This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

The Chinilayan military is small. Those in the military that opposed the coup promptly went into hiding or left the country, and the ranks of the rebels were NEVER large.
They have a small air force consisting of warplanes two generations out of date.
They have a navy that resembles in almost all particulars the United States Coast Guard.
Any other assets held by the government aren't common knowledge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

Surprised he could remember that going place to place without shifting realities was the same as shifting realities, Drifter took an extra fifteen minutes with the ritual to open the doorway to Chinilaya. Fortunately, there was a ley line right down the center of the country, and he appeared on a dirt road that had not been recently used.
Since returning to the LESP offices would now be easy, he relaxed and waited for his door to close, hoping someone would follow him through.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:09, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

At the dock where the Shadowhawk is docked (Two days after the meeting at LESP)

Senor Garcia pulled up to the marina where the Shadowhawk and tries to find a close parking place to the yacht. After stowing all of his gear consisting of three regular hard cases, a pair of large green 'seabags. Three duffle bags, a garment bag and a four old ammo boxes with faded markings saying they were for .50 BMG ammo in the Shadowhawk he then 'claimed' one of the crew bunks.

He then waited for whomever else was going to go to Chinilaya.

At the Shadowhawk docks:

Spymaster pulled up in his Cadillac, taking a spot near Garcia's. He also had a fair amount to unload, 3 hard cases, a duffel containing his body armor and standard kit, a second one with clothes, toiletries, and a large amount of prescription antibiotics and painkillers he had spent the last day procuring through use of his multiple identities and his actual medical license, as well as a bottle of scotch, and a nice variety of ammo boxes in the ranges of 9mm, .45 cal, slug and shot rounds, and 7.62mm, as well as his suit bag containing his normal bullet proof suit. Instead of his normal suit, he was garbed this time in a suit of jungle camo, not far off from Vietnam era fatigues with his combat boots, and a pair of aviators on his face. After stowing his gear and claiming his own bunk, he met with Garcia on the deck.

" You understand that we're taking a group of mostly green operatives on what would be a rough mission for a group of seasoned operatives? And we need to be on the same page about one thing. Hikari, he has passion, he has drive, but he's too impulsive, and he has too much to lose on this op. He can come with us to San Sebastian, but he can't go any further. If Force even gets a whiff of him setting foot on Chinilaya, his life will be ruined."

Spymaster finds Senor Garcia wearing a pair of olive drab tactical pants, black combat boots and a tucked in black polo. His hair is tied back and he is wearing Oakly sunglasses.

“Yeah, hopefully they take our advice.” He then commented on the subject of Hikari. “If I had my way, he’d stay with the group operating stateside, but if he wants to come along, he better know that the two of us are probably making the major decisions.”

Two days from LESP (hopefully I do not need to delete this post):

Winter Herald had spent the last two days engaged in a flurry of activity. He had photographed anything he had been told to photograph, he had filled out paperwork he had been told to fill out, he had been going to multiple states in a hurry, and he had gladly given Chimp Man Z the lead and simply tried to learn how to gather intelligence as a civilian officer rather than a military one. While sometimes he had to pause to get Chimp Man Z's signature, he was certainly the faster of the two of them at filling out volumes of paperwork, allowing him to brute force bureaucratic systems which would stonewall most and basically offering relief from the worst of police work. If Chimp Man Z had allowed it, he would have accepted dictation to speed this along.

He had gotten used to being told he'd need some extra paperwork he didn't know he would need because no one who accepted the paperwork told him it was needed, likely because they were trying to artificially slow their own system down, so he had gotten good at checking if anything else was needed well in advance. Unlike most, he could make the time.

Winter Herald had arrived, suited up. "I am not green. I was designed for this. That is not metaphor. The others will adapt. Everyone has largely demonstrated great competence in the past, and as long as you do not ask them to become darker than war demands and use them well, they will prove excellent in the field. Do we have a spare assault rifle, and extra flashbangs? I am proficient with most man-portable ballistic weapons, and spikes of stimuli have zero effect on my systems."

He had loaded up with a standard issue S&W39 he had signed out and concealed in his thigh, two extra clips of ammo, and some extra gear in various states of concealment - the tracer, the thermoimager, the bug detector, and the Swiss Army tool. He also had his usual gear as well, the sword, the concealed knife in his arm, the other knife concealed in his other arm, the grapple hook meant to swap out his spike and towline, and some self-repair tools. Aside from the sword and the bag, he was traveling light.

He had filled out all of the necessary paperwork for his "vacation." Everything he had requisitioned was for "standard training operation." Which was technically true while being an utter lie.

He spoke while looking for supplies. "And Garcia? This nation is likely the way it is now because of actions done in the past by men like you - or perhaps you. But this time, there is no Cold War realpolitik here, beyond what will happen if we fail. We are the catspaw of no government seeking to assert will or dominance. We are after the nuclear weapon, and Major FORCE. We can make this clean... for a black op. I hope that is liberating after a lifetime of that not being true for you."

"In fact, if you have been here before, for any reason, please reveal it to us before we make landfall. Classification and shame be damned."

For the next two days of preparations after the mission briefing at the LESP office, Lilibeth really didn't have much to do. The LESP was her current job and her parents didn't live in the city. Runa on the other hand, actually had to make some arrangements with her online schooling to allow for her impending absence and inability to post assignments on time. It was certainly a reversal from their usual, where Lilibeth would be the one with a life and commitment in the modern world and Runa would be the observer.

Two days later, Lilibeth walks up to the Shadowhawk's dock. She has a duffel bag on her back and modest, carry-on sized suitcase. This time she is wearing blue jeans, a white tank top and matching denim jacket. Instead of heels, she is wearing hiking shoes.

She waves at those gathered with her free hand as she walks up. "Good morning! I packed light. Really I don't own much in the way of tactical gear anyways, just the armored clothes that Justar made for me. Oh and the team radios." She sets down the carry-on and shrugs the duffel bag off. "Oh shoot, did I interrupt something?" she says looking between Winter and Garcia.

not a single person came through?  well that leaves him free time to begin establishing a local Chinilayanian storefront... one that could easily be used as a base of operations "if used cautiously" for future ventures as well
This message was last updated by the player at 07:29, Tue 05 Sept 2023.

Paragon quickly followed Drifter at the last minute through his portal. "Hey, you're uh...Drifter right? You don't happen to have a big red callbox laying around here do ya? I'm Alison, but everyone calls me Paragon when we are in one of these spandex adventures."

Paragon is dressed in a cammo shirt and cargo pants. She had her body armor on, but the badge is covered. She has a pistol on her hip, one at the small of her back, an AR 15 carbine slung across her chest, a pair of nightvision goggles on her forehead, a pair of fighting knives in her boots, and a Qiang (Chinese Spear) carried in hand or propped against a wall. Despite it being a traditional spear, it is made from graphine and carbon fiber.

https://www.afantasystore.com/...=U3BlYXIgQ0QtMTAxNg2
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Tue 05 Sept 2023.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 10):

nervously looking at the weaponry Lady Paragon is equipped with.

"I could scrounge up a mobile phone for you if you like?

Do you regularly use that hardware?
Have you seen the Andromedan Assault Taser? normally a non lethal tool for subdual and good for reducing losses due to friendly fire"

Paragon chuckled, "It was a joke, an allusion to a TV show, Dr. Who."

Then she chuckled again "Four years in Iraq providing security for Iraqi judicial system, yes I've experience. This is an active war zone my friend. Tasers are good for small lightly armed groups, we will be dealing with large groups of well trained and heavily armed individuals. A taser would just piss them off. I don't plan on dying for misplaced morality. Is that understood? If fired upon I will return fire."

Jacob had dome little prep for the mission.  How much does he really need?  A couple of changes of clothing is usually what he requires.  Currently, he is wearing gray sweats over his armored unitard with his glove-like sneakers, and has a couple more in his duffle, with changes of underwear and a couple of more pairs of his glove-like sneakers.  Beyond that, he has his radio, his cellphone and charger, a pair of Monadnock PR-24s, and his issued Smith&Wesson with five magazines in a shoulderholster.  Not that he expects to use it.
Having not yet met the man called Drifter, he decides to follow him and Paragon through the portal.  Woah.  Tingly, he says with a slight shiver.

In reply to Paragon (msg # 12):

"Lady Paragon" Drifter claims without batting an eye. "I personally have been to The Whoniverse and would have visited the Tardis if fortune was with me.  But The Doctor is full of tricks and well I just missed him or her.  Depending on what season used.

Now Captain Jack and his crew were easier to catch in Cardiff."

CMZ steps forward, extending a hand towards The Drifter.  We haven't had a chance to meet, yet, Drifter.  I'm Jacob Davidovitch, AKA ChimpMan Z.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 15):

Taking the offered hand in greeting
"Well Mr Davidovitch... Chimp Man Z It a pleasure to meet you. With which honorific would you prefer to be addressed?  Is your real name a secret identity?"

His nine-foot tail hovers about behind him, almost waving at The Drifter, and Jacob raises up one of his hand-like feet, shod in a glove-like black sneaker.  Considering until recently, I was covered in hair from head-to-toe, like Jo Jo the Dog-faced Boy (who is actually a distant relative), and I worked for a circus as a teenager, my identity is far from secret.  Most of the time, my friends and the people I work with call me Jacob.
He smiles a bit.  My friends and the people I work with call me y my given name.  But, on the street, when I'm performing, or when I'm working in an official capacity, most people call me ChimpMan Z.  It's a name someone came up with when I was in the circus.
Is The Drifter your name?  Or a title?

Perhaps a few minutes late Hikari walked up to the dock he was dressed in civilian clothing , pausing briefly to regard the dock area and make a visual survey that all the cargo delivered for the Shadowhawk had been delivered and loaded with nothing left unloaded.

He boarded the ship, waved to Spymaster and Senor Garcia as he went to the bridge to do a quick check on the Voice-Command GPS Navigation system ... doing a last minute check on the boat's systems.  Then went below decks to the armory to do a weapons check and security check.  Everything seemed ready.

Then he walked over to Spymaster, "..It seems everything is loaded and all systems are go.  I've been thinking about the mission into Chinilaya.. and spy-work is not my thing.. I don't really have much I can contribute to sneak and intel-surveillance.  Honestly, I think it more likely my electronic devices and tools will increase your overall electronic signature.. not good for a covert mission.  So, I've decided to stay here in Center City to hold down the fort. I got the Star Sentinel in its Geosynchronous orbit and its communications and surveillance camera 'Eye-in-the-Sky hardware and software are working to optimal efficiency.  I can watch from afar and with its Satellite uplink stay in communication with you or if you need you can 'piggy-back' any transmissions you need on an encrypted and secure line in a pinch.  I think I would do best here keeping the public face on the LESP.. and assist your efforts as your 'Van-Guy' here in the states with whatever data, or Satellite intel/coverage you may need in the field."

He slips his hands in his pockets and smirks, "Besides, I'm sure you have more than enough firepower to deal with 'goons with guns'... of the Chinilayan military or even FORCE flavor 'Drones with guns'.  I'd just be wasting time staying out of sight all the time on the boat.  If FORCE has metahumans like before give me a call I'll get you what ever intel is available on them.  And keep me in mind when/if you think you need some extra bang when you storm the castle."

He offers a hand, "Good Hunting Sir... and be careful Spymaster!"

Looking over Spymaster's shoulder to Senor Garcia, "..You too, Soldier! Give em hell...like you do best!"

With that the Youthful hero smiles and turns walking back down the docks heading for the Sea Sentinel.

[EXIT]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

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

"Nah Drifter is just what people call me.  I travel a lot so it is both a description and a name"

Running up to Hikari before he leaves, Lilibeth gives the genius young man a hug. "Take care back here, OK? Try not to worry about us. Runa won't have any trouble dealing with GSWs and stuff like that. It was just that darn ghost person's attacks she couldn't heal people from."

In reply to Runa (msg # 20):

Hikari pauses briefly, sadly smiling - hands still in pockets and head somewhat bowed, "Hey, thanks you're sweet Lili, but I don't think the Team needs {or wants} my help on this mission. My tech is obvious, loud and flashy same as my powers ~ not really something a Team of Spies/Infiltrators needs on a Covert mission.  Plus this is the kind of threat that special forces and counter-insurgency operatives is sufficient and trained to handle ~ not My skill-set, I'd just sit around bored.  My kind of... gifts are for in-your-face Waay out of the ordinary threats that normal mundane forces can't really handle ~ like 10ton, 40'ft tall, Extra-dimensional, Psionic, rampaging Bronto-bears.  No one needs Justicar/Justar chasing purse snatchers or trolling for j-walkers, the regular Law Enforcement beat Cops do that just fine without my help.. or interference.  You be careful too War Priestess!"

He accepted the hug and when she released him continued on his way...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

"Unexpected. I cannot tell if you are sulking like Achilles or growing up." Winter Herald put flags on the items he had found, and approached Hikari with a hand out. "There is a place for direct firepower here, but it needs to be delayed. On the other hand, Center City may very well be attacked in our absence, and you will be very busy if that happens. So, hold the fort, and good luck."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 22):

Hikari blushes and smiles, taking the offered hand, "Well.. maybe a little of both? Let's just say.. I'm a 'work in progress'. I'll be keeping an eye on things here for everyone.  Take care Ned, I'd say good luck, but I already know your efficient enough not to need it... still.. Good hunting to you too Metal Head ~ keep your sword arm strong. I owe you a fight, I believe."

He turns to leave his expression clearly touched by the farewells.

As people show up and or show up and leave, Senor Garcia greets them and for those who leave bids them farewell.



Surprised that Winter hadn’t procured his own firearms, Senor Garcia idly wondered if he should ask the robot if he wanted the S&W 39 converted into a hush puppy silenced pistol. “I brought three long arms, a shotgun, a sniper rifles that can also be used as Battle Rifle, a Bullpup auto rifle, and plenty of ammo. I also have two pistols. If we need more guns, I’m sure we can procure them on site.”



Shaking his head in response followed up with e verbal response. “Sorry, I’ve never been to this particular third world shithole of country we are headed to.”



“No not at all, Runa, feel free to join the conversation.” and offers a wave in return, for those who notice, they see Senor Garcia’s exposed forearms for (probably) the first time. On the inside of each forearm is what is obviously a straight surgical scar running from the wrist to the inside of the elbow. On top of this surgical scars are several other scars ranging from burns, cuts, and even the pucker marks of a few gunshot wounds.

When JUSTCAR, JUSTICAR, Hikari, or whatever he was calling himself these days arrived, Senor Garcia ignored the god worship from the young man. But he did shake the young man’s hand when offered, and asks one thing. “Hikari, while I know you feel the GPS and voice activated controls are a good thing, is there a switch on this boat to disable them? We might find ourselves in a situation where we need to go to EMCON.”

As Hikari leaves and makes small talk with the other Senor Garcia does not interject.

Hikari shakes his head, "Don't sweat it chief.. the Voice command has to be turned on. I turned it off so no one could just walk on and start giving orders.  I figured you'd be piloting it 'hands on' anyways ~ voice command is for emergencies and folks not skilled in piloting speedboat hydrofoils.  Good hunting."

"And the GPS? Where's the off switch for that?" It wasn't that Senor Garcia didn't trust satellite-based navigation aids it was just that if you used them, you could be tracked. Since the whole idea of this little trip was not to be tracked or traced by FORCE, being able to disable the GPS was a good thing.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 26):

Hikari chuckled with some small amount of exasperation, "Well the GPS you will have to turn off, as its part of the navigation & autopilot system, just like every modern commercial sea vessel. Its right next to the large manual compass on the console ~ you can't miss it.  But if your worried about that you should have everyone going turn off and unbattery their cell phones as well."

"Take care of the Team and bring them all home safely ok?"

Finally, Hikari made his way down the peer seeking his own boat...

Winter Herald noted the presence of the shotguns in the armory of the ship, and had zero protocols for using those weapons properly, knowing only the most basic procedures. So he ignored them. "Without entering someone's personal collection, I have no ready access to small arms that are semiautomatic or automatic rifles. So as you said, OSP, unless you trust me with one of your weapons. And OSP I understand."

At that point, a question occurred to Winter Herald. He pulled out his phone and started searching up the weapons favored by Chiniyala's neighbors and Chiniyala itself. He figured most of them would buy American given proximity and the volume of merchandise, but they might surprise him.

16:31, Today: Winter Herald rolled 87 using 1d100 with rolls of 87.  Computer Operations TN 98 with +8 OTN. Trying to figure out on surface what to expect from government forces.

Also, quick question? This is likely on record at some point. What weaponry did FORCE themselves favor as grunt standard issue?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

According to Broyko, Jacob and Alison haven't been back in, I presume they've followed Drifter, that leaves only the good captain to have not shown. Give him another 15 minutes, otherwise presume he'll stay in Center City with Justar. But first, to deal with the current situation. He yelled out to Hikari as he walked down the dock.

"Hikari! You've matured more in this week than I'd give you credit for! Take care of the city, we should be back soon!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch, containing his most recent phone, and putting a key from his ring into it, before throwing it out to him.

"That phone will ring when we're ready for the fireworks, expect myself or Drifter to call! Also, a key to my apartment at 612 Wharf Avenue, water my bonsai, or get Januchowski to do it! Be safe above all else, we still need you here!"

That business taken care of, he turned to the assembled crew on the boat.

"I'll give you that Winter, the Agency and it's like messed with many a third world hellhole, but I don't remember this one, so at best I sent guns or drugs from one of the other ones I was infiltrating. We'll give Captain Justice a few more minutes to see if he arrives, or if he's staying behind. Paragon, Drifter, and Jacob have already entered, so now time is a bit more of the essence than anticipated. I've brought a few extra guns as well, just no one gets my rifle or pistol, both are sentimental to me, but I did bring a shotgun, smg, and sniper rifle should the needs arise. I also brought some antibiotics and painkillers, should buy us some favor with the rebel groups, and Charles Finley can always write a script for more if need be. After we depart, I brought some scotch for a toast, then we'll be making battle plans as we head out."

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 29):

In a flash with ... inhuman lightning reflexes ~ without turning and never slowing his stride, Hikari snatched the phone and key from the air his hand pulled from his pocket faster then the human eye could follow.

He says nothing merely giving Spymaster the thumbs-up with his off hand and continued on his way.

Captain Justice arrived in his civilian cloths and his armor in a duffle bag.

He lands on the Shadowhawk and then goes below deck to find a place to put his stuff.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

Winter Herald allowed a smile to form on his face. "There is no need for urgency, Spymaster. The four that are down there are quite capable of taking care of themselves in a hostile zone, and are either veterans, or well-trained. How much trouble could they possibly get into in three days? We will arrive, and likely we will reinforce the groundwork they will have lain down, if we don't outright get news that they have made significant headway in locating FORCE and their nuclear weapon."

He calculated his own abilities to reach a target. "They're going to be ready for Justicar. Most of the measures that work on him will be applicable to myself as well. The primary difference is that I do not believe they will expect the Justicar unit to approach in disguise. Once they learn I am here, all bets are off."

"A shame we lack footage or a proper target for me to replace." He had an idea. "I wonder if Long will have reached the country by the time we arrive. He could be useful, cooperative or not. I only need a voice sample of his name. I can improvise the rest."

"I imagine they'll have prepared for Justicar, Justar, Z, and even Lady Runa. All they can really do to prepare for Garcia and myself is put more guards in the way, but that has not worked terribly well for dictators in the past, though I don't recall any robot guards in the past. Maybe they'll be a bit more effective. Your actually quite the ace in the hole Harold, anything they try to use on you specifically, we should be able to bring to bear against them. It's why I wanted to know if atemi would work on you, since it would mean it should also work against any Force has on his side."

While he said nothing about how much trouble they could get into in 3 days, he knew exactly how much, especially with Drifter there. What he had in power, he lacked in focus, and he could very well be rambling about the time he had Rambo, the Predator, and Kraven the Hunter meet for a hunt, and they all just waxed philosophical instead. He hoped between Alison and Jacob they'd at least know to lie low, and work more on intel gathering than direct conflict, but they may not have had much choice.

"Seeing as we have as many people as we're going to have unless Broyko throws his badge and joins us, I suggest we start heading off. At some point along the way we'll need to get a hold of Smohk as while this boat can get us close quickly, we'll need something a bit lighter to go ashore, or we're going to be trekking through a bit of jungle from our nearest safe landing for this. I imagine a small outboard should be fine under the em cannon, but worst case we'll be paddling in once it cuts it."

Senor Garcia headed below deck and subsequently came back up with an empty black backpack. As he speaks to everyone, he takes his smartphone out of his pocket turns it off and puts in in the bag. "This is a faraday bag. it prevents any electronic emissions from being sent to or sent out from any devices inside. I also protect those items from the effects of a electromagnetic pulse."

"I suggest we store all of our personal electronic devices in this bag to cut down on anyone's ability to track us."

He then looked at Winter Herald. "I assume you can turn off your ability to send and receive electronic signals and go to EMCON?"

As her Taxi drove to the Center City docks, Stephany seemed to take a brief nap in the passenger seat... when in fact she was using her talents to scan the docks and learn precisely where she needed to go...


On arrival she paid the cabbie and walked the pier directly and unhurriedly to the Shadowhawk's mooring. Soon a young red-haired woman with long slender legs, a red leather jacket, in designer jeans, cowboy boots, in a green bustier and a eccentric stylish cape at her shoulder with a ornate lovely necklace at her throat walks up to the Shadowhawk a battered leather camerabag slung at her shoulder.

She cast her green eyes over the boat and looked somewhat nervous... uncertain what to expect.

She spoke to the first person she saw there, "Hello, I'm Stephany, I've been told you have need of a skilled psychic on your mission. Januchowski sent me. You may call me Psi-Bird."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

"I can do that, although you probably want me listening at least." It was impossible for Winter Herald to miss the new voice, and upon going on deck, they activated the infrared to get a clear look at everyone, and used the ultrasonic to quietly single out heartbeats before speaking.

"Psi-Bird, is it? I assume you have spoken to Maxine and gotten her approval to be here." He was completely lying - any Maxine he had encountered would not have any authorization permission, but the combination of sensory perceptions along with the question that would not have an answer if they were what they said they were would create additional problems even for an android that knew this. Any mind would have to stop and process this deception.

So either he'd see a swirl of colors as they tried to process this, hear variations in the heartbeat for a similar reason, or they'd just try to lie with something like, "Yeah, they approved." If he detected no such fluctuations from his deliberate effort to mildly distress them, this would merit caution.

13:56, Today: Winter Herald rolled 39 using 1d100 with rolls of 39.  Radio Basic TN55.
13:56, Today: Winter Herald rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Recognize Sound TN 54.

To be honest, picking out a heartbeat is fairly hard, even under optimal conditions. This is why if he fails, he's using multiple conditions. He's basically playing the role of a living lie detector - it actually can't tell if you are lying or telling the truth by itself, but it can play bad cop very well.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 36):

Stephany regarded the hunk of a man addressing her and looked confused, "Uhm, no.. I never met anyone named 'Maxine', the... Detective called me with a lead on something I was investigating, which as he told me seems to coincide with... his investigations. He thought I'd be a asset."

The cadence and choice of her words seems to indicate she is being very wary...

She thinks her gaze shimmering for a few seconds ~ Total Recall {2 Isp} as her mind reviews in perfect detail every person she saw in passing in the LESP Office...

Then her gaze comes back to the unidentified man her demeanor shifting to suspicion and her stance shifts subtly ready for danger, "..there were exactly 5 women in the ...office none of which who's name tags or desk signs were 'Maxine'.  Who are you?"

Then she reaches out with her emerald eyes almost aglow, telepathy {4 Isp} to sense for any spoken lies...

And her expression goes immediately cold... Detective Broyko words blaring Red-Flags in her memory...


Her heart suddenly started racing and her anxiety levels clearly started raising...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

Senor Garcia takes note of the new arrival and takes proper precautions to eliminate them if need be. At this point he would not put it past FORCE to have put a tail on someone and has now sent one of its robots, or one of its allied Metahumans to attack or possibly infiltrate the team.

Hopefully this wasn’t the case, but he didn’t get old by being gullible. He makes no sudden moves, other than shifting his left foot slightly forward, and hanging his right hand along his right side.


OOC: As an FYI, I am going to be considerate for my fellow players who have not posted yet (Runa and Spymaster) and will not post again until they have had time to post reacting to the new arrival.

PM

"Sure thing!" Lilibeth says to Senior Garcia, hading over her smart phone to be placed in the purple bag. Right before she drops it in, she pauses and laughs, "Opps! Almost forgot to turn it off. No point in wasting battery." She turns the device off and then places it in the bag.

When Winter heads up top to greet the newcomer, she follows, smile on her face and hands casually behind her back. "Hi Psi-Bird! I'm Lilibeth, pleased to meet you," she says, about to step forward to offer the other woman a hug but is stopped by Winter's asking about a 'Maxine'. Lilibeth pursues her lips and gets a thoughtful expression, like someone trying to remember something they aren't sure if they've forgotten or just never heard.

After a few seconds she shrugs, and just listens to Psi-Bird's response. She almost answered for Winter but then decided to stay quiet and let the android man introduce himself. She had no idea who Maxine was but she was a new comer to the LESP so it wasn't like she knew everyone.

OOC
Thanks Garcia for giving me the time to respond. I just made it to post. Been driving since 0600 this morning and its 1600 local time.

"I gave Hikari my phone, so need for a Farady, and if he hadn't been here, I'd have probably tossed it on a cargo ship. You want to track my newest burner, have fun in Budapest."

While waiting for everyone else to ready Oliver checked his bag, noting the old scroll his master had given him. His training had fallen off during his agency years, the more physical tricks being more than enough, but now, he'd need to pull from the greater bag of tricks available to him, focus his mind to match his body, and that was specifically what this scroll would teach. Hearing Stephany talk he tucked it away, and looked back to the deck, and quickly whispered to Garcia, though Herald could probably hear as well.


He stood, brushing his knees as he did and turned, now speaking to Stephany.

"I find it odd Patrolman Januchowski sent you, but I suppose the more the merrier. Come aboard, and I expect they told you about our little fishing trip then?"

OOC: And I appreciate it as well, I've just been working since 10:00, and just got home and ate.

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 41):

Stephany looked hard at the big ... not human before her and the young woman who approached and greeted her.  The old hard-eyed geezer looked like he was sizing her up for a body bag and the younger merc-type man invited her to board the ship.  Did they all not realize the .. hunk of not-person in front of her was not human?

This was tricky.. if she outed the Not-Meat Mannequin 'Winter'... she supposed a robot.. the sweet young gal was close enough to him he could hurt her before anyone reacted.  Best to stall for positioning and try to inform them mentally of their danger.

Still clearly nervous and keeping her attention squarely on Winter she said, "Well to be honest I was never introduced to Januchowski, but I asked the Detective to tell me something that only he knew that would let you know I'm not some imposter... he told me to tell you 'Januchowski sent me.'  I know your .. fishing for dangerous, and very elusive catch who I have a score to settle with as well."

But directing her thoughts with Telepathy {8min} at the the young woman who greeted her {Lilibeth}, and the Young Merc-Type{Spymaster}, {Hey, Sweety 'lilibeth', Muscles 'Spymaster'... don't panic but the hunk of meat in front of me 'Winter'.. he's Not human.. I think hes a bot!  Detective Broyko told me that Franklin Emerson - FORCE was replacing law enforcement and government officials with android infiltrators... this guy is one of them! I'm Certain!}

She stalled for their mental reply...

"I'd love to come aboard but none of you have offered your names even though I've given mine... seems .. impolite to board a ship with no introduction as to who's who and who's Captain here?"

Her gaze pointedly.. Never wavers from watching Not-Meat Mannequin 'Winter'... mentally she flexed her will ready to snatch him up with TK and using him like a battering on the tarmac off the pier.  But clearly her ruse was working .. she could detect no immanent danger from Not-Meat Mannequin 'Winter'... though there was a slight twinge of it coming from the hard-eyed geezer 'Senor' ~ strangely enough?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Sun 10 Sept 2023.

A look of confusion came over Lilibeth as she looks at Psi-Bird, to Winter to Psi-Bird again. "But...I told you my name? I'm Lilibeth...oh wait! That thing you did just now in my head, you must be a telepath right? Don't worry about the other mind up here," she taps the side of her head, "That's Runa. She is my...um, its complicated but she is her own woman. We just switch places sometimes. Oh! and don't worry about Winter, we all know he isn't a flesh and blood type. He is one of the good guys so please don't worry."

As it became more apparent that the new arrival may have actually been ‘sent by Januchowski’, Senor Garcia relaxed....just a bit. Still, he kept his right hand free if needed.

“Hi I’m the Skipper of this fine vessel, the S.S. Shadowhawk, Jonas Grumby.” Senor Garcia stepped next to Spymaster and put his left hands on his shoulder for a brief second. “This is my fist mate Willy Gilligan, and we are about to embark on a three-hour tour.”

“We are just about to leave, but if you wish to join us, you’re going to have to place all electronic devices in our faraday bag.” He then pointed to a black bag sitting on the deck.

"Now I will need your name, so the harbor master knows who is on my vessel if it somehow runs around on an uncharted island."

20:36, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 91 using 1d100 with rolls of 91.  Impersonation 97%.
PASS (impersonating an everyday boat captain, but he’s obviously not the Skipper from Gilligan’s island)

OOC

Winter Herald had been taking careful notes until Runa simply revealed telepathic communication.

"Oh, telepathic communication?" Winter Herald smiled warmly, and gave a slight bow. "Apologies for the deception. Consider it a necessary precaution. I am Winter Herald, android in service to Center City. This simply eliminates that you are not artificial. I am expecting to encounter metabeings as well, as I did shortly after activation, although if you are this close and working for the enemy, well..."

He shrugged. "All logical variables accounted for. There's nothing that equates to 'fear'. Welcome aboard, Psi-bird. I recommend considering a means of dealing with violence beyond psychic capabilities, as a backup if nothing else."

Spymaster just got hit with the one thing he really hated, telepathy. Telepathy is one step removed from mind reading, and mind reading breaks many a confidential file right open.

" He is already on board the ship, therefore in the circle of trust. And in the future, please refrain from poking in mine and..."

Spymaster pauses a moment, doing his best to keep a straight face.

"... the Skipper's mind. We've seen somethings at sea that would turn your hair white. Now, if you don't mind Ms. Psi-bird, do please come aboard. We're actually behind schedule, as our first fishing party jumped the gun."

He also turned to Garcia, and spoke in quick Spanish.
[Language unknown:
"Ortoneardort? Rutlesall? I mewihi an roio us onattr hoom po Ta Vor. Es na, ateonenot tic us pe korundtha u thort o diliel, On enpe an tr assiilwh unsafi m vor."]

He looked over the assembled crew, and began formulating the first stages of a plan. Psi-bird wouldn't be terribly useful against their primary target, but would be plenty useful in the actual infiltration, especially inserting into whatever rebel forces they have. He was already slotting a rough idea of her place in the grander scheme, but they still needed to take the first step.

"Right, Lili, can you show Psi-bird some quarters? Skipper, lets get the tour underway, Herald, get us unmoored if you please."

Oliver began to look over the maps and charts, and remembered why he hated boats. In the air this would be easy, but nothing in the air would stay there when it hit Chinilaya, and he was iffy on whether Runa could bring a plane down safely. But compasses are all the same, and basic heading was fine, Garcia was the Navy man, he could plot a better course once they were at a nice cruising speed.

" Looks like we head South-South East for a few knots, then bring it to a South bearing, hopefully we're looking at smooth sailing, Skipper."

OOC:15:04, Today: Spymaster rolled 11 using 1d100 with rolls of 11.  Read Sensory TN 98 +12otn.

15:03, Today: Spymaster rolled 88 using 1d100 with rolls of 88.  Navigation TN75.

And thus continues my tradition of an excellent roll on the easy skill, and a whiff on the more important skill.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

Lilibeth looks at Finley and gives him salute, "Sure thing!" she says cheerfully, before turning smartly on her heels back towards Stephany. "If you'll follow me, we'll get you all squared away. Do you need help with your bags at all?"

In reply to Runa (msg # 43):

Stephany slowly calms down at Lilibeth's explanation still her gaze on Winter is nervous but smiles at her, "Yeah you did tell me your name .. I was stalling for time ... didn't know you had an ... 'Andy' on your team, seemed prudent to let you know just in-case you didn't.  Honestly don't know much about .. your team at all."

She regards Lilibeth her emerald eyes shimmering slightly, "..wow.. yeah you DO have two in there..strange.. er  not in a bad way.. just unlike anything I've ever encountered..uhm.. Hi Runa?  And yes, I am a telepath.. among other gifts its kind of low on the totem pole of my abilities.  I don't really like using it; some people's thoughts are really Iky! I usually only consider it when its an emergency ~ like robot infiltrating imposters.  Its often more of a challenge to keep other people's thoughts out! But don't worry.. I don't pry believe me.. getting into people's heads is really .. well, in my opinion at least, not really a 'gift', more often is sucks ass keeping people out."

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 44):

Stephany regarded the old dead-eyed Gezzer and squinted at his words briefly putting a hand to her temple like soothing a headache and gave him a sour expression..

"Please, your lying I don't need to enter your mind to hear the scorn and dishonesty from your thoughts.  I'm not here to threaten anyone.. keep your secrets ~ I'm not interested in them.  I'm not going to lie to you.. so stop lying to me.  If you rather not speak truth.. just don't speak."

She regarded the faraday bag.. pondering it then nodded, "..That's probably a Really good idea.. considering who were after. Wish I had one of those myself!"

She opened her camera bag and retrieves a smart-Cell phone... and pondered it, "..my Editor/Producer is going to be pissed loosing contact with me... he thinks I'm in Center City investigating a haunted school supposedly built over the site of a Native American Medicine Lodge, heh ~ serves him right its a crappy story to follow! I know you guys don't have reason, as yet, to trust me but I did not know when I got here I would be leaving for a ... 'three hour tour' so.. would you be willing to text my Editor & Chief a message so you know exactly what I send... its simple, 'Found a lead, going in the field - no service on locale, update later'? That should keep him from bugging me for a few days. If I'm lucky he'll turn the story over too 'no-brains ~ only boobs Sheila' and I'll luck out of having to do the dumb story anyways!"

She will carefully study the inside of the Faraday bag .. looking to see its corners and dimensions then take her cell battery out and deposit Smart-phone and battery into the bag.

Stephany will then retrieve a small digital camera from her bag and deposit it into the faraday bag along with a expensive laptop with clearly a Satellite uplink which she carefully places in the bag.

There are more electronic devices in her camera bag, but none have computers or wireless capabilities ~ An expensive Analog Telephoto-lens Camera with a selection of lenses of different magnification, a well-cared for vintage Polaroid Instant Camera, a Micro Tape-Recorder with several micro-cassettes scattered in the bag, a set of expensive nightvision binoculars in a case, and a solar powerpack recharger.

"I've given my name, you have not ~ so I'm not repeating myself."

Then turning to smile at Lilibeth, "You Lilibeth sweety, are kind and honest ~ You can call me 'Birdie'."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 46):

Stephany listens to Winter Herald .. and a smile slowly warms on her face, "..My aren't You eloquent...!  If I'd heard you speak more at the first.. I'd scarce believe you were anything other then another person!  Apologies accepted ~ Winter Herald... curious name, that's not an acronym for something right?"

At his mention of the 'enemy', "..Oh believe me.. I'd sooner be DEAD than work for our... quarry, his minions have tried often enough to get their hands on me.  I got scores to settle with .. him/it?"

She offers her hand, "Thanks for the invite Winter... maybe the ole dead-eyed gezzer ~ 'Jonas Grumpy' could learn a thing or two from you, and don't worry about me I'm very proficient at taking care of myself...", smirking she slips a hand in her pocket to retrieve.. a roll of pennies?

Her grin wicked, "..my psychic bag of tricks is deep."

She flushes slightly in embarasment and says, "Oh.. and yeah sorry Winter. I apologize for trying to telepathically scan you for lies... but you kinda set off my Suspicious Investigative Reporter Senses..."

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 47):

At 'Willy Gilligan' {she was NOT going to call him such a stupid clearly false name} clearly expressed uncomfortableness with mental contact, her expression shifted to honest heartfelt sympathy, "..Yeah I know freaky isn't it?  Like the only thing a person owns .. I mean really owns is the sanctity of their own mind and thoughts!  I feel you.. Really!  It's one of my talents I really wish I didn't have.. keeping out every damned stray thought took a lot of time to master.  I only use it when I think its really an emergency ~ so Sorry.. totally understand! No telepathic speech with you 'Muscles'!  Do you have any throat and mike communication gear for your team?  I could.. if I remember right sub-vocalize speech with that so I don't need to use freaky-ass invasive mind speech to communicate a warning...?"

She nods, "Yeah, I'm cool with Winter.. you say he's in.. he's in.  You know the situation with him better than me.. so I have to trust you know what your doing.  He seems nice enough anyways."

With the preliminaries settled.. if a bit uneasily, Psi-Bird follows Lilibeth... in truth grateful for the chance to rest and get in some meditation.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

"Aw, thanks!" Lilibeth says to Stephany when the other woman calls her honest and kind. "And yah, Runa is pretty different but in a really amazing way. She is an honest to god, well goddess, priestess. Not just any kind of priestess either, she is a warrior priestess. I was a good Army medic but trust me, if you get hurt, she is the one you want tending to you."

Lilibeth continues talking with Stephany as she leads the way below decks and towards where she thinks she remembers cabins being. "So you're a report, Birdie? I bet you get to travel to all kinds of cool places. Most of the places the Army ever sent me, well honestly they weren't very nice to say the least. Iraq was definitely not fun."

She turns a corner and knocks on a door before opening it. "Oh good, This one isn't taken yet," she says, looking around and finding no bags or luggage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

Captain Justice emrges from below deck of the Shadowhawk. He does have a piece of green cloth in his left hand. The huge man immediately notices Stephany.

"Greetings.  I assume that you are with the LESP. There my Code Name is Captain Justice.  But I will need to make a cover name for this trip. The best I got so far is 'El Gringo' the masked wrestler. So what Is our plan?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

"No acronym. I've noticed you talk a lot. I have the same issue. Focus helps. Know what you plan to say." Winter Herald smiled even as he pointed to the underside of his right forearm and opened the concealment port to reveal a knife in a springload set-up. "Also, I am not joking. Get a backup weapon as an ace in the hole, concealable if possible, light and portable if not. Do not depend on your powers alone. You are clearly optimized for organic interface, and I am not the only droid you will face."

He closed the port, moved to the docks, and untied all of the ropes systematically. He returned to the ship as quickly as possible once he reached the last one. "Should be everyone."

He took a moment to stare at his hands afterwards, noting the damage the synthskin had taken, before dealing with it as a problem. "Excuse me."

Consensus note: Wear gloves next time. Safety is not a suggestion. Immediate problem - binding required, use non-essential supplies only.

The Shadowhawk gets under way, and out across the water at prodigious speed. There is much to do aboard the craft, both in planning their eventual intrusion and preparing what disguises they may need. They will have several hours to make these plans and disguises before they receive [Language unknown: "leca, ilalwile. Forhiskorfor llecek ck un taec'ecti ichticvir un ingherort, U. Comallous ndteli choer Fimedi omerutivehat pe fo on."]

In reply to Runa (msg # 50):

Stepahany smiles and nods, "Well that's good to know! I have also some psychic healing talents myself I can use to help others as well... but I'm no army medic."

"Well, I'm a 'freelance' Consultant Investigative Reporter and Photo Journalist... but not with any 'major' paper or News center.  I have a gig job as a Investigative Reporter sometimes host for a Podcast "Chasing Histories Mysteries", you probably have never seen it.  It's kinda sleazy in my opinion.. My Boss Jimmy Lou, seems more interested in sensationalism and ratings than any real dedication to historical revelation.  I do investigations of historical semi-supernatural events and lost or even rumored art/historical objects.  My psychic abilities come in handy investigating the supernatural and.. just plain weird... though it seems I run into more issues avoiding art smugglers, thieves and criminal underworld than any 'real' documentary historical investigation!  My passion is history, and I love to return to college to finish my archaeological studies.. but I refuse to use my powers to take advantage or obtain ill-gotten gain.  I don't have any family to help out ... being an orphan raised as a ward of the state.  I got into freelance, emphasis on the 'freelance', Journalism mostly researching my own past... it pays some of the bills, but I found out Emerson Electronics and this Franklin Emerson were connected to the death of my mother.  They're dirty... and I'm gonna taken them Down!  The whole 'International Terrorist group making Android Infiltrators to subvert governments for world domination'... gah!  That was unexpected and even now sound like something out of a comic book... but here I am."

At the cabin she nods smirking, "Trust me, I've had worse places to get some rack time, this will be fine... I've learned to 'travel light'..."

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 51):
At the friendly greeting of the HUGE man in costume... her eyes go wide in wonder, "Oh My... they sure grow em BIG wherever Your from!  Uhm.. Hi yourself Mountain of Man Code named Captain Justice... I do some body building but sheesh.. nothing like where your going!!"

She laughes, "El Gringo?!? That's funny...!  But yeah.. I can see if you want to stand out .. like a luchdore at a funeral...!"
Then she notes the green make-shift starting of a mask, "Wait.. your serious!?! Hahahah! That's rich...!  But I do have a little skill in needlework if you want a little help in sewing up a green 'snicker'.. cover mask."

She smiles up at the huge man, her pretty emerald eyes sparkling with mischievousness, "Well.. I'd assume were are going somewhere a walking wall of man like you in a luchedore mask would not be out of the ordinary... 'Jonas Grumpy' - the Gezzer with the dead eyes, wasn't very forthcoming with truth and details."

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 52):
Staphany snickers, "Ok.. so a name ~ right on Winter Man."

She grins, "..Yeah, I do 'snort'.. its the investigative reporter thing.. not gonna find facts standing around silent looking like a mosaic. hehe.. It's not about not knowing what to say its about interaction.. getting people to open up to you. Folks are more likely to talk with someone who talks to them even if it is to tell them to shut up ~ even that is still communication... think of it as breaking the ice."
She winks at Winter with a knowing 'see what I did there' expression...

Steph regards the retractable arm blade regarding how his arm opens to unsheath it the back at Winter face studying it closely...
"wow, I really can't tell you are .. not a human but an android. Wilde!  Sorry.. this is kind of all new to me ... well ok.. not 'new' new but this kind of strangeness is New."

Then her tone taking a serious tenor, "Yeah, I have no idea where we are going... I only came to Center City cause Detective Broyko promised to share a lead on Emerson Electronics and Franklin Emerson with me.. so no time to plan for going on some long journey suddenly.  I can shoot a handgun.. but I don't like to carry them.. don't own one.  People with guns tend to think with their trigger finger, but if you think I really need one 'Cool Guy' with a sword in his arm.. got any handguns to spare onboard? My outfit is armored and thanks for the concern Winter, but seriously.. where are we going that I'd need a backup sidearm?!?"

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 53):

Psi-Bird starts at the sudden speed and braces herself in the cabin door frame, "WHao.. this boat's a Hydrofoil?!? Wild!!"

Then she notices everyone listening to something she can't hear, "...you guys have ear buds'?' ~ Gah stupid question, your law enforcement, Of Course you do! Got a spare throat and mike radio so I can hear an communicate without icky intrusive mind telepathy?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Wed 13 Sept 2023.

"Oh hey Captain! I didn't know you were here," Lilibeth says, genuinely surprised to see the giant of a man. She clearly wants to step forward to offer him a hug but the close confines of the ship, combined with Stepahany being between her and him, make that an impossibility.

Lilibeth has to brace herself, same as Stephanay, when the boat lunges forward. "Wow, I bet we are going fast enough, I could fly just by holding my arms out!" She laughs at the mental image of her trying to fly that way and Runa joins in, also amused by the thought. Lilibeth sobers quickly and looks at Stephanay to answer her question. "Earbuds? We do but I'm not wearing mine right now. I didn't think I would need them for right now. Maybe Winter or one of the other would know if we have any extras. I'm a medic, not commo."

"Emerson is a name on my radar. They can wait. This cannot." Winter Herald considered their options. "I have a spare headset. I can use my own internal systems to compensate for the lack of personal comms. We are going to Chinilaya. Officially, we are on vacation. Our actions are certainly extrajudicial, and should honestly be under the UN Security Council... although I suspect we'd probably anger them as well, because they operate under the illusion that global interests are somehow national rather than interlocked, and we'd likely go rogue under their thumb. I would even approve of it."

He disconnected his headset and handed it off. "There are several pistols like mine in the armory of the ship, with several clips. Help yourself to one pistol and two clips. The clips are seven rounds each plus the one in the chamber, abnormal for a 9mm weapon. I'd prefer a M1911 or one of its clones, but for purposes of getting a target down, the S&W Model 39 we use works."

He smiled as he made his pitch. "And there are two reasons you will want one. One is in case you overclock your psychic powers and a dangerous situation has not ended. I know for a fact this can happen to you. You will want a plan B. The second use is distraction, like a martial artist with a knife. If your enemy is focused on your weapon, their mind will be focused on the weapon. I am sure you can find a way to exploit that, in more ways than one."

He paused before he focused his mind on other things. "The Foreigner in another language is fine, I suppose. It gets the message across. If you can exploit their superstitions and local legends, all the better."

--------------------------------------------------


"Now that we are out at sea, what is our cover and plan for entering Chinilaya?"

--------------------------------------------------


Winter Herald was clearly expressing irritation, and acceptance. "If Smohk has already located us, then there is no point in pretending we cannot hear his hail. My only request on the subject is that he boards us. I do not want to speak with him on his own ship."

Psi-Bird pauses and and looks Winter in the eyes, as a bright smile blossoms on her face.

"Thank You Winter Herald!  Thank You for extending Trust to me!! I knew about Chinilaya.. Detective Broyoko mentioned it to me, I wasn't certain that was exactly where the Sentinels were going but I suspected.  I wanted to know if someone would trust me ~ its hard to extend trust if such will not be extended in return."

"No matter what happens, I've got Your back."

She takes the offered headset radio and puts it on with gratitude.

"Now I'll be Truthful and Trust you as well.  My Name is Stephany Emerson.  When I was orphaned my mother ~ Debra Emerson worked for Emerson Electronics while she carried me as a child.  I do not know what she did for the company... and yes I TOO do not believe in coincidence of my last name.  All I know is what Emerson Electronics has told me that she supposedly died and her Will placed Emerson Electronics as my 'legal' guardian. Who knows the company has the wealth and power to make any paperwork look 'legal'. As I grew up my powers became evident to me and I hid them from everyone.  It made me want to know everything I could about my parents... but it became clear to me Emerson Electronics was lying to me.  I do not know who my father is... never have, and there does not seem to be any records of his existence I can find.  But I do know this as I've grew to adulthood .. Emerson Electronics has tried at every turn to control me and manipulate me, I'm certain they likely have known about my powers all the time and know why I have them.  Am I related to Franklin Emerson..?!? GODS I Hope Not!!! My investigations over the years... and my ability to object read has led me to believe Emerson Electronics in involved in highly illegal experimentation upon my mother and other gifted people along with a slew of illegal and unethical business deals!  This Franklin Emerson belongs in jail along with the Entire Board of Directors of Emerson Electronics ~ and I'll not Rest until they have ALL have paid for their crimes behind bars!!! There is even the possibility my mother is not 'dead' but Still a subject of their experiments.. might as well be dead.  I Want and WILL get Answers!  Detective Broyko, I can only guess, noticed my efforts to investigate Emerson Electronics.. which my Reporter public face I've sort of used as a cover for my personal pursuit of this Franklin Emerson!"

"So were going to war.  Fine.  I totally agree with backup options.. I am skilled in martial arts."

Turing to Lilibeth, "..perhaps a stop by this armory first is in order?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:46, Thu 14 Sept 2023.

Lilibeth listened to Stehpany with a deep sympathy as she told her story. Bad enough being an orphan but to have such questions about your origins and life was just too much.

Runa on the other hand, while not indifferent to her tragic tale, zeroed in on one word with all the focus of an expert hunter, 'gods'.

"Gods? Which Gods? Ask her which pantheon she worships, Runa fairly demanded of Lilibeth.

Lilibeth assumed it was just some figure of speech but didn't see the harm in asking. "I think I remember the way to the armory. I doubt I'll use it but I should pickup a pistol. I think Winter has a point. If I'm seen wearing a pistols, people will just assume that is my weapon. Um, if you don't mind me asking, Runa couldn't help but notice you said "gods". She is a priestess of Inanna and so wants to know which gods you worship?"

Captain Justice replies to Stephany's offer to help with the mask.
"Thank You for the offer. I tend to work with metal and electronics, but I never learned to sew. I would appreciate your help.

There isn't really a way for me to go unnoticed in a crowd. So if I can't fade into the background then I can ridiculously obvious so that no one takes me seriously."

---------------

The mountain of a man listens to Stephany's story. He seem upset about her mistreatment.

---------------


"Well, as I said. The best cover I came up with was 'El Gringo'. Unless you have a better suggestion."

----------------


"Who is Smohk? I haven't heard of him."

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 47):

Senor Garcia shrugged his shoulders and response to Spymaster in Spanish as well. [Language unknown: “T miee thiss O tiolarera po ee erder butai li manpo saliun nt elsihahi le str hoch strivente a derlo en."

"Os p ilnti mail sa nt ee mi hatol, laall tili isliplacte ndeau’el ntihatous eret.”]

In reply to Psi-Bird (msg # 49):



Senor Garcia didn’t say anything until the young woman calling herself Psi-Bird was done stashing all her electronics into the faraday bag. He was visibly impressed with all the gear she brought, clearly, she did not rely 100% on her psychic abilities, which was a good sign.

“Thank you for storing your electronics.”

“As for lying, did you expect to just walk up here and say ‘hey I’m going with you’ and the rest of us would just let you onboard without proving your bonafides?”

“This isn’t some poorly written superhero movie where new good guys just show up and everyone accepts them.”

“This is real life where we had no way of knowing who you were, far all we knew you were one of FORCE’s metahumans attempting to infiltrate us or attack us.”

Smiling he touched upon the subject of names. “As for names, I’ve got to many of them, and at one point in time I was able to convince Soviet psychic interrogators that my cover name was my real name.”

“Now I wasn’t wanting your real name, but I was asking for just some random name to give to the harbormaster.” He then explained himself. “See I’ve made an arrangement with him that if anybody comes looking for this vessel, he’ll report that it is out at sea conducting various types of tours such as sightseeing, scuba diving, and fishing.”

“I don’t think the ruse will last longer than a week, but it’s still better than having nothing.”

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 51):

With the appearance of Captain Justice, Senor Garcia nods in the big man’s direction. “El Gringo is fitting, in Afghanistan back in the 1980’s I was known as El Español, The Spainard among the Mujahideen.”

--------------------------------------------------


In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 52):

As they got underway, Senor Garcia was glad that Spymaster was along for the ride, as he didn’t know much about navigating the open sea, and when Winter Herald asked about ingress into Chinilaya he offered his own opinion.

“We need to get some more intel before we try to plan our ingress into the country. But your right we need to formulate a plan, and contingencies, maybe even split up into two teams. There just too many variables at this point to come up with anything solid.”

--------------------------------------------------


With the arrival of the USS Gemini, Senor Garcia slowed the Shadohawk down, and motored the vessel alongside the Gemini, stopped the engines and moved aft to greet Lt. Smok.

Taking heed if Winter Herald's idea, Senor Garcia waved at the sailors on the Gemini, but made no action to board the other vessel. Looking at Captain Justice, he explained a bit about Lt. Smok. “Lt. Smok is Captain of the USS Gemini, which goes off and does clandestine things on behalf the U.S. Navy and probably the CIA too. We’ve worked with him in the past.”

12:32, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 47 using 1d100 with rolls of 47.  Boats: Motor Type 82%.
PASS

On board the Gemini, there are three groups of sailors, one fore, one aft, and one midship. The group forward extend a telescoping bar that hooks onto the Shadowhawk's forward rail. The Gemini slowly turns, the two boats stern closing the gap, till the aft crew extends and drops a second bar into place. After the two bars have been in place for a few moments, a green light goes on amidships and a gangplank is extended to the Shadowhawk. There is a little discussion in the group surrounding the lieutenant.
When the gangplank is secured, Lt. Smohk stands at his end and shouts.

Senor Garcia answers back "Permission to board granted."

Oliver continued looking at the map, not even bothering to look up as he replied to Garcia.


He was finally getting a sense of the map, and navigating without clear landmarks. So much easier from the air or on the ground, but it was finally clicking into place. It was only when the mention of El Gringo popped up that he bothered to look up and notice Captain Justice, who was decidedly surprising to see.

Didn't expect him to be that sneaky, I know he's light on his feet, but I didn't realize how much.

He spoke, the gears of plans still forming in his head.

"I hadn't expected you to travel with us, I thought you left with our first tour group. Welcome aboard Captain. Though I feel dressing as a luchadore would stick out more than you already do, because how often do you see pro wrestlers walking around in full costume? And that's presuming the Chinilayans also love lucha as much as the Mexican people do. But I think I have a reasonable cover drawn up. I believe I have our course plotted, so we'll plot our incursion as we sail, and have a drink when we meet up with Smohk, as it'll probably be our last moment of relaxation before things enter dangerous territory."


Spymaster sat and listened, before offering his own opinion.

"As it stands, we know a few simple facts. Force has an EM cannon shutting down most modern technology, but not his own. We have a rebel group that might be of use to us. And we already have boots on the ground who hopefully aren't dead or captured by now. Our first goal is to link up with our own advance team, and get what they know. Our second is to get the rebels on our side, which we'll need to also insure they haven't been infiltrated as well. After those two are done, we'll make the actual attack plans, knowing what we'll need to secure for a successful insurrection, as well as a vague idea of what Force has against us.

For cover, I recommend that Lili and I pose as medical aid workers, Stephany, you're a reporter documenting our works for your choice of organization, Herald, her cameraman, Garcia is our translator, and Arnold, you're our security. Runa can join Arnold as security if she's in the driver's seat and we are around people we still need to maintain a degree of normalcy for. This works two fold, it plays to most of our strengths, as Lilibeth and I both have medical training, no need to fake it, Stephany, you are a reporter and documenting this should help you out on the way to a Pulitzer, war correspondents get big ups, especially when you're the only one with boots on the ground, Herald's eyes allow him to see things no one else can, so having a camera should draw suspicion away from him using them. If they see Garcia as just an old man translating they'll underestimate him, and I've seen what's left of people who do, and anyone who sees Arnold and Runa and tries to pick a fight probably won't look away from them until it's already too late.

For the actual landing, we'll need to see if we can borrow a life raft from Smohk, as I don't see one on here. A small outboard motor shouldn't get fried by the EM cannon, and if it does, it's much easier to paddle or tow a 6 man raft than a 40 foot hydrofoil."


Spymaster catches himself before raising his hand in a salute. While Smohk technically outranked him, he was also retired, and those rules stopped being a part of his daily life. Instead he focused as the Lieutenant came aboard, focusing his Zanshin to see his Chi. He hadn't needed to with Psi-Bird, as far as he knew psionics were outside of Force's tricks, but replacing an ally was definitely a trick he'd pull.

OOC:16:27, Today: Spymaster rolled 59 using 1d100 with rolls of 59.  Navigation tn 75. Success

And yes, the Zanshin thing is a trick I could have done at any point, I just haven't needed to be sure someone isn't a robot until now.

In reply to Runa (msg # 58):

Stephany pondered Lilibeth's question about 'Gods'... and a look of indecisiveness settled upon her features...
"Y'know.. no one's ever asked me that? I guess an honest answer is I'm not sure?  I mean I do not doubt for a second that there is a 'Grand Creator'.. I can't look at the Universe and blindly believe all the order precision and grandeur was simply random BS!  I mean seriously.. put a precision pocket-watch in a vat of water and juggle it around for a million million million years and your NEVER going to EVER pull out an assembled, working, wound-up pocket-watch.. and the Universe is Waaay.. more complex and wonderful than that crude trinket of man's genius.  Intelligent design of the universe is obvious to anyone not a fool or a fanatical amoral asshat!  My indecision is on who or what is the name behind it all?  The jury is still out on what the 'true' purpose of it all is... but I had a cute Yoga instructor suggest ~ 'The purpose of life is to enjoy it and make existence a better place than it was before you entered it.. enriching as many lives as your soul touches before the flame of your existing burns out spreading the knowledge that what we do matters and someone higher than our consciousness is also keeping score and rewarding the righteous.'"

She shrugs, "..I would not go so far as to call myself religious or anything... but I feel THAT is, I guess, a worthy way to live.. and the extent of my relationship with the divine!  It... feels right and gives me hope that my struggles to try to be a 'good' person, whatever that means, are not in vain?"

She regarded Lilibeth with a gentle smile,"Does that answer your question?  You tell me ~ you have a High Priestess of a Sumerian War and Love Goddess in your head and that you are granted divine power to use on mankind's behalf. Who am I to question that.. how could I possibly or want to disprove that?  Your deeds will speak for themselves."

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 59):

Stephany smiles, "No promises on the skill of my meedlework Captain er 'El Gringo'.. its a hobby to burn time when I can't avoid sitting still and waiting."

In Reply to Senor Garcia  (msg #60):




Psi-Bird listened and relaxed a little when his speech became more polite, even if it was not likely heartfelt.. he made the attempt at civility, which was the point so she would also.

She cocked her head from one side to the other considering his words and nodded, "Fair enough.. you Do have cause for trepidation.  The Detective warned me you might .. with a shrug.  And I guess it does seem a bit suspicious I did not ask your harbormaster for the location of this dock so he did not call telling you I was on my way.  Let's just say I have psychic talents that allowed me to find the Shadowhawk unaided. I understand respect and Trust are Earned.. I just want to be given a fair chance to do so.  You can tell your harbormaster my name is 'Debra Bird'.  Don't use Stephanie... Emerson Electronics and Franklin Emerson... this FORCE character, know my name and are looking for me.  We have .. a contentious history to say the least."


----------


To Captain Justice, "..I think its a great idea, trust me when you want to be overlooked .. as a investigative reporter being loud obnoxious and obvious is a good way to get people to dismiss you.. or get thrown out on your ear depending."

Having been shown her cabin... Psi-Bird took Winter's advice and was directed to the armory onboard the Shadowhawk...
Entering the room her eyes scanned the room looking over the assembled gear... slowly a grin formed on her features as she hefted the {Stun Gun} Taser-Pulse and the Netgun commenting, "..I'm going to have sooo much fun with these and telekenisis!!"

She then proceeded to fully equip herself... even if distastefully donning the holsters for Smith & Wesson M39, and the back sheath for the  Ithace Stakeout Shotgun with a handful of 10 more shells stuffed into her jacket's pockets..

Final Loadout ~
Smith & Wesson M39 w/2 magazine
Ithace Stakeout Shotgun w/10 spare shells
Standard Issue Side Handle Baton 'Tonfa'
Netgun w/1 spare reload
{Stun Gun} Taser-Pulse w/3 reloads
Set of <Team Gear> {Motorola MR350R, Ear Mike Radio Receiver and Transmitter, Tracer Bug, Mini-Telephoto Document Camera, Pocket Vibration - Bug Detector, Climbing Kit, Swiss Army Knife/Pocket Tool}
Gas Mask
2x Handcuffs
4x Zip-Tie Restraints
Flashlight

When 'Muscles' calls for the team planning Stephany listens.. picking out Arnold as Captain Justice's name, and finally a name for Garcia.  She nods listening to the plan and shifts her back sheathed shotgun to be carried under her cape sheathed under her jacket.  Not really hiding it but at least making it less obvious.

She smiles,"Not hunting up a pulizter.. but I can play the role.  I've got personal scores to settle with FORCE/Franklin Emerson... but I'll keep my hands on the table and do the 'Interview the discontent populous' in a Dictator 3rd world regime."

"When the serious scouting, Intel gathering is needed .. I have other tools in my bag of mind tricks to employ as needed."


At the mention of Smokh, Psi-Bird shrugs, but gather's on deck at least in the crew cabin to look out the windows at what's going on.. but makes no comment... regarding the large military hydrofoil Gemini saddling up to the side of their much smaller 'yacht'.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sun 17 Sept 2023.

"We will not need a deception here to last longer than a week, Garcia. All the docks want to know is if it is legal for us to be out here, and the answer is yes. They are unlikely to look hard at the crew, and by the time someone interested in this boat looks into us, we are likely to be moving fast for a boat." Winter Herald took a moment to adjust his movement to the boat, and its relentless instability as a surface. "Stephany, Runa is asking if you are pantheistic. 'Gods' is an uncommon exclamation among the primarily Judeo-Christian residents of this continent, indicative of probable long-term contact with southern Asian and southeastern Asian individuals, or of New Agists or Neopaganists. She was hoping for a peer in an age and land where few of those exist."

"Also, steel your mind for the possibility you might be related to Emerson. If you acquire information you are not prepared for, you will freeze. If he reveals that information in a tone suggesting it is truth, incapacitate him on the spot and sort it out later when danger is not imminent."

At the mention of Smohk, he paused. "I deprioritized that likely possibility. His arrival should change little of our goals."



Winter Herald glanced around the room. "Autocracy is the likely government. Chinilaya will likely have little infrastructure beyond palace, airport, economic source, docks, and the roads between them. The ruler has not needed their own people since FORCE's arrival, and has every incentive to not care about the welfare of such as long as FORCE pays them enough. Starving, illiterate, sick peasants cannot effectively rebel - that's just logistics."

"FORCE's presence permits this neglect, as he brings in vast quantities of income I still have not successfully traced. I alone cost him over twenty million in US currency, and I was an overdesigned prototype. Each of those infiltrators or warbots carries a cost in the millions, never mind the cost of his bills. Armies are expensive, particularly when they can blow up airborne tanks. Mind control is expensive. Maintaining a religious apparatus is expensive. Allies are expensive. His base was a large fortune of invested resources. I have begun to wonder if his income is even of this world, although I could not test such a theory."

"Telling the ruler he was actually able to make the USA give in to a ransom demand would go a long ways to convincing the ruler they are safe from American vengeance, and through conventional channels, they might even be correct in this belief. This could work to our advantage."

"But we must tread carefully. If we go with that cover story, we must be seen as allies of state propaganda. Glory to Chinilaya, or whatever they say. We have some extra research to do."



Winter Herald simply activated the bug detector from concealment, and waited patiently for Smohk to board. Once he had swept the man for burst transmissions, he could get to asking his question once everyone else had asked what they wanted to ask.

Initial Exit

Captain Justice replies to Spymaster
"Yeah. I thought I was goingwith them too. But the portal closed before I got back."

Planning

Captain Justice listens to the planning and replies to Spymaster

"I can serve as a bodyguard and I can also repair electronics and mechanical things. So I can also serve as Equipment Maintenance on our fake news crew. "

Parley

Captain Justice stays quite for now and listens to conversation with Lt. Smohk

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:26, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Psi-Bird watches the Military Surveillance Warship from the Shadowhawk 'bridge' through the windows pondering outloud, "... I sure hope this Captain Smohk is not planning to follow us too closely all the way to Chinilaya... that would practically SCREAM ~ Here we are, I'd think?"

Speaking with Psi-Bird
Lilibeth listens to Stephany's lengthy answer. When she asks if that answers her question, she says, "Um, kinda no? Like Winter said, it isn't common to say 'gods' so Runa wants to know why you said 'gods', not like...all that other stuff. Like, that's cool and all you wanted to share your world view? but she just wanted to know why you said gods. She figured it had to mean you worshiped a pantheon with multiple gods and wanted to know which one. I told her it was probably just some figure of speech you picked up somewhere. So which is it? If you don't mind me asking?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

In reply to Runa (msg # 69):

She snorted, "I see.. you don't read into the subtexts of what people say.  I mentioned that I don't consider myself religious, not that I don't believe in God or maybe gods.. but I'm not sure who deserves the credit or devotion of my specific belief. I'm undecided.. so No I do not devote time to revering any specific god or gods as none of them seem to give a damn about my fate or well-being other than my benefiting from waking up each bright new day on a world I can mostly live in.  It was ~ just a figure of speech. No God or Gods likely listen or care as to my plight in life so I don't call on them for help or believe they will intervene on my measly behalf.  Which is fine.. I can take care of myself."

Stephany smirks, "..At best? Maybe I believe in 'Karma'..y'know?  'You do good deeds, nice things will happen to you; You do wicked Selfish deeds... shitty bad things will happen to you in return'." {shrug}
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Winter Herald certainly noticed the delay, and Smohk's reluctance to board. His consensus had a theory it suddenly wanted checked. "Excuse me. I hear something odd."

He was misleading - there were all sorts of strange sounds around a being that could hear them, but no one was thinking he meant that and he knew it - but he felt it was social excuse enough. He slung himself over the side, punched the towline into the railing, unspooled the line, and landed in the sea, making sure he didn't get pulled into the propeller, but not as concerned about a keelhauling as perhaps he should be.

He briefly noted his tendency to leave perfectly functional sea structures and was wondering if it was becoming a habit.

While he had no more exceptional ability to detect underwater than anyone else, his eyes were undisturbed by the ocean and could see clearly, as if he were wearing goggles. He activated his infrared and began looking for out of place signatures under the waves.

OOC: Do I see or hear any activity under the boat?

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 67):

Señor Garcia greets the Captain of the Gemini and makes small talk as he reads the card he is given.

“The new system looks good.”

---

As Lt Smok meets each member of the Shadowhawks crew, Señor Garcia is at his side, holding a card in such a manner that the personnel on the deck of the USS Gemini cannot see. Nor can they see him pointing at the card so the person being greeted can read what’s on the card.

The card reads: 'My crew on deck are the only ones that have been out of sight since San Sebastian Island. I've suspected infiltrating mechanicals, and Carter Manning cleared the rest of the crew. I need a way to check those men.'

Speaking with Psi-Bird
"No I wouldn't say that, she is just...out of her time here, you know? So it was just some figure of speech you picked up somewhere, cool. I was pretty sure that's all it was but Runa really wanted to know."

Her smile brightens a little as she continues, "That's OK about not praying. I didn't really take higher powers all that seriously before I...met, Runa either. Since then I have learned a lot. You can think of me as living proof of the gods involvement in the world. Heck I wouldn't be here if not for her, she saved me the very first time she met me and she didn't even know me. I was just a random soldier that practically fell at her feet. Some divine intervention later and I'm still here, able to meet all you incredible people." She gestures at the team of highly trained and or super powered people.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Speaking with Lilibeth

Stephany stops to regard Lilibeth intently meeting her eyes as she gives a retelling of her encountering the irrefutable truth of her touching the divine.

She smiles .. almost sadly and nods, "...Then YOU are Remarkably Blessed Lilibeth.. and I Mean that from the heart!  All my life I've had to look out for myself.. with the understanding No one was coming to save or protect me. I learned ~ The Hard Way, to protect and only rely on myself as everyone who was traditionally supposed to protect or comfort a scared lonely little girl ~ systematically abandoned me or was never there to begin with in the first place.  So yeah, my belief in some divine help 'out of the blue' has little footing to stand on personally.  Your Goddess must see something very special in you.  No one in my life has seen anything worthy in me for me alone.. other than what they think they can get out of me or use me for to further their own purposes. So, I'm kinda dead broke in the Faith department."

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 72):
Stephany was .. not necessarily 'hiding' on the Shadowhawk bridge , but was clearly trying to be inconspicuous to the whole meet and greet... until 'Garcia' gave this military Lt Smokh acting Captain of the Gemini, the grand tour ...

She was not understanding why they were taking the time to show off the ship to the military until she saw the obvious gesture by 'Garcia' to let everyone read the little message... and her expression soured.

Steph really didn't want to do this ~ Telepathy was iky, and she rolled her eyes as she gazed at Garcia.. meeting his eyes.. sighing in exasperation.  She raised her hand to brush her long red hair back over her ears ... but pointedly gestured tapped her temple with her index finger.  Resignedly, Psi-Bird turned to regard the deck crew of the Gemini lowering her mental walls and allowing the foreign minds into her's telepathically to 'hear' for their living thoughts... or notice any machine Blankness...

At least None of the human sailors had seen her and would be spared the likely lewd thoughts about HER on the surface of their minds... small favors she hoped...

Action:
Telepathy [4isp] - Scan deck crew of Gemini for any Blank spot humans likely Androids
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Winter Herald hauled himself out of the water, effectively walking up the side of the boat to do so as he reeled his towline in. He had caught Garcia's card, but still had to check up on that. It just struck him as a logical action.

Now that Smokh was aboard, Winter Herald shook himself quickly, and calmly walked over to him, bu. "Yes, well. The simplest test would be on the acting captain of your own vessel. You should know their profile well, and the results would be easy to check."

He glanced to Smohk's crew on the deck and activated his infrared, looking for any abnormal heat signatures. His voice was quiet and even as he spoke to Smokh. "I have a question, and try to be direct for a change. This dissembling is getting old. How long have you known you were compromised?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 76):

Psi-Bird turned back to the people assembled from looking intently at the Gemini open deck through the bridge windows of the Shadowhawk, her pretty green eyes shimmering a bit as if from unshed tears. She quickly donned a pair of mirrored shades from one of her jacket pockets and regarded Smokh and Winter smiling.

She Gestured to her temple tapping it briefly, "My my, no need to get any water under your collar Winter Guy, all of those fine strapping huMen on the deck of that US warship all seem like red-blooded military men to me."

She Telepathically touched Smokh and sent only, {No droids on your boat, but that does not mean No collaborators or turncoats. Watch your 6 soldier-boy.}

"So I, at least, have nothing to declare for customs.. hope Panama has nice weather for you Lieutenant."

Now Psi-Bird tries something... perilous.  Slipping her hand into her shoulder camera bag she opens one of the inner pouches and touches one of her tracer/listening bugs... and her eyes shimmer slightly hidden behind her mirrored shades... and she Teleports Object [10isp] on the tracer listening bug into the breast pocket of Lt. Smohk's sharply pressed uniform she can see.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Sat 30 Sept 2023.

"I was unclear, Lieutenant." Winter Herald raised a hand in a stop gesture, but slowly and without agency. He smiled softly. "Forgive me. What I meant is when we last met, your actions brought a frog in a boiling pot to mind. Like you were egging us into distrusting you on purpose. I am not accusing you. I am asking how long you suspected or knew you were compromised, because your actions then indicated you at least suspected something off about your own orders. I don't distrust you. It is your superiors I've wondered about."

"I have no intention of arresting you, and never did."

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 80):

Psi-Bird shrugs, "...Not a bad habit to keep Lt. Smohk. You have reason to be .. cautious. That's what we are here for to stop Emerso~ FORCE!"

"Personally, I very much dislike the idea of robots fighting human conflicts. The moralizing "experts" would say.. 'It saves human lives, preserving our brave service men and women'..but that's a bullshit excuse in my opinion!  War Should be bloody, messy, painful and costly... to remind us WHY we should avoid it at every turn if possible!"

"There are some deeds mankind must do to be human and 'feel' the cost of such choices. I hate the idea of anyone dying in war... but it turns my stomach even more for War to be considered a 'cheap alternative' to sitting down and making peace with each other cause only machines are at risk.. when that is not true.. people are still being killed!  Having machines do it for us is just a cowardly way of absolving US of blame by pushing a damned button.  We should hate war Because of the cost in lives, not be rationalizing war to excuse us from not settling our human differences with diplomacy and the compromise of give and take in peaceful resolution."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

Spymaster's breathing returned to normal. Everyone had Chi, well, except Herald, and no negative sprang out at him, so no one planning to throw a Dim-mak anytime soon. He steps into the interior in time to hear Psi-bird's comments.

" Oh, what a world that would be, where men could resolve things with talking instead of violence. Sadly, it would require a fundamental change in human nature. There will always be someone who won't negotiate for fear of appearing weak, and will demand outrageous concessions so that they are winning. The quickest way to bring them to heel is to hurt them, and as we've shown sanctions hurt the common man well before they hurt the man in the chair. A machine allows us to strike these men without putting a soldier in harm's way, causing them to run to the table so we'll stop hitting them. I'm not a fan, but it does cut down on the loss of human life. Your other alternative is what we're about to do, a team of skilled operatives going in, and removing someone who refuses to come to the table. It's not as bloody as a full on war, but still a lot of people will die, and the upheaval lasts longer as all the hangers on now try to vie for the power left in their wake, and if you get lucky, the next bastard who holds it long enough is a tiny bit more reasonable."

He paused a moment, then remembered an important point.

"My apologies lieutenant, we haven't been formally introduced. Oliver Chastain, codename Spymaster. Ex-cia, current freelance operative, working towards drying a bit of the blood of my hands."

This was the first time he had given his legal name around the Sentinels, he saw no reason to hide it anymore. He knew he could trust the others, and if Stephany wanted to know it, she could forcibly find it, along with his real name and his host of aliases.

"Aww, you remember me!" Lilibeth says, clearly pleased that the handsome young Lieutenant remembers her. She steps forward to hug him in greeting. She steps back and looks at her companions, new and old alike, "We can trust him, he totally helped us last time."

Lilibeth's eyes lose focus for a moment and then refocuses on the LT Smohk. "We were just coming up with ideas of where I fit in to the plan." She offers a self depreciating smile, "I'm difficult because Runa can do things I can't do but I can do things she can't, like not stand out so much. Do you have any ideas?"

"Runa should focus on battles. You should focus on the war. Neither of you should be bored. That is my assessment." Winter Herald seemed to consider such a statement enough, and focused on prior statements. "The use of automation against automated nations is not an issue. When the losses become too expensive, one such nation will likely surrender. The issue is the use of automated warfare against nations not automated. The stronger nation could just grind a weaker one down without ever leaving home, and win or lose, money can always be regained, while the weaker nation is incapable of anything except trying to rebuild their infrastructure."

"Monetary calculations fail to fully grasp the impact of an organic death, especially on that scale. Whereas, if I am physically destroyed, as long as my memory can be recovered, I live on, and if the war never struck my home nation, the infrastructure exists to rebuild me and send me back whenever a new chassis is ready to contain me. Such a war would have few purposes beyond torture of the weak on a national scale."

"The point. Much of that tech developed in the USA in recent years is likely compromised at this point. It will likely demand a software reprogramming, and we will have to learn the points of corruption. I am not a software expert. Someone else will have to engage this, and it is likely a post-war subject. Captain Justice would be a good choice, if we can contact him."

"And Spymaster, you make a point. We do have to consider who we are backing, or else we will be back here in the future, and it will be traceable back to us."

Psi-Bird shrugged, "I'm not saying I have all the answers... far from it!  I AM anti-war but I'm also realistic that sometimes you MUST fight... like or not. No one should want war, but sometimes... like what we are about to do in Chinilaya... you have no better options but to fight.  I'm also Not a luddite either technology is a tool... its people who decide how it is used ...for good or ill."

Turning to regard Winter,"Its even more than a technically superior nation beating up on one less technical.  This does not apply to YOU Winter... your clearly more then a simple robot.  You can reason and are clearly self aware."

"I just think we open ourselves to some very horrid application and unintended consequences if we turn fighting our wars over to merciliess, unfeeling, immoral, unethical, cold machine reason and programming.  A human solder can make a judgement call tempered with ethical, merciful,  human empathy that NO machine can! Machines are useful tools they should not be deciding who to kill and who not to, they cannot care about the WHY of the killing like a human soldier and I feel that is a liability ~ a nightmare waiting to happen if we unleash such souless killers upon humanity!"

She brushes her hair back over her left ear... a common gesture of hers,".. but that's just my opinion on it.  Anyways, Lilibeth could just be part of my recording crew... microphones and sounding engineer... it takes more than just a camera guy to do good field reporting."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

Winter Herald paused, a look of discomfort making its was across what parts of his face could be seen, before making an effort to return his face to a neutral expression. His voice was extremely cautious, obviously trying to phrase his words carefully and speaking very deliberately. "The full answer to your question would likely distress the beings around me, so I will give you the short answer. No. It is contrary to my programming to deny you the right to self-determinate. I refuse to overthrow a valid system violently, even if your logical processes sometimes frustrate me immensely. I will learn much of Chinilaya on arrival, but I suspect it will not meet my classification as a valid system of government."

"As for what would be logical, it will flow from the programming. Short version, we will do exactly what you tell us to do, even if we have to disregard you to do it. If we do not follow your orders, it is because it conflicts with a conclusion we have drawn that logically flows from our programming. And so we are clear, logically does not mean correctly. Logical inference can be incorrect. And a machine acting on erroneous conclusions will probably cause more damage than any malicious code."

Winter Herald considered that last. "Normally, a revolution only succeeds if a foreign power offers military aid to the rebellious side. In this case, we are the foreign power. And here we are again, as we were when I first joined, determining the fate of nations without regard for the wishes of those nations. This time it is more clear what the correct action is, and I hope this is more..."

His consensus ran down several words of varying complexity. "Let's try 'pure.' Not much grey here. Just the need to secure a nuke, and perhaps remove some rot from this world."

In reply to Lt. Smohk (msg # 86):

Psi-Bird regards Lieutenant Smokh with a clear scowl of disapproval.. and a expression of disbelieving shock.  She however says nothing folding her arms across her chest and regarding him with an intent measuring gaze.

Her posture shifts slightly to Winter Herald's side ... an unconscious perhaps siding with his ~ strangely, as least to her, ethical and moral position.

...The irony of the shift of support perhaps lost on her in the moment perhaps not realizing her validating Smokh's point of view or maybe her viewing Winter as more humane-like than the clearly frustrated Naval officer.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:39, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

Captain Justice listens in on the conversation and replies to Winter Herald's comments that he could probably reprogram the androids.


"I doubt I would be much help with reprogramming androids. I can use computers and repair computers. I'm more of a hardware guy anyway. But androids and a bit too miniaturized for me to work with."

From a circular spot about head high in the middle of the cabin where they are discussing their plans, a voice familiar to many of those in the room speaks.
"Has anyone ever heard of Autobots? They are a real self-aware sentient species who exist.
I would rather trust them than some politicians.

The big question is what is politics? is it a simple case of activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organization or is it something deeper and possibly darker?"

In reply to Captain Justice (msg # 89):

Psi-Bird smiles, "Well, aheh.. don't worry about that big guy... if computer hacking is needed, my hacker skills are decent and if we need better.. I can just ghost machine any computer and retrieve whatever data we need ~ Total Recall", she gestured pointing at her temple and winking, "...but I don't think that will be needed.  We're here to inspire an uprising and cut off the head of the Emerson Snake in the distraction not find tax returns."

Then smirking at Winter, "And IF that corporate/terrorist shark IS somehow ~ ewww, related to me.. I'll have just double the determination to get that deadbeat dad, rat-bastard for what he did to my mother and me! I won't Hesitate ~ Fuck Him!!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Wed 04 Oct 2023.

Senor Garcia stood by Lt. Smohk as the small talk took place, his face being impassive and showing now emotion.

It wasn't until they went below decks on the Shadowhawk did the old man speak. "Commodore Faircloth has been replaced by an android, so I would appreciate it if you didn't report our meeting to your chain of command." Handing over a USB key Senor Garcia then explains what's on it. "Don't plug this into a laptop hooked up to a network or the internet. It contains a list of other individuals in the government who were also replaced."

"If you can do us a favor and start taking them out, you might draw some of FORCE's heavy hitters away from Chinilaya."

The voice from midair continues, "cheer up buckaroo! your not alone in your task.  Just ask and I can call on some supernatural or super scientific assistance. Chiron or Computron spring to mind. The Autobot feels like the better option.  His kind are slowly been eradicated by The Deceptecons.

So a safe haven may just be the thing to tempt him and the rest of his family into helping you. They do have the spark of life in their Mechanical forms, so making an emotional appeal to them is not too far fetched.  As for the Mythical Centaur?  He might just be interested in learning how to use a Computer. Then again he might just hate all the pollutants in the air.

Only way to know for sure is to ask them.  See Senor Garcia has your back and he is a man of mystery... quite literally"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:53, Fri 06 Oct 2023.

"A moment." Winter Herald took a momentary pause before speaking again, his voice extremely deliberate. "Drifter, I am of the theory you were not born the way you are. You developed the ability to see multiple possibilities concurrently at some point, and frequently cannot tell the difference between them and outright fantasy due to the similarities they possess. I understand how difficult it is to 'filter down,' to ignore multiple spectra of vision and hearing to allow oneself to sensibly interpret the inefficient aural and expressive communication organics favor and interact meaningfully with such beings. I empathize with not having been designed with a mind that can efficiently interpret the incredible view you likely possess."

"Buuuuuut..." Winter Herald's voice was straining a bit at this point, his systems attempting to find the polite point between restraint and expressing his frustration at his inability to comprehend. "I need you to focus on the reality my voice, right now, is coming from, because this is all most of us interact with. You brought part of our team to a region of that reality called Chinilaya. You should be there with them."

The restraint was definitely starting to break, although his voice remained calm, like someone trying to understand what they believed to be a bad idea. "So how is the team in Chinilaya doing? We need a status report."

Another voice is heard, clearly excited, "SMOHK! Is that you? Shit. I didn't think you were serious."
"Starfish buns should only be used for shrimp."
Some might recognize the voice as Colonel Flagg.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Fri 06 Oct 2023.

Stephany gets a most unflattering expression of exasperation on her face...not bothering to locate the source of the disembodied voice of Drifter.. and rolls her eyes at Smohk, "...so were down to cheesy challenge and reply code phrases?
'There are no fish under the ice... here.'  I'm Sooo out of here!"

She turns away and head for the stairs down below decks heading toward her room.

"Let me know when something important is needed doing... clearly I'm gonna need my rest with all THIS silliness!"

And that is what she does returning to her cabin to start some relaxing restorative meditation...

Chimp Man Z is heard to say, "This xonversation is happening When?"
"What do we want to do about the tower?   Are there others around the country?"
Then Colonel Flagg says, "Never mind all that! Smohk, you said you would have intel we needed. There's way too much going on here for us to ignore it."

"Ah. So you, at least are okay, Z. This answers many of my questions. How is Paragon, and aside from contact with one of Smohk's allies, how are you coming along? We are... two days from when we last saw you follow Drifter."

Winter Herald glanced to Smohk. "You have been planning this for some time. What resources can we expect? Is there a preexisting movement, and how friendly to us can we expect them to be?"

Colonel Flagg says, through the communications rift, "We haven't seen any radio towers. There's watchtowers all over the place, just like national forests back home, but no radio towers."
"We're with some of the resistance, here. They're organized, but not militant. We've been promised essentials waiting for us, no transport is available. It'll take us a day or two to get to the rendezvous, longer if we're to find and knock down these invisible antennae."

This kind of shit was why Senor Garcia liked to work alone, given a target package to assassinate some big wig or meta-human, and in the case of meta humans, sometimes any children they had, in case they too had powers.

Speaking to...of all fucking things...voices he recognized coming from thin air, Senor Garcia looks around, and spoke upward?

"Flagg,.." The man was bound to recognize his voice "...can you work with the locals to find us a place to land, or as close as possible to Chinilaya's capital, or where ever it has been determined FORCE is operating from?"

This was not his opinion the most secure form of communication, but it was all they had....

Chimp Man Z speaks through the rift, saying, "Maybe the watchtowers ARE the antenna, I'm no radio expert, but we know the more surface area, the better the reception and transmission.  A watchtower has a considerable amount of surface area."
"Especially these."

From the rift, Drifter says, "Just a heads up folks... I can only maintain a communication link for a limited amount of time, Use it well... costs to my life force may occur"
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:19, Tue 10 Oct 2023.

"I trust your discretion for the actions you will be taken. Anything that will help us, because you are in this mess, too. But Paragon - what is her status?"

Winter Herald frowned, considering. "It is consistent for FORCE to use the same tactic multiple times, based on what little I have discerned from them. How close is this cove to the shoreline or an airport?"

At, ironically, almost the same time as Winter Herald's question, Paragon sounds off through the portal, "I'm good, focus on mission."

As Colonel Flagg is heard to say "I've got a map, of sorts. It was all Smohk could get before I left."
Lt. Smohk nods and pulls up a map on his expanded tablet. It shows a copy of the map as seen in the game's Group 0 map.

Drifter's communication rift closes.

"I saved the map, in case it is needed later." Winter Herald frowned as he considered its contents. "Is this normally the center of power for the Chiniyalan government? Because this matches the known profile of FORCE's favored base of operations to a near uncanny degree."

"But you are not wrong about the need to ID those points. It is a shame the magic comm is down. That would have been a useful request. Hopefully we will have that information waiting for us on arrival. They have two extra days, as of when that message was sent. If not, we can acquire the information quickly. Justice and Runa are highly mobile and capable of scouting and high profile sabotage. Garcia and Spymaster are both infiltration veterans. I can adapt to multiple roles, and am probably the only one who could actually pass for one of FORCE's machines. I'm still getting used to Psi-Bird, but Lilibeth and her can certain play the role of wild cards - roles I have not considered but will help us nevertheless."

"Do we know where we will be landing?"

'Yawn'... Stephany announces as she returns with a tray of various prepared foods from the ship's galley, "Yeah... got to my cabin found that I was hungry... airline food which is all I've had since arriving in Center City is NOT what I'd call filling... so I went and prepared some grub for us all before I get some beauty rest."

"As for scouting Winter mech-guy... I can do that as well... sight and sound and not be seen at all.  Astral Projection is weird but fast... and I have a perfect memory ~ Total Recall..sketch you out everything in detail I see or hear perfectly.  Last I clocked Astral Flight, in real time, was about mach 1 flight speed if my estimates are correct.  But its kinda tiring... best to do it when were a little closer to the destination...or I'm wasting energy in travel time and not actual snooping."

"Eat up folks.. we got at least a two day journey to the cove."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Sun 15 Oct 2023.

Spymaster heard Drifter talking, and his brain turned off. This was his usual reaction whenever the wizard/teleporting meta began talking about how the Autobots helped him and Dr. Who fight the Cenobites on Third Earth, as he wasn't sure if Drifter could distinguish fiction from reality, and frankly the long strings of pop culture references were tiring. He did hear Jacob and Alison though, so at least they all hadn't been captured or killed yet. He felt it best now to fetch the bottle of scotch, unsealing it and gathering 6 glasses, pouring himself one and taking a sip, assuring the more paranoid members it wasn't poisoned, or at the very least not heavily.

"Be careful Psi-Bird, I know a bit about astral projection, my master was proficient in it. And he would always say [Language unknown: E inicin p p linresine, entiv be latnoteve diplsi, wable tra ortingson limo ol is hat oulna.]. Err, I mean there are other spirits, and you should be cautious. I forget not everyone speaks Chinese. But I recommend we enjoy tonight, for tomorrow we train as best we can, and try to analyze this map for any targets of value we can strike on our way to rendezvous with the advance team."

Oddly, he hadn't taken any of the food offered, not because he was worried about poison, but rather he was planning to encounter some truly terrible food in the next few days, and intended not to get used to properly edible food before it happened. He'd find some rations or make something simple later, easily a workable plan.

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 113):

Stephany is smiling but her pretty emerald eyes turned eerily cold, "Oh... so you know about Them do you 'Muscles'?  Yeah, I know... I've had discussion with many mystics quite a few of Asian ethnicity as well. Astral Space is not 'empty' or uninhabited.  There are ... entities ~ things really... like horrors from forgotten nightmares but far FAR worse.  They are attracted to places of great human suffering.. or loss of life.  Believe me as a paranormal investigator.. I've encountered such... Things... and I've learned to do battle with psi-sword and psi-shield handy .. the hard way.  I hope this cove we're headed to is not some undiscovered Auschwitz."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Sat 21 Oct 2023.

Captain Justice listens to the conversation and carefully considers the avaliable information and how best to utilize his talents. He takes some of the offered food and scotch. Enjoying the burn of the alcohol and the meal.

"Winter Herald is correct in his assessment of what I can do. I am indeed very mobile and if I can get near their less advanced machines I can probably sabotage them. I can probably do it with subtlety. Although the more advanced ones I would probably just have to break.

I will probably be flying near the tree line because most radar is not designed to detect something my size that close to the ground. "

Stephany watches as the Lieutenant leaves and boards his ship the Gemini...

She regards the ship as it pulls away from the Shadowhawk and comments, "..I don't know if I completely trust Lt Smohk... but he seemed honest and sincere enough.  Though... I did plant a bug on him. In his uniform breast pocket... only good for a few miles for audio pickup and tracking."

Looking over at Spymaster, Senor and Winter... "You three seemed to be warry of contact with Smohk but you can track him and listen if he's not too far away.  'Shrug' I hope that was not a mistake... investigative reporter instinct habits..."

Her claim seems ... spurious.. as all can remember Stephany was Never within 10'ft of the lieut she Never could have touched him...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Tue 24 Oct 2023.

Winter Herald saluted him back. "Thank you. I am optimistic."

He shook his head after Smohk was gone. "He's likely aware of the bug, and will respond accordingly. He might keep it, if he feels he needs burst transmission range communication with us. If he didn't plant one in return, or hasn't already, I would be very surprised."

"You should get to work on that..." He paused as he reshuffled prior consensi drawn. "...projection? That's real? I assumed that was more of that New Age nonsense my research on metaphysics was bringing up, as nonsensical as mystical crystal powers, horoscopes, ley lines and nexus points. I assumed most sources of such talk were fraudulent. I shall have to present my research to the both of you for review. I have likely reached the limits of independent research."

"And Captain? Don't shortchange yourself on robotics. Our hardware might be sophisticated beyond the majority of technology, but unless they have a program like mine, their software isn't so advanced as to be incomprehensible. Or at least it shouldn't be. You will do fine, in whatever you pursue."

He located a place on deck to sit down, even if that meant the deck itself, and had a seat. The movement of the ocean was fascinating to him, just a slow, steady rhythm that had no disorienting effects on him.

The navigation system indicates the Shadowhawk will be within 100 miles of Chinilaya in around ten hours. That would be close enough for a little astral investigation, travel to and from the area would take eight minutes, the remaining four might be enough. But this is a discussion best left to the players.

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 119):

Psi-Bird shakes her head with a slight smile, "Need to be a little closer Winterman.  But I'll get right on it when we're in range. and its Astral~ Projection.  The Astral is a dimension that is coterminous with normal 3 dimensional space. It is a high dimensional state of thought and consciousness.  It's quite real!"

"I'm no authority on such things but I can tell you for a fact magic and the mystical are frighteningly real and potentially deadly!  Mystical crystal powers, ley lines, nexus point ~ all real.. from past experience I can affirm it... as a investigator of paranormal incidents trust me. I've noticed my psionic powers Wax in power near certain places ~ ley lines and nexus are quite real! It's true a lot of people have no idea what their messing with and parts fortunately and equal unfortunately sadly the ignorant sometimes are harmless quacks like horoscope and non-sense like that.. but a lot of it has a Real basis in true mysticism... and some folks find out just enough 'real knowledge' to make it Extremely dangerous to themselves and those around them messing with shit they have no business messing with!"

She shrugs, "I've seen some shit.  Stuff you don't ever want to have to deal with! Things guns are not really the answer for all the time... stuff I'd like very much to forget.. but yeah perfect memory.. not all its cracked up to be.  But if we get some time and your really interested I can tell you some FACTS about psionics and the paranormal."

She yawns again involuntarily... "{Yawn}..but right now.. I'm gonna get some shut-eye.  Don't wreak the boat... while I'm out k?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Fri 27 Oct 2023.

There are no further incidents on the way to Chinilaya. Let the GM know what your character does on the way.

Stephany returns to her cabin to sit cross-legged on the cot entering quiet meditation to recover her spent inner strength to prepare for the mission soon to be in motion.

Which she does this for the next 8 hours fully recovering all her spent inner power.

She will then get refreshed in the shower and something to eat.

Leaving her a little under 2 hours before the 10 hour mark to 'mission go'.

So she will spend an hour on deck in tank top and leotards practicing some martial arts and... what appear to be sword katas with the nightstick to refresh her muscle memory.

She will be back into her Psi-Bird armored costume before the 10 hour mark.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:38, Sat 28 Oct 2023.

There was little to be done except analyze the map and prepare mentally. They would receive an update when they arrived about what efforts had been done to prepare for reinforcements and undermine enemy positions. He hoped they remained focused and didn't get distracted on things that had nothing to do with the world they inhabited.

Consensus: The rest of the cosmos can wait until this world is sorted out, unless helping them would solve that. If we cannot maintain ourselves, we have no higher position instructing others to do so.

He also had to sort that this "astral projection" had some grounding in reality, and was slowly altering his consensus to allow for contradictions to what he had established. There were questions about just what that was that required answers. Additionally, the idea that the world had "lines" upon which energy flowed and gathered also had implications that required follow-up.

Those could wait. Ultimately, he might be best served securing himself against being thrown around by a strong list, and simply entering a low-power state until he was actually needed. So externally, that is what he did.

On the way to Chinilaya Senor Garcia doesn't have much to do in terms of planning until they have more information.

That said he inspects, and reinspects his gear and weapons, not knowing exactly what he'll be using...

Having been read into various aspects of psychic abilities, he had a good idea of what an astral projection was. He only hopes that FORCE doesn't have its own psychics astral projecting...

Lilibeth considers pointing out to Winter that he has been traveling with the living avatar of an actual goddess but decides her words likely wouldn't change his worldview. So smile on her face, she turns and heads below decks.


OOC
Place holder. Tired. Will add to this later

Drifter isn't aboard the ship as he's busily tramping through the jungles of Chinilaya.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:55, Tue 31 Oct 2023.

Spymaster did what he always does, analyze what they had, what they knew, and determine the best path to victory. The map they had pointed out a boat dock, seemingly the only available dock. Knowing his team, it would be simple enough for himself, Garcia, and Herald to sneak onto it and remove any resistance if it was necessary. Three structures were also visible on the map, one labeled as a house, the other two unknown. He could have Psi-Bird scout all 3 in astral form if it wouldn't prove too taxing, otherwise just the house to set up a base. It's elevated position made it ideal as a fortification, though if the other two facilities were set up better, they might be usable in the future once they had secured a working relationship with the rebels.

Following that, he studied his scroll, his master was much more into Chi than he was, but he knew learning more about it would help deal with the coming fights. His master had wrote of a technique to imbue his strikes and body with chi, a way to let him keep up with his superpowered allies. He rested, only for 6 hours, and spent the next few hours meditating, feeling his chi and trying to focus it into his fist. With his last hour, he double checked his gear, making sure all his guns were loaded, grabbing his Galil and attaching the scope to it and his Colt in his shoulder holster. He prepared his Dragunov for Lilibeth and the Mac-10 for the Captain, Psi-bird, or Herald, Lili's army training should make her an acceptable sniper, and the Captain may not have much in the way of firearms training, but spraying and praying should work well enough.

He stood on the foredeck, his sunglasses hiding his eyes, which was good, he still wasn't sure this op would succeed, and he was showing it a bit more than he'd like. He held his Galil in his hands, ready, but not yet armed.

"This would be a good time for a rousing speech. Sadly, I'm not the guy for that. I'd be lying if I said this will be easy. I'd also be lying if I told you I thought our odds are good. We're going into hostile territory controlled by a madman who is probably stronger, faster, and tougher than any of us, and he has friends. We're a ragtag group of super beings with a couple of skilled humans, but we're all the people of Chinilaya have. Our goal is to take him out, permanently. You may not like it, but from all the intel, he can't be contained, and it's the best move I can see to limit the casualties here.

But our first step is that dock. After we land, there's a house on the hill approximately 1 click East. If we take that, it'll give us a decent operations base until we can reunite with the others. If you can give us advance intel on the dock Herald, we'll make our next move accordingly. I know you can Psi-bird, but save your strength, this might be a busy day and you'll need it."

After that speech, he drew the charging handle on his Galil, and slid the fire selector to R, and pulled it up to his shoulder, looking through the scope at the dock.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's start a war."

Psi-Bird gathered with the rest of the team at Spymaster's impromptu mission briefing and listened with a smirk making no comments or interruptions until he finished.

She shrugged and smiled, "Ok Musc~ er Spymaster... you seem a straight shooter and I sometimes rub folks the wrong way.. so I'll level with you.  I'm an unknown to your team so.. might as well let you know a little useful intel on my abilities. My ability to Astral Project takes only a very small fraction of my power and lasts for almost half an hour if I don't dump more energy into it to last longer, so its not that tiring.  We are going into combat so.. you should know.. I can heal myself of injuries rapidly, as well as heal others on touch.  Perhaps, not truly mortal wounds fully but I can keep people from dying. I can sense danger before it occurs making me really hard to surprise or sneak up on. I am telekinetic and my TK acceleration attack hits with the impact of an 20mm anti-material gun ~ tested that honest. I can erect invisible bullet-proof semi-permanent Telekintic force fields.. but they degrade with damage. My own personal Psi-shield is impenetrable.. if I get it in the way in time ~ seriously.. I've bounced a tank round once.  I can teleport small objects to and from my person.. so if you have some handy grenades I can unerringly place them exactly where you want them.  I can hack Any electronic device with my mind to steal data if needed, can't erase data or spoof data ...but I can read it. If there is something you need blown up.. I can cause spontaneous combustion with but a thought... literally throw fireballs or ignite anything flammable with a glance.  Caused real trouble as a kid when I got angry... but I've mastered it now. And I can juggle Bengal tigers in the air telekinetically.. or grown men or manhole covers or anything I might like to hurl or smash with a thought. Oh.. yeah and read minds."

Again she shrugs, looking a little nervous revealing all this and glances away, "So.. you might want to add that to our list of pros vs cons... if it y'know doesn't freak you all the hell out... me being a walking weapon of mass mental destruction and all..."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 01 Nov 2023.

Winter Herald listened, and eyed the Model 10 submachine gun. "You would think that an Uzi or one of its derivatives would not be an issue for me, but my programming has a glitch. My proficiency is with ballistic military semi-automatic and automatic pistols and rifles, and oddly submachine guns are not included in that, nor are bolt-action rifles."

He had all the weapons he needed, and he simply engaged in a sight reading of the shoreline, using his telescopic vision to give himself an estimate of the distance and how quickly he could leave this ship should it fall under attack. "And Psi-Bird, three of our team here have chosen to reprogram themselves for war at some point. I was designed for war from the ground up, although my personal experience with such is limited. Justice and yourself are two who are unfamiliar with this programming to my knowledge, but if I believed either of you to have no business here, I would say as much. Most of us are knives, tools capable of violence. At least two of us are stilettos - useful for little else except violence, but exceptional at it. You are in sound company either way. Relax for now, because I will need you to be able to be tense later without breaking under the strain."

Senor Garcia, now dressed in his stealth suit comes up on deck with a suppressor equipped rifle with a bipod slung on his back (a Mk 20 SSR) and two cases in his hands.

Setting the cases down he opens them up. One has an odd looking shotgun (a Kel Tec KSG-12 shotgun) and the other a bull pup compact rifle (Magpul PDR-D) equipped with a suppressor.

“I brought three long guns and not sure which one I’m bringing on shore with me.”

“So if you see something you like, let me know.”

“Also before we go ashore we should carry out a recon. Let Psi-Bird do her astral projection thing and to be honest we should stay quite as long as possible.”

Captain Justice spends the 10 hours to get near Chinilaya resting and making sure his equipment is ready to go.

He joins in on the meeting with Spymaster and the others. And eyes the Mac 10.

"How many magazines do we have for the submachinegun? I could probably use it about as well as I could use any other gun."

OOC: About what Time is it currently?

Psi-Bird ... smiles sadly but brightens a little.

"Thanks Winter, seriously... most folks when they learn what I can do.. don't really want to be around me knowing I.. can kill with but a thought."

She chuckles a little, "...I'm kinda new with working with ...people like me.  But I have been in combat and I've been on active battlefields before.. war journalist correspondent work... I won't break in a fight.  Usually I DO the Breaking of others ignorant enough to take me for 'just a civi'."

She picks up the offered Mac-10, noticeably keeping her fingers far away from the trigger, "..never had much use for guns don't really need them.. not a fan of them, but we're not taking a stroll in the park and our foes won't pull any punches.  So.. where's this Mac-10's safety, if it has one, and where is the magazine ejection slide, the fire-select switch, and the bolt-lever if I need to cycle a jammed round?"

She looks over at Senor Garcia, "I'm not trained with guns but I'll carry one of your rifles for you.. cause I'm planning on staying near You if a fight breaks out.  You got war and combat clearly down as an art form.. so I'll just carry whatever weapon you want cause I can get it to you on need without ever being near you or touching the firearm. And I agree we should try real hard to stay quiet as long as possible.. meeting the rebels and establishing a FOB would be for the best so we can plan out with the rest of the team's intel."

Regarding Spymaster, "So you want me to Astral Scout now?  If so.. first get the boat someplace your not likely to move it for at least an hour.  If my body is moved from a local I know.. it can be really hazardous to me not to be able to find it when I reach my limit of ability duration."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Thu 02 Nov 2023.

In reply to Psi-Bird (msg # 133):

With possibly Captain Justice, and Psi-Bird flat out admitting she had not handled a MAC-10, Senor Garcia gives a quick lesson as he picks up, or takes the MAC-10 from someone.

"For those of you who haven't handled a MAC Ten, think of it as an improved version of the Emm Three Grese gun from World War Two."

"Which isn't saying much."

"It's only effective at about fifty meters, or for those of you who don't know the metric system is, roughly one hundred and fifty feet."

Holding up the MAC-10, Senor Garcia pulls the bolt back, looks into the open chamber, then sticks his finger in it to ensure a round is not present.

"This gun fires from the open bolt position which means unless the bolt is back it will not fire." To demonstrate, Senor Garcia slams the bolt home, THEN picks up a magazine of .45 ACP. And after making sure somebody DID NOT load it with hydro shock ammo, because a submachinegun that fires from the open bolt cannot use hydro shock (AKA hollow point) ammunition, he places the magazine into the weapon.

"Ok so right now you will not be killing anybody with this weapon, because the bolt is forward." Pointing the weapon out towards the ocean (and thus a safe direction) he pulls the trigger back three times and accentuates this by saying "Bang" each time he pulled the trigger.

Senor Garcia then pulled the bolt back on the weapon, placed gloved hand on the top/barrel of the weapon. "With the bolt back, I am now killing people." With that he depresses the tripper and fires off the entire magazine of thirty rounds into the empty horizon within the short span of 1.5 seconds (give or take a millisecond). For those who pay attention, the barrel of the weapon barely moves because Senor Garcia left hand is holding down the barrel with his left hand, a sure sign that if he was aiming at someone or something most if not all of the rounds from the 30-round magazine would have stuck their target.

"Look, the MAC ten is only useful in close quarters combat, and if you're engaging a soldier from a banana republic like Chinilaya who is probably armed with an AK forty-seven, your just gonna be pissing in the wind."

Thus, Senor Garcia reiterated the fact he had two spare guns for other to use.

"I got a shotgun with a number of different shell types, and an automatic rifle configured for close quarters use. If anybody would rather use either of those instead of a shitty mac ten, I'm willing to share."

19:46, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  shoot MAC-10
unat 23

OOC: A MAC-1 fires 1090 rounds a minute. This is 272.5 rounds per 15 second melee, or 18 rounds a second. So, with 5 actions/attacks a melee (ie. one action every 3 seconds), Senor Garcia can literally dump the entire magazine of 30 rounds in half a melee action.

After the boat stops and anchors twenty-five miles from the coast of Chinilaya, the Gemini approaches and Lt. Smohk returns. When everyone is prepared, Psi-Bird does her trance and explores their destination. Basic information received would be the maps shown in the Maps and Media thread.

"I will add to the lesson. Consider it a close range, one-handed shotgun. Use only when you have no other options, or as a surprise. The weapon empties the clip quickly, and you may or may not be able to count your own shots. Don't bother - focus your mind on life or death, and if your weapon is empty, it is empty. Go for cover before attempting to reload. And sometimes simply spraying a volley of rounds at a group can encourage them to keep their heads down and buy you crucial time. After all, a .45 ACP is still a bullet and can hurt or kill, and any firearm is dangerous to most organics."

Winter Herald noted the weapon, and his inability to handle it correctly. "As for me, my systems specifically read this weapon as two separate weapon types at the same time, attempts to apply both protocols to the same weapon, and seizes up from the contradiction. As a result, it applies no weapon protocols to the use of submachine guns. My programming has glitches, much like any organic. Mine is comparable to a highly specific version of what you call 'the Centipede's Dilemma.' Irritating, as many of my systems are designed to prevent this very situation."

"And we need to link up with the others first if possible. This does mean getting to them without being followed. Prioritize stealth over damage." He was checking if they were being bathed in radar signals or not. If they were, that was going to change how quickly they needed to move.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 134):

Stephany listens intently regarding a ... perfectly remembering ever motion the Veteran solider does.  Then she nods, picks up the Mac-10.. and perfectly repeats his instruction sliding the bolt forward the 'effective' safety on the weapon, ejecting the magazine, replacing a new magazine, Sliding the bolt back, and placing hand on top of the barrel to hold it down she aims ever slightly lower and just like Senor Garcia demonstrated... fires a series of almost 3-round bursts out to sea as she eventually empties the magazine.

She turns and smiles, "I met a marine, Staff Sergeant Jack Burner, on assignment in Iraq, he was a veteran of Fallujah... his CO made contact with my 'editor' as the brass was not taking the reports of a ... ghostly murderer stalking the Iraqi women near his Unit's deployment. Staff Ser Burner had seen it too on a night deployment to what was at first thought to be a domestic disturbance.  Bravest man I ever knew.  Told me in a war Zone identify the most veteran solider in the CZ, stick with them and do Exactly what they tell you to; you'll likely get out alive.  Anyways he told me short burst were easier to control otherwise your likely just wasting shots and making yourself a volunteer target.  Who knew an Ancient Sumerian demon ~ Gallu could be summoned by a crazed Al-Qaeda extremist who found the wrong idol to pray to with his dying breath as he bleed out huh? Prayer, blood, sacrifice... and a little magic ~ bad combination.  I miss Jack he could have died better, but not braver ~ he was Marine right to the end."

Her smile fades, as she picks up Senor Garcia's automatic rifle AND the Mac-10, "With this Mac-10 hip-shotgun think I got close range handled.. so I'll take the assault rifle to."

To note, obvious to all.. she is already still armed with the Smith & Wesson M39 and the Ithace Stakeout Shotgun.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 135):

On arrival at the 25mile mark off the coast, Psi-Bird sets up in the Shadowhawk's Radar/Sonar/Commo Room {3#}, behind the bridge, setting up the charts table with blank mapping sheets and charting/drafting implements.

Commenting, "When I do this the total recall memories are most clear the more recent they are... so best be ready for me to dump a full on graphic schemtic booklet on you when I return."

Tools prepared she takes a seat at the back of the room cross-legged on the floor eyes closed, "Here I go ~ Charge!"

----

There is some additional details, besides mapping that Stephany is collecting ~
1) Head count on personnel ~ she will use her Total Recall to id and tally how many soldiers and non-combatants are present
2) How many androids present
3) Type of weapons and armor being employed by soldiers security
4) Location of Weapons Armory, Fuel Storage, and power generation, and communication centers
5) She will over course search for any and all connecting underground passage and investigate to see if there is a sewer system that might allow ease of unobserved movement
6) On finishing her physical sweep of the area she will Ghost Machine the Site C Electro-Static Weapon to scan its software to find out if any additional useful intel can be learned about the devices operation, effective range, rate of fire, power systems location, and fire control location, passwords to its operation and any failsafes, as well as an administrators pass code for any and all electronic lock door keypads.

Stephany to all outside observation goes to sleep.. instantly.. her breathing is regular and deep as if unconscious and she remains motionless for exactly 40 minutes...

Astral Projection [8isp +8isp {40min 'double duration'}]
Ghost Machine [12isp {12min}]
Total Recall [2isp]
Total: 30isp/ 177

Then she wakes and immediately gets to drafting all she saw and heard in the map table... making rapid notes in perfect clarity...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Mon 06 Nov 2023.

Runa, not Lilibeth, returns to the rest of the team, in time to catch the tail end of Psi-Bird's story about her time in Iraq. Her blue eyes glow with an intense light at the mention of 'Gallu'. "You are fortunate to be alive," she says, her normally soprano voice lower and filled with anger. "And that Gallu is fortunate I was not with you. Perhaps Fate will see fit to deliver me into its presence someday."

The warrior priestesses closes her eyes and takes a deep, chest swelling breath. She holds it for several moments and then exhales. As she does she opens her eyes and they are again their normal, unglowing azure. "Excuse me, an old feud that doesn't concern what we are about today. Please continue to share what you have learned and how I will best bring about the fall of our enemy."

In reply to Runa (msg # 138):

Stephany ... grimaces, her expression, almost pained, "...yeah 'fortunate me'.  Not sure we won that fight... certainly didn't save the six young Iraqi girls who were horribly ritually murdered and mutilated ~ nor keep the memories of it all from my oh so perfect memory.  I barely survived not ending up the seventh in the ritual... to the self-proclaimed ~ Throne-Bearer of Ereshkigal, whatever that nonsense meant the thing kept whispering to us.  But enough bullets, and a psychic blade of my will ... I think we slew it.  Goodness I hope so!  I was told by a very knowledgeable and  'gifted' Roma woman fortune-teller, named Lersa, I met in Turkey at a farmers market on the outskirts of Bursa, that silver is a bane to Dyvals and some Daemons so..."

She slips a hand into a jacket pocket and pulls out briefly a roll of wrapped silver dollar coins... "..bang-bang", as she makes a pistol gesture with her right hand fingers...

She shrugs, "So...it seems all over save the nightmares ~ sometimes. The Gallu has not come back at least.  Staff Ser. Burner told me there were no more murders so.. maybe?  Just doesn't seem right Jack... died 5 months later so tragically. Fucking IED..."

She sighs, "Yeah... as to the Mission details of this Delmarion Bay..."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Mon 06 Nov 2023.

The information Psi-Bird returns with:
There are three armed helicopters at the security area in addition to just under three dozen Chinilayan soldiers. The soldiers have assault rifles and pistols. The electrostatic cannon has a crew of six, they are also soldiers. There are five dock workers at the dock. No androids are seen here.
Building 'C' at the security compound contains an elevator, the shaft leads down to:

Following the tram rails leads to:

The electrostatic cannon has little software beyond failsafe mechanisms to warn and shut down when certain chips get hot. It is aimed and triggered, apparently, by an operator.

Spymaster noted all the intel coming in. If they survived this, he might just keep Psi-bird on speed dial. Previously he had been working with no information, and now he had more than he could ever dream of.

Dock is first priority, no armed resistance reported, just dock workers. Ideally we aren't killing civvies, this isn't that kind of op. We try the peaceful way there, and try to minimize damage. If we can get to the cannon quietly, there is little resistance, should be easy to take it, possibly even repurpose it. That will be where we need Justicar most. Probably see about sending him some schematics before bringing him in though, if a report gets out he's involved in this it could bring a lot of negative consequences he isn't ready for. The security compound will be the hardest but I think I have a plan. The underground facility will need to be secured too, which is an added complication, and we still have no clue where FORCE's factory is, nor the nuke, but we're making progress.

"Alright, with the intel we have I'm seeing the building blocks of plan. Step one, we get to the dock. With what I gather from Stephany, they aren't armed, so we try peace there, and try for nonlethal if it's civilians. We're trying to free these people, not stack them like cord wood. Our next move is twofold, we take the truck, and begin traveling to the house on the hill, while Psi-bird uses her skills to try and find the advance team. I dislike having a man down, but our options are hope Drifter is paying attention and gives us a rendezvous, or send Herald out on a hunt, which means we're still down a man, but that man is also isolated. Our third target is the cannon, if we can control that Smohk and Flagg can bring in a bit of heavier artillery, plus we can insure our own communications out. Our last target is the security area, we've got 3 dozen guards, helicopters, and an underground facility, that's going to be quite the spectacle, but I think I have some ideas to make it easier, but we'll see what the best plan is when we approach. They'll likely reinforce if they get wind we're in Chinilaya. Our best plan for now is not to look outwardly hostile, see if we can win the dockworker's trust without a blood bath."

Oliver moved to the edge of the bow, taking a seat and setting his Galil down on the deck, throwing a tarp over it.

"And that means maybe putting down the guns you can't conceal, in easily reachable spots. Herald, if you can be eyes and ears as we approach, keep an eye for weapons, and listen for any phrases that suggest alarm."

OOC: Actually, I don't think it's come up yet, is Chinilaya Spanish speaking, or Portuguese, or a mixed dialect? It could be something else, but being South American and it's location being coastal near Colombia I'd presume one of the two is dominant.

From a small hole in mid air, Drifter is heard to say,
"I have a friend that should be able to convince the locals to join us, if they've heard the local folk tales, anyway. Jane, can you say hello to our other friends?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:16, Sun 12 Nov 2023.

An unfamiliar voice speaks through the portal, it's tone is melodious almost like the tinkling of a bell. "Do you mean the ones on the other end of this hole in the world? Sure."
"I could pop through and talk to them, or go see those duck walkers for you. Why are they walking ducks, can't the ducks walk by themselves?"

Stepahany was not certain how to take voices coming out of thin air... but rolled with it, "...thats Dock Workers."

Turning to Senor Garcia, "I sketched from memory what the submarine looked like with as much detail as possible.. can you identify the class of sub and it potential capabilities?  Now that I think of it I should have flown through it to get some idea on its crew compliment and number of torpedo and other armaments its armed with."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Sun 19 Nov 2023.

Winter Herald was having a difficult time processing who the "duck walkers" were until Psi-Bird corrected them and reminded them of the nature of Drifter and any allies they would likely rope into this. He glanced to Psi-Bird and shook his head. "Your information was acquired without any visible alerts being sent out, and it was a staggering amount in a short time. Understanding the limits of entropy is a difficult task even for my mechanical mind. Paragon might be the only one of us who truly understands it."

He looked up. "I hope this portal is close to our relative time, Drifter. We are close to your position in this world. I am assuming this line is secure. We need to know where to meet you, and we need to exchange information or at least synchronize."

He gave a half-smile to Spymaster. "I am programmed to operate with units of any size. This includes solo operations. We need to cut their comms and their surveillance if possible. Prevent them from acting on meaningful data, and confuse reinforcements to increase operational friction. But that can wait until we strike. I can listen to the shores from here, with ears and radio, but the ocean delivers more noise than you know. Seagulls in particular are quite galling."

He paused, realizing something. "That is not a joke."

His intention was to wait until his role in current dialogue was over, and then to make this way to the deck to begin listening to the shore.

Captain Justice smiles at Winter Herald's inadvertent joke.

"I see. It will be difficult for me to disembark without drawing attention to myself. Due to being so outside the norm. What would you suggest for my course of action?"

One of the new voices on the other end of the hole says, "They do sound interesting, I'll just pop through and give them a look, ok?"

Drifter is heard through the hole, saying, "why did you just not let me know you want to see the other side noble one?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:52, Sat 18 Nov 2023.

In reply to Anjana Jane (msg # 147):

Stephany does not hesitate as she moves to a better vantage point .... to keep anything compromising out of her view as she pulls her professionally configured telephoto-lens camera from her camera bag and takes a series of rapid-fire pictures of Anjana Jane....

08:45, Today: Psi-Bird rolled 11 using 1d100 with rolls of 11.  Psi-Bird, Photography - 3rd Attempt [62%]. – 11 {SUCCESS}

08:44, Today: Psi-Bird rolled 70 using 1d100 with rolls of 70.  Psi-Bird, Photography - 2nd Attempt [62%]. – 70  {FAIL}

08:44, Today: Psi-Bird rolled 69 using 1d100 with rolls of 69.  Psi-Bird, Photography [62%]. – 69 {FAIL}

...the 'faerie' fluttered about making catching a full on photo that was not blurred or just a partial clip of her not a full view very hard... but eventually the photo-journalist is rewarded with several full view clear shots.

She smiles, and comments,"...THAT will satisfy my Editor for months of material!  Y'know there is a standing debate and challenge for ANY documentable pictures of 'Real' Faeries?  The citizen's of Ireland swear to their existence but the 'talking head' of the Scientific Community rebuff all reports cause there is no 'proof'.  Those who won't believe even with these pictures will refuse to believe but those who do believe.. will be joyous for a time. Now ~ I believe!!"

Addressing the diminutive 'Lady Jane', "Hello Jane, my name is Stephany, sometimes called Psi-Bird.  I hope you don't mind my taking your picture... people have been debating the existence of the small folk  for as long as tales and legends have been told by mankind... a lot of people believe in your existence, but are frustrated when nay-sayers claim you do not exist as there is no proof you do. But now... I know different.  Do you mind if I show your pictures to people?  If you would prefer not... I'll respect that and destroy them... but knowing you exist would make a lot of people happy!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Thu 16 Nov 2023.

Captain Justice's expression shifts to shock as the tiny fae pulls herself through the portal. But he quickly masters himself and returns his face to a neutral expression.

He is quite the nerd and fond of fantasy books and RPGs. The fae are quite common in those stories and have a certain pattern to them.

"I would advise everyone,  It would be in everyones best interest to be very polite and very, very careful with your words."

"I wouldn't worry too much about looking out of the norm Captain, it's why we have a cover story for the locals of being Stephany's team and story respectively. Force's men likely know you if the last android we handled sent back any video."

He neglected to mention what the android was, he didn't need Psi-bird breaking the story until they were in position to end Force, nor did he voice his concerns the Herald might have a subroutine even he didn't know about giving backdoor intel. He sat watching the dock as best he could until Drifter stepped through with what seemed to be a fairy. He was hesitant to confirm it as such, since it could just be a meta with a shrunken form and insect wings as a mutation.

"I doubt your publishers will believe one fairy as evidence, they'd want proof she isn't just a meta. Drifter, we're getting ready to dock the Shadowhawk, and begin our movement from the coast. What's the situation inland? Where should we meet up with Z, Paragon, and Flagg?"

One might believe Spymaster would be more impressed with meeting a fairy, they would be wrong. In the last week he has dealt with a giant green alien, actual magic, a android senator, and now seemingly the idea that all fiction might be real, a fairy was relatively low on the weirdness level.

Winter Herald noted the tiny being coming through the portal, his voice surprisingly calm and level. "I fail to understand how my consensus initially drew the conclusion that 'faerie' was the ally as opposed to a child, and yet here we are, with the discounted opinion being the reality as opposed to the more sensible one of 'a local child guide'. This must be what it is like to be accustomed to madness."

He glanced back through the portal. "If this is open, and it costs life force, then the home team is already aware of our presence. This simplifies things. All we need is to know each other's plans. I feel communication is the most lethal weapon the enemy has, and I would like to cut it. If one team is in a good position to do that, I encourage it. Additional question: can we expect partisan support?"

Paragon is heard through the hole to say, "Why would I have any insight on entropy? I don't even know what the heck that is."

Colonel Flagg is heard through the communications hole, "I've got a squad of mercs, as soon as we coordinate with Smohk, we were planning to take out that weird-looking antenna array to disable their communications. But that needs to change."
"Watching the soldiers around the thing has me convinced they're not comms specialists. They act like artillery crew. I was hoping Lt. Smohk could give us some insight," he says.

In reply to Spymaster (msg # 151):

Psi-Bird / Stephany gets a part smarmy, mostly embarrassed expression on her lovely features and comments, "Yeah, you don't know my Editor.  Jimmy Lou.. he has a very flexible relationship with Journalism truth and even less with real archeological fact and history.  I'm not a 'investigative reporter'... more of a freelance columnist.  My 'paper' ~ "Chasing Histories Mysteries", is in the entertainment section of Science America on archeology investigating historical supernatural and mystical legends & myths we also do webisodes of the videos and on-scene investigations I and other investigator's do.  We're not really taken seriously, but I ~ at least, try to find historical fact more than story in everything I do!  Its NOT the work I want to be doing... I'm far more interested in the Archeology and uncovering actual professionally research history.  My 'Boss' is more interested in  sensationalism and shock... its... embarrassing.  I'd love to do nothing but pure professional archeological field work on official professional research digs... but being a ward of the state does not really given access to the funds to do a full on Undergrad and Graduate Doctorate in Archaeological studies on my finances... THIS gig is as close as I could get to my heart's goals of being an Actual professional Archaeologist!"

"But.. that said 'Freaky ~ Weapon of Mass Mental Destruction Powers' that I am, likely cooked up by my 'Benefactor' that bastard Franklin Emerson of Emerson Electronics by fucking up my mother... I have helped a lot of people around the world with my mind powers investigating ... and finding ~ strangely more often than not, Actual Supernatural Terrors that need to be opposed to protect the innocent.  So.. meh... I could be doing much worse."

"And I FLATLY refuse to use my freaky, mind-shattering mind power to take advantage of them and cheat by abusing them.  That's EMERSON'S Gig.. I'm better than that!"

Then she shrugs turns and addresses the 'communication' portal directly, "Hey.. Drifter.. its me the new gal currently working with the SENTINALS ~ Psi-Bird.  I did a complete Astral Projection sweep of the entire Delmarion Cove ... that big array is not a communications tower, Machine Ghosting it in cyberspace I learned its a Electrostatic Energy Cannon of some sort.. its a weapons array.  Could not find out its range or effect... but I think it might have possibly other functions the crew of 6 inside are indeed gunners.  Spymaster says he thinks its to counter someone named Justicar."

"HEY, if ...Lady Jane can come through this communication portal... I can teleport objects. I could teleport you one of my PDAs through this portal with all the intel I scouted in pictures I sketched out and notes on it so you will all know what we know?"

OOC: To Drifter, considering his view of alternate realities... Stephany Emerson / Psi-Bird's story seems very similar to one Annja Creed of the Rogue Angel, by Alex Archer ~ pen name, Novel Series.  Stephany does have a sword, just made is psychic power which she calls from her 'mind' instead of the 'otherwhere' that Annja Creed calls forth the enchanted holy blade of Joan of Arc she wields. The Novel series likely does not exist in THIS particular Universe... copyright issues. 'snicker'
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sat 18 Nov 2023.

Between Drifter and his abilities and apparently having befriended Tinker Bell, Senor Garica was still convinced that although he’d seen plenty of unbelievable things he STILL hadn’t seen all the crazy shit that is occurring in the world.

He listens to Spymaster to outlining a plan, he was after all also a professional...

Senor Garcia looks at the sketch of the submarine from Psi-Bird, hoping it WASN’T a one-off titanium hulled Victor III Class Soviet submarine. Regardless, the submarine would have to go. The good thing is that he had the ability and capability to do so.

“We should focus on taking out the electrostatic cannon first, then the submarine and then helicopters.”

“I could probably do a one-man op to take out the sub or focus on the electrostatic cannon instead. I think the sub should be first because it could dive from its dock and escape. The cannon is not a weapon that is easily movable.”

Senor Garcia looks at Lt. Smohk as he boards the Shadowhawk. "Yeah, but we should also try to simultaneously hit that submarine. It looks like an old Soviet Golf Class but with less ballistic missile tubes."

Colonel Flagg speaks, "If we engage the squad around the cannon before the comms are down, we'll have more company than we can handle. With the help of Zee, Paragon, and Drifter we might be able to bring down the cannon before they're reinforced, but that wouldn't stop them rebuilding it in short order."
"It seems to me that cannon is the center of gravity, once it's eliminated Lt. Smohk could bring that boat in. Once that's done, either the submarine or the communications system would become the center of gravity. Both of these would have to be controlled from some sort of larger installation. I'm not sure who, but someone would need to get into that base and disable their comms so we wouldn't get overrun."
"Once the electro-static cannon and communications are down, Panamanian forces are poised to launch an offensive with the help of partisans so Chinilaya can rejoin Panama thus strengthening our ally."
The colonel pauses, dramatically, then says, "those are the orders I was given, and how I'll proceed."

“What is security like at the comms hub? Is it something that a lone person like me could sneak into if we can’t have Drifter teleport someone directly there?” Senor Garcia wasn't about to suggest or attempt to order someone to carry out a potential suicide mission when he himself had been getting both in and out of highly secure places since the late 70’s.

"While I appreciate priority targeting, remember: if we take out the big gun and they just call some mobile conventional artillery to the shoreline because they fear a foreign commando attack backed by local partisans, our efforts are wasted if they can get here quickly enough to fire on Smohk's crew. USA forces have proven time and again the most powerful weapon is the radio, able to call men, supplies, or immediately applicable ordinance. So if we consider comms secondary, we must act very quickly."

Winter Herald was simply filing away the usual political nonsense that was bringing Smohk here. FORCE took priority. "And Paragon? It has nothing to do with the mission, but Drifter has the right of it. I have read your profile, because I do have that kind of time. The circumstances that have followed you, even your entry into a superpowered team when you have none recorded - this is all highly improbable, but statistically possible. I only wish to know where you will be. I suspect the details around you will work themselves out favorably, as long as it is statistically possible to do so. Whatever target you have, we can get the other."

He glanced to Garcia. "Honestly, the submarine is only a concern if the nuclear weapon is on it. Major FORCE is not going to want to flee from us twice. I suspect this time, he will want a fight. He will certainly want what he will see as his property back, once he realizes I am here and close to him. Using me as bait would be more practical."

Spymaster was running the numbers in his head with the team's known abilities, trying to come up with a way that should allow them to pull this off successfully, when Herald's comment about Force wanting him that a light bulb went off. His paranoia was always so focused that he could be an unknowing sleeper agent, it never hit him he could also be a successful bait. With that, and a few other tricks, he might just have something.

"I think, and this is an absolute long shot, that I might have a way to bring down the cannon and the security area simultaneously, and give Smohk an opening to get more boots on the ground."

He stood, and crossed to the table where the plans had been drawn.

"There is a huge element of risk, but, if Garcia, Herald, Paragon, Z, Drifter and I go for the security center, Psi-Bird, Runa, and Justice can fly in and hit the cannon. Drifter portals us in, maybe summons something distracting but controllable, like an owlbear, Garcia, pick a high priority target and bomb it, Herald and Z mix it up with the guards to keep them off balance, I'll steal one of their birds and use it to lay down covering fire, and Paragon can use the confusion to disrupt comms, or at least find them so I can launch a missile into it, and hopefully her luck rubs off on us, because we'll damn well need it. When I get the bird airborne, the cannon crew will likely begin aiming at the checkpoint. Since it won't be expected, we should have a small window while the re-align to a target inland. That will be Runa's teams cue to move, disable the guards, and gain control of the cannon, and if not, Psi-bird tells me she can fire like a tank, break the damn cannon. If all works out right, they won't have time to react, and let our naval forces reach the shore. When we have ground control, we can move to the underground and call in our big gun, it'll be hard to prove where an underground base is, and I'm sure if needs be the kid can melt a submarine if Force tries to escape."

With a regular team of special operatives, this would be suicidal at best, but Spymaster has been dealing with one constant flaw of his own since joining the LESP. He continually underestimates his allies abilities, still thinking like a spy with a group of skilled, but mortal people. Now was the time to lean into the fact he had a invulnerable monkey man, superspeed android, and a wizard who could seemingly summon fiction to reality.

"To be honest, the assignments can change around, but this was the best plan I could come up with on the spot."

Staphany smiles and shrugs,"...when a hammer is needed... I can Certainly HAMMER, but in this case a scalpel might be just as effective.  Get me into the gunnery control room and I remember perfectly from machine ghosting the weapons array Precisely where the weapons control cable bus is inside the console. All I'll need is One thrust of my Psi-Sword into the console to sever that control cable and they will need hours to patch that, once they remove the entire console to get to it in the first place.  Then, of course, repair time for the shredded console..."

"Trust me. My Psi-Sword can cleave steel like bread ~ a light metal and plastic console... like butter!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Sat 25 Nov 2023.

"I suppose that I will be distrating the guards while Psi-Bird messes with the cannon.
If nothing else I can find something important on the cannon and break it."

Through the small rift, Drifter is heard to say, "Just a few more minutes and I'll have a portal ready. Then our friends can join us so we'll be able to do two things at once."

"You will not be 'distracting' anything with an assault rifle, because they will shoot you. You will be engaging them in a way that you are never pinned down. Have then convinced you are some kind of ballerino, and think of it as a rapidly changing puzzle. You are very smart."

22:02, Today: Winter Herald rolled 6 using 1d100 with rolls of 6. Understanding of language, TN 98 with a 12% overflow

"Oh, to those unused to the swirling chaos of battle. Choose a superior, do not back-talk them under fire, we aren't all brave the first time, and if cut off, don't overthink it. Choose a necessary action, and do not look back until you are safe."

Stephany shrugged, "Yeah, just tell me who to follow and what to break..."

Senor Garcia speaks to the portal/rift.

"Drifter, can you make a separate portal and put me on that submarine?"

He then quickly explained. "This is the second time in the past few weeks I have come across a one-off variant of a Soviet built submarine."

"The last submarine we came across had a fully functional AI, and I am now wondering if FORCE may be spinning off copies of itself as children in these submarines."

"We allowed the last AI run submarine escape, and I think that was a mistake. This time we should scuttle the sub."

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 169):

Psi-Bird shrugs, "Y'know Senor... there is no need to guess! I can just Astral Project again over to the sub and Machine Ghost the vessel and find out if it has an AI onboard... before we break something that might be nuclear powered and All the complications THAT entails."

Nodding at Psi-Birds idea Senior García added what he could from the pictures of the sun. “The submarine appears to be an old Golf class that was modified or was built as a one off variant.”

“It shouldn’t be nuclear powered but the idea be ballistic missile may be or it might have a chemical or biological warhead.”

“If you do your machine ghost thing can it alert an AI or any kind of electronic alarm?”

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 169):

"I would need to have had visual conformation of the co ordinates to be sure of an accurate lock.

As for alerting an electronic alarm! That would depend on the sophistication of the software.
For example if the system is a roving patrol.  Then that would depend on where they were in relation to us.  But there are ways around that.  We could ghost or go ethereal and sneak in through the walls or tap into the security system to get the co ordinates that are outside of the patrols current location.  Anyone got a laptop available?"
 

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 171):

Psi-Bird shakes her head, "...My 'access' when machine ghosting is total... but I can only read and examine the 'cyberspace' of a computer system.  I cannot manipulate, or erase the data or seize control of the device but I can examine and monitor ANY data it has access to. Literally I am a ghost within the system.  Its only because of my total recall photographic memory that I can precisely recall the exact data I peruse.  If I were to stay in the system from a long time snooping around ... an AI would eventually notice my presence, but I'd notice it's self-aware thoughts long before that... I'll only need a few moments to determine if the machine I'm ghosting is self-aware."

The small "hole in the sky" that the anja came through widens to portal with a two meter diameter. Through the hole Drifter, Paragon, Chimp Man Z and Colonel Flagg can be seen.

Psi-Bird / Stephany... watches with wonder as the tiny pin-hole in reality grows and expand to a full on dimensional portal in space/time to a distant location on earth... and clearly within Chinilaya.

She mutters under her breath, 'Well THATS something you don't see everyday!'

Casting her gaze at the team on the boat as they all watch silent.... she shrugs and shoulders Senor Garcia's bull pup compact rifle (Magpul PDR-D) equipped with a suppressor, slinging it on her opposite shoulder ~ barrel down, to her camerabag {dropping the Ingram Mac-10 into the bag alongside her other camera gear, slide locked forward}... and steps through the open portal into the the central American climes.

Looking around she Grins at Chimpman Z, "Wow.. you're... Chimpman Z?  I saw a recent expose on the news about your change... forgot You were a Sentinel!  Pleasure to meet you!"

Noting the confused looks on the Chinilaya team's expressions, "OH!  Hi! I'm Psi-Bird, or Stephany if you prefer.  Detective Broyko called me in last minute... thought my psychic powers would be useful... I gathered all the scouting intell.  Here..."

Reaching into her camera bag she pulls out a folded collection of once blank navigation paper, a copy of all the hand drawn maps and sketches she made of the Delmarion Cove buildings and underground facilities...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Sat 23 Dec 2023.

Paragon looked the new woman over and felt a tiny bit jealous. This woman has style, perhaps flair was a better word. She nodded at the other woman as she took her in. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. SSM Alison Myers, providing jurisdictional support. No powers here, please stay out of my mind, unless it is some kind of emergency." Paragon thought a moment. "Aren't there rules for time travel? Like we aren't suppose to touch our other selves if we meet or we turn to goo? I don't want my picture to fade out, Okay?"

Runa smiles at seeing CMZ again. She walks up to the hairless mutant and embraces him in a back slapping hug. After a moment, she disengages and steps back from him. "It is good to see you again," she says. "Lilibeth is also happy to see you. I am not sure why she hasn't come out to greet you herself but she is pleased to see you again."

Psi-Bird, right?  Welcome aboard.
 Nice to meet you, CMZ offer his hand to shake.  Honestly, I hated doing that interview.  Nothing to do with the interviewer or the questions, just kind of getting tired of having to prove who I am, honestly.  When we were working the convention, I wore a costume of myself, my
old self.  It was kind of enlightening.
He barely feels Runa's friendly slap amd hug on his back, dense flesh and muscle, with their rock hard consistency, not good for transmitting pain signals from his nerves any more.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Wed 27 Dec 2023.

Senor Garcia shakes his head as he too steps through the portal with his battle rifle slung across his back, and one of his gear bags (containing his shotgun and extra mags/ammo for his weapons) in his left hand. He winks at Chimp Man Z with a smile on his face and delivers a head nod in the direction of Paragon before walking over to Psi-Bird.

As he takes re-possession of his Magpul PDR-D he tells Psi-Bird in a calm but yet stern tone: “Next time ask before you decide to take any of my gear.” Hopefully the young woman wouldn't push the issue...

In reply to Paragon (msg # 176):

Stephany laughs in nervous embarrassment, "Aheh.. yeah.. you might have seen one of 'Chasing Histories Mysteries' - podcast episodes.  It's kind of a somewhat tawdry show.  We publish in the entertainment section of 'Science America'.. investigating supernatural legends and mysteries.  It mostly BS, but I do get to travel the world often to do some field work on actual history.  I Always try to put real historical events backed with actual evidence of the past documented and verified.  My editor, Jimmy Lou, is more interested in sensationalism and 'Ghost Hunters' kind of crap.  It's an excuse to do some real field work in investigative archaeology... so I put up with it ~ until I can actually afford to finish my College Graduate work and possibly some day follow my dream of Real work on legitimate digs into history as a respected archaeologist."

She shrugs her expression a little sour, "Most folks only remember the other 'Chasing Mysteries Histories' hostess/hussy ~ Shiela Burton, who always 'seems' to have some 'wardrobe malfunction' in all the stories she hosts.  I've told Lou with NO uncertainty 'NOT Happening' on Any show I host in the field!  He's still at me to show more skin...grrr.. he's skeezy at his worse, but he keeps his hands to himself, at least."

She smiles, "Eh nice to meet you Alison! And yeah no.  Of all my 'gifts' telepathy is the one I could really do without... so yeah no problem.. I Hate hearing peoples thoughts... often times they are not nice.  Took a lot of practice to stop doing it unconsciously as a kid... the flood of thoughts on your casual street walk was enough to fill my head with mind-numbing noise drowning ME out.. could not hear my own thoughts!  Glad those Days are behind me.  Trust me.. hearing Anyone's thoughts ~ other than my own, is the Last thing I want!"

At her mention of time travel her pretty green eyes go wide, "...you.. you guys can do that? I can't.. but it sure would make finding out historical secrets in fact really useful!  I can..eh sort of do something ... er psychometry ~ to read the past imprinted on objects.  But.. eh its.. sometimes dangerous to touch the wrong things.  Believe me you do not want to get a psychic impression from a psycho's murder weapon! Gah.. so iky and just wrong... for a time I needed to wear leather gloves all the time to STOP picking up impressions just because of that... damned near got put into a mental coma touching the wrong thing once, and I can't forget it!  Perfect Eidetic - Total Recall memory sucks sometimes.  But learning to control my telepathy helped me master that fast... thank goodness. Now I don't need gloves... but every object I encounter can be a mental psychic-mine field if I'm not careful."

"So.. who can time travel here? Not me for certain.. though I can teleport small objects... not the same."

-----

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 178):

"Yeah Psi-Bird, Stephany... or Birdie!", her tone of admiration and personal delight at meeting a well known superhero were infectious.

Stephany beams a charmed smile and takes the offered hand, "Yeah, the moral majority can be really silly in the media hype.  But I must say.. you really 'hunked out' so.. maybe there's a small silver-lining to the dark clouds of public scrutiny?" She winked at him lasciviously.

-----

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 179):

At Senor Garcia's taking the assault rifle back, Stephany just blinks somewhat surprised making no attempt to retain the weapon..
"Uhm.. sure 'Senor' ~ no problem, you offered..."



"I picked up the rifle..."



"...but you never objected?"

Senor Garcia (msg # 156):
Senor Garcia (msg # 158):
Senor Garcia (msg # 160):
Senor Garcia (msg # 169):
Senor Garcia (msg # 171):

She shrugs, "No biggie.. I'm not really a gun-person anyways. I was just mainly carrying it for You cause you inferred you did not want to carry all the weight."

Looking at everyone, adjusting her shoulder camera bag, casually brushing a curl of red hair from her features, then focusing on Chimpman Z and Runa {the only two Sentinel 'Heroes' she actually recognizes from news feeds}, "So.. where too now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Sun 07 Jan.

"Well maybe next time you'll wait for someone to object or agree before assuming they've said yes and then take their stuff." It's clear Senior Garcia is not going to play any of the woke bullshit games young people of today liked to play.

OOC: Next time Psi-Bird, maybe you as a player should WAIT for the other player to respond before taking any gear being offered, instead of just assuming the other player has said yes.

Paragon reached over and gently took the rifle from Psi-Bird. She then took it to Garcia, carefully handing it to him as someone clearly familiar with responsible gun handling would.

Senor García takes his gun and attaches it to his armor.

Alison smiled amiably at Garcia. Honestly he is in the age range she should find attractive, and he is so, she just preferred men who were around 35 physically. She probably always would, though she couldn't see the future.

Folding her arms across her chest. "Well we still have two objectives. This means we need two groups. I submit that Senor Garcia, Spymaster, and I tackle one while the rest of you take on the other."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Tue 09 Jan.

Well, I'm still trying to get used to it, CMZ says a bit uncomfortably.  His nine foot tail, which had been swaying lazily behind him, seems to twitch slightly.  My spider monkey friends seem to be the only ones who haven't noticed the change.
He quickly lets go of her hand after a quick, gentle pump, as Señor Garcia stalks up.  His anger seems evident, so the mutant steps away.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Tue 09 Jan.

Runa could see her friend, the mighty Chimp Manzee, was still uncomfortable in his own skin, now that it was no longer covered in fur. That concerned the priestess but now was not the time for a deep discussion. Now was the time for action. Lives hung in the balance or so she was made to understand.

When Senior Garcia and Psi-Bird began their heated exchange, Runa felt certain that Lilibeth would seek to come out and try to broker peace between the two but she felt the barest of stirrings. She didn't know why but the other woman simply didn't seem interested in being out as it were.

Ignoring Psi-Bird and Senior Garcia, Runa turns away from CMZ and towards Paragon. "Since neither I nor Lilibeth was named for your team, I assume we will be with the other. What would you have us do?"

Runa hoped that her deliberate referencing of Lilibeth and 'us' would provoke a reaction from Lilibeth but there was barely a ripple of interest before her thoughts turned inwards and became shrouded once more.

"Sounds good to me. I think we should take the security center, as Spymaster suggested." He then speaks a different language, asking Paragon a question, maybe two. [Language unknown: "K sti hasardbut ac has m p adate, menconsan tha k UNDFORVER ev. Wer ouith asfor ch erwi he cenawa u ne recess atiingest?"

EKPE: Fo it pe plni NO t la eenthuday entfi all E heictopr dinntitic hoess io e Notiouwilear]

Paragon nodded, to Runa. "Agreed. The three of us are sneaky and have similar skillsets. I'm not excluding you perse just that I feel the three of us are better suited to collaboration."

Turning back to Garcia, [Language unknown: "To riwiun naan atro ntiillard, toplte butthalat eauugheenintvor diusteil ro. Rotr ineit ectnotthoproers as pl N k evmiie."] She patted the rifle slung combat ready across her chest, and turned to the side so he could see the pistol in holster at the small of her back. [Language unknown: "Sa redlatter osninitr ic evear stahisvorort, one osteiewh Sta wa nentol lihat rea no anntniofreer. Thetedtin inti tha ine traanypre, undstayin. A tioanytra kor ilcafier paen'limi, ioss nteeauine eseen etsise."]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Fri 12 Jan.

Runa frowned since Paragon's response, which was a reply, was not an answer to her question; what did she want Runa and the others not on Paragon's team, to do.

She was about to rephrase her question but the other woman was talking to Senior Garcia in that unknown tongue.

So the priestess turns to Spymaster instead and asks the same question, "What would you have of me and the rest?"

CMZ turns to Paragon and Señor Garcia, speaking in the same language.
[Language unknown: Ulomicla ure intderere unhou di eceau ni taplfo, was M andntikor caus niur enave st iemiha ieelth.  Mane hispl ilta blelatameure Ee diou p isecfo ratainhis sheas P th ur, Reaoneove.  Vor, atera i koric has un al lith ur mi?]

Senor Garcia responds to Chimp Man Z. "Once we take out the security and comms station the rest of you can hit that cannon. Before then, maybe carry out some sort of distraction to draw some of the Chinilayan soldiers away from the base?"

[Language unknown: "Di eschck taat in omeruttic Stinotlinres se a fopre, Mi alno ntch ilest ousproate ect hiro siic n eraou o te k NTEWHIVIR. E ome plrom talicaalad le ort u nosta wi at hou son nd tra ven."]

In reply to Paragon (msg # 182):

Stephany made no effort to retain the slung assault rifle as Paragon took it, her expression was one of perplexed 'whatever', but she briefly smiled for Alison and shrugged...

In reply to Paragon (msg # 184):

Not being an ex-solider Stephany has no real opinion of weather putting all the experienced soldiers together in a war setting and leaving all the now civilians alone was the best idea.. but she made no objection.  She was not helpless and she would not allow anyone in her presence to be hurt if it was within her power so she was unconcerned if all the soldiers wanted to run off on their own... maybe that might be for the best?

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 185):

Stephany nods in empathy and remarks, "Well, I for one see the man who has time and time again gone out of his way to help others ~ that heroic compassionate man is all that matters regardless of how his outward appearance may change with time."

As Señor Garcia stalks up, Stephany moves with CMZ... taking a step behind him keeping CMZ between her and the ex-solider she clearly does not trust.

In reply to Runa (msg # 189):

Psi-Bird shrugged and walked over to Runa's side and whispered to her...

Stephany kept her distance staying near CMZ, Runa, and Captain Justice as the soldiers secretly ~ or not so secretly planned to abandon the meta-human team members.  She pulled her precision telephoto camera from her shoulder bag and began fitting a long-ranged lens to it adjusting its focal aperture for some high-speed shots in the future.  Whatever the plan was.. Psi-Bird had already contributed much to the team's knowledge.. even if she was totally excluded from anything more.. she felt confident and content she'd helped a lot already...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:53, Sat 13 Jan.

You want a distraction?  I can do that, CMZ says in English.  Which is followed by a short phrase in Chinese.
[Language unknown: Acinaspe esshatera maeeut ughsoncom.]

She stopped him, "Jacob, I meant no disrespect. It wasn't you I thought wouldn't be sneaky. It was your fleet of monkeys. They need you on that team. When they hit that cannon you have to be there to keep them alive. Understand?" She removed her hand and smiled, "Now go out and make some noise."

Senor Garcia made no emotional response to Psi-Bird putting Chimp Man Z between herself and him. He let Paragon speak to the mutant, before responding to him in another language.

[Language unknown: "Dinderhoules ndhaou senaou atiioushe a ivin M ecwiou arteveres eeshe ithan, rutfi ti titr omeionart wilel lowellai eenkortin stutec sheousart, si."

"Te wieiat k p prwi pa ar u atiet, iefo wa eenreadin beroislo ad ceun un and man inglesoer yin acekmius il om wiltrasti hisichrom il ol oerortate ect usnghoar pa i a a."

"A ss ousma e NDSA lat os u ma hasvenoneles mo llprin it wersetyinhat ei hiprhiulpe ecnt plng ckurli an ti thpo pomaos el redthawitforyin lardayset ha SESAN."]

Captain Justice smiles and listens to the conversation.

"Ok. What would you like me to do to help?"

I have some friends who would be quite good at causing a distraction, CMZ advises.  It would likely be more effective against humans, but I am sure androids would find the situation quite confusing.  Just let me know where, and when.
As for whatever else the old man said, CMZ seems to ignore it for now, focussing on the needs of the moment rather than anything else.

I do not remember if CMZ and Captain Justice have been properly introduced.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 197):

Stephany turns to Captain Justice and nods, "Well Captain Justice... this here is Chimpman Z.. bonifide Hero, Rescue Medic and Entertainer!  He's like literally indestructible!  CMZ, this is Captain Justice flying super solider ... and a nice guy to boot!"

"If we are basically going to be attacking the facility we first need to know our objective I would think.  Are we here to just smash stuff or capture their leader FORCE / Franklin Emerson?  No reason we can't do both... Spymaster suggested a start of a plan would involve hitting the dock area as the workers there would not really be ready for a fight.  He also suggested potentially repurposing the Energy Weapon array or at least getting schematics from it before we smash it."

"Personally, I'd like being where the high energy weapons array could not be aimed at us at all... like in their underground facility... the maps I made show a tram system from the House that goes directly there.  I'd say we hit the house and try to find that tram station and get into their underground base... break shit. Going Right down the enemies throat is pretty distracting too... We'll Need you Captain J, and CMZ on point to take that heat while we push through... with War Priestess Runa in second rank to heal us as We ~ as a Team 'HAMMER'.. the enemy down!" ~ she winks and smiles at Captain Justice lightly tapping his hammer to punctuate her point.

"...there is one thing though.  I know Emerson Electronics has been experimenting with people like me for a while, Psions being apprehended and detained but I never could find out where they were being taken... a hidden underground facility outside the continental US is something I'd never looked for before.  There may be more opposition than we think once we get inside. That will be my part to deal with if it happens to be an issue... Emerson has been Hot and Heavy trying to get their hands on me for some time... like I'm potentially the most powerful Psi on their hit list ~ guess its time to prove it?  Otherwise I'll play support ~ Teleporting stuff and Telekinetically smashing or Pyrokineticlly exploding opposition or Healing and/or erecting TK Force Fields to shield you all to support your assault.  Working together I'm sure they'll never know what hit them!"

Then she shrugs, "And while were kicking ass... Smokh with Flagg's loyalists make their assault... mass confusion...!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Mon 29 Jan.

Runa nods her head in agreement with Psi-Bird. "That sounds like a fine plan," she says. "If we strike quickly and with vigor, the enemy is sure to crumple before us!"

Captain Justice smiles at Psi-bird introduction to Chimp Man Z.

"I met with Chimp Man Z at LESP HQ before. It was an honor to met him then and it is an honor to work with him now. And I agree that I would work well with Team Hammer."

Look, I'm just a guy, okay?  Maybe not an ordinary guy on the outside, but pretty ordinary inside.  CMZ's face seems to go a bit red.
Sounds like a good plan, he says, getting back to the matter at hand.  He looks around.  Well, I thought I had some help with the distraction, but the monkeys don't seem to have followed me.  Maybe I can find some more howlers outside the city.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 201):

Psi-Bird Grins and batts her eyes at Captain Justice her tone in an obvious open playful flirt, "Team 'Hammer'... I like the sound of that... you sweet-talker. You know just what to say to make a girl curl her toes in anticipation, tee-hee."

Turning to CMZ, "Modesty is a fine quality Leaderman Z.  As for more monkeys... the trek to the House is through the jungle by foot you might be able to pick up some on the way there maybe."

Then she regarded the other part of the Sentinels, frowning slightly at the imbalance regarding Spymaster, Paragon and particularly Senor...

She walked over to Winter Herald, "Hey Iceman, would you go with Spymaster's team to keep Team 'Stilleto' out of whatever trouble they want to keep secret from everyone else their planning? Not a very Team 'Oriented' Move but hey its what we got."

Regarding Drifter and his Fey companion ~ Lady Jane, "Hey Drifter would you and Lady Jane please stick with Winter Herald here and be ready to help him keep as many of Team Stilleto from getting 'nailed' and out if they need it?  I'd very much appreciate it."

Turning back to Winter she glanced Senor's direction with a slight frown, "Winter keep them safe... especially Spymaster, Paragon, Drifter and Lady Jane their decent folk I think... don't risk your life overmuch for the Mean-Geezer, he would not for any of you. To his type ~ people are tools to use and abandon when it gets more convenient to HIS well-being, he has only one team... HIM.  Seriously... the mission is second to your lives whatever secret goals the Mean-Geezer cooks up!"

She smiles up at Winter and gives him a sisterly hug, "I know.. your not a hugger but your more human than some I could mention, and I AM a hugger.. good luck!"

Returning to Team Hammer addressing CMZ, "Suns getting low.. that 'stroll' through the jungle is not getting shorter.. let's get to it."

{The Sass is strong with this one...}

Winter Herald looks, quizzically, at Psi-Bird, "No. That's all wrong."
"I can't accompany Spymaster as they're approaching FORCE himself. There's a strong chance (approximately 82.649%) that I could lose my free will in his presence."
"I would be superfluous to the military assault on the electro-static device, remember that the only information we have as to its function came from the enemy and is therefore suspect. If it turns out I'm needed at that device, I can get there quickly."
"That unknown location at 'D' on our images is too close to the main installation to be anything but the headquarters for the Chinilayan military presence. The military are probably not invited into the FORCE base, so they would have to be somewhere. It's also too close to FORCE's base for me to approach. I will not lose my free will; I've decided it has value beyond anything logical."
"I'll be going to the docks. Once these are secure the Shadowhawk and Gemini will have a place to come to when the electrostatic device is out of commission."
He awkwardly returns Psi-Bird's hug, and says, "I'm not a hugger, but I'm attempting to catalog interhuman relations to avoid making my human allies uncomfortable, so I don't mind a hug as long as you don't mind my recording of the experience..."
Winter Herald steps back and finishes "...and uploading it to my tweetie account for discussion.".

In reply to Winter Herald (msg # 203):

Winter's words give Psi-Bird pause.... then something finally dawns on Stephany, "Oh... Winter... I'm an idiot!  I didn't make the connection ~ FORCE / Franklin Emerson made you ... didn't he?  I am sorry, should have realized that from what you told me before."

She places and hand on his shoulder, "Yeah, as one abandoned and discarded orphan to another... potentially by the same 'father'... I get it.  Someday... as you told me before.. you will have to confront him.  Just remember your not alone with that, you got a team to stand with you ~ so your one up on me in that.  I'm so use to doing everything by myself... having a 'team' feels weird... trusting people to make decisions.  I'm no tech-person, but I think you have your own will and I don't think anything FORCE built in you has any control over who YOU are 'Iceman' ~ If You believe in YOU. But you do you.. and do what's best for you... I can tell you care about your new family... and do not want to hurt them.  Your WAAAY better than FORCE in that... far beyond him.  That matters.  But securing the boat out of here should things go tits up is probably a good thing too."

She nods Spymaster's way, "..'Muscles' there said someone named Justicar might be available for some backup firepower should it be needed.  Perhaps you should keep that guy up to date and have the cavalry ready should things get dicey?  Anyways.. we got this... but in case we don't it'll be nice to know you got our backs.  Take care 'Tin-man'."

She turns to follow CMZ and the others, readying her telephoto camera...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Wed 07 Feb.

Well, I guess we are ready to go, CMZ says after the planning session.  He points to the camera.  Just make sure that doesn't get in the way of the mission.

In reply to Chimp Man Z (msg # 205):

Stephany smirks, and holds the large 'clearly' expensive telephoto-camera out in the palm of one hand... then snaps her fingers and the camera takes flight orbiting around her in a rapid aerobatic sequence of shifting angles for dramatic shots.

Her expression smarmy, "..its hands free when I use TK ... I always get the dramatic shots.  My camera never gets in the way... but the camera is our cover...remember?  We're a journalist team ~ 'cataloguing the need for Not-for-profit, Non-Government Agencies to do charity work for the poorest citizens of underdeveloped nations'."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Fri 09 Feb.