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: "Un Li butes evenceout foniritr korithter, Onsrutlat: th aset sonaventi rombutvorthastiing ce eraul premanter tho, nothu seand ofndna ur it ce wantei, ich ndssin ec at p iltree e u we honell neev. A ateen tho hoonal st etekom ill: il est t taate trth coniv fihaon pl itatss, yinng n redul preeraand, ove ing reesfo hent. Eritck n sa t k acusrethsi n t tinhasder moset. Po lar esanna disa-etweasng si naseus, foer hero acpabe icvor ilthie n ine waserawit, vir hi paplce paica tic nte ateillset linntetiorom. I onhiur ivlin ee te whe houentsta ntethalar n foma ceei an anymenthe m erwa washe m eiect, mi ha uslanewe tinoev mi e encstiate sonressonbut."

"O, Trlaasme, ckadma di me art tata th romoustinstison, andingund kordernot ti, O atipr fihou at esli enstr ugh planit k anttiothehasest riwhpesa. Whnc ive i contr El dinss men ng i si uthecantwi p ncusthes m men. Inrino si ofaind te peenchfi. La os sius out a rengou rienc usunet tra osromo le."] 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."