Bellissima frowned at Mac, "That does not reassure me.  As police officers with special authority, we will be held responsible for who hands those files fall into.  Putting into our report that we let agents of an unknown agency collect those papers will not go over well with our bosses.  Lt. Smohk under the authority of the US Navy is one thing, unknown agents, not a chance.  You can professionalize, well I am too.  Professionally I CAN'T allow those files to fall into the hands of unknown agents." She looked over at Lt Smohk, "The only reason we are even talking right now is that Lt. Smohk seems to have vouched for you."

[Private to group Telepathy: Bellissmisa sends to Mac, "I am telepathically listening if you want to think the answer instead of saying the answer.]

In reply to Bellissima (msg # 132):

Justicar shifts his stance, and crosses his arms at his chest; his expressionless vizor turns to regard the MAC in silence. A subtle thing but, a Definite gesture of complete support of Bellissima's sentiments.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:13, Mon 12 Dec 2022.

Lilibeth, still with Jacob in the makeshift lab, continues to assist him with his research into the nature of the organisms that comprise the island. It had been a little while but she was remembering things now about chemistry. She was glad she got this opportunity to use some of her training that she often didn't.

When Jacob made his discovery,  Lilibeth became concerned. "We have to tell the others right away!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 12 Dec 2022.

After listening to the MAC's, Bellissima and Winter Herald, Senor Garcia spoke up and added his opinion.

"If you guys are not going to tell us who you work for its probably is best if you wait for us before boarding." He then taps on his forearm data pad.

[Private to JUSTICAR: Text from SG: JUSTICAR, can you change LESP's comms frequency and build in a frequency hopping protocol? I know a number of analog crypto techniques if you need help.]

[Private to GM: 17:04, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 96 using 1d100. Interrogation 105% (MAC's lying).
based on the tone of voice, eye movement etc etc, are the MAC's lying about "no choice" and is the statement "we can wait till you've given us the all clear to board that thing" truthful


17:15, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 36 using 1d100.  Surveillance Systems 113% (cameras?).
Any camera's or microphones in the compartment/room we are in?

Last did the crew hand over the C4 I requested? if so, how much?]

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 135):

Justicar H.U.D. immediately gets the directed message to his communications systems... he cocks his head slightly in surprise.  His pose shifts very subtly and his gauntlet fingers tremble slightly... clear indication to those who know the Justicar suit he is texting/typing a reply...

[Private to Senor Garcia: 'As far as I know... the LESP Comm line does exactly that and has a 64 bit encryption code, scrambled, as well as a frequency hoping protocool that even my AI 'Karl' is still trying to crack!  But yes.. I could indeed do a secondary scrambled, Encrypted and frequency hoping protocool transmission band... if you think something like that is needed...?']
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

Senor Garcia nods to no one in particular.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 137):

Justicar does not make any reaction whatsoever... other then his gauntlet fingers cease their trembling.

[Private to Senor Garcia: 'Acknowledged ~ Working on it now.']

Hikari turned off his exterior voice modulation speaking sub-vocally to 'Karl' unheard by anyone exterior to the suit.

"Karl.. I need a new communications protocol, full 64 bit encryption, scrambling, and frequency hoping ~ the works."

'Understood Hikari. I could also add an encryption randomizer to frequency hoping?'

"Fine ~ let's get to work."

21:56, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 24 using 1d100.  Hikari - Computer Programming 'Encryption code' [77%]. – [roll=1670896609.17731.355584]

21:58, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 25 using 1d100.  Hikari - Radio: Basic 'Encryption code applied to radio frequency' [77%]. – [roll=1670896684.2703.355584]

22:00, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 12 using 1d100.  Karl - Radio: Scramblers 'Apply Hikari encryption code and radio frequency' [98%]. – [roll=1670896841.65936.355584]

22:01, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 73 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensor Instruments 'Test Encryption communications' [94%]. – [roll=1670896883.1411.355584]

22:03, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 43 using 1d100.  Karl - Advanced Mathematics 'Checking' Hikari's computer encryption math' [98%]. – [roll=1670897017.27886.355584]

[Private to Chimp Man Z, Runa: Someone as smart as Dr. Phage would have some way of preventing his brilliant discovery from getting out where just anyone could use it.]
[Private to group Telepathy: 'Mac', whose real name is Jason, Jason Bind, is thinking about how stupid it is that people believe the KGB is still around but don't give a thought to how easily the CIA gave up its identity. He then conjures up an image of his new handler, stating the new slogan, 'don't tell, kill 'em if you do'.]
[Private to Senor Garcia: Mac is telling the truth. Considering this, Señor Garcia gets the idea that Mac is acting like one of those old school agents in the secrets war with the Soviets.
There are cameras and microphones scattered throughout the vessel.
They deliver four four ounce packets of C4 with 4 detonators, the sailor that delivers it makes a point to indicate that the explosive should be used on the tips of the screw blade, one packet per prop. The cavitation this creates will slow the vessel to a crawl and if they increase the velocity the shaft will vibrate the packing right off, thereby letting water in around the shaft.]
Lt. Smohk sends a text to Hikari indicating that his crew is attempting to break the codes on LESP communications. It's a drill for his crew and he wants Hikari to let him know if it's noticed.
The second comm line is easily developed. [Language unknown: no i conalland tinnd ers]
[Language LESPradio2: and it works like this]

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 137):

Justicar is a motionless as a metal statue but texts Senor Garcia directly...
[Private to Senor Garcia: Direct from Justicar: 'I believe I Owe you an apology Senor Garcia, Lt Smohk just texted me that the crew of the Gemini are tasked with trying to decrypt the LESP Secure net as a practice Exercise, but only Just informed me of that fact.  Your concern of our LESP Supposedly secure channel is justified MUCH to my surprise and Displeasure.  I'm preparing you a software package to upload and run for a New LESPradio2 'Secure Channel', for now at least ~ on a flash drive you should pick pocket from me.']

Then Justicar directly texts Winter Herald in turn...
[Private to Winter Herald: Direct from Justicar:  'I have prepared a second LESPradio2 software package for a New Secure communication protocool... Lt Smokh has just informed me via text that the crew of the Gemini has been tasked with breaking our LESP communications encryption. Senor Garcia is already aware and I am handing off a flashdrive with the new encryption software. Once he takes the drive I'll load a second one for you to pick pocket from my left gauntlet.']

Justicar unfolds his arms lowering them to his side shifting stance a single step closer to Senor Garcia.  The left gauntlet on Senor's side a panel slides open revealing a port of four flash drives one softly glowing... the folds of Justicar's Ballistic Metal Mesh cloak partially concealing the gesture.

04:48, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 15 using 1d100.  Justicar - Prowl [52%]. – [roll=1670921293.80632.355584]

The motion is smoothly casual and subtle...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:56, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

Winter Herald glanced to his text receiver, annoyed only mildly. [Private to JUSTICAR: Direct from Winter Herald - "I am not programmed to pick a pocket. I would be detected by the entire room."]

03:45, Today: Winter Herald rolled 19 using 1d100.  Law: General regarding USA legal code. TN 35.

"There are constitutional issues with your request, sir." Winter Herald was becoming rather formal at the moment. "That should not be an issue for long, sir. We will need some time to prepare our signals for your efforts to crack them, so that your exorcise can receive a proper challenge for sailors as proficient as yourselves, sir. Please give us thirty minutes to confer with each other, and ready you a proper challenge, sir."

He sent one more signal over text, before speaking. [Private to Chimp Man Z: Direct from Winter Herald - "I need one other teammate and you on deck. I wish to see the gear we will be using as well - pass the message on. Please be polite to the crew and each other if possible."]"This unit wishes to observe the ocean directly while he compiles data. I draw a consensus you would call 'pleasant,' while I undergo an otherwise time consuming task. Excuse me."

He nodded to all relevant parties, and made his way above to the deck, with the intent of going to the bow of the ship.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 141):

Justicar speaks up, "Winter, Karl has suggested some encryption test routines his own Radio Scrambling skills might suggest, he'd like to you consider..."

Justicar hands Winter Herald a flash drive.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:14, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

Noting what was going on around her, Bellissima kept her focus on Mac as being the primary concern at the moment, "Look.  You need our assistance, because the Refuseniks have powers and Vitaly is a psychic." She pointed out to Max as she took on an exasperated tone of voice with the unknown agent.

[Private to group Telepathy: Telepathic to Mac, "Make something up and I will go along with it]

[Private to Senor Garcia: Telepathic message to Senor Garcia, "CIA, kill orders if exposed.  Go along with what he says]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

There's some information I want to Google, first, he says.  Most of our training in biology is anatomy and physiology, with a bit of pathology thrown in.  This is a little outside my wheelhouse.
[Private to group LESPradio: We will have the information ready on these samples shortly,] he says over the radio
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Tue 13 Dec 2022.

As the heroes coordinate their communications, Mac says, "now you get it. We work for the government, and we'll stay well behind you and out of your way. We don't even have the same goals, so there shouldn't be any issues between us."

Justicar does a recap...

"So, the 'plan' as it stands now.  At 02:00 We strike.  Bellissima, Maharajah, Senor Garcia and Runa board the zodiac inflatable, while I carry Winter Herald, and Chimpman Z to the Bioship.  A mile away, Bellissima, Maharajah, Senor Garcia, Runa and CMZ don Dreger rebreathers and disembark the zodiac inflatable.  I launch my two underwater drones to provide fast underwater transit for Bellissima, Maharajah, Senor Garcia, Runa to make for the Bio-ship's underwater Air lock.  While I carry, also underwater, CMZ and Winter to the Bio-ship but deliver them to the surface hatches ~ Winter to Hatch 3#, CMZ to Hatch 2#, and I'll take hatch 1#.  We do not know if the plants are toxic, predatory or a trap ~ best to just assume they are dangerous!  We DO know they did not react to my inorganic rolling drone so likely Winter's inorganic endoskeleton and my Suit will not be considered food to eat... and CMZ is invulnerable.  Winter herald, assaulting hatch 3# cuts off any escape to the submarine while our airlock team cycles through the airlock, CMZ breaches Hatch 2# {being invulnerable} heads for the center room.. likely some form of command center or bridge to raise havok, while Justicar breaches Hatch 1# to head aft to disable if possible any engine room or engineering.  This way we can cover all exits and strike simultaneously... hopefully taking the occupants by surprise, especially at night with effectively an underwater assault!  With all the bathroom plumbing I'd conjecture those rooms are all crew quarters.  We will all be armed with a single non-lethal flash-bang grenade to toss in the the crew cabins as we go to disorient the crew hopefully enough to effect their sub-dual and arrest."

"I did not mention the MACs as they will be doing their own operation... whatever THAT is..."

"If further intel requires us to change that plan please contact the group so we can adjust plan.  I have preparations to make."

With that Justicar turns to leave and begin his preparations...

Which involve gathering flash-bang grenades, and Dreger rebreathers from the Gemini quartermaster.

+ Stun/Flash Hand Grenade {CoCW, p.32} = Blast: 10’ft radius, Effect: —8 ST/PY/DG, -1 Intv, -1 AT, Dur: 1D4 melee

But mostly this is a cover to meet with each team-member and as he says, "Check your communications and electronics for water proofing...", but actually install the new LESPradio2 Software encrypted communications package in their devices, a task he must do manually.

Once everyone has the software package uploaded... Justicar will Text everyone...
[Private to group LESPradio: LESPradio2: +First, this is a custom LESP encryption communication channel of MY design because Lt Smokh has informed me the Gemini crew are hacking our main LESP channel to break our encryption 'As a Test'... I am NOT Amused by this breach of privacy!  So for now only use texts to reply on the LESPradio2 channel as I'm certain everything we say and do on the Gemini is being recorded.  I'm not saying we can't trust Lt Smohk, but we may NOT be able to trust his superiors... or whoever ordered him to try to break our secure communications.+]

Winter Herald had moved to the bow of the ship on deck, like he mentioned he was going to do. When he was walking to the deck, he placed the chip into one of his chest compartments, and began studying the waves again. He spoke over their old network...

[Private to group LESPradio: ++Of course, be ready soon.++]...and the new. [Private to group LESPradio: LESPradio2: ++Justicar, I have a suspicion this vessel is compromised. I am aware that I have been the loudest advocate for caution and group consensus up to this point. I will endure any justifiable judgement or punishment that comes with that. In the immediate, I currently believe we need to leave as soon as we can, and strike ASAP. I believe time is no longer on our side. I move out in less than thirty minutes, whether anyone is leaving with me or not. Those who cannot go with me, just claim those who left are unpredictable and lack discipline. Maintain the trust of those on this ship, and do not reveal my suspicions to them. Arrive when you can.++]

He simply awaited, focused on what he was about to do. The totality of the information was logical. He had no solid evidence, but everything seemed to be slowly building up to this action.

The Gemini arrives on station, and four zodiacs are readied and tethered to the boat. While the heroes debark, the Gemini's "away team" waits patiently. They appear to be intending to follow the heroes but something is holding them back.

When the time came and Hikari's call to assemble was made, Lilibeth gathered with the others. She was still in her dress, rather than the body armor and gear that Hikari had made for her and Runa. She looked at her team mates, giving them all a cheery smile.

The platoons she had been assigned to during her Army career, often had different rituals they would do before a mission. Most of them didn't call them rituals but thats what they were. For some they would have a prayer session, others listened to a specific song. So far she hadn't seen anything like that with the Sentinels so she decided to do an abbreviated, modified version if something an old school infantry captain would always do before his men left the wire.

She bowed her head and said softly, "Goddess bless us on our mission and speed our return

When she raised her head again, she was no longer Lilibeth. Runa, wearing the archaic seeming armor that Justicar had crafted for her, stood there. The tall, blond warrior priestess nodded her head at her companions. "Let us be about it.

Runa would then board the small craft that would take her part of the team towards the island.

CMZ comes out with the compacted lab.  He looks at JUSTICAR with a quirky smile.  What do you know about slime molds?  Those are not plants.  They are the fruiting bodies, apore pods, if you will, of a massive aggregate of amoebic organisms.  Luckily,the spore appear to be too massive to be spread by the wind, but who knows what they might do to the human body.  I would recommend a flamethrower.

Senor Garcia takes the four ships when JUSTICAR got close, and pluged one into his data pad.

[Private to GM: 09:33, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 62 using 1d100.  prowl 103 (take comm chips).
PASS (I do not have picks pockets)]

---

After JUSTICAR's quick and dirty plan.
Senor Garcia's only concern was that as far as he knew he was the only one qualified in SCUBA techniques. As JSTICAR worked him to update comm protocols he spoke to the younger man.

“I assume your plan calls for two people per drone to use as an SDV?"

"I need you to direct one close enough to the sub so I can place the explosives on its screws.” Senor Garcia’s tone of voice indicates this wasn't a request, but more of an order, as he isn’t budging on the idea of disabling the submarine’s screws or damaging them.

Once JUSTICAR moves off to work with another, Senor Garcia then looked over the demo charges provided to him.

[Private to GM:
09:40, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 36 using 1d100.  demoltions 103% study demo charges.
PASS Anything wrong with the charges?

09:44, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 69 using 1d100.  Underwater Demolitions 108 (inspect).
PASS will they work underwater?</Orange>]

---

Once ready to depart on the Zodiac...

Senor Garcia looks over at Bellissima, Maharajah, Runa and CMZ. Although Runa said she’d only had experience in snorkeling, diving with a rebreather was a different matter altogether. The others he didn’t know what they knew.....

There wasn’t much time it go into the details of scuba diving, much less how different it was using a rebreather. So, for those who didn't know, he went over the basics with those using the rebreathers to include that firefighters used Dreager rebreathers to fight fires, so the rebreathers the team was wearing would work outside the water.

09:20, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 2 using 1d100.  Swimming SCUBA 115% (show others the basics).
PASS I think it’s safe to say that as long as no one takes off their mask underwater they should be fine.

Justicar assembles with the rest of the team ready for the mission to begin.  He will intercept Winter and lightly suggest, "...the Team is assembling now, surely weather you trust the Military leadership involved or not you Trust us?  WE the Sentinels working together as opposed to separate can support, guard and unite to protect ourselves against ANYONE who would jeopardize our operational objectives. Please Winter work with the Sentinels at the least... We will not have ulterior motives and we Will not be stopped despite opposition.  THAT is why the Military is watching us.. we are powerful together!"

But he will make no attempt to stop Winter Herald from going his own way if he reaches a consensus that is necessary... Hikari trusts Winter.

When Senor Garcia pulls him aside to verify the details he nods affirming his intention to use the underwater drones as SDVs. He also agrees to planting the explosives, "..Your the expert at that. I have no skill in demolitions so if YOU think its needed I'm satisfied.  I just hope its a measure we don't need but better prepared than not. The Drones will take you where ever you need... the Drone-Lambda 'yours' ~ will extend its index finger on it's hand assembly and you can twist it like a joystick for a manual direction control as YOU need.  The other will just follow as 'Karl' directs."

While the team assembles, Hikari will send a coded transmission back to Center City to access the remote pilot features of the Shadowhawk.  With its hydrofoil capabilities he sets a course for their area knowing the speed it can achieve if running at top speed it could be here in less that 10 minutes.  He will send the watercraft to standby position to leave dock and wait some 1 mile of the Center City shoreline ~ just in case the situation develops that alternate transport becomes necessary.

At Runa's prayer upon the Sentinel's behalf, Justicar will nod solemnly, "Thank you priestess.. your blessing of the Goddess of War and er Lust is... appreciated. We will certainly fight to our best... and hopefully save Holly Cook from the Lusts of one Provider."

With the assembled heroes he hands out the singular Stun/Flash Handgrenades to each Sentinals member as well as their Dreger rebreathers as needed.  At the new intel provided by CMZ and the hesitation of the MAC troopers he comments...

"It is a non-issue.  The Justicar can carry four drones of modular mission capabilities they are all made to be interchangeable to my suits.  I'm currently carrying Drones-Beta, Delta, Lambda and Zeta.  Lambda and Zeta are amphibious drones with underwater capabilities... they do not fly.  But both Alpha and Delta are land and flight capable.  Delta is equipped with twin flamethrowers and twin dual-nozzle chemical sprayers. Once the Sentinels are in side I can have 'Karl' remote pilot Delta to set fire to the surface flora over the entire Bio-ship surface.. then spray down the Bio-ship surface with a powerful chemical defoliant to prevent growth back for some time if needed. That should clear the way for the MAC teams to land in safety.  But I would rather NOT kill the Bio-ship with the defoliant spray until we've had a chance to truly examine it and what threat if any it presents to the Earth Eco-system."

With that Justicar will wait for the team to board their Zodiac inflatables commenting, "Remember ~ do not approach closer than a mile before donning your rebreathers to dive for the underwater approach. CMZ you and Winter can ride in the zodiac until its time then I will take you both to your hatches to breach.  MAC teams when you see the Bio-ship set afire that is your signal when you may approach to make your landing the fire will not last long and Drone-Delta also has fire retardant - Halon stores in its chemical sprayers if need be is can extinguish a path for you to the hatches.  We want to remain as undetected as possible before the assault.  My Drones-Lambda and Zeta will be waiting underwater to extend their arms for you to hold onto and take you to the island underwater Airlock. The drones have a 2,000lb capacity and can easily carry two at a time to the Bio-ship much faster than swimming.  That way we can time our entry sto be simultaneous.  Which I'm hoping Senor Garcia has the skills to open undetected."

With that he takes one last look at the Team ~ "SENTINELS STRIKE!"

Justicar will looks to see if Winter has decided to assemble with the team he will watch the Zodiacs leave before stepping off into the ocean depths again sinking to the sea floor to follow pacing the Zodiac on the surface with his far fast underwater drives... while hugging the sea floor...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Wed 21 Dec 2022.

Herald quietly spoke as he left, saying only this. "That is why we need to go now, before nightfall, and without alerting Smohk. I think he's compromised, and I think he's trying to let us know that. He's hacking our comms and deploying mercenaries - neither of those is SOP. But he let us know it on both counts, and I do not believe Smohk slipped twice in a row. Return to the team, and tell them I'll be along. This is not true. Stall Smohk's team. Since the plan is to wait until nightfall, however... unless you change the plan again, I'll have a head start."

Once Justicar had turned around, Winter Herald quietly attached his spikeline to the ship's side, lowered himself into the water as quickly and quietly as he could, timed his kick-off from the ship with the waves, and made his way to a buoy swimming just below the water's surface.

OOC: 14:16, Today: Winter Herald rolled 35 using 1d100.  Prowl, TN 89.
14:17, Today: Winter Herald rolled 83 using 1d100.  Swimming, TN 60.
14:17, Today: Winter Herald rolled 20 using 1d100.  Swimming, TN 60.
14:17, Today: Winter Herald rolled 17 using 1d100.  Prowl, TN 89.

He "felt" his synthskin tighten when a rogue current pulled him down. It had no other negative effects that his systems could detect, but they were ambivalent under ideal circumstances regarding the specifics of his artificial skin, and he suspected the pressures of the ocean might have an adverse effect on his appearance that his systems would not warn him about.

His plan, upon making it to a buoy, was to scan for any observation, and then pull himself out of the water and run at a few hundred MPH to the base, using the movement of the water and the coming of twilight to hide his rapid redeployment.

Bellissima was extremely unhappy with the situation and this mission was getting worse by the minute.  She memorized everything Garcia said about using the Dreager rebreathers and if she got into trouble, she could always make herself an expert at their use.   An option she wanted to put off because it would take energy to maintain long enough to be of use, leaving her even more exhausted right before a fight.

"I am as ready as I am going to be, lets get this shit show over with," the brunette sighed as she nodded at CMZ. "So we leave them alone right now, but want to use fire on our way out to make sure the thing is completely destroyed."

She wasn't religious, but she respected Runa/Lilibeth little prayer with a small nod of respect.

Watching as Winter Herald left the ship and proceeded to the amoebae-ship on his own, she shook her head.  And turned her attention back to Garcia and Justicar.  She was only a little bit reassured by learning that Mac and his people were CIA.

She climbed down into a Zodiac with the others. "Remember if the airlock is technological, I can easily get it open without triggering alarms." She reminded Garcia since this team had trouble remember details about what others were capable of. "And if the airlock is connected to other technological systems connected to it, like maybe security systems."

In reply to Bellissima (msg # 155):

Justicar makes no comment but does text a message to the team over the new LESPradio2 channel...[Private to group LESPradio: LESPradio2: 'I understand your frustration over the situation Belle.. its is NOT optimal.  Just for everyone's knowledge ~ I have got the SHADOWHAWK on standby to come get us in as short as 1 to 4 minutes if some alternate means of transport 'seems' advisable.  Let's just do the mission and watch each other's back.  We've done this before and came out victorious, we can do it again.  I'm ...sorry I was unable to convince Winter to come with us... he is very mistrustful of out military minders.']
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Fri 20 Jan 2023.