Dyvalis
Drano
Tyirrak
Eljin
McCloud
Comartin
Vashti
Amy
Flat Bullet
Daemonis

The Tolkeen vehicle yard is a large-lot full of used vehicles fit for combat. Hundreds of hovercycles, armoured cars and trucks, hovercraft, Coalition military vehicles, Techno-Wizard vehicles and scattered others from other North American Companies.

(what are you looking for?)

Comartin stands among the other Glitter Boys. He has no need for another vehicle unless Drano wanted a troop transport.

"Lieutenant Pierce? Should we pick up a transport for the four of us, or do you think we can get that mutant cat girl to fly us around?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:38, Tue 29 Apr 2008.

Catching up just in time to hear Cormartin's rather uninspired description she brings herself up to the tip of her toes, streaching up to her full height, and adding in the power armor almost matches Comartin's.  "Excuse me corporal, I'm not a mutant catgirl, I'm a perfectly normal one, no strange growths or anything."  Perhaps the Minotaur's speach earlier made an impression on her.

As one born and raised in Tolkeen, and following a family tradition of protecting humanity since the great cataclysm Drano knew all too well that there were good D-bee’s and bad D-bee’s. Apparently Comartin hadn’t figured this out yet.

“I think the mutant cat has a name, and it would be best if you learned it, since the Major has put us in the same squad as her because we need transportation.”

Of course given that her glare moves to Drano perhaps he realizes it would have been best to use that name himself, "That catgirl is Private Amy Wayland-Yutani in case you were wondering Sir." stressing the appelation more as a race than description and notably leaving off the mutant descriptor. "I also answer to hey you, and shorty." Oh yes, from the tone she's probably a little upset and no stranger to sarcasm.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Tue 29 Apr 2008.

Comartin hesitates before responding. "My apologies Private."

Drano glares back at Amy, obviously the Cat-woman didn't realize he was just being a commander officer in this little misunderstanding and explained. "I know your name, and rank Private Weyland-Yutani. But if one of my people don't know your name it might be just that they ask  you what your name is, as opposed being told what your name is." Hopefully the mutant cat would understand the direction Drano took to take care of this matter.

"I'm sorry Sir." She replies contrition in her stance, and though the intent to be respectful is there in her tone, she's still clearly not army enough to pull it off quite right.  Not bad for a townie volunteer but still not up to snuff.  Turning away a half moment faster than ettiquite would normally allow she walks over to Cormartin and gives him an apologetic smile.  "Its alright.  I don't know your name either.  Lets forget it okay?"

"10-4 on that kitty cat. Name's Comartin."

McCloud laughter as he come over to his GB "you up setting our new Squad mate all ready Comartin? and you know that no way to treat a lady no matter what she looks like" turning to Amy "He a good man to have at your Back miss but a little rough on the edges" he chuckles the last.
Looking over to the Lieutenant Pierce"Sir are we taken GB transporters our footing it in the Boys?"
If so what is the Private Wayland-Yutani taking as her mode of transport
Sir?

Just about to answer McClouds question she remembers Drano's disaproving gaze, and odd mania about who should answer what and clicks her jaw shut.  Instead choosing to streach, rather like a cat, only the limitations of the Terrain Hopper keeping her from what might otherwise appear to be a spine cracking streach before falling still to wait on the Lieutenants reply eyes blinking curiously through the open faceplate.

"McCloud you fail to notice that Private Weyland-Yutani flys that big transport over there?" pointing to Amy's dropship as he does so.

OOC: I think the dropship looks like the one in Aliens, and could probably carry 12 GB's if needed.

Vashti looked over at the aforementioned aircraft and let out a low whistle.  "You know," he said conversationally, "I might not be able to outrun that thing.  Never tried to race aircraft before, think the bossmen'd let us try it out before things get busy again?"

Flat Bullet raised a large eye brow at Vashti's question. "Did you just ask if you can outrun that dropship?"

Looking over "yoicks how did I miss that baby by the Wizards of Tolkeen it big"
McCloud nods approvingly "well it do the trick I hope"
Smirking at his squad mate and saying to Comartin with a big grin "you going to actual hit any thing in the next battle mate cose I swear it was me and the Lieutenant who was doing almost all the boom gunny in madtown" he grins awaiting the retort from Comartin

Amy actually poses and gestures artfully to her pride and joy.  "Thats right, its the Wayland-Yutani Pelican Drop Ship, state of the art.  Look at its sleek lines, powerful engines, and not only is it capable of full VTOL flight but its submersible as well.  Designed for tricky infil and exfiltration as well as combat drops and extraction.  Its a miracle of modern technology."  Here is someone who clearly has more than a little attachment to her toys.  The dropships design shows hints of what it's descendands will be in the future, colonial marine dropships, but this version is not yet transatmospheric.  It has a cocpit section somewhat reminiscent of that from an apache but with smoother curving lines leading to a much larger main body.  While optimized for carrying vechicles rather than powered armor it is sleek and longer than it is tall with a front facing entry and exit that lowers half the cargo area as a ramp.  It has two small stubby wing extentions off of its major flight turbines that have several hardpoints as well as a long tail section for stabalization while in flight or under water.

OOC: Yes, its basically a precurser to the dropship from Aliens.

Catching Vashtt's question on the wind Amy turns and cocks her head slightly to the side.  "Hmm, well before that want to see if you can outrun me first?  The Pelican might be just a little faster, but I haven't had a real challenge in years."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Wed 30 Apr 2008.

Vashti gave Flat Bullet a cocky grin, "Yep, I did."

Turning back to Amy the six-armed soldier continued, "Ah, you take pride in your vehicle.  That's a good thing."  He looked at the private's lithe figure, "You look fast enough, but I do believe that the contest will be unequal.  I've outrun every hovercycle I've come across so far, to say nothing of unmounted folks."

"Of course you did.  You had an unfair advantage, they were riding a vehicle.  So how fast do you think you can run?"  There is a definite eagerness in her tone, though he can see shes a bit intimidated by his claim of outrunning hovercycles she's not quite ready to throw in the towel.

"In my prime," Vashti replied, "It was something around 30 yote in an hour.  That'd be..." he taps one hand against another as he does the math in his head, "roughly 480 kilometers by your measures.  I don't think I've dropped too much below that, this war has been keeping us plenty busy and since I know neiter how to drive a vehicle nor ride an animal, a barbaric custom that, I've had plenty of practice running here and there."

"Damn boyo that is fast. I don't think you wanna be humiliatin' yerself by getting left in his dust kitty cat."

Amy for her part just stands with her jaw dropping open, sure she might, just might be able to get near half that on a good day still it seems just plain ridiculous.  After a further moment to adjust to the news she finally replies.  "Ah, I, see, I think maybe its not worth wasting your time on then.  You probably would even outrun her too." She sounds rather, disenheartened having to admit that.  "But how can you move that fast, you dont, well really look like much of a runner."

Dyvalis had been keeping to himself, trying to figure out the new computer he'd been given when he overhears the conversation. "Absurd. I've never heard of a Jeridu being able to reach such speeds. It's just unfathomable. If you're trying to impress Private Yutani that's your business, but to warn you Miss Yutani, I've heard Jeridu mating rituals are rediculous."

He checks his watch and then clears his throat, addressing the whole of the squad. "Ok, so that everybody is clear, I am the commander of this squad. Respect that and we'll get on fine. On the field I expect everyone to keep me informed. The better informed I am the better we will function. We have a good group here. Lt. Pierce and the Glitter Boy armors will give us the advantage of heavy hitters and incredible range, a strength I intend to utilize. Then we've got Lt. Tyirrak and Cpl. Vashti there, a pair of heroes for their daring infiltration of the Death's Head transport. This mission is because of them. I have no doubt that their ability to infiltrate will prove beyond valuable yet again this time."

He checks his watch again. "That's pretty well it. As far as transport, the dropship will do wonderfully. If anyone wants to find additional personal transport that's fine, provided it either flies or can fit on the dropship. Meet up again here in 15 minutes. Dismissed."

Vashti shot Dyvalis a questioning glance, "Ah," he said with sudden understanding, "You're from the Old Country?  I must admit that it's been a long time since I was home." he paused a moment, reflecting "Though now that I think about it, I remember why.  Rather inhospitable place, the Chaos Lands."

Turning back to Amy he flashed the felinoid a grin, "And don't you believe a word he said, my dear.  Our mating rituals are perfectly dignified affairs.  Elves are just jealous that we don't let them in on the secret of the Squeaky Shoes or the Outrageously Colored Wigs."  Apparently the corporal is a firm believer in the "if they want to go there, go one step further" philosophy of self-mocking.

"As for my speed and resilience, as well, I cannot say.  My training is outside the norm for my people, as is my current location.  Either could have contributed.  Personally, though, I must admit to the belief that it's simply because the gods smile upon me, so I endeavor to put their gifts to the best uses possible."

Amy looks a bit concerned after Dyvalis's comments, and then a bit upset until he does mention her dropship as being useful at which point she perks right back up.  Turning to Vashti she listens seriously to his remarks and perhaps takes him a bit too seriously on the subject of shoes and hair, at least if her drawing back slightly and bodylanguage shifting to 'dont notice me' is any indication.  "I'm sure that they are being put to very good use Corporal Vashti..."  Her mind obviously wandering and wondering and going places it would be best to avoid.

McCloud mount His Glitter Boy looking over his Shoulder one more time and incline his head to the city in a mark of respect then heads for Amy Dropship awaiting to enter.

Seeing McCloud over by her dropship she triggers the remote hatch entry to allow him access and turns back to Lt. Dyvalis. "Sir, Are we leaving immediately or is there an hour or two I can spend to customize the cargo area for carrying our Glitterboys and other squad equiptment?"

Flat Bullet chooses a large Northern Gun hovercycle and rides it slowly into the dropship. He walks back out brushing his hands together releasing a cloud of dust. "I made room".

"You've got 42 minutes Private," he says, without checking his watch. "Do what you can with that time."

Even when his posts seem untimely, Dyvalis' replies never are -- he doesn't believe in wasting time. "I will be making my own preparations at the ley line. I will return, and then 5 minutes later we will meet with the Captain and the rest of Squad Four. If there is something important speak now, otherwise contact me by radio."

After answering any other questions, Dyvalis takes a hovercycle and makes his way to the nexus at the centre of the city. Daemonis hitches a ride on the back.

"Alright then, um, Vashti, can you go grab some gliterboy hand sized handles please? I dont think we have time for anything fancy," turning to the rest of the platoon she asks, "Alright, so everyone planning on catching a ride lets go figure out where your going to be sitting.  I don't allow loose tools to rattle around my baby and that goes double for things like ammunition and powered armor."

That said she heads to the Pelican and starts looking over the group she's going to need to carry and begins to plot the best way to do so in limited time.

One of the young lot-hands is close enough to hear Amy, and calls over another worker carrying a large tool box. The first one states politely to Amy "We can help you Miss" .

The two helpers unload several discs about 8 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. They explain them to be 'adhesion discs', using the magic from carpet of adhesion. These discs can be welded anywhere, and will keep vehicles stuck to them. They can be turned on or off with the press of a foot pedal which is also installed by the disc, to make for quick departure. They are fully charged with PPE, and will use a PPE clip every day or so of being activated.

Vashti gave a speculative look at the power armor to be carried by Amy's transport, then shook his head, "Not even you, old man, not even you."  With a grin and a shrug he moved over towards the more mundane baggage and began stowing that securely.

Like everyone else he hops into his power armor and begins to put it onto the ship for transport on what ever mission is to come. He hopes that things will go well in the coming time to be spent with the others of the team. Once he’s gotten his armor onboard he begins to securing in the bay to make sure it doesn’t rattle around while in transit. Also to make it easier if they have to leave the craft in a hurry.

Amy looks over the disks and finds them to  be near the best thing she's ever seen, especially given the time constraints she finds herself under.  As she gets them installed and the others board they realize that shes put a lot of work into the interior of the Pelican since the last time they were here.  Instead of tools and equipment stowed wherever there is free space she's clearly spent a lot of time in a machine shop customizing parts so that all of her tools for a complete mechanical service workshop are now neatly organized against the ceiling, walls, in custom fit cabinets in the odd corners all built securely so that they will not shift during flight.  There is even a small drop down bunk, obviously sized for herself just beyond the hatch combing for the cocpit.  With the loss of her home she's clearly chosen to make a new one, that can fly away if the coalition decides to come visit.

McCloud shake his head as he see the drop down bed mumberling to him self.
"That why I'm fighting so normal people can have normal lifes.
 god I'm going to kill some skulls"

With all of the prep work done Amy heads into the cocpit and radios Dyvalis.  "Sir, everythings been set up and the Pelican is ready to go."  Glancing back into the compartment she coudl swear she heard McCloud say something about killing but doesnt feel like brining it up, instead she waves for the others of their squad to load up.

Over the radio: "We're almost there. Is there room for my hovercycle in the ship?"

Tyirrak vanished for a period of time, the taciturn Lanotaur not giving any word as to his whereabouts, but when they began loading the ship, he walked up carrying a large Icarus flying wing, which he stored in the back, clamping it against a wall with the magical adhesion pads.

As Amy passed by, he tapped her on the shoulder, "If we are engaged aerially and I am on your ship, I'll ask you to open the back hatch on my signal. I can give you air support with the Icarus flightwing system I have just stored in your aircraft."

"Yeah you got room Lieutenant." Flat Bullet responds over the radio. He stands on the ramp of 'The Pelican' staring out into the City as Dyvalis and Daemonis come into sight.

Looking over to Tyirrak she nods.  "It might be a rough launch, and rougher for myself and the rest of the squad but I'll keep it in mind.  The Pelican really wasn't designed for air drops, more insertions."

OOC:  The hatch opens facing forward there isn't a rear hatch.

"I can handle rough launches." Tyirrak said, which was quite true. Considering he'd be strapped to a rocket-powered flightwing that could hit Mach 1, with his personal armor being the only thing in the way of himself and supersonic winds, leaping out of a flying vehicle, from whichever direction would probably not be much of an issue.

Dyvalis pulls in at precisely the time he intended and the squad is punctual in arriving at the rendezvous. In returning from the ley line both him and Daemonis have blue energy spheres floating above their right shoulder. He stores his hovercycle and then joins the rest of the squad.

He notices the Icarus flight system and remarks on it, turning to Tyrriak. "Your's lieutenant? I saw a demonstration of one of those last year. They're impressive."

McCloud is looking also at the Icarus flight system, he looks impressed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:13, Sat 17 May 2008.

"Pretty nice in here."
complimenting people had never come easy to Eljin, still the girl was going to be playing TaxiService for the group and the machine seemed important to her. That was something any GB pilot could understand.

Eljin's comments earn him a bright smile form Amy as she moves to greet Dyvalis.  "Sir, everything is ready for whenever you would like to go, just let me know where to take you."

Drano supervised to placement of the magic disc, obviously intended to secure his squad of Chromium Guardsman to the deck of the drop ship.

“Eljin, McCloud you two are to operate as a pair. Myself and Comartin will do the same.” Drano them moves off to find Dyvalis.

Upon find the squad leader Drano reports in. “Lieutenant Dyvalis,the four Chromium Guardsman units I command are secured. Further more I have broken the sub-unit into two teams of two, is there any designation you want for these teams?”

“Last do you have several squad members detailed to ensure that the mecha will be safe from close quarters attacks? My particular unit is equipped for such a contingency, but the other are not.”

"West side of town Private Yutani. Look for the slow-witted, mountain with wings and take us in."

He then turns to address Lt. Pierce and the rest of the crew while the ship is taking off. "I'm glad your unit is adequately protected Lieutenant. Yes, I understand that the Glitter Boy's weakness is the close range. It's impossible to tell what kind of situations there'll be on the ground, but we have some very fine melee combattants, so we should be covered.

The designations will be alterred as circumstance dictates, but in general, should we need to separate into two groups they will be as such:

ALPHA: Myself, Lt. Tyrriak, Sgt. Eljin, Cpl. McCloud, and if not piloting the ship, Pvt. Yutani.

BRAVO: Lt. Pierce, Cpl. Comartin, Cpl. Vashti, Flat Bullet, and Daemonis.

Other devisions are likely to occur, however, based on abilities. Lt. Tyrriak and Cpl. Vashti will be our goto reconnaissance. Lt. Tyrriak, Daemonis, and myself are the resident mages. And so forth. If anyone else has natural talents they'd like to share outside of the obvious I'm all ears.

Otherwise, the only other advice I have is everyone keep your emotions in check. We approach each situation like a game of chess: tactical, methodical. This is an extraction operation, not a barberous seige. Do not engage the enemy until you are given word by your squad commander. Anyone failing to follow orders will be subject to execution. Understood?"

McCloud nods. "Sir"

As she settles in, gently lifting the ship off she listens with half an ear to Dyvalis's speach.  When he mentions execution she swallows nervously, glad of the fact her armor, and a chair should hide her reaction from him.  Turning west of the city she starts looking for the odd landmark he mentioned to her.  A slow witted mountain with wings... hoping it will become much clearer as they go.

She waits until a while after Dyvalis is finished speaking to ask.  "Sir do you have an aproximate distance to target, I would like to know when might be a good time to activate the chamoflage suite."

Dyvalis heads up to join Amy in the cockpit. "For now we are just meeting the rest of the platoon. Presumably we'll receive more instructions there, but the complex is supposed to be somewhere in the Southern Dakota territory. What camouflaging capabilities does this vehicle possess?"

Standing next to his guardsman he listens to the converstation on what is to happen when we get to the place they are going too. Hearing that he will be paired up with the Lieutenant he nods his head to him.

”Yes Sir.”

He replies to the orders of the leader of the Guardsman. As he listens to the Elven man’s team setup he simply listens carefully to him as he readies himself and his guardsman for any battle that might take place while in transit. When the Elven asked the pilot about the Stealth capabilities he mounts up into his guardsman getting ready for exit the transport as quickly as he can when they arrive.

Amy smiles glad to answer that question.  "Well as you may have noticed already on takeoff she's fully vtol capable.  Its also fully submersible to eight hundred feet.  While its top speed is only around two hundred miles per hour that was a concession to its other abilities.  At need not only can it move in near silence but can be rendered completely invisible to all means of detection not just the naked eye but infrared, ultraviolet, heat and motion detectors, and further dampen the engine sounds for up to 24 minutes at a time before those systems need time to recharge."

Karma boarded the dropship just in time before the ramp closed and it takes off to head west, keeping at least 5 miles north of squad one. After engaging the stealth capabilities, it passes over between Blue Earth and Spring Valley, both CS sympathisers. Finally it passes over the small Tolkeen town of Vosberg.

Amy checks the maps again and heads directly towards the First Apocalyptic Cavalry Fort Jericho.

As they get closer Amy drops altitude to fly among the canyons of the badlands.  "Sir, how would you like us to aproach them, we could probably sneak right up but I don't think they would consider that very neighborly, but at the same time I would rather not just fly in a big smiling target either.  This is my baby and I don't want to see her hurt." Tapping the console affectionately.

Drano recognized the newly arrived Chromium Guardsman, and approached the unit after it had entered the dropship. He motions for the pilot to raise one leg, then the other, tossing one of the magical discs under the feet so the unit would not move about. He then gives the pilot the OK to dismount.

Vashti rode in what was, for the jerridu, silence.  Jibes were kept to a minimum, though he was unable to keep his customary confident smirk off of his face.  Waiting inside the transport there was little for him to do, his specialty was close combat and demon-slaying, neither of which were particularly likely to happen while the group was airborn.

Without windows, the trip to Fort Jericho is a boring one for the cargo. Amy spots a herd of wild buffalo, and several wild horses. Several humanoids on hovercycles, animals or small land vehicles are seen on the ground below.

After a short while the fort is in sight, and the method of approach must be decided. Fort Jericho is made up of several large, barrack-like buildings, and a few smaller houses. It is surrounded by a 25-foot wall, lined with snipers, artillery and heavy machine guns. Its entrance is marked by large doors facing south east. The fort would likely hold under 1000 troops.

The dropship will pass over the fort shortly...

Amy pulls to a stop well before they might pass over the fortification waiting on orders for how to greet them, taking the extra precation of tucking in behind a hillside while she awaits commands.

Amy brings the invisible dropship down just outside their gates. Flat Bullet grabs his weapons and prepares for combat should the need arise. Thasha follows suit and grabs his newly acquired weapons. They both await orders from Dyvalis.

Just in case something bad happens Drano mounts his Chromium Guardsman but doesn't intend to use the massive rail gun mounted ont he right shoulder if combat occurs. Instead he pulls out the CTT-P40 Particle Beam gun from the large holster on the Chromium Guardsman right hip.

McCloud who did not leave his Chromium Guardsman. Stand redy if thing go hairy.

OOC: Just to be clear that She's not landing within line of sight or particularly close to the fort without explicit orders to do so.

(OOC - 10-4 on that. The fort is strategically built away from hills and such. Just flatlands in all directions. However the distance landed is up to you Amy, unless Dyvalis posts...)

(Then at least a mile away :)  With cover of trees or brush if at all possible.  I don't want holes in my pretty little pelican if someone gets trigger happy, besides thats well within range for a chromium guardsman.)

"Lieutenant Pierce, take your team out and find cover near the dropship. You will be notified if your services are needed, however I am hoping diplomacy will win the day."

"Flat Bullet and Daemonis I want you to stay with the Guardsmen as support should the need arise. Amy, Tyirrak and Vashti you are all with me. We're walking."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:48, Sat 21 June 2008.

"Yes sir."  Though she doesnt sound all THAT enthusiastic about just walking up to a heavily armed fortress with an uncertain reception.  Still she is quick to get up do a last check over her personal power armor and sling her wilk's rifle over her shoulder to join Dyvalis at the end of the ramp.

Vashti sketched a salute in Dyvalis' direction, "Gotcha, boss."  Standing he reseated his gear and prepared, as the good Lieutenant had said, to walk.

McCloud nods in his armor as a after thought "are you sure walking is a good idera sir?"

"My shiny friend," Vashti began, "I am along.  Whatever made you think 'good ideas' were going to enter into this?"  The Jeridu chuckled at his own self-mockery, "I've managed 80 years so far on the perfectly good plan of '1, 2, 3, Get 'em!'"

Hearing the orders form the 1st Lt as he sits in his guardsman. He begins to pull itself free from the disks that had held it in place during transport. He figured he’d take point exiting the transport for the rest of the squad of guardsman. Once he has exited the transport he moves to a position to cover the entrance for the others to exit with little risk to the others as they exit the transport not knowing what they may face in the place they have arrived.

Drano, exits the dropship and begins to look for suitable cover. Upon finding suitable cover in the from of several large boulders nearby he issues orders to his unit.

"I want a wedge formation in front of the Dropship, use the nearby boulders as cover. Site in and search for possible targets."

19:16, Today: Secret Roll: Drano Pierce rolled 12 using 1d100. Military Fortification 60%.
PASS

Karma quickly suits back up, and follows the others out of the dropship. She jogs over to the point position of the V-formation, just under a hundred feet away from Lt. Pierce.

Listening to the radio chatter as his squad deployed, Vashti closed his eyes and sighed.  "Xion, old friend," he muttered under his breath, "Perhaps you were right to get out when you did.  A more survivable way could have been found, I'm sure."  Even in his melancholy the demon hunter cannot stay somber long.

Still, time was wasting and there was an outpost to approach.  As soon as it was feasable, Vashti left the transport and, at an astonishing speed, swept the nearby area for any watchers, returning quickly to the transport's door to await the rest of his group.

Tyirrak moves to stand next to Vashti, he says nothing but nods to both Amy and Vashti. He stands and waits for Dyvalis to give the word to head out.

Flat Bullet jogs over to Drano and watches as the other glitter boys take their places around the hidden dropship. "Anywhere specific you would like me to be Lieutenant?"

Dyvalis exits the dropship alongside Daemonis, they are speaking in a strange language just before they seperate. Dyvalis joins Tyirrak, Vashti and Amy, while Daemonis heads over to Flat Bullet and Drano Pierce.

"Normally I would send just Vashti and Amy inside to do the negotiating - in an effort to avoid the First Apocalyptic Cavalry from taking officers as hostages. However I am confident that both Tyirrak and I could make our escape if necessary. So we are going to walk right up to the gates and request the company of their commander. Now, if there is no further delay - let us move out."

Assuming there is no delay Dyvalis starts walking. The 1st AC Fort is just under a mile away.

Vashti grinned at the underhanded compliment from Dvalis.  "Sounds good, boss, just stand behind this particular piece of cannon fodder if they start shooting at us and I'll keep you in one piece."

Amy starts walking as well, though she declines comment she wonders if its because both she and apparently Vashti could cover the entire distance back to the dropship in less than thirty seconds, from a dead start, and if his boasts are on the mark, even less for the odd Jeridu.

With the loudspeaker turned down to the decibel level of a human voice Drano replies to the former Sheriff of Madtown.

“No not really, just stay behind cover.”



Drano hoped nothing went wrong, but if it did well they did have qite a bit of firepower at thier disposal.

“Sir, if things get hot we’ll cover your retreat. I do have to ask why our transport pilot is going inside. Might be hard for us to bug out without her.”

"Indeed. You're completely right lieutenant. Amy, you will stay back here with Drano and the ship. The three of us will go inside."

Amy nods, glad that her helmet disguises the look of relief on her face.  "Yes sir, I'll keep my girl ready for you if you need her."  She then offers a salute and turns back to rejoin Drano and the others.

Once Dyvalis and his escourt are away she moves closer to Drano and speaks softly so that unless the others have their external gain's on high it will be somewhat private.  "Thank's I didn't really want to say anything but was a little nervous heading in there and leaving my pelican alone."

Twenty minutes later Dyvalis, Tyirrak and Vashti are approaching the gates of Fort Jericho. Dozens of massive rail guns and laser turrets take aim as soon as the trio is in sight. The Fort is completely surrounded by 30 foot walls, lined in body armour suits, scrap metal, gigantic shells and hides of demons and other alien beings.

There is total silence from anyone inside the fort. It would seem Dyvalis will have to take the first step towards diplomacy.

Tyirrak didn't react to the notion of having so much weaponry pointed at himself. He just kept walking forward with the others, his tail constantly twisting of its own accord, keeping a odd sort of counterpart to his walk.

Still. He could only dodge so much gunfire... Someone was bound to get lucky.

Hopefully Dyvalis had charisma.

Vashti began to whistle a cheerful tune, though he quickly cut it off when he saw the glares of his companions.  He lifted one eyebrow as if to ask, innocently, "what?"

Still, for all his insolence, the jerridu eyed the wall of weapons directed their way with caution.  His middle set of hands brushed over his sheathed weapons, unconsciously checking to make sure they were unobstructed.  His lowest set were clasped behind his back, and the uppermost were hooked in his belt.  Overall he seemed to be trying to present an image of harmless innocence, though his success at that endeavor was questionable.

With so much firepower pointed at those approaching the fort Drano wondered how long it would be until he was the highest ranking officer in the squad, and thus in command. Granted his purpose here was to lead the Chromium Guardsman and the heavy firepower of the squad. But if need be he could take command of the entire unit. He just hoped that that would not be the case.

Dialing down the decibel level of his Chromium Guardsman’s loudspeaker to the level of a mere whisper Drano replies to the cat-woman. While he had never slept with a non-human before he did find many attractive, the Cat-woman being among them....

Clearing her visor so Drano can see her face Amy grins up up up at him in his Chromium Guardsman and nods.

Dyvalis hesitates, choosing his words carefully and then speaks aloud, for the guards along the walls to hear."Greetings..."

...

"My name is Dyvalis, representative of The Armed Forces of The Kingdom of Tolkeen. I am here to announce our presence to you to avoid any conflicts of violence. We are here as an enemy of The Coalition States and have no quarrel with The First Apocalyptic Cavalry. We will not interfere in your matters in any way, and will not require any assistance in completing our task. In plain words... you won't even know we are in your territory... is this acceptable? Perhaps I could speak with your commander...?"

McCloud trains his Boom-gun on the close tower to give the ground force covering fire if thing get dicey.

After nearly a minute of silence from the guards along the walls of Jericho, one of them finally speaks up to answer Dyvalis. "We don't make deals with Tolkeen.

Though Vashti said nothing, content to let Dyvalis do the talking for now, his posture showed more tension.  His arms were no longer clasped behind and in front of his torso, his stance shifted forward slightly, now resting his weight on the balls of his feet.  At the guardsman's flat denial the jeridu sighed and closed his eyes, as if disappointed in the man's response.

"Don't they see that shit like this does half the Coalition's work for them? he muttered, not quite under his breath.

Dyvalis takes his time; diplomacy is an art which requires a great deal of patience, whether he likes it or not. So he tries again with a simpler request.

"I do not seak any special deal, simply to operate in a manner that is respectful to all involved parties. I request a parlay with your commanding officer. Surely presenting myself before these walls, a ranking officer myself, is a gesture that we have no ill intent."

Dyvalis waits for an answer whilst he quietly adds: "I don't suppose either of you have the 6th Sense, do you?"

Vashti shook his head and spoke from a corner of his mouth.  "Sorry boss, forgot to pack that one for this trip.  Still, it doesn't take psychic powers to know we're in a tight spot here."  After a moment's pause he added, in oddly accented Elven, "I was serious about staying behind me if it looks like they're going to fire.  I'm not so fragile as I look." said the 6-armed demon queller, bristling with edged weapons.

Eljin and Karma both nod to Drano before jogging off back in teh direction tehy came. Apparently The Major has other uses for them both.

"I do sir. I'll alert you the instant I sense hostility, and we'll have a minute to move out of range." Tyirrak replied quietly as well, scanning the firing arcs, and in his head running patterns of movement to avoid as much gunfire as possible.

Following the orders of the Lieutenant he forms a wedge formation with the rest of the squad to cover the ship as well as any retreat that needs to be taken if things go poorly at the fort in which the higher up seem to have left for. He thinks of nothing but the task at hand as he stands there awaiting further orders from the Chain of command for what he should do in the situation.

Another minute passes before any response is heard, and then finally the same guard yells down to Dyvalis, Tyirrak and Vashti again. "We have informed the nearest Coalition base of your presence. They will be here in six minutes. But we are here now, and you three have twenty seconds to run."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:06, Thu 03 July 2008.

Dyvalis looks at his watch. "Jesus! I thought you said you got a one minute warning."

He waits for the sign from his fellow lieutenant. Assuming he takes off, so will Dyvalis. But if the lanotaur doesn't react, he'll assume it was a bluff or some kind of sick joke and perhaps try again at diplomacy.

"Move! They aren't kidding!" Tyirrak said as he beat a hasty retreat, making sure Dyvalis was doing so as well before getting the hell out of there.

As our commander runs to us McCloud switch comms to his Lieutenant"Orders sir?"

Over the comm channel: "Prepare the Pelican for a swift departure, and ready the cloaking array, but do not fire. Yutani, scan radar for approaching units."

To Tyrriak and Vashti he orders, "Get moving, I'll meet you on the ship."

With his grip firmly on his staff he grinds his teeth. "Remember who it is that you're getting into bed with. When the Coalition someday annexes your territory and murders your magic users, non-humans and any who do not bow down to Prosek's tyranny, I hope you remember that your compliance made it easy."
With that he disappears, reappearing at the Pelican. He boards and heads for the cockpit. "Pvt. Yutani. We have Coalition squad coming our way. I anticipate a standard search and destroy squad, ETA 5 minutes. It's a bit of a long shot, but if we can find where they're coming from it just MIGHT give us a lead on Hell House. We're able to stay hidden from them correct?"

Once Tyrriak and Vashti are back and everyone's on board, he orders stealth mode on and take-off, standing-by for radar information.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:48, Thu 03 July 2008.

Drano could see that things did not look good if Tyirrak and Dyvalis were running from the fort.

Drano sights in with his boomgun and begins to search for targets along the walls of the fort, taking notice of anyone or anything that may pose a serious threat.

"Guardsman, if you have a target open fire."

Again over the comm channel: "Cancel that order. I repeat: do NOT fire. There's no point in scoring a few minor casualties. If they start firing on the runners then cover their retreat, but otherwise get ready to leave."

"Yes Sir," she replies, as she immediately begins to prep for liftoff and begins to watch the radar, not yet activating the cloaking field wanting to save it so that they will get the longest use out of it.  "No Sir, they shouldn't be able to locate us once I activate the cloaking field, but even so we shouldn't stick around and give them more time to try and figure out a way around it."

Drano shook his head within his mecha, if they were runnign from the fort odds are they were not friendlies. Drano had learned early during this war that if it wasn't friendly then it shoudl be dealt with accordingly.

Still the order to hold fire was given....

"Guardsman, check fire I say again Check Fire."

Dyvalis waits for the runners to rejoin them on the ship then calls back the guardsmen. Once everyone is on board he tells Amy to bring prepare for a hasty take off, but to hold position until we get something on radar. Just some indication of what direction the CS is responding from would be sufficient and then they can fall back and regroup.

"What's the range on the radar anyway?" he asks.

He checks his watch and if still nothing after 1min 40sec he will try something else.

tick tock...

No CS, and the gates to Fort Jericho are still closed...

Vashti ran back with the others, for the moment holding back on his full speed.  Let them assume from his armorlessness and archaic weapons that he was a mage of some sort.  That was true, after all, in a very limited fashion, and he'd often found being underestimated by his enemies to be to the advantage.  He followed Dyvalis back towards the lander, making sure to keep himself between the lieutenant and the hostile fort.

Several minutes pass by, with no sign of the Coalition whatsoever. It becomes apparent, while although the 1st AC may have intended on opening fire on Dyvalis, Tyirrak and Vashti, they were bluffing about the CS call.

The Fort remains as it did before diplomacy was opened up.

Dyvalis shakes his head as he watches the minutes pass. "They may protest our presence, but they don't seem to care enough to do much about it. They just like to fuck with us. Private Yutani, can you open a short range channel that they will be able to receive? I'd like to send them a message if possible."

"Well Sir, the Radar and Sonor have a range of a hundred miles but of course the one isn't so good this close to the ground, and the others more useful underwater.  I've also got seizmic sensors good for ten miles." She grins at him before realizing that with her faceplate back down he can't see it.

After they continue to wait and he asks her second quesiton she nods. "Yes I can transmit something to them in the clear,  here," she sets it up so he can speak.  "It's not going to get us shot at is it?"  And just in case activating the cloaking ability of the Pelican.

He grins as she sets up the open channel, not indicating yes or no. "1st Appocalyptic Cavalry, your point is made, now hear mine. If you interfere with our dealings we will retaliate and show no mercy. It's your call: you can leave us be and we will gone before week's end with neither side carrying home body bags, or you can interfere in a matter that is of no concern to you. We will judge your response by the actions of your field teams."

Dyvalis thinks on it a moment, and then he nods to Amy signalling that he is finished. Once she stops sending, he shrugs, "I guess that's the best we can hope for. I'll report to Shira. For now though, we need to find the nearest town and start asking some questions. Take us away from here Private, without flying over the fort. I feel distance between us and them is key."

En route he will make a long-range transmission to Cpt. Shira.

Amy certainly will be quite careful not to do anything so reckless as overfly the apocolyptic cavalry giving them a wide bearth before asking, "Do you have a particular town in mind, if not maybe someone with us has been to one before and could offer some advice on where to look in this part of the world."

OOC - The closest town is Aberdeen (a small town - 6000 people, friendly to Tolkeen, primarily anti-Xiticix town) to the north east. To the south west, there is another 1st AC fort (Fort Prospect - their main base), and to the south east there is a CS fort (Fort Prosek - new since the war broke out). (on the map, it shows #156 as The Black Hills Empire. This town is run by an AWOL CS soldier who specializes in enslavement... fortunately it does not exist yet, not until after the war. And then there is "Hell House" somewhere in this region as well. Other than these establishments, there are no known groups of civilization at all.

Dyvalis second guesses his initial order. "Shira wants us to stay on Fort Jericho, but I think it's a waste to have all of us park out here. Alls we need is recon. I volunteer Daemonis. Lets find him a good post and drop him off nearby."

The lieutenant has some words with his counter-part in private. After giving him careful instructions and a long-range radio, Daemonis waits by the exit. Dyvalis returns to Amy, assuming she's found a decent location with enough room. "He can fly down, just get us within maybe a mile, and then set course for Aberdeen."

She nods, finding it easy enough to slow to a hover and open the bay door to let their scout out without having airpressure and wind make a mess of the bay before she quickly heads out again heading for aberdeen.

"Be in touch." Daemonis says before jumping out the bay door, allowing himself to fall a fair ways before floating safely into some cliff or cluster of trees, from whence he can observe the fort.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:19, Tue 08 July 2008.

PM

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:47, Wed 09 July 2008.

Leaving Daemonis behind, the rest of squad Two is soon coming upon Aberdeen. It is a small town, with a wide-open entrance from teh south, but completely walled in from the north. Dozens of tanks, and turrets are stationed along the north wall, all aiming north as well. Many of the buildings and vehicles are decorated with heads of Xiticix, and the police and armed forces are wearing the shells and bones of Xiticix as armour.

There is no obvious landing pad within the town, at least none that can be seen on approach...

Vashti grinned to see the town's "quaint" decor.  "Ah, now there's a town as knows how to take care of itself."  He moves as if to lean out the door to wave to the guards below but catches sight of Dyvalis and seems to think better of it.

Amy waits slowing as they aproach town for some instructions, either from it, or Dyvalis as to how to proceed.

Dyvalis has Amy open a channel. Transmission: "This is 1st Lt. Dyvalis of the Tolkeen Armed Forces. We are requesting landing and a meeting with the city council with regards to local intel."

"Greetings Lieutenant Dyvalis. You are clear to land... anywhere... may I suggest outside the south perimiter? You should be clear of Xiticix marauders there... we will come out to meet you if that is acceptable sir?"

McCloud turns his comms to Lieutenant Drano Pierce. "Sir the community down there have problems with the bugs? Should we not offer to help sir? Xiticix marauders shold never be allowed free rain to attack the people at large. No matter what race they are, the bugs hate every one."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:30, Wed 16 July 2008.

"Delightful," he says, nodding to Amy.

Once Amy finds a suitable place on the south side of town, Dyvalis leads the crew out to meet with whomever the city sends. He brings with him maps of the region.

Dyvalis walks ahead of Tyirrak and Vashti, along with Flat Bullet, Amy, Drano, Comartin and McCloud. The squad of 8 walks out of the dropship to meet a small retinue of people from Aberdeen. From the south side of town three people walk out to meet Dyvalis and squad consisting of a beautiful human female, and two larmac body guards.

The woman smiles at Dyvalis and speaks first "Welcome to Aberdeen Lieutenant. My name is Laura, how may we be of assistance to you?"

Dyvalis pauses a moment, as though thinking how to start. This is followed by a compulsive checking of his watch and then some hesitation. He behaves most strangely before finally pulling his head together. "Yes...Laura...good then. Well, we are looking for some intel on the Coalition in the southern Dakota territory. Specifically, we're looking for the whereabouts of a Coalition testing facility that produces supernatural creatures, augmented psychics, this sort of thing. Does any of that sound familiar in any way? Any leads you had would be grati -- uh -- or rather we would be grateful, to you, for any leads."

Dyvalis coughs and then checks his watch again casually. He mouth's the words half-past.

Thinking about it McCloud switchs his comms to the leader of his squard.
"Lieutenant Dyvalis Sir did you get my last to Lieutenant Drano I was talking about the bugs wounder if you like us to check it out Sir?" McCloud seem to be iching for action much what you expect form a GB pilot.

Amy watches Dyvalis and wonders what his sudden time fixation is and hopes it isn't something bad just getting ready to ruin their day.  But beyond her private concerns she stands near the back of the group and trys to relax for what will hopefully be a long and boring conversation.

Vashti smiled at the woman from behind Dyvalis, his arms congenially clasped.  "What our erudite leader is trying to say is 'We're from Tolkeen, we think you're all doing a bang-up job here, and that we have a trifling matter to clear up in the local area first and any assistance you can give us with that would be much appreciated.'"

"I appreciate your forward approach Lieutenant. I would invite you all into one of four boardrooms... but they are in use currently. We have members of The First Apocalyptic Cavalry, The Demon Busters and several Psi-Stalker tribes in town in regards to these damn Xiticix. They are spreading like wild fire. So we will discuss this here under the sun. The Coalition doesn't come around here much... in fact we haven't seen them since the war started, other than the occasional air squadron passing by."

Shortly after she finishes speaking, explosions and gun fire can be heard towards the north side of town. Soldiers are seen running towards the battle through the town streets. Laura does not flinch in the slightest. Xiticix raids must be common place...

McCloud keeping his load speak down to human hering
"Sir the bugs are attacking the settlement we need to do some thing please Sir"
Mcloud seem to be keeping his boomgun train in that direction.

Pierce responds over the Glitter Boy squad's channel.

"Negative McCloud. We are in the middle of our own war, I will not risk your life for Aberdeen. We represent Tolkeen, and we fight for them. Aberdeen has not sent a single soldier to Tolkeen's defense."

Dyvalis smiles politely. He too doesn't hasten to any defensive position. "I guess you must get that a lot here, with the bugs. In Tolkeen we get our share, but for defensive position you can't beat ley line triangles, really. I mean, if the Coalition can't get at us the Xiticix are just like annoying vermin."

He inhales deeply and sometimes as he's saying words. "Um, so, nothing at all from the Coalition? That is too bad. Actually though, you said you had a delegate from the 1st AC here; I don't suppose there'd be any way I could have a word with said delegate. There's a small matter I need to discuss."

Watch again.

"I might be able to arrange for you to meet with him. But I will not take part in the relations, some of The 1st AC support The Coalition rather than Tolkeen. If a fight should break out I will put you all under arrest."

McCloud noding his head in agreement to his Lieutenant.
"yes sir your right it just I hate bugs.
Thay killed some members of my last unit.
I lost some good friends so you understand why I'm like this sir"

McCloud isnt the only one to dislike bugs and Amy shoots a glance or two back at her precious, plotting out just how to reach her darling pelican before the bugs might if they come round the city.

Spotting the mutant cheetah's glance, Vashti gave Amy his best winning smile.  "Don't worry, m'dear," he said, possibly mistaking her concerns "If it comes to that just grab ahold of me and I'll have you back faster than demon can lie."

McCloud laughs at Vashti words to Amy. "That's fast, really fast"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Sat 19 July 2008.

Flat Bullet turns to face McCloud and considers shoving him, but decides against it. "We've all lost friends you prick... and some of us have lost family... to the Coalition. Fuck the Xiticix you little maggot... and fuck you.

He turns away from McCloud in an effort to calm himself, and regain his practiced resolve. However he keeps one ear trained on him should he have a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Sun 20 July 2008.

"Agreed. I plan to be a complete gentleman, and hopefully the delegate is more civilized than the wall guards at Fort Jericho. Lead the way," he turns to his crew, "Lieutenants Tyirrak and Pierce, with me, the rest of you be on the ready."

Drano opened up the comm to that dumbass McCloud for the second time, as he travel with Dyvalis.

"McCloud, shut the fuck up, don't speak unless spoken to."

"Your making yourself look like an idiot, which means I LOOK like an idiot because your under MY command.”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Sun 20 July 2008.

Waiting till the command group has started away and should be out of earshot she replies.  "Thanks Vashti but I think I can make fifty feet fast enough on my own.  I just don't like sitting out here on the ground while there's fighting even if it is all on the other side of town."  She shifts slightly, maybe a shrug, "I'm just not used to being a soldier yet I guess."

"Ah, selde," using the Elvish term for 'girl', "I would't recommend modeling your soldering after myself." Vashti spoke as he settled in to wait on Dyvalis' meeting to end.  "Demon Quellers like me don't play well with others, except when fools like those boys from Chi-Town give us no choice anyway.  There's a reason that I'm still only a corporal with Tolkeen, and like to be a private again before too many weeks pass."

Dyvalis makes the motion to hold on to Laura and to his squad while he checks with the Captain on the radio.

"You want to be a private?"  She looks at him heat tilted and her body language giving away her curiosity even through the power armor suit she's currently wearing, though it is easy to mistake for regular body armor given with it she's proportionally of average hight and size.  "Why would you want to go backwards?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Tue 22 July 2008.

With a shake of his head, Vashti indicated a negative.  "It isn't so much 'want' as 'will say something stupid' or 'hary off on some fool's errand without telling the CO'"  Vashti shrugged, a rather complicated affair when one has six shoulders with which to do it.  "I'm not much of a team player, generally.  I like people well enough, and have friends to be sure, but things like chain-of-command and fill-out-forms-in-triplicate" the hyphens were nearly audible in the way the Jerridu spoke the phrases, "and I just don't get along."

McCloud snarls, his expression hidden inside his helmet, but manages to growl out, "Yessir," to his commanding officer.  He's champing at the bit to take care of the bugs, but recognizes that violating the chain of command and being insubordinate to his CO isn't going to help him get his way and will probably end up getting his ass put in a sling.

Flat Bullet takes a step towards Dyvalis "Let's go everybody, back to the ship." He cracks each of his knuckles, and heads for the drop ship.

Dyvalis receives his orders and then turns to Laura and excuses himself, "It seems something has come up. Thank you for your assistance in any case."

He turns back to his squad "Like the Sheriff says. Squad One has discovered the location of the facility. Everybody back on the ship. We will make a quick detour to pick up Daemonis and then we rendez-vous with Squad One."

With no further delay he gets the squad back on the Pelican and has Amy make ready for take off. He sets a timer on his watch. They are on a schedule now.

The squad loads back into the dropship, and in just a few seconds they are in teh air, headed back for Daemonis outside Fort Jericho. 26 minutes later, Amy brings teh dropship directly above Squad One. Oksana, the metal-skinned elf with wings flies above two wilderness crusaders and a sports car. Amy brings it in invisible, and completely silent, then suddenly appears directly above Oksana, casting a dark shadow over squad one.

Both squads will close up the remaining 2 miles very quickly.

Vashti settled in for the ride, the tapping of one foot the only indication that he wished the waiting to end.  His hands quickly and efficiently checked the location of his gear while he sat, lips moving in a silent meditation or prayer of some sort.

Squads One and Two can see a large farm in the distance. As the squads approach the farm it becomes apparent it has recently fallen under attack. There are scattered animal corpses (horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and a few dogs.) These corpses have been mutilated by massive creatures of some kind (visible signs of claws, teeth and flesh-tearing). The farm itself has no windows left intact, and it is riddled with laser fire and rail gun rounds (most definitely CS weaponsfire) No living beings are seen at all, and this farm is at the exact location of the supposed facility. It is 3 stories tall, with a window for each bedroom, a double-door front door, and white-panel walls.

Amy watches Dyvalis for instructions as they get closer and the extent of the destruction becomes more apparant.  "Do you really think this is the place sir?"  Proud of herself for remembering the sir.

"Just looks like another civilian farm razed by the damn deadboys," McCloud grunts, looking skeptically at the old-fashioned farmhouse.

Behind the farmhouse is a large barn, just as plain-looking...

Listening to his squad's musings and waiting for word from Lt. Lynn, Dyvalis begins tapping his fingers on his thigh. "Yes, well I wouldn't want my secret research facility looking like anything more than a dilapidated farm. The dead livestock (ironic as that sounds) is a nice added deterent."

He admires the CS inginuity. To think that this facility had gone unnoticed for so long leads one to wonder how many more tricks the facists had up their sleeves. Dyvalis shakes his head and checks his watch.

"We gonna wait here all day or go inside? Amy take us down I want to check out the farm house and the barn."

Dyvalis turns annoyedly to the ex-Sheriff, giving him a look but suspending his temper for a short moment to issue his orders after receiving the radio call from Lt. Lynn. "Amy, set us down on the other side of the barn. Everyone get ready to take the barn. Glitter Boys with Lt. Pierce. Others with Lt. Tyirrak. This might get cramped, so watch your fire."

And then, back to Flat Bullet. "PRIVATE, attend me," he orders, emphasizing the rank in that command, "You may have been sheriff of your city, but in the Tolkeen Army, which you willfully registered with, you are a fucking private. You are the grunt, and as such you wait for word from your superiors. You do NOT give orders. Understand me? It is critical that we orchestrate this mission properly, and Lt. Lynn is the officer with the most intel on the facility, so we go on her say so, NOT on yours."

He dismisses Flat Bullet and invokes an incantation which covers him in a full metal armor, almost Egyptian looking in design.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Sat 02 Aug 2008.

Flat Bullet contains his emotions like any good soldier while getting scolded on teh chain of command "Yes Lieutenant..."

Squad One is advancing on the barn doors, as Amy brings the dropship down to land.

Tyirrak loaded up, adding a few more grenades to the magnetic clips on his belt. He slung a heavy Wellington grenade launcher over his shoulder and made sure more magnet points attached it firmly to the back of his armor, while he hefted a CTT-P40 in his hands.

By the sounds of things, this installation was going to be a death-trap. Plenty of excitement for everyone. Tyirrak had a rare smile under the visor of his helmet. Plenty of prey.

Once the drop ship has landed Drano leads his squad of it and take up a hasty defense position. Not knowing how long they will be here Drano looked around to see how they can make the position more defendable.

<IMG SRC="http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/5462/barnentrancecopyfv0.jpg">

Dyvalis walks with Amy and Daemonis toward Tyirrak's squad. "Pvt. Bullet, the back door please. Vashti and Tyirrak, you're the first one's in. Pierce's squad, be ready to support."

 - As Squad One enters the barn, rail gun fire tears through the barn walls. -

Flat Bullet tosses a grenade at the wall in front of him and charges thorugh the wall after the explosion. The room is empty other thana ramp in the middle of the room leading down into the ground, and an entire platoon of skelebots who immediately spring into action. The grackle tooth dives to his chest to avoid crossfire from Squad One and opens fire at the nearest skelebot.

As Flat Bullet tossed the grenade, Vashti paused for a moment's concentration.  The demon queller gave a quick mutter, "I'm going to need a new uniform again, before this is done, I just know it" then ran through the now-clear hole, vaulting over the prone grackle tooth.

Vashti charged more-or-less directly towards the skelebots' position, his path changing only so much as necessary to give his squad a clear line of fire.  Once near the enemy robots, he shouted "Jai Mahakali, Ayo Jerriduli!" as his swords flashed free from his harness.  The Jerridu's multiple arms moved with blinding speed as he struck at the nearest robots, moving from one to another as they became too damaged to be a threat.  In such a target-rich environment he didn't worry much about picking the most tactically-sound robot, the nearest one would do fine.

Amy stays well back with Dyvalis, buttoning up her beloved pelican securely so that no-one else will be able to sneak on or steal it while shes gone.  She nervously holds her Wilk's laser rifle trying not to look as jumpy as she feels.  Obviously she's not really infantry material and barely a military pilot when it comes to that.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Mon 04 Aug 2008.

McCloud fidgets in his cockpit, eager to wade in and join in the firefight in the barn.  But he holds position, waiting for the order to fire.  As a precaution he makes sure his boom gun is hot, but leaves it stowed for now.

Dyvalis watches the firefight begin. He shouts over toward the Glitter Boys "Pierce, take your squad to the east side and put some fire on the barn if you can get a target. Take down the wall if you have to, but not the supports."

Drano pulls the CTT-P40 PBC rifle from its holster on the right leg of his Chromium Guardsman as he moves to the east side of the barn and fires seven blasts into it, firing low so that some of the blast might (or might not) hit the Skelbots.

“Blow the barn away!”

Following close behind Drano, McCloud clomps into position and locks his suit's pylons into the ground.  Hitting the Silencer button to protect his squadmates from having their eardrums blown out, he shouts "Fire in the hole!" over the comm and levels his boom gun at the barn.  The glitterboy jerks back three times, its stabilizer thrusters strangely loud without the world-shaking "BOOM!" of the gun to mask them, as McCloud proves that he can, in fact, hit the broad side of a barn.

OOC: Post edited to reflect TW enhancements I didn't know I had...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Thu 07 Aug 2008.

Dyvalis watches things unfold, issuing orders on the squad's comm channel. "Check your fire GB's. Make sure you've got a target to hit. Get someone to take the boards down if you can't see."

Vashti follows Flat Bullet inside the barn to find only twelve skelebots left standing. The Jeridu charges right for one squad of four, and hacks away at them, parrying most of their attempts to take aim before the skelebots can fire.

Tyirrak is in behind him and moves right in for another squad of four, tearing them limb from limb.

The Glitter Boys make short work of the remaining four.

Twelve of them have been covered in magic netting by Squad One, and another few were likely vaporized where the scorched craters are in the ground.

Severin and Burd from Squd Two are spotted first, but Karnon, Thasha, and Oksana are right behind them, while Portia, Van and Callie came in through a mystic portal on the west wall.

The ramp in the middle of the barn leads to an elevator, with closed doors...

Receiving the radio call from the Captain, Dyvalis nods and offers a small salute to Drano. "Good luck lieutenant."

He then walks over to speak with Portia. "Lt. Lynn, what do we know about the facility's defenses aside from these drones up here?"

OOC -- I'm realizing that Portia can't exactly answer in this thread. Should I post on the common radio channel? Or are we gonna amalgamate some threads?

The rest of Squad Two enters the barn to find Burd, Severin and Thasha executing the remaining skelebots trapped in the magic nets. Callie and Van are working on opening an elevator door (huge double doors).

Karnon, Oksana and Portia stand at the top of the ramp waiting to get inside, when Dyvalis walks up to her. Flat Bullet stands up and accompanies Dyvalis to the other Lieutenant. (she has not answered yet)

"Amy, breaching underground Coalition facilities may not be your forte. You should probably go with Drano to cover the back door Squad Three found. Again it may be imperative to have your dropship ready to go if we need a quick evacuation..."

Portia responds:

"We are waiting on Callie to figure that out for sure... according to the sergeant we interrogated, the first two decks were used as a barracks. I didn't get any information regarding any defenses."

She smiles at Dyvalis before adding, "With half of your squad being pulled away, you may as well join mine. As soon as Callie and Van have those doors open we are going inside in three fire teams. I will lead one with Severin, Burd, Braga, and Callie. Van will lead another with Karnon, Oksana, and Thasha. And you can bring your remaining five in. My team is on point, and you will take up the rear Dyvalis."

Callie calls up to the top of the ramp "The only security features are a passcode to get inside here, and a camera inside the elevator, which I have just deactivated. The elevator is on its' way to our floor... be ready..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:13, Sat 09 Aug 2008.

Dyvalis gives a sarcastic smile at Portia's comment about losing half his squad. "You're the first officer on site," said in a manner that indicates 'whatever you say boss', "My squad will be in behind Sgt. Fanel's."

The doors open, with Oksana on the ready to pounce anything that may be a threat. The elevator itself is 15 feet deep, and 12 feet wide, and Callie was right, this elevator goes down up to 16 floors...

The elevator is empty, besides a dead soldier. A mid-twenties Private is slumped in a sitting position with his head between his knees, and a CP-30 in his hand. Upon closer inspection, there is a laser-hole in the back of his head. With no wounds on the man's face, it becomes obvious he shot himself in the mouth. Oksana can tell the body has been here for a couple days. The elevator stinks of rotting flesh, nauseating to the inexperienced.

*Oksana turns her hand into a blade and stabs at the bottom of the elevator until she punches a hole through and looks down.*
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Mon 11 Aug 2008.

Vashti looked at the dead young man and shrugged.  "Well," he began, "It seems there's other things keeping their attention right now if that's all the reception we receive."  The jerridu looked around at the faces nearby.  "Not that that's a bad thing." he concluded in a tone that quite clearly expressed the opposite.

"Yes sir, thank you." She sounds quite relieved not to be storming an underground bunker with who knows what as oposition.  "I'll keep my girl ready to evacuate you and be on station over by the glitterboys sir."  In considerably better spirits now she offers him a salute thats getting closer to military precision before dashing back to the dropship and firing it up to acompany the GB squad.

Drano, Comartin and McCloud board Amy's dropship and they all head out to meet up with Squad Three, to the south east.

It takes Oksana eight hits, to finally break through the bottom of the elevator, and a ninth stab to make the hole big enough to see through...

Oksana peers through the little hole, looks back up to everyone else and then does a double-take.  Standing up, she looks to Van and Callie.  "Ummm... there's something down there... some kind of freak snake!"

Van jumps to, needing to see it to believe it. He uses his multi-optics to get a better look while keeping his rifle aimed generally at the hole, with curiousity and caution in equal measure. "What the fuck?"

Portia responds, "Make that hole big enough so we can shoot the damn thing then lets go on down to sixteen. I am guessing that is where all the fun is."

Oksana forms both arms into elongated hooks and she jams them both into the hole she made and starts rippinng.  Once some tears are made in the metal, she reforms her arms to normal and peels up the metal plating in the floor of the elevator to make a hole about two feet in diameter.  Oksana bends the metal as if it were clay.  Then she'll step back for someone with a gun to take care of the next step.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Tue 12 Aug 2008.

The 'snake' is coiled up at the bottom 16 decks down (over 300 feet). It is brown, with snake-like markings all over its flesh. It is at least 50 feet long, and as wide as a man is tall. It isnt noticing the movement up above ground, but it is definitely breathing... it could be asleep...

Van says "Better make the first shot a good one, I don't think it knows we're here. Anybody got a fusion block?" Van keeps his rifle on the hole and motions for Callie and Thasha to do the same.

Nobody volunteers any explosives, and Portia doesn't seem to impressed with the idea of bombing the facility just yet. So that leaves Van and Callie to open fire on the creature laying coiled at the bottom of the shaft. He hits it, three times before it squeels, sending a high-pitched screeching, echoing up through the shaft for everyone up above to hear. It quickly uncoils itself, but its direction is unclear, and no head is visible. Soon the creature is gone, disappearing down a hole in the ground just big enough for it to squeeze through.

Van reports what he sees, and Portia wastes no time to get on with the mission. She leads her squad into the elevator, as Van and Oksana step back out to make room. Severin, Burd, Braga and Calliandra step in taking up a large portion of the elevator. Van, Karnon, Oksana and Thasha step in next and pretty much fill up the rest. Everybody has to squish together to allow room for Dyvalis, Flat Bullet, Tyirrak, Vashti, and Daemonis. And the elevator is packed, shoulder to shoulder, man to demon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:30, Thu 14 Aug 2008.

The elevator doors close, locking everyone inside, and at Calliandra's mental command it begins the journey down to Deck 16. It moves smoothly, as Callie reads out the floors as they pass them.

"One... two... three... four..."

The elevator begins to shake slightly...

"Five... six... seven..."

The shaking becomes stronger, and a faint grinding sound is heard, coming from outside the elevator...

"Eight... Nine... Ten..."

Still six floors to go, and the grinding is getting louder...

"Eleven... Twelve... Thirteen..."

The grinding sound suddenly stops, followed by a low growling sound, that seems to vibrate the elevator itself.

"Fourteen... fifteen... Sixteen..."

The elevator stops and the doors slide open...

 - This thread is temporarily closing. Please post in Squad One.

The elevator doors open on deck 13, revealing a long corridor identical to deck 16, except for the three dead bodies. Tyirrak and Vashti are the first ones to step outside of the elevator, ready for anything...

Flat Bullet and Shimrod are next, followed by Captain Shira and Madtown.

Dyvalis... you vanished last post, I am assuming you came up with your crew...

As the small squad ascends in the elevator, Dyvalis' body steps into the realm of the 3 dimensional, taking form before them, distorted as if stepping out of water. "Ultima, Victor, Warrior. All these rooms have the Madtown device. Humans sleep in Mike. Snakes patrol the hallways. Be ready."

With that his body distorts and leaves this plain, his voice echoing it's warnings.

The elavator goes back down again, so the other squad can come up to join. Squad Two stands in the corridor waiting...

Please post in Squad One thread