy, though he couldn’t tell if that was from the position they were in or because of something he himself had done. It was of little concern to him.

Most of the squad was in bewilderment, though this was honestly the first moon with trees Madman had ever came across “Hey, perhaps if we’re lucky we’ll find some Ewoks.” Madman would optimistically exclaim, as Adenn would walk up next to him “Ewoks? How would meeting with Ewoks help?” He’d ask curiously, as Madman would chime back “Meet Ewoks? Your one letter off, especially if we’re lacking rations.” He’d offer back as he moved forward.

Saphira, while maintaining a strong outer appearance, was somewhat fearful and lost at the moment as they were stranded on this strange moon. Hoping, hopeful, that there might be a way off this barren landscape. Lucky would walk next to the fearless leader, as she’d begin to make sure everything was alright. Saphira would adamantly assure her everything was fine – less the newer recruits lose morale.

What a fine day this was to land on a would-be deserted moon.

When in the forest, deep enough to hide from any creatures outside the forest, the Team began to dig a foot deep entrenchment around various trees and foliage, while stationing debris around in order to create a barrier in which to keep from being detected – atleast visually.

Darkness consumed RK’s mind and vision, he couldn’t see much other then a feignt flash of light or a patch of red flame firing itself into the sky. He didn’t recollect anything from the last few minutes, all he knew was that pain consumed his whole body, and worst of all he wasn’t even sure if there were other survivors.

ugh, I gotta move… yet, everytime he tried another pain would shoot through his body, making it impossible for even the slightest gesture. always me… always. He tried opening his eyes, yet still, not even that seemed possible, his whole head was aching like a thousand explosions going off in his head.

Argh, I can’t catch a break. RK cringed slightly as another shot of pain went through his body. His vision seemed to be returning, yet for some reason it was almost distant, like he wasn’t there. Almost as if he had left his body and was staring down at everything. He could see blood, and various bodies scattered over the battle field, some were torn to shreds while others we still fighting for life. Then the image dissappeared, he fought to bring it back, but couldn’t.

“Rk, y…do…loook…” A voice said in the distance, but he couldn’t make it out. Reagardless, it was just another nuisance at the moment, he couldn’t stand the pain, and someone trying to get him to move wasn’t helping.

“arg….” Was all RK could must in reply, but it was better then just laying there, at least he knew he wasn’t going to die. Still, it was a comfort to know he had left something behind in case he did, that is if it survived the blast.

“W.. nee…. Me…pac… sta…!” now the voice was yelling, and it just continued to add to the pain, but he tried to block it out as he had done the last time, though for some reason it was getting harder.

I gotta……Argh! he felt a sharp pain in his gut and leg, and within a few minutes his whole body went cold, the pain seemed to be residing. “Ugggghhh, uhh…” the coldness continued to spread through his body, making him shiver all over, but at the same time helping him relax in the comfort.

“He…..se…to be ..” the voice was familiar now, and he wasn’t trying to block it out.

“He’ll be fine.. just let the …” This time RK knew this voice, it was saph, even if he hadn’t barely known her it was a comfort to know he hadn’t died. Unless she was dead as well.

“Yea, he’s just banged up, it might take him a little longer to work out the kinks now.”Madman’s voice traveled into RK’s ear and he just wanted to punch the guy, but he was glad he was trying to save him.

“Good, keep an eye on….” Then Saph was interrupted.

“ugh, who’s the di’kut who trained thos pilots, I have a few chioce words for them.” RK slowly rolled up on his side, and looked around, trying to figure out where the hell he was at. It had been a long sleep, but he was glad it was over.

“Well, look who finally decided to come back to the land of the living.” Lucky said, extending a hand.

RK just looked at it and shook his head, he might have been feeling better, but he still didn’t fell like getting up; instead he just smiled at the gesture. “By the way, where are the chakaar?”

“Dead.” Madman said, as he finished patching up one of RK’s small cuts, not that it needed it.

“Ah, well then I take back the training thing.”

“Thought you might.” Madman said, actually smiling slightly.

RK just let out a small laugh as madman finished up on his bandages. I can tell this is going to be a very long mission.

Slowly RK pushed himself up off the ground, pain shooting through his body at random points, making it even more difficult. The bacta had kicked in, and it was beginning to wear off, which wasn’t going to make matters easy. Still he had to move, because letting pain get the better of him it was a sign of weakness, and when it came to war weakness was not allowed, at least that was what he had been taught.

No sacrifice, no victory. Weakness is not allowed RK, never show it. The words flowed back to RK as he pushed his body  harder to just get on his feet, yet they made him angry and he just wanted to drop down and cry. It was true that you never showed weakness in a fight, or at any times,  it could get you killed, but RK hated it he cared to much. It was how he had always been, and whether he showed it or not, he knew he would always be weak. No, weaknesses make you strong, you just have to sue them to your advantage. It was a confusing life he had lived, full of contradictions, but he was his own person after all

“You need any help, verd?” a man’s voice asked, without even extending a hand. The man was younger and slightly less tanned then RK, his hair was all over the place; but that was probably from the landing and the confusion. AT the moment he looked like he had been through hell and back.

“Hmmf, yea I’ll be fine.” RK stood up quickly and grimaced, his whole body was screaming for mercy, but he couldn’t show weaknes sin front of a fellow trooper.

“Good to see your feeling better, I’m  Private Second Class Adenn.” Adenn then extended a hand, it was dirty with specks of blood, but RK accepted it anyway, it wasn’t like he hadn’t touched blood or been hurt himself.

“Senior Sergeant Ryan Karrax, RK for short, its nice to meet you.”

“Arasuumir, glad to have you on board.”

RK smiled, then let the words Adenn had just spoken slip into his brain, “Wait, you speak Mando’a?” RK was puzzled he didn’t think there were any other’s in the VE; then again, he had been surprised before.

“Gar serim, course I think that comes along with the traditions of Mandalorians.”

RK was taken aback, he hadn’t expected to meet another, but regardless here one stood; Which changed everything. Instantly, he stood up straighter, just enough to make it like he hadn’t moved, and quickly smiled. His body screamed at the movement, but he couldn’t show that in front of a fellow mandalorian. “Huh, didn’t think there’d be others, I’m proud to say I was raised in mandalorian tradition as well.”
This time Adenn looked struck, but he got over it quick. His face curled into a smile and extended his hand. RK shook it again; the grip was firmer this time, “Well it’s good to know there’s a fellow mando in the ranks.”

RK grinned and let go of the hand, “Elek, it is.”

Adenn just shook his head then walked away, back to where Voren was still laying; Leaving RK behind with his thoughts.

Maybe this mission won’t turn out to bad after all. RK let the thought pass through his mind, which was hard through the agony he was feeling, but he just ignored it and walked towards the shuttle. He had to find his belongings, more importantly his datapad. He quickened his pace as he started thinking about all the data that he would lose, his holopics, his facenet profile(which he could recover with a password hack), and the letter’s he had been writing to loved ones. He continued to draw closer, his body aching worse than before. I should not have done that.  Before he knew it he was standing at the rear of the shuttle, things were scattered all around, including various armor pieces and body parts from the two pilots. May they rest in peace.

Don’t go inside, that data pad is a weakness, your loved ones are a weakness, don’t… RK just sighed and took a step forward, ignoring the voice. I don’t care, weaknesses make you stronger, no matter what your taught. And with that RK began his search

Lucky had started to go ahead of the group when her Lek'ku twitched. Something didn't feel right to send just Lucky out on her own.

"MadMan, over here on the double!" Saphira hissed. MadMan moved quickly over, a smile on his face that made her roll her eyes. "I need you to go with Lucky and help Scout things ahead. It's starting to get dark."

"Alright." He replied and lingered a stare at her for a moment longer then he needed. MadMan then sprinted off to catch up to Lucky. Lucky turned around and slowed her pace for him to catch up.

"Yes?" Lucky questioned.

"Saph told me to go with you. It's getting dark out and it's probably better to have an extra set of eyes." He shrugged and waited for her answer. Lucky's reply came in her pace picking back up as the two vanished from the sight of the rest of the team.

"Just keep up." Lucky warned.



-- 30 minutes later --


They kept up a simple pace until they came to a rocky hill area. There was cover and what looked like a dug out hole with weeds among some rocks.

"We'll stop here for the night. It looks like this will be the best place." Saphira replied. "It's getting too dark to see much more. Set up camp and get a fire going. I'm sure Lucky and MadMan will be back soon."




-------



As the last bit of the suns rays left, Lucky and MadMan slowed their pace down. Creatures that were unknown chirped, creaked and squawked at random. It was uneasy and things didn't feel right.

"I don't like this Lucky. I think we should head back." MadMan whispered as he held his rifle at the ready.

"Not just yet. I thought I heard something up ahead. Stay quiet." Moving ahead, Lucky drew her eyes to try to expand her vision. Not knowing what was out here there was no way they were going to flash light around and spook whatever was out there. It was bad enough that she felt goosebumps start to raise.

Being careful not to make a sound, they pressed themselves against two trees as strange sounds came from beyond. Both looked at each other and nodded. Moving as one they poked their heads out to see three tall figures standing int he open. MadMan was about to go out to talk to them when her hand shot out.

Something wasn't right about the way they were moving. There was a strange sound emitting from two of the three figures. Something that made her blood run ice cold when the shadows shifted away from them as well as Lucky and MadMan. In their arms was a strange creature; a mammal of some sort that Lucky couldn't identify. What they saw next was something neither would ever forget.

The creature was mauled and dripping blood as the tall figures were revealed. pale and ghastly they watched with horror as one hissed at the other before opening it's mouth to clamp down onto the creature, which was still alive, but barley. They creatures looked human, but had two pointy teeth where the canines would be. They weren't eating the flesh, but drinking it's blood.

We need to get out of here...


Lucky thought and motioned to MadMan who for once had no intention on wanting to see what those things could do. Backing up slowly, they managed not to be seen as the darkness of the cover hide them. Both thinking that they were too busy fighting and feeding to notice their presence. It was only a few feet away when Lucky stepped on a old dry twig.

'SNAP'

They froze and looked back, just in time to see red glowing eyes facing the direction of the sound. The one in the middle came towards them, then stopped only a short distance away to the forest cover and then screeched out a horrifying call as it saw fresh prey.. Lucky and MadMan.

The wait for Lucky and Madman to return was agonizingly long, though understandable since it was a recon, ways ahead. Or so he assumed. The terrain of this moon could also be treacherous in more ways than one, let alone unstable and ever changing. He hadn't been here long enough to ascertain what this rock held for them.  His fingers were clenched into fists as he sat still, then unclenched as he flexed them, letting the blood get to them. During this ritual of unclenching and clenching his phalanges, Adenn felt just how dirty his hands were, smeared and matted with clods of dirt and blood. His eyes looked at them, how dirty and real they were. The random thought on how 'real' his hands were was a metaphorical symbol, his hands were that of a mando, a child of Mandalore, a Mandolorian.

The fact that he met another mando, made him proud, there was another with them, with him. Not that he was excluding everyone else, it was just he was including himself. It made sense in his head, probably wouldn't in words. Since his hands, were indeed real, that meant his ethnicity was real too. So he wasn't apart of a dying cultural flame, obviously not. The screech heard in the distance also had a hand in bringing him into realization. This was no longer just a crashlanding.

The moments after the screech were tense. At least for him, indeed he was afraid. It was a subconscious reaction to the unknown. Fear, was just the buildup of adrenaline in your body to make ready for a set course of actions. So, he feared the future of the night, the sun was setting and the temperature was dropping, to an slight extent. The temperature wasn't the issue. The unknown whereabouts of Lucky and Madman were. Though that too soon lost it's relevance as an issue, since they returned. Obviously startled by something, something abnormal to regular space.

"That didn't sound like any boogeyman.." Maybe his fear was superimposing sounds..or maybe it was that he was the only one to hear it? The latter was a doubt. Since from a rational though he assumed almost for a second that it was some type of native creature..like a bird..not a humanoid.

Adenn sat in silence for the most part. It was comforting and friendly, with silence everything was absolute, as to with noise, anything could be something, noise was the antithesis, so figuratively noise was confusion. Confusion led to disorder, and eventually death as with all things.

The shared body heat between the two Mandalorian was appreciated, the footfalls of another approached, by his assumption, he guessed it was the Trandoshan, Vor'en was his name? Since everyone else besides the reptilian was present nearest the fire.  The squad mate sat in between RK and himself, adding to the solemn silence, before speaking up. Not making noise, just making conversation, probably an effort to quell the uneasy stillness of the air. The near frigid temperature made it undesirable to do anything, other than sit, and try and conserve precious heat energy.

"Not a bad placsssssse when you think about it. Y'know, minussssss the Rakghoulssss."Adenn heard Vor'en say, before he looked away from the licking flames of the fire.

"I wouldn't vacation here..." Adenn muttered his eyes now set on the stars, peering through the clouds above, his eyes altered their angle slightly as he looked along the treeline, and branches he could see through the darkness. "You say you have heard stories...?"

The question was directed to Vo'ren, who nodded, therefor affirming Adenn's curious inquiry.

"Care to share what you have heard amongst us?" He said in a slightly louder voice as to gather the attention of the other squad members who may not have heard him the first time, when he asked the question. Adenn was sure the information that Vor'en may possess could help them combat these creatures, if not kill them, then ward them away. If indeed they were real, and his paranoia about the alien screech , Saph and madman's encounter, was valid, then the Iron Horses had all the right cards in the wrong places.

Saphira waited for Lucky and MadMan to calm down before talking to them again. Something had to spook them enough to make them come running back like frightened children. Saphira knew Lucky well enough that she wasn't one to run. MadMan, well, she knew he was a fighter and didn't seem to feel fear.

Something isn't right.


Back over around the fire, Adeen and Voren were talking about ghost stories and other races that could be what perhaps the two had seen. Not wanting the fear to spread she walked over to the group and tapped her feet a couple times.

"Enough with the ghost stories! We don't know what these things are. Trying to scare each other isn't going to help the situation." Saphira snapped at them. Her Lek'ku flicked with high annoyance and a little of something else.

That was the least of her worries when an ear piercing cry came out from the surrounding woods. Everyone froze and Saphira felt a cold shiver roll down her back.

"That's what that thing did when it saw us!" Lucky cried out from a few feet away. MadMan had his weapon out and looked around.

"I can't tell where it's coming from." He growled.


It was then that in the shadows they could see three sets of red glowing eyes and they were getting closer.

"Alright, I think I believe you two now." saphira replied and swallowed a mouthful of air. "I can't make out their form and they seem to be staying away from the light."

"We should be safe then." Tank replied to her right. Looking over she saw too that he was not relieved and had his weapon up. They could now hear some growling and snarls from all sides. Yet, when they looked, there wasn't anything there. No glowing sets of eyes.

"Don't go near them. If they stay back, then -"


Her words were cut off as the wind started to pick up. At first it was light, but quickly changed to be stronger. The creatures seemed to know this would happen and let out more cries. Hunting cries. Everyone looked back to the fire. The only source of real light as it began to blow out as the ashes flew up int he air and faded into the darkness.

"I have a real bad feeling about this." Saphira whispered and drew her blaster up as the wind blew.

That was one creature down, and a few more to go. How many were left, Sergeant Major Luckystar didn't know. Beheading the beasts seemed to work though there ahd to be another way.

"Saph look out!" she suddenyl screamed as one of teh beasts jumped on her Squad Leader. With a massive adrenaline rush, Lucky rushed at the evil, stinking creature and fell on top of it before it had a chnace to do anything to Saph. Distracted, it hissed and looked over its shoulder at what had distracted it from its prey. All around them there was screaming and fighting but the three of them didn't seem to notice.

Lucky was busy keeping Saph alive, the demonic creature seemed intent on killing one of the two women and Saph was trying to scramble out from underneath it. Beside them, a horrible scream could be heard followed by a hud as a body dropped, taking a split second to look beside her she noticed one of the creatures on the ground, blood pooling from everywhere.

Turning her focus back to the creature she was trying to finish off, she felt him drop to the gound as Saph got free, she immediately went to lucky's aid. All three struggled and rolled about, with a sudden second burst of adrenaline, Lucky grabbed the crature by the scruff of its garb and shoved it against a tree.

It screamed as a branch went through its forehead but did not die, with a deep thrust, Saph took her knife and embedded it deep into the creature's chest, with one last sigh it finally died.

"Whew, that was close. Good work" she clapped Saph on the shoulder as the woman retrieved her bloodied knife from the corpse.

Looking around, they noticed that most of teh creatures were either dead or barely standing. Rushing to help their mates and with the killing knowledge they had acquired, they managed to finish off teh rest of the things and waited  aminute to see if anymore would emerge from hiding, when nothing hapenned they gathered up all dropped possessions and moved on through the woods.

A short trek later, they found themselves looking up at a foggy patch of land with a building sitting on top of a flat slab of the land.

"Saph, i think we found what we were looking for, I think it's time we got in touch with the Dominion.

They had only made it a few feet into the base of the citidal when Tank came rushing up from the rear out of breath.

"We're trapped!" Tank panted. "These things are more clever then we thought."

Everyone looked back at him and then to Lucky and Saphira for answers. Like hell they knew what to do. Lucky opened her mouth to say something when the halls rumbled witht he ear pitching screams.

"Run! We definatly don't need to be caught in the halls. We need an open point." Saphira  shouted over the cries. Ran they did down the halls as their boots tapped and added to the surrounding  noises. Jumping over fallen chunks of rock that littered the ruins they came  to another opening and straight into hell.

The opening courtyard setting was littered with bones as Saphira stepped on a skull. It crumbled as they could see dozens of red eyes looming in the dark, with more approaching from behind. Eryone rose their blasters and starting shooting. Fear was running their actions in that moment.  Compleatly surrounded from all sides, there was little option as Saphira looked to her right and saw  stone chizled steps leading to a large balcony setting.

"Up there! Move it!"  Saphira shouted and slammed against MadMans shoulder, who then stumbled into tank and Voren. It seemed to be enough to break them away from the looming eyes and spatting hisses. This isn't like the squad. Saph thought as they ran up the stairs. The things seemed to not to have a care. As if they had done this before and were herding them. To their amazment there was a rudamantary com system  in the back corner. Covered in dust and spider webs, it looked like it went through hell itself. 


"I don't remember this being in the recruitment pamplets!" Tank  shouted as they tried to block the only entrence.


"Just black the damn stairs!" Saphira ordered and looked to RK. "RK can you wire that old piece of bantha poodo so we can contact the Dominion?"


"No.I figure we'd stay here and vaction a little more!" RK replied sarcasticly. Lucky shot him a look before punching him in the shoulder.

"Just do it!" Lucky ordered and Saphira turned her back on RK to reach for the weapons they had in the duffle bags. Slapping another TD to her hand she switched it on and tossed it into the middle of the coutyard.

"DUCK!" She shouted and everyone fell to the floor as the clanking sound of the TD was heard and then an explosion. FOllowed by screams as they started to get up and  two of them jumped up the  eight feet up to the ledge (on fire).

"SithSpit, will these things not die?" Lucky shouted and grabbed Saphira's extra vibroblade and  slashed across the throat and cleaved the head off.


"Just keep them at bay!" MadMan growled as he fought off a couple of the things. Jabbing up with his fists and pushed it back down as a never ending stream seemed to come out at them. Several of the Horses armed themselves with jagged pieces of rock to help fend them off.

"I thought these suckers were scared of the light." Voren shouted.

"I thought so too. Something tells me they want to eat -" Saphira started and was cut off by MadMan.

"Feed on our blood. Lucky and I watched enough to see that they just wanted the blood."


"Well they had us frozen down there. Liek we couldn't move." Lucky  replied.

"Ok, bloodsuckers then..." Saphira paused and  changed the clip to her blaster. Everyone was dealing with the constent stream of the enemy as more seemed to jump from nowhere and land on the ledges. "Any time RK..."

RK’s whole body was tense, but relaxed at the same time. It seemed impossible, but somehow he was able to keep himself from having a mental breakdown. It’s been a long time since I’ve actually been calm in a fight, but it’s not a bad thing, it give you better focus.

The fight seemed like it was going to last forever, as waves of enemies kept drawing close, nobody knew what the hell they were and RK was starting to get enough of them. His perfect white armor was now caked with deep crimson blood, as well as the occasional blaster scar that made a black streak giving the armor a more worn down veteran look. Yet, it wouldn’t see the light of day ever again; it would either be sent off for repair or broken down to be made into a new set of kit. Well at least we know how to recycle.The thought crossed RK’s mind as he shot another round through one of the ‘Ghouls’; or at least that’s what he thought they were, they hadn’t come to a final conclusion. Still he hated that they were bleeding on his kit.

“That’s it, when we get back to base, if we get back, I’m putting in an order for new kit, maybe something blue or maybe even black, yea black you can’t…” RK’s voice trailed off as another threat whizzed past his head, he just had enough time to react. No matter how ugly they were, they were still armed and dangerous.

“Hmm, I like the idea of blue, does that mean something in Mando?” Jago asked, his voice muffled and his breathing was hard from having to constantly get up and move positions. The explosive maniac kept getting his grenades kicked back at him, so he ended up having to get up and run to a safe area.

Rk couldn’t help but smile at the young man’s ambition, and he actually felt bad that his plans backfired. “Actually yes it does, it means reliability, we could even go with gold, it means vengeance, and either will do. Course I think we are more reliable then…”

“Are you two done flirting, or do I have to separate you until you start fighting like men.” Lucky’s voice butted in on their conversation; RK blushed underneath his helmet, he was actually embarrassed that Lucky had to shut him up, yet she was right, they better fight.

He instantly unloaded a clip and then shoved one back in with the quickest timing and precision of anyone he had ever met; it was probably the adrenaline pumping, even if he was still relaxed at the same time. After he finally got the clip loaded he pulled his gun up and aimed it at the nearest ‘ghoul’, it clambered back as he pulled the trigger making it look almost as if he was being punched in the gut repeatedly. Well these things do pack a punch. Yet, it wasn’t putting him down. That’s when it happened, the thing jumped and began to clamber towards RK, he continued to fire, and he could see Jago out of the corner of his eye firing at the same one. Unfortunately it wasn’t working and the thing hit him hard in the chest plate, he tumbled backwards and hit the ground hard.

He could see fire continue to hit the monster in the side, probably from Jago, but it wasn’t phasing it; RK wasn’t sure whether the thing was trying to make a final stand or whether it was just impervious to the pain. Either way, he had to get the thing off him. Instinct, he kicked the monster in the thigh and heard a satisfying screech; he then threw the thing off to the side. It slide a couple meters and it was still moving, Jago had let up by this time. But the thing still lived. not for long.

RK grabbed his side blaster and aimed it at the creature, but the thing reared back, yet he had made his death wish. Lucky kicked the thing towards RK, the thing skidded towards him and he pulled his foot up and brought it down on the creatures head, smashing it till nothing was left.

“Thanks ner vod.” RK said, a smile under his helmet, even though she couldn’t see it. Let alone understand what Ner Vod meant.

“Any time.” She replied, instantly heading back to the fight.

RK did the same, hoping that dominion would get there soon, or at least the ghouls would let up. I really hate Halloween.

The ringing in her ears finally stopped.Dang it! I thought I told them not to toss those so close! Saphira thought, shaking her head. It was then that the carnage became clear. There were chunks of the BloodSuckers everywhere. Blood splatter on the bricks and spattered on everyones armor. From behind her helmet, she flickered her eyes to see a chunk of something that was on top of Jago's helm.


"Uh, you got something there." Saphira spoke up and pointed to the side of her own helm. She watched in amusement as Jago pulled a piece of meat/skin (it was unrecognisable) and jumped as if something had bit him.

"Dang it!" He grumbled and started to look to see if there was anything else.

"You can clean your armor later trooper. We need to secure this place and wait for rescue." Lucky replied. "I can see a few that are STILL alive, if barley."


No one had to say anything twice as they hustled down, weapons at the ready as they took out the enemy. Even still at near death they were insanely strong and difficult to kill. By the time they were done, everyone was tired and needed a break. They didn't even know when sunrise would be here and that still made them careful as they set up a perimeter and secured the Citadel. Two hours had gone by and still no help arrived.


"Alright, so keep your eyes and ears open. We have a break for now." Saphira replied as she took off her bucket. The stench was already starting to get to her and thus, she decided to keep the helmet on.


"Anyone know when the blasted son is going to come up?" RK asked as he leaned against a pillar.

"No, tired of the relaxation RK? I'm sure this place has other more luxuries." MadMan snorted.

"Hey! Stop it guys." Saph shouted as she listened.

"What is it?" Lucky asked, coming up to her side.

"I think we;re in serious Bantha Poodoo." She muttered. Her hearing, being able to pick up more then the others was a blessing, and curse as the barrier of bad news. Everyone moved to get a view from the surrounding point areas and, hearts stopped. There, in the darkness had to been at least over a hundred pairs of glowing red eyes.

"Shit! I thought we killed them all!" RK shouted.


"Apparently not. Damn, they must be able to smell or have heard what happened for miles around and came running." MadMan whispered.

"We need to get out of here." Saphira replied.

"Have you lost your mind?" Tank started. "We have this place secured and the Dominion knows we're here."


Just then the air came with ear piercing screams. Ten times louder then before as Saphira winced and grabbed the sides of her bucket. The others did the same thing and moved away from their spots.

"If you want to stay here Tank, you can. We don't have the energy to fight them off or the weapons. So either stay or come with us. We have a better chance on foot." Lucky snapped as Saphira nearly fell over from the wracking pain. "You ok?" She asked as the screams had died down. They had to move, and now.


"Ask me later once we're out of this nightmare. The VE better pay us good for this if we make it!" Saph muttered as she tried to encourage the others.

"Alright let's go!" RK shouted from their right. "I don't see any of the BloodSuckers out there so far. It's the best chance we have."

"Don't need to tell me twice." Jago replied and took off running. Jumping over a half blown wall and onto the grass. Everyone followed and they didn't look back. They know the creatures were following them.

"I sure hope the other squads are ok and don't have the luck we have right now." Lucky voiced as they started to run up a hill. It slowed them down, but they pushed themselves.

OOC:

Alright guys. Do not post any more in this thread. We are awaiting on the merging back to one thread with  everyone else.