"Be telling me about it - first time I was fitted with synthetic fur was not being fire retardant... One little lubricant leak and 'poof!', was all black and charred." replies 'Masque to Amy's comment on smoking, perhaps wisely choosing to sidestep the whole question of what might happen to people if the war goes the wrong way, before making a little 'easy' gesture to Photios and good-naturedly stating, "Is best to assume we are in field here - so no saluting anyone you do not mind being shot all full of holes, da?"

 Portia's arrival into the conversation gets a sharp and snappy salute of course, but it's quite plainly meant in jest rather than in earnest, before the big cyborg notices Na-wa heading out of the camp and thoughtfully observes, "I am hoping boy is not getting lost." before going back to talking with Thasha and Amy, turning aside now and then to continue the ongoing foxhole-upgrading program "One of kind is always hard - how is it you are being... being then, if you do not mind asking?"

   Lotus has been silent for a while, spending some time walking around the edges of the encampment.  She didn't stray out of sight from her team, but certainly out of earshot and out of the range of any telepath that might have gotten curious.  She knows how to guard against intrusions, both psionic and social, but sometimes plain old distance was the best method.
   After a while, Lotus finds a small white flower, places it in behind her ear and returns to the group, walking casually.  Her demonic horned helmet bobs on her hip as it is clipped to her belt but the rest of her gear is still tightly bound by their various leather straps and sheathes.  She might appear shaken, but her demeanor is returning.  She nods silently to the group as she enters the circle and waits a moment before speaking, not interrupting anyone else.
   "Ah, Amy? I was wondering if you might take a look at my hovercycle and make sure everything is running smoothly.  The engine light came on a while ago... It still sounds ok to me though.".

Amy was about to respond when Lotus approached with her question.  "Sure, I don't mind, just, could you bring it over here, I don't want far to go if I have to duck."  Her feline grin is wide at that and she shoots Masque a wink before settling back a bit.

"Hmm, well I guess, you know how the Coalition has their dog-boys?" she hardly waits for a response before she goes on.  "I guess you could say that I'm mostly the same thing, only with a different starting point, and I think they wanted a bit more intelligence out of the program.  My home planet well, really nation was just starting into serious genetic manipulation.  I don't know how many may have gone before they got to me, but I lived most of my life in a carefully controlled laboratory.  I didn't realize it of course, everyone was kind to me, and supportive, and made sure I learned what I was supposed to... It was only after the rift accident that I learned that not everyone went through the same indoctrination I did."  She shrugs her shoulders stretching a bit her tail waving lazily.  "I wasn't  even upset about it when I found out how I had been used.  They must have done a really good job right?" Throughout her tone is more wistful than angry, aside from a brief moment when she mentions the accident, hurt audible in her tone and its clear from her posture it was a painful experience, one she quickly glossed over.

There is a loud screeching sound that tears through the makeshift waiting room prepared by the new task force. There is a brief gust of wind, followed by a blinding white light, and then no more than 100 feet from where most of the group is gathered, three people suddenly appear. Two are human-sized, the third is barely half a man, at least in size. The two humans are wearing quality body armour, and are both heavily armed. The small person is wearing traditional Tolkeen-styled robes.

There is another loud screech, followed by wind and a bright light, this time just behind the new arrivals. A rolling thunder ATV and a combat-road chopper are teleported into the open field behind them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:50, Thu 15 Apr 2010.

The short man waddles over to the group mumbling to himself all the way while the two soldiers move to their vehicles to drive them over to the group.

As he comes closer his mumblings are heard... "Stupid damn teleporters can't even teleport me to the right damn place. Just wait until this mission is over and I get back to Tolkeen... I will make sure those nitwits are removed from active duty so fast their heads will spin off from their bodies! Speaking of which, I am lucky my own damn head isn't on backwards or some such thing... Oh look, it's my new team... I only hope they aren't ALL useless...."

He stops twenty or so feet away from the group and seems to wait for a proper salute from someone before speaking.

"As I am sure you are all aware, I am Warrick. I will be overseeing this little party for the next little while to make sure Tolkeen isn't wasting it's time giving you all orders. So now you are just wasting my time, not theirs.

I have spent a great deal of time looking over your mission records for the past month, and I must say I am dumbfounded you have all survived this long. Unless I am mistaken... and correct me if I am... you are all former members of Pluto Company. The same Pluto Company that has a record for losing the most lieutenants on the field. You have been in action for less than 30 days and Lieutenants Xion and Zephram have both been killed? It seems they are the lucky ones, as they don't have to live with the shame of this last operation.

Which, if I understand correctly from the reports that I read from Desire as well as your old Major and Captain... Pluto Company entered the town of Desire to casually investigate a renegade Tolkeen force. And within minutes, one of your officers had fatally assaulted an innocent bystander. There were dozens of reports from Desire detailing town-wide assaults and even murder. At this point, Desire decided to defend themselves without killing anyone. And as Major Karno explained, your company then responded with further violence, resulting in the deaths of over 40 citizens of the kingdom of Tolkeen. One report even details a dragon among your group eating a citizen right off the street.

Every one of these deaths could have been avoided if your company had competent leadership. They also could have been avoided if you weren't a bunch of chest-beating savages. This sort of practice is over. I don't care what rank you are, any sort of this behaviour will result in a full report from myself to Tolkeen command and I will recommend the absolute worst in punishment. It is time to act like soldiers. Now where is Lieutenant Lynn? I want to speak to the leader of this broken outfit in private.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:57, Thu 15 Apr 2010.

McCloud bristles as the arrogant little gnome gives the group a thorough dressing down.  But protocol and the realization that the little bastard wasn't even remotely wrong about how and why the previous mission had gotten all FUBAR'ed helps him keep his mouth shut.

Keth goes to his combat-road chopper and drives to where the group is and parks it. He then hops out after turning it off and heads to Warrick and stands at ease but keeps opening and closing his hands like hes bored or more likely a juicer

Keth waits till Warrick is done talking and asks him in American "Sir do you need me or can I unload my gear?"

Severin just remains silent, stifling his laughter at the sight of the gnome, 3' tall and ordering him around... this wasn't going to be fun.

 The big 'borg listens thoughtfully to Amy's explanation of how she came into existence and at the end, simply nods in something not terribly far from understanding as she comes to the end of it, "Maybe - on other hand they were making you - is no small thing, youbet. Is like from home, where I am owing everything to Kolodenko and his warband. His warriors were protecting my village, were teaching me to be warrior. Without him I would not be - even when I was learning that Kolodenko was not always honourable like in stories it was okay, because debt I was owing did not have bottom, da?" he goes on to muse, before the tearing sound and light sees the big 'borg in his foxhole and bringing his weapons up and to bear almost without thought - better to be prepared and foolish than cool and perforated seeming to be something of a watchword of his.

 The arrival of the gnome more or less repeating everything he's thought and said for the last who-knows how long however, that's as good a cue as any for him to heave himself back out of the pit and return to casual improvement of the groups field fortifications (such as they are) and chewing the fat.

Drano listens to the new arrivals speech, and shook his head at the mention of a so called bystander being murdered. Well if the bartended cooperated he’d still be alive. Instead of voicing this conceren Drano kept his mouth shut. The little shit had probably, until now hadn’t left Tolkeen proper since the war started, and seemed the type to think that no matter what you did it wouldn’t have been the right thing to do.

Photios half drew his sword as the teleportation commenced, resheathing the sword as the arrival turns out not to be a demon. Still keeping his hand upon the hilt as the man began to talk and explain his situation.

Knowing Portia would not take well to this bossy little fellow, Photios smiled inwardly at the thought of Portia ripping the man a new ass for his haughty behavior.

Warrick scans across his new group looking for the officer, when Keth asks his question. Without looking up at the juicer, the gnome responds "Hmmm? Why would I need you? Report in to the officer here, and I don't recommend unloading anything we should be on the move very soon."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Fri 16 Apr 2010.

Portia watches as the newcomers telport in and approach the group. She remains seated until the advisor has finished speaking and lets him wait a few moments before standing and walking towards them. "I am Lieutenant Lynn, I am in command here. How may I be of assistance mister Warrick?"

She emphasizes the 'mister' to make sure everyone knows she is still in command... at least as far as military decisions are concerned.

She looks at Keth, "I can use you in Squad One. Just hang tight until we set out... to wherever it is we are setting out to..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:25, Fri 16 Apr 2010.

"We are setting out to continue the hunt for the traitors to the Kingdom, that's where we are going. It seems your actions in Desire have given them fair warning that we are close. Fortunately for us, they are scared and are starting to make mistakes. There is a former politician among their ranks. He made the mistake of contacting his daughter in Freehold, and she turned over the recording of their conversation to Tolkeen authorities. According to Renszath, they are meeting with the Coalition on the East side of the northern most point of the Barrens. Furthermore, the small town of Taloon, which is on the west side, has reported sightings of a massive golem, accompanied by several dozen questionable-looking Tolkeen soldiers. We believe these are the dead boy-wanabees we are looking for, and that is where we are headed. So pack up, and let's head further East."


(A reminder of the current mission) :

The renegade Tolkeen group has approximately 50 members. They are lead by Captain Theodore Kitt, and his second in command Lieutenant Dragana Kovacevic. They are both shifter-mages and none of them have any trouble killing Tolkeen soldiers. They firmly believe we are the enemy, and will stop at nothing to ensure the Coalition victory.

Their troops consist of :

7-8 other mages (line walkers, warlocks, necromancer etc)
3-4 full conversion cyborgs
Drake - a seasoned mind melter
2 Dragon Fly Juggernauts
6-7 Battle Mages
Renszath - A former politician - Raksasha Demon
10 various rifle men
5 master psychics (bursters, zappers etc)
6 summoned gargoyles
2 Mystic Knights
1 High Magus, and his Colossus Automaton from Dweomer (this giant war machine will help give us their position).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Fri 16 Apr 2010.

"I had nearly forgotten, I come bearing gifts for the mercenaries present. Not you Keth, just the others. On behalf of Tolkeen we thank you for your loyal service thus far and would like to ensure our partnerships are extended until the end of the war. Tolkeen has seen fit to raise all of your daily pay rates in good faith, starting with a cred-stick worth 10 000 each."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Fri 16 Apr 2010.

The second mercenary had remained Silent till now. Not seeming to need to speak unless spoken too was her method of keeping from forcing a fight. Wild raven black hair picked up on even the lightest wind she looked like the art of combat wasn't something she was built for, Skinny but toned she was short and young looking probably no older than 20. Her green eyes scanning the group as the gnome spoke, less than a day and already she saw him as a kick-able. Something to punt if irritated

It was her armament that made question to what she really was slung to a shoulder strap handing with the barrel just over her shoulder the 6 foot long rifle rested it looked new in her right hand a TW starfire rifle, on her hip a sword in an emerald covered sheath and on her other hip a satchel closed.

She looked back to her APV and as soon as the little chewing out for the older members was over; she walked back and began checking the back seat of the little three seater.

Keth has an array of weapons on him like a Ja-12 laser rifle slung on his shoulder, a Ng-45 lp(belt holster), vibro knife(belt), vibro-sword(sheath hip), a slivered longsword(sheathed hip) and a .45 cal autopistol(shoulder holster)

Keth salutes Portia "Ma'am if you excuse I'm going to get my vehicle and my other weapons ready for possible combat" If she doesn't object he heads to his vehicle and drives to them then makes sure his gear is stowed securely and ready for use

McCloud can't help muttering to Drano, "Another mission like this last one and the war'll be over sooner than we'd like..."

 Just how much eavesdropping the oversized, four-armed tiger-like being wearing the heavy plates of cyborg body armour that's been sprayed in a disruptive pattern colour scheme to match the local foliage has been doing while sitting there trimming tree trunks with a vibro-knife is open to question, but with the word to get read to move out he grumbles almost audibly as he hefts a pair of bullpupped, drum-fed grenade launchers and clips them onto locking plates over his shoulders, then offers Thasha and Amy a rumbled "Better be ready to move out - I will go see about cherries."

 That said he straightens - and keeps straightening to a height that would be imposing in an army that didn't have demons and war golems in it - before heading smoothly over to Keth and Tam to start the welcome wagon rolling; "Welcome to pointy end of war, I am being Silvermasque, mercenary lieutenant and mobile artillery support - mind if I am asking names and specialities?"

Tam Looked back over her shoulder "Tam Dragon Juicer and heavy weapons." she said quickly and with little change of attention "Keth's a Hyperion Juicer, We're from the same merc. co." She commented, pulling on the strap to her big gun and spinning it around like the weapon was made of plastic.

   Lotus was happy to be done with the wait after the appearance of Warrick and two more soldiers to the cause.  She was already considering the best method to test the limits of this purported advisor who felt he would demonstrate his brilliant leadership skills with a solid impersonation of a small yappy dog.  She made her way alongside Silvermasque, keeping away from his tree-trimming vibroblade.  "I know we've not always seen eye-to-eye, but if you would take it upon yourself to request me into your squad when they divide us all up, I would be very appreciative."

   Regardless of his response, she'll at least be civil and join him in introductions as he tries to make the newcomers feel welcome.  "I am Lotus." She states her name, but not her profession knowing that the Dragon Juicer at least should recognize the demon helm clipped at her waist.

Amy trails after Silvermasque, almost entirely lost in his shadow, darting quickly after each of his longer steps.  She offers Tam a small wave.  "Nice to meet you, I'm Amy, extraction and scouting."  she waves towards her dropship across the way.  "I better go make sure she's ready.  It was nice speaking with you Silvermasque, and to know that someone understands.  Many people I meet don't."

 Tam's introduction gets a smooth nod and a glance at the cannon she's toting (he prefers Northern Gun hardware himself, simply for its greater durability and the ease of maintainance, but he has a hearty respect for the raw firepower of the weird alien weapons from Naruni), which prompts a rumbled "Is never bad thing to have juicers on team if you are having some experience under belt - hopefully we will be having time to work together some before we are meeting with enemy." before he breaks off to look back and down at Lotus for a few moments thoughtfully.

 "I have never had problem with your ability, as far as anyone in unit is being, you have been pretty good soldier - I was only having issue with your temper. If you can be keeping lid on it, I would be glad to put gun in your hand and have you at my back, youbet." he states to the far smaller mystic knight, not being the sort of soldier to hold grudges after things have been resolved and perfectly aware that there are far worse people to be partnered with than Lotus in the squad...

 ...at which point he gives a gleaming silvery grin to Amy, since having three pretty young ladies hanging around him (even if he's no longer biological enough to do very much about it outside of a cyberjacked virtual environment) is never a bad thing and rumbles, "I am thinking maybe lot of people are not understanding that family is not always mom and pop and white picket fence, da? Sometimes is those you grew up with, and who made you what you are. Is nothing shameful in choosing to honour that."

 Not only a multitasker but a deep thinker too... Which just helps to make 'Masque ideal company to be stuck in a foxhole under fire with (though his main virtue remains that he's perfect overhead cover).

Thasha walks to the dropship with Amy, after casually introducing himself to the newcomers. "Hi, I am Thasha... I heard one of the others say I was a grunt, so I guess that's what I am.".

Portia nods in response to Keth, and watches the meet'n'greet for a few moments before hopping on her hovercycle. She blasts off 60 feet straight up tries to get a good look of their eastern path.