Turn 7: The Briefing & Departure

[Cartwright]

The Hell Hounds traversed through the Normandy, attempting to locate Briefing Room 12. They heard many Marines gossiping along the way.

"Ya hear what happened?" One Marine inquired, a sergeant.

"Nah. What?" A Marine technician inquired as he worked on a conduit.

"Well, Scuttlebutt says that Rhino Squad is aboard the ship. Word is, we're headin' to Jonis V." The sergeant said.

"Jonis V? That some uninhabited rock?"

"No. It's supposed to be a small outercolony. The whole planet is made of ice, really."

The Hell Hounds continued moving throughout the ship, hearing similar gossip going around. This intrigued them and sparked their interest in the situation. Now they were interested to know more about their mission. Something seemed off, although, everything was off when a Hell Hound was involved. 'If all goes well, we're goin' to Hell'. The Hell Hound motto.

The Marines located the briefing room and the sentries snapped to attention and informed them General Harper was awaiting them inside the briefing room. The Marines groaned, a strong resentment and dislike had grown from the man. Hoot was with the group, alongside Mr. Death. The Marines entered the briefing room and to their astonishment, Rhino Squad was definitely present. And so was Chief Warrant Officer Five Kofsky and Chief Warrant Officer Thompson.

"Hell Hounds, please take a seat. Meet Rhino Squad. I have worked with them during the invasion of Stroggos. One of their members is a little late, so feel free to converse amongst eachother until he arrives." The general said.

The Marines nodded and sat down, then began talking to the members of Rhino Squad. The list of the Marines and their ranks was before Lieutenant Sharpton on a clipboard, which he read to himself.

Private First Class Banks - Medic
Corporal Strauss - Technician
Corporal Rhodes - Demolitionist
Corporal Cortez - Sniper
Corporal Kane - Rifleman
Sergeant Slidjonovitch - Platoon Sergeant
First Lieutenant Morris - Platoon Commander

The lieutenant nodded to himself, memorizing the list. They had a lot of corporals. From what he could deduce, Kane was the only one missing at the moment. He sighed and began to speak to Hayek, whispering mainly.

"Yo, Death... may I be the first one to say, you look like shit." Joker said, chuckling, "So, I guess I don't get a welcome? I'm the Hell Hounds official drop-ship pilot for now on. Your symbol has been painted on my girl already. She looks all perty now."

The Marines burst out into laughter. Hearing the southern accent he attempted to feign behind the word was something to laugh about. No wonder they called him Joker. He was a humorous person.

"So, where the hell is this Kane, guy?" Godchild inquired, looking at the Rhino Squad lieutenant.

"Probably tryna get past security. It's been a bitch for him to do so." Morris said.

"Hope no one gives him any shit. The boy's a hero. 'Sides, he's saved my ass too many times to count." Rhodes said, his voice thick with a southern accent.

"It would appear that my initial thoughts about the man were incorrect. For this, I am pleased." Sergeant "Sledge" Slidjonovitch said, his voice thick with a Russian accent.

The Marines nodded in aggreement. Obviously they had a lot of excellent things to say about Kane. He must have been a large, strong, and tough individual. They wondered if he was as tough looking as Sledge, as he seemed to be as big as a Russian bear. His composure was that of a seasoned veteran.

"So, where is your technician?" Corporal Strauss inquired, looking throughout the unit.

"Well, Perez is one, but has yet to show us her skills. Our other technician is in medical. He was hit by shrapnel from a rock." Gunny Hayek said, noting Strauss's German accent.

"Ah. I do hope he is able to recover quickly, as I would like to see him perform his duties. I have yet to properly introduce myself. I am Corporal Juan Strauss, you have no doubt heard of me." Strauss said, attempting to look dignified.

"Shut the hell up, Strauss. Ain't nobody heard of you outside a large circle of people. And their stuck on Stroggos with the Squibs." Morris said.

The doorway could be heard opening. The hiss of the doors parting ceased all conversation. The Marines attention darted to the door and several Marines arose. Hayek, having his pistol, drew it. In the door stood a Strogg Tactical. The boys from Rhino Squad only sat calmly.

"Hey, cool it. That's Kane. How ya doin' buddy?" Rhodes said, looking at his friend.

The Marines expressions darted between Kane and Rhino Squad, but soon they resumed their seats begrudingly. Kane took a seat with his unit. General Harper arose and turned on the holographic displays. A hologram of Jonis V appeared, rotating on its axis.

"This is Jonis V. It is a planet entirely of snow and ice, so its temperatures can be extremely cold. A small colony that the Union Aerospace Corporation soon established a base on. It is protected by a small detachment of over four hundred Marine Security Guards under the strict watch of Colonel Westerman."

"The population of the planet is 1000. Very small, indeed. Now, the UAC has requested additional security on the planet and they requested that your units be sent down. We have informed them you will be arriving and they will be expecting you. This is not a combat operation. The Rules of Engagement are to engage targets that have been designated hostile to the civilian population and scientific personnel of the planet. A Doctor Jane Nighson is in charge of the science team down on the planet. They are conducting classified archeological digs into the western mountain of the planet."

"Anything specific we should know?" Morris inquired, he would be commanding the op as he was the highest rank there.

"Yes. Four murders have occured. All unexplainable. The victims had their heads dismembered from their bodies and the culprits behind these atrocities have yet to be brought to justice." General Harper said, finishing his briefing.

"What about Corporal Kane? Will he be accompanying us, sir?" Lieutenant Sharpton inquired, his glances being traded between the general and the Stroggified corporal.

"No. We are afraid the science team will attempt to run several experiments on him and for his own safety, has been asked to stay aboard the Normandy."

"Any other additional information, sir?" Gunnery Sergeant Hayek inquired.

"Yes. For approximately two days, the planet's moon moves in and eclipses the sun from the planet, making it extremely dark. All radio waves cannot penetrate past the moon, making contact with the Normandy impossible for those two days. Also, First Lieutenant Morris is the ranking officer on the operation and will be in charge. You will answer to him. Dismissed."

The Marines dispersed into their little groups. The Hell Hounds heard Rhodes speaking to Kane.

"Damn, taken out by back room politics. Oh well, I'll see ya back on the Normandy, buddy." Rhodes said.

The arrival of Kane had sparked both interest and detest within the Hell Hounds. It was definitely something they were going to need to speak about greatly. Definitely a topic of interest within the platoon. They had four hours until they reached the Jonis system and arrived within the orbit of Jonis V. So, they had time to converse amongst eachother. Some of the Marines were talking about their armor. They had been given M85 Cold Climate armor. It was a combination of white and gray and was coated with inner-insolated layers to ensure warmth. Their BDUs had been replaced with Cold Climate BDUs. Though, the word was soon the Space Marine BDUs were to be replaced with the U.S. Marine Corps' current MCCUUs. All digital camoflauged, but improved upon since the twenty first century for excellent combat efficiency and camo.

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[Dire Wolf]

When Kane entered the room instinctivly reached for his H&K, but he realized that it was currently checked in with the armorer, if he was caught with it on the ship he would be instantly court-marshalled and be dishonourably discharged.

He looked at Kane, he still was not sure whether to shit or go blind. He chose his words carefully, were he normally said it or that thing, he instead said 'Kane', or 'him' "You mind tellin' me what happend to him?" He sounded as if he was on edge and looked as if he was in a defensive stance, he looked uneasy, like Hoot was waiting for Kane to make his first move. Even though if Kane did attack Hoot, he would end up a bloody pulp, tacticals were a helluva lot stronger than people.

It also helped that Hoot felt a little under the weather, he had a blood transfusion and had a new synthetic arm and shoulder blade. They were both much stronger than his previous ones, they could take a shot from an Assault rifle and not shatter, breaking is another story though.

[Cartwright]

"Long story, PFC." Morris said.

"Yes, it entails many interesting tails and many losses on our part. It was most unfortunate that Kane underwent such a twisted transformation. If it were not for Lieutenant Voss and our attempt to rescue captured POWs, Kane would have probably been a full Strogg by now." Sledge said, answering Hoot's question to some degree.

"Don't worry, Hoot. Kane's alright. Saved my ass a number of times. Both as a human and Strogg." Corporal Rhodes said, patting Kane on the back.

[Dire Wolf]

Hoot backed down, he still did not trust him, he would have to earn Hoot's trust like everyone else. "Sorry man, I hope you understand, can never be too careful" Hoot still looked a little on edge, but not nearly as much as he was before. He looked over at Lt. Morris "I am the best sniper this side of Arcturus, sir" Then he looked at Corporal Cortez "I look forward to you spottin' for me Corporal Cortez"

((OOC: In sniper teams, the guy that is the highest rank is the spotter, and the guy that is the lowest rank is the shooter.))

[Cartwright]

"Ha-ha. I have been noted as the best sniper in all of the SMC."

"Yeah. This guy can literally get a headshot on a Strogg just by seeing it in his peripheral vision. He's deadly with an assault rifle. He's one shot - one kill. Unless it's a Gladiator or some other larger Strogg. Then it takes him about four shots." Corporal Rhodes said.

Corporal Strauss walked over and scrutinized the young private first class that was Hoot. He only shook his head.

"When will these men learn that only with superior knowledge can we defeat the Strogg and win this war? My superior intellect has allowed us to destroy the Nexus on Stroggos, effectively cutting off the Strogg from their commanders on the planet and it was with my assistance that Corporal Kane was able to neautralize the Makron." Strauss said.

Morris turned and shook his head at Strauss. He had a severe dislike for the man, but, he had to work with him.

"Alright then Strauss, I guess I won't have to tell you who baby-sits you when you need to fight through Strogg territory." Morris said, pointing to Kane.

The Marines of Rhino Squad burst out into laughter. All but Kane, who only nodded solumnly. It seemed a part of him was detached from his surroundings. Probably a result of the horrifying results of his Stroggification.

[Dire Wolf]

As Strauss was talking in his smug tone of voice all that Hoot could think was 'Prick' He almost said it too, but instead he decided to make a smart ass comment.
Hoot looked at the irritating Kraut "Ha ha, this is my superior knowledge" Hoot said as he held up his trigger finger, pulling the trigger of an imaginary gun. He knew the guy for 10 seconds and he already wanted to tell him off. The only reason that he did not was that he was only a PFC, Strauss was a Corporal, and the little that Hoot knew of Strauss was enough to know that he would throw the book at him if he gave him the proverbial 'fuck you asshole'.

[Cartwright]

"It appears that you are just as unintellectual as the rest. I find this saddening." Strauss said, then walked away.

"Don't worry 'bout Strauss. He always has somethin' stuck up his ass." Morris said, grinning.

Hoot nodded to the Marine. He was right for the most part. The other Marines nodded in agreement to this notion too. At least, those who knew Strauss.

"Strauss is interesting individual to say the least. However, he is not one to be pleasant around others. Some have said he was stationed with us after engaging in a shouting match with a general. It is most obvious who had won that battle." Sergeant Slidjonovitch said.

The Hell Hounds conversed with those from Rhino Squad, minus their obnoxious technician. He was doing diagnostic readouts of the ship to assist the captain onboard. They were all in the chow hall, chowing down on some good old Marine Corps and Navy food.

"Man, the pay is shit and the food tastes like hell, but where else can I find a job where I can blow shit up?" Rhodes said, taking a bite into his cornbread.

The Marines laughed and nodded in agreement. Even Kofsky and Thompson were eating with them. The Marines were beginning to accept Kofsky as one of their own.

"Yeah, don't worry, the Corps provides us all our needs. Now if only they would get rid of their fraternization regulations, maybe flatface could get it on with Jones!" Kofsky said and all the Marines broke out into laughter, even Jones.

"That's not happening anytime soon, Joker." Lieutenant Sharpton said, eating some of his cornbread.

"Damn... you're right. He'd need to get surgery done on his face before she even considered him." Yet again, the Marines broke out into laughter.

Private Tomala just glanced over at Kofsky and flipped him the bird, which made the man exhale a hearty laugh. There was definitely a good reasoning behind his nickname. The Marines continued to chow down and conversate amongst eachother. Both Rhino Squad and Hell Hounds together. Morris was sitting next to Hayek. Everyone knew that were not in Rhino that he had once been an NCO before his commissioning. He had something rare occur to him. He had received a field commissioning to lieutenant and after they left Stroggos, promoted to first lieutenant.

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[Shadow]

Hayek looked around still irritated but lightened up by all the jokes. "Why is it that we always get the strangest missions that are supposed to be cake walks then something goes wrong and we're expected to shut up when Marines find flaw in scientific regulations and common sense?" Hayek asked not to anyone in particular. "Seriously though, I know you've gotten them too Rhino Squad... Missions that sound so simple but when they involve the UAC we question one thing and we're labeled idiots for seeing the obvious?" He sighed and rubbed his eyes a bit tired as he hadn't slept since the mission. A bit busy talking with people again reviewing what little footage he could and what not. The boots needed a REAL easy mission not one that was supposed to be easy. Something to get them moving but not too worried, not something that got them worried and could mean the end of a city or planet if they failed... "Yall noticed that if you're off duty people start making mistakes?"

[Cartwright]

"I know what'cha mean 'bout the missions, but it's our job. And a Marines' job ain't easy." Morris said, then taking an enormous bite out of the steak he had picked.

"Ah, yes. We are most familiar with missions that fit into that category. It is most annoying." Sledge replied, he had finished his food.

The Marines of Rhino Squad seemed to be seasoned veterans. All but their medic, who seemed somewhat segregated. Corporal Kane was no where to be found and it was obvious why. The brass did not want any security issues to arise as many would feel uneasy around a Strogg, human-aligned or not.

"Anyone want a crumpet? I 'ear we are goin' to need all the food we can 'et." Kofsky inquired, mimicing a Australian accent for humorous purposes.

[Shadow]

"It's a job for seasoned marines, with experience under their belts. The SMC has been making a lot of mistakes lately." Hayek sighed, "Since we've had our fight with that thing in Hell I feel like it's been watching us.... Though I did imagine Hell being worse... I thought it would be cold and nothing but darkness, much worse than fire in my opinion."

[Cartwright]

"Seasoned Marines? Hey, we are all Marines, Gunny. Well, 'cept for Thompson over there." Kofsky said, snickering at his friend.

[Shadow]

"You're marines, you've got instinct built into you for battle after boot. But in battle locked away in a war you can only hope to get through things change. When you are seperated from your Squad for reasons no one can control and you don't snap under wave after wave of enemy. And you hold up and wait till your buddies come or you get out on your own, that's when you're seasoned... Right now you've been tested in a few light combat situations. In enemy territory though everything can change when the enemy only makes one move." Hayek sighed, " I'm not joking right now, you're marines not quite seasoned yet though. Your time will come and if you snap, we'll have your back so you can get another chance... Corporal Kane must be one of the best damn soldiers around to do what his records say he's done. He didn't snap, he survived." Shadow said finishing off his serious and annoyed attitude with that speech of sorts.

[Private]

"Amen" Drabowski said.

[Cartwright]

Three hours passed by quickly enough. The Marines were now in their new armor and BDUs, ready for combat. They all were wearing helmets due to the climate being so hostile. Their objective popped onto the Heads Up Display.

New Objective: Meet with UAC Science Team.

The Marines boarded their drop-ship. A pitt bull with a Smokey Bear had been painted on to the tail of the drop-ship with the blood red, "Hell Hounds" insignia. Rhino Squad boarded their own drop-ship. The drop-ship began to ascend into the air, awaiting the hangar doors below them to open. The doors parted and soon enough, both drop-ships descended out of the hangar. The ships sped towards the planet of Jonis V, soon entering the atmosphere. Their tips glowing red from the heat within the atmosphere.

Soon they entered the cloud cover. Upon exiting, their visibility was deminished. A blizzard was occuring at the moment, ensuring visibility only for a few meters. Soon, the communications' crackled on.

"Unidentified transport, we have you on sensors. Identify yourself or be shot down." The MCSG operator said.

"This is Chief Warrant Officer Five of the Space Marine Corps, we are bringing in the Hell Hounds and Rhino Squad as requested. Over." Joker said into his microphone.

There was a long pause were the cancerous silence entangled the occupants of the drop-ship within its snare. The silence was only broken by the crackle of the radio and soon, the grim voice of a certain colonel whom they were required to meet with.

"Hell Hounds, this is Colonel Westerman. I am the commanding officer of the security forces of Jonis V. You may land in Hangar Bay Two. I have two rules I would like to mention. One, no causing trouble on my colony. Two, stay out of the way of MY security personnel. Westerman, out."

The lieutenant and gunnery sergeant entered the cockpit and looked at Joker. A grin was plastered onto his facial features. He glanced back at them and chuckled.

"What great hospitality! I think I'll take my next leave here!" Joker said, laughing.

He steered the drop-ship into the hangar bay and the drop-ship officially landed seconds later. The back ramp lowered and the Marines piled out. The Rhino Squad drop-ship flew over them and made a 360 degree turn before landing. Kofsky just shook his head.

"Show off." Kofsky said under his breath.

"Aw, you're just jealous." Tomala said, chuckling.

"Well, I am sure not jealous of you. I still have my legs, bud!" Joker said, then burst out laughing.

Several Union Aerospace Corporation scientists entered the hangar, escorted by six Marine Corps Security Guards. The one in the lead was Doctor Jane Nighson, the head archeological dig site member and director of operations on the colony. She saw Godchild and smiled at him.

"Greeting, Hell Hounds. I am Doctor Jane Nighson. The director of UAC operations here and head archeological dig member." She said, shaking Lieutenant Morris and Sharpton's hands.

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[Dire Wolf]

Hoot looked back at the dropship, it contained his new 50 calibur sniper rifle which he had yet to name. He had his Scoped AR slung around his back, he had practiced a way to bring the rifle in the ready position in half a second, and he was ready for just about anything. He had a bad feeling, 'why the hell would they want *us* and *rhino*, the two best platoons in the Corps, to this icy rock? It cant be just for security, any shit bird platoon can pull that off...... why?' he thought as he leaned up against the dropship and crossed his arms.