Van arrives at the meeting punctual, drawing little attention to his presence. He will just stand back as people arrive and await briefing.

A good ten minutes after the briefing begins Arven meanders in gnawing on some big hunk of chewy looking mystery meat. When people turn and look at him he spits out a wad of well chewed gristle and barks out, Corporal Hard Dick reporting for duty! Waving towards Zephram and Xion with his slab of meat he says, What the fuck? Git on with it already.

 'Masque doesn't really seem to be inclined to spend much time looking around, but the arrival of each team member in their due time is greeted with a nod of the head, a raise of the hand or some similar reaction. In the meanwhilst he concentrates on his coffee (solid food might sometimes be a bit of a problem with those jaws, but the folk of the Russias appriate how important it is for a man to be able - no matter how he looks - to be able to join his comerades in drink and song) and his cigar, from time to time adjusting the rakish bandana that, along with his new set of fatigues covers the worst of the seared-off synthetic flesh and battered armour.

 He doesn't - as yet - seem to have taken much advantage of the shopping.

In the early morning light, sounds of work can be heard from the "parking lot" in Hillcrest, where the vehicles, power armor, robots, and similar conveyances are left.  Callie happily chews on some food she liberated from the kitchens and works on "Bernadette."  As the sun crests over the open access panel she squints at it then checks her watch, an old, well-cared for, mechanical variety.

"Shit!" this exclamation is followed by the sounds of metal tools rapidly being thrown into a metal box.  "Shitshitshit!" again as the access panel slams shut.  The mantra follows her through the field full of vehicles, and the camp itself.  She arrives at the 0800h briefing, only slightly late but thoroughly out of breath, and finds a seat.

Once everyone arrives, however late some may be, Xion will look to Zephram to see if he is ready to start giving out the assignments. Assuming he is, Xion will start, "First of all, Sarah, you have been reassigned to Hillcrest Medical. You may report to them when you are ready." Clearing his throat, "People, we have split the platoons into two groups, one I will lead, and one Zephram will lead. These teams have already been selected. The assignments are as follows, coming with me are, Null, Arven, Fearless, SilverMasque, Calliandra, Harmon, Lotus, Anniyan, Mithas and Jelme." Xion pauses briefly, "Zephram's team will consist of Razgriz, Obidiah, Sharp, Ajax, Mephisto, Van, Ren, Braga, Saul and Aurthur. Now, once we are done here, I would like to see my unit so we can meet the new members and find out exactly what you people can do. I still need to go back to the exchange and see about upgrading my firepower." Looking to Zephram, "Have I left anything out, or is there anything you would like to add?" The question is a genuine one, not trying to come off as cocky, he is honestly asking if he has left anything out.

Van only moderately masks his displeasure as he glances sidelong over at Ajax. He never was very good with 50/50 chances...

As the sun rises, Saul looks out from his cot and immediately thinks back to all the times that he would get up in service to the coaltion.  They were always running exercises and other activities in the wee hours of the morning.  But, today would be different.  For him there was no more coalition.  Today, was the first day that he would actively move against the coalition, and be a step closer to liberating his home country from the lies he and others had so easily excepted.

Saul, rolls out of bed and takes a early morning walk before making it to the role call at 0750 hours.  He stays to the back not willing to draw to much attention to himself.

Jelme and Braga both arrive on time.

The unusual part is Braga rides in on a horse, and he is followed by 8 dogs.

Mephisto's silonar, and Arven's Ostrasaurus have taken a special interest in Braga, and just stare at him while the briefing continues.

Ajax speaks up by saying, "I see we are on a Hunting Party, perhaps." After, he looks at Braga dogs. He says, "Now, what shall we be hunting today, hunting party?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Fri 24 Mar 2006.

 The oversized cybernetic feline swings his head about when the dogs arrive and gives a hearty, good-natured laugh - plainly the utility of a good hunting hound, and the pleasure in seeing them is something that hasn't been lost in the inhumanising process that turns men into Cyborg Shocktroopers.

 "Is good... but are they having place in time of war when our foes are men?" he asks the newly-manifested beastmaster, whilst wondering if he has anything about his person that might be edible.

Noting the dogs and the way his own mount reacts to the Simvan warrior Arven chimes in after Ajax. "We ain't huntin shit unless its huntin up some brain implants for your dumbass. I just think o'l scaly face there has a way with animals if ya know what I mean." By the the way he phrased his words it is perfectly clear what the Rahu-Man intended and it was not a compliment to Bragas animal husbandry skills. Almost as an afterthought Arven seems to notice the way Braga is wearing his pistols and his overall posture. The giant stiffens ever so slightly. Staring down the Simvan he asks cooly, "You s'posed to be somebody or something?"

Braga looks up at Arven.

"This town had better be big enough for both of us"

(click on his portrait, to see a better picture of what he looks like. If any of you are from that New West game that imploded, Braga wuz there.)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:05, Sat 25 Mar 2006.

Ajax looks at Arven and Braga for few seconds, then he laughs out loud at Braga comment.

"Mayhap it is and mayhap it ain't..." Arven replies cooly. Hearing the gravelly laugh of Ajax the gunslinger turns his attention away from the Simvan. "Whadda ya laughin at you dickless sonofawhore?"

"I believe he said he was the son of WAR, but then maybe I miss-heard..."

Ajax says, I am laughing at you two, acourse...As you two try to size each other up, too fine out who the better man...Which I fine, it very funny to see you two go at each other." He turn toward Van saying, "You heard correctly the first time, Van." Again turning back toward the other two saying, "There are more important things, that are better than your egos. We are fighting a WAR for Tolkeen, that should demand your attention."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Mon 27 Mar 2006.

 Silvermasque glances incuriously at the spot upon his wrist where a watch would be if he didn't have a built-in atomic clock ticking away the minutes, seconds and hours of his life and then looks over to Xion, slowly rising to his feet in a fashion not unlike the advent of an ice-age sending glaciers over a mountain.

 "Ready to receive orders, Sir... youbet." he rumbles, looking for a moment at... well, to be truthful just Arven and Ajax - since it doesn't seem that Braga has had a hell of a lot to do with what's going on - the big 'borg may, or may not be able to beat either of the other two bruisers in a stand-up fight, but for the purposes of banging heads together until people shut up and listen to orders, it would be hard to imagine a more perfectly designed soldier...

 Not least because he waits for orders, just in case his officer should be able to resolve matters without head-banging.

   Zephram doesn't mask his annoyance at the stragglers who arrive late to the meeting, but he doesn't bother scolding anyone either.  Sometimes there's no point when you're dealing with mercenaries.  He is a little surprised that only Renaldo failed to show however - he expected more of the team might have opted out.

   "No, I think you got it all, Xion.  Thanks." Nods in acknowledgement to his counterpart.  "All right everyone.  Just to let you know, I volunteered us to assist Hillcrest with perimiter patrols for today and tomorrow until our next mission starts.  We'll be working easy twelve hour shifts, so you have no reason to complain.  Now, let's break up into our teams."

   Zephram will shake Xion's hand to say farewell and good luck before walking a short distance away in order to separate from Zephram's team.  "This will be pretty simple.  We keep moving and keep are eyes open.  Any questions?"

Braga looks at Ajax and replies

"Greetings, my name is Braga, you must be the town."

Saying nothing else he moves off with his commander, followed by the wolves.

A small bird lands on his shoulder. Braga pets it with one hand. A horse jogs slowly from behind a building and stands beside him; reigns, saddle and baggage still attached. Braga turns to pet it.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:56, Wed 29 Mar 2006.

Arthur arrives late, and with other mercenaries.

He informs the group that his wounded comrades have made a healthy recovery, and that he will be rejoining them. He hopes he gets to work with everyone again soon.

Actually another mercenary has not shown up as of yet. It is likely he has moved on as well.

Mithas is not here.

Over the next two days the new formation of Third Platoon - into two synchronized squads plays out boring, and uneventful 12 hour patrols. In the down time, when not sleeping, or just brain relaxing, more spell learning, repairs and such can be done. Perhaps sustain should be one of the first learned...

After those days, all of Pluto Company has arrived at Hillcrest. 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 9th platoons are all here. Each led by an officer, and consisting mostly of mercenaries. All co-ordinated by one person. A mage named Hulan. A woman of 30. She is beautiful, and stands strong. She seems to be very reasonable, and extremely knowledgable in what she does. She appears to be constantly busy, always dealing with some officer, above, or below her.

The entire Pluto Company are gathered in a large school auditorium. 117 members in total, left alive or still around.

Hulan stands on a stage, alongside a few other officers, other mages of sorts, of varied races. She speaks to the entire group.

"I want to thank you all for coming. The events of this war directly effect the lengths to which King Creed will go to, in order to defend our city. The more of you that are willing to fight with us, the better. Today I was supposed to brief you all on an invasion. We were going to assault an outpost. But we were chosen for a diferent one at the last moment. I believe it was Saturn Company that will be going on the invasion now.

She pauses.

"Instead, our mission is of great importance. A Coalition Transport has crashed south west of Hillcrest. There were several survivors. Among them, an officer, one of their high command in fact. Our Company is charged with making our way to the crash site, and subdue the opposition, in an attempt to capture the officer. Naturally, we are not the only soldiers of Tolkeen invovled in this operation, but we don't get that kind of info. And of course the Coalition is on their way to rescue the survivors as well. We leave immediately, and all I can say is watch out for surprises."

Hulan also commands 1st platoon.

After the briefing The groups are both briefed by their own officers as to their specific route of travel.

This mission, being of importance - requires every man to be able to travel at 100 mph - or they must ride in the vehicles. Third Platoon is issued several vehicles. Used, but washed.

One Rolling Thunder (From Juicer Uprising book) at 85% MDC.
Hovercycles for any who can pilot them. Desert Fox, or Norhtern gun models. All are 75% MDC and fuel.

Sarah's big Boss ATV is still with you guys as well.

If the riding animals can't go 100 mph, Hillcrest will provide care for them in your absence.

 Somewhere around day two of the patrols 'Masque turns up for his shift in a set of massive, but in truth rather elegant plate armour plainly patterned on the standard 'Borg bolt-on equipment with a number of adjustments made to take into account his considerable size and rather unusual configuration - the helmet, which has a curiuously open-plan format, seeming almost stylised rather than practical is tucked under his arm, whilst studying the suit carefully it becomes possible to notice numerous small reaction-jet ports, gaps for sensor arrays and other tinker-toys giving some small clue to just how sophisticated the Russian actually is.

 And big... seriously, alarmingly, overwhelmingly /big/ - well, so long as you're not a Rahu-man... or a tank.

 In any case, he takes in the briefing and heads on out to join the rest of his team, one-handedly adjusting the fit of his pauldrons... "I am able to keep up with little cars, but am qualified to drive heavy armour - am even cyberlinked for faster reaction, but I do not think you have such things here. What do you wish me to do?" - this of course, said to Xion.

As Zephram call his team together for patroling duty around Hillcrest, Ajax perform his duties very well while on patrol. On his off hours he make trip too his store unit to trade some items and he returns with some items. Once Ajax return after the 3 hour trip (Too and from the store unit), he spend some time reworking some of the item and get some rest for the next day.

Again, after he 12 hour duty, he try to learn one or two more spells before getting some more rest.

Once at the briefing, Ajax listen to every word of the commander about the new mission and objections.