The Gemini has been re-fitted with beyond-state-of-the-art stealth and detection capabilities. Sensors indicate the presence of several weapon systems, those that can evaluate such things will not the absence of any CIWS. The crew have been reduced in number, and have a new, more serious attitude. There are exceptions to this rule, the most obvious being Hrabowski who is still somewhat of a joker.
[Private to Bellissima: Hrabowski is easier to read than the others, his surface thoughts tend to be 'oh shit those guys are back we're sure to get screwed this time around']

Justicar will board the Gemini and join Bellissima in greeting Lt. Smokh.  He does do a double take at all the changes that have been made to the recommissioned military Naval craft.

"Greetings Lt. Smohk!  It will be an honor and pleasure to work with you again!  I'm certain Belissima has outlined the parameters of our needs in the mission to rescue Miss Holly Cook.  Not to be obtuse.. the Gemini has been rather upgraded, I had initially hoped to do a Recon of the isle from undersea to avoid surface detection and do an sensor sweep to determine what type of and the sensitivity of the isle detection system we were facing before any infiltration or landing could be attempted, But Clearly the Gemini is far better equipped with such ECM and ECCM systems more powerful and with a wider range than mine with Professional Sensor Operators specifically trained for just such analysis... Far more skilled in their MoS than I... a simply pilot.  Would you agree to use your much more powerful sensor array on the Sentinel's behalf to get us that intel?"

Runa, wearing the combination jumpsuit and body armor that Justicar had proved for her, tailored to her exact measurements, arrived with the team at the Gemini. The warrior priestess had listened to the back and forth between Justicar and Winter with disinterest. The arguing over the particulars of the rescue plan simply held no appeal for her. Once a plan had been decided upon, then she had become interested.

For her part Lilibeth was more than fine with the plan. She was still a combat medic in her mind, probably always would be. She had never been included in the planning phase of any of the missions she had gone on. She had just waited for the op order to come out and looked for the annex that detailed medical support.

She had been disappointed, at first, that she wouldn't be going to the convention but then when it became clear that the conversation tion was actually next week, so she would still be able to attend and in costume, all disappointment was wiped from her.

Runa listened patiently to Justicar speak with the Lt. Smokh. She was standing nearby the young man to indicate solidarity with her team just ad kich as it was to hear the final, invitable changes in the details of the mission. Things like that always happened after all.

Senior Garcia stepped aboard the USS Gemini. He was somewhat familiar with the Pegasus Hydrofoil class intended for coastal patrol of European waters during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. unfortunately NATO allied countries did not decide to purchase vessels of the class so only six were built for the US Navy, the USS Gemini being the last vessel constructed.

Looking over vessel he assessed its current configuration and armament.

Approaching Lt. Smohk, and as the commander of a US Naval vessel, Senior Garcia addressed him as such. “Captain Smohk, I go by Senior Garcia today. But many years ago as an enlisted Sailor I became quite famier with the Mekong Delta in Vietnam., as well as Laos and Cambodia.” The fact that a man of Senior Garcia’s age had no business hanging out with a group of meta humans, his reference to having serving in Vietnam, and being dressed like some sort ninja but with guns instead of blades should be enough to convict Smohk (who looked a little to to be a Lieutenant), he was not just some old guy putting a on an act.

“The support of your vessel’s action team is greatly appreciated. I would like permission to liaison with your vessel’s senior enlisted Chief and your action team.”

OOC: As an FYI, you could be a lowly Ensign in the USN (lowest officer rank) and if given command of a dinky PT boat you’d still be called a Captain.

[Private to GM: Will add some rolls here in a bit


21:27, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 13 using 1d100.  Impersonation 97/77% (just in case).
PASS, in case the US Gemini crew needs to be convinced I am a bad ass.
PASS

21:27, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 38 using 1d100.  Impersonation 97/77% (just in case).
PASS in case I NEED to impersonate being a Vietnam veteran

21:26, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 3 using 1d20.  USS Gemini Camouflaged weapons 85%.
PASS any weapons on the ship that are hidden?

21:22, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 35 using 1d100.  Assess USS Gemini Military Intelligence 101%.
PASS How different is the ship from before it was 'officially' decommissioned in 1993?

21:21, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 94 using 1d100.  assess USS Gemini Detect Concealment 110%.
PASS Looking for hidden weapons or sensors etc, etc etc

21:20, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 72 using 1d100.  Assess USS Gemini crew Military Etiquette 100%.
PASS assessing the crewman (well crewpersons to be political correct since some may be women). Are they wearing their rank openly? Does it appear that the Sailors are older than your average seaman?

]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Sun 13 Nov 2022.

The crew is very welcoming and will show the Sentinels to a recently emptied crew compartment for their use.

[Private to Senor Garcia: this crew worked with the Sentinels once before. They saw JUSTICAR's armor in use, a (currently missing) alien wizard warping reality, point blank shots from a Barret .50 caliber bounce off Chimp Man Z, and more. The Sentinels are who the government calls for things that eat SEAL teams, the fact that you're part of the team means you out bad-ass them.
Your bonafides aren't in question.
There aren't any hidden weapons belonging to the Gemini, its role is strictly observation, communication, and transport.
As far as the Gemini goes, it appears they reworked the hull, and the foils, and then gutted it and reworked everything else.
To Señor Garcia's practiced eye, half of the crew runs the boat and its systems, the other half act as security and prepare for something.

Oh, and I was very aware of the Captain thing. Of course, during my time the hydrofoils were still in service, so it's been a while.]

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 4):

Justicar will open a compartment in his chest and present a touch-screen pad that will quickly bring up  the satellite pictures taken by Hikari and Karl's research and explain.

"The Isle is not really an island it is a camouflaged vehicle of some sort 185ft in length, 135'ft at its widest point and approximate 55 feet in height and moved at a speed of 24 knots it came from a north travel route and has been here off the coast for about a week's time. We are uncertain what form of navigation sensors the vessel possesses. My analysis has made evident several surface features of unknown purpose but my resolution is inconclusive.  Currently the isle is sitting 24 miles of the Atlantic City continental shelf at these GPS coordinates. We suspect with high probability to be the metahuman criminals lair of one Provider / Vitaly, leader of the Russian criminal gang the Refuseniks. Provider is on record as being a mind-controlling metahuman and to have had a previous romantic relationship with Miss Holly Cook.  We believe he abducted her and is holding her on the vessel."

"I can upload all this data to a terminal of your choice?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Sun 13 Nov 2022.

Bellissima nodded her head as the others greeted Lt. Smohk.  She stepped back to a quiet space as she reached her hand out to touch a wall, listening to the conversations between Captain Smohk, she had caught the random thought from Garcia about all Navy Officers in command of a ship be addressed as captain, Justicar and Garcia.  Justicar providing the coordinates of the island/ship.  "Thank you Captain Smohk."

Closing her eyes, she extended her senses through the USS Gemini, seeing how much she could learn about the ship from just touching the wall, making sure to disrupt the work of the crew as little as possible.  Her primary goal was to see if she could map the entire ship and what systems she could take control of, especially security systems and cameras. She was spending energy that she couldn't really afford to, but needed the practice sending her thoughts through the USS Gemini would give her before she tried with the island/ship, which was probably alien in origin. And she already knew she was going all but useless in a fight, she just needed to preserve enough energy to take out Vitaly in an emergence.

Jacob had stayed silent through the arguing of the boy and the android.  Sometimes, you just do not want to acknowledge the stupidity of the moment by saying something that recognizes it.  So, he stayed silent, mostly just shaking his head at the two shmucks.
CMZ boards the ship wearing another yellow tracksuit, not yet ready to try the suit Hikaru had made.  He carries a daypack this time, with a few supplies and a second tracksuit and shoes.
Afternoon, Lt Smohk, he says as he comes up the gangway.  Permission to board, Cap'n?
He notes Bellissima and her touching of the hull.  Knowing her, she is getting some kind of psychic impression of the ship.
He acknowledges both Runa and Señor Garcia, then thanks the lieutenant for his permission.  Seems you got some new equipment, and some new people.

[Private to Bellissima: as indicated previously, none of the personnel are sneaky androids. Although there is a slight resistance, as if something has been done to secure the systems, Bellissima has no trouble mapping the Gemini and connecting with its systems. There are no surprises, as well. The ship is still dedicated to communications and surveillance.]

Winter Herald had let the guard know he was coming, and had the sense to show his badge. Otherwise, his profile had been low.

"Winter Herald, unaffiliated with any formal military position. I require only light, although any information you may have about the local waters and their life is a welcome diversion. Captain, are you the supervisor of our operation?"

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 10):

Justicar will follow Simmins direction opening his suit visor to regard the navigational terminal briefly and get to work plotting the course...

13:12, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 35 using 1d100.  Justicar - Navigation {Air, Land, Sea} [97%].

13:11, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 82 using 1d100.  Justicar - Read Sensory Intruments [77%]. {FAIL}

Hikari will ask a few questions of Simmins unfamiliar with the arrangement of the complex sensor array display... and with a little help from Karl buzzing in his ear he gets the navigational data set and entered into the terminal.

13:14, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 43 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Intruments [94%].

There's no difficulty in getting the coordinates into the hydrofoil's systems, and as soon as all personnel are aboard the ship moves away from the dock.
Those that aren't going to the island need to indicate what they are doing. Remember you may utilize your character's skills without role-playing the skill by making a skill roll and stating what you're looking for. Every use of a skill, in any fashion, gains 25 xp.

Bellissima opened her eyes as she removed her hand from the bulwark and moved over to Capt. Smohk with a nod, "Your countermeasures are on the right idea, I felt a little bit of resistance when making contact."

Looking at the rest of the team that was there, "I was able to connect to the entire ship and all of its systems.  If that island really is an artificial island, I will be able to quickly tell and start pulling information about it immediately."  She informed the others. "I am going to meditate for the rest of the trip, recover some of my strength."  She looked over at Capt Smohk and jokingly added, "If you could take at least an hour to get on station, that would be much appreciated." 

She followed Hrabowski to their assigned room and nodded her thanks as she settled into a full lotus position, wondering just how much he actually volunteered or if he was volunteered.

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:08, Sat 19 Nov 2022.

"Captain, when I say supervisory control, I mean the ability to inform us all that the cost of victory is going to be too high and we are moving into disaster if we do not stop now. We both know this occurs, and if it is declared, it is presumed to be the least bad option."

Winter Herald considered what he knew now, and what he was learning. "Our intent is a night operation. The boat we use must be both disposal and robust enough to support a great deal of weight. I alone bring over five hundred fifty pounds of weight, nevermind what some of the others are bringing. I suspect your bilges would be aware of our deceptive frames, if they could talk."

"Our objective, as originally presented, was for us to scout the structure, feed you as much information as possible, locate and extract Holly Cook and, if possible, Vitaly's recorded database while we were at it. Then once the sun was rising, our mission was successful or another possibility had arisen, the USA military - that is, you - engages in the kinds of tactics that has granted it local military success against most of its enemies thus far."

"Now, I am seeking what you know about that structure, which I suspect to be little, and I will answer in turn any questions I might know as well. Any additional information is helpful. For example, if you have decided your own hand-picked team will be going in, we need to know that."

CMZ joind Bellisima in spending the teip meditating.  The Brady Bunch, his spider.monkey followers that he named after the characters of an old television sitcom, are conspicuously absent.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 17):

Mae Ha Rga would also like to join the group meditation.

"And I hope you do not need to make that call. But this is ultimately a rescue and retrieval mission, and I do not believe that any lives are worth some budget commission's favor, or a personal promotion. I request, as a technical civilian which was once designed to do your job, only that you execute your duties to the best of your abilities. I have faith in your ability to do that. Multiple existences may depend on it." Winter Herald nodded. "I will leave you alone, Captain Smohk. I suspect I will make you very uncomfortable if we continue to talk. But I do have faith you will make the correct calls. If you want assistance with data analysis, I will aid in any way I can."

Winter Herald had drawn the conclusion that meditation was strictly of use to organics and useless to himself. He had heard about it, attempted it for his combative training, and drew the consensus that practice rather than simulation was a more constructive use of his time. "Clarity of mind" was a lost concept to him. He always understood his goals, what he was doing, and how he had gotten wherever he was.

Everything was usually clear to Winter Herald, and when it was not, he simply needed to focus on the problem and the information he lacked. This usually meant a state best translated as "sorrow" or "fear." Perhaps that's what this meditation was really about - they just needed time to sort things out.

So he left them to it. For now, he was curious about another subject - the extraction of data from an unwilling subject.

His brief foray on the subject had shown him a few distasteful torture techniques, which were both offensive to his logic, and which he felt were amateurishly executed. He could do better if he were possessing of the idiot cruelty required to do such things. He was more interested in the psychological games and mental exploitation, how to make someone feel pressured without ever laying a hand on them, how to make someone feel like they had one route despite no reason to believe that.

It was elegant and bloodless victory, the product of a higher mind than some overfunded brute with a pair of pliers or a supply of water. So he studied police interrogations from multiple countries, and kept the vessel's maximum bandwidth in mind when determining how many videos at once to watch. He studied a few political inquiries as well, but found them less interesting due to the frequent grandstanding.

20:25, Today: Winter Herald rolled 32 using 1d100.  Computer Operations TN 98 with +8 OTN. Trying not to overload the ship's internet with his relentless research.

Justicar double-checked his calculations and inputs to the Navigational station.  But also noted the nearby sensors and communications station as their operators worked.

If no one objected Justicar moved over to just stand by and monitor what they were doing .... but more importantly what their more powerful and long-ranged sensors were displaying from their scans of the distant target.  Hikari made no comment or interrupt merely observed, but the keen-minded youth knew exactly what he was looking at and made his own analysis of the displayed sensor returns...

21:59, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 85 using 1d100.  Hikari - Read Sensory Instruments 'Identify what Active & Passive sensors used by the Isle-Vessel' [77%]. – [roll=1669082361.50707.355584] [FAIL]

And still Hikari was having trouble with the icon and nomenclature of the Military Sensor displays.. his own custom HUD... being more familiar to his user friendly system.

But ... to some inner annoyance, Karl spoke from the suit into Hikari's ear translating and clarifying the CIC sensor displays of the Gemini and then from the displays identified and explained the Electronic Warfare measures the JUSTICAR suit could employ to counter the Isle-Vessel's sensor detection.

22:03, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 59 using 1d100.  Karl - Radio: Scramblers 'Identify best measure to employ EW to counter isle-vessel sensor array' [98%]. – [roll=1669082608.80183.355584]

22:02, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 41 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensor Instrument 'Interpret Sensor Readings from CIC Gemini' [94%]. – [roll=1669082553.30287.355584]

For once Hikari had some idea how his childhood boarding school 'acquaintances' felt when he showed them up with his own self-cleverness.

He muttered in annoyance, 'No one likes a know-it-all Karl...'

Without missing a beat Karl Quipped back, 'Then it is a fortunate thing neither of us have met anyone who ~ knows-it-all?'

OOC: Questions
1) What types of passive and active sensors is the isle-vessel currently using?
2) What it the detection range of the isle-vessel sensors scans?
3) Does Hikari/Karl with the analysis done believe they can deploy electronic warefare countermeansures to bypass detection by the isle-vessel's Sensors?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:31, Tue 22 Nov 2022.

As soon as the Gemini leaves the harbor, it begins to accelerate. For the first time, Hrabowski is intently watching readouts on a heretofore unused terminal. As he manipulates switches and turns dials, he mumbles "atomic batteries to power". Moments later, as he pushes a lever forward, he continues to mumble "turbines to speed".
At this point, Hrabowski turns slightly and addresses a sailor at a larger, more central terminal, and states, "power plant engaged, holding at thirty awaiting propulsion engagement".
The other sailor says, "thank you power, engage primary propulsion".
The background hum of the ship's engines quiets to a slight whine before being replaced with a much quieter hum. After another sailor indicates "primary engaged" and Hrabowski is told to raise "power to seventy-five and hold", Hrabowski pushes the lever about halfway through its travel. With almost no noise, the ship leaps forward. The rise to the foils is signalled by a lessening of the vibrations.
Lt. Smohk gives orders to some of the crewmen, and there are suddenly fewer sailors engaged in monitoring stations.
[Secret to JUSTICAR: 1. the isle-vessel doesn't appear to be deploying ANY sensors
2. unknown
3. it is doubtful that any electronic warfare countermeasures would be useful against the isle-vessel, as it doesn't appear to do any electronic warfare]

Hikari will roll his eyes in disgust... but will triple check the readings just to be certain.

15:46, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 96 using 1d100.  Hikari - Read Sensory Instruments [77%].

Still ~ he cannot make heads or tales of the Gemini's Sensor displays growling in frustration.  So now he will ask the sensor attendant what the displays mean and what the icons are indicating...  and try one last time...

15:49, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 99 using 1d100.  Hikari - Read Sensory Instruments [77%].

Justicar just flat gives up ~ the info even assisted questioning makes nothing clearer and seeks out Chimpman Z, Winter Hearld, and Senor Garcia.

Addressing his gathered teammates, "Hey... I've been watching the sensor crews and they are telling me the Isle-vessel has No active senors emissions that can be detected.  They are completely not looking save maybe visual as far as the Gemini's sensors say.  I wish I could confirm for myself but I cannot make heads or tales of their sensors and I've refrained from using my own.  Should we just go on ahead and do the proposed three-man Recon with Senor Garcia, Winter Herald and I with drones and all?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Wed 23 Nov 2022.

Winter Herald decided to halt his research to speak to Justicar in person, and listened to their report before offering a reply. "That would be ill-advised. Your report is incomplete. You had two other points of data you were aiming to acquire. One of them was an inquiry into the propulsion of the island-vessel, and the other was the far more critical issue of our ingress and egress. There are three vents on the structure, but those are less than ideal due to a lack of knowledge about their safety and where they go. Additionally, we also do not know how the crew comes and goes from their own vessel. If we cannot use their means, we need to know what we can use. If we are forced to cut or blast our way in, the timetable to rescue Holly will become extremely short and fraught with danger for her."

"But this is a good start. Please resume. I expect a full report before nightfall, to the best of your abilities. Unless..." The monotone took a curiously playful, and subtly hopeful, tone. "You already have that data, and you were just building up to it?"

If any jest was made it completely flew over Justicar's notice as he ponders completely seriously the suggestion.

His expression is hidden behind his helmet visor but his hand on chin gesture of serious contemplation yields a reply, "...Yes, no additional risks can be put to Miss Cook's safety!  We still do not know the composition of the island or those mysterious 'vents'.  I'll see if the Sensor crews can get some redirect time on a actual spy satellite to get a better visual resolution of the island surface to get a more detailed view of those 'vents'.  I'm not sure without an eyes on visual examination I will be able to determine what drives the island us using.  That is the best I can do from here, but I'll get right on it."

Justicar will return to the Sensor operators station and ask if a better satellite view of the islands surface can be taken with a spy stat asset in the area?

OOC: Questions -
1. Can a spysat visual of the isle-Vessel from above give us a clearly view of its composition?
2. Can any of the displayed surface anomalies be clearly define with spysat visuals what they represent?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Fri 25 Nov 2022.

Runa wasn't a strategist or at all familiar with the operation of the ship and its advanced equipment. Lilibeth's memories was of scant help either since she had been in her armed forces Army, not Navy, though she had at least some inkling as to the kind of technology that was in use.

Since all those things were true, Runa occupied her time on board doing something she was trained and experienced in doing; being a priestess to warriors about to enter battle. Oh, she was aware that the idea was, at least it seemed to her, that the ship itself was to avoid battle while her teammates stormed the 'island' where Holly Cook was being held. That didn't change the fact that the warriors aboard this ship may be called upon to fight, whatever the plan had been.

Being mindful that many warriors in this modern age were not followers of any god, let alone hers, she was deliberate when offering words of encouragement to the crew. She didn't shy away from talking about Ishtar and offered her blessings upon any that welcomed it but neither did she force the words of The Goddess upon them. At Lilibeth's urging, she was mindful to stay out of any areas marked as being restricted, to include the bridge, so as to not interfere with the smooth operation of the ship that all their lives depended on. Her soprano voice was filled with confidence and conveyed a sense of unshakable faith. As she stopped to talk with the ship's crew, she would emphasize her words with small gestures, such as arm clasps and squeezing shoulders, as she looked in their eyes while speaking.

OOC
I wish I was eloquent enough to write flowery words of inspiration but I'm not. My skill checks and people's imaginations will have to be. ^_^

WOW! The RPOL dice gods are smiling upon me today!

Runa rolled 9 using 1d100.  Performance - delivering words of inspiration (45) - SUCCESS!.

Runa rolled 7 using 1d100.  MA check - words of inspiration (Trust - 60%) - SUCCESS!!.

Senor Garcia looked out the sensory readouts himself. The technology on the USS Gemini was decades ahead of what he had available when he himself was in the US Navy, but that didn't mean he hadn't kept up to date with technology...

[Private to GM: 09:29, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 40 using 1d100.  RSE 90%.
PASS (Does the ship's sensors pick up anything?) ]

'Sorry...thought I'd posted this in my last post but its seems to have been cut off from my original post. So posting them again...'

OOC: Questions -
1. Can a spysat visual of the isle-Vessel from above give us a clearly view of its composition?
2. Can any of the displayed surface anomalies be clearly define with spysat visuals what they represent?

In reply to JUSTICAR (msg # 28):

OOC:  I thought the 'island' was invisible or blurred to sat surveillance.

Surveillance, from any source, just shows an island with unusual plant life and the features previously noted. The hatches are typical hatches, and no actual personnel are actually visible.

Winter Herald was certainly paying attention to information feeds while doing his research. [Language unknown: ++"Il tra ce e nd an foecet inganywil altisa, mall p fichulme on u atiersoreund wianwi bledayfor t hasstiver omdi antni traventer o ad omhaul. Onere the di isad rithus asinilck? Io ch, n nte reaverwhe fi pe o el. T ieek, t ta ic to romallcomund. Pa ou t teis ntendeons o iten eenwhihisnot encsomver."++]

At least something recognizable as "hatches" had been found, though. That would have to do in the absence of further data.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 31):

Justicar comments on the secure LESP line...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"If they have no active or passive electronic sensor net that this military grade Reconnaissance Array can detect... I could just do What I planned from the beginning and approach from underwater and once there launch drones to get that intel easily.  And I could do it within 2 hours perhaps less."+]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Sat 26 Nov 2022.

Senor Garcia shook his head, at JUSTICAR trying to go do thing off on his own without being a member of the team. That and JUSTICAR was naive enough to believe that the LESPradio channel was so secure that someone from the outside could not possibly be listening in.

[Private to group LESPradio: "Just because we cannot detect any active or passive SIGINT from the island doesn't mean there is no passive or active COMINT and ELINT that can detect our approach."

"I suggest we do what myself and Winter Hearld have suggested before, since JUSTICAR just told any eavesdroppers into this communications channel what his intentions are."]

Hikari was offended. He does not deign to dignify such nonsense with a reply, but it is clear that neither his attempts to accommodate the team's concerns about detection and tipping off the enemy nor his contributions are appreciated or welcome. So he will simply stop trying and focus his efforts on more constructive uses of his time and mental resources than arguing with people who simply do not want his input or participation.

Justicar walks away from the CIC monitors and consoles to lean against a wall out of the way.

"Karl ~ Architect Mode. Bring up the Force Field theoretic research. Display the current emitter materials design compositions."

'... As you wish... Architect Mode Initiated Hikari.  ...Son, should I keep monitoring the LESP channel?'

Hikari grimaced, "...If CMZ, Bellissima, Runa or Maharaja wish to speak to me ...fine. I'm done arguing."

'That... seems a bit shortsighted Son?'

Hikari almost cocked his head in his helmet at Karl's inscrutable urging, "...I do not think anything constructive is being accomplished with further debate.  Sometimes the best thing for the 'smartest person in the room' to do.. is just shut up."

There was a pause as Hikari focused on his high energy physics calculations and the theoretical emitter composite materials in combination with the proper electrical power and oscillation frequencies needed to produce the gravitic/force effects through the excited emitter materials.

He was running computer simulations when Karl finally replied, '... perhaps.  I will keep you informed of any developments.'

02:46, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 62 using 1d100.  Mechanical Engineering [{17%} 57%  '-40%']. – [roll=1669445211.18034.355584]

...as expected, test composite material 0179E failed in simulation to produce the desired effect, and melted down before reaching resonate emission level.  So he went on to the next theoretical sample 0180E, he pondered if the more quartz-crystaline G-series of materials would yield better results but the process needed to be followed.  Pure Science was a process of trial and error learning as much from failure as success.  He continued running simulation tests...

Justicar stood against a bulkhead it forearms raised to mid waist fingers slightly trembling in silence as Hikari types and manipulated his Virtual research space...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:59, Sat 26 Nov 2022.

Winter Herald was wondering what this was all about, but chalked it up to excessive caution for now. [Language unknown: "U Ro verst nefiai thotho-icaect ntiereall, Arunfo: ti ietic icanev witbutentestbleeen pota tholi ersardles ng, dihi ul loisee res o tinth nipoec, wi atdiiv e t m derwerard ha we red ecmimo ut. O art us enneec m moecwe was: u ven ic ch na ers ameresant ie behesi, ce e re somvenove, hatfi les oreichain oswe. Aracic a si sa e ivethalesvenpre o t tiplec rehou. Pr thi foouni dinnde'notterproere whi manmenort, linol ofhi osdint te essbleive ee menai focknd, dier m omerss te stho roous ousurevir fiio-eses. K nomafi has th k ear paadio oeresspre fi pe onfo waee icancelat al leslo are me icour, beel ou ratstrwitany ouurck asrom on aveyinsti uswehoec."

"Us, Oeressereess, eccktr p pr nipa comlo mo ndonheurie, ilulie aradic t, Ac ess hato nd thu tra ti ithyinkor i ollo-nethca icnockun. Eves thi o pael U nimi onese ri n a esseradaystrect st illtrahouven u but. Latectati us riacof ar thelatstrthe. T k encnd enc k ortkorble il lesforcom il beleas nt."] He considered this enough to end anything strange in Justicar's actions, and if he was cut off, he was unaware of it. He focused once more on any new developments, and on his interrogation research, which he felt might be relevant shortly.

'Hikari...?'

'... ... ... So~'

"{Sigh}... what is it Karl?"

'... I take it your not listening to the LESP channel?'

"... no. Has CMZ, Bellissima, Runa or Maharaja addressed me?"

'No Son, Winter Herald has indicated a reasonable and tactical... request for you to act.'

"Has there been a consensus achieved by the Sentinels?"

'... ... There has been no discussion Hikari. So I would say no.'


Hikari was deep into research but paused to reply on the Secure LESP channel...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Justicar here Winter Herald.  Despite what others may think of my contributions ~ I respect the TEAM and every member on it.  No consensus has been met by the Sentinels.  I no longer operate as an individual so I will NOT act without the TEAM consensus or at least its majority consensus.  Should I separate from the Sentinels that may change.  But for now that is not conducive to my goals and I am not dissatisfied enough to resign from the Sentinels.  You have made your views on the acquisition of needed Recon Intel known.
Thank you for your input ~ As Always.  Once a majority of team consensus is achieved ~ then I will act or not act on that consensus."+]

And Hikari goes back to his materials research computer simulations...
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Sat 26 Nov 2022.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 35):

Senor Garcia stayed off the radio, and instead sought out Winter Herald to explain in person.

Upon finding Winter Herald, Senor Garcia explains. "Winter Herald, you do understand why we should not be advertising our plans over a radio channel regardless of how encrypted it is correct?"

"The fact that JUSTICAR has no regard for operational security doesn't mean the rest of us should also ignore it."

After Runa speaks to those crew members of the Gemini that were available, she turns her attention to the Sentinels. Thanks to the equipment provided by Hikari, she had heard the chatter of Justicar, Winter and Garcia. She knew how valuable radios are but still more comfortable with face to face communication.

So she walked the corridors of the ship, heading towards the bridge, until she found Justicar. "Have we reached the point where you will leave the Gemini to scout the island with Senior Garcia and Winter Herald?"

In reply to Runa (msg # 38):

Justicar is standing motionless... mostly against a bulkhead wall of the Hydrofoil Stealth frigate near the back of the CIC room {which is not necessarily on the bridge but typically very close to it}.  His forearms raised perpendicular to his waist fingers slightly trembling when Runa finds him.

There is a few moments delay in his response as her addressing him finally registers her presence.

He starts slightly as if his all his joints were suddenly released {which actually they were}, and he turns his visored gaze to regard her, before raising his visor to meet her eyes.

"...Uhm..er... is something amis Runa?  Oh the Recon mission?  Has the team reached some consensus of action?  Winter Herald wants me to go solo and do the Recon with drones but Senor Garcia does not seem to want me involved with any of the Recon!  Have you and the other Sentinel's come to some decision on the matter?"

He cocks his head slightly, "...I have set a deadline of 3 hours before nightfall when if no consensus is made I planned to do some Recon approved or not as we need that intel before we do any assault.  I was just trying to be polite to the team to not take unapproved unilateral action."

He ponders slightly, "So.. to your specific question ~ No. I have not."

Then something occurs to him and he asks, "Can I take your consensus is that I perform this vital Recon mission solo if need be??
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Mon 28 Nov 2022.

Winter Herald paused his video, considered his actions, and decided for something unusual. He tapped the release for the helmet, and with a small hiss, he removed it from his head. He smiled warmly at Senor Garcia.

"I normally keep this on, because it makes reading me difficult. I have a hard time with outright lies, despite the fact that I can certainly conceal or mislead. You will note that when I imitate someone, I hold the side of the neck helmet here." He tapped the helmet on his lap as he spoke. "A voice modulator allows me to imitate any speech I wish. Normally, I do not activate that modulator, and my voice sounds obviously mechanical. There are few things I do that are accidental or without a purpose."

"That said..." His expression started to go from warmth to humor. "There is a phrase I have encountered: you cannot put a djinni back in the bottle. But I don't need to, and I don't want to. What I want you to do is address your concern in an unusual way. I need you to get the team to endorse an implication. I want someone other than you to imply over the private radio that the entire team will be arriving on the southern shore of the island at zero-hour to one. And I want you to complain about basic OpSec on the private radio line after this is done. The tricky part of this will be making sure everyone who needs to know this information also knows it is deliberate disinformation."

He put the helmet back on as he spoke. "Know that I am not mocking your concerns. Simply be advised most people on this unit are not military, with the exception of yourself, myself, and Runa. Most will not see as we do, so try not to force the point too hard. Just get them to agree to a terrible prank. That should sell it."

In reply to Runa (msg # 38):

Then something occurs to Justicar and he asks, "Can I take your consensus Runa, is that I perform this vital Recon mission solo if need be??

Senor Garcia listened to Winter Herald to explain his ideas and concerns. The idea had merit and would be a good way to maybe mitigate any damage done if their communications are in fact compromised. The team could then, possibly up the time table and carry out the recon earlier then what was broadcasted.

"Let's go find someone to begin this act of subterfuge, then after I voice my complaints, we need to get the team here on the Gemini together, and off the radio channel."

He then explained his primary concern. "We need to stop changing our course of action on a whim, or just because one person wants to do things their way. The military doesn't do this, and a supposed team of meta humans shouldn't do this either."

"For example, JUSTICAR. I do not know why he is so adamant of conducting the recon with just his drones, and not involve the rest of the team."

"With such little information about this island ship, we should be working as a team going for a high tech and a low tech, approach. We also need to utilize Bellissima's psychic powers."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Mon 28 Nov 2022.

The radio chatter keeps interrupting CMZ's meditation.  It would not be so bad, had he taken the radio earpiece out.  But, since they are on an operation, he had figured it best to keep it in.
He stretches and yawns as he stands up, straightening out his clothing before heading back to the command area of the ship.
What the Hell is with all the radio use?

About halfway through the journey, several of the crewmen begin to inflate zodiacs, don body armor, and check weapons. It is apparent that, whatever reconnaissance is planned, they will be going to the island. The sailors involved are very focused and professional about having the equipment readied properly. The equipment looks newish, as well.

After being told by the bridge crew that Justicar was actually in CIC, and a quick explanation from Lilibeth as to what the CIC room is and why people pronounced each individual letter instead of just saying 'sick', and directions from the crew on where to find it, Runa had departed the bridge and found the 'sick' room and Justicar.

"Again, its not the 'sick' room!, its the Combat Information Center and its pronounced see eye see," Lilibeth said during the short walk to the CIC. "Look, its like the Navy version of the Army TOC, the Tactical Operations Center." "But then why does the Army pronounce it 'talk' and not tee oh see?" "...um...yah I don't know, must be a Navy thing but still, that's just how it is OK? Let's play along and humor the nice people driving the boat." "You are right, manners are never wasted."

She considers what she knows and understands of the different plans. Winter Herald and Senior Garcia made good points a well as Justicar. Lilibeth thought of the time in Afghanistan when a major with more gung ho than intelligence came to her outpost. Despite the intel section (S2), telling him that the high value target he was after was not in the village he wanted to encircle and search house to house, (in fact he had been off visiting family in the next valley over), he had pressed ahead with his code named ridden op order. A few minutes after the scouts got into their observation posts, several of the local children had literally walked up their 'hidden' positions and told the scouts, in (broken) English, that the target wasn't there. Undaunted, that major had pressed on...only to discover that yes, the HVT was not, in fact, anywhere in the village.

Runa thought she understood the point of Lilibeth's memory. Looking at the three other members of the Sentinels, "I think the plan to deceive the enemy is worthwhile. I do not see how it can hinder us. I also think as many of us that can, should go on the mission. If one person goes and is seen or even if your machines go and are seen," she looks at Justicar, "they will know someone is about and testing them. Better then to approach with as much of our number as we can to deal with any counter they muster. Could we not use all the ideas? Do the deception with the radios as Winter Herald says, Justicar sends his machines in from the direction we said we would approach from, while the team comes in from the other side? Whatever happens, if the enemy is taken in by the subterfuge or not, we will all be there to face it together."

In reply to Runa (msg # 45):

Justicar replies, "You are mistaken Runa. Senor Garcia keeps insisting that I want to do this Recon solo.. I have never insisted on such. It was I that suggested that Winter Herald, Senor  Garcia and I do the Recon.  I have no intention of just sending my Drones in as he suggests. I have Repeatedly said I only intent to launch my drones when I am relatively certain there are no active sensors scanning the area and Only when I have approached to be right below the Isle-Vessel. It is Senor Garcia who seems to want to insist on excluding my presence from ANY Recon of the Isle-Vessel.  Winter Herald has asked me to perform the Recon before nightfall.  I would not mind, in fact would welcome Winter or Senor assistance in Recon ~ but Winter wants the intel before nightfall and Senor insists the Recon take place after nightfall ~ which I agree with if he and Winter are going to be traveling on the surface in a zodiac raft... to do that in daylight is asking to be detected!  I have addressed Senor Garcia concerns about detection by the Isle-Vessel.. the Gemini's sensors more powerful, long-ranged and of the top of military sophistication indicate the isle-vessel has no detectable active sensors and they can not detect any passive sensors. True, that does not mean they do not exist or that they simply may not be active currently.  This addresses the issue of immediate detection.  With my capabilities I am confident I can approach unseen from the sea floor and complete my Recon with minimal risk of detection.  Bellissima directed me to do the Recon immediately so we know her wishes."

"So I ask again, do you Runa, approve of such a Recon mission and will Winter Herald compromise to wait until nightfall to perform the Recon so Winter and Senor can also participate with a equally reasonable chance of not being detected?"

"To be honest, I'd rather do this sooner rather than later but no one else on the team can approach the isle-vessel as quickly and as likely undetected as I can from underwater.  But I am a team player and am willing to wait for others to assist ~ if that is the Team Majority Consensus."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Mon 28 Nov 2022.

"Why can't we all go? Runa asks.

In reply to Runa (msg # 47):

Justicar nods, "We ..could but the issue is we do not have floor plans, we do not have any confirmation on entrances security or alarms or exits. We do not know if they have escape vehicles.  All of the team would have to ride in a Zodiac raft... well except me, of course, to approach the isle and its STILL daylight.. the boats could easily be observed during a day surface approach.  I Wholly agree with Senor Garcia the team should only approach after nightfall at least we would be difficult to visually spot approaching."

"At least some of those questions can be answered with a Recon mission first, then we will know where we are going and how to get there."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Mon 28 Nov 2022.

"But if they see any scouts, machine or living, they will know they are being tested. Why not all go at night?"

In reply to Runa (msg # 49):

Justicar nods, "I can approach from the sea floor that is at this point on the continental shelf 70 meters down.  Visual range underwater is little more then 20 meters without serious visual optical enhancement. But to be sure we will all be approaching at night."

"However I can infer from your questions you are against a Recon mission that is fine. Let us find Chimpman Z and Maharaja to get their opinions on the matter."

Winter Herald tipped his head to the side as he spoke. "Well, he's adamant because I want him to conduct a scouting operation with unmanned drones. Ideally disguised as civilian drones, if possible. If not, I still prefer an unmanned scouting in advance, because it will disguise our exact numbers and plan even if detected. We need to investigate the hatches, any vents, and hopefully a small alcove on the eastern section which looks like a potential harbor to me."

"I am aware of the chaos this team tends to have with its... planning. They are not military, and to expect military precision from them is a mistake I have also made. I am attempting to work around this and create a heart of order within the chaos. A combination of the ordinary and the predictable, with the extraordinary which is not. I am fine with any chaos that all calculations indicate will bring us closer to victory." His head tipped back to an upright position. "And I believe Justicar acting independently to acquire information about our point of entry will do this. There are some actions we should not perform as a unit. Give him this moment, without further trouble. If he gets caught, or botches somehow, you should blame me for overestimating his competence. It was my idea, after all."

"And Bellissima is our low-tech approach, unless she cannot see anything from here. If she cannot, then we will go ahead without her visions and bring her with us at nightfall." Winter Herald noted a new development. "It seems our strike team has gained some extra weight. Special forces, from the looks of them. If they are Navy, they are likely SEALs. They are almost certainly not here for Holly Cook. That could complicate things, but not impossibly. I did anticipate this possibility."

Runa did not like the idea of someone going off by themselves. She also did not like the idea of giving the enemy time to prepare. She recognized though that this was not her time. The world had changed drastically so perhaps this was just the way things were done.

"Very well, proceed as you think best. Have Lilibeth summon me when I am needed." The tall priestess turns and leaves the CIC. Once outside of it, she relinquishes control and in an instant, from one step to the next, Lilibeth is striding down the Corridor, dressed in the same sundress she had been wearing when she reported for duty that morning.

Again Senor Garcia listened. He was used to working in small elite teams, like the US Navy SEALS onboard the USS Gemini. Winter Herald had a lot of good points and was tactful about how they were conveyed.

“I don’t want to see anybody fail, and if JUSTICAR does go off and conduct a recon by himself he is taking a lot of risks.

“I am willing to help mitigate these risks by putting myself in harms way.”

“If I am captured, killed, or seriously injured I am not a big loss to LESP, I’m just an old dying man.”

“Now if JUSTICAR is injured killed or captured LESP losses a lot. JUSTICAR is practically bankrolling this unit, and his drones should not be placed in a situation where they can be destroyed. His analytical ability would also be a big loss.”

“You say Bellissima is a low tech approach and you’re correct. But I am also a low tech approach when it come to gathering information. I could have gone off on my own to investigate the island and by now I would have gained valuable information or be killed or captured. But I did not go off in my own because this is supposed to be a team effort to take advantage of all of our strengths and weaknesses.”

In reply to Runa (msg # 52):

Justicar nods, "Ok. Your assent is noted War Priestess Runa ~ that is the Majority of Consensus in favor for the Recon mission, but out of politeness and respect because time is not currently of the essence... I will seek out Chimpman Z and Maharaja to hear their position so all are included in the decision."

Justicar will seek out CMZ and Maharajah and explain that Bellissima requested Justicar do the Recon mission before she went into meditation, Winter Herald wants him to do the Recon mission now before Nightfall, and Runa assents to Justicar doing as he thinks best.  That is a four majority of team consensus... but Justicar feels that a Recon mission by Winter Herald, Senor Garcia and himself is the BEST option, but the only reasonable way to do that is after nightfall so the Zodiac boat Winter and Senor would need to use would not be easily spotted.  However, both Winter and Bellissima want Justicar to do the Recon solo.  He would ask their opinions?  If he cannot get Winter to compromise on the time of the Recon... Justicar will reluctantly do the Recon solo to the best of his ability... unless CMZ and or Maharaja have a better idea.. or might want to assist themselves?  The issue being Justicar is the only member with movement capabilities for flight and underwater approach everyone else would need to use a zodiac inflatable raft... and be quite visible in daylight on the surface.

What would they suggest or what is their position on the Recon mission?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Tue 29 Nov 2022.

Are we still debating the merits of the recon mission?  CMZ seems a little annoyed.  The idea was for a small group, a pair is best, but no more than four, because a single person, or even a pair are much less likely to attract attention to themselves than a larger group.  Less like to be noticed, to be found,to be captured.  Justicar could act as a decoy, give them somewhere to focus their attention, while Señor Garcia and Ter Herald have a better chance of a successful recon.

Winter Herald had noticed his room had become rather popular in the past few minutes, and decided this was the acceptable cost of having the idea. "It seems that Justicar and yourself are misunderstanding the specifics of what I am seeking for a pre-recon operation. I shall clarify."

He noted Justicar's concerns, and addressed them directly. "Yes, Justicar, I expect you to scout this artificial island. No, I do not want you going near the island if you do not have to. I want you to scout it out through your drones. I am hoping your drones have an operational range longer than a few hundred feet from you, and if they do, I want you to exploit that. If they do not, get as close as you are willing to, and no closer. If limitations prevent us from acquiring this data, we will improvise at the moment of truth."

"Yes, Z - we are going to engage in a proper scouting action come nightfall. I may need to requisition close explosives from the Captain, if he has them, depending on the data Justicar and Bellissima can obtain before we have to go. The presence of the SEALs has increased the odds that the E-4s on this vessel possess surplus breaching gear. I am also hoping to convince the Captain to delay the deployment of the SEALs until we have scouted to the best of our abilities."

"And... I need one of you, when the time is right, to at least imply over the private radio that the entire team will be arriving on the southern shore of the island at zero-hour to one. Sanor Garcia should then complain about basic OpSec on the private radio line after this is done. If our radio has been breached, it will feed them false information and perhaps end up quite the joke. If we are fine, well... just consider it a game."

Justicar listens to the adults and takes it all in.

He nods, "Fine. Then I will do this Pre-Recon mission now before nightfall.. should not take more then a two hours at best and most of that is travel time. I'll get you your Intel."

Justicar will return to the CIC and coordinate with the Sensor and Navigation crewmen to make clear where the Gemini will be in two hours by GPS as with the ship's new stealth capabilities he will not likely be able to detect it to return.

He turns to head for the main open deck of the ship, but pauses just long enough to reply to Winter Herald, "...my drones have extended wide-band communication capabilities with an operation range of 300 miles, though I have not tested such in underwater depths."

With that he makes his way to the deck moves to the gunwales and just steps off... plunging into the depths filling his ballast to plunge the 56 meters to the sea floor.

"Karl enrich life support mixture for deep diving pressure needs."

'Acknowledged Hikari... slowing descent... ETA to sea floor 6 minutes'

The Justicar suit was rated for a pressure depth of 1,600'ft safely for greater than the mere 170'ft {55meter} depth of the continental shelf at this point.

"Acceptable.  Start going through our sound record library for the Advanced Audio System... find me a humpback whale recording.  Attenuate for the size of a podling whale child a little larger than the Justicar."

'Searching... ... audio file extracted. 15 versions available.'

"Isolate a sound track for a bred of humpback whale common in these waters or close enough."

'Audio Track prepared.'

"Ok here's the plan Karl, we are going to make like a whale.  The Justicar's wings will flap like a whale's fins and our drive screws and fan thrusters all electric will only fire in rhythm to our swimming motion... yes adjust the firing sequences to work so we can actually make some good speed. Yes we will still be moving faster than any normal whale.  We will also intermittently with our exterior sound system play that audio sequence mimicking a whale of the appropriate size."

'Acknowledged.'

"At the same time you will be listening for the ping of any active sonar and will also emit a sonar pulse 180^degrees out of phase with it to cancel any return from us in the active sonar ping. There should be no sonar as far as the Gemini is detecting but we will be prepared."

'Sonar Detection software online.'

"Then let's do this."

Upon reaching the sea floor Justicar set course for the Isle-Vessel at a distance of 5'ft above the sea shelf as it slowly descended further with his progress.  He began the rhythmic wing flapping and feet/tail sweep mimicking a whale the drive screws and fan thrusters only firing in intermittent pattern to the swimming motion.  It would not be a regular constant underwater drone of mechanical drives that would be obvious to passive sonar.. at least Hikari hoped so.  He limited his speed to 50 knots {57mph} which was still too fast in his opinion but he did not want to spend his whole time swimming to get there either.  The Gemini crew has assured him the Isle-Vessel had no detectable active sensors sweeps.  He made a not to ask the Gemini crew when he returned could they detect his movement with their sensors.  Hopefully his very close proximity to the sea floor might be mistaken for a underwater tidal surge...

It was not long at that he was below the island vessel some 76 meters at that point on the continental shelf and cycling through his optics sensors to get a visual of the isle-Vessel's underside.

21:25, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 89 using 1d100.  Advanced Audio System - Imitate Voice/Sound [59%]. – [roll=1669857944.83489.355584]

21:24, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 45 using 1d100.  Justicar - Prowl [52%]. – [roll=1669857857.79949.355584]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Thu 01 Dec 2022.

Senor Garcia listened to Winter Heralds ideas and interjected when it came to the subject of explosives. "I'm pretty good with explosives myself, I'll go ask if we can get us a few pounds C4 and blasting caps and try to find out what the SEALs tasking is." I'll see if they have any Dreagers our people can use too. It'll be better to approach the shore from under the water

As he left, the old man looked back and added with a hint of sarcasm "Oh and the next person who goes mouthing off on the radio is gonna get an ass chewing from me."

---

Senor Garcia made his way to where the SEAL platoon detachment was reading their gear. After finding the officer in charge of the 8 man detachment he struck up a conversation. "I know you might need permission from the ship's captain, but I was wondering if I get four or five pounds of C4, some blasting caps, and do you have any spare rebreathers some members of my team can use? Not 100% sure we'll need them tho."

"Also, if I may ask is your teams op plan? I know your supporting us with transpo to the island. But is your team going to join us on the recon or are you hanging back until we are done?" Senor Garcia wasn't too worried if these men joined them on the recon, they knew their business and odds are they'd dealt with metahumans before.

[Secret to Senor Garcia: The closest thing Señor Garcia finds to an OIC is one of the men suiting up. The others politely suggest Garcia check with "senior". When the señor addresses the senior, that worthy gives him a grin and says, "I'm pretty sure the cap'n will let ya have whatever ya want, but you won't like the reason. We're to go in after you guys, engage only when absolutely necessary, find the files they got form the vault, bring the files back to the ship, then sit on 'em."]
[Secret to JUSTICAR: Continuing to be astounded by the lack of sensors, Hikari notes something else that is equally astounding. Apparently, the island moves around by swimming with some sort of tentacles that extend from the bottom of the island. There appears to be a submarine dock (this is the shadowy blob from the previous pictures). There are no hatches visible under the island.]
As the ship nears the end of its traverse, the crew begin to pull up satellite and radar views of the island. The plants on the island don't appear to be normal plants. [Secret to Chimp Man Z, The Maharaja, Winter Herald: From your biology studies you recognize them as 'fruiting bodies', though on a massive scale. A massive scale because typically fruiting bodies are formed on the surface of amoeba.] The hatches do appear to be normal hatches, even though they're surrounded by 'not plants'.

Señor Garcia wasn't surprised that none of the SEALs wore rank insignia.... It was par for the course even as far back as Vietnam.

Nodding at the intent that the SEALs were not to go until after his team and for a specific mission/reason he looked at the satellite and radar views of the island. Now why didn't JUSTICAR say anything about this stuff? All he did was offer up was plant killing ammo... was what Señor Garcia thought to himself. The young man either missed this or was holding the information back for some reason or another.

With this in mind, Señor Garcia sought put the USS Gemini's Captain, Lt. Smohk, and requested the allocation of C4 and possibly the use of dreager rebreathers.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 59):

Justicar sat on the sea floor stunned by his discovery... of the many things he expected to discover this was not among them...

"Well THAT'S not something you see everyday!!  Bio-Tech?!? Maybe I should have looked a little closer at those surface plants?  Bio-Tech is way out of my field of expertise!"

Karl remarked, 'Fascinating.'

Hikari switched to high resolution active spectral thermal scans of the bio-Vessel's underside... looking to see if there were any heat sources within that might indicate a power source of some sort.  Then he turned up his Exterior Auditory gain to record if there was any sound of machinery or other noise chatter coming from the Bio-Vessl..perhaps a heartbeat?

He pondered what 'senses' a plant or organic construct might possess and decided to go slowly. Again keeping an eye on the returns for any Tech sensors that might suddenly activate, he unloaded some ballast to have the Justicar rise closer on simple buoyancy to a depth just out of reach of the moving tentacle propulsion he activated his chemical sprayers to unleash a small amount of organic-ink to coat the Justicar like an octopus might do in a fear reaction... hopefully the 'taste' in the water would discourage the tentacle grabbing anything.

Merely flapping his mechanical wings ~ he moved toward a position beneath the Submarine dock.  Clearly some tech was used. He took Extensive pictures of the underside of the Bio-Vessel out of reach of the tentacle propulsion.

If the Tentacles do not react to him he ejected his two underwater drones.  No drives activated the drones adjusted their ballast to float next to him... then he swam flapping wings to move the drones into position.  Justicar will chemical spray again both drones with an ink coating and the drones no drives active adjusted their ballast to rise slowly.  The drones fired small bursts from their underwater fan/screws to avoid contact with the tentacles as they rose.

Drone-Lambda rose to the submarine dock and immediately attached a tracer drone to the submarine there then scanned for any maintenance or exit airlock door in the submarine dock.  If a tide pool bay area is there it will not surface but extend a sensor fin to break surface near the sub for visual cover and get a visual of the dock bay.

Drone-Zeta rose to the Bio-Vessel itself and first attached a tracking tracer to it's underside.  Then extended its chemical analysis system to take a small scraping of material from the base of one of the tentacles and the underside of the Bio-Vessel storing the scrapings away for analysis.

Objectives one and two achieved... Justicar will refill his ballast and sink to the sea floor again ... relying on encrypted RCV input from his drones.

Drone-Zeta  will also descend just out of reach of the tentacle drive an hold.

Drone-Lambda will engage its drives an maneuver to the edge of the Bio-Vessel and rise to the surface, extending a sensor periscope to visually scan the surface and its strange assortment of plant-life.



If there is no reaction the drone will extend it treads and roll up onto the Bio-Vessel surface and pause.  The ink coating will not last but hopefully it will last long enough to not present the drone as something edible.  If there is no reaction Hikari will drive the drone to the five surface locations spotted with satellite pictures [A1, A2, A3, B, C] to confirm the locations and search for any security system that might be present.  Only pictures will be taken.  But the Drone will extend an armor and collect a complete specimen of at least four different types of plants/fungal growths and stow them internally for later analysis.

All this time Hikari focuses on looking for any reaction from the Bio-Vessel with tech-based sensor scans.

If there is no reaction ... Hikari calls the drones back using active drives to a minimal amount just simple ballast control to let them sink for recovery.

When the drones are returned and stowed Justicar will take one risk as he makes a ultrasonic scan of the Bio-Vessel to try to get a look at its interior he will also do one active deep radar scan to attempt the same if the ultrasonic scan is inconclusive.

Then he leaves the area returning to the location the GPS navigation says the Gemini should be.

The Whole Recon.. likely taking a little more than an hour and a half.

On the way back Hikari will have Karl do a database search of known supervillains that make use of aquatic, biotech, or fungal power profiles...

05:22, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 30 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensor Instruments [94%]. – [roll=1669972971.73496.355584]

05:22, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 89 using 1d100.  Hikari - Read Sensory Instruments [77%]. – [roll=1669972933.38225.355584]

OOC: Is it near sunset when Justicar returns? How much time left until nightfall?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Fri 02 Dec 2022.

When he hears about the plant life, CMZ moves to take a look at the photo close-ups.  Looks more like a fungus than a photosynthetic plant, he says as he studies them closely.

15:00, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 49 using 1d100.  Biology @ 60%.
He does not know botany, so I know there will be a penalty.

Winter Herald engaged in his best hands-off analysis of the strange plants. He anticipated that his memory was simply going to tell him how impossible the biology of the plant was, and even if successful, he expected only the most broad strokes of information on the subject matter. It did match Bellissima's descriptions, though, and it was likely an invasive species of some kind.

Of course, it was possible that it was an anti-biological defense of some kind. That had to be anticipated. "I don't like it. I simply know that strange lifeforms should be treated with the utmost of respect. Such things can destroy entire ecosystems. We will have to undergo decontamination once this mission is done. I am not exempt from this. Pollen or spores could ride on me."

Bellissima came out of her meditation after an hour and moved to join CMZ and sees the picture of the plants.  She nodded her head as it matched her visions perfectly, a part of her smirking because many people didn't believe her when she said they were alien plants that wouldn't be found among native plants.  Looking around, she noticed that Justicar was not around, she asked CMZ, "Hey CMZ, is Justicar out on the initial remote recon of the island?"

JUSTICAR has no trouble finding and returning to the Gemini. [Secret to JUSTICAR: During his travel, he uncovers information on a possible source for the odd island. Dr. Javier Lemarr was formerly involved in highly sensitive work for the government, sources claim an attempt to biological engineer agents that would metabolize hazardous waste materials into an energy source. After a lab accident caused by the incompetence of a lab assistant, the doctor was infected with a contaminated specimen of a genetically neutral unicellular organism. After a lengthy recovery, and a deep dive into mechanical engineering, the doctor disappeared.
A few months later, those with a need for such things found a new source of bio-engineered technology on the dark web. Investigators believe this 'Doctor Phage' is Javier Lemarr, now using his knowledge and intelligence for personal gain. Those that have interacted with 'Doctor Phage' have declared him a psychopathic misanthrope of the worst kind.]
[Secret to Chimp Man Z; Winter Herald: Several types of slime molds aggregate into a multicellular organism and form 'fruiting bodies' that release spores. The spores, if they fall in favorable environments, produce more unicellular amoeba to start a new slime mold. The fruiting bodies of these aggregates are normally under a centimeter in height. The 'odd plants' appear to be fruiting bodies at thirty to forty times normal size.]

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 66):

Finding the Gemini a little more than half a mile off GPS planned coordinates was not difficult as it was more or less where Justicar was told it would be.

Pulling up ship-side Justicar paused and finally on the Secure LESP line reported in...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Justicar returned. Mission Accomplished. Initiating full Hazmat Decontamination procedures."+]

Activating his Mechanical Wing Fan Thrusters he rose out of the sea to hover off the ship's starboard bow and waited slightly assuming the Gemini's sensor tech had him on scope for sometime now. Then he spoke on his exterior loudspeakers...

"Justicar here, I have multiple samples of a potential Bio-hazard stowed from my Recon.  Sailors I request Full Hazmat Decontamination Procedures to secure the samples and decon the Justicar.  Please bring a Touch-screen padd.  I have Recon Data to upload while I'm being deconned for the rest of the Sentinels to assess."

Justicar continued to hover some 20'ft off the ship starboard at a altitude of 40'ft above sea surface... and wait until the Decon Crews signaled him to land where they directed.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Sun 04 Dec 2022.

Senor Garcia started to select items form the data pad. When JUSTICAR broadcasted on the radio he shook his head Go ahead tell the whole world you just did a recon in a hazardous area.. Looking to Lt Smohk he asks a question.

"Does the USS Gemini have decontamination gear? If I may suggest Captain, we might want to determine if there is an actual need to decontaminate first before making a big deal about people needing to be decontaminated."

[Private to GM:

Going to request following:

• 4 Dreager rebreathers (for Bellissma, Chimp Man Z, Runa, and Maharaja in case we need to do underwater work. He has no idea which characters are SCUBA qualified)
• 6 pounds of C4 (1.5 pounds for Senor Garcia, Winter Herald, Bellissma, Chimp Man Z, Runa, and Maharaja)
• 18 delay timed fuses (6 for Senor Garcia, Winter Herald, Bellissma, Chimp Man Z, Runa, and Maharaja)
• 4 STANG magazines of 5.56mm ammo (if your picture of the SEALs is correct they probably have HK416's which use the same standard NATO magazine Senor Garcia use for his rifle).
• Whatever intel the USN has on Dr. Phage.

]

Winter Herald smiled as an idea occurred to him. He spoke with a clear upper class British woman's voice as he pressed the right of his neck. [Private to group LESPradio: "Excellent work, science team. The field of pharmacology might advance by leaps and bounds as a result of the studies that might come of this. Remember: we aren't done yet, though. Stand by."]

He had revealed nothing that had not already been stated, and thus far, nothing was unusual even if private had been tapped. It would certainly confuse the hell out of anyone trying to make sense of it all. Not the least of whom might be Justicar.

He spoke as an aside to Z and Bellissima. "I would be surprised if we had full decontamination procedures on this vessel. Still..."

He noted new data in the feed. "Doctor Phage... what a curious name. If they are involved in this, they are likely an organic who has found a way to interact with such plants, and they might be safe to handle. We need more information. My concerns are ecological and long-term."

"I am now hoping we have an entry point."

Justicar heard the reply... and was indeed baffled.  "Karl, who was that?"

'I am uncertain Hikari.'

"Run a system diagnostic.. confirm we have been transmitting on the proper encrypted frequency."

'... Working.  Communications Systems Echo-Test checks out Green. No malfunctions Encryption Protocols and hand-shaking are in use. Verified.'

Hikari pondered this... and decided to wait on replying... to get a face to face confirmation from Team Members.

Bellissima sighed and shook her head, "If there was a commination problem, it is too late.  The island has been floating in the ocean for weeks if not months.  If Vitaly and the  Refuseniks, then they have been traveling back and forth from the island to mainland."  She looked at the others, "A good wash down with soap and water should be sufficient until we gain information otherwise."  Justicar's specimens were going to be helpful, when we got the labs to analyze the samples.

Getting on the LESP radio, [Private to group LESPradio: Ignore that last transmission. ]  Bellissima informs the team. If our radio transmissions encryption have been broken, then it is already too late and maintaining good coordination between the team becomes more important, although they should go to radio silence when they actually land on the island.

Bellissima turned toward Hrabowski, "Is there a computer terminal with internet access that I can use?  I want to research this Dr Phage."   Once she was given access to a terminal, she would start researching.

OOC: 14:59, Today: Bellissima rolled 19 using 1d100.  Research Roll 90%.  Researching Dr Phage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Tue 06 Dec 2022.

In reply to Bellissima (msg # 71):

Justicar replies over the Secure LESO Channel...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Acknowledged Bellissima ~ Welcome back. I have detailed Intel to provide.  Requesting a Touch-Screen Padd to transfer data for Team perusal as well as Bio-Samples for Analysis."+]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Sun 04 Dec 2022.

Dr Phage?  Interesting, CMZ muses.  Makes sense as a codename, I guess.  Phage is short for bacteriophage.  A bacteriophage is a virus that parasitizes a bacterium by infecting it and reproducing inside it.
Suddenly something dawns on him.  HOLY SHIT!  THOSE AREN'T FUNGII!  THEY'RE GIANT BACTERIOPHAGES!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Mon 05 Dec 2022.

Lilibeth left her cabin when the ream radio net became active again. She walked quickly, 'moving with a purpose' as her drill sergeants had taught, towards where the team had gathered to discuss things in person rather than over the radio. She walked in just in time to catch Jacob's emphatic expletives about fungi and bacteriophages.

"I just walked into the tail end of a longer conversation, didn't I?" she says, looking from Jacob to the rest gathered. It is impossible for any of them to miss not only her grin of amusement but also the fact that she was herself and not Runa.

"So what did I miss? Is it time to go on the island? Runa was speaking with the crew earlier, doing her priestess thing; words of encouragement and stuff. She hates when I call it being a cheerleader. After that was done she decided to take a break until it was time to go."

Winter Herald nodded to Bellissima and Lilibeth. "You haven't missed anything. The conversation had technically just started. I didn't know Z got so excited about microbiology. The more you know. Oh, and - "

There was a slight pause, and he continued. "Lilibeth. Excellent work with the crew. They are repeating your songs, and are very motivated to help us."

"Bellissima, Senor Garcia has been extremely agitated, with justification or without, about our lack of OpSec over the private radio. I've made the case that if it has been compromised, they already know we are coming. But to ease them, I decided to make a game of it - specifically counterintelligence. If we state truthful information over the radio, something misleading must be added, so that an eavesdropper would not be certain what is truth or fiction. Obviously, the game is over for now, so I'm directing Garcia to you if he starts complaining to me again about this."

"I do wonder... what would a giant, bacteria-killing virus attack? In theory they would need giant bacteria to continue to live. It is possible they are desired for a by-product of their existence. We know so little..." He shook his head. "Hopefully we have time to study it, and learn if it has something we need to be cautious about on it. I believe Holly was surrounded by these? It could be related to the sleeping state she was witnessed in."

He had encountered an update on the status of stocked plastique, and smiled under the helmet.

Senor Garcia returns from his meeting with the ships crew.

"I spoke to the Captain, and I requested Dreger rebreathers for Chimp Man Z, Runa, Bellissma and Maharaja. I don't know if any of you are SCUBA qualified, but I want to give us the option to ingress right into the moon pool if that is decided upon." He din't feel the need to request a rebreather for JUSTICAR, who had his power armor, or Winter Herald who probably didn't need to breath air. As for himself, he had his own rig.

Before anyone brought up not using a Dreager because they were not qualified, which was a valid concern, he continues. "If it comes to it the non-qualified people can have a qualified person as a swim buddy, the Dreger's don't emit bubbles, and if need be, can be used as an independent oxygen system."

"So, if there are plants that emit toxins, our lungs, and eyes will be ok."

Smiling as he looked at the photos, Senor Garcia presented some good news, at least for those who liked to blow stuff up. "I also requested some C4, I think one of our taskings should be to put some explosives around that submarines screws to disable it. If we are lucky we sink it, and even if we do not sheer the screws off the damage should be enough that the US Navy's undersea surveillance systems can track it."

"I also asked the Captain if the Navy has information on this Dr. Phage." With that in mind he began to tap on the rectangular data pad on the inside of his left forearm.

[Private to GM:
18:28, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 10 using 1d100.  Underwater Demolitions 108% how good of an idea to demo sub screws.
PASS

18:29, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 82 using 1d100.  Military Intelligence 101% (Dr Phage?).
PASS know anything about Dr. Phage?

18:30, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 8 using 1d100.  Photography 80% study photos.
PASS do I see anything no one else has pointed out?

18:31, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 96 using 1d100.  Cryptography 95% just for fun, crack LESP encryption.
FAIL can't succeed all the time!

18:32, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 78 using 1d100.  NBC Warfare 100% do we really need to decon JUSTICAR?
PASS If the water was truly toxic to life forms, we'd be seeing a lot of dead sea life, maybe even a whale or two.]

One of the sailors arrives with a tablet, and shows it to Señor Garcia. Having overheard part of the conversation, the sailor offers, "there are several certified instructors aboard. Would you like one to them to brief your people on anything they might not be familiar with?"

[Secret to Senor Garcia:
Sinking the sub would be difficult, if it's of Russian make, and therefore mostly titanium the best bet would be to put the C4 on the screws and damage those. However, damaging the screws WOULD take the sub out of commission.
Dr.Phage:
Dr. Javier Lemarr was formerly involved in highly sensitive work for the government, sources claim an attempt to biological engineer agents that would metabolize hazardous waste materials into an energy source. After a lab accident caused by the incompetence of a lab assistant, the doctor was infected with a contaminated specimen of a genetically neutral unicellular organism. After a lengthy recovery, and a deep dive into mechanical engineering, the doctor disappeared.
A few months later, those with a need for such things found a new source of bio-engineered technology on the dark web. Investigators believe this 'Doctor Phage' is Javier Lemarr, now using his knowledge and intelligence for personal gain. Those that have interacted with 'Doctor Phage' have declared him a psychopathic misanthrope of the worst kind.

Señor Garcia:

PASS do I see anything no one else has pointed out?

no

Alien plants would have alien toxins, if things aren't dieing nearby they're likely inert to Terran biology.
If they're not alien, but some odd genetic modification, the same rules should apply.
Decontamination is not likely to be necessary.]

"Excellent. Although the primary function of the C4 should be entry and exit, should we fail to find a way in through planned routes." Winter Herald noted something. "I shall have to wait until Justicar's return. I want to hear the good news about an entry or exit straight from him."

He looked at the recon thus far. "The submarine - that is a potential entry point thus far if it remains static. From below. That, or the submarine dock itself, when Justicar tells me how we can use it for our own ends. We know those are points of entry used by staff, and they are highly unlikely to expect personnel to come in through those points. It is not orthodox, it is extremely hazardous for us, but nothing about our operation generally is, and it will certainly be unexpected. We will have to kill their ability to transmit an alarm as we enter, should we use that."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 78):

Señor Garcia looks over the tablet given to him. “Well I asked for 6 pounds of C4 so a full pound should be enough to sheer off a screw. Also from the photos it looks like a Russian designed sub, which probably means a titanium hull. I’m not place we can damage it are the screws.”

Turning to the Seaman, “Yes Sailor, if you could have someone familiarize my team with your Dreget’s that would be much appreciated.”

Last he got on the radio. Having had extensive trained (and unfortunately experience) in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare he knew that if there was no dead sea life it meant the plants didn’t toxify the water. Señor Garcia didn’t state this on the radio, hopefully JUSTICAR would just trust him.

[Language unknown: “POANRENO, hi’lo et it th reseennot.”]

"Lilibeth. Excellent work with the crew. They are repeating your songs, and are very motivated to help us."

Lilibeth turned her cheery smile on Winter Herald but shook her head. "Oh that wasn't me, that was Runa but thank you anyways. I'm just glad it helped with the crew morale. Not that I thought their morale was bad or anything!"

"I can only hold my breath for a couple minutes but Runa can hold hers for a long time. Neither of us knows how to scuba but I have been snorkeling! If that helps."

Decontamination complete ... at least as was available, Justicar proceeded to the interior of the Gemini

Transmitting, on the Secure LESP channel...
[Private to group LESPradio: +"Decon Complete. Acknowledged. In-Route"+]

Justicar rejoined the team surrounding a computer terminal.  He picked up a wireless tablet and wasted no time with any preamble... he immediately brought up his Recon Footage over a wireless connection to the tablet to display on a the big monitor..

"The Isle-Vessel is not a conventional vehicle, it is some kind of Bio-Tech construct. The Escape sub is  not of any configuration I'm familiar with but I was able to attach a tracer to it and the Bio-Vessel."

The screen showed the many tentacles used for 'propulsion' and the details camera views of the escape-sub dock.

"I took a sample of the tentacles and some metal scrapings of the hull beneath... perhaps Bellissima can use those or the plant-life samples to get a clearer psychic post-cognitive view of the Bio-Ship's layout before we set foot on it? Oh and I made sure Only my drones made physical contact with the samples directly to keep any impression of me from spoiling any impressions."

Justicar removed 5 vacuum-sealed sample jars from his compartments from drone-Zeta attached to the Justicar and set them on a table...

"I  sent a drone on the surface and collected a sample of each type of the alien plant-lfe there, also I got detailed camera views of the three hatches... with a mind looking for any security or alarm systems present."

The camera views on the screen show the terrain of the bio-ship hull exterior and well as close-up camera views of the hatches.

"Though I could detect no technological sensor scans passive or active ... that does not mean they do not possess them they could just be inactive. If the Bio-Ship had organic senses, which admittedly I'd have only conjecture to know what those were ~ I'd assume perhaps olfactory, heat or contact.. it made no reaction to my Recon ... even when I did a ultrasound scan and a deep radar sweep of the Bio-ship to get a potential interior scan of its layout."

Pointing at the Specimen jars, "On the subject of Bio-Tech. I did a database search on Scientists capable of this kind of geneineering with... criminal proclivities..."

"Dr. Javier Lemarr was formerly involved in highly sensitive work for the government, sources claim an attempt to biological engineer agents that would metabolize hazardous waste materials into an energy source. After a lab accident caused by the incompetence of a lab assistant, the doctor was infected with a contaminated specimen of a genetically neutral unicellular organism."

"After a lengthy recovery, and a deep dive into mechanical engineering, the doctor disappeared. A few months later, those with a need for such things found a new source of bio-engineered technology on the dark web. Investigators believe this 'Doctor Phage' is Javier Lemarr, now using his knowledge and intelligence for personal gain. Those that have interacted with 'Doctor Phage' have declared him a psychopathic misanthrope of the worst kind."

"These specimens would seem derivative of his work in such experimental Bio-Tech. But this is just conjecture on my part.. I have no 'proof' Doctor Phage is involved.  These plants could still be Extra-Dimensional flora... though with the results of the Mutant-Rex and the Bronto-Bear.. I STRONGLY doubt they would be flourishing here in our dimension if those two were any example of how inimical the laws of physics are here to extra-dimensional life from their home."

OOC:  HERE is where SSOGM must input any further Recon details
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Tue 06 Dec 2022.

Bellissima nodded at Winter Heart, "And that would have been a decent procedure, but only after all of the team were aware of it.  Creating confusing in your own team is counterproductive."

She nodded at Garcia, "Thanks for arranging for those and the training Garcia, that is an good idea." She was especially appreciative of the Dreger ability to protect them from possible gas attacks, although her visions did show her that Holly had been exercising among the plants with no signs of harm. "My last vision of Holly showed her exercising among the plants with no sign of harm, but that doesn't mean the plants can't be triggered to attack or release a gas when threatened."

As Justicar entered the room they were all in to present his findings, she listened intently as he described what he had discovered.  "Excellent recon, Justicar.  This info is much different than we had ever expected." She frowned in thought, "I can read the psychic impressions from the samples, but I doubt I can get a schematic from the pieces, they are no longer part of the whole.  I hope I am wrong, but it might tell me if my telemechanics will work on an techno-organic machine."

She nodded as Justicar relayed his information about Dr Phage, what she looked up matching what Justicar had provided, "Z has identified the plants as being bacteriophages as well."

She reached forward and pulled the sample bag with the metals shavings over to her first.  She poured the shavings gently into the palm of her hand as she closed her eyes and sent her awareness into the shavings.  Pulling what information she could about the techno-organic ship.

OOC: 17:24, Today: Bellissima rolled 33 using 1d100.  Psychic Present: 46%.
17:23, Today: Bellissima rolled 53 using 1d100.  Psychic Images: 56%.
17:23, Today: Bellissima rolled 82 using 1d100.  Psychic Impressions: 64%.

Six minutes later, she finished reading the metal shavings, she would pour the shavings back into the bag and then placed it with the other samples before pulling a bag with the largest plant specimen to her.  She reached her finger into the bag and lightly touched the plant, sending her awareness around the plant to pull what psychic images she could.

OOC: 17:30, Today: Bellissima rolled 73 using 1d100.  Psychic Present: 46%.
17:29, Today: Bellissima rolled 9 using 1d100.  Psychic Images: 56%.
17:29, Today: Bellissima rolled 86 using 1d100.  Psychic Impresses: 64%.

Eleven minutes later, she finished reading the plant, she would close the sample bag and place it down with the rest.  Taking a deep breath, mentally still tired, but knowing that she was probably going to exhaust herself by the end of this mission. Organizing her thoughts, she got ready to tell the others what she had learned.

PM
[Private to Bellissima: From the metal shavings, there are

Images
• several different groups of one or two people boarding a submarine from a small boat
• groups of four or five people boarding a submarine at a metal dock
• groups of four or five people debarking at a metal dock
• several of these groups are carrying some of the objects stolen from the vault

and the present which shows the submarine at the island
from the plant parts, there are only images of some sort of scientist working with odd devices (probably one of a kind mechanisms) on petri dishes, then glass bowls, then fishtanks all containing a single amoeboid life form]

I can swim, and hold my breath for about ten minutes or so, CMZ throws into the conversation before JUSTICAR's return.
He looks to Lt Smohk.  You wouldn't happen to have a small lab on board, would you?  Somewhere with a microscope, where we can look at these samples.....

Bellissima opened her eyes and looked at everyone, "I didn't get much.  The metal shavings are from the submarine. It is currently docked at the island.  The most interesting thing I saw was 5 people leaving the submarine carrying items stolen from the bank.  It looks like we have possibly 5 villains to deal with."

The tall brunette gestured at the bag of plant cuttings, "From the plant the only thing I got from it was a person wearing a lab coat working with odd devices that I am unable to identify on petri dishes on up to a fish tank on what looked like single amoeboid life form."

She paused in thought as she tried to recall any identify details from the images of the people.  While she was trying to identify the people in her images, she turned toward Captain Smohk, "Of course we will keep your secret, this is just a water rescue ship."

[Private to GM: Did she recognize any of the people she saw?    Was the scientist Dr. Phage?  My research roll might have gotten a picture to compare to.
No, and there were varying groups of people, not the same five each time. The scientist would resemble pictures of Dr. Javier Lemarr, there are no images available showing him as Dr. Phage.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:25, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 84):

Justicar supplies, "... I .. have a 'Lab' I can unpack from the Justicar's stores. Its minituraized but its weight is mostly insignificant to the Justicar's carry capacity."

He lists off its components...

Private/Portable Laboratory: This is another impressive portable unit that can perform several functions.
1 . Microscope in a specially padded housing.
2. One dozen specimen slides and another dozen specimen trays for storage and transportation of item(s)
for further analysis. A variety of vials, jars and test tubes.
3. An incubation chamber that is about the size of a VCR ( 1 8x1 2x8 inches/45x30x20 cm) .
4. Four burners.
5. Instrument tray with a variety of common tools, such as scalpels, tweezers, pins, tape, needles, calculators
6. A refrigeration chamber which is about half the size of the incubation chamber.
7. An isolation chamber. A special, airtight, sealable compartment about the size of the incubation chamber.
8. A cabinet which holds several dozen chemicals commonly needed in the analysis of chemical structures.
9. Centrifuge Device.
10. Dosimeter.
11 . Mini-Tape recorder.
12. Mini-computer.
13. Mini-still camera, 35mm, 32 photo capacity.
14. Toxic analyzer identical to the one used in the "portable bio-scan".
{58lbs}

"Also.. my Drone-Zeta has a on-board Chemical Analysis System."

Chemical Analysis System = A fully automated computer analysis system that can do a complete chemical analysis of
blood, drugs, liquids, and gases within 304 melees (45 to 1 80 seconds). Over 60,000 chemicals are stored in its memory with
room for 1 000 additions. Likelihood of a full, exact analysis is 86%. A failed roll means it can not identify the substance

"I can unpack and set it all up in say 5 minutes... if you think it would be useful CMZ?"

Turning to Captain Smohk, "Of course Captain, you have our word ~ You have been nothing but helpful to the Sentinels. I've slated all video footage of the Justicar's time onboard your vessel to be erased and removed from my memory buffer... after submission to your technician's for review."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:14, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

"It is water rescue. This is a fact." Winter Herald took his opportunity to ask his question. "Justicar, entry points - what can you tell me about what you have learned? Or are your findings in non-verbal form?"

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 88):

Justicar directs attention to the display monitor and replays the detailed close-up video record of his drones survey of each of the surface and underwater locales of hatches or the submarine tidepool docking collar/airlock.

"...I have detailed visuals recorded by drone recon. But I personally have little experience in burglery and bypassing security alarms systems... if that is what your asking?"

OOC: This is where SSOGM, must provide details.. as he has not given me anymore then already revealed!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Thu 08 Dec 2022.

"There are no other reliable entries? I am ensuring this, because we need to know how we are getting in. I am not limited by oxygen. Only ocean pressure is a threat to me. I can dive to a shallow point, although I will look terrible when I come up. If that is our point of entry, then that is our point, and the only questions will be if we are entering directly or via their submarine, and who can actually do this." This was the best he was going to get, from the looks of it.

It was time for Winter Herald to compile the data.

OOC: 06:14, Today: Winter Herald rolled 7 using 1d100.  Intelligence. TN 98.
Oh, boom. I know everything important on a military analyst level, if the pieces to make that conclusion have crossed my plate.

The submarine completely covers ingress to the submarine dock, the other two hatches are on the surface of the island.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 91):

Question: Did Justicar's ultrasound and or deep radar scan reveal anything about the bio-vessel interior layout?

Combining the observations made by JUSTICAR's drones and sensors with the information gleaned from other sources, a picture of the exact nature of this 'island' forms.
There are hidden observation cameras both above and below the waterline, an underwater entrance and even a small submarine attached to a docking port on the bottom of the island.
Inside the island, there is a facility with walls and ceiling lined by some organic growth that must be as hard as enamel to supply the necessary support for it's own weight. A similar organic substance (of differing density) lines the floor.
There is a rudimentary plumbing system, mapping the same allowed some areas to be identified. There appear to be electrical lighting fixtures installed in the ceiling. The ceiling is about ten feet high and the top of the ceiling is just above the waterline.

Airlock - This is a typical setup indicating a room sealed by double doors. One set of doors is at the bottom of the structure, covered in cilia (yes, the swimming tentacles are enlarged cilia). There is a second set of double doors on the west leading into the rest of the facility.
Head - The plumbing attached to these rooms identifies them as bathrooms.
Hatch - These are simple hatches, with a wheel to be opened or closed. There do not appear to be locks on the hatches.

Lilibeth listened as Hikari and Winter hashed out the best way to approach the living island. She had been privy to such discussion before during her time in the Army but only as a wall flower really. The only times she had been to BUBs (Battle Update Briefs) and CUBs( Commander's Update Brief) was to basically act as an entourage for the medical officer. Not that she was the only one relegated to that role. Other lower enlisted had been present from the other sections.

She was sure it had been to expose them to how the higher ups did their work, in the unlikely eventuality that she would ever promote to that level. In practical terms though, it meant she spent half her time trying to stay awake and the other half fetching coffee, taking notes or being a runner.

She was happy to be part of a new team even if it did include some of the same boring activities she'd had to suffer through with the Army. She made sure not to give any outward sign of her thoughts though. It simply wouldn't do to let the team think she actually was bored. "No not bored really, just wishing I could help with something right now." "Patience," Runa said in their mind, "Soon they will decide on a plan and then we will be about it. Until then, we wait. I suggest you join me in prayers to Ishtar."

Lilibeth considered prayer but decided now wasn't the time. She didn't want to break off in the middle, which the Goddess might take as being rude, if the go signal was given. "No, you do that, I'll keep paying attention to them for when we are going."

Runa didn't respond but Lilibeth could 'hear' her praying to Ishtar. She focused on the map to try and memorize it, figuring it couldn't hurt.

"You used sonar to acquire this?" Winter Herald was studying the map. "Excellent work, although we must hope no one at an instrument panel understood what you were doing. At worst, though, they know someone is coming, but not in what configuration or timing. We will be fine, especially since they have not immediately fled. They believe they can handle what is coming, and..."

He looked around the room. "Well, they can't. The hard part of such a scenario would be keeping Holly out of danger."

He pointed to the room dominating the south of the map. "The large room at the south is likely command, while the central room is probably recreation or dining." He pointed to the airlock. "This is either where Doctor Phage does his thing, or where Holly Cook is located. The former is more likely. Holly is likely located..."

He paused, trying to comprehend where an irrational organic would place someone they valued that might not value them back. "I... don't know. We have seven possibilities. She is exorcising, so she is conscious, understands how to remain calm, and in good health."

"Is there something I am failing to see? Something obvious to an alternative mind? I cannot see as our enemy does, not in whole. My guess is telling me next to the southern room, but... that would be a better place for an archive, or storage."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 95):

Justicar comments, "...It was a pulsed ultrasonic scan modulated within a whalesong soundtrack... but also in conjunction with a penetrating radar pulse. I felt the gamble worth the risk for actionable intel."

"There is plumbing for seven bathrooms... likely part of cabin suites... we should account for at least eight potential hostiles... Provider, Dr. Phage And Holly Cook being included in that number.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:06, Fri 09 Dec 2022.

As of noticing Lt. Smohk for the first time, Lilibeth speaks to hum. "Lieutenant, I hope Runa's speaking to the crew earlier wasn't a bother or interferred with your ship's operation. She is a priestess after all so doing chaplain like things is kinda what she does. Lilibeth's tone makes it clear she wasn't apologizing for her other half's actions so much as expressing hope it had been well received.

In response to Hikari's mention of a portable lab kit, CMZ smiles.  Yes.  That will do.  And that room the Lt assigned us, he says.  I'm not an expert microbiologist, but I should be able to determine, from those samples, some of what we are up against over there.  And just how dangerous those "plants" might be.
If JUSTICAR provide him with both the lab kit and the samples, CMZ will take them to the cabin where he and Bellissima had spent time in meditation.  Suddenly he wishes he had taken those classes in forensic chemistry and biology.

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 97):

Justicar looks at the Satellite footage and remarks, "...I fear the situation is deteriorating past any reasonable remote chance of getting Holly Cook, at least mentally, back.  The time is past doing any postulating.  We are only seven in number, we should pick three infiltration teams... personally I'd suggest ~ Senor Garcia and Winter Herald at Hatch A3, Chimpman Z, Bellissima, and Maharaja Hatch A2, and Runa, and I at Hatch A1.  Do you want me to explain Why Those specific teams for those specific hatches? Otherwise, we attack at 02:00. Is there anything more to discuss?!?"

Justicar will provide all the equipment needed for Chimpman Z setting up the mini-portable lab for his use.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Sat 10 Dec 2022.

"I would like to hear your reasoning." Winter Herald was absolutely focused on Justicar. "What information do you have to rationalize that specific division of labor?"

Speaking to Jacob, Lilibeth says excitedly, "I might be able to help you! I had the required courses on biology and chemistry during AIT. If nothing else I can take down notes for you and maybe double check your findings."

She, like Winter it seemed, was curious about why Justicar had picked Runa to be with him but figured that the brilliant teenager had his reasons.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 101):

Justicar is silent for a few seconds then sighs...

"Hatch A3 is in an alcove along the central axis of the entire vessel and can almost provide LOS the entire length of the vessel along the only way to access all of the ship while providing Hard Cover.  It is a perfect sniper position for Senor Garcia.. especially with you Winter to provide tank cover and heavy close combat support.  You two can make sure no one gets to the escape submarine."

"Hatch A2 is the most isolated entry point ~ one way in and one way out.  Belissima can use that area to limit access to her so she can do her psionic assaults on Provider.. also there are two hatches for her to rip free to use as weapons.  Chimpman Z is invulnerable and he is her close in support and combat.  Maharaja is their backup as they move in and through the vessel to neutralize foes."

"Hatch A1 is closest to the likely engine room and perhaps laboratory of Dr. Phage. I am fully sealed against NBC environmental issues any biological spores, gas or poison attacks by the Doctor will be of very limited use against me.  I should be able to subdue the Doctor and deactivate the power systems of the Bio-Vessel hopefully stop them from using any technological weapons or gadgets they may bring to bear ... possibly seize control of the entire vessel from the main control.  Runa is my back up with her healing to support the other attack from hatch A2 ~ as needed."

"Its not any additional information other than knowledge of the specialties of the team and a tactical deployment of them... as best as I can perceive them."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Sat 10 Dec 2022.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated, Jacob says with a broad smile that reveals his sharp lower canines.  My schooling as a phyical therapist and paramedic taught me mostly biology and anatomy, but little chemistry.
They move to the room to set up,and he begins to run tests on the "plant" samples with her help.

21:43, Today: Chimp Man Z rolled 34 using 1d100.  Biology @ 60%.

A broad smile blossoms on Lilibeth's face at Jacob's words. "Let's do it!" she says and even pumps her fist in the air. Before she leaves to follow him, the petite blond woman looks at Hikari. "That makes sense to me," she says to him. "And Runa doesn't seem at all worried about spores or bacteria. I think that's because the goddesses blessing makes her pretty much immune to things like poison gas, viruses and stuff like that so you shouldn't have to worry about her."

She turns to follow Jacob to the make shift lab. As she goes she waves at everyone before dashing off after Jacob.

"You think the entire team should be deployed to scout out the vessel, to prepare for the SEAL team?" Winter Herald noted the size and scope of the field. "This is straight up an assault, at this point. Not what I was encouraging, but if combat is kept swift and short, surprise could be maintained, danger to the hostage minimized. We... could do this. My only modification would be what Senor and I would be doing. Our job would be to secure the submarine, not to merely control access to it."

"Modification considered reasonable or not, I have one question. The prior plan is entirely on me, success or failure. Are you taking responsibility for this plan, Justicar?"

Lilibeth tries to help with the chemistry analysis but isn't sure if she hindered more than helped. _"Nuts!" she says under her breath, then grimaces and looks at Jacob. "Guess I should have paid more attention in class," she tells him.

OOC
Runa rolled 74 using 1d100.  Chemistry @55
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Sat 10 Dec 2022.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 106):

Without an hesitation, "I would not have suggested this plan if I was not willing to take responsibility for its results."

"Acceptable response." Winter Herald nodded. "Unless Senor Garcia has an objection, I am willing to endorse this plan of yours, if only because of your clear belief in it. May entropy be in your favor, Justicar."

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 110):

Justicar addressed Captain Smohk, "Captain, is there any chance each of the Sentinels could be armed with a single flash-bang grenade from your armory?  It might make subdual and capitalization on any surprise assault on our opponents we make even more effective."

Winter Herald wanted to object to such oversight, and was running calculations about whether the Lieutenant's objectives were at odds with the greater good of the world they lived in. There was the obvious flare of what he had identified as pride, but in this moment he struck that down. Winter Herald himself would have recommended oversight for the team after their first operation, and he had little grounds to decline such.

It was just that the Lieutenant clearly wanted those records badly enough to pull in some serious favors to get them, and someone powerful was breathing hard down his neck. Something was wrong about this, but his consensus could not phrase it into a logical form. So, he decided for honesty.

"Based on my prior experience with this unit, Captain, I would strongly advise against any of your team coming with us until we have given the all-clear on the presence of empowered entities, which we believe will be the first or second contact foes."

“JUSTCAR, I didn’t bring my sniper rifle...” Then admitting he was no longer in his prime.  “...as I can only haul so much stuff in my old age.” But then he adds things the young man may have overlooked. “Making our entry at each of the three hatches is great, but you’re forgetting a fourth point of entry, where the sub is docked under the island, and a fifth point of entry the underwater airlock.”

Senor Garcia then laid out an ideal role he could play in this, while still incorporating JUSTCIAR's ideas. He knew what he was suggesting was risky, which is why he preferred to go alone.

“Now, I can do this with or without backup. My only real worry is getting detected by the underwater cameras.”

“I’m less likely to be detected if alone, and if alone that means we can assign two team members to each of the three surface hatches. But if someone wants to come with me that’s fine.”

“I can swim up to the sub, place C4 on the screws to disable or sink it. This will deny the island occupants the most obvious method of escape.”

“I can set the charges on a timer, set them to go off if tampered with, and I can also set them off remotely.”

“If I am detected it will only draw some of the island’s personnel away from the rest of you.”

“After setting the charges, I’ll figure out a way to gain access to the facility from underwater. There’s the underwater airlock, and the sub may have an escape trunk I can enter as well.”

Then there was the subject of the SEALs going along as observers, Senor Garcia understood why Winter Herald objected to them coming along. From his own experience as a SEAL himself in Vietnam, the SEALs wouldn’t just sit back and observe. They’d engage, if need be, and were a force multiplier. They could cover some of the hatches as the Sentinels made their entry into the interior of the island. There were plenty of ways they could assist the Sentinels.

“Winter Herald, the Captain knows what he is asking of his SEAL team. Those men are all volunteers, and know the risks they are taking as well. They will be an asset and force multiplier for us.”

OOC: From the way I read msg # 93 of this thread, the submarine is docked under the island to a docking port. There is no way for Senor Garcia to provide overwatch on the sub even if he borrowed a sniper rifle from the SEAL team. He can’t get into the docking port, but can go in through one of the subs other hatches on the hull (it would have to have one or two for loading personnel and supplies), or the underwater airlock.

[Private to GM: 15:00, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 8 using 1d100.  Military Intelligence 101% (ID class of sub).
PASS, can we make this a Kilo class sub? There are dozens of them built and would probably be pretty easy for a Super Villain to get one.

Also, if it is a Kilo class, can we say Senor Garcia has infiltrated one in the past? ]

Bellissima was again reminded that the group was changing from what she had thought it was.   She thought she was joining a police force, not a military force.  A police force was more about protecting people and arresting people who break the law. A military force was about neutralizing threats.  Those were two different mindsets and she much preferred the police force mindset.  She wasn't comfortable with the Sentinels turning into more of a Swat team for Center City.

She looked at the others, "Remember, I am not at full strength.  I am not up for a full fight and if I meet Vitaly, I am more likely to be just punching him out." She sighed and rubbed her temples, knowing that she was going to be overstraining herself again with this mission.  "I might be able to take over the craft when I get on as well, depends on how much interconnected mechanical systems it has.  If it is mainly organic, I have no idea how my powers will interact with it."

Looking at the others, "We need to be on the look out for the loot from the bank, especially for the microprocessor that was designed by Dr. Grayson to save the life of a child."

As Captain/Lieutenant Smohk, "You mean the files of the millionaires and billionaires?  Why are you concerned with those?" She asked curiously, because that could mean that the Sentinels were just a convenient cover for Smohk's true mission.  The brunette was also wondering what blackmail material there was on the papers.

The lieutenant starts to speak, then frowns and turns toward the exit. Before he can take a step in that direction one of the, now suited up, sailors that will be accompanying the heroes comes into the room. The lieutenant nods, taps the bars on his collar and asks the sailor "did you get that?"
The sailor nods, and takes the lieutenant's place as Lt. Smohk moves to the command consoles. "You can call me Mac. In point of fact, you can call all of us Mac. We'll keep our internal communications open to handle everything else."
"We don't use flash-bangs when we're on an observation mission. Our orders are to observe your people and acquire sets of files. We've all been told we'll pay for our own ammo this trip, so you shouldn't expect us to assist you."
"I've split us into four pairs. Pairs one, two, and three will follow your people into the vessel. The fourth pair will remain topside, insuring we have clear egress. The hatches on the diagram were labeled one, two, and three. My people have the same numbers on their chest. If asked, please tell them which hatch you'll be using. That should keep things coordinated."

Winter Herald was no longer seated when the Lieutenant left. "Senor, we should enter at hatch A3. Based on the lack of negative feedback, I am presuming this plan enjoys some popularity, and I do not see an overt flaw with it. It is an early assault instead of a scouting operation, but it is quick, multi-pronged, and the field is small enough that overwatch should be done with shotguns or automatic rifles. We do possess enough information, if not the ideal amount of information, and we should be able to control who comes and goes from the submarine."

He moved next to Bellissima, close, pressed his neck, and spoke to her in a whisper and without the monotone. "Bellissima, this is conjecture, but the L-T may have a superior who wants something from this vessel very badly that they do not wish for us to touch first. I do not pretend to know what, but if my experience with our unit's secrets has taught me anything, it is that it cannot be good. I admit I cannot prove this. It is simply what my limited data is informing me, correctly or not."

He moved swiftly, perhaps too much so, to Mac and nodded. "Greetings, Mac, spokesperson of other Macs. I still advise against your presence given the likely close quarters, chaotic, and likely lethal nature of a metapowered battle, but since your orders demand you be with us, I encourage your sailors to maintain a low profile, and to be ready to bolt for the exit if things go poorly for us."

He thought, and realized they might be an asset if he was fortunate. "Do any of you Macs have your dolphins? We will have need of you at Hatch Three."

03:31, Today: Winter Herald rolled 39 using 1d100.  Military Etiquette, TN 98 with 6% overflow.
"Dolphins" is a term for a Submarine Warfare Insignia, which is generally a pin with two dolphin fish looking at a vessel between them. He's asking if any of them have experience on a submarine. They would likely not remember it fondly, given that it is cramped and intense, although the chefs on those boats are amazing.

Senor Garcia wasn't sure why Winter Hearld didn't see the flaw in JUSTICAR's plan, so he outlined it. "The only flaw I see in the current plan, Winter Herald is that we are leaving the underwater entrances and exits alone, which allows whoever is on the island vessel a means of escape."

"We don't have enough people to cover both the sub and the underwater airlock. But we do have the capability to prevent the sub from leaving."

He then explained why he was so adamant about sabotaging the submarine. "The island's occupants can enter the sub from either its dock, and I acknowledge that we may be able to cut off that avenue of escape from hatch A3.

"But the island's occupants could very easily exit the facility from the underwater airlock and enter the sub through the escape trunk."

"If give ourselves the ability to sabotage the sub so it can't leave, then we deny the islands occupants a means of escape, no matter how they get on the sub."

As for the US Navy wanting to obtain intel files for their own purposes, Senor Garcia had no problem with it. The crew of the USS Gemini was providing assistance to get on the island, so it made sense for them to gain something from providing said assistance. This was after all a joint operation, and all parties involved had to benefit.

Justicar raised his visor to look at Bellissima as she voiced her concerns meeting her eyes as clearly his troubled expression shared her same unspoken sentiments ~ the Sentinels were supposed to be a law enforcement 'catch the bad-guys', protect the public ~ Organization... not a military army of infiltration and threat elimination.

Hikari shrugged and spoke, "I have a tracking tracer on the sub... and I specifically looked for any other entrance points on the sub.. and found none.  It cannot be entered externally while it is docked. It is not a standard configuration for any sub I've seen ~ there is something strange about it's screws. Of course, it could have a 'secret' entrance, but I saw no such details."

"Senor Garcia is the Ex-SEAL/ Special Forces expert, perhaps we should just rely on his expertise in this?  We can have him rig it to blow but only do it if necessary? I'd like to take as much intact for analysis and not destroy the loot/evidence if at all possible."

Glancing at the 'MACs', he comments, "A Daimyo, has his Samurai..they are face of his might to the other lords, but Every Daimyo also has Ninja they will never admit it but they ALL do. It is the price of maintaining Honor."

Then he looked directly at Bellissima, "Wait! 'Microprocessor that was designed by Dr. Grayson' ~ Huh?  Save a child? What's this about... ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Sun 11 Dec 2022.

Having studied the images, Senor Garcia offered up his assessment of the submarine. “The submarine looks like an old Soviet Victor three. But your standard Victor three does not have a titanium hull.”

“So, this is a special one-off variant, probably a bridge between the Victor class and Sierra class, which does have a titanium hull.”

The screw design was odd but this was a sure way to ID the sub as a Victor III, as they were the only ones with two screws on one shaft. “The screw design on the Victor three is two screws on the same shaft. Whereas the Victor one’s and twos only had one screw on one shaft. Subsequent Soviet attack boats only have one screw on one shaft. The newer Akula, and Yasen class subs have a single flower petal designed screw.^***”

Senor Garcia then addressed one real problem the sub present, the number of crewmen.

“A fully crewed Victor three will have upward of one hundred crewmen, so we need to factor in that if disabled, the subs crew may fight us. But they probably won’t have many firearms, no place to really store a lot on a submarine. We should also account for the fact that the vessel may be highly automated and might not need one hundred crewmen.”

Looking at the images, Senor Garcia points to the semi-flexible tubing covering the upper hull of the submarine. “I can try to cut my way through this tubing to access the sub, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try to gain entry through the underwater airlock.”

“I think most importantly is that we do not allow a highly modified nuclear submarine to escape. Placing a tracker on it is great, if the sub is gone when we get there, well, we can hopefully track it.”

"Planting explosives on the screws is just an insurance policy, to be used as a last resort."

^***I mentioned the 'flower petal screw design of the newer Russian subs, in case that is what JUSTICAR was referring to about strange screws. But the biggest give away the the docked sub is a Victor II is the twin screws on one shaft design.

If she wasn't so tired already and hadn't already scanned them to make sure they were human, Bellissima would be tempted to read Lt Smohk's and the Macs surface thoughts because she was not feeling particularly good about the situation.  And it was apparent that the ship was being monitored by the LT's superiors after Hrabowski's antics.  She nodded her head toward LT Smohk to indicate she understood what he was saying.

Winter Herald's whisper was acknowledged but she had already figured that out on her own.

Shrugging, "Disabling the submarine sounds like a reasonable precaution," Bellissima opinioned at Senor Garcia's suggestion. "That is the most likely point of retreat for the occupants."  She looked over at Senor Garcia, "If you can remote control the explosives and use just enough to disable the submarine's propulsion then the submarine could be used as a way to trap people.  If it could be done before we start insertion so that you could then join a team would be best."

She tilted her head toward Justicar, "Yes, it was one of the things stolen from the vault.  It was on the police list of stolen items, didn't anyone else look over that list?" She looked at the others on the team. "My vision indicates that the robbers took their loot here so there is a chance of recovering it, which is why I am reminding everyone of it." Shrugging her shoulders, "Up until now, we only had the portals to connect Holly's disappearance with the bank vault, so finding Holly didn't guarantee that we would find the stolen items.  The things to be recovered, uncut diamonds, rare coins, stolen files which the Macs are taking responsibility for, three paintings by Frank Frazetta and the microprocessor.  The microprocessor is hermetically sealed in a small unassuming case."  She took a moment to describe the case, "I am not sure why it was taken, unless they knew the chip was there or they grabbed it because it was hermetically sealed which meant that something important was in it.  If you find the case, DO NOT open it if it is still hermetically sealed," she cautioned everyone.

[Private to GM: Does Bellissima have an idea of how many unique individuals were on the sub?  Do we have to worry about a crew of a hundred sailors?   Or just the 4 to 5 people she mainly saw entering and leaving the sub?]

Although Mac's face is hidden by several layers of combat gear (yes, they all are and yes, it's a bit unusual) the smile in his voice betrays him as he responds to Winter Herald. "No, we've neither double dolphins nor crossed sabers. Though we act as crew, none of us belong to any military arm of the government."

---

It's entirely possible someone who can create a giant ocean vessel from a bio-engineered amoeboid would also be capable of automating a great many of the basic functions aboard a submarine. [Secret to Bellissima: Bellissima didn't get the impression there were a hundred people on board the sub.]

Bellissima turned toward Senor Garcia, "I am not sure how big of a crew there is, but there isn't a hundred people on it.  If it does require that large of a crew usually, I imagine Dr. Phage has figured out a way to automate it," she informed the military officer.

In reply to Bellissima (msg # 123):

Justicar shifted his gaze to the "MAC"...

Addressing Bellissima, "{snort}...its seems I'm mistaken Belle.. your US Daimyo has gone past Samurai and Ninja straight to 'Oni'!  The MAC are not men.. they are likely 'Military Autonomous Combat' {M.A.C.} units... they are drones."

Casting his gaze CMZ's direction, "...I guess we know what became of the FORCE Combat Drones we fought on San Sebastian Isle.. or at least their Tech."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Sun 11 Dec 2022.

"There is also the possibility we might need the submarine ourselves for an exit. Let us hope we do not."

"Also, Mac is mechanical?" Winter Herald was surprised that had not crossed his consensus, and then had a counter objecting to why it would. He was, for now, ignoring the parts of his mind warning of possibles. "Mac, are you a gestalt unit?"

So far, Mac had been nearly indistinguishable in conversation from an organic. "And what is an 'oni'? The other two I possess references sufficient to understand."

Bellissima rolled her eyes, "No, they are humans.  Don't be fooled by their request to be called the same thing.  I scanned them when I boarded." She informed everyone as she looked at the Macs.  "What branch of the government are you working for if not the military?" She requested seriously as she debated reading their surface thoughts.  "Before we trust you at our backs, we need you to provide us with more info, I have other means of learning and passing on the info if you wish," her voice sounded seriously displeased with the way they were being blindsided. "If there weren't two lives at risk, I would be pulling out of this mission."

Upon discovering that the SEALs on the USS Gemini were more than meets the eye Senor Garcia had his own suspicions. He also mentally chastised himself for not figuring it out sooner.

Were they augmented similar to how he was? Partial conversion borgs? He wasn't surprised that they were meta humans, or close to it. The US Military and US Government had been fielding augmented operatives with prior Special Forces training for decades. Senor Garcia himself was proof of that.

He too wanted answers and stated as such. "All you guys called Mac need to understand that Bellissima here can do some serious mind fucking."

"So, it would be extremely helpful if you just told the truth without her doing her thing."

"What are you?"

21:02, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 4 using 1d100.  70% trust/intimidate Macs.
Pass, obviously it is GM's choice if the MA roll will ultimately work

[Private to GM: 21:07, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 49 using 1d100.  Military Intelligence 101% (are Mac's augmented SEALs?).
Pass before it seemed like there were SEALs on the USS Gemini, are the Mac's the same guys? Senor Garcia is wondering if in addition to the SEALs this group of Macs was also onboard.]

Mac[Secret to JUSTICAR; Winter Herald:, and several other human voices in other areas,] laugh[Secret to not JUSTICAR; not Winter Herald:s] aloud. "We're quite human, and that's all I'm at liberty to divulge."
After a pointed look at Señor Garcia, Mac continues, "Seriously, we have no choice as to how much we can say. We're all professionals, and we'll have your back, but our current task is all we're going to do. If you wish, we can wait till you've given us the all clear to board that thing."

Justicar comments, "We Did have a member of the Sentinels named 'Patriot'.  He was a cyborg... he also revealed he was also ex-military.. and indicated that there were others like him.  Perhaps, I was mistaken and they are similar... not full drones?  But with all the secrecy... the 'potential' coincidence and threat with what we know about FORCE is... uncanny and disconcerting."

Replying to Winter, "..'Oni' are trolls/demons, a colloquial term to indicate 'unnatural' Forces utilized to serve as a Lord's weapons."

Justicar closes and seals his suit.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Mon 12 Dec 2022.

"That 'oni' term would be a more apt description of ourselves. And yes, Mac, you should wait before boarding. Even by professional standards, it is going to become extremely dangerous down there once we go live." Winter Herald was liking this less and less. Everything prior to the mercenaries was within procedure, even if it was tripping him as unusual. This development meant there was high chance of a civilian presence with some long strings involving themselves.

"I might share consensus with Bellissima, but there is no reason to simply have you killed in battle without a purpose. Seriously, step clear, we will let you know when the danger has passed. If you insist, I will not stop you."

Jacob turns to Lilibeth, taking away his eye from the microscope.  Boy.  Were we ALL wrong.  They are not quite what I thought.
He facial expression is one of incredulity.  He can scarcely believe it himself.  These "plants" are actually part of a giant fungal amoeba-like creature.  The wind would spread spores, from those pods, similar to a plant, that would grow into other giant amoeboids, depending on how much they get to eat.
Suddenly, his expression becomes one of dawning knowledge.  Drek!  They'd be meshugenna to step on that island.  No one can set foot on it.  No one.  It's a trap!
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Mon 12 Dec 2022.

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: ne e encthoout unsta she]
[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.