Neil clambered down as Sayeeda spoke to him, dropping and leaping from crevice to platform until he was less than a dozen feet above the ground. He leaped off. "Got it, Captain," he said, hitting the ground in a roll, before hustling into the ship, passing Sayeeda to get to one of the many armories they had. He shook his head as he opened up the hatch to reveal the guns, wishing once more that he had time to make a mech. He'd squash those insect out there like...like bugs. 

Grabbing the melta-flamer, he also procured the ships only plasma rifle. It was a bit unwieldy and unstable, but over such a long distance, with rapid/burst firing capabilities? Seemed like a good choice. "Alright Astador," Neil called into the comm like he was a coach getting the team revved up. "Grab whatever men you can spare and meet me by the brink of the rise. Got that?" 

Begrudgingly, he heard the affirmation. Astador must really be used to honorary titles and protocol. Hopefully, he'd earn the right out there once those Xenos started advancing. Hefting the rifle, Neil jogged out past the cockpit and out of the open bay hatch of the [i]Highlander[/i]. "Hey Lonney," Neil called. The AI pipped up, echoing from within. "Aye, sir?" 

"Turn on the autoguns. If any non-humans approach the vicinity, blast 'em to hell." 

"Roight. Gonna fry some aliens. Aye!" 

Neil glanced back at the Highlander, and smiled whimsically. "I am [i]so[/i] glad I found that accent feature." He breathed. 

It took less than a minute for eight of the Brother-Knights of the Dark Cavaliers to be at the ready along the edge of the rise, overlooking the fields and lowlands that stretched all the way to the distant mountains. A few militia men were with them, holding slug-thrower rifles and wearing aged flak jackets. They looked afraid, though eager to aid their homestead. There must have been two dozen of them. 

The rolling hills and verdant grasslands of yellow and green looked like a painting of immeasurable beauty, tainted by the stain mark of the crashed bio-ships not four miles away. Unfortunately, despite the timely arrival of the Knights and the quick gathering of the small militia force, the Xenonids had already made it a mile, leaping incredible lengths across the fields, some scuttling over the odd boulder or hill in their way. There must have been hundred of them. All of them somehow knowing prey was near.

"Stay here," Astador ordered the militia with authority. Some seemed relieved, but others didn't want to be held back, though to Neil they probably just didn't want to appear weak. The Sword Sergeant held a hand to silence their complaints. "We will need your supporting fire. Let me and my brothers slow them. We can leap out of safety when need be." Some men leaned back, seeing the jump packs strapped to the back of Astador's armor. He had a point. 

"It's a bug hunt!" Neil said behind the line, loading his rifle and drawing gazes to him. "Game over man, game-...you never seen that hologram?"

Astador turned to him, and looked him up and down. Neil couldn't see the Knight's face within his helm, but he had the feeling there was an incredulous look on the valiant Cavalier's features. Neil raised his brow, knowing the Knight was going to tell him to stay behind. But... 

"You're not a civilian. I suppose I cannot stop you. Just stay near the rocks." Astador said. The Xenonids leaped and crawled closer. Astador along with his Knights readied their packs as Neil began to clamber down the slope, using his free hand to keep himself steady. 
[@Penny]