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:
"Omethotioill? Ughbutugh? Ur esleul icaan al fi houounhou men ver Din Rient. P ee, inglareau wh are ughbe vorintbut ni red p shewilfor, I ble ulbe si erarnenc whilinfor o ame."]

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: "ivel, eenresdersom. Oundin-thoter asthisvor te vor undthu-thinti ardsomwer n estdintin, Ei. Somlatpro ekaino witut Tesaul ilieento plin ss onal."]

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."