M'kira continues to pour the fire on determined to bring them down or chase them away for good. She didn't want the firing on her people anymore. Well T'risa's too as she's part of their little family. "If anyone can send a medic to Balkir's position please do so. Medical assistance required."

She had a bad feeling about this though it was always best to do everything possible to save someone. It looked awful bad when it happened and she could only hope Balkir's transmission was a sign of life and not a futile action.

The plasma cannon in her mech's right hand continued to spit out its payload of the supercharged gas.  Elsbeth tried to keep focused through the dual chaos of the battlefield and the emotionally charged link that she shared with Balkiir.  The tall Praetorian had plenty of experience with the former - though perhaps not while driving a mecha, but very little experience with the latter.  And the strong waves of emotions that continued to bleed over into her consciousness had Elsbeth a bit worried.  She tried to exude some modicum of comfort to the large Valkiir man, but what little she could manage seemed to have little effect.

While, the armour clad CMC marine was sure that Balkiir had plenty of experience with fallen comrades, the loss of the kindred male defender in Rhic seemed to hit him especially hard.  Elsbeth felt small and slightly helpless, being so ineffectual.

Elsbeth hated that feeling.  It forced her redouble her efforts in striking out in the only way she could - on the enemy.  Unfortunately, the mental turmoil appeared to adversely affect her aim.   Luckily, Elsbeth was merely primarily trying to lay down suppression fire and cover for her companions.

T'risa winced her thoughts hard to focus under the extended psychic onslaught. "We've not won the battle yet. Everyone keep focussed." T'risa reached for M'Kira's friend in charge of the fighters. "We have injured and possible deaths on the ground. We'd appreciate some cover while they are recovered." Next up she tried to reach out to the head of the ground forces. "Thank you for your intervention. We have an injured man that I'd appreciate you sending a medical team for. Our medical resources are somewhat limited. The beacon is at the following location." T'risa was silent for a moment, mourning the loss of Rhic. The first person she'd ever been linked to that had died. "Balkiir, the medical team is on the way. There's nothing more you can do. Please...come home. Everyone come back to the ship."

Aziza's comments had not surprised her having been part of the mindlink. "Aziza, accept the surrender. Inform them that any resistance will be met with overwhelming force. Tiny, Poppy, Conrad, please break off and go to the surrendering vessel. Co-ordinates to follow."

Listening to T'risa she nods slightly in her cockpit. It still smelled of ozone from the electronics an circuits that went up earlier. "Understood T'risa. You heard the marshal back to the ship. Good luck Tiny, poppy, Conrad make sure those prisoners behave. Come back safe we will be waiting for you when your done."

She falls back waiting long enough to be certain everyone was coming home or at least back to T'risa since the dreadnought wasn't home.

Leo snorted from his perch atop his foes, much of his combat suit was torn apart and one of his headphones had been sliced off.  He had plenty of orange bruises forming on his blue skin and tiny scrapes... the nanite armor was effective, but not invulnerable.  It was repairing slowly from its scrapes though.

"Rhic... we'll call it square.  Mostly because I'm not giving any of your ex wives any money.  Peace brother," it was as close to a human... more or less, as he'd gotten.  He didn't know the man intimately.  Reputation and the few missions they'd participated in together.  He seemed a good enough fellow.  Leo was sad for that loss.  Human population was a bit more even in numbers so he wasn't as effected as he would have been if Rhic was a blue man that had died.

At the risk of being seen as insensitive, he tried to lend his 'emotional stability' to the link they shared.  If nothing else, for the sake of the little girl still a part of their link.

Syxis still stood at the controls, awaiting any orders. He was glad to have survived the battle, but his main purpose was to get out of where he was, back to his assignment. He realized this wasn't the time to do so, so he decided to keep playing the military recruit for a while.

"OK, glad we made it through that. Sorry about the casualties. Awaiting further orders..."

Meanwhile Sysxis ran another status check of the ship, to be able to report any damages or inconcistensies.

  The Hearth Guard Dealt with the Q'sa in short order. The sustained fire from M'kira and Elspeth making it a complete massacre as the retreating Q'sa were caught between to lines of heavy fire and shot to pieces.

Poppy, Tiny and Conrad peeled off and headed at high speed to the grounded scout to reinforce Aziza. Their suits making the flight to the site a quick one.

The Big ship shuddered under the shock of firing it's main spinal mounts. settling roughly to the ground. Without any real damage. The hasty adjustments t the systems by Maran and the cyberoids keeping the ship from failing completely.

" This is Admiral J'rant. Commander H'rai K'oga, Lady K'mahda I wish to extend my Thanks for your assistance." The Imperial Consorts voice came through the command network." I am speaking For Her Imperial Majesty we are deeply grateful. You saved many lives today."

  "Do you need any assistance to repair damage to Your Vessel."

---

Two Power armored Troopers Came bounding over the edge of the firing pit Landing in front of Le as he finished off a Q'sa heavy trooper." What the hell, You lost kid?"

  " Lost hell looks like he;s giving these buggers all kinds of hell." The second marine Kicked a dead trooper. " Hell I guess the blue boys can fight after all."

---

  Syxis picked up a signal directed to him from a source he didn't recognize." This is Kronos, I am assuming Overall command of the Network. Prometheus has been shot down, Is there anyway you can get to his crash sight and inspect it.I am reading your signature and several others I can pin down in the area. It's important one of us goes and searches the site."

"We are on the way home T'risa." She felt the loss in their shared feelings though she wasn't sure what to say. In time all would grieve in their own way. Right now It sounded like T'risa had to tend to the communications from the Admiral.

OOC: I could answer for T'risa if she wants. But won't  know till I hear from her if she wants to chat with the Admiral personally or not. He or she did comm her directly. :)

Leo's body swayed gently with the solemn tune that was playing, "Aren't we all a little lost, Cousins?  Isn't that part of the love of the universe?  We can take the tiller of our lives or press to the oars, but that freedom, that happy freedom innate to existence, lets us go to great adventure and behold wonders and even love in multitude of forms."  He paused speaking aloud long enough to sever the gauntlet off one of his foes suits.  Pulling out the offender's hand he pressed his own into the glove through which faint lines of light began to grow as his nanites began analyzing and assimilation.  "...nothing quite meets the wonder of the universe like seeing off someone who's shed blood with you... and seeing that their last mission goes through.  Yes, some few of us can fight.  My father could have done this sort of thing quicker, but I'm still a youth and as such prone to distraction and sloppiness from time to time.  I don't suppose any of you has the fuel to see me to the Prometheus crash zone?  We had a relationship... and I may have to see another friend on today."

T'risa eyes were filled with the gaunt realisation of many deaths. "It is not just I that saved your soldiers, Admiral. Many people lost their lives today. Each and every individual is a hero in my eyes, though I will weep for Rhic more than the others." T'risa went over her memories of the man, remembering with a smile all the times that he'd helped and the reliving the last sad vicious moment of his death. "This ship is heavily damaged. If you wish to reuse it, it might take significant effort to repair it. However, it is functional in a limited manner. I was going to repair it in any case, to allow those at hope to use it to escape this place if it turns out we cannot hold it. It'll remain a useful strategic resource if it can be repaired rapidly."

She looked sad as turned to face M'Kira "M'Kira, don't you realise? This wasn't the end of the war, it's barely the beginning. She's just feeling out our defences, this wasn't a serious play on her part. We need every ally we can get and more."

" The dead will be remembered, and avenged." Admiral J'rant Spoke softly his voice both sad and angry at the deaths among his own forces and the allies. " By interstellar law the ship is yours Lady K'mahda. I will assure your rights to the vessel at the admiralty level. I would respectfully request that Our technicians and specialists be allowed to examine it as they make repairs. If that"s acceptable to You Lady Captain."

   "You have been of great service, and Your dedication to the Empire, and Humanity at large will go far to redeeming the damage your, rogue members have inflicted on your family name. Your loyalty will be remembered.. As a Small token of Our thanks I am restoring your Name and position in Your family and sending a letter of recommendation to the Matronage. I'm sure when you have established yourself they will Be more than willing to properly recognize your merits."

  The Valkiir medics rush to the down mech Rhic was piloting, and quickly cut it open, stepping back looking confused after a moment." Where's you wounded?"
  The stepped back to reveal that the cockpit was empty, only scorch marks and blood spatter marking the walls. the restraint harness still locked in place as if someone had unbuckled it, removed Rhic and then fastened the harness back in place.



  " Marine." The Valkiir warriors nodded as they met up with M'kira and Elspeth." We have orders to move out and scout the crash site, and take a couple of your folks with us. We can rearm and refuel your mechs from our supply drp, if you want to head out we'll be outbound in twenty minutes.

---

   You got the right of it, Kid." One of the big Valkiir men talking to Leo popped his armor and wriggled free. Still standing nearly seven feet tall out of his gear. " You must be from one of the frontier families, Never heard of a core family letting their boys fight."
  Not that you didn't do one hell of a job....we'll be moving out in twenty minutes, better ask yer woman if ya can tag along, I don't feel like hearing it if I just pack you along."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:45, Mon 17 Dec 2012.

"My mother would be livid.  My father would simply shake his head and laugh.  My brother would be too busy playing his instruments to bother.  I'm on personal time and while I do sort of have some guardian girls... they are linked to my mind and I daresay they wouldn't think to hold me back from this.  I've done more than what you see here after all." The nano armor flexed to accentuate his broad boyish smile that has been seen on so many human male faces, denoting that he's hip deep in trouble but no one is expected to catch him so he'll risk wading in a bit deeper.

Elsbeth was surveying the damage, having regrouped with M'kira and the others near Rhic's fallen mecha.  She inclined her head to the greeting from the armoured Valkiir warriors, offering as a formal rejoinder, "Guardians."

She listened to their offer and nodded again, "Let me confirm this with the Marshal, but I believe that we will take you up on your generous offer of resupply and accompany you to the crash site."  Her head tilted slightly, and her mecha followed suit, as Elsbeth communicated over the shared telepathic channel to T'risa.  ++Marshal?  Ma'am, the Hearth Guard has been tasked with the surveying a nearby crash site.  They have requested the presence of myself and Gunnery Sergeant T'shal.  I believe that we should accept their offer and join them, correct?++

As she awaited T'risa's answer, the tall Praetorian continued to scan the battlefield.  She knew that she couldn't do anything more to honor Rhic or succor Balkiir than to merely continue to try and keep everyone alive.  And that meant keeping eternal vigilance - the ultimate price of freedom - and, in this case, survival.

Syxis checked if the signal he received did indeed identify as Kronos. The robot responded.

"This is Syxis, a civilian operator of this vessel. There are already several individuals underway to investigate the mentioned crash site. Meanwhile, do send over repair teams to continue repairs on this ship. As you have noticed we, plus the maintenance droids, have already completed several repairs in order to get the ship off the ground and some of its defense systems online. Still, there's a lot of work to be done. And last, if you could reward me for my services so far and get me off this ship and back to civilization, it would be highly appreciated."

Syxis awaited an answer.

 " I'm surprised you got that wreck to fly at all." The response was strained but held some humor." Who knew bugs could build anything that tough."

  "The imperials and tae are sending repair teams as soon as they get the fire out on their own ships. I have a few dents in my hide myself. but i'll send someone down to help.

  "Sorry Syxis, I may have to ask you to hang around a bit, that damned witch shot the hell out of everyone, and I think we're gonna need you for a bit. Once we get things straightened out I'll give you a personal ride back to the bright lights, and traffic....by the way, that robotic horse and dog, see if you ca't stick close to them...they're sentient, I can tell that but there's something off about their coding. I don't recognize it."

T'risa's mental impulses shifted to Aziza. "Aziza, we're going to turn this ship over to a repair crew in the near future. Can you please bring the Crow close by? We have been requested to search for survivors in the crashed ship, while this ship is being seen to, I suspect we can get started on the next task." T'risa had no thought for her name being restored in the Empress's graces. It was irrelevant to her so much as the recovery of those who could be saved and the end of the war. She chose not to say anything about it to the Consort. Perhaps later, when it meant something. "Everyone on board this ship, prepare for recovery operations based from the Crow." she said out loud and on the communications links.

She clasps Elsbeth on the shoulder with a look of approval. "Looks like we are going on a rescue mission. I have a feeling we will see everyone there and finally be back together with everyone else."

"I had been talking about regrouping with you T'risa where you are is our home. Though I understand what your thinking. We might be able rescue prometheous's core along with anyone else that didn't get out." Her eyes widen slightly when she hears T'risa just got herself a dreadnought. If she wasn't rich before she is now if she decides to sell it. If the proceeds were given out to each member of her crew even one percent would probably be substantial. Though she knows that isn't what is important to T'risa.

Looking over at the other Valkir warriors she greets them properly and gives a hearty hand clasp. "I look forward to working with all of you." She hopped they could rescue prometheous. She wasn't certain if anything else would be aboard the crashed dreadnought. If anyone needed saving though they would do it.

  " Well Met brothers." Balkiir walked up to the regrouping fighters. An odd Slightly bemused look on his face as he clapped the Other Valkiir men on the shoulder and made his way, roughly shoving a couple of the men out of his way. They laughed and clapped him on the shoulder as they stepped out of the way.

   " come on you warhounds You've all seen a Marine before, Back off and let me in."Balkiir Stepped to Elspeth, ad shot her an odd look. The grief in his mind replaced by a slight bit of amazement and more than a touch of bemusement.
  " J'orhlan, K'rho..what the hell you two doing here. Thought you were stil over on the Essex with he Marines."
  He put a hand on Elevenths shoulder and introduced her to the two men from the unit he recognized, then launching into a tale of their exploits both on the battlefield and on leave afterward.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:44, Fri 21 Dec 2012.

Elsbeth acknowledged M'kira's cammeraderie with a nod of her helmet, having climbed from her mecha.  "Yes, Gunny." the CMC Marine responded dutifully as beautiful and deadly Valkiir woman relayed and reiterated the Marshal's orders.

Given that her primary source was Balkiir, she had to admit that the bulk of the Hearth Guard was smaller than she'd imagined; being only two inches shorter than her deep dark-blue companion, the tall Praetorian was still taller than a fair few, if not most, that had gathered around.  Still, all of the Imperial Hearth Guard have the look of hard-boiled veteran; something that Elsbeth readily registered and accepted.

Balkiir's close, if bemused, presence was highly comforting for Elsbeth.  She was not exactly a social butterfly; and it seemed that 'her man' had previous dealings with a fair number of the other Valkiir men present.  Elsbeth placed an armoured arm and hand around the back of his waist, looping a finger in his belt webbing.

She could only chuckle slightly as his slightly ribald tale of his former marine life came to life in his animated retelling.  It was good to see his mood lighten, if only for a little while in the constant sea of woes.  Elsbeth's head, and thus her helmet, quirked to the side as he spoke.

She motioned to those around her to start gathering things to board the ship, noting quietly, "Friend Balkiir, time to leave.  You should be able to catch up further with your J'orhlan and K'rho en route."  Elsbeth them moved to reengage with her mecha to help load the resupply munitions and get any and all cargo and personnel on-board and ready to leave.

Syxis sighed. "Very well then. I'll stick around to welcome the repair crew and will await further instructions. I don't think I'm any good salvaging ship wrecks. I'm a mechanic who's good with machinery and computer stuff...that's all."

He paused.

"Oh yeah, be careful when entering the ship. The area near the main cargo bay is infested with hostile creatures. You'd better send an eradication team along to take care of them."

She wasn't sure what to make of the latest developments. A person didn't simply disappear physically alive or dead from a mech. No one should have been able to reach him without being noticed. If he was really dead there shouldn't have been a reason to take him in the first place.

"It makes no sense. I know how you feel T'risa but if someone bothered to take him. Wouldn't that mean he's alive?" She was confused and upset by the disappearance wanting to find him. It also gave hope that maybe he was alive. If a prisoner of the enemy and one like *she* wasn't a pleasant thought.

"Miss T'Risa, I am being on near approach towards your signal now.  Please to being set flares or beacon at landing site." Aziza transmits near-cheerfully.  Her missile-probe does a flyby and searches for the site on it's own, as Aziza's already calculated the hideous probability that there are no beacons available and she'll have to land completely blind, likely killing everybody in a wide area including herself.

Leo shook his head, 'I think I can separate creatures from SHE most of them don't react well.  It takes a bit of focus and energy, but I bet that SHE has at least one or two people who can separate other people's links.  That may be what we're looking at but either way my guide, Prometheus is our best link to SHE and the possibility of Rhic.  I'm not holding out much hope, but I'll have it folded up in my mind.  I'll also be a skeptic if he shows up sometime soon... not shooting at us.  The more time passes, the longer SHE has to work her screws into him.'

To the Guard he retracts much of the facial armor to reveal a smile, "They aren't guardians so much as friends.  Shall we sally forth?"

 She was confused and dazed, still working on the computers, almost joined to them somehow, and wasn't really sure what was going on. She heard voices in her head but wasn't really aware of what they meant.