You notice that he has a brief case and a side arm and not much else decorating him except his rank. Lt. Collonel.

As the unknown light bird entered his office Cpt. Smith stood and came to attention. Whatever memo he had been drafting would have to wait. He then did what his training told him to do. "Sir! Captain Smith at your service, sir!"

You notice that he has some sort of hearing aid device or ear plug in his ear, like the kind musicians wear on stage.

Kirby's eyes lingered on the audio devise for a fracton of a second before he turned toward the window. "May I offer you coffee," he asked as he worked the blinds, "or something else, sir?"

Turning from the window he moved toward his seat, curiosity written plain as a woman in a tank upon his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Wed 03 Aug 2011.

What flops out before you is very recognizable, it seems to be your military file, with some choice pictures. There is quite a bit there, but it is hard to see everything, and everything they have on you.

Kriby took a seat. Sometimes Americans want to be dramatic for dramatics sake and clearly this was one of them. The handcuffed case, closing of the blinds, and now the obvious question seemed over done - but he'd play along. "Well Colonel, that looks like my personnel file." he said evenly, "May I ask what this is about?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Sat 06 Aug 2011.

The colonel paused to wait for Kirby to look through the file.

OOC- this is your chance to highlight some battles that you were in, talk about any special assignment that you did well on, it will give me some background into your combat.  There are satelite pictures of intense combat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:42, Sat 06 Aug 2011.

08:58, Today: Secret Roll: Seeker of Truth rolled 16 using 1d100
insight on behalf of Kirby (special success)

He seems to either know something you don't, or is trying to pull information from you to help him fill in the gaps on missing information.  Either way he does have a motive, but trying to lead you into giving up information
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:48, Sat 06 Aug 2011.

Kirby stood and walked to door and opened it a crack "Corporal Weathers! Coffee, Black; Tea, 2 sugars. Yesterday!" He then closed the door and returned to his seat. Kirby slid the file across the desk and gave it a detailed look. He took his time a he did.

It was all there. The night drop as Platoon leader in Falluga, and the lesser known, and unnamed, battle two months later that got him his first bronze star. The early morning river crossing out of the "green zone" in Bagdad was also there - that had been hairy, two of his men got purple hearts on that one.

Then were some things he expected: Ranger school, aviation school, and being deployed to Afganastan. The second, classified, incursion into Tora Bora was there - his second bronze star. Gis first major combat action as Company Commander was also there: Primary assult team in Operation Moshtarak. He lost 5 close friends that time, the silver star they gave him that time did nothing to take the pain of their loss away.

It was all there, all of it.

Hearing the Corporal's footsteps nearing the door Kirby stood again and quickly opened the door. "Thank you Corporal." he said, having retrieved the tray. Closing the door once more he delivered the Colonel his coffee and sat down with his own tea.

He took a sip then closed the file and slid it back to the colonel. "It's thorough thorough, er.. Very thorough sir. Does my next assignment have something to do with reviewing files?"  he asked, dubiously.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:39, Sat 06 Aug 2011.

He hands the choice photos to you and asks as plain as day,"Captain what am I looking at?"

Kirby looked at the photos for a moment and attempted to understand what he was looking at. His first thought was that the photos were space particles, but why would those be in his file? He looked closer. Motion, he thought, these items are in motion. They couldn’t, could they?

Kirby had spent much of his life keeping a secret. He kept this so closely guarded he could count on one hand the people he’d discussed it with in his 29 years of life. And one of those people was his mother, many years gone. All this played about in his head as he looked at the photos. At some reflection he decided that his secret must still be safe, though the colonel might be fishing. He'd been asked questions before but had always been able to deflect them - something The General, his grandfather, had taught him.

“Colonel,” he looked the man in the eye. “I haven’t a single notion of what these photographs might be.”

Kirby thought it over for a moment as he took another sip of tea. Having already served over two years as company commander he was up for another assignment and this sounded interesting. Still he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that was creeping over him. Here comes this colonel, with his secret files, hinting that he knows more than he should. The photos were disturbing. He had always been careful, discreet. He had special skills, but he only used them sparingly and only when he was sure that not using them would blow the mission. Perhaps that wasn’t enough know. He'd have to ask The General his thoughts on that later, but now he had to deal with this.

When the Army knocks is only knocks once. Turning this opportunity down wouldn't get Kirby any closer to finding out what this  light bird knew, and it certainly wouldn't help his career. In the end, he really had no choice in the matter no matter what he said.

"Well sir, muh mama ain' born no moo moo," he smiled warmly, "I'm no fool. What more can you tell me? I'm intrigued."

Kirby watched the Colonel over the rim of his tea cup, intent upon his every word. Well that confirms that, he thought as the other shoe was dropped in front of him. At least the Colonel is polite enough to allow me my emperor’s clothes, for a time at least.

When the other officer had finished Kirby looked into his cup and, finding it empty, set it down upon his desk. He had questions on top of questions and dove right into them.

“Questions, sir. The army apparently has some, some method” he gestured to his file, “for discovering special skills. Will I have access to these techniques, or at least the resulting intelligence?” He didn’t wait for the colonel to respond before proceeding with his next question. “Also, when I find these, these individuals,” he paused in thought for a beat, “it’s possible that they may not have, shall I say, the patriotism required for enlistment. Am I limited to recruiting enlisted and officer personnel, or can I consider civilian options – assuming they help the larger goal.

“What’s more, what is the importance of Chicago? I have never been to Illinois” the way he pronounced the word it rhymed with boys “so I’m curious about that. Finally, who will be my commanding officer? Chain of command, that sort of thing? Oh, and can I have some leave in transit? This would give me time to pack, get things settled here, and travel on up there. I have some family in Virgina, and back in Guyana, that I'd like to see.”

He sighed, an apologetic look on his face. “I apologize for all the questions sir, and I have just one more. What is your name, sir?”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Sun 14 Aug 2011.

Kirby listened as the colonel answered his questions, nodding here and there as the information was supplied. The whole thing, now that he had a couple of minutes to absorb it, was interesting, exciting, if not a little daunting. A call sign? How...odd.

“Thank you Colonel.” He said as the Lt. Colonel rose and left. A few moments later he stood an opened the blinds once more to let the light of the outside seep back into his small office. That done he stepped over to the door, opened it, and issued several orders.

“Corporal Weathers,” he spoke loud enough to get the young soldier’s attention outside his door, “Several things. First, call Colonel Sing and see if he has time after lunch to see me. I’ve got new orders.” He continued without pause, knowing the clerk would track all of his orders and follow them efficiently, “Second, I want you to get a hold of a Dr. Tibbs, Orlando Tibbs, at the University of Chicago. If the Doc is available, patch him into my office. If not, arrange a time for a call.” Best to get ahead of this teaching assignment and hopefully this Tibbs fellow would be of help. “Finally, let Lt. Jules know that I’ll want to see him after I get back from the Colonel’s office, and advise the Officers and Non-Coms of the company that I’ll want to see them all at sixteen hundred.” He thought for a moment, thinking through his directions once more, “That’s it Corporal, thank you.” He turned and returned to his desk.

As the corporal went about his orders in the office without Kirby reached into his pocket and pulled out his personal cell phone. He quickly sent out a brief text message “new orders, call 2nite, cu soon” his Grandfather in spite of his age was still quite sharp and, Kirby admitted, probably more tech savvy than himself. There was a lot he wanted to discuss with The General, but it would be best to do so in person.

Kirby then put his phone away and turned his attention to the files on his desk.

OOC: Hope you don't mind the made up names. Lt. Colonel Sing - Kirby's current commanding officer. Lt. Jules is the Dog Comany Executive Officer who'd be in temporary command until a new commander is appointed. The meeting with the officers and senior enlisted would be to say good bye. Asside from the call to Tibbs, up to you if you want to RP any of the other stuff.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Wed 17 Aug 2011.

OOC-Love it, I like you creating and taking liberties, it adds a lot.

Moments later a text comes back:

"You've got your gramma all excited, had to chase her off the Delta site, she's already trying to buy you a ticket, see you soon son.ETA?"

knock,knock at the office door, the corporal pops his head in, "Mr. Tibbs is on line 4 Cap."


OOC- I am going to set up a group thread for you and Orlando.

OOC_Let's get to your first stage of this trip.

Give me a OOC detail of what you are doing, what you are packing, and who you are going to see first. And then I will continue from after your phone call with Orlando or as he put it...Tibbs, there is an inside joke in that one.

OOC: I was more or less waiting for the Tibbs conversation to finish but, assuming that won't change that I have...a month?... then here's what I plan:

1: get everything settled here (the main house is rented through an agency - no problem there) and look into housing in Chicago, pack up all my stuff in the truck (guns too) and make the 9ish hour drive to see the Smiths in Lexington VA.

2: spend about a week in Lexington

3: go to Guyana for about 10 days to 2 weeks

4: Return to Lexington, short stay, make the way up to the arsenal or Chicago about a week before class starts.

All my "stuff", which isn't much (tv, bed, oversized chair, a couple boxes of other crap, will fit in the truck. Guns - depending living situation, will go in a new safe or at the arsenal)

Oh... Did you see my not above about reading the files? What's in there?

Kriby typed out a quick text reply to his grandfather in Lexington.

Any flys 2nite? Colmus to Chltsville? After 1800?

Return text-

Done, 1900 flight 8564 Delta, look for the lincoln, see you soon.
Use your military privilage and check firearms, explain later.

text: Great! We going hunting?


Agenda rest of the day:

1000 - go for a run
1115 - fill out paper work for transfer etc.
1150 - lunch with the NCOs, taking them to lunch to say good by
1230 - report to Lt. Colonel Sing to say good by
1245 - off the post to pack (weapons and armor in a locked trunk, a couple uniforms and civilian clothes in a carry-on sized bag)
1600 - back on base, gathering of the officers and NCOs to say goodbye
1700 - Base book store: army history, military history in the US, un-convential military warefare - picking up a half dozen of those sort of books.
1730 - cigar shop (box of nice cigars, for Kirby and the General)
1745 - Flower store (flowers for Grandma Smith)
1755 - Airport - will fly in uniform, checking the weapons in the crate.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Mon 29 Aug 2011.

The General is at the airport promptly dressed in civilian clothing, looking much more relaxed than normal, usually his casual isn't that casual and the Lincoln isn't a lincoln at all, but a ford van which must be a rental...the Generals walk is also different, and you realize that if you hadn't eyeballed each other, you wouldn't recognize this man.


He walks over grabs your luggage and brings you back to the cargo van with the taxi sign on it, as he grabs the luggage he mutters, don't be a moo mow

You jump in the van and take off quick, your grandfather's driving fast, not too fast but just enough that makes you wonder...is someone following us?

He tosses you a phone, use this from now on, change it when the minutes are out, I programmed a number to call me at, don't call my normal numbers. Son, sorry to have to do this to you but I need you to crawl in the baggs back there, and put your stuff in the big duffle bag. I'm gonna drop you off here at the hotel, you'll be placed in a compartment for about 15 minutes, and then will be reloaded into another van. Once you are in that van, we can talk. Load up too, but don't shoot anyone please, even if they piss you off.You notice something is off from your Grandfather, something that isn't right.Make a perception role.

Check the phone, you have a message.

Kirby looked at the phone but otherwise didn't move. This was far too unusual, far too different. "Sir, I haven't seen you in over a year you go all cloak and dagger? What the fuck? Sir. Is going on?"

23:25, Today: Secret Roll: Edmund Kirby Smith IV rolled 84 using 1d100. Perception check (75)

Result: Fail.

Just look at the message, the General said and turned around and kept driving.

It read:

Sorry son, I know this is a bit abrupt and out of the ordinary, the man driving as you might have guessed is not me, don't shoot him, he probably already said that as he is a bit paranoid, he is an old colleage of mine pretending to be me.

I am waiting in the other van at the hotel to pick up your bag after you are dropped off. You may text back to this number and ask me anything, coded or not.

Kirby's grandmother walks by and pokes her head in the room. Addressing the General, nice one, I saw the car pull in...would you two like some dinner? Come here boy and give me a hug.

Grandma Smith comes in and feverishly hugs Kirby and pulls him into the kitchen.

Kirby notices the evil eye that grandma stinks at the General.

Kirby stopped speaking mid-thought as his grandmother poked her head into the room. The smile that blossomed on his face was instantaneous. Other than the love of his own mother no other woman had meant so much to Kirby than his Grandma Smith. Grandma Eh-Eh back in Guyana loved him to be sure, but her love was aloof, formal,... British really. Grandma Smith, in contrast to her Caribbean counterpart, managed to love her grandson with every ounce of her being and displayed her love proudly. Beverly Anne Smith’s love for Kirby was the sort of unconditional, doting, grandmotherly love that could only spring forth from a woman of the US South. And Kirby loved her all the more for it.

Kirby gave his grandfather a short glance as if to say I have more questions for you as he rose to hug his grandmother. How long before she asks me about Kate? He thought, as they embraced.

Mary Kate Covington (everyone calls her Kate) and Kirby had dated for three years while he attended VMI and Kate still lived in the area. They had been inseparable whenever the two had free time. The two had gone to each other’s formal dances (Kate was attending Washington and Lee University at the time), met each other’s families, and even spent a couple of memorable weekends away together.  Back then Kate had wanted a ring and Kirby had wanted a career. Kirby had wanted to protect Kate, he knew firsthand the sort of gifts an Army career could lay at the feet of Army wives and didn’t want to burden her with that life. So Kirby had ended the relationship just before graduation, something he had regretted in countless quiet moments sense.

Kate and Beverly Anne had grown close when the pair had been dating and had remained close since. The two had lunch often, and Kate would frequently call upon Beverly Anne when she needed advice. Beverly Anne wanted her grandson to marry a good southern woman, as any good southern grandmother would, and in her mind there was none better than Mary Kate Covington. The fact that neither Kirby nor Kate had married in the eight years that had passed encouraged Grandma Smith that the relationship might be rekindled. Kirby thought the Earth spinning off its orbit and running off with Jupiter was a far more likely occurrence.

“I’m starved starved!” He exclaimed as they parted. “Truth told, I kept myself hungry jus for what I knew you was cookin.” He retrieved the flowers he had bought for her and handed her the bouquet, “I’ve missed you Grandma, and your cookin, let’s eat!” As they walked toward the kitchen his stomach growled in anticipation.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:48, Tue 20 Sept 2011.

Gramma Bev has prepared all of your favorites, the food is what the doctor ordered. Gramma would have been a perfect reporter for Fox news, she is relentless with conversation and questions...as the meal continues, you sense her manuvering, ahh, she's going to bring up Kate...you know it will only be a matter of time...your thoughts trail off as she talks.

It's good to be here, family is a special luxury, one that you savor when you can...what of your family...it's obvious Gramma is pushing, by this time all of your kin were married. Is it something that you want, and Kate is nice but, is she what you want..."and you know Katie came by last week, to help me around the house, such a sweet girl, and she's not seein that Perkins boy anymore.
Perkins? When did she start seeing him?...Beverly Ann, leave the boy be, he hasn't been home for one day...it's good to be home.



The night is filled with stories and Gramma fussin over you and your things and the occasional argument between the old folks, makes you wonder who really runs the show in the house.

The General escorts you to your room...

When the General turned and left Kirby closed the door and looked around his room. While technically this had once been his room he had never really spent much time in it. The Smith’s moved to Lexington when Kirby enrolled at VMI but Kirby had lived on the Post as all cadets are required to do. Since Kirby spent most of each summer in Guyana the room, his room, still felt more like a hotel room than anything else.

Kirby undressed down to his shirt and shorts and carefully slid his 9mm under one of the pillow on the bed, feeling slightly guilty as he did so. His grandfather added a layer of secrecy to his arrival and that was enough to worry Kirby. Once the pistol was safely stowed Kirby began his nightly exercise routine..

The rhythm of the routine gave his mind freedom to wander once again. Why the hell should I care that she’s no longer with Perkins? he thought,  though his heart was beating a little faster all the same. Being in Lexington again made it hard not to think about Kate, and what they had been. Kate was another reason Kirby had spent so little time in this room. I wonder if her room would feel more comfortable? he mused. Sometimes he wondered how different his life would be if they had stayed together, what their kids might look like.

Kirby transitioned from sit-ups to push-ups and was brought back to earth. Right there on his class ring was the small, ever-present reminder that what they had was gone. On one side of the ring just below the historically significant ‘1839’ was a thin gray scratch where the ring was slightly flattened. When Kate had given him is ring back she had meant for it to collide with his head, not where it had on the brickwork outside the VMI gymnasium. She was gone before he could retrieve the ring.

Kirby finished his exercises, exhaled softly, and stood up. He then shook off the moment of self pity and got back to work. Dwelling on the ghosts of the past wouldn't help him in the present. So the would-be professor then sat down upon his bed, set his alarm for 0450, and opened up the Counterinsurgency Field Manual, by General Petraeus. He would work for another hour and then wake early for a morning run.

tick...tickk....came a rapping at the window.  Again, tick...after the first bounce Kirby's vision honed in pebble riquocheting off the window payne. Kinetic energy spectrum assaulted his senses, it was much easier to pick up on the signatures in the calm evening. With everything else motionless it was easy to see.


Kirby moved to the window, remembering how Kate would cause him to sneak out of the house.

Kriby slid out of bed but took the pistol with him, he'd take no chances. He crept over to the window and slid it open - his senses scanning as far as he could, watching for any movement without. Carefully he looked out, his pistol held just out of side beneath the window frame.

His heart lept, then he did the same. Kriby left the pistol on the floor of his room and then quickly went out of the window and down to the ground. Then, with one word he asked a million questions. "Kate?"

“Yeah Kate,” he answered, a with nervous smile upon his face, “that sounds great.” It was then he realized what he was, or wasn’t, wearing. His boxers and t-shirt were great for warm weather but hardly appropriate for a late night drink.

He chuckled and his smile grew larger as he said “I guess I need to get dressed  Meet me round front, woodja?” He looked for her acknowledgement before climbing back up into his window to get dressed. Lightly packed as he was, he was happy with what he ended up putting on: a fairly new “Windies” t-shirt, gray cargo shorts, and a pair flip flops. Before heading down to meet her out front Kirby stopped and slipped his 9mm into his waistband. The events of his arrival were still too fresh in his mind for him to fully relax.

There was a slight spring in his step as he descended the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Thu 29 Sept 2011.

Kate smiled and pointed to the front upon his suggestion and hurried along her way.  Her sun dress was cute giving just enough tug on the imagination to make a man stare hopefully.

She waited patiently by the front door, and had a twinkle in her eye when she smiled at his exit of the house. she waited for him to walk down the step and gave him a big hug sinking into his chest. You smell good she grinned.

Kirby and Kate jumped in the jeep, she had this jeep for years. It was a good jeep.  First place she hit was the malt shop, grabbing fries and shakes, the conversation was nice at first, with lots of catch up talk, soon the conversation turned to more meaningful topics.

I'd thought you would have called, or at least tried. You've got my number still don't you? I would have called but I didn't have your number.

Before replying Kirby calmy removed his classring and slid it across the table to her. "I thought about calling, many times." he admitted calmly. "Every time I thought to call I'd see the scratch, right there on the side. " He couldn't help but have a small smile for the next thought. "You really flung it, it actually took a piece of concrete off the gym when it hit. I hurt you bad Kate, really bad, and for a long time I thought it was the right decision."

He paused nervously. For an instant he had a flash to several years ago at Benning, Airbourne training. His drill sergeant had told him quite cleary "Jump Fucker or Die Fucker"  The point was clear. Men who hesitate die. The light was on so Kirby jumped.

"Look, Kate." he met her eyes. "I was wrong. I,..I well, I was wrong. I've known that for a long time now, but seeing you tonight...wow. I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry. " Other men might find a speck of dust on the table, or a passing car out the window right them to look at. But not Kirby. He kept his eyes right where they were, looking strait into her's.

I have to tell you something, I've been keeping something from you, out of fear.

When you told me you were leaving, well I was pregnant, her smile faded as she spoke. You, we, well I have a baby girl...

“paglee bleddy mess, jus wahkapickey wit ya jeep” [stupid bloody shit, just walk all over me with your jeep] his face was darkened, tears welled in his eyes as he spoke the language he had learned from birth. It was difficult to tell whether he was talking to Kate or to himself. “dunkay damn botar I, dunkay damn botar. I ain gadda baboo. Jus kounce on meh, histrea repeats.” [loosly: I had no common sense and stubborn, repeated. I don’t have a father. Just shit on me, history repeats.]

Kirby looked across the table at Kate through free-flowing tears. All at once he was angry, sad, confused and ashamed. He had a thousand questions he wanted to ask. Didn’t she understand what he went through not growing up with a father? Who else knew? His grandmother? What is her name? What on earth had taken so long, eight flipping years? Many of these and more needed to be asked and would be in time. For now he settled for just one, quietly spoken. “Do you have a picture?”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Thu 29 Sept 2011.

In reply to Edmund Kirby Smith IV (msg #41):

Stunned at his reaction, and supressing a smile. Her thought god this actually looks like it's killing him. "you booby, I'm messing with you. There's no kid you goof. You don't think as close as my family is to your grandparents that wouldn't have known and told you. Soldier boy I thought you were made of tougher stuff." she slugged him in the arm and started walking through the park that was across the street from the malt shop.

Kirby didn't know whether to be mad or angry, but instead he choose to laugh. It started slow but soon the laughter was rolling over him. He laughed harder than he had laughed in years, it felt good, it felt right. Finally he found his voice as the neared the park.

"Ok, you got me but I think you're avoiding the subject..."

He laughed again, he knew what she meant. He had grown more serious over the years.

"Lotsa change for me in the last many years. Iraq. Ganastan. Commanding men. Losing friends. I guess it's hardened me a bit. Laughing comes harder these days, though not with you."

He let out a laugh-laden sigh and reached for her hand to turn her toward him. "Look, Kate, you know exactly what I'm talkin bout." he was looking into her eyes again, smiling this time. "I was trying to apologize to you for being a moomoo, an ass, back before I left. So," he cocked his head in a 'come on' sort of gesture, "can you forgive me?"

At that moment two cars screeched around each corner of the park, boxing you in.
They are over 200 feet away when they come to a stop.  Men pile out of the car with automatic weapons and head for you.

Kate, had about enough time to say, what the hell is going on.

You were scanning the park, and saw the higher level of Kinetic energy as soon as they came into view.  You are able to engage in an action before initiative.


Then Roll Initiative.

PM

As the cars screech around the corner, Kirby finds himself steps away from Kate(1m), and about 16 meters from the doors of the malt shop. There are a few cars in the parking lot of the malt shop with a couple patrons outside at tables, as well as a couple of kids in the park, probably on dates themselves.

The street is otherwise empty of driving cars.

The park is a typical park with benches, quite a number of trees, bushes and a larger middle section of grass and playground area. The surrounding 3 streets are businesses, with the backside of the park being homes.

In an instant the would-be boyfriend was gone and the Army Captain was there, shouting orders. "Kate! Get down, under that bench, call 911. Now!"

Without waiting for reply he quickly grabbed his 9mm from the small of his back, took aim, and fired at the gas tank of one of the trucks. Somehow, amazingly, the bullet then ricocheted off the interior of the car to hit the now gas-laden payment below the van.

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 Remaining:4

Strike Rank: +17 acting on 22

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:31

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% Unarmed: 77% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% Martial Arts: 81% Throw: 81% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81% Skill: xx %

Damage Modifier: 1d4

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects: none

Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged

This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Fri 14 Oct 2011.

The car erupted, Kirby could see parts of the explosion easier than almost any human alive, it was riveting. The shockwave from the explosion set off the beast of war in Kirby, this feeling was addictive.

The car catapulted into the air 30 feet and ejected the men in the back seat, Kirby's kinetic sight saw tracers of body parts flying from the car like tiny comets blasting through the air. The driver's upper torso flew through the front window cut in half both from the sheer force of the explosion and jagged maw that was the former front window.

The passenger flew through the window almost unperceptably and rolled on the ground in a perfect summersalt to end in a crouched position staring at Kirby, slightly smoking, definetly pissed.

The other car to the left screeches to a halt, probably much sooner than they would have. If their victim could blow up cars then it would be best not to be in one. Men were hopping out of the car before it even stopped, gangbangers running into the park for cover, at Kirby's count there were 5 men left, 1 on the right of him, 4 moving to cover and Kate still in the middle, sparing a glance she seemed to be screaming at someone on the cell phone from under a bench, good girl. The automatic weapons began to bark from the left, precious seconds moved through time.

Kirby sensed a searing energy from above as a comet landed in front of him with a roaring crack, a second shockwave rippled on the ground eminating from the landing. It buckled concrete for a hundred yards like a rolling swell and dropped every one on the street, bad guys included. The man on the right flipped back wards through the air to land on his feet dodging the flowing earthquake. So much energy surrounded this being, like a tornado of flame rippling and churning around his body.  He was way too close to Kirby for his own confort and then it dawned on him, The General! He waved his hand at Kirby in a sweeping arc like a Taichi move and half closed his hand like a claw. Kirby's eyes and body seared with pain for a moment, like a bee sting and yet had the feeling like a shot of adrenaline.

More Barking from the sub-machine guns came, The General's other hand waved through the air and the bullets flew through the air caught in a kinetic field and began to fly through the air like a roller coaster made of bullets, the men continually fired  and the General continued to run the bullets through the men like a swarm of locusts. He turned his head, come on boy, I can't do it all myself.

Kirby was energized, he felt powerful, his muscles begged to spring into action and his sight had slowed, all movements of people screaming, running, even the bullets seemed to move like lobbed rocks, passing at the speed of dragon flies...no that was his ears, hearing a buzzing through the air.

Kirby saw the wave of energy ripple through the ground toward him and judged it as it drew near. When the large band of the swelling ground arrived at his feet Kirby bent his knees for better balance but mistimed the wave. His knees buckled under him and he went down to land firmly on his ass.

He growled as he found himself temporarily vulnerable sitting on cement path in the park with a freshly bruised behind. He looked left and right, chaos surrounded him. It was all happening so quickly.

And then it wasn't.

His first sign that something was up was the view he got of Kate there under the bench. Moments before she had been screaming into the phone but now her mouth was slowly gaping open toward the phone, her scream somehow elongated. Her legs, which had been kicking behind her nervously before were barely moving at all. Then the rest of the battle field came into view. The cracking of the automatic weapons behind the bushes had slowed. The flames from the burning truck seemed to flicker no faster than a dieing candle. The arms on the man who had escaped the burning truck seemed to be filled with water-logged sand.

And then he saw the bullets. He saw each one as they inched through the air. One crawled toward him closer than the others. So close that he could see the scratches from the gun barrel on the side of the projectile. He flicked a finger to send the bullet flying away from him before it got too close.

Kirby saw his grandfather next to him and realized that not everything had slowed. It dawned on him that the General, and Kirby himself, had somehow been sped up. It was amazing, exhilarating and frightening all at the same time.

Kirby found his feet and sprang into action. He ran straight toward the assailant that had escaped the exploding truck moments ago.

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 7 Remaining: 5

Strike Rank: +17 +30 acting on 22

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:31

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% 92% Unarmed: 77% 117% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% 149% Martial Arts: 81% 121% Throw: 81% 121% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81% Skill: xx %

Damage Modifier: 1d4 +2d6

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects: above stats temporarially modified

Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged

This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Tue 25 Oct 2011.

His eyes bulged at the speed at which kirby launched him self, cursing and finding determination the suited man pulled two 45 desert eagles out and began running to Kirbys right towards the hamburger stand, firing at Kirby. Whack whack whack came the the bullets barreling towards Kirby.

I believe we are still at your go ahead.  You have stood, and now have bullets coming at you.  What say you, made of wood?!

Slowly the bullets from the aparant leader of the attackers crawled toward him. Kirby saw two projectiles that seemed to come closer, one high and one low. Kriby arched backward, raised on one foot, and extended the top of his head backward toward the ground behind him. This would allow, he hoped, one bulled to pass over his arched chest and the other to pass where his right leg had been.

Seen at full speed he must have looked like a whip snapping backward then, just before making contact with the concrete path behind him, springing forward to stand upright again. To others it would have been a blur of motion but for Kirby it was no faster than reclining in a leather easy chair.

12:33, Today: Edmund Kirby Smith IV rolled 65 using 1d100. Evade (92).

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 7 Remaining: 4

Strike Rank: +17 +30 acting on 22

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:31

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% 92% Unarmed: 77% 117% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% 149% Martial Arts: 81% 121% Throw: 81% 121% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81% Skill: xx %

Damage Modifier: 1d4 +2d6

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects: above stats temporarially modified

Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged

This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Mon 21 Nov 2011.

The bullets fly past Kirby as he moves unearthly fast in dodging them. The suited man laughed while running, Ohh you have the spring of a little chicken!And then he changed his direction heading for KIrby. This seems to be some type of game to him.

.

Kirby saw the man coming and decided to let him. That would make things all the easier, he thought.

Outwardly Kirby’s movements were a blur but to Kirby the experience was that of a combat veteran calmly raising his weapon, taking aim, and firing in a smooth, practiced motion. The bullet left the chamber and careened toward the suit-wearing man’s right arm. The bullet, during its brief trip through the air, whistled as it accelerated toward its target.

"Bach bach", was his reply. But he wasn't smiling.

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 7 Remaining: 3

Strike Rank: +17 +30 acting on 22

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:29

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% 92% Unarmed: 77% 117% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% 149% Martial Arts: 81% 121% Throw: 81% 121% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81% Skill: xx %

Damage Modifier: 1d4 +2d6

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects: above stats temporarially modified

Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged

This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Mon 21 Nov 2011.

Kirby saw the bullets flying toward him and waved them off with a flick of his wrist. Their path was altered such that they veered away from the Army Ranger to sail toward the gangbangers that The General was dealing with.

Kirby shrugged and cooly fired again, the bullets whistling again toward the belly of his foe.

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 7 Remaining: 1

Strike Rank: +17 +30 acting on 35

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:25

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% 92% Unarmed: 77% 117% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% 149% Martial Arts: 81% 121% Throw: 81% 121% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81% Skill: xx %

Damage Modifier: 1d4 +2d6

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects: above stats temporarially modified

Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged

edite: Realized I had not updated my "acting on" strike rank. That has been corrected.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Mon 28 Nov 2011.

He stops before reaching you, eyes wide with shock holds up a hand full of blood and then falls over dead.


OOC-You have 1 CA left? Your turn.

PM

In reply to Edmund Kirby Smith IV (msg #60):
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:12, Thu 01 Dec 2011.

As the suit-wearing-fool's life came to an end in front of him Kirby quickly scanned the park to see how Kate and his Grandfather were doing. It had been only a few seconds since he started tangling with the lead-banditio but, on a battle field, a lot could change in that time.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Thu 01 Dec 2011.

Kirby scans quickly as his finely atuned super soldier brain hones in on the field. Kate seems to have run into the park somewhere, she's not at the bench anymore, which means she's got brains cuz she could have been cut to shreads by the fully auto gun fire. She is no where to be seen (failed perception roll, at some point I won't share this with you, fyi).

Then quickly you see what the General has on his plate. At first glance, the Mexicans have hid behind their cars but continue to shoot tons of rounds towards your grandfather, whom is glowing bright red. To your amazement, he begins to shake violently fast and getting faster, while catching all of the bullets, he starts rotating them in a circle, faster and faster like adding more swimming fish into a school.  With your kinetic sight, you notice that he is building in energy, the bullets are building in energy, and the air around the bullets are building in energy. It becomes hard to look at, and then he unleashes a shock wave of concussive force that annihilates the cars and men, a verible meat clever that renders flesh and steel all rolled into a hurricaine forced blast that deafens the ears. The cars are ripped to shreads and explode from the gas. The explosion seems to eminate upward towards the sky.  As a matter of fact no force is felt by you or any of the surrounding buildings, the only force you feel or hear actually is the sonic boom of two explosions.

He turns to you, looks at the downed man,"I used that one in the Cuban Missle Crisis, except I never funneled the explosion upwards, used it for more devistation." Then suddenly he falls to the ground.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Fri 02 Dec 2011.

Before seeing to his grandfather Kirby quickly crossed to where the suit-wearing leader of the attackers had fallen and did a quick search of the man. If he had any identification whatsoever, Kirby wanted to find it. He dug quickly through the man’s pockets, looked for rings, and even did a quick glance at his arms for tattoos. He didn’t have enough time to do as thorough a search as he wanted, he was sure he was missing something, but it couldn’t be helped. There were other priorities just now.

He stood and ran to his grandfather. As he approached the injured man he had a  momentary flashback to a battlefield thousands of miles away.

Smoky was down. He fell from the door, they said, when we hit. Kirby jumped out and immediately went to the man. With his arm draped behind his head and his leg propped up like it was, it looked like he was sleeping. With some luck he’d have the wind knocked out of him, or worse a broken arm. But when Kirby knelt down to feel for the Sergeant’s pulse his knee struck the boulder Smoky was laying on. The boulder was shaped like an ugly gal's nose and Smoky, the man from Gatlinburg whose habit personally kept Phillip Morris in business, had landed right on the bridge of it when he fell from the chopper. Smoky was right all along. Smoking hadn’t killed him. Kirby had.

Kirby shook his head and knelt over The General. Now was not the time for self pitty. As he felt for a pulse he looked up and yelled “Wildcat!” He used the nickname he used to use with Kate, stolen from her high school mascot, “Where are you!?” She couldn’t have gone far, he hoped.

Whatever he grandfather's state he wasn’t going to leave him here. Kirby stood and hefted the older man over his shoulder and looked for Kate. They needed to get out of there.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Mon 05 Dec 2011.

There seems to be no thugs left and no vehicles. People from the malt shop and smaller stores are in a panick trying to leave the scene. Off in the distance you hear sirens. Depending on how close Rock Hound is, the sirens will probably beat him to the scene.

Kate had questions, which needed to be answered he knew, but right now was not the time. They needed to put distance between themselves and the park.

Kirby first looked at his own phone and noted the number of the missed call. "Tibbs," he murmured as he switched the phone off. He then took his grandfather's phone and pressed the button to dial Rock Hound. While it was conencting he spoke to Kate and his grandfather. "Kate's car is behind the diner. We'll head there. Kate turn your phone off. We need to move."

With his grandfather held over his left shoulder and The General's phone to his right ear Kirby led them quickly from the park to Kate's truck. When the line connected Kirby spoke into the phone "This is Cap... this is... Arrowhead. We've had some trouble." On the fly he gave himself a call-sign, reminicient of the flag of his country of birth. The Golden Arrowhead of Guyana.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Tue 06 Dec 2011.

You can tell that Rock hound appears to be using a sort of easily diciferable code. You infer that he is asking where to meet you and if he needs to come packin. There is something else in his last statement...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Wed 07 Dec 2011.

Kate runs quickly to get her car, she brings it to the curb side, running out to open the door for the Smiths...sirens are almost there,"You drive, I'll stay in the back with him," Kate shouts panicky.

You are on the main street at this moment that runs deeper into town and further into the housing area.  Up to your right and back to your left are turns that take you down the sides of the park, this is where the hooligans came from on each side. Currently explosions have blocked that portion of the streets. Straight takes you back to your Grandfathers, to the neighborhood, and turning around takes you further down town.

OOC-I will need a Stealth, Drive check. And you had failed your first aid check on your grandpa.

As they waited for Kate near the curb Kirby spoke into the phone. "Seh Seh, Rockhound." It took him a moment to follow the last bit. "We beh.. We're clear now, though not in the green zone yet. Local scanner will tell you where we were." Clearly this would be all over the local police band. "We're heading to dead eye's bingo parlor. Gotta go. Dead eye's hurt." He ended the connection to minimize what was said in the open.

The General didn't play bingo and Kirby was sure that Rockhound knew that. Kirby's grandmother, Beverly,  played bridge, weekly. She had played long enough to be playing for her second life-master but that never stopped General Smith from teaseing her about her "Bingo" game. Kirby was hoping Rockhound was in on the joke, and that he knew she played at Old Savior Lutheran Church social hall. Either way getting out of here was the first priority.

As he jumped into the car he grabbed his other phone, the loner phone that 'Grandfather" had given him earlier. He dialed Tibbs' number as he turned around and headed for the church.

21:26, Today: Edmund Kirby Smith IV rolled 20 using 1d100. drive (37).
21:26, Today: Edmund Kirby Smith IV rolled 77 using 1d100. stealth (57).

The parking lot was empty at the church, within 5 minutes a helicopter flew out of the sky and landed in the parking lot. Rockhound jumped out of the cockpit, wearing casuals. He ran over and helped the general out of the car, shouting,"I've gott'em, get in the chopper, your flying. This is a restricted fly zone and I didn't get clearance, we got about 2 minutes until airpatrol is on us.Head to the local airport, it's on the North side of town." Lookin at Kate, "Ma'am, this is your cue to get out of here. I would drive home, call the cops and tell them what you witnessed, don't mention any of us."
OOC-Pause for the phone call on the ride over and while you were waiting for the chopper.

OOC: After the phone conversation with Orlando

After hanging up the phone Kirby spoke to Rockhound. “Get my grandfather to the chopper and get it wound up, please, sir.  I’ll be along in a minute.” He then turned to Kate.

“Kate, I know you have a lot of questions and I’m afraid I don’t have enough time to answer them all.” He paused for a beat, considering what to tell her. “What my grandfather said is true, there is a classified mission in the works here and it looks like it’s been blown. We’ve got to go someplace safe, and you’ll be safe once we’re gone.” He took a deep breath, and looked into her eyes.

“I don’t know what you saw in the park, but I’m sure you saw enough to have a thousand questions. My grandfather and I, abe deh have… we have talents, pretty amazing talents.  My Baboo, my dad, and my great grandfather Smith, and maybe further back, they all had them too.” He looked over to the chopper that was ready to get going. “I know it’s a lot, I know you want to know more. You can talk to my grandmother about them, she knows more than The General wants her to know and can answer some of your questions. But please, don’t tell her all you saw tonight.  I’ll call you soon, once I’m safe, so we can talk more. But I really have to go. Get home, do as rockbound suggested, and get a new phone.”

He opened to door  and got out of the car, ready to head to the chopper, but turned back at the last moment. His eyes met hers again, a hint of wetness could be seen in his. “Kate, these aren’t the right circumstances for this but I need to tell you. I need you to know that I love you. I always have, I always will.” Without another word he turned and ran off to the waiting helicopter, tears streaming down his face.


08:30, Today: Edmund Kirby Smith IV rolled 35 using 1d100. pilot helicopter (47).

He did a double take at Kirby, "A minute, that's about all we got, birds ready to go."




Rockhound-
"Alright, you got two stops, the first one is on the way.  We are gonna drop into a field off of 80 on the south side just past the state line.  Look for a green light.  I made a call, we have a medic waiting.  You'll give 5 minutes on the ground. Then take the bird to the Arsenal. I have already radioed a head for your clearance, there is a duffel bag in here, it has conscription orders for you to re-arm."

Minutes went by as the General slept in the helicopter, as you take off from the Church you see the firetruck and ambulance scene in front of the malt shop. Comprimised isn't the right word to use describing your situation. Your grandfather now seems to be involved and pulling favors, this isn't like him.  You realize that you have just stepped into a much bigger web than he was letting on.  Retired or not, he was still working it seems.

Kirby sat at the controls of the helicopter and acquainted himself. It was a small 4-person copter and was set up in civilian style inside. Cyclic stick rising from the floor in front of him, the collective lever at his left hand, and the anti-torque pedals near his feet. In flight school he had learned on this set-up before transitioning to the military style where the  cyclic and the collective were combined into one stick. Good training never goes, he thought, and sure enough it all came back to him. Balancing the pedals with his feet and using his hands to find the right pitch and thrust Kirby easily lifted the bird into the air.

Once airborne he looked about to find his bearings. Lexington was nestled between two major highways. Interstate 64, which worked more-or-less east and west across the state, and Interstate 81 which cut the state at a diagonal. Once Kirby got high enough to see them both clearly he looked to Rockhound for direction. Following the colonel’s nod Kirby flew them toward the aforementioned clearing.

Upon landing Kirby would use the time to go through the duffle bag and get a good look at his grandfather.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Fri 09 Dec 2011.

The letter
The letter is a briefing and summary on the first page, with legal speak about... This is highly classified and may only be spoken in the strictest of privacy within your research team...then comes the brief description of the original research mission...On September 8th 2008* a research project was funded to explore an uncivilized region on the Brazilian and Guyanese border. During the initial expedition the research team went missing, as of December 12th, 2010 contact had been severed. Upon this break of contact a squad of Army Rangers was sent in to recover the team, the team also lost communication. Upon further investigation the Division of Research and Exploratory Sciences had deemed the mission closed and sent letters to both governments (Brazilian and Guyanese) asking for help and assistance.  The plea for help has been unanswered. The government has recently been made aware of activity in the specific area hinting that the original research team may still be viable, but due to unreliable satalite imaging of the area they are unsure as to the cause of disruption.

The Research and Development has commandeared Dr. Orlando Tibbs as a liason with the Military Ranger Division, and Captain K. Smith to place an apt team together and be outfitted to research the abnormal energy readings and recover the lost team or report back on their findings. It is hoped that all research data from team and the members whereabouts be recovered without significant political disturbance.  The letter continues with legal documentation of Contract and pay, based on billable hours at highest contract rate.

A listing of detailed equipment and facility address...

And research and team members to recover.

Members unaccounted for/Missing in Action:
Dr. Susan Templeton
Dr. Jack Gavin
Dr. Renzi Takemoto
Dr. Alezza Morris
Dr. Harold Buskin

Srgt. Meda Mizer
Specialist Terry Blanc
Specialist Larry Mahoney
Specialist Redley Ortega
Lieutenent Carry Plackar
Specialist Debra Talliver

Make sure you read Chicago, I have some special info for you there as well.

While they were on the ground Kirby took a couple of minutes to look through the duffle bag. Flying in shorts was cold and flying in flip-flops was hazardous so he was pleasantly surprised when he found a set of fatigues and a pair of boots that fit him. After changing he read the letter and then stepped out of the chopper.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Tue 20 Dec 2011.

Kirby sees the green flashing light miles away and heads for the landing area.
As he gets close to the spot he sees a tan oldsmobile in a field with two Elderly people standing at the ready in brown trench coats. As Kirby lands, he can see the highway about two miles off, he notices that it there is a man and woman at the drop. The Elderly woman, whom upon a quick glance doesn't seem to look that old, more like a beautiful 48, next to an elderly man in his mid 60s, roughly the look of your grandfathers-ex-military look.

The woman runs up and opens the door and gently looks at your grandfather, then to Rockhound, "Hello Dear. May I?" Rockhound sweetly answers, "Elsi, you know you don't have to ask." The woman named Elsi touches Rochhounds cheek in a grandmotherly way, caressing as she smiles. Light glows from her palm and she gently places the light over your grandfather's heart.

Both men breathe heavy...waking up, your grandfather grabs Elsi's hand while it  still lay on his chest and smiles, and just for a moment, you get the faintest thought, that just possibly, your grandfather might have, had affection for this woman, maybe once, a long time ago. "Thank you."the general murmurs. "Edmund Kirby Smith, what ever would we do with out your coniving and folk polking tomfoolery?"

At that moment, Elsi looks towards you and smiles, "Have you told the boy anything of importance yet?" At that time you hear a harsh gravely voice thick with a Bostonian accent, "Elsi, don't meddle, Dead Eye will tell him when he needs to know." She looked at him, with such a frown, "His poppa didn't raise no moo moo, he should know." The General barked,"Lets get outta here before the locals show up. Son, be careful."

Kirby turned toward the helicopter but then one of the things that had been spoken played in his head again. "Elsi, don't meddle, Dead Eye will tell him when he needs to know."He stopped, his hand poised on the handle of the helicopter, and something he had read years before came into his mind.

It was October 25th, 1983.

The Rangers and the other special operations forces of the Joint Special Operations Command, including the helicopters of the 160th Aviation Battalion—designated Task Force 160 and commanded by Col. Edward K. Smith—were the spearhead force for the operation. The Rangers of the 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry, had departed Hunter Army Airfield at 2230 the night before in C–130s. The uncertainty of the situation on Grenada, like the confusion of the 82d Airborne Division, led the Rangers, except for the lead assault company, to rig for airlanding, not for airdrop. During the flight, however, Colonel Smith received additional intelligence that the Cubans had placed obstacles on the runway, making airlanding unlikely. He believed that if he parachuted only one company down to clear the obstacles they would be dangerously exposed, with no chance of reinforcement. However, with the battalion un-prepared for an aerial drop as they were, he saw few alternatives. So, he reluctantly made the call: the lead assault company would drop alone to clear the airfield. The risky strategy worked. 6 hours later the field was clear and the invasion began.

What the report didn’t say was Colonel Smith’s own son, Captain Eddie Smith, lead the assault company and did not survive the successful mission. There might not be a "later" once Kirby flew away. What had Captain Smith, Kirby's dad, gone to his grave not knowing? Kirby wanted to know.

He turned and faced the gathering as they prepared to depart. “No, if there’s more I need to hear it.” He spoke directly to his grandfather, his voice unwavering and clear. “I, we, could have died tonight and before I head off I need to know the risks. I need to know what the hell is going on. Right now, sir.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Wed 21 Dec 2011.

All parties looked at the General for answers, just like they always did, Patrick the stawlwart Bostonian with Grim reluctance, Elsi with motherly yearning, and Rockhound with a sense of urgency, and most of all Kirby himself, wanting to know what kind of conspiracy was afoot.

How could some woman know his native speak, what was the hint for, she was hinting at something? Kirby's intuition was abuzz with questions.

Kirby's Grandfather said somberly,"Son, I'm afraid your grandfather is just a pawn as well in these matters.  I have tried to protect you and your family for a long time. Your grandpoppa and I were not strangers...so long ago. Your current mission hinges on knowledge that he alone has, and it is up to him to give you the answers.  Your history and former life are one of the reasons you were chosen for this mission." Your grandfather face shrouds with regret, "it is your heritage that ultimately got your father and mother killed so long ago. We have tried to protect you, shield you from...he trailed off...we cannot protect you any longer. There are greater forces than you know of pulling our strings, seek out your grandfather...sirens and lights could be made out in the distance. Rockhound moved the General swiftly, "We're moving now! Captain, move your ass! I'll stop these patrol cars for everyone. After the General is moved, Rockhound dives in the dirt completely being subsumed as if diving into water, waves of mud begin to swirl behind the oldsmobile like a sink whole.

The oldsmobile tears off in an easternly direction as you lift the chopper. The cars sink to their doors as they move into the area, the car turns off its lights in the field and it is gone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:47, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

The response he got wasn’t what he expected at all. Kirby was a soldier moving on to his next assignment, his next military assignment, and suddenly it was a lot more personal than it ought to be. Kirby was shell shocked and had no response. Before turning to go he nodded to his grandfather. It was a simple gesture that conveyed confusion yet recognition that now was not the time for understanding, now was the time to get the hell out of there.

Kirby lifted the bird into the air and then set a course into the navigation system. Over the next hour or so he guided the helicopter north-west over West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and eventually out over Lake Michigan toward the city of Chicago. He followed the instructions Rockhound had left for him and landed on the western side of Midway Airport, Helio-pad Lima.

Kirby needed to call his grandfather, Popi JonKae, and fill in more of the puzzle. First though, he needed to check in at the arsenal.

The helipad is on the other side of a set of runway terminals, you enter a brick building and are given your badge by Lieutenant Heathe. You're met by a couple of sercurity men who open an elevator for you. Traveling down, you open onto a subway bay and see for the first time something modern on this facility. The above ground facilities being the cover for a rather sophisticated underbelly.  Getting into the tram, you travel at a break neck speed for about three minutes and slowly feel the Tram change level again, like it in of itself runs on an elevator system, from the side window you seem to travel down another twenty feet or so.  The tram starts back up, but moving at a steadier pace. When you reach your destination you are completely turned around, not sure which was is north.  Lieutenant Heathe, shows you to your quarters and asks if there is anything that you need at the moment? The men leave your gear in the room with you, salute, then leave.

current table

Hit Locations  (AP/HP) 1-3   Right Leg / 8 4-6   Left Leg  / 8 7-9   Abdomen  4/8 / 8 10-12 Chest    4/8 / 8 13-15 Right Arm / 7 16-18 Left Arm / 7 19-20 Head     / 7 Armour SR Penalty:

Combat Actions Total:5 Remaining:

Strike Rank: +17 acting on xx

Power Points Total: 34 Remaining:29

Combat Skills: Evade: 52% Unarmed: 77% Firearms (p,r,mg): 99% Martial Arts: 81% Throw: 81% Manipulation: 50% Airbourne/Ranger : 81%

Damage Modifier: 1d4

Hero Points: 6

open

Ongoing effects:

<b> Other modifiers:  Defense power: 35% harder to hit; armor 4 up close 8 for ranged </b>

This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Mon 09 Jan 2012.

In reply to Edmund Kirby Smith IV (msg #83):

Looks good.