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.