A rather flustered sigh escaped betwixt the Lieutenant’s lips as she removed her cap from the top of her head and shook it free of dust and ash. Alright, so the explosive was a quick and efficient way to removed rubble from the doorway, but it was attention that none of them needed. Whatever still lingered on the ship would have surely followed such a beacon of activity. Cooper could only hope that those bugs had long gone left the ship or else this shambled ship might become truly become a living hell. Ellesa shook her head clear of these thoughts as she then began to ponder her current issues whilst waiting for Murray to recover. The Second Lieutenant’s words then echoed softly between her ears. Green eyes widened a bit, was this possible? “Hmm.†Cooper hummed softly to herself. The gears in her head churning as she assessed all the possibilities. But surely it was possible that Murray had suffered some concussions from the crash and had merely been seeing things. The marine frowned at this notion. Though it was plausable that Shadow had indeed been taken by the xenos, there was still one outstanding question. What did they want with her? Why didn’t they take more of the unconscious soldiers lying about the ship?

This was indeed odd behavior for those bugs and therefore Ellesa had to take what second in command was trying to tell her with a grain of salt. She neatly placed her standard issued cap back upon her head as she turned slightly towards the siblings and watched as Murray recovered some. The Lieutenant eyed the other woman quickly and saw that she was still able to walk. “Alright you two.†She started then shifted her rifle around so that it sat firmly within her grasp. She thumbed up the safety and placed her finger back to rest upon the trigger. “We need to locate Shadow, if possible, then move to the armory. Mark has already packed away our supplies. All we need to do is pick it up and move to the armory to join the rest of the platoon. Got it?†Cooper didn’t wait for a response, already she was tired of just standing around. “Good, move out.†The marine fell silent as she paced down the corridors of the ship, headed towards the cryostation. If Shadow was indeed on the ship, that’s where she would be. If not? Then perhaps Murray’s sightings were true.

Her ear was suddenly flooded by Sam’s voice. She listened to his situation about the vehicle and the armory. But before she could respond, the com device seemed to short out again. Static. “Dammit.†The woman muttered. The crack of a gunshot and a muffled cry halted the woman for a mere second. Shadow, possibly? It would be a waste of time is she had the siblings follow her. They needed to get the hell off of this ship and they wouldn’t get far without supplies. Ellesa then turned back towards Snake and Murray. “Both of you get to the armory then head to the hangar, pronto. I’m going to go scope out the situation near the cryostation. Could be Shadow.†She spoke no further then started at a steady pace towards her original destination. Cooper then tapped her ear roughly and finally managed to get her earbud to function just in time to hear a rather angry Sam Dunn. She listened further then frowned the moment the man gave her an attitude filled order, or so it would seem. She touched a single finer to her ear then slammed her back to the metal wall as she neared the cryostation. “Watch your tone, Dunn.†She reminded him with a low whisper. Alright, so the man had a lot more experience behind the wheel of this sort of situation. After all, it wasn’t like she was given a whole hell of a lot of training for this. Junior had fallen into a coma before she could even properly learn from the man.

But that still didn’t give him any reason to outright disrespect her, even if he was trying to help. “And what the hell are you going on about predator noises? The boy can hardly speak let alone make noises. It’s not them. Anyway, Snake and Murray are headed towards the armory…†she whispered. “Shadow’s gone MIA. I’m heading towards the cryostation, I heard a woman’s scream followed by a gun shot. I’m checking it out.†Cooper suddenly fell deathly silent as the strong scent of acid wafted around in the stale air. She softly wrinkled her nose then peeked just beyond the wall. And there sat…Yue? Ellesa made a quick check to see if anything rustled about. Still as hell. She stood and took a step inside and looked over to Shadow’s tube only to find it empty. Claw marks visible upon it’s sides. “Mother fuck!†she cursed. “Dunn? It’s Cooper. Shadow is confirmed MIA. I think the bugs have taken her along with…for whatever reason. Also, I have someone here you might want to see.†She ended the line as she stepped towards the girl. “Yue, come on. We need to get out of here.†She motioned the girl to follow. Yue was the only other member of W-Y, other than Delta, who had been found alive on the ship. If nothing else, Ellesa had to help the younger woman. The marine then turned on the heel of her boot and headed back towards the armory. It had seemed that she had somehow beaten the siblings, but no matter. Quickly Cooper grabbed a couple duffel bags and slung them over her shoulder. “Help me carry these, will ya?†she nodded over at the other woman then jutted a thumb down the blasted corridor.

“Our rendezvous is back at the hangar. I’ll explain everything later.†The marine then made her way back towards the hangar, “Snake, Murray. Change of plans. Head to the hangar, I’ll meet you there.†But hopefully they wouldn’t be on this planet long enough to need them. Finally Ellesa’s boots thudded against the metal floor paneling of the hangar. With a heavy, drawn out sigh, the Lieutenant set the three bags of supplies in front of her then glanced around the room momentarily. A slender brow quirked quizzically as she viewed the Ute in full. It was…quite small. “Dunn…explain.†She turned towards the man and neatly crossed her arms at her chest. Obviously this car wasn’t going to fit all of them. As for the looks of things? It would seem they only had enough to use just the one. Everything else was either in pieces or suffered some serious damage. But before she could even open her lips to inquire further about his strange, little car, a crash over near the Cheyenne drop ship roused her attention. Quickly Cooper poised her gun over towards the small ship and demanded silence by raising a closed fist. Ellesa listened closely for a moment as she tried to decipher what the hell had fallen from above. She heard nothing. With a soft sigh, the woman stood and shook her head. “This damned ship is falling apart.†She muttered.

Having shaken her unconsciousness, Shadow was limp in Fire hunter’s hand.


Her body held tight, making her breath deny her lungs from the precious oxygen she so seriously needed. But, being thrown, the knock to her head woke her up. She dug her hand in the ground, her fingers in a menacing curl. A groan crossed her lips, boarder line a howl. But, it seemed the aliens in front of her, the fire hunter and the one she always watched with interest. Out of all the xenomorphs this one, did deserved the name, she even asked it. But with its movements, after so many guesses, she figured fire hunter and left at that. Good thing it was the right guess huh?


This place just creeped her out, she didn’t like it. Was that a movement? Her hand rose blocking as much light as possible, the dark goggles did so much to help, but a little more didn’t hurt. Yes, movement, her eyes bulged out of her sockets. Her hand moved as she watched Fire hunter’s tail, swishing this way and that, in the demanding of attention. That usually would drop the guard and not expect anyone to jump on him. With quick movements, she felt her muscles tighten and help propel her up towards the upper back, by the long tubes. She would get first hand, worrying about her injuries as she knows she has them. But she didn’t want to know to what extent until she got to where they are going. Good thing it was back to the soldiers and not towards the yautja. Almost shitting her pants, she jumped aboard Fire hunter’s back, moments before the creature tore out of there.

She curled her arms and legs, pressing her torso towards the long black stalk on his back. Shadow moved with his movements, rolling her body back and forth, almost close it being as one. She prayed that nothing would tell him. Her lower lip gritted in her teeth as the pain started to spring up and down her back. A huff of air as she felt him tore in to the trees, knocking them out of their roots. She was amazed that he was that powerful. She thought they would be good enough to have them move things, but this…this was power and she was smiling. Shadow pictured herself kneeling on the back of the xenomorph’s back, with a smile on her lips, a finger pointing at the enemies as they ran towards the kill. But, no, this was different. She was holding on for dear life. That was, when she screamed, her body leg go on the down thrust of his fall. She landed on top of the ship, making a gasp for air. The back smacked hard on the metal curvature of the ship. Her eyes blinked as she was gasping for precious air, the thing that helped creatures survives. Slowly her fingers moved up, towards her throat like choked victims would.

Rolling on her side, slowly with one foot moving up to plant while she moved. She had to get somewhere and being helpless in the open wouldn’t be a good idea and anything that wants to hide, would know dark and small is better than out in the open.

So slowly, the criminal moved, gasping for breath, gaining her egg scrambled mind back to a whole. Shaking her head slowly, moving slowly feeling each pull of muscle, which screamed at her, she found the whole near her. Crawling now, as slowly as possible she heard voices below her. The voice box of hers squeaking, out a “hey†but the voices over rode her own call of help. It was ok right? She was glad there were survivors. At least she wasn’t alone on this crazy world. The floor was really mushy to her, like a teeter totter. Her hands curled around the metal rim that fire hunter fell through moments ago. She is falling on top of his wiggling form with her own breathless oomph. Sheesh, if today wasn’t good, now it seemed she controlled them. Her hand reached up, asking in the physical form of help, not the verbal.

Rocks, sand, hard-baked dirt. It seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The predators had been walking through the desert for some time now, & the effects of the scorching sun & dry conditions had taken their toll on several of the weaklings who fell behind. Their corpses would be left for scavenging parasites, there were more important matters to attend to.

A glimmering speck appeared in the distance, barely visible through the intense heat haze. The main facility was just within sight. "Push on, we are almost there", resounded loudly throughout the humid air. Clawed feet, sandals & armoured boots charged through the open plains. The predators' destination was within reach. As they approached the facility, a heavy sigh of relief echoed collectively from the miners. By this point, most of them looked as though they were about to drop any minute. The Elders leading the run ground their pace to a halt as they reached the main entrance to the building. Of all the structures still remaining on this barren waste, the central mining facility was the only one still maintained in respectable condition. It still showed its signs of age, after all, it had been constructed several millenniums ago, the extremely out-dated technology operating all of its core systems was proof of that.

Balatu's Elders broke away from the rest of the pack as the primary shutter doors screeched open with a loud whir of archaic machinery powering them. "They're here", voices in the crowd began to whisper as the leaders of the Gods of Death stepped into the main quarters. "Where is Deathdrop?!" PREDATOR demanded. "He was heading for the furnace last time he was seen", one of the facility staff nervously muttered. This individual was not like the other miners, he chose to be a part of the operation. A youngster looking to earn some acknowledgment through honest hard labor. These workers were in-turn, rewarded with respect from the higher-ups rather than shunned as the former criminals were. "You may return to your duties, young one", The Doctor replied.

Slumped in the back corner of the furnace room next to his small scavenging of supplies, Deathdrop sharply thudded his head against the wall. The effect of the drugs in his system had begun to wear off, & already the itch for more was beginning to return. No, he had to keep his mind focused. He had not worn his mask in some time, it felt like a life he had left behind after his downward spiral. He almost questioned whether he still had the intestinal fortitude & the will to become his former self once again- a formidable warrior, a predator who rightfully deserved to be called one of the very best. If the current situation turned bad, would he still be able to handle it without the aid of his medication? It had been some time since he had seen serious combat, & the former Elder was already feeling the burden of sobriety weighing down on him.

With a deep sigh, Deathdrop looked up from his hunched position against the wall. Standing before him was The Doctor, flanked on either side by Stalker & PREDATOR. "This place has not been kind to you, my brother." The Doctor said, outreaching his hand in a gesture of respect. "We have much to discuss."

Delta walked with a flat footed determination, passing broken sections of the ship and friends along the now horror like corridors, he spotted a Synthetic passing by, the yellow like mucus dripping from a valve. When he reached the hanger, the sound and noice of the colourfully named 'Outback Squad' of AD, Malus' new bunch of cronies.


The four of them making repairs and talking shit as usual, probably about there next kill... Gung Ho idiots, and probably triggerhappy to the bone. One was supervising - Malus, his arrogant type stare, tall, built and encased in his M3 armour, and the most stricking part of him was them red artificial eyes, he looked sure, determined and cocky.


The three other members of his squad he didn't know much so well: GeneWells, Xavier and Mark. Gene - some sniper who briefly worked with him for a small amount of time, Xavier - a vet of old, and one of Malus' friends, and Mark - the new guy.


They where repairing the Ute. Pulling off his Hatch gloves, and slinging his M41A1, he decompressed his full face ballistic helmet, and slung it from his waist belt.


"Hey, Foster-Lovers, got room for one more in that tin-can?". Delta indicated to the Ute.

"Stalker" Deathdrop mumbled, "I THOUGHT this place smelled of the upper class."

Stalker took no offense; Deathdrop was like this with everyone, and the elder knew he meant nothing by it.

Deathdrop got to his feet and shook his head to wake himself up. "So what's the plan?"

Stalker grinned beneath his mask "Kill as many as possible."

"And then kill some more, I hope. If this IS a crashed human ship, we'll need to investigate as soon as possible. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't want the apes making repairs."

Stalker decided the best method of attack was to gather their warriors and scout out exactly where the humans were.

As they walked to the main hallway, they began drawing plans for the operation. Whoever agreed to go would take a hovercraft within a mile or so of the crash site and, if needed, kill whatever they found. Deathdrop joined up immidiately, anxious to test out his blades.

"By the way, do any of you have a spare plasma caster?"

Gaunt was at the ship with a crowd of drones, He looked down the hole and saw Firehunter in a crater at the bottom.He had gone through two layers of metal, If there was anything in the ship, stealth probably wouldn't be an option anymore.

As he looked he saw something else, An organism, Alive and Moving.Gaunt jumped down onto the remains of a ledge below, It looked like there was a Pred down there, Hopefully Firehunter would realise befor It could get him.

Gaunt jumped off the ledge and into the room Firehunter had landed in.He looked around, It wasn't a room it was a dropship , He looked back at Firehunter, He was getting up now, Gaunt could see the Pred on the other side of the dropship, Why wasn't It cloaking itself?

He started to approch the Pred, going past Firehunter trying to get a better look.

Shadowwatching, Well that exsplained why she didn't cloak.
Gaunt could here Firehunter now, He had finally got up.

He kept his eyes on Shadowatching but also kept his distance, The problem was he didn't know what Firehunter or Shadowatching would do next.

Predator428 began to leave the machine shop, his newly acquired rivet gun slid into a slot on the plates of armor protecting his back. It was good to feel the weight of an instrument of death on his person, even if it was not the hunter's usual assortment of weaponry. It was a comforting weight, that allowed him to feel more at ease as the predator made his way to the exit. Just as the hunter was leaving, a nearby table caught the corner of his bright yellow eyes.

It was a small tool, just the right size to be operated by one hand. It was a small box shape, with its handle and trigger extruding from the back. At the bottom and front, a round piece of metal sat in a slit that sank deep inside the contraption. The edges were unevenly serrated to the point of almost being random. This was to ensure the maximum cut when used against rock and metal. Predator428 grasped the tool by its handle, giving the trigger an exploratory pull. The round blade sped to life, rotating at a speed that was almost impossible to track as it gave off a high pitch shriek.

The hunter gave a pleased growl, hooking the device on the belt loop in which his smart disk normally resided. Now satisfied that he could sufficiently deal with the human threat, Predator428 made his way back up to the upper levels.

He hoped that the Elder's had finally arrived to lay out the battle plan. As much as he regretted to admit, Predator428 was not nearly skilled enough to plan a course of action for this situation by himself. He would leave that in the capable and blood soaked hands of the Balatu leadership.

Just as Predator428 concluded his thoughts, he came across a pleasant surprise. Stalker, PREDATOR, and the Doctor were gathered at the main entrance as they conversed with the now sober Deathdrop. Predator428 spotted Black Warrior standing near the group, listening intently as the elders constructed their plan. He joined him by the group and began to listen. It was a simple plan. Volunteers would be collected and sent on speeders to the crash sight. Once there, the was one order only. Kill any survivors.

Predator428 let his happiness show through with a soft growl in the back of his throat. He would certainly be one to volunteer. There was no way the hunter could let this pass by, his own being wouldn't allow it.

The predator took a step for forward, proudly announcing his intentions to be a member of the hunting team.

"I would be honored to receive the privileged to undertake this hunt with our elders. All of these vermin are nothing but trophies waiting to be collected, there is no chance of defeat for the glorious Yautja!"

Predator428 had his fist raised in the air as he barked his words with fierce pride.

Yue stood staring at the monstrosity before her. The face hugger she had just shot to bits still terrified her. She knew first hand the effects of what those things could do. Her mind turned an unexpected direction before she put a lid on those thoughts. Now was not the time or the place. Licking her dry lips, the Colonial CEO tried to swallow but found that it was harder than it should have been. Her blood boiled, and her pulse pounded in her ears making her fear that she was making the biggest racket in the world. Yue pinched her leg to help snap her out of it, the fear that plagued her, and it helped slightly. Sighing, Yue looked around at the damage she and the face hugger had caused. Acid leaked from the creature and onto the floor causing the floor to bubble as it ate away the material. Splatter marks on the opposite crumpled wall of titanium showed the same bubbling caused by the acid. Debris littered the area and little light was available to see by. The girl knew that she had to move after screaming, but she could not seem to make her legs move. Cursing Hatsuno raised her VP-70 Pistol, and just in time. A sound came echoing from her left, through the dead hull.

"Not another one!" Yue thought in dispair. "I knew I should have moved when I had the chance!"

Pressing herself against the wall, she raised her weapon and aimed. "What if it is someone looking for you?" She asked herself. What could she do? She didnt know what it was in the low lighting, and it could more likely be a Xeno! Shoot or not? Yue had not made her mind up as she saw a human figure step from the darkness. It took a few seconds for Yue to recognize who her rescuer was. Ellesa Cooper.

Yue might not have known the woman well, and she knew her sister Siera Vasquez did not like her, but at that point, Yue was so glad to see her that she threw her arms around the woman. "God damn it Ellesa, dont scare me like that! I thought you were another face hugger or a Xeno!" Yue motioned to the remains on the floor and said "I was already attacked once."

Now that someone she knew was here, Yue realized how nervous she had been. Sweat soaked her palms and her outfit, causing dust to cling to her skirt and her damp face. Listening, Yue found that Shadow was listed as MIA. Yue had nothing against the girl and was sad to see her missing. She looked up at Ellesa as she heard to whom she was speaking with. Smirking, Yue knew that Sam would definitely be happy to see her just like she would be happy to see him. After all, they shared quite a bit of a history together. Who could forget the time she had him as a patient?

Yue shook her head. He had been the worst one she'd ever had. Getting up out of bed, determined to go train or see his mates. All with no eyes. She'd almost had to restrain him physically. He had been a stubborn one. Even after she had helped preform the operation to restore his sight, he refused to comply with post medical treatment and go in for regular check ups. They definitely had an interesting time there and neither would forget it.

Yue nodded quickly as Cooper approached her again and said they had to get out of there and for once, Yue could not agree more. Yue followed Ellesa as quickly and quietly as she could in her blood stained heels. They made it to the armory with no problems. Yue quickly made a tour of the destroyed armory and in the back found a dented set of M3 armor. Not knowing if it was salvageable, Yue grabbed it and stuffed the pieces into her mostly empty back pack and an extra duffel bag. She threw clips for her VP-70 and by a stroke of luck found an advanced medical kit hidden in the corner of the room. Yue sighed gratefully. Maybe now that she had some equipment she might not be so useless. Yue cursed that she didnt find an additional gun. That was her luck. Find a medical kit, but nothing to protect yourself with. Find some armor, and nothing to change into except the damaged skirt already on her body. Cursing Yue turned around and picked up the other duffle bags and followed Ellesa to the hanger groaning under the weight she carried.

Yue sighed as she set the bags down and walked into the hangar. She scanned the area and saw Sam Dunn with his usual lop sided grin plastered to his face. It made her smile back in return. "Hey there Sammy boy." She teased. "Happy to see me alive or what?" She asked. She was about to say more when the roof seemed to cave in and Dunn turned away quickly. SHe searched his now scowling face closely. He had seen something. Yue shuddered and looked back up in time to see Dunn look over at her.

Yue grinned at the mention of new clothes and the boots. "Thanks" She called after him quietly. She walked over to Xavier's bed and scowled. USCM standard issued UNDERWEAR!?! Who the hell did Sam think Yue was? A soldier? Hell no. She was a Civilian. Plain and simple and she would keep her own underoos thanks. Scooping up the garments, Yue turned to find a private place to change and found that the only private place was out in the halls, and those were definitely not safe.

Yue turned and said "Everyone turn away from me and if I catch one person peeking I swear there will be hell to pay later! Especially if you get hurt!" She added for good measure. After all, she was the one most likely going to be taking care of their asses if they got all banged up.

Yue stood up and kicked off her heels quickly and dropped her skirt. She grabbed the camouflage pants and shoved one foot in followed quickly by the other. Yue quickly lifted the fabric up and over her black lace panties and over her hips fastening them in one swift movement. The girl then pulled her ruined vest and white blouse off at the same time. The woman then grabbed the white wife beater shirt out of the stack and pulled it over her relatively small torso. It had been included by Sam as he knew she felt more comfortable in them. Sighing, Yue looked to her left arm and slowly sat down.

She removed the bandages and winced at the sight before her. It seemed as if she had not just scratched her arm, but had sliced it wide open. Growling Yue opened her pack and duffel and rummaged around with her right hand until she found what she had been looking for: a bottle of antiseptic, a bottle of pain killers, antibiotics and a suture kit. Yue opened the antibiotics and the painkillers in a swift motion and popped two of each pill into her mouth. She washed them down with a nearby canteen. Once done, she poured some of the antiseptic on the wound and started cleaning form the inside out to keep from pulling more foreign bodies into the wound. Selecting a smooth handle from one of the implements in the kit, Yue put it into her mouth as she started to suture her wound closed. it took her 5 minutes. It went fast from her vast experience in the emergency wards. Finally, Yue finished and tied off the wound before bandaging the arm with gauze. The girl packed all the items back up and shoved the USCM uniform top over her head and the socks on her feet. Boots follwed right after the socks. Yue sighed as she stood up and tossed her clothes to a corner of the room.

The former surgeon just had time to look up as Sam Dunn disappeared from her sight. She growled lightly but knew she had a job to do. She looked back over to Xavier and gave him the once over. She knew that Sam had looked him over after just a few minutes into her exam. He would be alright. Sam had not missed a thing.

Sighing Yue got up and walked back over to Cooper and said "Miss Cooper. I used to be a surgeon back before I was given the position of Weyland- Yutain's Colonial Administration's CEO. If you need me to act as a surgeon again, I can. I still operate quite often. In fact, I had been called away to do a risky surgery, but there were no other ships heading that way. That is why I am here, and if you need me, I can do that." Yue looked away before adding "After all, I was the one to operate on Sam Dunn's replacement eyes."

The temperatures in the furnace room were intense. Black Warrior had earlier exited his quarters, swiftly but powerfully strolling down the many entangled halls towards the working stations.
Atlast he came upon the furnace room, in time to see the Elder, Deathdrop, be greeted by the 3 Elders of Balatu. Steam and moisture had begun to build, and a thick layer of persperation broke onto Black Warrior's skin. Evaporated liquid and droplets ran smoothly down the rough lines of spikes, following the indentions and grooves cut into his armor. Streaks of dirt slid away, reavealing the shiny but ancient metal beneath. Remnants of dents and burns surrounded the repaired slices in the chestpiece...Black Warrior struggled but succeeded in keeping his one set of armor in working condition, but the scars showed through his repairs. The only noticeable mark on his helmet was the spotted indention where acid had begun to eat away at the forehead.

Looking to his left, a door slid open from the equipment corridors and Predator428 walked through. He noticed the god of death by the elders and listened to the plan being discussed. Predator428, always one ready for battle, quickly volunteered to be a scout, and to clear any opposition within a mile of the crashsite.
Black Warrior questioned himself, he would like to volunteer, to feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The warm luminous blood flowing through his body as it had done in the old hunts. Blood...not of his own, being spilt across the barren landscape as his experienced blades tore through soft tissue and flesh.

Oh yes, indeed it had its advantages....but the question breaking through these thoughts was a simple one:

"What would the remaining guards, those passing the scouting opportunity, do?"

Black Warrior listened on, awaiting a pause in the elder's plans before asking his question.
The 4 guards looked in the direction of the seasoned warrior, and spoke their answer...

Gene had slung her rifle and removed her helmet to rest on the bonnet of the Ute. There was a fair degree of mechanical knowledge within Gene's brain, but nothing to give her more than gut instinct towards Sam's idea.

For a short time after her rebellious teenage years had kicked in she had looked at joining car racing. However had never got into the professional side, and instead raced once or twice in the Griffith 500 outback rally. Basically it was a race at speeds of about 200 kilometers per hour along thin-as-shit dirt tracks around a large property out in the middle of NSW. She never finished the first time, because she had been stuck trying to salvage the front of her sand-rail after driving through about 10 meters of thick scrub after missing a corner and finally coming to rest against a two foot thick tree trunk. The second time she finished but was nowhere near winning, just finishing was a feat to be proud of.

She examined the wreckage, popped the bonnet of the ute and opened up the APC engine bay to check for possible parts. Overall, the APC may just fit, however there was no way it would fit into the Ute. Maybe if they hacked the engine down to non-power steering, and took off all the fluff and comfort stuff.

"Sam, you're a hard man to please," she shook her head before helping move the Ute under one of the winch chains off the roof. They would need to remove the engine first. Chaining it up, they worked towards disconnecting everything. This was a rather fast job considering they didn't need to salvage the engine.

"You want us to rebuild the chassis?" Gene asked, when Sam thought up the idea.

He even supposed they could make a franken-buggy from all the spare parts, which considering the situation was not appealing. Even if it would have made an awesome project during her time off.

"Hours Boss, if not days would be involved. We have the materials of course, and it could be possible with us working non-stop but we would have to make sure it was accurate work to stop the whole thing shaking to pieces as soon as the V12 was started. You owe us a beer Dunn, by god you do!" Gene had come out from under the ute covered in leaking oil and grease. Her armour making a tight squeeze under the car, her brow covered in sweat and the bandage on her cheek now splotchy with black oil.

"We'll make something...the APC axles and drive shaft etc are salvageable. With some repairs, although all the armour and shit will have to be ripped off since it's twisted to hell and back. But it would save having to try and make a whole new drive system to fit the ute."

Moving over to the two vehicles that they could take parts off, Gene slid in under the APC and examined the gear. Overall it looked as though someone had forgotten to really give it all a good clean over. Contamination risk definitely, but considering the time line she saw deeper than the grime to look at structural integrity.

"Let's get this up on supported jacks, drop the good gear down even if we don't use it. We might have to modify some of these parts to allow for the conversion."

Gene got a sneaking suspicion that she was talking to herself, but it helped her to plan out a course of action. Dragging herself free again she jumped up to start checking over the engine. Removing caps and checking parts. Some wiring had been torn right through, but a couple of hours could reconnect them all. At least the important ones, air conditioning, and blinkers really didn't take priority over making sure the engine didn't overheat or that they had more than just a reverse gear.

This needed some mapping out, so she sketched up a basic design, minimizing the need for modifying and pinned it onto a clipboard.

"Let's get the welders out, angle grinders and sledge hammers. I suspect this will be a rough treatment job."

It took about an hour to get the ute's engine supported and disconnected, and another hour to get the APC up off the ground and the stubborn connection to the body of the thing cut off. Within three they managed to have the ute without an engine, and a driving frame, axles, engine and drive shaft, gearbox etc.

"Do you think we'll get in trouble if the ute has to stay behind?"

To Gene, the idea of making a shell about the same size as the APC but with lots of cross bars and just throwing a whole lot of plating down the sides for support and protection was more likely than putting a large V12 into the tiny if not pride filled Ute.

"We have everything to get the APC running, we just can't use the frame and shell etc. But we can rig up a make-shift one like a sand-rail or a buggy. Then we get the V12 and enough room for supplies and our people. Shit all will fit into the Ute I suspect.

"Jean. Does that make sense? I need to know if mechanically it's possible within a day. We have the parts, we have the scraps, and we have the equipment to make a hack job of a frame and seating etc. Plus we can mount whatever armament can be salvaged from the Rhino of the APC itself for some defensive stuff.">

Deathdrop had learned a long time ago that leaning against a wall with your arms folded was a good way to appear threatening while really being dizzy and tired.

Someone asked what the gaurds and everyone else were to do while the rest were on the scouting mission, and another voice (Probably V2 or Stalker, it was hard to tell) told them to stay put and protect the base.

For now, the main mining station was the most important thing on the planet, and it needed to be protected. Once the situation was better understood, they would begin gathering groups to defend different areas as needed.

The current scouting party was designed in case the humans were concentrated to one area; they could destroy the problem before it was REALLY a problem.

The response given to Black Warrior was a simple, and already expected one. Stalker had anounced that all guards not scouting would be set for duty in protecting the main facility from threats.

Black Warrior's thoughts shifted. The main facility was indeed important, but if the threat COULD be eliminated before the need for protection was called on, then that would be the easiest route. Black Warrior, despite the facility, was now longing for battle...his bloodthirsty instincts clawing at his mind. The god of death found himself volunteering before his mind could realize his actions. To be a scout would mean action....something BW was anxious for.

If the elders had any objections, then Black Warrior was content with keeping the facility...he could take out any pent up energy on the miners who fell out of line...

FireHunter looked up and growled again, this human was talking to him, and Gaunt was above him, looking at some unknown organism on the roof of the wrecked dropship. He looked at Sam and got up, grabbed Gaunt by the tail and yanked him down, Gaunt fell with a thud on the floor, uninjured, but he was there.

FireHunter hit the door, sending Sam flying and the door just fell down. He walked through the door and picked Sam up, lifting him to his feet before putting him down and letting him stand. FireHunter stood menacingly before Sam, giving a slight growl and then roaring in his face, the roar was so loud the whole ship must have heard it.

FireHunter looked at his claws, which were covered in dried blood, he raised them and gave a repeating growl that would have sounded like a laugh.
It was a laugh, it was obvious to any that this was Barry's blood.

Jean looked to Gene when

"Jean. Does that make sense? I need to know if mechanically it's possible within a day. We have the parts, we have the scraps, and we have the equipment to make a hack job of a frame and seating etc. Plus we can mount whatever armament can be salvaged from the Rhino of the APC itself for some defensive stuff."

The Asian android tech girl looked at it and shrugged her shoulders. She sat down and pulled a thin portable computer out of her bag and began drawing calculations on her screen.

“One moment,†the girl whispered. “Still collating.â€Â

Jean tapped her fingers so fast on the keyboard that entire pages began to be typed up. She tapped a button and a portable printer within the laptop printed out. “I have your spces right here. Don’t put too many weapons on it or else it won’t drive as fast but the armor is a good idea.â€Â

Jean stepped away from them and watched as everyone scouted out for supplies within the bay. She even looked over to take notice of one of the crash survivors stripping out of her clothes and donning a pair of marine bdu’s. Jean’s emotional programming prescribed a decent dose of humor to her processor on that one.

A few more minutes passed by as she typed away on her computer. She noticed Sam drop a stethoscope when working with Dunn. Jean silently closed her laptop and flicked the safety off of her gun while looking at Dunn. This was if anything happened. The android suddenly didn’t want anyone but herself to be near Dunn just in case that sudden shocked movement sam made, meant anything at all. She kept her gaze on him as she crouched and packed her laptop back into her carrying bag.

She only had programming to kill a Xenomorph. Even to squeeze the trigger on a rifle, certain circumstances and conditions had to be met. There could be no possible way acid could end up on a human being, the bullet couldn’t ricochet and hit a human, and she would have to be sure that the Xenomorph was hatched and away from the human before firing.

Jean shook her head. This all meant that pulling the trigger on anything was nearly impossible for her if it was in the field and not on a safe gun range. She wanted to walk over but he was already up and about. Jean looked up at him as he passed.


It wasn’t long after that the Xenomorph’s showed their faces – in the drop ship of all places. Why no one was firing at the aliens, she had no idea. Well, she did, but her processor, reasoning center, and collation programs were in flux – with her emotional programming.

“Dunn,†she said under her breath. She looked as if she were in sheer terror as she carefully walked to him.

Sam Dunn let out a loud "CRIKEY!" as he was slammed against the wall of the dropship, the breath being knocked clear from his lungs as the impact stunned him for a moment. He glared at the Xenomorph for doing so, and almost -almost- fired the magnums. Then, it barged through the door, knocking him clean off the dropship as it did so. He was about to put a bullet in its brainpan when it caught him clean out of the air, and lowered him gently to the ground.
He looked up at the Xenomorph, and nodded to himself. Obviously, he'd guessed right. It wouldn't damage the embryo - or by extension - him if it could avoid it.

The roar still caught him off-guard, his whole skull seemed to rattle as it let out a bellow the likes of which he had never before experienced. The sheer sonic force of the roar made him involuntarily take a step backwards to keep from losing his balance. After it was done, it glared at him with that eyeless head of its, as if saying 'Your move'. It was about then that he noticed the blood that was on the creature's arm. Human blood. Lots of it. Chances were, that meant that this was the prick who had killed Bazza.

Amazingly, he was able to think objectively. Of course it had killed Bazza, that was what bugs did. He didn't get annoyed at his knife when he cut himself, did he? He still needed to take a few good deep breaths to calm the hell down. The creature had pretty much issued a challenge to him, he knew that. To accept would be to invite violence, and for some reason the bugs hadn't attacked yet. He really, really wanted to hold onto that peace.

He held out a hand behind him, the open palm facing the others. It was an obvious sign to hold thier fire. He slid his own magnums back into the holsters at his hips, showing them by example that he was not intending to fight these creatures. He held out his arms to show he was unarmed, and took another step back towards the creature, letting it know he intended it no harm.

"You know what I'm carrying, don't you? Yeah, you can smell it. You've got your hive, and I've got mine. We've both got something the other wants, and we can get it without killing each other." He said slowly and clearly. The creature had no use for language, but maybe it could sense the emotional intent behind his words. He wasn't about to bow before it or show any sign of aquiescence, nor was he about to challenge it. This whole thing relied on the creature recognizing him as an equal.

So, he turned around, and leaned against it, the chitinous armour pressing against his back. By turning his back, he was showing that he was not afraid, but he hadn't risen to the challenge. Hopefully, it was the right move.
"Before these uglies gatecrashed, Maám, I was about to inform you that I had confirmed that I had been impregnated with a Xenomorph embryo. Given the obvious recent developments, it looks like it's a Queen. That means I have a couple of days left.

It also means that this lot won't attack me, or anyone protecting me, until either they're provoked, or my kid-to-be pulls the plug on my chest. I think we can rely on thier protection till that happens. Let's make the most of it." He said, wiping a bit of spittle from his hair with a grimace. The bug had roared a little /too/ loudly for his tastes.

He saw Jean walking slowly towards him, and shook his head. "I'm okay, they won't harm me. Please, no heroics. I'd rather not spend my last hours repairing you." He said calmly, giving a weak smile. For someone who had just told all his friends he was going to die, he seemed remarkably calm. Xavier and Yue would have known why.

He looked over his shoulder at the Xenomorph. He had the feeling that it would be able to understand his intent, even if it had no use for language. "We need to post guards in case someone tries to attack this hive." He said slowly, trying to think intentely about each word as he said it. Maybe he could tap into that way bugs seemed able to communicate without words. He stayed there, making sure that he was physically between the bugs and the other humans, just in case.

He wanted to make it abundantly clear that he would not be impressed if they slaughtered his people.

Jean made it to Dunn and purposely pushed her back into his chest so that if anything happened to him, it would have a few inches of machine to cut through first. She did it very gently and in a non aggressive manner. The android pulled her gun up to her chest so that it would be another thing between him and the Xenomorph. She pushed back a little to shove Dunn slowly away from any danger. The droid was only doing what her programming told her to do.

“I, think they understand you but we should give each other some mutual space,†Jean recommended.â€Â

Jean noticed that she couldn’t push back on him anymore than she had done so far. It was still a good few feet; better than what it was – but, the android’s low strength was overpowered by authentic human muscle.

Jean turned around and placed her hand on his chest, looking up at him.

“I have to get this out of your chest.†The droid insisted. “I can still keep it alive but I can’t allow you to be in danger.†Her programming was in full motion and she would insist on nothing else but compliance.

“Please sit down,†She insisted again.

Jean noticed the agitation of one of the Xenomorphs as she exerted force on Dunn but he wouldn’t move. Jean didn’t care what the Aliens would do to her because she couldn’t. Her dark eyes looked to him and she would have pouted if she were human.

Jean looked up to Dunn and shook her head to his reaction. No plead, order, or compromise would do for her at that moment in time. Her Asimov objectives kicked in regardless of her personal understanding of context of the situation.

An android cannot allow harm to a human being by inaction,

The little girl kept pushing at him to no avail. She wouldn’t stop. It was an undeniable urge to protect her creators, caretakers, friends, and of course, they were Human.

As Firehunter picked up Sam, Gaunt focused his attention back onto Shadow, She was slowly backing away, Why?.

She had been seen now, There wasn't much point trying to hide, Gaunt slowly approched her, She was getting closer to the edge of the dropship, Would she try jumping off?

Gaunt kept his distance, keeping his watch on Shadow, Waiting to see what she'd do next, He was ready to pounce, or run whatever happened.

She gathered up as many weapons as possible, from the dead to those that were strewn around her. Nikkie walked back to the hanger where most of the vehicles rested and resided, from the old to the new, almost looking like a museum. Now malus wants to take over, “That was not what I was told.†Nikkie said with a cocky smile on her lips. “I was to take command and Ellesa was to step up if I messed up, even you.†She said pointing a slender finger at the large gaunt man. Nikkie cocked her head to the side as if one would on a confused thought running through their mind. “Plus, you aren’t even supposed to be here.†She said huffing once, turning around to her brother.

Only then did a loud crack, causing the duo to pull weapons and with the small hand guns residing in their hand. The brother and sister watched closely as another form crashed down, loudly “WE FOUND SHADOW!†Nikkie called out, to Ellesa. It was really interesting, the female was rogue, but she usually stuck around. “Plus, Shadow might have some information you do not.†Nikkie snide remark crossed her lips. “I am not giving command because the only people this unit should listen to, besides me, is Ellesa. I’ve already read your report, you don’t like to listen to others, you go your own way. So show me that you like to be in this company of Alpha Draconis and hush for once. Let the leaders think and you just collect up any more weapons and ammo. Get them from the dead too.†She said, raising one finger up, “Get the vehicle fixed.†She listened to them bickering. Her own com was linked to anything that was speaking. Possibly the yautja to the communication devices the men/women are using right now. “So please, stand back and I know you want to win, I know you want to take over Alpha Draconis, even you saying no, means yes.†She said, crossing her arms just under her chest.

She watched as the alien didn’t move to erase the human that lay upon him. So she turned to her brother, “Snake.†She would rather use his real name, but he asked not to, so in respect she didn’t. “Cover me.†His weapon poised almost at Fire Hunters neck, a good few blast’s and the head and body can be severed. Nikkie grabbed Shadow by the wrist and with a quick yank, took the girl before anyone realized what has just happened.

“It seems like Dunn wants to take the car and leave the rest of us behind. Him taking his unit and us walking.†Nikkie folded her arms behind her back, locking hand to elbow. Her eyes never left the face of Sam, her grin crossed her lips that seemed to give Nikkie the illusion she knew more than he did. Was that true

Dammit, Dunn had caught her red handed. Of course it really should have been known to anyone in Alpha Draconis that Ellesa would much rather heft around her favored Smartgun then bark commands. This was Kidd’s job and it bothered her to a point of anxiety that she was to take his position. How the hell was she supposed to stand up to the standard he had left behind? She hadn’t even properly finished Officer’s training and therefore was forced to use what she had learned thus far. Obviously this wasn’t enough, but at least she was trying. And it was rough, real rough. But the strong willed Marine had made it through unscathed and was able to hold things together firmly. It wasn’t until she was hurled headlong into this jumbled mess did she find she began to see the true nature of things. She had always been relied on as the one to mow down the enemies before they could even reach the team. But in all reality, the woman didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Junior had entrusted her to keep the soldiers of Alpha Draconis safe and healthy. She was given an order and she would be damned if she was to go against that. Though no matter how out of her element she truly was, Cooper was trying everything she could to lead this band of stranded soldiers.

So, naturally, when Sam had called her out on it so rudely, it roused a temper inside Ellesa that she hadn’t dealt with for a long time. She had allowed him onto her platoon and now here he was making threats and lecturing her. The nerve of that bastard! Now sure, eventually he did cut her some slack as he must’ve realized what it was like in her shoes. This helped to sooth her some, but not by much. By the time she had gotten to the hangar, she was still quite livid. But aside from her unmistakable, agitated body language, the Lieutenant hid her anger quite well. Though, everything was internal. Cooper clenched her jaw as hard as possible and her muscles were incredibly tense. She needed a god damned cigarette. Hopefully her pack survived.

The irate Marine reached into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a rather flat looking box accompanied by a weathered looking lighter. With a quick flick of her thumb, she opened it up and searched for at least one, good cigarette. She began to grumble obscenities under her breath as she pulled out each ruined stick of tobacco and tossed it to the metal grating below her. Finally, she had found one. Without hesitation, Ellesa placed the filter in between her tight lips and quickly lit the tip until it burned with a healthy cherry. Two fingers slid up around the cigarette as the marine took a deep hit. She damned well needed this. Ellesa finally removed the cig only to place it back between her lips the moment she exhaled the smoke from her lungs. The nicotine buzz came about quickly and relaxed her jumbled nerves. Now if it hadn’t been for her much deserved cigarette mixed with Sam’s soothing accent, Cooper surely would have exploded into a barrage of vulgar remarks along plenty of violent grabbing and fist shaking. Instead, she gave off a soft sigh then looked up at him.

After all, he was doing a wonderful job and was only trying to help her, even if it meant pushing her buttons with a stern finger. Though, for a moment, her eyes fell down to glance at the large scar upon his toned chest. A brow arched with interest. But before she could even give him an ounce of satisfaction for this look of hers, her green eyes flickered up and met his red hues. “Good job, Dunn. I appreciate the work you’ve done here.†She gave a curt nod in regard to fixing up a useable vehicle. Ellesa, being nice and giving a compliment in a mood like this? Surely this was one for the record books. Obviously something Dunn had said moved her some. Perhaps it took an asshole like Sam to get through to a bitch like Cooper. Though it would seem as though she would save her answer for him later for she didn't speak another word to him. Ellesa would wait for a time when they could talk one on one and perhaps when they weren’t so busy. She then listened as the man continued, telling her that he had something to tell her. However, it would seem she would hear this another time as he seemed heavily distracted by the falling debris. At least that’s what she was lead to believe it was. Ellesa’s brows furrowed gently as she watched him with a wary eye. Was he really so paranoid? There must have been a good reason for this. However, before she could even think to react, her attention was ripped away towards the lovely Yue.

Cooper gave her a quick smirk then nodded in response. “I imagine we could really use your medical skills here. Sure Dunn knows some things, but I would feel more comfortable knowing that you were here to patch us up.†The Lieutenant then looked over just in time to see Sam being hurled out of the drop ship. Quickly she reacted and thumbed up the safety of her rifle then took a readied step forward. For a mere second, Ellesa was stunned by the sheer sight of the Praetorian Guard that came barreling after her Gunnery Sergeant. He was beautiful, shimmering, ebony exoskeleton with a crown that could almost rival a queen’s.

Naturally the woman poised a finger to the trigger yet hesitated to shoot. Be it gut instinct, but she somehow got the feeling Dunn wouldn’t be harmed. She watched as the large xenomorph roared and hissed in the man’s face. But that was it, surprisingly. Her mind quickly wandered back towards the facehugger she saw lying on the armory floor next to Dunn and Xavier. Well, now they knew who had been impregnated. Ellesa watched with both horror and confusion as Dunn exhibited to them that he would not be harmed. This possibly meant that he could somehow stop the xenomorphs from annihilating the platoon. His idea was ridiculous, reckless and probably incredibly daft.

But, the only thing that would matter would be if it could work. From the corner of her eye, Cooper spotted Nikkie dragging Shadow’s body back to safety. This was surprising, but it was quite the relief indeed. However, it wasn’t until her second in command began to bad mouth the man that had possibly saved all of their lives, did this mood of hers turn sour once more. This left a bad taste in her mouth. “Murray!†she barked then lowered her voice as the woman neared her. “Knock your shit off! This is not the god damned time to senselessly bark useless orders and insult a fellow soldier who’s saving our asses!†her voice dropped even lower to a harsh whisper. “Now cut this bullshit attitude and get serious. This situation here changes everything. He’s not some heartless jerk you think he is. You think I would let him in this platoon if I didn’t trust him? Now be quite.†Cooper was both deeply embarrassed and quite disappointed at her fellow officer. She was acting like a damned child then a grown woman.

Plus, having soldiers fight amongst themselves was likely going to get them all killed. Ellesa could care less about her own life, but it was the life of the other soldier’s she was worried about. With brows knitted firmly, the woman glanced back over towards the scene before them and found that the android had put distance between Dunn and the Praetorian. “Shit.†She muttered. But Ellesa wasn’t stupid. She wouldn’t raise her voice and agitate the already tense bugs. She tapped a finger to her earbud and spoke softly, “Jean, I realize you’re programmed to protect him from this but understand he’s keeping us all alive. Letting this thing stay inside his chest ensures our safety. As long as he and the queen aren’t harmed, we all have a higher percentage of survival. Do the math.†She hoped like hell Jean would understand this and stand down. “Dunn?†she finally addressed the man. “This better work…I assume you have a plan devised in that head of yours?â€Â

PREDATOR stood motionless letting the newly formed plan sink into his consciousness, it was not long before they had reached the main facility. This was the largest of the many outposts scattered across this baron landscape, in comparison this place was the most technologically advanced, if you wanted to call these ancient computers advanced. “At least they still function.†PREDATOR thought to himself, he shot a quick glance at DeathDrop who was leaning against a nearby wall.

DeathDrop in his prime was a mighty hunter, brutal and deadly, now he spends his time staying in a drug induced haze, even with these negative attributes he was still a decent hunter, a warrior that could be trusted. Black Warrior and Predator428 had recently joined the group, Predator428 volunteered to go out scouting for the humans, a task that suited him. Although young Predator428 had the makings of a honorable hunter, he seemed to be carrying what appeared to be a modified rivet gun, because guarding this mining operation was consisted a simple assignment most of the predators stationed here carried few weapons.

A few of the predator guards were armed well, PREDATOR luckily packed much of his decent hunting equipment. Including his compi stick, wrist blades and he’d mistakenly left his throwing disc and took his large caliber plasma caster along instead. PREDATOR’s plasma caster was one of a kind, a weapon build exclusively for him. It was a overly large, a tedious weapon to operate, it fired a large red blast of plasma that was nearly a hundred times more powerful than that of a standard shoulder cannon. It was not designed to be used on single targets, unless the wielder didn’t care if there was anything left of his prey.

The only fate that awaited these humans was death, it was not a possibility for them to escape with the knowledge they found here, the loom of battle seemed to fill the room like a fog, many of the hunters were happily awaiting it, PREDATOR felt a cautious optimism about the entire situation.