Two months have passed since your encounter in Onaping Falls. The Lazlo Militia sent in an entire company to aid in your search for the Onaping Falls refugees. For two weeks you searched with little incident. During the last few days you don’t find any more refugees and command declares the search and rescue mission closed. The experts at the base have speculated that since, according to Lancaster, the townspeople were dead and then sustained by the Old One they, and any newcomers that were “killed” after arriving into Onaping Falls, ceased to exist once the Old One was… well whatever it was that happened to it. They’re still debating the details on what exactly that failsafe device did. Unfortunately no sign of Sunshine, Lady Nina, Simon Steelhelm or The White was ever found.
     After that you spend the next six weeks helping with the set up of the new forward operating base, Aegis II. Mostly that means patrolling the perimeter and the outlying areas to make sure nothing nasty surprises the base. Other people are busy erecting the prefabricated buildings, tents, wall, etc.
     During this time you say goodbye to two other personnel. Noren returns to his squad now that he’s been freed from Onaping Falls. Ayashe Rainmaker had a vision related to her home village and her people. She doesn’t tell you the details, but she does say she needs to return home. She formally requested to be released from the militia and a few days later her request is granted. So off she went.
     As for the rest of you, you eventually are given great news. After you and the Onaping Falls survivors were debriefed and the information reviewed, it has been determined that you’ll each be rewarded with a medal and a promotion. Meina to chief warrant officer 2, Shawn to sergeant first class, Zato to staff sergeant, James and Ariella both to specialist. Congratulations. Before you ask, these promotions do not impact how much money you made over the past two months as the award and promotion ceremony was held the day before Mission 5 starts.
     Now on to the mission.
     On the morning of your recon squad and three others are summoned into a large tent along with their respective APC crews. The briefing will be conducted by Eric Ferma, a civilian Xiticix expert and by Lieutenant Curtiss, your platoon leader. A man you’ve seen so infrequently that it prompts Scott Blood to comment, “We have a platoon leader? When the hell did this start?”
     In game you have a little bit of time before the briefing begins. You may post any actions before the briefing takes place. Also, just like last time you have until this briefing concludes to make any equipment requests. Once this briefing is over the window to ask for anything is closed.

     I reply to Scott, “Yeah, of course. Remember when we… No, he wasn’t there. But when we… No, he wasn’t there for that mission either, but he was… No, not that mission either. You’re right. Since when did we have that lieutenant?”

Corporal Roberto Dominguez Rivera, more commonly known as Rob, of the Lazlo Militia, was ‘saddle sore’. Less than 24 hours ago, he had been assigned to ‘Recon Squad 125’, given minimal information about his new unit and told the logpac (logistical package) for its current FOB (Forward Operating Base), FOB Aegis II, would be SPing (Starting Point) soon and he had better be on it.

Unexpected Fragos (Fragmentary Orders) were nothing new to Rob. As a member of the E4 Mafia, not to mention a generational member of the LM, he knew stuff like this just happened. So he’d saluted his platoon leader, packed his ‘I’m going to be in the field for who knows how long’ bag, loaded it on his hovercycle and took his position in the convoy.

Thankfully the trip out to FOB Aegis II had been uneventful. In fact they had made good time but it had still been a long ride and while he loved his NG-424 Hornet, it was built for speed, not comfort. He had just passed the gates of the FOB and was taking in its partially completed appearance, when a PFC came running up to him to inform him that he was needed in the TOC (Tactical Operations Center), his new CO was giving a briefing to the squad on their next mission, time now.

“Frack me,” Rob muttered as he took off his helmet and racked it on his hovercycle. “I was hoping for a chance to settle in first, maybe get cleaned up before meeting the CO but oh well. Which one is the TOC?” “I’ll take you there corporal,” the young woman says and then leads the way, thru the entrance control point. Not seeing a clearing barrel, Rob shrugs and steps into the TOC, glancing around at the assembled people before selecting an unoccupied piece of ground to stand on and hoping that he hasn’t missed too much.

Judging by the looks of things, him reporting in wearing his ride armor, his sidearm strapped to his thigh in its drop-down holster, didn’t seem too out of place. “Small favors,” he thought to himself.


OOC
I don't know how much Army jargon and terms everyone is familiar with so I added subtitles. If that is good, bad or indifferent, please let me know so I can adjust fire as needed

James arrives, Ariella flitting about him as almost always.  He carries a tray of food and a couple of soda bottles.  As they join the others, he opens the bottles and begins to eat.  Ariella flits in periodically to steal bits from the tray.  James growls playfully in response, which illicts tiny musical giggles from the fae.
At the mention of the platoon leader, James gives a chuckle.  He's better at being sneaky than we are, he comments quietly.

(No requisitions yet as we don't know what we're in for, but Meina will offer to return the undead-hunting kit loaned out earlier, minus the bits that have been used.)

"Yeah, I know commissioned officers don't always go on the front lines and he probably has more units than just us to handle, but still, I don't actually recall seeing him too often even around the base. Well, there's a first for everything I guess. Maybe this means we have an even more important job ahead of us..."

Meina then does her best attempt at cracking wise, a little joke for the team.

"After all, you don't just promote people as a reward for doing well, you do it as an enticement before you send them off on something even more dangerous. Anybody get gifted shiny new boots and fresh tobacco lately?"

     At 0800 the lieutenant announces, “Okay, everyone. Quiet down and let’s get this briefing started.” Once everyone is settled Lieutenant Curtiss says, “Morning everyone. Get comfortable. We’re going to be here a while. We’re going in to neutralize the Duluth Hive. It’s going to be a three stage operation and we’re about to go over Stage One in detail. Dr. Ferma, would you like to start?”
     Ferma thanks the lieutenant and then goes to a smartboard that’s on a stand towards the back of the tent. He taps it and a map of the area is displayed. Both the Duluth Hive and Aegis II’s locations are marked. Aegis II is to the northeast of the hive.
     Ferma says, “We’re here and the hive is there. And this is the hive’s territory.” Ferma taps the smartboard and the black dot representing the hive is engulfed by a red blob on the map. A good portion of the blob runs along the northwest coast of Lake Superior. The black dot is near the center of the blob. Aegis II is outside the blob. “The queens and the hatcheries are mark by that black dot. Here’s a quick rundown on Xitixic Expansion 101. You start off with a hive. When there’s enough Xitixic to expand their territory they start by sending out teams of warriors and workers to build outposts. Once the outposts are established the Xitixic start expanding them back towards the hive while the hive starts expanding towards them. After awhile the hive sends more warriors and workers to the outposts and eventually the outposts are more like bases. Eventually the hive connects up with the bases, but before that happens they send out more teams to establish new outposts. And the cycle repeats itself until the hive has all the territory it can get. Which means that surrounding the hive proper is a ring of bases and another ring of outposts.”
     Ferma taps the smartboard again. A ring of several yellow circles surrounds the red blob while another ring of green dots surrounds them.
     “In Stage One we’re targeting the outposts.”

     ((It doesn’t bother me if you want to use Army jargon as long as you continue to include the translations into layman’s terms.))

Rob listened to the briefing though he couldn't help but hear some of the sidebar chatter. As he hadn't been introduced to literally anyone, and was in the middle of a briefing, he knew now wasn't the time for him to strike up conversations.

He was by no means an expert on the Xiticix but he knew the basics; they were hyper territorial humanoid bugs, hell bent on terraforming the entire planet into a giant hive. Based on that limited understanding, and what he had heard so far, he wondered if the outposts were a feint, meant to draw a response away from the main hive.

     The lieutenant takes over for a moment.
     “Through aerial reconnaissance, astral projection and many, many small teams of wilderness scouts we have determined the path of least resistance to the heart of the hive.”
     LT Curtiss taps the smartboard and a line appears. It starts at the black dot at the center of the hive but does not go to Aegis II. It ends towards the west of the base.
     “You’ll notice that the path doesn’t start at our base. There are two reasons for that. The first is that by the time the higher ups finished analyzing the intelligence we were more than halfway done setting up the base. The second is that even if they finished their analysis sooner we’d probably still set up here. I’m not going to go into all of the details, but based on a lot of different criteria, this was the best place to set up. Not perfect, but the best we were going to find.”
     The lieutenant taps the smartboard and several outposts and bases near the line are X-ed out.
     “Anyway, we’re not going to eliminate every base or outpost. Just the ones too close to this path. When we go into the hive we don’t need more Xitixic behind us cutting off our path back out.”
     Ferma takes back over.
     “The Xitixic will notice and respond to the loss of their outposts and bases. Their response to the loss of an outpost does take longer than the loss of a base. We’re not sure if it’s because they’re farther away from the hive, because they’re considered less important than the bases, or a little bit of column A and B. It takes between one to four weeks for the Xitixic to respond to the outpost’s destruction. The Xitixic will respond to a base’s destruction typically in a day or two. Five at most.”
     LT Curtiss says, “Which means once we start the mission the clock starts ticking. After we leave the base today we’re not coming back here until the Duluth mission is finished, one way or the other.”

Rob nodded his head along with the briefing. "So the attack on the outposts aren't meant to draw the bugs away from the hive for a strike on it but as route clearing," He thinks to himself.

He raises his hand for attention and if acknowledged says, "Corporal Rivera Sir, just arrived. So our mission is to be an RCP and not the assault force? (Route Clearing Package)"

     The lieutenant replies, “I’m getting a little bit ahead of myself here, but Stages One and Two are for the purpose of clearing the route to the hive. Stage Three is when we enter the hive and neutralize it.”

A small grin appears on Rob's face at the lieutenants response. "Pulling double duty, sweet. I wonder just what kind of unit I've been assigned to," He wonders to himself. "I'm thinking it's a 'squad' on paper only. Did I just get quiet drafted into special forces?"

      The lieutenant continues, “This will be our target.” He taps the board and one of the outposts is highlighted in a red circle. Ferma starts handing out computer tablets to the platoon members. Not everyone gets a tablet. About every third so you’re going to have to share. The lieutenant taps the board and up pops a diagram of a Xitixic tower. The caption over the tower reads “D-015.” The lieutenant taps the board again and a “floor plan” of the tower comes up.
     “Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up. We’re going to hit the tower at night when most of them will be sleeping. We will still have to be careful as they do keep a night watch to guard the outpost when it’s most vulnerable. But that’s also the time that most of the warriors and all of the workers will be inside the outpost. We reach the outpost and use a fusion block at its base to open a hole in. Squads 120, 125 and 130 will enter while Squad 135 stays outside to cover the exit. Tiny, in particular will guard the new entrance.”
     Scott asks, “Who’s Tiny?”
     “That Titan Juicer sitting behind you.”
     When you turn around to look you see a human male Titan Juicer sitting on a folding chair much too small for him. He waves to the platoon and says hello.
     “The hell!? How did we not see you before? Did someone cast an invisibility spell on you or are you part cat?”

Rob had also failed to notice the giant slab of muscle that is Tiny the Titan. Which didn't do great things for his confidence in his observational abilities but did give him immediate confidence in the Juicers ability to guard their exfil and remain unnoticed. He waved back at the chemically enhanced super soldier and then turned his attention back to the briefing.

He had questions, like how they were going to take out the tower. o
Ordinarily he knew to wait until the briefing was over and the LT called for questions. However since joining the briefing, he had gotten the distinct vibe that things were a little less formal here. He decided to test that theory and raised his hand."Sir, how will be taking out the tower? More fusion blocks? Or a suitcase 'nuke'? Something along those lines?", he asked the LT.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 22 June 2023.

Zato is appearing as a humanoid in full uniform for the time being, as it seems to keep people at ease around the base. Besides, it allows him to fit through doors and sit on normal chairs and so on. He still has some scales showing around the face, and by now has a more or less standard appearance he goes by so he can be recognised.

"Previously, we placed devices that released toxins. Poison bombs I suppose. I suppose we could try boiling the nest though, if you can find a big enough kettle."

     I reply to Zato’s comment, “That was in the giant wasp nest and ant colony in Atikokan. The last time we entered a Xitixic hive we used fuel-air bombs to destroy it.”

     The lieutenant answers, “We’re not going to demolish the tower. No need to. The tower can stay, it’s the bugs inside that need to go.”
     Ferma adds, “Either way it wouldn’t help. The Xitixic are both tough and excellent diggers. Even the warriors. If we collapsed the tower first then it would make it harder for us to engage the Xitixic and kill them. If we demolish the tower afterwards… Well, what would be the point? It’s not as if the tower has an automated defense system that would continue to attack us or some later passersby.”
     Continuing on, the lieutenant says, “Once inside Squads 120 and 125 will travel down into the tunnels while 130 climbs up the tower to make sure it’s clear.  This mission shouldn’t take too long. There’s only about a dozen warriors and another dozen workers.
     “This layout we have displayed here accurately shows our target’s layout. We’ve sent several psychics into the site via astral projection to scout the target. We’re going to take the time to memorize the tower’s layout.”
     In character you and the rest of the platoon go over the map of the outpost to memorize its layout. Around 0900 the lieutenant calls for a ten minute break. This is an opportunity for the characters to use the latrine, get a drink or for a certain new player to introduce himself to his squad.

Rob was glad when the break was called. He briefly thought about introducing himself to the LT but decided he had kind of done that during the first part of the briefing. "Besides, if he really wanted to see me right now, he'd have told me to stay behind or pulled me aside," He thought to himself.

So instead he walks over to what he hopes are members of his squad and not one of the others mentioned during the brief. Stopping near the man with the fairy flitting about him stands with a muscular tattooed woman, "Hey, are you guys Recon Squad 125? If so, I'm your new combat mage, Roberto Dominguez Rivera. I got orders telling me I'd been transferred yesterday."

Rob doesn't give his rank but the insignia is clearly readable on his body armor; Corporal.


OOC
Is everyone else in uniform? Or otherwise have your rank and or branch/MOS displayed?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:10, Thu 29 June 2023.

     I’m in uniform with my rank. I’m not sure if the rest of the stuff you asked about is displayed on my uniform. We never really went into detail what was on our uniforms.

Standing in his Branaghan armor and duster, James bears no indication of a Lazlo uniform other than a rank pin on on the lapet of the duster.
I didn't think we had actual uniforms because I thought we are technically mercenaries hired by the Lazlo military rather than actual conscripts/volunteers.

Meina isn't currently wearing military fatigues, given she needs access to her tattoos. Instead, she's wearing running shorts and a tank top, but also has a military uniform jacket, with her name, rank and insignia on it, to help with identification.

"That's right, we're 125, I'm Chief Warrant Officer Meina Kursk, welcome to the team Corporal. I'll get you introduced to the others in short order so we all know who can do what. You can just call me by name when things aren't official, what's your preferred name in these cases?"

     ((I’m not a merc. I straight up joined the Lazlo Militia so I actually have the uniform. I rarely wear it as I’m usually wearing my armor, but this briefing is one of the few exceptions.))
     I add, “So you’re the FNG? Welcome aboard. We can use you. Not to scare you but we lost a few people in our last mission so we’re a little low in manpower.”
     After introductions are out of the way I comment to the squad, “It occurs to me that if we’re going to be doing as much climbing as the mission implies we’re going to need some climbing gear. Also, who here is actually trained on how to use it? I am. I’m a spelunker, but what about the rest of you? Granted at least three of us can fly so it probably won’t be a big deal.”

Roberto couldn't help but see that most of the people here weren't in uniform. "Yup, definitely been quite transferred to a SF outfit," He thought again as the CW identified herself.

Pleased to mee you Chief. Usually people call me Rivera of course but in my old platoon I went by Dom, Chief" He says to Meina. "I was one of the Squad Designated Sorcerers for my platoon on account of my MOS (Military Occupational Speciality) but if I wasn't an 11M I would have been in one of the SDM (Squad Designated Marksman) slots instead."

Rivera looks at SFC Furman, one of the few people in the TOC wearing a uniform. "FNG to this unit, sure, Sergeant but I've been in a few years now, got my CAB (Combat Action Badge) a while back so I shouldn't be too high drag, low speed," He says with a slight smile, his tone making it clear he wasn't offended by being called a FNG.

"I'm not Air Assault qualified but I've had rappelling training. I also have a spell that can turn a rookie into a rappelling master, for a little while anyways."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Mon 03 July 2023.

I know a few tricks that could get at least some of us in quickly, James suggests.  I can fast-forward things quite a bit, actually.

     ((Sorry about the delay in posting. I’ve been busy.))
     Once your break is over with you go back to going over the map of the Xitixic outpost. At 10 and 11 o’clock you get a couple more breaks and then at 12 you stop for an hour long lunch. LT Curtiss informs you that after lunch you’re going to go over Stage Two of the mission. He also informs you that climbing gear will be issued to the platoon and you’ll be getting extra PPE-clips too.

Roberto, AKA Dom, uses the breaks and lunch, to share details about himself. He knew, both from his own military career and from his family woth their long history of serving in the Lazlo military, that sharing Basic Training and Deployment stories usually worked great as ice breakers.

He describes how during Basic, before going to the gas chamber for training on how to survive a chemical environment, the drill Sergeant gave his company a briefing. How the drill Sergeant had said the point of going into the gas chamber was to prove that their environmental armor would protect them and how he had raised his hand when asked if anyone had any questions. "But drill Sergeant, what if we already believe?" He had asked in all seriousness. Unfortunately the drill Sergeant had interpreted it as him being a smart ass, which was why he had to strip his bunk and carry the mattress over his head, to a water tower 150 meters away, doing lunges the entire time, until the drill Sergeant got bored.

     Once you’re back from lunch the briefing continues, now on to stage 2 of the attack.
     LT Curtiss explains, “For Stage 2 our target will be the base designated as D-B-350.” The lieutenant taps the smartboard and the Xitixic base that is north-by-northwest of the Duluth Hive’s center is highlighted. He taps it again and the base layout is displayed. The base is a lot bigger and intricate compared to the outpost.
     “This will be a tougher battle. We estimate that there are about one-hundred-fifty warrior Xitixic and seventy-five workers. We can expect other types of Xitixic mixed in there. Diggers, leapers, scouts. The good news is we don’t expect to see any super warriors in the base.
     “Now the base is way too big for this platoon to handle by itself. After we take out the outpost we’re going to rendezvous with other units here.”
     LT Curtiss taps the smartboard and displays a map showing the Xitixic base and the rally point. It’s to the north-by-northeast of the Xitixic base.
     “The entire battalion led by Major Shard will engage this base. Other battalions will hit the other bases at the same time.”
     LT Curtiss taps the board again and brings up a bird’s eye view of the Xitixic base.
     “This platoon with another one will enter the base through this tower.” He then points to a tower near the southwestern corner of the map. “The same way as at the outpost. Our platoon will head down into the tunnels while the other will climb up and clear the tower.
     “Any questions so far?”

     To Dom I reply, “Got one for you. This one didn’t happen to me, but to a friend of a friend. Think his name was Jake. Anyway, he did something to piss off his drill sergeant, I don’t remember what, and told him, “That’s it! Do pushups until my arms get tired!” So Jake starts doing pushups and at some point he asks the drill sergeant if his arms are getting tired yet. The drill sergeant tells him no and to keep going.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Wed 12 July 2023.

Dom also has a question, "Will the plan be the same as the outpost? Go in and kill them one by one? No high explosives?"

     Ferma answers Dom’s question, “Correct. Although it is safe to use grenades inside both the base and the outpost. The Xitixic use a very strong resin in the construction of the hives and such. So if you see a group of them together feel free to lob a grenade at them.”

I have heard a rumor that the bugs go after practitioners of magic and others with high levels of potential magical energy, primarily for capture as a food source, James says after raising his hand for attention.  Is this true?  Because that fits most of this squad.

     Ferma replies, “We haven’t confirmed it, but all signs point to yes. If you’re worried that the Xitixic will sense us coming, that won’t be an issue. Near as we can tell their ability to sense PPE in an individual is much more limited than a Psi-Stalker or a Dog Boy. They’re not going to sense us from kilometers away. At least not by our PPE.”
     ((Good question though. 25 XP.))

     LT Curtiss taps the smartboard again, bring up the base layout back up. He continues, “The tablets we handed out earlier contain the layout of the base, too. The second and third pages of the layout are of the area we will be expected to hit. We will be going over the entire base layout, though. As they say, no plan survives contact with the enemy. Once we get there we may have to enter in a different area or help another platoon. Ergo we may need to head to a different section of the base than we’re currently planning for. Also be aware that once we meet at the rally point we are going to go over the plan again and if Major Shard decides so, the plan could be modified for reasons. Semper Gumby.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:08, Mon 17 July 2023.

Dom follows along on the provided tablet, nodding his head at the LT's words. FRAGOs (Fragmentary Orders, which is military speak for a change to the plan) were nothing new to him. Hell he hadn't even made it out of Basic before hearing the term and feeling the effects of the concept. Like the time his company had finished training earlier than expected, leaving them with 'white space' on the schedule. Rather than conduct hip pocket training or even just practice Drill and Ceremonies, their drill Sergeant told them, "I hate all these damn yellow flowers! Pick everyone one of them!" He'd then gone inside the barracks, leaving them outside on, as the company joker had put it, 'daisy detail'.

"Hmm," Zato responds, "I suppose if they can't track magic, it doesn't matter. And if they merely prefer magical targets, well, that's half of us, so it's not like they have an immediate urge to focus fire."

He shrugs.

"Still, how enclosed are these places likely to be? Not just for my natural form, I'm thinking grenades in tunnels tend to be bad news for everyone involved, then various chem-weapons such as my face..."

Dom spoke up, "Excuse me Sergeant but when I asked about high explosives I meant we are treating these towers just like the outposts; clearing them out personally instead of just using an arty barrage or MLRS or even TP in some high yield plasma warheads. Clearly higher wants those places left more or less intact rather than reduce them to rubble for some reason. I'm sure it's a good one but thats why I asked about just leveling the place and shooting anything that crawls out from under the wreckage."

     LT Curtiss appears to overheard Dom’s remarks and says, “We’re leaving the outposts and bases intact for a bunch of reasons. One, their construction is more like a termite mound than an actual building. There’s no load bearing member to target that would bring down a significant portion of the base or outpost. Demolishing a base or outpost would require carpet bombing the entire thing. That might work for the outposts, but the bases have a significant portion that is deep underground that would survive a surface bombing or artillery barrage.
     “The second reason is resource management. We’re saving those bombs for the hive itself. In fact,” LT Curtiss looks at his watch, “Stage 3 has already begun.” LT Curtiss recalls the map of the area from before with an added detail of an amorphous red line surrounding the hive’s center.
     “This is the border of the hive. Outside the line is the natural Earth environment, inside is the hive. Right now the Lazlo Militia is dropping incendiary bombs onto the hive along the path we’ll be taking in a handful of days. The missions will be conducted in pairs of waves. The first wave will drop a few bombs to stir up the hornets’ nest. Then while they’re all swarming the second wave will drop even more bombs than the first to cook as many of the bastards as possible. These missions will be conducted daily up to and including the day we actually enter the hive. There will be a final bombing run when we withdraw from the hive. The air wing will bomb the hive behind us we leave to kill as many potential pursuers as possible as we make our escape.”
     ((Hypothetically speaking I suppose something like a bunker buster or the equivalent could be utilized. But I do see a couple of potential issues to the idea. The first is that the Xitixic resin is MDC material. A modern day, fortified military bunker would look to be made of balsa wood compared to the resin. The second, the hives are the size of cities and the chambers the militia wants to hit are dozens of feet underground. I’m not sure how far underground a bunker buster can go, but I suspect not deep enough to ensure the kills of the queens, the nannies, the larvae and the eggs. Especially the queens. Ergo the plan to soften up the enemy and then enter their hive to get the job done.))

     “You mean to tell me they’re going to be dropping bombs behind us?
     “…
     “That’s fucking cool! It’ll be like a pre-Rifts action movie! Are we going to bring a camera? Tell me we’re going to bring a camera! If so, I call dibs on driving away from the explosion in slow motion!”

Dom listened to the LT explain the reasoning for not outright destroying the outposts or the main hive. He still felt that since the psychics had gone in and did Astral recon, that meant they had all the targeting info needed for teleporting in as many nukes as it took, on every single underground level, nook and cranny, to guarantee the job was done. "Of course that would leave the problem of radiation seeping into local well water, maybe even The Great Lakes. Yah, that's probably why we are going to do it the hard way," he thought to himself.

"Thanks LT for explaining it. OK so the intent is to enter the bugs outposts, bases and hive, killing them all in close quarters. When we hit the hive, we kill only what we need to, to reach the nannies, nurseries and queens. After those HVTs (High Value Target) are eliminated, we pop smoke and run. Does that sum up the intent Sir?"

Fuel Air Explosives, James suggests.  Or something similar.  We have two people in the squad who use Temporal Magic.  We could use that to release flammable gas inside the hive or outpost.  Say, pure oxygen, or methane.  Then igniting it will kill or gravely injure every bug inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Mon 24 July 2023.

     LT Curtiss replies, “Yep. You’ve got it.”
     Hearing James suggestion about the fuel-air bomb, LT Curtiss comments, “Interesting idea. Might work. It’s a little late to incorporate it into the plan for the outposts, but we might have something ready for the bases. I’ll submit your idea up the chain of command.”
     With that the briefing returns to its primary objective, going over the attack plans for the base and even going over the outpost a few more times. As before the lunch break you spend about 50 minutes going over the information followed by a 10 minute break, then back to the mission brief. This continues until about 1600 when LT Curtiss declares the day over with. Tomorrow you will meet at the armory at 0800 to collect your additional ammo and gear before moving out.
     I will extend your time to make any gear requests until then. Also, any and all anti-vampire gear that you were issued during the last mission has been returned to the armory. Shortly after you reported in to the base the chain of command determined that you didn’t need the anti-vampire weapons any longer and had you return it all.
     In addition, I have a new player requesting to join so we may have someone else joining the squad.

During a pause in the briefing, Dom asks one more question. "Sir, how many are on the squad? I'm asking so I can calculate if I have enough energy to support everyone or if I need to requisition some Talismans from S4 (supply)."

OOC
As a Combat Mage, despite the name, Dom's spells are best used to support others, not direct damage. He can do things like give someone autododge at +5, for instance. How long he can keep that up depends on how many he is enhancing at once. Just so everyone is tracking.

     ((Are you just asking about Squad 125, or the entire platoon?))

Only the squad Dom is expected to support. Guessing just the PCs?

This message was deleted by the player at 20:47, Mon 07 Aug 2023.

     Squad 125 has 7 people in it, including Elias but excluding the 4 APC crewmen. Anyway, the request for the talisman is rejected. Since they can only be recharged by their makers it limits their usefulness. Also, to use it as a battery you have to pump in 60 PPE to store 30 PPE for later. Instead you may have one TW Medallion as described in “The Rifter #2”. In case you don’t have access to that issue, the TW Medallion holds 20 PPE and it’s a straight 1:1 ratio. You; or anyone else for that matter; puts 20 PPE in, you can take 20 PPE out at your leisure.

The TW medallion for 20PPE will still be useful. Thank you for the option.

     ((Turns out that using a talisman as a PPE battery is even worse of a deal than I thought. To recharge a talisman requires an additional 50 PPE, and that does include when using it as a PPE battery. So it would actually cost 110 PPE to charge the talisman with 30 PPE for later use. Not even close to worth the cost in my opinion.))
     So the briefing comes to an end and you’re granted liberty until the next morning. You’re free to do whatever you want until you need to report to the armory tomorrow morning.
     So the next morning. It is what I would describe as controlled chaos. Your platoon as well as the others going outpost hunting have arrived and are issued their gear. There are so many people here that some militia members from other units are helping the armory and supply personnel issue the weapons and gear. Firstly, everyone is getting 8 PPE-Clips and 2 ammo belts. They can be either the kind that go around the waist or bandolier style. Up to you. Secondly, Dom gets his TW medallion. Thirdly, this is your last chance to request any additional gear for the upcoming missions. Fourthly, Squad 125 gets an unexpected package.
     Around 0830 Meina hears someone call her name. Looking around she sees an uniformed Lazlo Militia staff sergeant. Once she signals the man to come over he does so and says, “Chief Meina of Squad 125? I’m Staff Sergeant Shives. I’m here to deliver your newest squad member.” He then looks behind him and yells, “Hey, Mikey! Over here!”
     A militia sergeant starts walking towards you. However, that’s incidental to the fact that he’s escorting a man in an orange jumpsuit, wearing handcuffs and shackles. Both the handcuffs and the shackles are connected to a chain belt around his waist. Due to the shackles he can’t walk at a normal pace.
     As the pair walk towards you the commotion in the room dies down a bit. Some people haven’t noticed the pair and continue whatever they were doing before they arrived. Some have noticed the pair but are too busy to pay them much attention. And others have outright stopped to watch the latest development.
     As Mikey brings the prisoner to you, Staff Sergeant Shives brings up a manilla folder and starts reading its contents.
     “Prisoner 314159; Stroud, Elias. Arrested for breaking and entering a government building, unauthorized access to government records, assault of government personnel with a deadly weapon, and one hundred fifty seven unpaid parking tickets.
     “Guess that explains why he broke into the Parking Authority building.
     “In lieu of prison time he agreed to serve his sentence in the militia. He has been assigned to your squad.”
     Shives hands Meina the folder with Elias’ criminal record and transfer orders to Squad 125 and says, “He’s your problem now.”
     The sergeant unshackles Elias, and Shives adds before he and Mikey leave, “Be careful. He does bite.” And with that the two men disappear back into the crowd, leaving Elias with you.

     ((I’ll take both belts bandolier style. In fact, I would like to request the following: 1 ammo belt, 4 bandolier belts, 4 CE-Clips and 1 CE-Clip bandolier belt.
     ((I would also like to add that regarding PPE I am willing to help our magic users there. For one, since I’m not a magic user I don’t need my PPE and by the rules I can willing donate 2 PPE to anyone that wants it. I know that’s not a lot, but I’m not using it for anything. Also, I have the power of Restore PPE. Now, I’m not saying I will always donate my ISP to power spells, I’m just saying it’s an option in certain circumstances.))
     Upon the escorts dropping Elias off I comment to Meina, “Only to us does this happen.”
     To Elias, I comment, “So… One hundred fifty seven parking tickets, huh? That’s it? One hundred fifty eight I can respect, but only one fifty seven? Were you even trying?”

Dom, like the rest of his squad, was exiting supply, arms full of additional gear. He was making adjustments to the bandoliers, situating them on his armor so he could still move about, when he noticed the man in the orange jumpsuit. He was being escorted by what had to be a pair of MPs (Military Police) and headed directly for the platoon Sergeant.

He stopped fussing with his gear while he listened and watched the interaction. "Oh. So this isn't just any SF type squad. I've been drafted for some kind of Dirty Dozen outfit," he thinks to himself. Dom ponders how he feels about that for a bit before shrugging and going back to making sure his gear is straight. He continues to listen though, curious about how Elias will respond.


OOC
In addition the PPE medallion, Dom will request the following:
Web gear instead of bandoliers
8 long e-clips
TW or conventional flash bangs.

Goggles rubbed his wrist with his alternating hands as he -looked- around, at least moving his face to some of the people around him. They had all as expected gone silent. They were all looking at him in own way or another, something that made him incredibly uncomfortable. He settles on looking up and off as if listening to something unheard. After allowing the silence to fall into an uncomfortable level he leaned in to that his voice can only be heard by the man addressing him,  He leaned back up to straight and turned again to look at whatever it was he was interested in. "Can somebody point out where I can get my stuff? This jumpsuit ain't very comfortable."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Mon 14 Aug 2023.

     Shawn and Dom, you get your requested gear. Dom, regarding the flashbangs; they’ll be conventional, by the way; how many do you want? Also, 25 XPs for the reference to The Dirty Dozen. I liked it.

Dom wondered if their new squad member had just not heard the squad leader's question or if he was deliberately ignoring him. Either way, it wasn't his place to get involved in that so he continued his PCIs (Pre Combat Inspections) on his gear and adjusting the fit of his newly issued web gear.

He was a big fan of single point harnesses for his primary weapon. He learned that early on in his career when he took a tumble down a steep hill during a nigh op. He'd have lost his rifle for sure if not for the harness and the single strap allowed for easy, hindrance free movement for tracking targets.


OOC
10 flash bangs is what he would ask for.


Not ignoring you Elias per se. Just giving the squad leader a chance to respond.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

     I guess the guy is still sensitive to not making it to one fifty eight. I say to Meina, “I’ll talk to the supply guys. Maybe one of them knows where they shipped his stuff.”
     I look for a Supply person that looks like they know their shit and approach them.
     “Excuse me, sir/ma’am/D-Bee of indeterminate gender, I have a situation you might be able to help me with. See that guy there in the orange jumpsuit? He’s in my squad now and the guys that dropped him off didn’t tell us where his gear went. Any chance you could help us here?”

     You find a blue skinned, female looking, humanoid D-Bee with the rank of staff sergeant that looks to fit your bill. However, when you address them as ma’am they tell you, “I’m actually a male member of my species.” He then continues to listen to your situation and request for assistance. Once you’re done he tells you to wait right there and he’ll see what he can do. He’s gone for several minutes but does have news about Elias’ gear.
     “So the private’s gear was shipped to the wrong base. It’s on it’s way here now… and will arrive next Tuesday.”
     ((The 10 flashbangs are okay.))

Elias spoke through gritted teeth, "How am I suppose to defend myself without my gear?"

     I sigh and thank the staff sergeant and go to break the bad news to the squad. I reply to Elias, “We could try using harsh language against the Xitixic. No? I guess we’ll have to see what the armory can loan you… Until next Tuesday.”

     ((Well, I think it’s time to fess up. Elias isn’t a convict sent to the frontlines of the Xitixic War in lieu of prison. That was a joke I came up with and Elias’ player was a good enough sport to go along with it. However, the joke never really got any traction and it’s time to drop the charade and get on with the actual story.))
     So, once again, Squad 125 and the others involved in the upcoming mission are at the armory, getting their gear. You get your additional PPE-Clips and the other gear I previously approved. That didn’t change. What does change is that while you guys are getting your new gear a Lazlo sergeant comes into the armory with a handful of other militia members in tow. You’re rather busy so you probably wouldn’t notice him until he’s right on you. He says to Meina, “Chief Meina? Sergeant Shives of Personnel. We had a convoy report in last night and one of these guys now belongs to you. PFC Stroud, front and center.” At that a man, not wearing an orange prison jumpsuit steps forward. “He’s with you now. By the way, have you seen LT Hoffman? Two of these guys belong to him.” Sergeant Shives soon departs your company to find the remaining newcomers’ their new squads.

Elias snapped to attention at the introduction. He waited for orders. He is dressed in Juicer assassin armor and is carrying three energy weapons a pair of vibro swords and a pair of vibro daggers. He also had a large backpack, and an empty duck bag.

Dom finishes setting up his new web gear and tests the fit. He practices reaching for flash bangs and spare mags, from a standing and kneeling position. As he practices, he watches the newest squad member report in to the Chief. "A Juicer? Hope supply remembers to issue extra snacks and MREs," he thinks to himself.

     “At ease, Private. We’re a little informal here. Let me give you the brief, brief mission brief. We’re about to depart to take out a Xitixic outpost. We’re going with three other squads on this mission. As soon as we take out that outpost we’re going to meet up with other units and take out one of the Xitixic bases that ring the hive territory. Once that’s done pretty much the entire base is going to engage the hive itself and take out the queens and other targets.
     “What kind of vehicle do you have?”
     ((I have a couple of questions. First, so Elias doesn’t have 157 unpaid parking tickets? Second, and more seriously, what’s our expected ETA to the outpost? Assuming of course we don’t run into Tectonic Entities, zombie CS soldiers, a crazy Necromancer, Xitixic patrols, demon deer, giant wasps, giant gun toting ants, a guy that can turn himself into water, Minotaur mercenaries, vampires, an undead not-Elf, a pocket reality, an undead little girl or an Old One. For the new guys, yes, not only did all of that happen, I’m sure I’ve left some things out.))

Elias assumed Parade Rest, he obviously has a thing for military etiquette. "Call sign Goggles, Sir. I have a robotic horse, capable of fast silent movement. I am a Lazlo Ranger."

Listening to the brief, Goggles nodded, "I've no questions, Sir. I have heavier armor for such an operation."

He stripped off the assassin armor, keeping his underclothing. He has no juicer rig, no collar, no nothing related to juicers other than the armor. In place of that armor he dons a suite of Man-Killer EBA, including helmet. He does not remove his goggles. He retrieved his weapons and put them back in their places. He is armed mostly for up close combat.

Dom walked over, standing a few paces away from the platoon Sergeant while he gave the newest member of this adhoc squad the mission brief. When Elias chanfes into his heavier armor, two thoughts immediately come to Dom. "Huh, so not a Juicer. Well whatever, I'm sure he can handle himself since he is a Ranger. If a Ranger is wearing heavier armor though, maybe I should get some too."

Dom walks back to supply to inquire about getting a suit of heavier armor than his ride armor. He'd still prefer wearing it for the trip out but going inside, having something with a little more protection would probably be a good thing.

Meina has no trouble picking up her supply of more ammunition - the Bug Zapper weapon is probably going to get a lot of usage in this mission, after all. And she already returned all the vampire-hunting gear from before, instead just making sure she brings along one decent stake that isn't a magical, expensive TW weapon and is instead a sharp, hard stick. Just in case a vampire (or other undead) does try to appear. Or hells, maybe there are undead Xiticix.

"Glad to have all the help we can get, I admire the bravery of anyone joining our team. After all, you have to be brave to put up with our morning faces and bad manners... ah that was a joke, really we see a lot of danger so I appreciate anyone willing to step into that with us."

Apparently Meina has read about "self-deprecating humour" in her latest studies of "what normal people who didn't grow up in an arena might be like".

     Dom can get a suit of armor, but his choices are limited. He can pick either one from either the generic/Black Market category or Triax armor. It’s not going to be fancy. No TW modifications, no additional installed options like a Naruni force field, no Psi-Tech mods. Exactly how it’s described in the book. Also, your choices are limited to EBA or non-EBA armor. No exo or power armor.
     As for Shawn’s question, the expected travel time will be two days, rest for a handful of hours and then attack the Xitixic outpost.

Dom looks over the choices for EBA given by supply and selects a suit of Bushman Trooper. Sure it was about as stylish as a cheap bathroom trashcan but it did offer far more protection than his ride armor. The lack of special features didn't bother him a bit since his ride armor also didn't have anything non stock.

He signs for it and thanks the supply clerks. He learned a long time ago that of the different sections, supply was one you always wanted to keep happy and definitely not piss off.

He stows the armor on his hovercycle, electing to stay in his ride armor for the trip out. Once his gear is stowed and he double checks his hovercycle is FMC (Fully Mission Capable), he reports that fact to the platoon Sergeant.

     Okay, last call, last call for alcohol- I mean gear requests. If anyone has anything thing else they’d like to request before leaving the base now is the time. You’re going to leave the base soon and once you do you won’t be back for a long while.
     Also, I forgot to answer one of Shawn’s questions. Elias does have 157 unpaid parking tickets. They’re just not in Lazlo. Let’s just say there’s a reason why Elias decided it would be safer to head east and fight on the frontlines of the Xitixic War than deal with a certain parking authority.

It just occurred to me that James might want to see about a hover car.  Either Triax or something like a Skull Car.

OOC
Does the squad APC have resupply for mini-missiles? If not I'd like to request some for stowing in the APC as Dom's hovercycle uses them. Really hoping to avoid needing them but have to allow for the possibility.

I recall reading that it has e-clip recharger stations so that's covered.

After the mission briefing, Ariella flits up to the two new soldiers, zipping in for a close look for a moment, then zipping out to hide behind James.  She can be seen to be hiding just behind his ear, where she leans in to speak.
No like, Master.  No like.  Men seem... devious.  Not good type to have around, she says to him, likely louder than she intended.

     To James: not going to happen. Not this last second. However I am not completely heartless. The motor pool does have something available. You can pick either the ATV Speedster Hover Cycle (electric engine, laser weapon installed) or the Wastelander Motorcycle (also with an electric engine and laser weapon installed.) You do not have to worry about keeping it charged. The APC has a power adapter for charging electric vehicles.
     To Dom: it does, but I see no reason not to let you request more for your vehicle. Your vehicle can hold up to 16 mini-missiles so you can request that many in total of any type.

     I knew it!
     Seriously, though, one last request. My hoverbike can load up to 12 mini-missiles. I’ll take 12 plasma mini-missiles.
     I acknowledge Dom’s news that he’s ready to go and let Meina that I am too. For the trip I’m not as loaded for bear as I plan to be once we actually attack the outpost. I have my Zapper loaded and slung, wearing my ammo belt at my waist with 4 PPE-Clips and I also have my TW Flaming Sword clipped to my side. The rest of my gear has been loaded into my backpack. Anyone paying attention will notice that I’m loading way more items into my backpack than should be able to fit, but it doesn’t look bulky in the least. In fact, it looks empty.
     “Ready to depart. As usual, I volunteer to take point as we travel.”

Goggles huffed, "No offense, Sergant, but I am an expert at being unnoticed and silent. I should take point, unless you think it better to do that yourself."

     I reply, “If you really want the position you may have it, but we’re not going to have to worry about stealth for the first day or two of travel. We’re driving APCs through the forest. Not exactly a quiet mode of travel. Also, I have Sixth Sense. If someone or something tries to ambush us I’ll have forewarning and I can warn the rest of the squad. It’s worked before.”

Goggles nodded, "Well how about you take point while we moving and I'll watch out for us while we are stopped. That means I'll sleep in the bus here ((the ATV)) while moving and be awake while you guys sleep. Does that seem good to you?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:55, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

     “If you think you can get a good sleep in the APC as we travel over rough ground, sure.
     I look over at Meina and say, “I don’t mind letting Elias here being our designated night sentry if you don’t. Plus, we’re traveling with three other squads. They’re going to assign their own night sentries with us, so he won’t be the only night guard.”

Dom was in luck, supply not only had mini-missiles in stock, they were even willing to part with some! He looked over the inventory sheet of available missiles and selected eight 'scorchers' and eight of the 'vamps'. That wasn't their official names of course but one of the universal truths was that soldiers nicknamed almost everything. He signed for the cans of missiles and walked back to where his squad was forming up to SP.

"Check it out!" he proudly proclaims, holding up the two mini-missile ammo cans. On one can the nomenclature, in neat block lettering, identified the contents as being the TW Life Draining Net - Mini-Missile. "They actually had some of the vamps in stock. Now we get to see if these things work as advertised. In case they don't or we run into something else besides bugs, I picked up a can of scorchers too."

After letting everyone see the ammo cans, he loads them into the APC, along with his suit of heavy EBA. Once that chore is done, he walks to his hovercycle and dons the helmet for his ride armor. He checks that the environment pack is working properly, the seal is secure and then performs a quick radio check. Satisfied that everything is good to go, he announces as much over the squad radio net.

OOC
How real are we handling things like call signs and radio traffic procedures? I'm guessing not too real? As in Hollywood mode has been engaged?

"I'm fine with that - as long as someone is on look-out and we know who it is, I trust Elias' capabilities here."

Meina files that away mentally.

Ariella could help with that, since she sleeps.during the day mostly anyway, James adds.  She is a night elf, after all.
Speaking of the night elf, she peeks her head out from behind James' head to blow a razzberry and thumb her ears at the two FNGs.

With his face hidden by his helmet, it is impossible to see his face to gauge Dom's reaction to the tiny fairy's antics. If his body language is anything to go by, as he sits on his hovercycle, engine idling while waiting for the signal to move out, her reaction to him appears to have completely bounced off the armor of his indifference. That or he simply didn't notice her as he again verifies that his has the current crypto and hop sets loaded in both his personal radio and the radio in his hovercycle.

Goggles smirked at James, "Except that she said," his voice changed to imitate the little elf, No like, Master.  No like.  Men seem... devious.  Not good type to have around, and then back to his own, "So you might want to ask her first."

Imitate voice comes with enhanced hearing.
It is a terrible imitation.
13:20, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 60 using 1d100.  /30% Imitate Voice.

James chuckles.  She forget.  I'm the devious sort, too.  Most of us are.  Including her.  It's part of why we are good at what we do.
He shrugs.  If I ask it 9f her, she'll do it because she still thinks of herself as a slave.  I only request these thing of her so she feels useful, like she has a part to play.  Frankly, I would love to see her go back to the idyllic life of the typical faerie.
He holds out his hand for her to step out on.  Ariella, please be polite.  I am no different than these men.  We have likely done far worse things than these men.

     ((Well, seeing as both the writers and actors guilds are on strike we really can’t Hollywoodize anything. Maybe we can Bollywoodize it instead. Song and dance routines, colorful costumes. Did anyone take Singing, Dancing, Sewing or Play Musical Instrument skills?
     ((In all seriousness, yeah it’s safe to say what little radio communication we’ve done is the Hollywood version of it. Feel free to educate us on how it would be done in real life, but I won’t hold it against anyone that continues the Hollywood way.
     ((James, you haven’t stated which vehicle, if any, you’d take.))
     Shawn gets his 12 mini-missiles and you guys are ready to go. LT Curtiss makes the rounds among the squads checking that you’re ready and then has you assemble with your vehicles, including the squads’ APCs, near the base’s south exit. In addition to your escort vehicles, the other squads’ escort vehicles include a mix of different hoverbikes, motorcycles, a Big Boss ATV and even one NG Sky King.
     LT Curtiss tells you, “Once we leave the base I want us to exercise strict radio discipline. While the Xitixic can’t hear us over the radio we have encountered other hostiles in the hive lands that can. So no chatter over the radio unless it’s really important. Second, as we travel I want us spaced out enough that one attack can’t take out multiple people, but close enough that we can’t be easily picked off one at a time. I know that since we’re going to be traveling through a forest that’s going to be difficult to pull off, just do the best that you can, don’t get tunnel vision and maintain situational awareness.
     “Once we stop for the evening we will go over the information on the outpost again. This is to keep the information fresh, and because we got in some stragglers last night that missed the mission brief.
     “Squad 120 will lead and I will be riding with them. Let’s move out!”
     At that LT Curtiss enters Squad 120’s APC, the south gates open, various squad members get on or into their own escort vehicles and you depart Aegis II.

It will have to be the Speedster.  He has Pilot:  Hovercraft, not Motorcycle.

Dom acknowledges the LT's instruction about only emergency radio traffic until further notice. He takes his Hornet hovercycle off idle and rides it to whatever spot in the marching order the LT indicates he should be in.

He wondered about the reason given for the radio silence. It was his understanding that raising a big ruckus in Xiticix territory was a pretty good way of attracting their attention...in a bad way. In his mind it would take a special kind of stupid to start a fight with that kind of threat looming literally overhead, just for the hell of it. "Then again, there are plenty of stupid people in the world. You'd think between Murphy and Darwin, they'd all be dead by now one way or the other."

Goggles programmed his horse to follow the Troop Transport, then climbed into it. He put his pack down and used it for a pillow, and he was able to fall asleep immediately.

     Before we leave I conduct a quick radio check with my communicator. Even if we’re going to maintain radio silence except for emergencies, if an emergency does occur I want to make sure the platoon can hear me. I just told Goggles my Sixth Sense makes me an asset at point, but if I can’t warn my platoon something bad is about to happen it defeats the purpose to put me there.
     Once it’s confirmed that I’m good I mount my hovercycle and get ready to move out. But it does get me thinking a little bit about what type of people who would adventure into Xitixic territory; other than us who are trying to wipe them out. What mixture of stupidity, lunacy and desperation would make it look like a good idea? The Necromancer thought he could control these forces and look how it ended for him. We’ve encountered some weird forces out here, but it looks like most if not all of them were under the Necromancer’s control. Will we meet someone or something else out here like them, or will it be a smooth journey? I don’t know but one way or the other it will be interesting.

James, after spending some time going through his pouches and pack (it is amazing how far his arm can go into one of those things...) to check his gear, climbs aboard the NG Speedster he has been issued.  Starting it up, but keeping close to the ground, he waits on Ariella to fly up from where ever she had gone off to.

     The first day’s journey goes smoothly. Around 1700 you start looking for a good place set up camp for the night, eat dinner and go over the information on the Xitixic outpost again. Around 2030 you start wrapping up to get a night’s sleep. Well, those of you not standing the night watch. In addition to Goggles, six other sentries remain awake to protect the platoon from ambush. Around 0230 you hear a crash coming from north-by-northwest of your position. It sounds like a tree came crashing down.

Goggles heads in the direction of the crashing sound.

Should I assume those that aren't on night guard duty, are sleeping and didn't hear the crash?

     ((Correct. Anyone not on night sentry watch would be sleeping inside one of the APCs and that would muffle the noise enough that it wouldn’t wake you. However, one thing I did forget to mention last post is that in addition to the exterior sentries each APC kept a radio watch too. Both to listen for any broadcasts from the base that might be relevant to you, and so the sentries can alert the entire platoon quickly.))
     As Goggles runs towards the noise another sentry, a Grackle Tooth, joins him. Meanwhile the remaining sentries radio the platoon about the disturbance. Inside Squad 125’s APC, an internal alarm wakes everyone up, followed shortly by an announcement by Corporal Blood over the internal PA system.
     “Alert! Alert! We have a report of a disturbance to the north-by-northwest of us! Two of the sentries are investigating! Get ready and standby just in case!”
     Even if you’ve elected to sleep in your armor, or don’t have armor to begin with, Goggles and the Grackle Tooth will reach the source of the disturbance way ahead of you.
     Speaking of which, let’s see how they’re doing.
     It doesn’t take long for our two sentries to find the source of the noise, but they’re not quite sure what they’re looking at. There is a fallen tree on the ground moving away from the encampment. Getting closer you can see a handful of creatures carrying the tree.
     The creatures are shaped like a stingray about 3 feet (~.9 m) across but with some notable differences. For one, they have a hard chitinous shell and are walking on several anthropoid legs. They have huge mandibles like an army ant. In the dark it’s hard to make out their color, but I will tell you that they’re reddish brown and the coloring isn’t consistent. It’s splotchy.
     The Grackle Tooth comments, “Huh. I wonder what those are.”

Dom jolts awake at the sound of the alarm. He had gone to sleep without his armor, figuring that anything that could blast through the hull of the APC would kill him whether he was wearing it or not.

He sits up and dons his armor with swift, sure motions thanks to many hours of practice. It doesn't take long for him to be suited up, seals checked, web gear on and PAG-1A in his hands. He walks over to Sergeant Furman and asks, "What do we got sargeant?"

Goggles shrugged, "I've no clue. What are they doing?"

     I wake up from the alarm and rush to don my armor and ammo belt. I don’t like sleeping in my armor as it’s a fitful sleep and I want to be as well rested as possible for combat.
     I’m setting my communicator’s earpiece into my right ear when Dom asks me what’s going on. I tell him, “I only know what Scott announced. But let’s keep our heads. My Sixth Sense hasn’t gone off so whatever caused the disturbance may not be hostile. It might just be an animal passing through.”
     Into the communicator I ask the sentries, “This is Furman. Do we have an update on the situation?”

Goggles replied, "They look like the unholy offspring of Rays and ants. A whole fleet of them, practicing carpentry."

Dom was a veteran, having served in the Lazlo Militia for years and been in more than a few TICs (Troops In Combat) in that time. His voice and demeanor displayed nothing but the kind of professional detachment made possible by having lived through battle before. "His keep our heads comment was probably just perfunctory NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) talk," Dom thinks.

Out loud he says softly, "Giant carpenter ants? This close to Xiticix territory?"

That seemed to ring a bell for Dom but for the life of him he just couldn't quite remember.

OOC
Skill check - Demon and Monster Lore 70%

Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 71 using 1d100 - FAIL
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Mon 18 Sept 2023.

     The Grackle Tooth approaches one of the quasi-rays closest to him and gently taps it with the barrel of his Zapper to see what happens. The creature swings its tail at him, but misses. Goggles then hears movement around him and can see several new creatures surrounding him and the Grackle Tooth. They seemed to have appeared out of thin air. You’re not sure if they were invisible and dropped their cloak, teleported in or popped out of the ground like a Jack-in-the-box, but they’re present now and have you surrounded.
     The creatures are about the size and general shape of timber wolves. I say general shape because there’s no way in hell anyone would mistake them for wolves. To start with, they have six legs. Second, like the quasi-rays they have a chitinous exoskeleton that is the same splotchy reddish brown color. The interesting thing is the the hind legs are digitigrade as a wolf’s would be. The tail is segmented like a scorpion’s, but it doesn’t look like it has a stinger at the end. It does have a triangular shaped barb at the end that looks like it would hurt to be stabbed or clubbed by. They don’t have mandibles like the quasi-rays do. Their mouths open and close vertically. Their muzzles are about as long as a wolf’s would be, but the lack of flesh makes them look more like an alligator’s mouth. Some of the creatures have their front legs raised up in the air menacingly and while their legs definitely look anthropoid in nature, they have feet that look more like a reptile’s with three toes and each toe tipped with a claw. They’re making noises that I wouldn’t describe as growling, but they still sound threatening.
     The Grackle Tooth jumps back from the quasi-ray with his Zapper ready. He nods towards Goggles and says, “Ah, he did it!”
     Roll for Round 1! Everyone has until 1600 EDT on 18SEP to post your actions. For those still at the APC it will take you half a round to reach Goggles’ position and help him, meaning you’ll only have half your actions rounded down once you arrive.
     Good hunting!

Drawing two vibro-swords, Goggles says "Don't shoot me." He then goes animae on the wolf things. He takes on two and a time, slicing and dicing until one of them falls, then he will move to keep the one still standing at his sword and attacking a new opponent, so that he is always engaging two at a time. Perhaps this will be enough to convince animal intelligence predators to go hunting easier prey.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Sat 16 Sept 2023.

     Once we get the request for help I comment, “So much for it just being an animal. Let’s go, go, go!” I exit out the door closest to Goggles’ position ((unless it’s the rear ramp. I’m not taking the time to lower it. I’ll go out the side instead)) and start running there. As I do I buff myself. Psychic Body Field, TW Invincible Armor, Enhanced Reflexes and Nightvision. I assist whoever looks like they need the most help and open fire with my Zapper. If anything attacks me I’ll let my force fields deal with the damage, I’m not going to bother dodging.

Init: 15
Strike: N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A, 15, 11, 16, 14
Damage: N/A, N/A, N/A, N/A, 15, 13, 12, 14
Ammo: 20/24
PPE-Clips: 5/5
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Fri 22 Sept 2023.

"Roger, moving!" Dom says in response to Sergeant Furman's orders. He dons his helmet and turns on the optics, as he fellows the Sergeant out of the APC. As they run he expends a small amount of his personal energies to enhance his combat abilities.

Once they arrive at the scene, rather than charge in like some bersekrer of old, brings his rifle up and selects the particle beam. He then begins to lay down aimed fire at the wolf sized bugs as they seemed to be the most dangerous.


OOC
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.

Enhanced Reflexes, Superhuman Agility, Putting on helmet and turning on optics - 0 actions

Moving to contact - 1/2 actions (4)

Strikes
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Aimed Shot - PAG 1-A.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Aimed Shot - PAG 1-A.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  Aimed Shot - PAG 1-A.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 20 using 1d20+10.  Aimed Shot - PAG 1-A.
Damages
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 24MD using 6d6.  PAG 1-A PB Damage.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 15MD using 6d6.  PAG 1-A PB Damage.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 21MD using 6d6.  PAG 1-A PB Damage.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 18MD using 6d6.  PAG 1-A PB Damage.

Expenditures
PPE: 277/262
ISP: 47/37
PAG 1-A E-Clip: 20/18
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 22 Sept 2023.

     Dom, for the record you can do those actions as you run towards the enemy, saving you time and leaving you some actions to attack.

Ah, OK. I erred on the side of caution where what counts as an action is concerned. I will adjust my post shortly. Thanks GM.

EDIT:
Updated!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Mon 18 Sept 2023.

Meina bolts awake as soon as the alarm is given, and her adrenaline goes into overdrive. Sure, she might not be a juicer, but nonetheless she leaps to action, activating the tattoo for supernatural strength. It's hard to say exactly what these creatures are or what weapons are best against them, so she errs on the side of "kick them into paste."

Initiative: 20
Attacks: 28, 18, 20, nat 1 (avoided a fumble), 27
Damage: 350, 330, 290, NA, 330
Parries: 26, 33 (nat 20), 20, automatic fail, 16, 31, 24, 27
(Normally 10 attacks when kicking, so halved to 5)
MDC: 190/190 PPE: 179/209

Zato grabs his TW Bug-Zapper and makes his way out to help fight against the... uh... something. Whatever it is, it looks like they're dangerous, so he will do his level best to disable them, starting by exhaling a giant cloud of toxic fumes across a group of them (if possible - if they're all swarming an ally, he'll hold off on this, and just fire an extra time).

And then he takes a shot at one of them.

Initiative 3
Attack 1: gas cloud (Save vs Nonlethal Poison: 16, Paralysis 2 minutes) or 9 to hit, 20 MD unless they count as bugs (30 if they do)
Attack 2: 14 to hit, 14 MD unless they count as bugs (22 if they do)

     ((Certain things I wouldn’t allow someone to do at the same time as running, but nothing you listed I would see someone having a difficult time doing as they ran so I allowed it.))
     The Grackle Tooth exclaims, “Shit! Fuck! There’s something else out here, too! And it’s attacking us! Halp!”
     LT Curtiss orders over the radio, “Squads 120 and 125 go and assist! Squads 130 and 135 hold your positions in case something tries to take advantage of our situation!
     Now onto the combat!
     Round 1, Action 1:

     Goggles wins the coin toss and goes first. He confronts two quasi-wolves and slashes at them with his vibro-swords. He hits both of them, but they absorb the hits and counterattack, each biting his legs. His armor’s left leg takes 2 MD and the right takes 6 MD. Goggles attacks them both again. This time the quasi-wolves attempt to parry Goggles attacks. The left quasi-wolf manages to deflect the blow with its front leg, the right one fails to parry and take the hit. It lets out a noise of what you’d assume to be pain. It’s not looking so good. Meina starts running in to assist and activates her tattoo as she runs in. I’m assuming that like Shawn she ran out the door closest to the action. For the record that would be the driver’s side door. The quasi-wolves go next. Four join the two Goggles attacked. All six of them attack at once. The good news is he managed to evade 5 of the 6 attacks. The sixth attack did 1 MD to his armor. Six quasi-wolves gang up on the Grackle Tooth. He manages to parry one attack, the rest damages his armor. The Grackle Tooth shoots one of the quasi-wolves with his Zapper, lighting it up. It did not like the experience. Meanwhile the various Lazlo Militia members of Squad 120 are rushing out of their APC to help fight the quasi-wolves. Dom, Shawn and Zato also rush out of their APC to help. As they do so, Dom dons his helmet and activates its optics. Shawn is first surrounded by a white aura and then one shaped like plate mail. Zato is running behind them.

     Round 1, Action 2:

     Goggles attacks his two primary targets again. He hits them both, but they counterattack again. The left one bites his legs for 3 more MD. The right one snaps at his leg, but misses. Goggles attacks again. He hits both quasi-wolves, dropping the one on his right. Meina is still running towards Goggles’ position. The quasi-wolves attack next. Five of them claw at Goggles, but he manages to evade four of their attacks. The fifth attack gouges his armor and does 10 MD to it. Five quasi-wolves attacked the Grackle Tooth as the sixth one is recovering from the shock of the Zapper attack. They all managed to hit his armor and damage it. Meanwhile the militia members are rushing in to help. Dom enhances his reflexes and agility. Shawn enhances his reflexes and night vision. Zato is still running behind them.

     Round 1, Action 3:

     Goggles attacks two of the quasi-wolves. He hits them both, but they counterattack and bite his legs, doing 1 MD to his left let’s armor and 2 MD to the right. He attacks the quasi-wolves again, hitting both of the and dropping the quasi-wolf on his left this time. Meina has arrived onto the scene and literally leaps into action and kills one of the quasi-wolves attacking the Grackle Tooth. The quasi-wolves attack next. Four attack Goggles, but he evaded all four attacks. Two of the quasi-wolves attack the Grackle Tooth. He fails to parry either attack and his armor is further damaged. Three quasi-wolves attack Meina. She successfully parries two of the attacks, but the third hits her for 6 MD. The Grackle Tooth shoots one of his attackers and kills it. The rest of the Lazlo Militia arrived on scene and attack the quasi-wolves. Four of their shots find their respective targets, seriously wounding them. Dom fires his weapon twice. The first shot hits a quasi-wolf, dropping it. The second completely misses his target. Shawn fires his Zapper twice. The first shot drops one of the quasi-wolves. The second hits and lights up a second quasi-wolf, but it seems to have shrugged off the Zapper’s stunning effect. Zato, seeing that two of his comrades are mixed with the quasi-wolves decides not to exhale his poison breath at them. Instead he takes a shot at them, but misses.

     Round 1, Action 4:

     Goggles attacks two of the quasi-wolves with his vibrio-swords. He hits them both, but they counterattack and do 3 MD to his left left’s armor and 6 MD to the right’s. He then hits them again with his vibro-swords. Meina’s lightning fast kicks obliterate two more of the quasi-wolves before they have a chance to react.
     The quasi-wolves decide to retreat for just as they seemed to have popped into existence the remaining creatures up and vanish. The Lazlo Militia members continue to look around with their weapons ready, but nothing happens. Eventually one of them comments, “Is that it? Did we chase them off? Did we win?”

The alarm awakens James easily.  Though he does not seem to be rushed, he gets up o turn on his radio and begin getting his Branaghan armor on quickly.  Well, that is the plan.  Unfortunately, his armor has other ideas, and he ends up stumbling around as he tries to don it.
When finally completed, he slips on his Branaghan duster, as he looks around for Ariella. He figures she is likely outside someplace.  He buckles on his gunbelt, holsters, and sheath, then moves outside as he puts on his headgear.
He calls for the night elf as he dashes towards the battle.  Unfortunately, he arrives just in time to see the remaining quasi-wolves vanish.
That was either a test of our defenses.  Or a distraction.  He immediately turns and begins hard-charging back to the APC.

     I’m keeping my Zapper ready as I search the scene. I comment to Meina, “I don’t know where those things went, but unless they teleported away they’re probably close by. We should probably use some mystic means to search.”

Elias stood completely still and silent.

12:40, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 85 using 1d100.  /60% Estimate location and distance of sound (hearing).

12:39, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 53 using 1d100.  /60% Estimate location and shape (Radar).

Dom keeps his rifle at the high ready, careful not to muzzle any of the team as he slowly looks around the area. His optics make the night bright as day to his eyes. As he turns, he says softly, "Sergeant I'm thinking this was us stumbling onto them. This is their territory right? And looks like they were busy gathering resources, not laying a trap. He gestures with his left hand at where the worker type bugs had been busy clearing cutting trees.

     I reply, “You’re probably right. We probably just surprised each other. But that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. If we’re in or near their territory then they probably see us as invaders to be killed. And some of them escaped, so they may be heading back to their hive, colony or whatever to warn the others about us. Better we finish them off before they try launching another attack against us.”
     Speaking of which, I activate my See The Invisible power and scan the area. The way I see it, we have two choices. The first is to kill off the scouts before they report our position, or we pull up chocks and move somewhere else. Problem is which way do we go to exit their territory instead of going deeper into it? And what are these things? I don’t recall hearing or reading about anything like them in any of our briefings.

Ariella comes flying out of the woods at thw fastest speed she can, nearly colliding with James as she zips past in her attempt to stop.  Strange bugs!  Strange bugs!  Strange bugs!

"Never said they aren't dangerous sergeant," Dom replies, lowering his rifle to the low ready, and returning his voice to normal levels, as time passed with no additional threats in sight. "So what's the plan sergeant? We trying to go after them or or are we lifting and shifting?"

Goggles nudged Shawn, "Boss there ain't nothin' out here but us and the trees." Then he pointed at the log the ant-ray things had been hauling, "Not even what brought us out this way. Like poof gone, and now for my next trick."

He began shrugging out of the now all but useless assassin armor, "Speaking of next tricks, I gotta get my heavy armor, this is dogshit now. Literally."

     Not seeing anything with my See The Invisible power I also activate See Aura. As I scan the area I tell Dom, “That’s not my decision to make. However, I will comment that we’re probably safer doing the latter. We don’t know how many escaped or in which direction.” A little bit louder I add, “Unless someone here has a clue where they went!”
     When Goggles comments about the state of his armor I tell him, “Head back to the APC and change out. Let Tadayoshi and Blood know that your armor needs repair. They can take care of it.”
     I raise my voice again and addressing everyone I ask, “By the way, does anyone else hear that?” When asked what I explain, “I’m hearing this barely audible noise. It’s like… I’m not sure. Chittering? Whispers? I can just barely hear it but I also can’t ignore it. It’s starting to drive me buggy!”

Goggles walked back to the APC but stopped at Shawn's question. "Boss, I'm pretty sure I got the best ears here, outside of psychic stuff. I ain't heard nothin', that is weird itself, like there is intentionally nothin'." He headed on and did as he was told with the Assassin's armor and but on his heavy Man-Killer EBA. When it was secured he got his robot horse and climbed up on. Trotting it back to the larger group he said, "I'll go say 2 klicks and then circle the camp."

Ariella, do me a favor.  Please, James suggests.  Go with Goggles on his patrol.  Ride with him.  In case he needs back-up.

Dom listens more intently but hears nothing. "Fraid not Sergeant, not hearing anything like that."

He then went back to looking around the area while maintaining the low ready position. It was clear he was patiently waiting while the Sergeant conferred with whoever he needed to, to make a decision about what the squad would be doing next.


OOC
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 4 using 1d20.  Perception check.

     A militia member of Squad 120, an elf, replies, “You hear it, too? I thought it was just in my head. Actually, I think it is. It’s more like having a song stuck in your head but you can’t remember the lyrics, it’s just noise.”
     One thing Shawn does see is that two of the quasi-wolves are still alive. Most of the quasi-wolves when they were killed were misted, however there are two bodies that are intact and not quite dead yet.
     After another minute of fruitless searching LT Curtiss requests a status update. Squad 120’s leader answers, “We seem to have killed or driven away the monsters that attacked our guys.”
     “How many escaped?”
     “Three or four, I think.”
     “Are you able to follow them?”
     “Negative, Sir. They’ve disappeared without a trace.”
     “Alright, everyone back to camp, now.”
     The two squads make their way back to the APCs, keeping their eyes open just in case, but nothing happens on the short hike back. Once everyone is back LT Curtiss asks several questions about their encounter with the quasi-rays and wolves. How many there were, how far away from camp they were, which direction were the quasi-rays carrying that log, etc. One of Squad 120’s APC crewmen announces, “Sir, that’s the general direction of the Xitixic outpost we’re supposed to attack tomorrow.”
     LT Curtiss replies, “Of course it is. Okay, get ready to move out. We’ll travel due west for about an hour and then set up camp again to rest for a bit.”
     To the APC crewman LT Curtiss orders, “Get on the horn with Command and let them know what we’re doing.”
     The crewman acknowledges the order and heads inside the APC. The various other militia members also acknowledged LT Curtiss’ order and get ready to move out.

     And that officially ends the combat. First, everyone gets 50 XPs for defeating the quasi-wolves. Second, here is everyone‘s additional XP rewards:

Goggles: 155
Shawn: 30
Dom: 30
Meina: 80
Zato: 55

     Thirdly, watch out for things that go bump in the night as you shift to a new location.

Meina rubs her temples.

"Yeah, I can hear something like that too. I wonder, everyone else who can hear it, are you psionically active? Psychic in any way? That's the best guess I have...

Anyway, we should move away from here so that if they report seeing us, a bigger force doesn't converge right on us. At the same time, let's get some eyes in the air, any supernatural scouting that people can do while staying stealthy."

Dom looks at Meina, "Fraid not Chief," he says to the CWO (Chief Warrant Officer) in response to her asking about stealthy aerial reconnaissance. "I got my hovercycle but it isn't particularly stealthy."

He tries listening again for whatever it was that some of the squad was hearing and shook his head after a moment. "Negative on that too Chief. I'm rated as a minor psychic but I'm not hearing anything out of the ordinary."

The night elf pouts.  But, Master, he is scary....  To which james reminds her she has faced far scarier.  And, that, if she goes with him,she will find he is not so scary after all.
Yes, Master, she says in petulant resignation.  She then flies over to "Goggles" and sit down in front of the saddle horn of his robot horse.
Master says I have to go with you.  But, I'm not talking to you.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Tue 03 Oct 2023.

Robot horse, not hovercycle.

"Fair enough, I wouldn't listen to you anyway." He klicked for robot horse to get moving.

She blows a razzberry at him, then settles in for the ride, gripping tightly to the saddle horn.
I stand corrected.  And so is my previous post.

     To Goggles and Ariella: I found your exchange amusing. 50 XPs to both of you.

     I feel better knowing I’m not the only one to hear that noise. As we’re getting ready to move out I ask Dom, “What kind of psychic powers do you have? My stepbrother is telekinetic and can levitate objects; which is handy for vacuuming under the couch when Mom told him to do his chores; but didn’t make him any more psychically sensitive than the average human.”
     To Meina I tell her, “My hoverbike can fly up to 200 feet high. More than enough to get above the treetops if you want me to.”

Dom shifts his attention to SFC Furman, "Physical," He replies in answer to his question. "Just a couple little tricks for my reflexes and blocking out psychic stuff. I'm not using the later, didn't think I would need it for this batch of bugs, sergeant. If we aren't concerned about stealth anymore, I can hop on my hovercycle and go with you.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Tue 03 Oct 2023.

     ((Almost forgot. I’m going to remove the partially empty PPE-Clip from my Zapper and plug it into the APC’s PPE-Clip charger. I’ll then grab a replacement from my Dimensional Pocket.))
     I tell Dom, “Why not? We’re traveling with three other squads. We’ll have plenty of other escorts on the ground.”

Dom nods his head in response to the SFC. "Roger that Sergeant. Give me a moment when we get back to the APC to turn in this eclip and saddle up."


OOC
Dom fired two shots so he should turn in that eclip too. Since his hovercycle is back at the APC anyways, it's not like it will be a significant delay ^_^

     Shawn and Dom have no trouble plugging in their respective clips to recharge before the platoon gets underway. Once the order is given by LT Curtiss the platoon moves out. The various escort vehicles and the APC start making their way west with the slight deviation that Dom and Shawn move up above the treetops first and then head west. Dom has a bit of bad luck in that a tree branch hits him in the face as he gained altitude. Didn’t do any real damage as he was wearing a helmet, but it does put him in a bit of a sour mood.
     As the platoon starts to move out Shawn starts to hear that weird noise again. Not only that but he feels like he knows which direction it’s coming from. Looking to his right; which would be a northernly direction; he spots something odd. It’s very far away, but it looks like a hot air balloon. It’s barely above the treetops and doesn’t look like it has a basket underneath but does look like there are some very thick ropes dangling down. It looks to be the same reddish brown the creatures were.
     Dom doesn’t spot anything and is in fact humming the theme song for “George of the Jungle” to himself.

Dom blamed his little sister, Maria. Not for him somehow failing to spot that tree branch in time to avoid it, though it is dark, even with NVGs. No, he blamed her for getting that stupid song, from that stupid pre-rifts cartoon stuck in his head.

He would be the first to admit how much he loved some pre-rifts stuff. Key word though was some stuff. Like another cartoon called Visonaries. His uncle Miguel, being a professor of pre-rifts history at Lazlo University, not only had access to some really cool stuff but a passion for all things that existed before the Coming of The Rifts. Naturally he, whenever he had come over to babysit or otherwise, had done his best to instill in his nieces and nephews a similiar love for that bygone era.

"But at least I zeroed in on the actually cool stuff! I mean come on! If you're going to go for slapstick animated comedy, you have to go for things like Tom & Jerry or Captain Caveman, not George of the frigging jungle," he thought, as he rode wingman to SFC Furman.

His optics nightvision and infrared functions were active, the microcomputer sorting out the input and projecting it on the tiny screens in front of his eyes. Now that stray tree branches wouldn't be a problem at their altitude, he hoped to be able to spot something, assuming there was anything to see.

     The noise is back. Without thinking about it I turn my head to the right and see… A hot air balloon? The fuck?
     I radio to Dom, “Dom, this is Furman, look north and tell if you can see… Are…Are you humming the “George of the Jungle” theme song?
     “Never mind. Look north and tell me what you see.”
     Once Dom confirms that he sees the hot air balloon or whatever it is I radio, “LT Curtiss, Sergeant Furman. We’ve spotted something that looks like a hot air balloon way off in the distance to the north of us. Please advise.”

Dom looks north as SFC Furman instructed. He activates the triple range TW circuit on his optics as he does so. He does not confirm or deny his humming. He does however, make sure he doesn't have a 'hot mic'; an open mic when he shouldn't have been transmitting. If asked later, he will say that he didn't respond based on the radio discipline rule; no frivolous or useless transmissions.

OOC
3 PPE - triple range of optics. Looking in the direction Furman points out. Maybe this time Dom will spot something besides a tree.

Today: Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 11 using 1d20.  Perception check - looking in the direction Furman points out.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Sun 08 Oct 2023.

     Dom looks in the direction Shawn pointed out. He sees the hot air balloon that Shawn spotted a moment ago, but with the zoom option of his optics he can make out more details. The surface of the balloon has ridges like a brain but it also looks like it has a hard shell like the quasi-wolves did. The ropes that Shawn saw look more like tentacles with the zoom. Dom does not see a head or even a face on the balloon. Whether that’s because it doesn’t have one or that it’s facing away from him, Dom’s not sure.

Dom plays with the zoom, trying to get more detail as he double checks the heading and distance to the strange not hot air balloon. Once he does, he keys his radio on the squad radio net. ++125, 125, this is Dom. SALT (Size Activity Location Time) report, large flying object, direction 350 degrees, almost due north of my position, distance 11 to 13 clicks out. Unknown but it appears organic. It has the same kind of shell those things we fought did. Same color too. Time now.++
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Fri 13 Oct 2023.

     ((Sorry I took so long to reply. I was swamped the last few days.))
     The object is to the north, bearing about 350 degrees and between 7 and 8 miles ((~11.3 to ~12.9 km)) away. LT Curtiss asks Dom if he can determine which direction it’s moving. Dom comes to the conclusion that either it’s standing still or moving so slowly it might as well be not moving. LT Curtiss orders, “Watch it and make sure it stays away from us. We continue west. We have a mission to complete. I’ll alert command about this development and they can send in a recon team if they like.”
     ((Dom, I meant to post earlier that I found your backstory regarding my throwaway joke amusing. 50 XPs. Of course you do realize that you’ve potentially opened up a new vein for me to mess with you. Thundercats! Ho!))

Dom keys his mic again, ++Roger, I copy observe and report only++. He continues to observe the strange...object? Organism? but maintains his current distance, figuring that if the SFC wants them to take a closer look or do something else, he will order it.

     I acknowledge the lieutenant’s orders and continue on my way west. I bite my tongue on a comment that I thought we were a recon unit. He’s right that we have another much higher priority on our plate. Let someone else worry about it. A couple times a minute I glance over at the hot air balloon to make sure it’s not rushing towards us. If it does, well, besides the fact that my Stinger has a bunch of weapons built into it, I am a Mind Melter. I have some powers that would make it quickly regret that decision.

Dom continues to ride wing man to SFC Furman, maintaining distance to the unknown target. He checks his radar, looking to see if anything besides the unknown was nearby and flying. The radar built into his Hornet hovercycle didn't have much range, just a bit over 60 clicks, and it lacked a combat computer to help ID targets but it was better than nothing.

     As the journey continues Dom and Shawn watch the hot air balloon thing shrink and then disappear over the horizon. Nothing else happens this night. After moving west for about an hour the platoon stops for the night; again; and sets up camp; again. LT Curtiss orders reveille at 0700 instead of 0600 to compensate a bit for the sleep interruption. The rest of the night passes quietly.
     So reveille comes, you guys get up, use the latrine, eat some breakfast and continue your journey. Just like yesterday, your journey is quiet. It takes you about 12 hours to reach your destination. This will be your staging area for tonight’s attack. You stop, check to make sure that the area is secure and then eat dinner. Afterwards LT Curtiss goes over the plan again to make sure it’s fresh in your heads, and because a few platoon members just reported in yesterday and missed the briefing. The short, short version, a hole will be blown into the base of the outpost’s tower. Squad 135 will stay outside to cover the exit. Squad 130 will climb up the tower, Squads 120 & 125 will head down into the tunnels underneath. You’ll depart this staging area at 2300. Only the Squad 135 escorts will be on their vehicles. Everyone else will be expected to have their personal vehicles parked inside the APCs so that that can deploy quickly and fall back quickly if you have to.
     So before you move out to attack the base now is the time to set yourselves up for success. If there is anything you want to set up now tell me or forever hold your peace.

As James prepares himself for the coming attack, he can be seen with two very large-bore weapons, the openings being about 2" in diameter.  One is a very large-bodied pistol sitting in the holster of his gunbelt, a holster that was sized to fit only a human-sized pistol.  The other appears to be a very fat submachinegun with a folding stock.  Anyone with any real weapons knowledge would realize that both weapons are Naruni plasma cartridge weapons.  There is also an unusual, high-tech sword in the scabbard on the belt.

     I arm myself with my Zapper, two bandolier belters with a total of 8 extra PPE-Clips, an ammo belt with 3 plasma grenades, my TW Flaming Sword and 1 can of fluorescent orange spray paint. And of course I’m wearing my augmented Huntsman armor. I’m going to leave my Dimensional Pocket with the rest of my gear on my hoverbike.
     I look over at Goggles and ask him, “Did you ever get your armor repaired?”

At being told to gear up for the start of the actual assault on the outpost, Dom begins his pre-combat checks on the equipment he will bring with him. He removes his Mystic Soldier body armor and inspects it, before donning it again. Next comes what he suspects will be his primary weapon; the TW Bug Zapper. He loads his webgear with all eight PPE clips, then adds the 10 TW flashbangs he manages to get out of supply. His two TW combat knives go in their boot sheathes. He hopes he doesn't have to use them but stuff happens and he'd rather not have to square off against a giant bug trying to eat him, bare handed, if it came to that. His hands linger over his Wilks 577 but in the end, decides to leave it behind. In the close quarters of the inside of the outpost, its range advantage would be largely negated. He unholsters his Wilk's 237, checks the e-clip is fully charged and holsters it again. Lastly he inspects his hovercycle, making sure everything is in order.

When his PCCs are complete, he informs SFC Furman. "All set sergeant," he tells the E-7.

OOC Gear on person:
TW Bug Zapper
Wilk's 237 pistol
Mystic Soldier EBA
8 PPE clips
2 e-clips
10 TW Flashbangs
2 TW Combat Knives
Communicator
TW Optics Enhancer
Canteen
IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit)

In reply to Shawn Furman (msg # 142):

Goggles is currently wearing his environmental battle armor, and sitying astride his robotic horse. "Sir, I dropped it off to be patched, but I always intended to wear my heavier armor here. I'm ready."

     Thanks, Dom for reminding me. I will also have my communicator on me and its ear piece in my right ear. Also, when I place the can of spray paint into my ammo belt it’ll be without its cap. I want to be able to pull it out, spray and put it away without have to waste time taking the cap off and then back on. I’ll leave the cap here with the rest of my stuff.

     2300 comes and the platoon moves out. ETA is 0200. The platoon is moving slowly so as to reduce the amount of noise made during travel. Thankfully you don’t encounter anything hostile during travel. About half an hour to your destination LT Curtiss calls for the platoon to hold its position and sends one of the escorts ahead to scout the outpost before the rest of the platoon continues the journey. The man moves on ahead and you await his report. Since he’s by himself he’s able to reach the Xitixic outpost a little bit faster and maintain stealth. About twenty minutes later he reports over the radio, “LT Curtiss, Specialist Xinthimbop. I’m near the outpost. The Xitixic have cleared out all vegetation within 40 to 50 feet ((~12-15 m)) of the tower and the ground looks to have been covered by Xitixic resin. So far no signs of activity. I don’t see any sentries on or near the tower itself and I didn’t run into any roving patrols either on my way here.”
     LT Curtiss answers, “Roger. Hold your position. We’re coming to you. Stay out of sight but continue to watch the outpost. Update us as new information comes in.”
     Addressing the rest of the platoon, LT Curtiss says, “Smoke ‘em if you got ’em folks! We’re going in!”
     At that the APCs and their remaining escorts come to life and continue their journey to the Xitixic outpost.
     More to come…

    Once I find out how long it’s going to take us to get into position I strap myself into one of the APC’s passenger seats and tell the squad, “Wake me up when we’re near the outpost.”
     I stay in my armor just in case. It’s not comfortable, but I’ll live. I doubt I’ll get a very restful sleep, but a light doze is better than nothing. Once someone wakes me up I ask for a sitrep and plan accordingly.

     The platoon travels at the same pace as before for the same reason. It takes about half an hour to reach the outpost. The APCs and the escorts stay in the vegetation area. LT Curtiss calls up Specialist Xinthimbop on the radio and asks for an update. Xinthimbop answers, “No changes, sir. Quiet as a Acamareian squirrel bat out here.”
     “I don’t know what that is. Are they quiet?”
     “Extremely.”
     “Roger that. Okay everyone, pay attention. Here’s how we’re going to do this. Demolition team, you’re going to move in on foot and as stealthily as possible. Tiny, you’re going with them; bring your block and ropes. Squad 135 I want you to send three people with them, too. Once the fusion block is detonated the APCs for Squads 120, 125 and 130 will rush in to deploy the troops. Once their troops are deployed the APCs will standby to guard the exit and just in case we have to fallback, be ready to recover the troops. Squad 135’s APC will continuously circle the area to engage any Xitixic that attack.
     “Any questions?”

Dom keys his radio, ++Yes Sir, do I have it right that squad 125 will be riding inside the APC, then dismount after breaching the wall? That makes more sense than riding the hovercycles in and then loading them into the APCs before rushing the outpost but I want to be sure that's your intent.++

EDIT
Fixed! No hand raise for a commander that isn't there.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Sun 22 Oct 2023.

     LT Curtiss answers, “Correct. That goes for Squads 120 and 130 also.”
     ((For the record, LT Curtiss is riding in Squad 120’s APC so he’s not going to see you raise your hand and all communications are over the radio. He didn’t have you guys disembark your respective APCs so close to the Xitixic tower just to go back into them. The commotion of doing so might alert the Xitixic of your presence early.))

     I do have a question, but not for the lieutenant. I ask Hawke, “What door should we use? Once you park the APC near the outpost tower which door will be closer to it?”

     “Squad 120’s APC will go center. We’ll go to their right, Squad 130 will be to their left. So the left door will be closest to the tower and the opening. Although, the front door wouldn’t be much further away than the left.” Hawke looks at Meina and says, “If you want to split up your squad between the front and left doors so you’re not bottlenecked at the same door that might not be a bad idea.”

Goggles gathered his weapons. He held the large cannon ready to breath fire onto their enemies.

     After getting my answer I make my way to the left door. ((Unless Meina wants me to go out the front door.)) I check my Zapper one last time and make sure that the PPE-clip is secure in its magazine well. As soon as LT Curtiss gives the word for the demolition team to move in I start activating my powers for combat.
     Psychic Body Field.
     TW Invincible Armor.
     Enhanced Reflexes.
     Nightvision.
     ((If the lights inside the APC are too bright for Nightvision I’ll don my goggles first then activate Nightvision. I’ll doff them once I’m outside and I don’t have to worry about being blinded.))
     Once Hawke gets us to the outpost tower I rush out the door and lead the way.

"Good thinking, we'll split up. We're all in communication still, but in case the teams are cut off, standard chain of command applies. I'm going to hit the front entrance, but I don't care which door any given person wants to take. Just stay roughly divided so we're not too crammed together."

Meina will activate her supernatural strength tattoo, and then her fire powers tattoo, surrounding herself in an aura of protective flames.

(Both last for 25 minutes, PPE: 134/209, Protective Field MDC: 60/60)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:10, Sat 28 Oct 2023.

     LT Curtis asks over the radio, “Demolition team are you ready?”
     “Yes, sir!”
     “Tiny?”
     “Raring to go!”
     “Escorts?”
     “All set, sir!”
     “Then go, go, go!”
     For several seconds you wait for the group to reach the tower and for any word, good or bad, to how it is playing out. Soon you hear, “The fusion block is set. Detonating in three, two, one…”
     You then hear the familiar sound of a fusion block detonating. LT Curtiss orders, “Platoon! Move in!”
     At that Hawke guns the APC’s engine… and almost immediately hits the breaks. It doesn’t take long for the APC to traverse ~50 feet (15 m). Once outside the squad members that took the front exit will see the smoldering remains of two Xitixic warriors. Looking at the tower you see the opening that the demolition team created with the fusion block. It’s more than large enough for anyone to fit through. Near it is a large concrete block with four eyebolts on top and attached to each on is a thick metal cable that has been unfurled into the opening. They’re your means to fast rope into the outpost, assuming that you don’t have other means to get down safely. You are looking at about a 30 foot (9 m) drop here.
     Roll for Round 1! Among other things, I need you to describe how you’re entering the tower. Are you going to use the cables and fast rope down? Use a magic spell or psychic power to gently reach the bottom? Shapeshift into a flying animal? Just say fuck it and jump in and let your relative invulnerability protect your femurs from the landing? Depending on how things go you may encounter the Xitixic defense force before you enter the tower, as you’re descending or after reaching the bottom so be sure to post whatever actions you’re going to take to protect yourselves as well as your attacks. You have until 1600 EDT 29OCT to post your actions.
     Good hunting!

Just prior to the doors of the APC opening, Dom goes through the mental exercise needed to enhance his focus and reflexes. He also activates the Shadow Meld function on his body armor, disappearing from the sight of even those that can See the Invisible. "The only thing better than getting shot at while wearing armor," the words of his Combat Mage instructors flowing through his mind, "is not getting shot at in the first place."

Dom takes his place in the stack set to exit one of the doors and then moves out smartly for the ropes.



OOC
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 79 using 1d100.  Climbing @90% (enhanced).

Hoping not to get attacked on the way down, invisibility is my defense. It will also help that no one is attacking me for me to be able to boost others. That's the plan anyways ^_^

I take the side door along with Shawn, and take the direct approach: I jump straight down, letting gravity speed my descent, and land with a massive stomp - and straight away unleash a cloud of toxic smoke amongst as many of the bugs as I can find.

And then it's time to start getting fancy, with both magic and psionics. The idea is to disable or tie down as many as possible, rather than focusing down on any given bug or group thereof.

Initiative: 12
Attack 1: Breath Weapon (12' area in 60' range, Save vs Nonlethal Poison DC 16, Paralysis for 2 minutes)
Attack 2: activate Psychic Body Field
Attack 3: cast Carpet of Adhesion (different group if possible, 10x20' area within 180', Save vs Magic DC 13 for partial duration, otherwise 60 rounds)
Attack 4: cast Blinding Flash (those in the carpet, 10' radius in 60', Save vs Magic DC 13, lasts 1 round)
Attack 5: Aim gun (for next turn)

Once the teams have brand new entrances, Meina enters via the front/main "door". She leaps down, relying on her own nigh-invulnerability to withstand it, but does keep her knees slightly bent to absorb the impact just in case. And once there, she will keep any nearby xiticix at bay - or indeed plaster the walls with them. She won't go charging ahead of the team, especially given some want to use ranged weapons or explosives, but any foe within 30 feet of the landing point is not long for this world.

Initiative: 24
10 Attacks: 17, auto fail (23 to avoid fumble), 27, 20, 27, 34 (critical and auto-KO), 22, 19, 27, 28
Mega Damage: 320, -, 370, 270, 350, 640, 290, 280, 340, 330
Parries: 32, 16, 20, 21, 19, 33 (nat 30), 28, 18, 24, 17

     As soon as I’m out the APC I’m making my way to the tower with my Zapper ready and keep my head on a swivel and looking around to prevent being surprised. Once I have a chance; I’m not going to push someone out of my way like Mark from the climax of The Other Woman; and when I get to the new entrance to the tower I jump.
     A couple of seconds after I leap I Float and slow my descent to the bottom. As I float down I aim my Zapper up, down and all around since the Xitixic could appear above or below me. If at any point I engage the Xitixic without the rest of my platoon I will radio them to let them know that I’ve encountered the enemy.
     Once I near the bottom I cancel my Float and drop a couple of feet to the ground. If it is safe to I will take a moment to mark my location with the spray paint and draw an arrow pointing up. If not then I’ll wait until it’s clear.

Init: 17
Strike: 13, 17, 23 (Nat 18, crit), 17, 21, 12, modified 20, 13
Damage: 20, 36, 72, 26, 38, 42, 22, 18 ((Thank God the Zapper does double damage to the Xitixic ‘cause I had a few weak damage rolls here.))
Ammo: 16/24
PPE-Clips: 9/9
Plasma Grenades: 3/3

Goggle went out the back, and as soon as he cleared he took off like a shot. Hi speed would need to be measured in multiple hundreds of miles per hour. Climbing down the rope he was much slower but still zipped down inhumanly fast. Once at the bottom he laid down a wall of napalm. "Cook you buggy bastards!"

For the last few seconds he fired his laser pistol. The very last thing he did was switch the napalm redivoire for a fresh one.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 21 using 1d20+12.  AD 8.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 29 using 1d20+12.  AD 7.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 31 using 1d20+12.  AD 6.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 32 using 1d20+12.  AD 5.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 30 using 1d20+12.  AD 4.

16:50, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 13 using 1d20+12.  AD 3.

16:49, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 19 using 1d20+12.  AD 2.

16:49, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 15 using 1d20+12.  Auto dodge 1.

16:49, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 12 using 5d6.  Attack 7 damage.

16:48, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 20 using 5d6.  attack 6 damage.

16:47, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 2 using 1d4.  x10 attack 5 damage.

16:46, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 1 using 1d4.  X10 attack 4 damage.

16:46, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 2 using 1d4.  x10 and x2 for attack 3 crit.

16:45, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 4 using 1d4.  x10 attack 2 damage.

15:40, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 21 using 1d20+11.  Attack 7.

15:40, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 22 using 1d20+11.  Attack 6 laser pistol.

15:38, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 13 using 1d20+11.  Attack 5.

15:37, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 29 using 1d20+11.  Attack 4.

15:37, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 31 using 1d20+11.  Attack 3.

15:37, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 24 using 1d20+11.  Attack 2.

15:37, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 2 using 1d4.  x10 double shot .

15:34, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 26 using 1d20+11.  Attack - Flame Thrower.

15:30, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  initiative

     Meina and Zato jump into the entrance and land a handful of seconds later, surprising the hell out of the Squad 120 members that had beat them to the bottom. Shawn’s the next one to reach the bottom followed by Dom, Elias and a few other Squad 120 members. Shawn manages to graffiti the tunnel before you hear the sounds of fast movement coming towards you from one of the four tunnels that intersect your location. Time to get serious!

     Round 1, Action 1:

     Meina wins the coin toss and goes first. Sort of. She standsby, waiting for the Xitixic to get close to the two squads. Dom is standing by, assessing how best to utilize his spells. Shawn takes aim and squeezes off two shots at the Xitixic wave. Both shots hit the lead Xitixic wounding and stunning it. Elias shoots fire into the tunnel, wounding the Xitixic. The Xitixic are next and they pick the most obvious target. The guy that shot at them and is glowing brightly. About as stealthy as Kronk there, Shawn. The Xitixic fire their TK Machine Guns at him with two hitting him. The good news is thanks to the TW Invincible Armor’s energy resistance Shawn only takes 13 MD from their attacks. Zato exhales his poison breath into the tunnel at the Xitixic defenders… and they all make their saving throws. That bonus versus poison really helped them here. Damn. Was worth the shot, though. Squad 120 takes their shots. Two hit the Xitixic warriors wounding them but both manage to resist the stunning effect.

     Round 1, Action 2:

     Meina takes action and attacks the Xitixic when they get near and swings her leg at them. The first kick turns a Xitixic into paste. The second misses the other Xitixic, but takes a good size chunk out of the wall. Dom is standing by. Shawn takes two shots at the Xitixic. The first shot kills the Xitixic Meina just missed and the second shots wounds but doesn’t stun another. Goggles takes his shot and hits a Xitixic further wounding it but not killing it. The Xitixic attack next. Meina has now become the new, obvious target and the two Xitixic attack her with their short swords. Meina parries the first attack but the second Xitixic tags her for 21 MD. Zato activates his Psychic Body Field power. Squad 120 fire at the Xitixic attacking Meina. Two shots hit, killing one and further wounding the second.

     Round 1, Action 3:

     Meina slams her foot into the Xitixic and splatters it, ending the fight. There’s a pause as Squads 120 and 125 see if anything else shows up but so far it’s quiet. Squad 120’s leader, CWO2 Eripelding, comments, “Well, that was easy.” He says to Meina, “Chief, we’ll go down that tunnel and finish off any warrior bugs while your squad finishes off the workers. They should be down that tunnel.” He then points to the tunnel to the right of the tunnel the warriors had just came from.

Goggles light off like a shot again, skittering down the tunnel fast enough to stay ahead but slow enough not to run into a bug by accident. Once he is able to sense the bugs he stopped and took stock to do his job, scouting.

Dom is pleased that whether by his stealth magic or the rest of the team being such loud and big targets, he is completely ignored. That frees him to do what a SDS is supposed to do; use their magic to enhance the team. He quickly and methodically sets about doing that with a series of quick finger and hand movements, combined with a few words of power.

He moves with the team as Goggles heads out, taking point.

OOC
Casting the following:
Goggles: Superhuman Agility - Duration 20 melees, +1 Initiative and Parry, +5 Dodge and
Auto-Dodge, +5 Roll w/Impact

Furman: Superhuman Agility - Duration 20 melees, +1 Initiative and Parry, +5 Dodge and
Auto-Dodge, +5 Roll w/Impact

PPE: 277/247

During the trip tonthe staging area, James had been assigned to protecting the rear flank.  When they stopped, he moved in closer to hear the briefing, plugging his hoverbike in to charge from the APC.
Ariella had ridden on the handlebars to the hoverbike, but sat on his shoulder now that they were at rest.
Don't forget your Battle Buddy.  Everyone should be in groups of two minimum, James advises.  Standard Military Operating Procedure.
As they prepared to go into the hive, he looked to the night elf.  Yes, we're going on a Bug Hunt, Little One.  You need to be very careful, though.  These bugs are much bigger than you are used to dealing with.  So, stay close.
He rappels into the darkness of the hive, his eyes adjusting along the way.  While not being particularly stealthy, he is not trying to make a spectacle of himself.  Once he is on the floor, his big bore Naruni PC rifle is quickly in hand.  Any bugs he sees, he gives them a plasma cartridge
Standing outside of the hive, looking into the opening that had been blasted, James considers Becoming, since his alter ego can fly.  But, no, he decides he wants to fight as his Facade for once.
He rappels down the rope, touching the floor of the hive with relative softness.  Looking around, he remembers that they are going after a species that fights three dimensionally.  That means being on the look around for trouble on the ceilings and the walls, as well as from the air in between.
Should any bugs show their mandibled faces, James will begin using his Naruni PC rifle as bug spray, shooting at each one as they get closer in turn.

15:54, Today: James Datillo rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  I nitiative.

15:53, Today: James Datillo rolled 40,20,30,30,30,10,10 using 1d4*10,1d4*10,1d4*10,1d4*10,1d4*10,1d4*10,1d4*10.  MD damage.

15:52, Today: James Datillo rolled 9,22,23,7,12,17,6,23 using 1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4.  Naruni Plasma Cartridge shots.

     Seeing Goggles run ahead I yell, “Private! Stay close to the squad! We don’t need you to get cut off from the rest of us and then attacked!”
     I’ll give him points for enthusiasm, but he needs to keep his head on straight and stick with us. This is a team effort after all. I think we’re heading the right direction, but I’m not sure.
     ((Rolled a 78% against my Spelunking skill of 69%. If we encounter any more intersections or forks in the path I will spray paint an arrow before the intersection/fork pointing back the way to our insertion point.))

     Since the squad has been studying the map that the Lazlo Militia created of the outpost I will give to all of you a +20% bonus to navigating within the hive, so Shawn does know that the squad is heading in the right direction.
     Anyway, on your way to the Workers’ sleeping area you do hit one fork in the tunnel and need to turn left. After about a minute of travel time total you reach a compartment with nearly twenty inactive Workers, probably sleeping.
     So roll for Rounds 2 and 3! James, I will count what you already posted as your actions for Round 2. Everyone has until 1600 EST 10NOV to post their actions. Good hunting!

Goggles lets his napalm flame gun do the talking.

10:17, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 2,2,2,3,1,1,4,1 using 1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4.  Damage Round 2 (5th attack is Crit).

10:15, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 28,19,22,23,31,27,34,35 using 1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17.  Auto Dodges Round 2.

10:14, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 22,27,26,26,31,28,24,18 using 1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11,1d20+11.  Attacks round 2.

10:13, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 24,33,37,36,37,34 using 1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17,1d20+17.  Auto Dodges.

10:12, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 4,1,2,1,3,3 using 1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4,1d4.  damage.

10:11, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 18 using 1d20+11.  Attack 8.

10:11, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 27 using 1d20+11.  Attack 7.

10:11, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  Attack 6.

10:11, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 29 using 1d20+11.  Attack 5.

10:10, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 18 using 1d20+11.  Attack 4.

10:10, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 14 using 1d20+11.  Attack 3.12:45, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  A/D.

12:45, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 23 using 1d20+17.  Auto Dodge.

12:44, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 4 using 1d4.  x10 damage.

12:44, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 3 using 1d4.  x10 damage.

12:43, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Attack 2 - Flamer D/S.

12:43, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Attack 1 - Flamer Double Shot.

12:42, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 19 using 1d20+11.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Wed 08 Nov 2023.

     I take aim at the nearest Worker and open fire. I almost feel bad about doing it, but it’s them or us. The Workers may not be going around killing people, but they’re still an important cog in the Xitixic expansion machine. Time to throw a monkey wrench into it.

Round 2:

Init: 16
Strike: 14, Nat 1 (saved vs. fumble), 24 (Nat 19), 19, 13, Nat 1 (Again! Saved vs. fumble), 21, 15
Damage: 26, N/A, 72, 30, 46, N/A, 42, 34
Ammo: 12/24
PPE-Clips: 9/9
Plasma Grenades: 3/3

Round 3:

Init: 17
Strike: 18, 14, modified 20, 21, 10, 13, 11, 21
Damage: 32, 44, 28, 22, 42, 30, 40, 36
Ammo: 4/24
PPE-Clips: 9/9
Plasma Grenades: 3/3

Seeing the sleeping workers, Dom doesn’t hesitate. With his left hand, he executes a series of quick, intricate finger movements, while saying over the team radio, ++Adhesion going in, stay clear++. No sooner is the last word spoken then his fingers cease moving and what amounts to magic flypaper appears under the sleeping workers. “Shaping the battlefield and powering up my team, god I love being the SDS,” he thinks to himself as the spell roots the bugs in place, making them incapable of dodging his team’s attacks. “Not sure how you would dodge all this but best to be sure.”

His free hand moves again in a different pattern and then a palpable aura of dread permeates the chamber. “I’d actually feel sorry for them if they weren’t bugs hell bent on devouring the world,” he thinks as his Fear spell begins to unfold. “Sleeping peacefully, then waking up to being hosed with plasma, lightning, you can’t move and then get hit with fear too? As if it wasn’t like waking up into the worst nightmare ever.”

OOC
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.

Round 2
1 action – cast Carpet of Adhesion under the workers and not the team. 5 PP
2 action – cast Fear (Save vs HF16 instead of save Vs magic), 20ft diameter. I cast it away from where the team is standing. 3 PPE
3-9 – Called Shot – Head shots, once each on 7 different workers

Strikes
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.

Damage
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 34 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 36 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 41 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 39 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 33 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 29 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 32 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.

Round 3
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.
1 action - cast Superhuman Agility on myself 15 PPE
2-4 - three called shots (head) to workers
5 - change PPE clip
6-9 - 4 called shots (head) to workers

Strikes
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Called Shot.

Damage
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 48 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 26 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 41 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 40 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 46 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 32 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.
Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 39 using 10d6.  Bug Zapper - Double Damage for Xiticix.

PPE: 277/224
Bug Zapper – 10/6

OOC Gear on person:
TW Bug Zapper
Wilk's 237 pistol
Mystic Soldier EBA
8 PPE clips (7 full left)
2 e-clips
10 TW Flashbangs
2 TW Combat Knives
Communicator
TW Optics Enhancer
Canteen
IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit)

This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Thu 09 Nov 2023.

Ariella had come out of James' jacket pocket, her miniature smStarjammer in hand.  Flitting down, she lands on his shoulder when he makes it to the floor, ready to shoot big bugs.

     Round 2, Action 1:

     Dom wins the coin toss and acts first. First thing he does is cast “Carpet of Adhesion” followed by “Fear” onto the group of Xitixic Workers. James fires two shots at the Workers. Both shots hit. The first shot kills the Worker leaving a smoldering corpse. The second shot also hits but the Worker survived the attack. Goggles aims his napalm gun at a Worker and hits it with a double blast of flaming goodness. It’s now a flaming corpse. Shawn fires his Zapper twice. His first shot hits a Worker wounding it. On the second shot he sneezes and his shot goes wide and hits the right wall of the chamber. The Workers are frenzied and trying to flee, defend themselves, attack, something, but they’re rooted into place by Dom’s spell.

     Round 2, Action 2:

     Dom takes aim and fires his Zapper twice. The first shot hits a Worker in the head, blowing it off. The second shot hits a Worker in the chest. It slumps over dead. James fires off two more shots at the Workers. Both shots hit, finishing off one Worker and seriously wounding another. Goggles aims his weapon at a Worker and fires. It’s a hit and the Worker is toasted to a crisp. Shawn takes aim and fires twice. The first shot, a critical hit, strikes the wounded Worker and obliterates it. Completely. The bug explodes from the shot and spatters pieces of exoskeleton and gore all over the other Xitixic Workers, the walls, the floor, the ceiling and a little bit reached you guys too. You might want to rinse yourselves off when you get back to the APC is what I’m saying. Shawn’s second shot hits a different Worker, wounding it. The Xitixic would attack but they have no means to. They have no weapons and they’re stuck to the floor far away from you.

     Round 2, Action 3:

     Dom fires off two more shots from his Zapper. Each shot hit a Worker in the head, blowing their heads off. James fires his rifle twice at the Workers. The first shot kills a wounded Worker, the second shot wounds another Worker. Goggles fires a double blast at a Worker killing it. Shawn fires two shots at the Workers. The first shot obliterates a wounded Worker. Seriously, you guys are starting to need a shower here. You’re beginning to look like that INS agent from Men in Black after K shot Mikey. Not nearly as bad yet, but you’re working your way towards it. Shawn’s second shot isn’t nearly as impressive as he sneezes again and the shot goes wide to the left. Maybe he’s allergic to the Xitixic or something. Meanwhile the Workers are trying to free themselves from the “Carpet of Adhesion.”

     Round 2, Action 4:

     Dom squeezes off two more shots at the Workers. Both shots hit a Worker in the head, killing them both. James takes his next shots. Both shots hit the same Worker, but it manages to survive the attack. Goggle shoots another double blast with his rifle, wounding a Worker. Shawn fires two more shots into the group of Workers, killing one and seriously injuring a second. The Xitixic Workers are busy trying to free themselves.

     Round 2, Action 5:

     Dom has one shot left and uses it to blow the head off of a Worker. James is out of actions. Goggles fires a single blast at a Worker, burning it. Shawn and the Xitixic are out of actions.

     Round 3, Action 1:

     Dom first casts “Superhuman Agility” onto himself. He then takes one shot at a Worker, killing it. Shawn takes aim and fires his Zapper twice. The shots connect and kill two different Workers. Goggles fires his rifle and incinerates a Worker.
     And that seems to do it. All of the Workers are dead. At least all the ones that were resting at this spot, but based on the number of Workers you found here and the intel you had, you probably got all of them.

With eleven shots left in hia mag, James dies not bother to change it out just yet.  Ariella?  Are you okay?  You didn't shoot at the bugs.

     I am really glad I have my force fields activated otherwise getting this goo off me would be a real pain in the ass. As it is I start wiping my left hand against the wall of the tunnel and comment, “Anyone else remember reading in the User’s Manual, ‘Warning! Xitixic might explode like gremlins in a microwave when using this product?’ Because I sure don’t! I hope the gun cleaning kits are up to the challenge.”
     More seriously I ask, “Is it just me or weren’t there a lot more Workers than we were told to expect? I could have sworn at the briefing we were told to expect about a dozen Worker but this was closer to twenty. Anyone have any thoughts on that?”

Goggles walked a bit to be away from the noise. He put a hand on the wall and focused.

Trying to establish if there are more bugs, how many, which direction...

12:31, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 49 using 1d100.  Radar.

12:31, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 14 using 1d100.  Radar.

12:30, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 45 using 1d100.  Hearing.

12:30, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 38 using 1d100.  Hearing

James shrugs.  They reproduce a lot quicker than intel reported?

Though he can't be seen, save by those using See the Invisible, Dom's voice is heard over the team radio net, **I'm good, used one PPE clip up and half of another. Didn't take a scratch.** He says simply.

"Took a whole lot of good though," he thinks to himself. He doesn't bother trying to wipe the bug goop off. For one, he knows it would be futile. Second and more importantly, there was no way he smelled like anything other than a Xiticix. "Best Camouflage against these alien bugs, even if I do look like I just walked off set from an episode of You Can't Do That On Television."




PPE: 277/224
Bug Zapper – 10/6

OOC Gear on person:
TW Bug Zapper
Wilk's 237 pistol
Mystic Soldier EBA
8 PPE clips (7 full left)
2 e-clips
10 TW Flashbangs
2 TW Combat Knives
Communicator
TW Optics Enhancer
Canteen
IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit)

     I reply to James, “Not here. There’s no Queen here. Now maybe they transferred more Workers here from the hive or a base, but shouldn’t they also transferred in some additional Warriors too? So far the response has been underwhelming.”

Dom speaks up over the team radio net, ++Sergeant, bugs on Earth are pretty efficient. They literally don't do anything unless it serves a purpose for the hive. So having all these workers here must have been for a specific purpose. Bugs colonies on Earth usually grow their population until a certain threshold is met, then they expand. I'm thinking we caught this hive in one of the stages of expansion. If that's true, well...sarge I think we are walking into a hell of a lot more bugs than command factored in to the plan++

     You explore around a bit more but nothing. About five, ten minutes later you hear a staticy message over the radio ordering you back to the APCs. You make your way back to the insertion point without incident and meet up with LT Curtiss. You overhear some chit chat by the other platoon members about how easy it was. All four APCs are parked next to each other. LT Curtiss announces, “Well, that’s that. The outpost has been neutralized. I’m going to brief command on our situation. Keep an open and stay alert. There may be Warriors that were out on patrol that are now returning to investigate all the noise we made. Excellent job, everyone.”
     At that LT Curtiss enters Squad 120’s APC to radio command. As of now it’s pretty quiet.

James looks around at the others.  Why do I feel like this was too easy?

Elias went about cleaning his weapons. He answered James, "Because it was. even with extra workers, there wasn't enough defense. I'm low man on the totem poll here so my opinion is worth a warm jug of piss but I'll give it anyway. I think they pulled back, taking their best to defend their queen. My question is why? Did they know we were coming or is there something worse out there?"

     I reply to James, “That’s what I’ve been saying. Something about the outpost has my hackles raised. I know that we hit them with overwhelming numbers, but even so I expected more of a fight. Something’s off here.”

     Sorry about the delay, I’ve been busy. Anyway, Phase 1 of Mission 5 is complete. Everyone gets 50 XPs for neutralizing the Xitixic outpost plus the additional XP rewards:

Dom- 310
Meina- 55
Zato- 30
Shawn- 160
Goggles- 210
James- 80
Ariella- 5

     About half an hour later LT Curtiss summons you back to Squad 120’s APC. Squads 120, 125 and 130 will reenter the outpost and collect every Xitixic weapon you can find. Squad 135 and the APC crews will stay outside on guard just in case any Xitixic returns to the outpost.
     We’re not going to role play your search. You guys go in, spend an hour or so searching the outpost, return with your booty, and then the weapons are catalogued and counted.
     It’s starting to get light out when you’re done. LT Curtiss announces, “Alright, ladies and gentlemen. We’re going to rest here for a few hours. We eat lunch at twelve hundred and break camp at thirteen hundred. We’ll be heading to the battalion rendezvous point. We should reach it in about two days. Get some rest.”

Goggles is able to fall asleep in less than a minute.

.

Dom was a little surprised that they were delaying the mission long enough to collect anything useful from the hive but orders were orders.

Once the team had accomplished that and gotten a little down time, he recharged his spent and partially spent PPE clips, before eating and sleeping. He wanted to be ready for their next target.

After resting up, goes around the team, asking if there are any specific spells someone wants to be cast upon them during the next battle. If they don't know, he happily describes his spell knowledge.

     I rest once the lieutenant tells us to. As we’re eating lunch and Dom is explaining to us how his spells work, “Okay, I’m not familiar with what Combat Mages can do. Can you explain what spells you can cast and what they’d do for us? I might be able to use them.”

"Sure thing SFC," Dom replies. "Combat Mage is my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). We are the like the 11 Bravos (MOS code for Infantry) of mages. Ask me to work out a new theorem on magic principles or cast something anything higher than the 8th level of spells and I way out of my depth. Ask me to buff you and the squad up or shape the battlefield or debuff the enemy, I'm your guy. Its my role as the Squad Designated Sorcerer or SDS."

He jerks a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the now destroyed outpost. "Back there right when me made contact, I cast a spell called Superhuman Agility on you and Goggles. When we found that room filled with workers, I cast another couple of spells, Carpet of Adhesion and Fear. Between the two, that made it so they couldn't dodge or close the distance to us plus gave them a little extra push towards panicking. Figured it couldn't hurt in case they somehow got loose. I'm only a Spec 4 so I haven't been given access to everything but I've been taught the basics and a little extra. Besides boosting someone's agility, I can make it so they are quick enough to outdraw almost anyone or anything, give them the ability to shoot a tick off a deer's nose from 300 meters away and I even have a spell for boosting morale."

     “I was wondering why the Workers weren’t moving around too much. At any rate that does sound useful. In any type of combat situation. Not too long ago we ran into a pack of vampires which turned unfortunate… For them. We took them out pretty quickly, but I can imagine how much faster if we had your support.”

     At 1300 LT Curtiss summons the entire platoon together for a short brief.
     “Before we depart for the rendezvous point there’s something you need to know. There was a reason I had you collect all those Xitixic weapons from the outpost and it wasn’t so we could mount them as trophies above the fireplace. This morning we encountered six Warriors at this outpost when expected twelve. Command had us collect all the Xitixic weapons we could find so that they could get an estimate of how many Warriors were stationed here. The experts say there should have been between eighteen and twenty-four Warriors here. That means twelve to eighteen Warriors are unaccounted for. The experts don’t think that the missing Warriors are out there, planning a counteroffensive. Either they were called back to the hive, or someone or something killed them before we got here. We think it’s the latter.
     “Anyway, for the most part this doesn’t affect the mission. We have too many resources and personnel committed to stop now. We will continue on to the rendezvous point. We will continue to maintain radio silence with one exception. Every hour on the hour Squad 120’s APC crew will transmit a radio check with Command letting them know that we’re okay. Other than that the previous radio silence orders stand.
     “Any questions before we move out?”

Goggles said, "Yea, how do I get out of this chicken shit outfit?" He grinned, "I couldn't resist. Do you want me riding along side or asleep inside the troop carrier?"

     My head quickly turns towards Goggles and I snap, “You secure that shit, Private! I get the joke but that is no way to speak to the lieutenant!”

Do want us riding the perimeter again? James ask for both himself and Ariella.

Dom listens to the FRAGO (Fragmentary Order - changes to an existing order) and shrugs. The plan was mostly still the same, just the added radio checks and that wasn't even for their squad. He did have one question, which he proceeded to ask, "Sir, why does command feel someone else thinned out the Xiticix before we got here? Did they find evidence of that?"

He wanted to say more but as a lowly E4, he knew better than to say, "Or is S2 just 'providing intel that supports the plan', even when that 'intel' was completely fictitious or outdated. Wouldn't be the first time I've seen that."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Mon 27 Nov 2023.

     LT Curtiss is quiet during the exchange between Goggles and Shawn. After Shawn completes his dressing down he asks for clarification. Once it’s explained to him that Goggles has been sleeping during the day so that he can cover the entire night watch he replies, “Up to your squad leader. I am satisfied with how we’ve been doing things so far. So unless Chief Meina wants to change the program we can leave it that way.”
     Answering James question, LT Curtiss replies, “We will continue to have the escort vehicles around the APCs as we travel. Again, I’ll let the squad leaders determine how they what to do it.”
     To Dom, LT Curtiss answers, “This is not the only outpost that we attacked last night. Most of them were staffed with the excepted number of Warriors or more. Only ours and an outpost to the west were understaffed.
     “Now maybe it’s possible that the Xitixic have a way to recall or summon their Warriors to a specific location, but if they did we’d expect all of the outposts to get those orders, not just two. So the first thought is that the Xitixic encountered something that fought back. Especially since an awful lot of weapons were left behind at the outposts. If the Warriors left in an orderly fashion then not as many extra weapons would have been left behind.
     “Anyway, right now the mystery of the missing Warriors is enough to raise some eyebrows, but not enough to hit the panic button. So we’re pushing forward.”
     ((By the way, Dom, I like your suspicious little musings. 25 XPs.))

     With the briefing over LT Curtiss orders the platoon to move out. You load up into your respective APCs or personal vehicles and start driving northwest. Around 1800 you stop to make camp for the night. You eat, drink, share stories and your thoughts about the situation and then go to sleep for the night. At 0600 the next morning is reveille, breakfast and you guys traveling again.
     The cycle repeats for day two of travel. It’s all quiet and nothing unusual happens nor does anyone or anything try to attack or harass you. On day three you arrive at the battalion rendezvous point. You’re not the first nor the last to arrive. Before evening Major Shard arrives with the bulk of the battalion. Word is passed down via the chain of command what the next couple of days will look like.
     Morning reveille followed by breakfast. After breakfast you’ll spend the day reviewing the base attack plan. Making sure everyone is on the same page and remembers the important details. Break for lunch, go back to reviewing the plan, and then break for dinner. You’re expected to get some rest after dinner unless you’re on sentry duty. At 2200 the battalion will move out as quickly and quietly as possible.
     So tonight, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die! Well, the day after tomorrow.

     I’m going to spend the evening making sure all my gear is ready for the upcoming battle. First I’m going to make sure all my E-clips and PPE-clips are fully charged. Next I’m setting up my starting gear for the mission. My Zapper will be loaded with a PPE-clip. I will have 1 ammo belt with 1 can of spray paint, 2 plasma grenades and 1 PPE-clip. I will load 2 bandolier belts with 4 PPE-clips each. Clipped to my side will be my TW Flaming Sword.
     Next, unlike the outpost mission I’m going to bring my Dimensional Pocket with me and I’m going to have some of my weapons ready for switchout. My plasma ejector will be loaded with a CE-clip and 4 CE-clips loaded into a bandolier belt specially made for them. My next go to weapon is the NG-LG6 Laser Rifle & Grenade Launcher. It will be loaded with 1 E-clip and 4 rifle grenades. I will have my rifle grenade bandolier belt loaded with 25 rifle grenades and another bandolier belt loaded with 3 E-clips and 1 plasma grenade. I only have 4 E-clips total so rather than leave the fourth pouch empty I’ll load it with a plasma grenade. Last weapon will be my 40 mm grenade launcher. I have two 6-round drum magazines for it. Both drums will be loaded with one of them loaded into the launcher. I will also load up the 40 mm grenade bandolier belt with 20 grenades. Lastly I’ll have 7 plasma hand grenades floating loosely in my Dimensional Pocket.
     Any Xitixic that gets in my way will rue the day that it did.

Goggles took his turns on guard duty, but otherwise slept and ate as normal. He had no preparations to make.

     During the evening two individuals show up, both on hovercycles. One is a human sergeant, the other a PFC Grackletooth. They park their hovercycles near your APC and dismount. The human sergeant says, “I’m looking for Squad 125, is that you guys? I need to speak to Chief Meina. Where can I find her?”
     Once Meina meets with the sergeant, he tells her, “I’m Sergeant Shives.” He point his thumb at the Grackletooth and adds, “This beanstalk here is PFC Beaumont Benoit. His convoy reported to Aegis after you left but he’s supposed to be in your squad.
     “Anyway, we brought him with us and so he’s yours now. Try not to break him. You know how fragile Grackleteeth are.”
     Shortly after that Sgt. Shives departs.

The Grackle Tooth looked down at the human he'd been traveling with and grinned a mouth full of teeth. When he spoke it was with a strange accent, but his rumbling bass voice was pleasant enough at least. "Oh, you a funny one, you is. All full'a jokes when you back on da way out, I see." He gave a lazy salute to both of the officers. "I'd say it had been a pleasure, but momma done tol' me I should no lie." He let out a chuckle.

He turned fully to the new officer. "Evenin'. You prefe' t'be call sah, ma'am, or Sah'gent? Or ot'erwise?"

Goggles snored in the Trooptransport.

Dom had finished his evening meal along with everyone else that had partook. He was just sitting around the site, performing field maintenance on his gear when the new comers arrived and reported in to the Chief. He idly wondered what the MOS of the new guy was and whether or not he, like so many Grackletooth, smoked tobacco.

He didn't smoke or chew but he had no problems with people that did though he did hope that if the PFC was a smoker, at was at least something tolerable, like a pipe or cigar. He wasn't sure how it worked and honestly didn't care enough to research it but for some reason, pipe tobacco just smelled better than cigarettes.

     Seeing the sergeant arrive with someone else in tow I get up from preparing my gear and see what it’s all about. When the new PFC salutes Meina, I remind him, “No saluting out in the field, Private. It makes the officers targets. I doubt the Xitixic know what a salute means, but we have bandits, CS recon teams and random whackaloons out here in the Hivelands too.
     “I’m Sergeant First Class Shawn Furman, but most of the time you can just call me Shawn. I’m the squad’s Mind Melter. Welcome to the squad.”

     It’s quiet that evening. Well, maybe quiet isn’t the right word. There are several hundred militia members gathered here and they’re a bit noisy. Joking, telling stories, singing songs, a few have even snuck off to fuck in semiprivate, so not that quiet. More accurately, nothing attacks the camp nor does anything weird happen. As the evening wears on it does start to get quieter and quieter as people retire for the night and soon only the sentries; such as Goggles; and the radio watch are awake.
     At first.
     Very early in the morning Meina is woken by Harris gently shaking her shoulder and whispering her name. He says to her, “Meina, Chief, wake up. There’s something going on. Let’s go to the cockpit where we can talk without disturbing the others.”
     Harris closes the door between the cockpit and the APC’s main compartment. He takes his usual copilot seat and gestures for Meina to sit in the pilot’s chair.
     “Over an hour ago Command radioed the battalion with a message for Major Shard. I don’t know what the message was. It was transmitted to us as an encrypted data file that only the Major has the decryption key for. I do know that the message was labeled “Urgent.” About twenty minutes later Major Shard radioed for all of the company captains to meet him at his APC. ASAP. About twenty, twenty-five minutes later the company captains summoned all their platoon leaders to their APCs, including LT Curtis. They’ve been in there for a while now. I’m betting any minute now you’re going to get summoned to Squad 120’s APC to meet with LT Curtis.”
     ((Now I know that some of you are going to be like, “Wait! Can I get in on this conversation?” Well, that depends. To start with, Goggles was outside on sentry duty. He definitely didn’t see or hear Harris wake Meina up. He also didn’t hear the message from Command to Major Shard as he and the other sentries are on a different radio channel than the one Command used to contact Shard. However, when Shard summoned the company captains and they later summoned the platoon leaders he would have heard that over the radio channel he’s on. Whether he takes note of that or not I leave up to Goggles’ player.
     ((Now for those sleeping in the APC, you may roll a d20, add in your perception bonus if any and on a result of 20 or higher Harris accidentally woke you up when he woke Meina up. We can then role-play whether or not Harris or Meina let you join them.))

Goggles took note of the strange meetings going on. He moved in closer to try and hear what was being said in these "super secret" meetings.

     I sit up quickly and say, “Help me, Stepbrother! I’m stuck!” And then lie back down.
     “Zzz… Poor Jar Jar… Zzz… Only I like you… Zzz…”
     ((Rolled a 14. I’m not waking up.))

Beaumont had given Shawn an understanding nod. "Gotcha. Thanks." He lowered his hand quickly and made a mental note.

---

The Grackle Tooth was sleeping soundly, and doing a wicked impression of a logging camp or a lumber mill, snoring loudly as his chest rose and fell rhythmically. He didn't awaken.

     ((Beaumont, forgot to give you 25 XPs for your comment to Sgt. Shives about not lying to him about having a good time. That was funny.))
     Goggles meanders over to one of the APCs where a meeting is taking place between one of the company captains and their platoon leaders. Unfortunately the APC is buttoned up tight and there’s no way for him to hear what’s being said inside.

Goggles lingered hoping to over hear something when the APC opened up.

Dom didn't notice the activity by virtue of being asleep. Even if he had been woken up, he would have shrugged and gone back to sleep. Rack time is too important to get up for anything less important than at least three incoming rounds from artillery, MLRS or mortars.


No, really, by the end of my tour, I didn't bother getting out of my rack for just one or two rockets/mortar shells hitting us.

     ((Dom, I am not surprised to hear that. Anyway, 25 XPs for that little tidbit about yourself.))
     Some time after Elias examines the APC to determine if he can listen in on the conversation, the APC’s driver side door opens and several of the platoon leader exit the APC. None of them are LT Curtis. They’re not running, but they’re definitely moving in a hurry and with a purpose. Several minutes after that there is a call on the radio. Several calls, really. Over the channel the sentries are using the various platoon leaders are summoning their squad leaders to their respective APCs. This includes LT Curtis.
     Harris looks over at Meina and comments, “Well, that’s your cue, Chief.”

Goggles lead his horse back to the team rally point.

     Elias meanders back to Squad 125’s APC as Meina speed walks to Squad 120’s APC. She’s the last to arrive. They meet in the APC’s main compartment despite the fact that Squad 120 members had been trying to sleep there earlier. They’re gone now. Meina guesses that the lieutenant ordered them out so he could have a private briefing with her and the other squad leaders.
     Speaking of which, once it’s just the five of you LT Curtis begins by saying, “The plan has changed. We’re moving out at daybreak.
     “At about 0200 this morning Command got a report from a scout team not far from our target. They reported what sounded like explosions coming from the direction of the Xitixic base. They moved in to get a closer look and reported the sounds of combat nearby and then all contact was lost with the team.
     “Our battalion can get onsite faster than even air recon from Aegis II can. Get your squads up, drink some coffee, eat breakfast and get ready to move out.
     “Any questions?”

Goggles went for breakfast. He drank about a gallon of coffee too. He did not understand the hurry up mentality, if the bugs were getting squashed, less work for us.

Meina wakes up with a start - something that still happens a lot. Her arms are halfway rising in a defensive posture, to shield herself or grab an attacker, before she realises she's just been woken up by someone quietly talking.

"Got it." she whispers, before following Harris out.

"Thanks for the info, I'll get ready for the summons. Something definitely was up earlier, so any info we can get will be useful."

     Upon someone waking me up I exclaim, “Michael Jackson! No! Only my girlfriend can touch me there!”
     Looking around a moment I then ask, “What’s going on?”
     Once I get the brief I start to get ready to move out. I hit the latrine, eat and drink and then go over my gear one last time.
     I suggest to Meina, “I think Dom and I should fly over the tree-line again like that time after we encountered those weird creatures a few days ago.”

     Meina wakes you guys up, briefs you on the situation and you get ready to move out. As soon as it gets light out Major Shard gives the order to depart. Unlike when you moved to attack the outpost Major Shard doesn’t give a damn about stealth. The battalion moves through forest as quickly as possible, damn the noise. Even so it takes you a few hours to reach the Xitixic base.
     The Xitixic base has been destroyed, there’s no other word.
     Well, okay, one could go to a thesaurus and pick out a few other words like ruined, demolished, wrecked, devastated, pulverized, etc. The point is the base has been obliterated. There had been more than a dozen towers at this base and now only one is still standing and even then it’s severely damaged. There are large chunks of it missing making you wonder how in the hell it’s still erect. It’s a minor miracle that it hasn’t collapsed yet. There’s various types of damage around the base. Signs of energy weapon damage, explosions and burn marks that look like they were caused by caustic fluids of some kind.
     One of the more interesting characteristics of the battlefield is that there are no bodies. There’s not a single dead Xitixic at the base. Not even a body part. Looking around you can see splatter marks of what looks like something that used to be alive. Whether they were Xitixic or whoever or whatever attacked the Xitixic base you can’t tell. But you can’t find an intact being of any kind, a dropped or abandoned weapon nor a body part. Not even something as small as a finger or toe.
     The various radio operators are calling out to the missing scout team hoping for a response, but so far there is no reply. It quickly becomes obvious that your battalion are the only ones here.

Goggles was useless here so he took his horse out and around to scout for the other scouts.

The trip in had been uneventful, which was apropos considering what they found when they reach the Xiticix base; nothing.

Dom sat on his hovercycle, now idling, and surveyed the destruction. He had rarely ever seen such complete and utter devastation. The fact that almost nothing wad left standing wasn't the unnerving part though, it was the lack of bodies. There should have been dozens, if not hundreds of dead bugs here to go along with the destroyed buildings. Instead there was literally nothing. Not even an arm or wing and that was the really scary part. What force could have so completely destroyed the hive, in so short a time and leave not a single body behind of defender or attacker?

Dom found himself having one of those rare moments where he wished he had taken the scholarly route of magic instead of the tactical. A properly trained mage would have one of those esoteric spells to see backwards in time or scrye or whatever it is they did to learn about recent past events.

He didn't waste too much time or emotion on that however. It was pointless for what is, is. Instead he brought his hovercycle to where Chief Meina was and stopped. "So what now Chief?" He asked her, not feeling the need to state rhe obvious; that with the destruction of this bug base, their own orders just became obsolete.

     I really, really don’t like this situation. An entire Xitixic base annihilated but no bodies left behind? If the Xitixic had won this place would still be buzzing with activity like a hornet nest hit by rocks thrown by a dumb 10 year old. So they didn’t win. So what happened to the winners? Where did they go? And why aren’t there any bodies?
     Then a thought hits me.
     “Hey, I just had a thought pop into my head. Maybe the reason there are no bodies is because there are no leftovers.”

Beaumont woke up only a little groggy. He liked sleeping, of course, but could get by with less when needed. Like most soliders, scholar and students. He blinked a few times and then peered at Meina as she spoke. He was instantly awake and alert. A hive...just gone? That was very interesting! He climbed to his feet and hurriedly got ready.

He looked at the former-Hive with wide eyes, mouth hanging open slightly. "dat do be a sight," he muttered under his breath.

A frown slid on to his face as he looked. He started moving slowly closer as he examined things. "no bodies. no bodies?" He glanced at Shawn when they spoke and for a second he looked disgusted but that quickly changed to thoughtful and interested. It was an area of study for him after all.

He looked at those in charge, "We gonna go inside an' take a closer look, yah?"

     Orders start coming down via the chain of command. First things first, make sure the area is secured. You don’t need something nasty to pop up and surprise you. At the moment that does not involve going inside the base. Teams will be sent in later to determine the extent of the damage inside the base, look for any dead or living Xitixic, maybe find some clues on what attacked the base, but first Major Shard wants to make sure that the surface is secured before probing inside the base.
     So the ground at the main base has been covered with Xitixic resin and extends out a ways past that. The forest border is a few miles away. Essentially the Xitixic clearcut the forest around their base faster than they could pave over the earth with their resin. As such there is a gap between the resin-paved ground and the forest border. Squad 125 will be sent out to bearing 135 (southeast) to the forest border and explore the area up to a quarter mile (~402 m) inside the forest to ensure that someone or something isn’t lurking nearby.

     We get our orders to search the forest towards the southeast of our position. Just before we reach the forest boundary I radio for the squad to stop. I tell everyone, “Before we go in there we should make sure we’re ready. Not just our weapons, but I’m sure that’s a given. What I mean is anything we can do to enhance our ability to search the area. I can see the invisible and auras with my powers so I have that going for me.”
     Addressing Dom, I ask him, “Do you have any spells that you can cast on us to enhance our searching abilities, or make it harder for something to surprise us?”

Goggles said, "I'm a scout, it's kinda my thing. I am really good at hearing things if it matters."

Dom holds up his left hand, palm down and wiggles it. "A couple things, yah Sergeant. If anyone can't see invisible stuff on their own, I have the spell for that. Lasts about 10 minutes each time I cast it. I can also do the Chameleon thing, make us harder to see. That lasts a bit longer, about 45 minutes between casting. I can keep that up for a while but if I'm doing that for the whole squad, I'm going to run out energy in a couple hours or so. Your call Sargeant."

Googles went on alert. "Two bipeds approaching Southeast. Maybe a quarter mile out."

I've got nightvision, and I have a way to see the truth of things that I can see, James advisea.  My other form, I have even better nightvision, and I can make myself unnoticed by anyone but those I choose.
He falls silent a moment.  We could ask Ariella to scout ahead.  Not many people pay much attention to the faerie folk, and most avoid them for fear of their pranks.

     I’m about to ask Dom a few questions about the “Chameleon” spell when Goggles announces that he hears a couple of people walking towards us. The man must have bionic hearing or something. I must remember to ask him about it later.
     After James suggests that Ariella go check out our new visitors I reply, “Good idea. Just make sure she’s cautious. Last time we sent her out ahead of the squad she got a nasty scare when she met the Not Elf.”

Beaumont was a little disappointed that they were going to go inside the Hive. At least not yet. But maybe they'd get to later. His mind was awhirl with the possibilities of what had happened and if there was nothing inside the Hive like the outside or if there were clues to be found.

He was starting to feel like he had showed up to a party underdressed. He slowly raised a hand. "I don' cast no spells or have any powers or that sort'a t'ing. I'm jus' a medical profesh'nul." He gave a shrug and a sheepish smile.

He hefted up his Wilk’s 1000 Pulse Laser Cannon when there was mention of someone coming.

Master, I will go see what is coming, Ariella says as she slips.out of the inner pocket of James' duster.  She has only her bow and quiver, her armor of leather strips, and her ear-mike radio.
With that, she flits off in the indicated direction, turning invisible as she goes.

     A few minutes after Ariella leaves the squad to investigate the disturbance Elias heard you can hear Ariella yelling into the radio, “NotElf!NotElf!NotElf!CreepyGirl!CreepyGirl!” In fact, she’s yelling so loudly that you don’t need the radio to hear her.

Ariella!  Get back here now! James orders into the radio as he reaches for the empty holster of his gun belt.  When his hand comes back up, it holds a silver-plated revolver.  Some might recognize it as an ancient Schofield #3, some as a Techno-Wizard Thundergun, and yet others may not recognize it at all.

"Here we go" Dom says, spinning his hovercycle in place to face the direction the tiny fairy girl had come from. His hands rest on the controls, ready to fire any of its weapons.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:31, Thu 18 Jan.

     Hearing Ariella yelling about the Not Elf and Creepy Girl I mutter to myself, “Crap. Just what we need.”
     Seeing James draw his weapon I tell the entire squad, “Weapons ready, but keep your fingers off the trigger. The Not Elf hasn’t been hostile towards us yet and last time Creepy Girl didn’t attack us. Still, let’s exercise the utmost caution here.”
     I have my Zapper ready, but pointed towards the ground. I want to be ready in case things go sideways, but not look threatening either.
     To our new guys I explain, “A few months ago we encountered an undead being we called the Not Elf. It wasn’t hostile towards us and since he was in the middle of nowhere we decided to leave him alone. Later we ended up inside a dimensional pocket; long story; and encountered the Creepy Girl. I think she’s undead too and she attacked us unprovoked. Later the dimensional pocket collapsed and the two met up and wandered off together. Looks like they’ve made their way here.”
     Seeing Dom arm up his hoverbike I tell him, “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but unless your ride is equipped with TW weapons it may not affect them. They are undead.”
     To Meina I suggest, “Chief, we should radio the battalion and update them about this. Also, how do you want to handle this? Go into the forest and speak with them, or wait here for them? I don’t know if they saw Ariella, but they’re sure as hell heard her. They know we’re out here.”

Goggles just said "Damn." His response to the story was a gut reaction.

Beaumont frowned as he listened and he mouthed the very strange 'nicknames' the group had given some undead they had met. "You did no ask for da name o'da first one dat weren' hostile?" He scratched his chin a little.

Then when it was mentioned that 'non-TW' weapons might not hurt them, he looked down at the cannon in his hands and let out a small sigh. He put it back on the hovercycle next to him and instead pulled out the almost comically small TW Bug Zapper instead, looking at it like he might accidentally break it.

"Not Elf" is what Ariella called him when we first encountered him.  It was the first thing that popped into her head, because he has ears like an elf, but is undead.  He absolutely scares the shit outta her, James explains.

     Before Meina can make the call two figures come into view. The veteran squad members recognize them as Not Elf and Creepy Girl. For our new players the Not Elf is a male humanoid figure about six feet tall, maybe a bit taller. He has long, white hair that reaches down to his waist. His arms are a bit longer than a human’s. Not as extreme as an orangutan’s, but still noticeably longer. His hands are huge, about the size of dinner plates and each finger is tipped with a claw. He is wearing regular street clothes that are worn and dirty. His complexion is white with a slight green pallor to it and his eyes are completely white. We’re talking “Little Orphan Annie” eyes level of cataracts here. And just as James mentioned, his ears are long and pointy as an elf’s.
     Creepy Girl is short and looks like a pale, human girl of about 5 or 6. Although not nearly as pale as the Not Elf. Her hair is black and reaches to around the middle of her back. Her bangs stop just above her eyes. Her eyes are brown and slightly almond shaped, suggesting she has some East Asian heritage. She’s wearing a bright red coat that reaches to her knees. Unlike the Not Elf, her clothes look new and immaculate.
     The Not Elf and Creepy Girl are walking side by side. In fact, Not Elf is holding Creepy Girl’s left hand in his oversized right. The sight would be comical if not for the fact that they’re two undead beings walking silently towards you with mostly blank faces. I say mostly blank because Creepy Girl’s face looks blank and somehow angry at the same time. You’re not sure how she’s pulling that off.
     They walk towards the squad and come to a stop after taking one step past the forest border. Creepy Girl just stands there looking at you. Not Elf is swaying side to side, silently. After almost a full minute of quiet he says in a raspy voice, “So… the Newcomers have… eradicated the Xitixic at their base? How delightful… They are already proving to be interesting… This will be fun… I should say… Yes… very fun…”
     ((Dom, 25 XPs for thinking to use your hovercycle’s weapons. Beaumont, 25 XPs for your comment about the squad not getting the Not Elf’s real name earlier.))

     As soon as I see Not Elf and Creepy Girl I activate my Enhanced Reflexes power. I want to be ready in case the fecal matter hits the cooling unit, but I don’t want to be obvious about it. Unfortunately my Psychic Body Field and especially my TW Invincible Armor create a visible aura around me, so since I want to be stealthy about what I’m doing they’re out.
     After Not Elf finally speaks I ask him, “What do you know about these Newcomers? Who are they? What do they want?”

The large Grackletooth doctor decided that since he had never met these two before and wasn't in charge of the unit, he would keep his long snout shut for the moment. He stayed ready, holding the zapper in one hand. It wasn't pointed at them, but it was pointed at the ground and a bit forward, so he could pull it up quickly to shoot that direction if needs be.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:42, Sun 12 May.

     As the Not Elf answers he’s looking in Shawn’s general direction, but Shawn gets the feeling that the Not Elf isn’t actually looking at him. Still swaying side to side, the Not Elf says, “Who are they… What do they want?… They want to… consume this world… and others. They are a… Devouring Swarm… Yes… A Devouring Swarm… I like that name…
     “They are a Devouring Swarm… and they want to consume… us.”

Dom didn't slide off his hovercycle at the mentioning of undead but he did rehearse the gesture and words for the Lifeblast spell in his mind.

When the 'Not Elf' said in a totally not movie level creepy voice, something about a devouring swarm, wondered, at least briefly, if the universe was just plain fracking with him. He decided after a moments reflection that, no, he couldn't possibly be that important to Fate or God or the Universe or whatever cosmic forces were in charge, to warrant this kind of attention.

Whatever the actual case may be on that score, he was certain that he should say nothing, just keep maintaining his position while higher paid individuals spoke with their unexpected and undead visitors.

     Great, the usual Vorlan/Yoda answers. I don’t know why I expected different. I must be a glutton for punishment. Still, a little bit of information here. If nothing else, the Not Elf knows something.
     “What are the Newcomers called? Where did they come from? Where are they now?”

     “I have never heard… of this Devouring Swarm… until recently… I know little… about where they came from… I sensed their… presence and so we’re walking to them… They are… not too far… They are very… loud… I can hear them…”

Often referred to as a "devouring swarm," the only Mechanoid outpost here on Earth was destroyed, James informs.  Many are those who believe the Xiticix are the "Devouring Swarm" of prophesy.  So, what are they?

Beaumont looked...unhappy at the words 'Devouring Swarm'. That did not sound good at all. And it sounded like a description for the Xiticix. But they seemed to be indicating it was something else entirely. Which was pretty damn worrisome. A frown lined his face and his free hand twitched a few times.

"Uhhh...what be a...Mechanoid?" He didn't think he'd ever heard that time before.

He looked back that the Freakshow Pair and asked, "So you say dat...whatever it be, you ain't sure what it DO be...but it be nearby?"

Dom hasn't liked most of what has happened so far this morning. Breakfast was alright, good even, for field chow but since then, it had been downhill. Hearing that some sort of "Devouring Swarm" was coming their way and soon, was just one more thing to add to the "Bad Day" pile.

But he was a practical sort of fellow, which in this particular instance meant he was suddenly far less interested in the pair of undead, then he was with some oncoming horde of hostiles. He turned his hovercycle in place, looking for any signs of something untoward coming at them, such as a flock of birds deciding to relocate or a herd of deer running for their lives.

OOC
Perception check

Roberto Dominguez Rivera rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20)).

     To James I reply, “Yes, the Seven Demons and Four Great Dangers Prophecy. I’ve heard of it. Hard to say if the Devouring Swarm was the Mechanoids, is the Xitixic or something else altogether. Devouring Swarm is an apt description for both of them, but could easily be applied to others.”
     ((Even outside of Rifts the Devouring Swarm could be used to describe the Zerg from “StarCraft,” the Flood from “Halo,” the Borg from “Star Trek,” or the xenomorphs from Aliens.))
     After Beaumont asks who the Mechanoids were I explain, “They were a race of cyborg D-Bees that had a major hate boner for humans and humanoids. They had set up their base somewhere on the eastern seaboard. Can’t remember where exactly. Anyway, as James said they were eradicated a while ago so no need to worry about them now.”
     As Dom checks the area to make sure we’re not ambushed or something I am glad someone is keeping a weather eye open, but to be honest I’m not too worried. Yet. Right now nothing is causing my psychic senses to tingle. You know, other than conversing with a couple of undead supernatural beings. But why would that make me nervous in any way?
     I ask the Not Elf, “How long would it take you to walk to the Devouring Swarm from here? Is this the same Devouring Swarm from the prophecy? Why do you want to meet up with the Devouring Swarm?”

     The Not Elf answers Beaumont, “They are… not too far… I know this… They are carnage… and chaos… made flesh… They will be… entertaining…”
     To Shawn he replies, “The journey will take… a few more… days…”
     Before answering Shawn’s second question he pauses again and just silently sways side to side for nearly a minute again.
     “No… I just like… the name… It… fits them… I wish to… watch them… work… It will be… entertaining… A thing of… art… A masterpiece…”

The Mechanoids are about the only thing that the Kittani truly fear, James says in answer to the grackletooth's question.  Because.of their hatred, they seek to eradicate all humanoid life, and anything or anyone that stands with us.
He glances over at the new team mate.  Maybe, one day I'll tell you all about them.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sat 27 Jan.

     Nothing disconcerting about those answers. Nope. Not at all. These guys are death and carnage made flesh and they want to watch as it’ll be a work of art… Nothing to be concerned about here!
     Anyway, I do have a couple more questions for the Not Elf.
     “Which direction to the Devouring Swarm? And what’s your name?”

     The Not Elf points towards the direction of the hive. His answer about his name is, “My name…? You may call me… Somniorus. It is… as good… as another…”

     I look over at the direction Somnoirus pointed, then back to him, then back in that direction, then back to him, and then one last exchange of checking both directions. I comment aloud, “I don’t think he means in the Xitixic base itself. It wouldn’t take these two a few days to reach it on foot. Still, just to be safe we might want to send that information up.”
     To Somnoirus I ask, “How long has the Devouring Swarm been here? Have they always been around here since they arrived or are they on the move?”

Beaumont's eyes widened when they explained what the 'Mechanoids' were. He'd never heard of them, but he sure didn't like the sound of them. He was glad they had apparently been defeated at one point, and hoped it wasn't them again. The Xitixic were bad enough. And at least he knew some things about them, their physiology, and such.

Carnage and chaos made flesh. That...didn't sound good. And they had said 'flesh', which might mean that the Mechanoids were not likely the Devouring Swarm. Which wasn't the name of the group, just a nickname. Just like 'Not Elf' and the not-name he gave them to replace 'Not Elf'. The Grackle restrained a sigh and rubbed one of his eye ridges to stave off a headache. The other hand stayed firmly on the Zapper.

For the moment, he decided to stay quiet and just listen. He might learn something.

(My bet is that the devouring swarm is the tyranids from 40k. Here is my reasoning: they have a new range of minis to go with their new codex and the fact that they're the "main box-art enemy" of the new edition, so they're clearly branching out and - wait this is Rifts, a different game. But if at any point the psionic characters start losing access to their powers as though there's some shadow in the aether, the nuclear codeword is "Turkey".)

"The devouring swarm... I've seen a lot of monsters that could be considered that, though rarely successful. Quite a few that didn't arrive in number and were then controlled or destroyed. The fact that we know the Xiticix are one that has taken hold and could bring the end of the world... well, the next end of the world, if we count the previous one... I suppose even Demons and Deevils match the description when enough of them emerge, but luckily, that doesn't seem to have happened.* Ask some people about the vampire presence Southwards and they'd describe those as being similar."

Meina bites her lip for a moment.

"Well, let's relay this info back to base. Currently they want whatever info we can find, and it's possible we'll then be set to defend, recalled, or told to scout ahead and see what kind of defences we'll need to put together. Either way, we can at least provide a small bit of info.

Oh, Somnoirus, is this related to anything that happened in that pocket dimension? Or just separate calamities being a sign of the times?"


(*OOC: Pretty sure this game is set before the Dimension Wars where precisely that happens?)

     “I first noticed the Devouring Swarm…several dozens of… days ago… Where they here… before then…? Maybe… Who is to… say…? They have moved… some since… I noticed… them. Back… and forth… Here… and there…
     “The pocket… dimension…? With the… Old… Thing…? The Devouring Swarm… and the… Old… Thing… have nothing to… do with each… other… The Old… Thing had been… there a long… time… For ages… It did… not summon the… Devouring Swarm here… They found their… way here… on their own…
     ((Beaumont, 50 XPs for good role playing. Meina, 25 XPs for the Warhammer 40k reference. Also, correct about the Dimension Wars. This campaign predates them by a few years at least.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Thu 01 Feb.

The pauses in the speech patterns of Somnoirus were starting to drive him to distraction. Was it a breathing condition? Was their...throat just so dry they couldn't push out the words? Wait, no, they were undead. Was it something to do with their undead physiology? Was it medical, mystical or just...pride in being annoying and making others wait for them? Despite himself, he found that he was peering intently at the mouth, throat and chest area of Somnoirus, though he hadn't moved closer. His head tilted a bit this way, then that way as he tried to get an angle on what might be causing -

- he suddenly realized what he was doing and chided himself, shaking his head and looking away. Firstly, it was rude. Secondly, his medical training and scientific curiosity were showing (and getting the better of him). Thirdly, he needed to pay attention to what was actually being said instead.

Also, was Somnoirus just INCAPABLE of speaking clearly? He kept using nicknames for things. It was...annoying.

He cleared his throat softly. "So we gonna go check it out den? Get a prope' bead on what be dis...Swarm?"

     Back and forth. Here and there. Okay, it kind of sounds like they’re not moving around too much. Maybe they’ve established a base or camp here in the Hivelands. That would explain why they felt the need to depopulate the Xitixic a bit.
     Still, something Somnoirus says bugs me. I ask, “You said that they made their own way here. Does that mean that they came here on purpose?”

     “They arrived without… the Old Thing’s… inference… Did they… mean to come… here…? Did a… maelstrom bring them…? Did they mean… to go… elsewhere… and ended up… here…? Who is…” Somnoirus pauses a moment and then looks Beaumont in the eye and gives him a very, very creepy smile. He finishes, “To say…?”

Dom had seen nothing, absolutely nothing, out of place other than their two undead visitors. Somehow, that did nothing to set him at ease. He'd gotten the same briefing on Mechanoids as everyone else in the LDF does. He knew there was no reasoning with them, no surrender, only death, theirs or yours. If those things were back, and they really were what caused the destruction of that hive, then those intel briefings had actually understated their threat level.

He wondered what command would do when they got word. Ignore it as Intel from an unreliable source that couldn't be independently corroborated? Press ahead with the mission, no change? Or issue a FRAGO (Fragmentary Order, used to make changes to an existing op order short of a complete rewrite)? Or scrap the entire op?

"That wouldn't be a terrible idea" he thought while still searching the area in a slow, steady pattern. "Let the mechs and the bugs Duke it out, then swoop in a destroy whoever is left."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Sat 03 Feb.

     I don’t know why Somnoirus is looking at Beaumont like that, but I find it a bit unsettling. Still, best not to start something just because he’s acting creepy. He’s undead. That’s their default state.
     I ask, “That’s it for me. I’m out of questions. Anyone else have anything for him?”

Beaumont suddenly stopped dead in his tracks - not that he was moving yet, but figuratively-speaking. He stared at the undead unblinkingly for a long moment. He then decided to test the theory that he was desperately trying not to overwhelm the front of his mind and freak him right the hell out.

So he "thought" at Somnoirus - Can you hear thoughts? Read minds?

Elias finally spoke up, "Whatta they sound like?"

James adds a question 9f his own.
 Better yet, what do they look like?

     Somnoirus looks at Beaumont and answers, “Yes…”
     He answers Elias’ question, “They sound… like a herd… of animals… A lot of… different noises… It is… chaotic… But…” Here Somnoirus pauses for a bit before continuing, “There is… a voice… guiding the chaos… I cannot… understand what it… says, but… the other voices… unify at its… commands… They are legion… and one…”
     To James he answers, “I have not… seen them yet… Not in person… or by… visions… I will… know them… when I… see them…”
     ((Okay, you guys are on fire here! Beaumont, 50 XPs for good role-playing and another 50 XPs for coming up with the idea to think at Somnoirus. Dom, 50 XPs for your good role-playing. Elias and James you each get 25 XPs for your good questions for Somnoirus.))

Beaumont looked surprised, then shocked, then very wary. Unheeding of whether the undead heard him or not, he called out to the group. "Uh, so, big warnin'! Dat Somnoirus can read minds, hear our t'oughts, what have ya! So be on guard I guess."

He didn't really have good advice on that. He didn't have mental powers or defenses out of the ordinary himself.

But he began 'singing' loudly in his head, over and over, at the undead. This be da song dat never ends! It jus' go on an' on, my friends!

So, no idea what they look like, he muses.  That is not particularly helpful.

"And at least one of them is constantly reading our thoughts because of course they are. Hey, maybe that's why he is talking so slow, he is listening to what? At least half a dozen internal monologs, plus whatever else noises are coming through his ears, must be a bit distracting. Maybe confusing as to what is actual noise and what are thoughts. Yah I'd probably talk slowly, broken and creepy too"

     After you’ve been silent for a while Somnoirus and Creepy Girl start walking away. They walk towards the Xitixic base and instead of walking around the squad they walk through you. If anyone doesn’t move out of the way fast enough they’ll be pushed aside. Not as an attack or to knock someone down, they’ll just rudely push through if anyone doesn’t move their feet fast enough.
     A moment after they depart Harris announces over the radio, “Guys, we’re not the only ones that found something interesting. Recon Squad 345 is reporting that they found the trail of something big; a lot of somethings big; to the northwest. They’re saying that a lot of trees up there looked like they’ve been knocked over recently to forge a path.”
     After Harris’ announcement, Meina is able to radio back to the battalion command about what just happened with Somnoirus and Creepy Girl. Your orders to check out the area still stand, but also be ready to pull out and help Squad 345 in a moment’s notice. The battalion will keep an eye on Somnoirus and Creepy Girl, but for now orders are to give them a wide berth. Just because something was found in a different location doesn’t mean that you won’t find something too. I mean, besides the two creepy undead monsters you already found.
     ((Beaumont, 50 XPs for the “This is the Song that Never Ends” mental defense. That made me laugh. Dom, you are partially correct about listening to your thoughts and actual sound is distracting Somnoirus and causing his halting speech. It’s a contributing factor but not the only one. 25 XPs for coming up with that insight.))

     After more than an hour of searching you’ve come to the conclusion that there isn’t anything here of interest. All you managed to find was twenty particles of space dust per cubic meter, 52 ultraviolet radiation spikes, and a class-2 comet. Certainly worthy of your attention.
     You call in to report your findings and are recalled to the dead Xitixic base since all you found were Jack and shit, and Jack left town. Everyone is being recalled, even Squad 345. Unfortunately that trail they found went cold and even with help from a couple of other squads it turned into a dead end.
     Somnoirus and Creepy Girl did reach the Xitixic base, but didn’t even pause to check the scenery. They walked through the remains of the base, avoiding the various hazards, and continued on their way. The Lazlo Militia members gave them a wide berth as they walked through.
     As for you guys, as soon as you return to the Xitixic base you’re debriefed on your encounter with Somnoirus and Creepy Girl. In the meantime a large chunk of the battalion is sent inside the Xitixic base to see what can be found. After your debriefing you’re sent into the base to assist. You don’t find very much. The walls, ceiling and floor are lined with bioluminescent moss, lichen, fungi, something. You’re not sure what exactly it is. Just that it provides just enough light to be able to navigate the hive. The interior of the hive looks a lot like the outside. A lot of damage. Many of the tunnels have been collapsed, but that could have been done by the Xitixic themselves. One of the tactics utilized by the Xitixic to defend against intruders is to intentionally cave in a passageway and then tunnel around the cave in to hit the intruders from behind, above, below or from the side. You find a lot of holes in the floor as you investigate the base that you have to maneuver around. So some of the damage to the interior of the base looks like it was done by the Xitixic themselves as countermeasures against invaders. Doesn’t look like it helped though. By the end of your investigation you don’t find a single sign of the Xitixic. No bodies, no live ones holed up in a dead end somewhere, no weapons, not even some tools. They’re gone.
     That night the battalion camps out next to the Xitixic base. Like the night before the encampment is noisy from the various sounds of the Lazlo Militia members. The mood is noticeably more somber than last night. There are a lot of guesses as to what took out the Xitixic base. The CS came up with something new. It was Atlantis that took them out. The Mechanoids have returned. A Shifter opened up a rift and aimed an Eldridge horror at the Xitixic. One of the gods; like Thor or Ares; got bored and came down in person to wipe the Xitixic out. There’s one incoherent theory out there involving a magic school bus. Best that you don’t ask. Otherwise, what you’re told is one of the most insanely idiotic things you have ever heard. At no point in their rambling, incoherent response were they even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone here is now dumber for having listened to it. May God have mercy on their soul.

Googles listened to all the fireside chat, which was a mistake. It distracted him just enough to muddle his own thoughts about what could have done this. He felt the answer a few times, but it slipped through his fingers. It also made his harmonica playing sound off because he couldn't keep his breathing in check and would suck air in at the wrong times, making Old Man River sould more like "tired old man."

03:41, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 55 using 1d100.  /50 play harmonica.
03:40, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 39 using 1d100.  /30% Demon&Monster lore
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Wed 14 Feb.

Dom didn't know what to make of the total lack of evidence. He just couldn't wrap his mind around an enemy that could leave absolutely no trace. None. No blast marks anywhere from energy weapons. No pockmarks and holes from rail gun rounds. No craters from missiles. No blood. No body parts. No bits of armor. Just...nothing.

"It just doesn't make any sense," He thought to himself as he ate whatever evening chow was.

Rifts, maybe?  He had not sensed any rift activity all day, but that does not mean it could not have happened at all.  They opened Rifts to get in and out, took everything, including all the dead with them.

Dom looked at James and shook his head. "Whatever took out the bugs? OK but that doesn't explain the complete lack of bug guts, blood and general incidental damage. It's more like they were just...erased. Straight up deleted from reality. Unless..." Dom's eyes go unfocused again but then he shakes his head and looks again at James. "No, stupid idea, no way that's how it happened."

Beaumont was very intrigued and curious, and had made his way over a large part of the now-empty hive. He desperately wanted to know what had done this and it had left so little trace behind. Especially of the bodies.

He muttered to himself, "...even if somet'ing had eaten dem, it would'a lef' some ev'dence behind o'dat..."

He reached up and rubbed his eyes in frustration and weariness. "I don' know an' I don' like no' knowin' nor findin' any ev'dence o'what happen an' who cause it or how. Very 'noyin'." He shook his head, dismissing most of the rumors they heard flying around. "We jus' don' yet."

Dom looked at the Grackle Tooth as he spoke his thoughts. He only understood some of what he said but the gist came through.

"Well I have thought of something that would explain the total lack of battle damage and other evidence. What if something just convinced the bugs to leave? I can't conceive of anything short of a God maybe, using cosmic level mind control but that would explain why there is no evidence of a battle. There wasn't a battle because all the bugs were convinced or controlled to just leave. Some clearly saw what was happening and tried to block it by collapsing tunnels but it didn't work. Whatever happened, got to those ones too and when it did, they just...left."

In reply to Roberto Dominguez Rivera (msg # 274):

What're you thinking?  Temporal Raiders, maybe?  I'm thinking anything with dimensional travel capabilities could do it, take the bodies with them.  Maybe some kind of weaponized dimensional portal?

Goggles put in a couple of pennies, "Wouldn't need to control them all, just the queen of the hive."

Dom looks at James and shakes his head. "That wouldn't work unless they got every single bug all at once, which we know they didn't because of the collapsed tunnels. If it was a single mass teleportation of every Xiticix in the hive, they wouldn't have had time to collapse anything. If it was sequenced, like the attackers had to move through the hive, there would still be battle damage from the bugs own weapons, energy guns and claws alike. This just feels more like they just left. Maybe Goggles is right and just the queen was mind controlled. That wouldn't take a god to do. Oh sure a powerful mind melter but not a literal God level psychic."

     ((The inside of the hive was damaged too. The previous GM post stated. ‘The interior of the hive looks a lot like the outside. A lot of damage.’ And that only some of that damage was the collapsed tunnels.))
     At the suggestion about the Xitixic Queen being possessed I reply, “Doesn’t work that way. We don’t know how the Xitixic communicate with each other and if a psychic were to posses one of the Xitixic they wouldn’t gain that knowledge. They wouldn’t know how to issue orders to the other Xitixic. If someone did posses a Xitixic Queen they’d already have to know and understand Xitixic to tell them to do anything.”
     To Beaumont I comment, “Maybe, but maybe whatever attacked the Xitixic ate them whole like a snake would. Maybe one of the Xitixic predators found their way here and had a buffet.”
     I then ask Meina, “Any word about any of the other Xitixic targets? Is this the only empty Xitixic base? What about the hive itself? At the mission brief they told us they’d be bombing the hive daily. Are the Xitixic still responding to the attacks or have they gone silent?”

Beaumont shrugged. "You be right dat we don' know 'nough bout how dey communicate, but...dat ain't t'say dat someone do no' know. Someone who can do what we saw? Ma'be dey know more 'bout de bugs. We don' know."

The grackle pointed at Shawn. "Ooh, good question. Yes, has anyone checked on ot'er hives t'see if dey also been hit by...whateve' did dis? If so, we can maybe tell which way dey headin' at least. If we lucky, we can ma'be find some clues or ev'dence."

Master?  The tiny voice ia musical nad sheepish.  Do you want me to follow them?  I will stay far enough that they will not see me.

     The night passes without incident. Not too surprising as the Xitixic base is empty and as far as you know nothing in the area knows that this bit of real estate is up for grabs again. However, Major Shard still has the sentries on high alert. Whatever destroyed this base might come back. A contingent of Xitixic warriors might show up to find out what happened to this base. A rift might open up and release a new Eldridge horror onto the planet. A clown might wonder by. You have to keep an eye open for those. At any rate, Major Shard makes it clear to the sentries not to slack off.
     Before retiring for the night word reaches Meina that LT Curtiss will see her at Squad 120’s APC tomorrow right after breakfast. Her and the other squad leaders.
     Night passes, the sun rises, you’re awakened, fed your breakfast; probably best not to ask what they served you; and Meina makes her way to the squad leader briefing. The briefing will be held inside the APC. LT Curtiss holds the briefing inside the main passenger area so that everyone can sit down.
     “There has been a slight revision to our plans. The battalion will move out today to stage our attack on the hive itself tomorrow. Except for us. This platoon will not be joining the attack. We will be trying to find whoever or whatever destroyed this Xitixic base. At 0900 we’ll head northwest and start at the site of the trail Squad 345 found yesterday. It was a dead end, but they were rushing the search yesterday so there’s a good chance that they missed something. It’s also the only real clue that we have. No one else found any physical evidence showing where the attackers came from or went to. So far it looks like they came out of the northwest, attacked the base, and then retreated northwest.
     “The next best thing to a clue we have are the Gruesome Twosome that Squad 125 found and we have no idea how reliable that Sammy Noris guy is. But he did say that this Devouring Swarm was to the northwest and that’s where 345 found that trail. So we’re hoping that we’ll find something obvious in that direction. If not, then we’ll just have to use our skills to the best of our abilities to track down these guys.
     “Our orders are only to find and assess whoever did this. Do not engage except in self defense and even then only enough to escape. Lazlo’s not interested in starting another war if we don’t have to. We will have a little bit of assistance from the air wing. They’re going to send a recon aircraft or two to help us look. Unfortunately they can’t spare too many aircraft due to the upcoming attack on the Xitixic hive.
     “Any questions?”

James had told the night elf to atay in the area, to do her usual hanging out with the night shift guards.  She returns to wake him up, then curls up on his duster to go to sleep for a bit.
Once he is ready and has finished breakfast, he watches as Meina heads off to the briefing.  He heads back to the APC to make sure his gear is all ready to go, and to prep his hoverbike.

Beaumont was a little disappointed when they headed to bunk in for the night, but he understood. Following the two creepies and/or searching in the night were both...probably not the smartest ideas, even if they might bear fruit. He wasn't super-excited at the thought of following those two anyway. Especially since Somnorius could easily listen in to their thoughts. Or at least to Beaumont's.

He only half jokingly asked, "Anyone gotta way t'help shiel' mah thoughts if we run in t'Somnorius again?" He grinned widely.

So when they were told to go to sleep, he did. He snored a bit, but he knew he did so he tried to position himself when he laid down to minimize it.

...he started awake when shaken in the morning, "DEVOUR'N' SWARM, NO!"

He blinked a few times and then let out a long sigh and apologized. He rubbed his face and snout a bit to fully wake himself up. Then ate breakfast and waited to hear back from Meina and Command.

Dom shrugged when orders finally came down. Getting sleep and then heading out in the morning made sense to him, as did sending scouts to investigate the probable direction the Other Guys had come from and went back to after they got done kicking the bugs asses.

Like everyone else, he ate chow, did his business and then packed up his sleeping gear. When the time came to move out, he wpuld be ready.

     I answer Beaumont, “Yes. There are a few ways to defend yourself from a telepathic probe. First, just being aware of it guards one’s thoughts and makes it harder for a telepath to read someone’s mind. Second, most telepaths can only read surface thoughts so think about something else. A song, a nursery rhyme, one’s favorite movie or book. Doesn’t matter. Intently think about something else and that’s all the telepath can “hear.” Thirdly, I have the power of Group Mind Block. I activate that power and that means two things. Anyone within 120 feet of me is shielded from telepathic probing or scanning. Anyone within 120 feet of me can’t use those powers period. However, I plan to save that power as backup. If I use that power near Somnoirus he might see that as an attack. Like throwing a flashbang grenade at him. I’ll save that one if he or creepy girl attack us.”

     After a moment has passed without any questions LT Curtiss dismisses you so that you can prepare for the new mission. Meina returns to her squad, delivers the news and makes her own preparations for the new mission.
     Around 0830 the battalion begins to leave the dead Xitixic base for the rendezvous point for the next mission, leaving you behind for you to conduct your reconnaissance mission. Once the rest of the battalion has left, LT Curtiss asks if there’s anyone left with any last second preparations they want to take before moving out. Once everyone says that they’re ready to go, LT Curtiss gives the order to head northwest where Squad 345 found that trail yesterday.

Goggles heads out ahead, but not out of earshot, of the main group on his robot horse.

James moves to his typical position at the back,acting as rear guard.

     ((In game time two days ago when we thought we were going to attack the base I set up my gear for that mission. I’m mostly going to leave my gear configured that way with one change. That can of spray paint in my ammo belt will be replaced with a plasma grenade so I’ll only have 6 grenades floating in my Dimensional Pocket. The can of spray paint will go into the Dimensional Pocket just in case I need it. Next, how I’m dressed. First, normal street clothes with my armor over them. Next, I’ll be wearing my communicator with its earpiece. Third, I’m going to wear my gas mask around my neck so that it’s ready for me to don if I get exposed to toxic gases or something. Then over my eyes will be my goggles. Next I’ll have my ammo belt around my waist with my TW Flaming Sword. Then I’ll have two bandoleer belts with my PPE-Clips crisscrossing my body. My Zapper will be slung is a way that I can quickly draw it but I don’t have to worry about it falling off. I’ll wear my Dimensional Pocket backpack on my back. The rest of my gear I’ll leave in my locker in our APC. Lastly, I’m going to make sure every one of my E-clips, CE-Clips and PPE- Clips are fully charged.
     ((I don’t know what formation we’re going to travel in; e.g. single file, diamond shape, etc; but regardless once we’re on the move again I take up a position forward of our APC keeping a weather eye open for trouble.))

Dom performed his customary PCCs. As he did he changed out the issue Bug Zapper for his Wilks 557. He also made sure his PAG Assault Gun was loaded and ready.


When he was finished, he signaled to SFC Furman he was ready and mounted his hovercycle.


OOC Gear on person:
Wilks 557
Wilk's 237 pistol
Arzno TWA-1000M Irownwood Mage Armor
8 e-clips
10 TW Flashbangs
2 TW Combat Knives
Communicator
TW Optics Enhancer
Canteen
IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit)

     It doesn’t take you long to reach the trail Squad 345 found yesterday. You don’t travel in a pattern so much as just spread out. LT Curtiss doesn’t want you bunching up so that if someone starts lobbing missiles at you it’s harder to hit more than one vehicle in a single shot. In a matter of minutes you reach the site of the trail and it’s pretty damn obvious that something big came through. Besides all the trees that have been knocked over the trail is wide. More than wide enough for the APCs to fit through. The platoon vehicles enter the path more or less single file and continue for about another mile (~1.5 km) until you reach the end of the trail. At that point you park and at LT Curtiss’ orders the platoon members with tracking skills get off their escort vehicles and fan out searching for clues.

Is this a tracking or intelligence roll?

     Tracking.

Elias was out front and he was one of the groups primary tracks. After studying the environment carefully...

14:41, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 13 using 1d20.  /45% Track non-humanoids.
14:40, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 11 using 1d20.  /50% Track Humanoids.

OOOPS! Sorry Guys
14:52, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 41 using 1d100.  /45% Track non-humanoids.
14:52, Today: Elias Stroud rolled 52 using 1d100.  /50% Track Humanoids
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Mon 26 Feb.

"Okay everyone, spread out but remember to stay within communications range, and don't make yourself too obvious. If you're going to fly, be invisible or something similar, our mission is not to pick a new fight. Let's look for any sign of them, at this point they'll even accept footprints as meaning something."

Meina continues to look about, but has no illusions about her ability to find hidden things... or things that aren't particularly hidden. As it is, about the best she thinks she can do is look for remains of combatants, signs of specific battle damage to the trees and terrain (as in "Oh that's definitely some kind of gore from a horned creature, or a spearlike weapon that caused that"), or evidence of either the Xiticix or this new threat just devouring everything - stripping the bark and leaves off trees and the like.

(OOC: Meina doesn't have Tracking. Or Intelligence. Or Crime Scene Investigation. Or the majority of things that might be useful here.)

Beaumont had listened to the advice on how to not have his mind read and he let out a small laugh. "I mean, I did start singin' loudly in m'head when I realize it was happ'nin'." He gave a shrug, a big grin on his face.

He brought his hoverbike, which had most of his gear anyway. He stayed in about the middle of things until they were told to spread out. He blinked several times at Meina when she started mentioning things to do - he had none of those, and was starting to wonder if he should be regretting his life choices so he could have spells or superpowers.

And he...wasn't really well-suited or trained for finding tracks or clues of a non-medical variety. He hadn't been brought along for his survival skills - though he had a bit of them, it wasn't his specialty. He frowned and hung back, letting some of the others take point on that. He kept his eyes searching around for anything dangerous or out of the ordinary, his hearing for any noises that might indicate a threat or something interesting.

Then...suddenly...he felt something...his head slowly started to tilt back...his mouth opened...his eyes started to squint up...and he SNEEZED! Then he shook his head and looked apologetic.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Wed 28 Feb.

     Not everyone in the platoon is an experienced tracker so some of them elect to stick near the APCs so as to not get in the way. Others escort the trackers so that they can concentrate on finding clues while the escorts guard them from potential attacks. Then there’s Beaumont who smacks his forehead into a low branch, prompting him to swear in pain and wonder aloud why are there so many goddamn trees in this forest.
     Anyway, it’s the tracking of nonhumanoids that nets you some success. As you’re examining the area you eventually discover several depressions that at first you thought had some other cause but are now sure that they’re footprints of… something. At first you weren’t sure as they’re almost perfectly round, but there is a pattern to them. They’re appearing in a straightish line. After studying the scene for a while the trackers come to the conclusion that there were at least two groups of them. There is a trail coming slightly more to the north and a second trail coming slightly more to the west and that they met here. They’ve also identified at least two other types of footprints on the ground. One set looks similar to the first type but smaller, and the second could be humanoid. Hard to tell for certain as the only examples they can find are only partial prints.
     LT Curtiss decides to split up the platoon. Squads 120 & 125 will follow the more northerly path, Squads 130 & 135 will follow the slightly more westerly path. Radio checks will conducted every ten minutes. Elias, you will need to roll 10 tracking skill checks. 5 for nonhumanoids and 5 for humanoids.
     ((Elias, 50 XPs for the skills, Meina, 25 XPs for the role-playing.))

     I decide to help by escorting our tracker. I’m assuming that when we move out we’re going to be at a walking pace so that our trackers can find and read the clues on where our quarry went. If so I’ll pack my hoverbike inside our APC so that I can walk. I walk several feet behind Goggles so as to not get in his way but still close enough to assist if something tries to ambush him. Definitely close enough to him that he’s inside my Sixth Sense umbrella. I’m staying armed and armored the same way I described myself last post. Since I’m walking I’ll have my Zapper in hand and ready to defend ourselves.

Goggles explained his findings to Shawn (his sergeant) as befits chain of command.

Dom also lacks the tracking skills needed for this part of the mission, so he too follows along, staying alert for danger but out of the way of Elias.

     For several hours you travel through the forest. It’s time consuming as one, the trackers need time to find their quarry’s signs, and two, you’re not exactly following a marked nature trail. A few times you’ve had to take a detour around an obstacle that the APCs couldn’t just drive over. It also doesn’t help that a few times you lost the trail, but since a bunch of you are working together when you lose the trail it doesn’t take long to find it again. I will note that none of you are able to identify who or what the footprints belong to.
     After traveling God knows how many miles you exit the forest and enter a grassy plain that extends beyond the horizon. The good news is that travel is easier as there are few obstacles to navigate around. The bad news is that a few miles from the forest’s edge you lose the tracks permanently. It’s as if something from the sky just picked them up. After several minutes of fruitless searching, seemingly not realizing that his mic is hot, LT Curtiss says, “Well, shit! Now what?”

Goggles shrugged, "You're in charge, I just work here."

     “I’m still on!? Why didn’t anyone tell me I’m still on!?” LT Curtiss says.
     Tadayoshi suddenly announces over the radio, “Hey! I’ve got an arial contact on the radar!”
     Another male voice adds over the radio, “Confirmed. I’m reading one contact bearing three-two-zero, range twenty miles and closing. Contact is emitting an IFF transponder… It’s Coalition!”
     Tadayoshi says, “Confirmed. Based on radar profile it looks like one SAMUS. Sir, its flight is erratic. Either the SAMUS is damaged, the pilot is engaging in evasive maneuvers, he’s wounded, or some combination of the three.”
     LT Curtiss orders, “Well, answers that question. Plot an intercept course and move out!”
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:14, Tue 05 Mar.

     Hearing the orders to intercept the SAMUS I rush to the APC and enter. There’s no time to get my hoverbike out so I’m just going to ride in the APC. Once I’m in and I’m sure anyone else that walked instead of drove here is in, I yell, “We’re good to go! Punch it!”

James revs his hoverbike and takes back to the air, heading to the intercept point.

Dom flies wing on James, keying his radio as he does. "Copy, intercept SAMAS. We splashing it or just saying hi?"

James calls over his radio.
  Command, how do you want us to handle it?  Offer aid if needed, splatter if necessary?

     LT Curtiss answers, “Standing orders for encountering CS personnel in the Hivelands is to not attack or harass. Only to engage in self defense and then only enough to escape if possible. The way that SAMUS is flying something attacked it and/or is pursuing it. We’re going to find out.
     “Still, exercise caution. It might be a trap. Even if it’s not, the CS isn’t known for their gratitude. Especially towards D-Bees and mages.”

Beaumont, for the most part was not going to be of any big help and he knew it. So he stayed quiet and stayed out of the was as much as he could. He kept his eyes and earholes open for anything in the area that might be watching them or coming for them.

And it wasn't like watching people track was much of a spectator sport either. It wasn't engaging or engrossing. It was a little interesting at times, but mostly he couldn't see what they were exactly looking at until way after the fact. Ohhh that little depression there was LEFT by someone?? he thought to himself more than once. He would never have known.

Then...they exited the forest and things got 'interesting'. In a Coalition way. Which was usually bad, but in this case...maybe not? He wouldn't hold his breath.

He got on his hoverbike once more and headed along with the squad, watching for the flyer.

     In a matter of seconds the APCs and their escorts take off to intercept the SAMUS. As you drive towards the SAMUS the Squad 120 APC gunner keeps you updated on the SAMUS’ course and position. As Tadayoshi stated the SAMUS is flying erratically and occasionally takes a sharp turn to the left or the right necessitating a course correction.
     When you’re about 5 miles (~8 km) away, LT Curtiss calls out over the radio, “SAMUS pilot, are you in need of assistance? We are bearing one-four-zero, range five miles. We can be at your position in a few minutes.”
     There’s no answer from the SAMUS, but the Squad 120 APC gunner announces that the SAMUS is flying less erratically and seems to be flying towards you intentionally now, which Tadayoshi concurs. About a minute later the gunner announces, “The SAMUS is losing altitude fast! I think he’s going to- The SAMUS has hit the deck! I say again, the SAMUS is down!”
     Those of you riding outside the APC didn’t need the play-by-play commentary about the SAMUS as you’re only about 2 miles (~3 km) away and you can see it crash into the ground, bounce a couple of times and then finally skid to a stop. A minute or so later you’re at the crashed SAMUS. The pilot is sitting on the ground, leaning back onto the SAMUS’ main engine. It’s one of the CS’s new Smiling Jack SAMUS. ((Well, new to you guys as this is the first time in character you’ve see one as the CS-Free Quebec War is still less than a year old and the Smiling Jack was one of the new pieces of equipment the CS introduced in that war.)) The pilot has removed the helmet and his face, especially his chin, is covered in blood. The SAMUS itself looks beaten, battered and bent out of shape. None of you are aeronautical engineers but you’re pretty sure the wings aren’t supposed to be bent the way they are. He’s also coughing up a lot of blood. None of you are doctors but- wait, one of you is a doctor. Okay, so for those of you that aren’t doctors that looks bad. For the one that is a doctor, that looks really bad.

Beaumont almost skidded a little as he brought his hovercycle to stop. As soon as he saw the pilot, he hopped off the cycle and began pulling things out of the saddlebags. He hurried towards the pilot at a brisk pace, "Please stay back an' gimme room." he asked.

As he closed in on...well, he was already thinking of the person as 'the patient'...he said, "I be a Body Fixer. Lemme see what I can be doin' for ya. Hol' still please."

He knelt down next to the pilot and began examining them, first with his eyes solely, then more and more with his equipment. He then began breaking out some of the tools to actually treat the injuries. He wasn't certain he could save them, but he could at least help...or help them die while not in agony.

     Looks like we don’t have to worry about splashing this guy as it’s been done for us. Once the APC stops I jump out with my Zapper drawn just in case something goes wrong. I see Beaumont rendering aid and stay out of his way. While I do have a few healing powers, they take at least a full minute of concentration to use and this guy doesn’t look like he’s got that long. If Beaumont is able to stabilize this guy I offer to help with my Healing Touch, until then I keep an eye out for trouble.

James brings his hoverbike to just at the level where he has a clear view of the direction from which the SAMAS had come.  It would not do for them to be surprised by whatever had attacked the Deadboy.

Dom stays on James wing, keeping alert for whatever shot down the SAMAS.

     The SAMAS pilot doesn’t try to fight off Beaumont’s attempts to help him. He’s too busy coughing up a shit ton of blood to do anything else.
     As Beaumont is examining the injured SAMAS pilot Squads 120 and 125 are standing nearby, more or less forming a ring around the two. There is no obvious attacker. You’re still on a grassy plain and have an unobstructed view to the horizon no matter which direction you look. So James can land his hoverbike or bring it up as high as he dares, it’s not going to impact his view that much. And there’s nothing on radar. There was no air contact, no missile contact, nothing. Hypothetically something on the ground could have shot the SAMAS down with an energy weapon, but no one can see anything nearby. A couple of Squad 120 members are scanning the area with binoculars, but they haven’t found anything yet.
     Beaumont quickly comes to the conclusion that this guy is pretty much dead. He’s suffering from massive amounts of internal bleeding and based on his pallor he has already lost at least a third of his blood already. You suspect that the crash did a lot of the damage but you’re not sure. The SAMAS looks pretty beaten up, but you don’t see any breaches in the armor. Unfortunately because of the power armor the pilot is wearing you can’t perform a proper diagnosis nor treatment. You don’t know how to get the pilot out of his SAMAS and even if you could you suspect that he’d be dead before you could get him out of it.
     As Beaumont treats the pilot he says between coughs, “Too… many… *Inhale* They… got… *Cough* everyone… Kept… *Inhale* coming… Wouldn’t… *Cough* *Cough* stop… *Inhale* So… many… Urk… Blah…”
     And that’s that. The SAMAS pilot passes. His glassy eyes look off into the horizon.
     ((James, 50 XPs for good judgment. Beaumont, 50 XPs for use of your skills and another 50 XPs for role-playing.

     By the way, James and Dom, how high off the ground are you guys hovering?

Guessing less than 100ft. I'd have to reread the altitude limit on that model hovercycle