Project Freelancer - IC

[Comissar]

"All Agents, report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

Soldiers across the Mother of Invention paused to listen to the Director's announcement. This would be the first time that the Agents would enter the field under the direction of the project. Conversations soon started up, in one of the many corridors two men started taking bets on how long the Agents would last. In the mess, a group of engineers talked about what they'd heard about the training the Agents had been put through. Down in the hangar, a soldier put down a heavy crate and turned to his senior officer.

"What? You think you can stop just because of some announcement? Get back to work! We need to have the ship loaded and ready to fly in the next half hour!"

With a disgruntled sigh, the soldier picked up the crate again and moved it on board the waiting Pelican.

"I repeat, all Agents report to the mission breifing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

On the bridge, the Director turned the intercom off. Looking out at the starscape before him, he asked "And you're certain they have it?"

The Counselor consulted the dataplate he held, "Yes, our inside source was able to capture some images of it prior to being discovered."

"That is most excellent, Counselor."

[Julian928]

"... 55... 56..."

"All Agents, report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

"... 57... 58..."

"I repeat, all Agents report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

"... 59... 60." Indiana let go of the cannon and dropped five feet to the ground. He couldn't drive the Scorpion for ****, but the pull-ups helped him calm down, and the massive vehicle reminded him of the raw power he had honed into a near-ODST quality marine.

He still wasn't sure if the Project was going to be the "Magic bullet to end the war," as the Director said, but the idea had been enough for him to accept the offer.

Now here he was. The fatigues he wore seemed more civilian than military, but they were standard issue, and he missed the Gunnery Sergeant's chevrons and rifles that once adorned his shoulder. Indiana still had the faded, burnt red rag that kept the hair out of his eyes though.

He tied it on, and walked out of Mother of Invention's cargo bay, making for the briefing room.

[Binks]

"All Agents, report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

Throughout the Mother of Invention's shipboard gym a number of crew stopped what they were doing to glance in the direction of the speakers as the announcement blared. A few kept working, among them the man codenamed Agent Arizona.

Thirty minutes was plenty long enough for him to finish his current set of weights, get showered and back in fatigues, and report for duty after all. No reason to drop everything, especially since he needed the physical training more than most he had met thus far.

"I repeat, all Agents report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

Precisely thirty minutes later, freshly showered, in standard issue fatigues, and radiating confidence in spite of the distinct possibility this would be his first true combat mission Agent Arizona stepped into the missing briefing room.

[OracleofSilence]

"All Agents, report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

California smoothly completes his run of the gyms obstacle course despite the sudden call to action. Looking around the gym, he shakes his head. "Such nervousness. You'd almost think we were in the army or something."

"I repeat, all Agents report to the mission breifing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

California shrugs to himself then heads to the locker room to get a bit of a lead on the rest of the agents.

He arrives a few minutes ahead of schedule in full body armor, and resolutely calm.

[Hazuki]

The drawl of the director's voice intruded upon Alaska's calm mind. She liked his accent, if she were to tell the truth, but there was something about the intercom that just didn't seem right in its distortion; but her home hadn't been particularly used to the luxuries of technology that this ship could afford. Always more interested in getting the necessary done, but there was always room for something else. While some of the other recruits to the Project were working out, Agent Alaska had been stretching in private in order to tone her muscles and calm the stress of the former night's training. There wasn't any point to training unless she did it until exhaustion, so this form of meditation was a happy compromise until the time she could be sure a mission wouldn't come up.

But it had for now, and the Agent toppled to the ground and returned to her feet swiftly enough. There was time to get dressed for battle, as always, and not working out at the gym meant she wouldn't need to take a shower. Whatever those poor guys had to do to rush into battle, she didn't envy 'em, and was soon getting her gear ready to head out and Freelance some bad guys. After looking over herself in the mirror first, a longing look left for her lost locks of hair, she was soon prepared for whatever combat came. She popped on her helmet and left for the briefing room with a relaxed gait.

The briefing room was a bit cold for her tastes, and nothing like the living jungles back home, but she did like the wavy monitors on the walls. The patterns were somewhat soothing to watch, as she stood with proper posture in wait of the briefing.

[Drakeburn]

"All Agents, report to the mission briefing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

Pennsylvania stopped the treadmill as he heard the announcement. He immediately went straight to the showers.

"I repeat, all Agents report to the mission breifing room in thirty minutes. Be prepared for combat insertion after the brief."

As he showered, thoughts of uncertainty and worry filled his head as he showered.
I'm supposed to save lives, and here I am, expected to take away the lives of others. Can I really bring myself to all this?

Within a couple dozen moments, he was heading for the briefing room, dressed in full armor and feeling refreshed.

"My first mission." Pennsylvania said under his breath.

[Comissar]

As each Agent arrives in turn, the Counselor gives a nod in greeting whilst the Director examines a computer screen. Standing off to one side is a white armoured woman, her armour markings indicate that she's a pilot. Once the last Agent arrives, the Counselor turns to the Director and comments, "Everybody is here now, sir."

Without bothering to greet them, the Director approached the table the others were gathered around.

"Agents, you may have heard rumours that a large part of the UNSC has broken out into open rebellion. These rumours are true, this insurrection is a sizable threat and has managed to secure several pieces of high level technology. Your mission is to recover one such piece, a UNSC black box."

He presses a few keys on the table and a pale blue hologram of a four story building complex flashes up.

"We have detailed intel. of the layout of the base along with the last known location of your objective," within the hologram, corridors and rooms appear and, on the third floor, a red block materialises to mark the objectives location, "The insurrectionists are still using UNSC colours for their armour, it should be possible for you to infiltrate the building and reach the objective without much risk. Once you have claimed your objective, evacuate the complex. Your evac. craft will be waiting for you."

At this point the white armoured Pilot steps forward, "We're going for a quiet drop, people. We're coming in low and out of sight, they patrol the area regularly so I can't hang around without blowing your cover."

"Agent Arizona, you will be leading the team for this mission."

The Counselor adds "Your psychological profiles suggest that you will be best suited to co-ordinating this operation."

"Are there any questions?"

[Julian928]

"Yeah, I got one." Indiana raised his hand in a small gesture of subordination. "Do we got any idea what kinda numbers they got? I don't mean to burst nobody's bubble, and no disrespect to you, Arizona, but marines got a nasty habit of knowing how to kill people they want dead. I get a feelin' that us robbin' something back from 'em'll give'em a powerful reason to want us dead."

Indiana found scrutinizing eyes on him, and crossed his arms as if they would make him invisible. It wasn't shyness, he had just never felt comfortable talking around the Director, let alone directly to him.

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania slightly shakes his head at Indiana's question. The thought of having soldiers trying to kill them is one thing, but he was more curious about the UNSC black box. What could be inside it that poses as such a threat?
Pennsylvania just kept his mouth shut, waiting for what happens next......

[OracleofSilence]

California shifts his gaze towards the Director "Umm, do we have any knowledge of the Insurrectionists patrol routes? And how big is this black box going to be? Can we sneak it out?"

After a moments thought, "Is there any material we can requisition? Explosives maybe?"

California glances around at his fellow soldiers. He smiles inside his helmet "Hey Indiana, weren't you in the marines? Cause I read your file and I can shoot as well as you can and no one even taught me how... Ahh I kid. Don't take it too seriously."

[Comissar]

"We estimate there to be approximately fifty personnel at the site. Naturally you will be required to use caution against so many men."

The Director turns his head to look at California, "We have some idea of their patrol routes, yes."

He presses a few more keys on the table and a series of blue lines appear, the leading edge of the lines is a bright blue and they fade to nothing. The leading edges move around the complex in what are, presumably, the patrol routes. You can see that the drop site you'll be using sees the longest time between patrols and is out of sight of the main complex. Only two lines pass through the site and there is a delay of several minutes before one reaches the starting point of the other.

"The black box is a data cache containing classified military intel, it is small enough for you to carry, but it will be guarded. You are unlikely to escape with it undetected."

"It'll take me about a minute to get into evac. position on that helipad," Six Four Niner points to the roof of a three story building next to the one housing the objective, "If you think it's all going to go to hell, signal me sooner rather than later."

"We can provide you with explosive charges if you feel you will require them."

"Yes, we have access to a wide variety of equipment. If you feel there is something specialised you will need in the field, then do not hesitate to ask us for it."

Maps are here:

Ground Floor:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-07at101545.png

First Floor:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-07at110135.png

Second Floor:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-07at115457.png

Third Floor:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-07at120006.png

Patrol routes within the base are not shown, the landing site you'll be using is a short distance south of the complex itself.

[Julian928]

Indiana absorbed what the Director had said, but his eyes were wide-open, alive with the hope of a fight.

"Thank you, sir." He replied to the Director, then he walked to stand chest-to-chest with California.

"Look at you in that damn-pretty armor, California. I didn't wear mine, 'cause of all the battle scars. Did you also see that I could lay you flat with one punch? I'm thinkin' I could demonstrate..." Indiana's right hand closed into a loose fist, but it still cracked all of his knuckles. "If you like."

[Binks]

Arizona listens carefully as the mission is laid out, nodding at appropriate times and staying quiet.

Simple snatch and grab...fun. And being led by Agent Arizona...

It's a few seconds after his name is mentioned as leader that Arizona realizes that meant him. He does his best to keep the surprise off his face but he'd never been a great liar, so it's not entirely successful.

As the others ask their questions Arizona studies the floorplan, trying to absorb the information...and to hide his worry about being thrust into the light so quickly, without a proper opportunity to prepare.

"Right then. This blinking red dot is the target's last known location I presume?" Arizona says, pointing to the second floor.

"Explosives would definitely be good. We get the opportunity I would love nothing more than to have some charges on that barracks of theirs." Arizona adds, pointing to the large unconnected building. "A nice distraction for when everything inevitably goes belly up."

After a few more seconds of thinking Arizona lists off what he thinks the team will need in addition to the standard gear.

"We'll need a portable copy of these floorplans and the patrol routes, memorization isn't trustworthy enough, unless one of you guys is an eidetic or something, some pictures of the black box if you've got them, a good description otherwise, and whatever info we've got on these Insurrectionists. Reasons for leaving, command structure info, that kind of stuff. And the explosives California mentioned of course." Arizona says, glancing about to see if anyone had anything else to add to the list.

[Drakeburn]

"Don't worry. If you want a demonstration, I'm here for ya," Pennsylvania said as he turned to Indiana and California. "I'm trained in the medical field after all."

"And I guess we all have a good idea on what to expect, so lets get going."

[Hazuki]

Agent Alaska listened patiently through the brief, nothing seeming to be too offensive to her tastes, though one thing stood out in particular as she watched the other team members weigh in on the topic of their plan. These people were wearing UNSC armor, which was fair enough, because she knew that buying new armor would have been very expensive, and the pockets of rebels never tended to be well-funded. Which meant that they could very well be assaulting the UNSC themselves, and didn't know it, but she doubted that the Director would lead them astray like that. He seemed like a pretty nice guy, and even offered a position of command to the guy with the ugly face.

The growing confrontation between the boys made Alaska laugh softly behind her helmet. That always seemed to happen amongst military men too green to earn their stripes yet, and these boys didn't sound like any veterans, and neither was she for that matter. But getting into a brawl while dressed up in all the fancy gear wouldn't have gone well at all, and she could have taken a hit were they to get her involved, but she needed to say something to defuse the tension.

"Calm down, won't you, boys?" Agent Alaska asked, as she moved over to besides their temporary squad leader and shot a glance over to California Indiana. "There'll be plenty of time to flirt when we get back." She looked over to Indiana with his silent offer of gear suggestions. Most of what they'd need had already been said, so she shrugged her shoulders. "That sounds good to me."

[Comissar]

"Very well, you will be provided with a pair of demolition charges. Copies of the layout along with an image of the black box are already waiting for you aboard your Pelican. We will be monitoring your progress from here. Agents, you are dismissed."

The holographic projection sinks back down into the table. As it does, Six Four Niner gives a salute before leaving the room and heading down to the hangar.

[OracleofSilence]

Heads over to stand with Alaska and Arizona, "So, current boss, mind if I put forth a suggestion? Its fairly simple, but I take some one else and set the explosives in say, the barracks and potentially on some structural supports on the lower floor. We set the one in the barracks on a short fuse, say a 2-3 minutes, and then the ones in the basement on a fuse that should go off a few minutes after we evac. Give guards a distraction and then a knock out once we are a decent distance away."

Sighing to himself, "Listen Indiana, there is more to the art of war then being able to punch hard. That's why we are here, and you aren't in jail again. Hell, that's why I'm here and not telling some idiotic CO how the on key in his computer works. Everything out in the field is a competition, but no one said anything about quips being graded."

[Binks]

After the dismissal and requisite salute Arizona went off to gather his thoughts before being joined by the others. Listening to California's suggestion with interest, he speaks up.

"Distraction yes, knockout no..."

"Hitting those barracks with a charge timed for about when we should be nearing the box is an excellent idea we will definitely be using if possible, but taking out the place isn't in our mission profile and putting timed charges on a building we'll be in without reason is a recipe for disaster." Arizona says, pausing for a moment to ponder if the suggestion to arm the basement might have been an attempt to sabotage the mission in some way, before dismissing it as a bit farfetched.

"I agree that splitting forces is our best bet though. One fireteam heads straight for the box, bluffing and sneaking as best we can, the other one sets the barrack's surprise and then secures the LZ in the confusion. 'Never count on the enemy not finding you. Instead give him something more interesting to look at'" Arizona adds, obviously quoting the last bit from somewhere as he moves to head for the pelican.

Arizona pauses for a moment on the way to the ship as his brain catches up with what he heard. Jail again? he thinks, briefly considering some possibilities before shrugging and continuing on.

[Drakeburn]

"So we just make a big bang, grab the black box, and get out of there? Seems simple enough." Pennsylvania sighed as he followed Arizona to the Pelican.

"So, being that I'm experienced in the medical field, am I going to be on the fireteam?" Pennsylvania took in a deep breath. He has to put it together. He may not be that much of a soldier, but he is part of the team nonetheless. And they're going to need him.
All he can hope for is for their first mission to go well......

[OracleofSilence]

"Hmm, maybe Pennsylvania Indiana and Arizona going for the black box, and Alaska and I go for the barracks. We should have a decent chance so long as we blend in."

[Julian928]

Indiana worked his jaw, and took more than a little offense at Alaska's comment, but finally decided to save it for the rebels. He listened patiently to everyone else, and made a mental note to stay silent around the Innies.

"That's a fine enough plan, 'cept Alaska goes with the retrieval team, an' I go with the Golden State." He turns toward California.

"I've got some know how with structural engineering. Could be of help puttin' those boomers in the best place. Besides, two people are gonna have more trouble counterin' the bad guys if we're detected, and my knack for tactics bein' the reason I'm in the Project, I'm the man for that part, too."

[OracleofSilence]

"Look, I know tactics. Again, placed just as well in that section of the test. Go with the main group, they that more then me. I was suggesting groups that might work together, since it is clear that neither of us get along."

[Comissar]

As you enter the hangar, you pass another white armoured soldier carrying a crate towards the waiting Pelican. The labels on the side indicate that these hold the charges that you requested.

"Hurry it up will ya? We don't have all day!"

Six Four Niner notices your arrival and, almost instantly, her tone becomes far friendlier.

"So, first mission eh? Hope none of you get travel sick, hey!" her attention switches back to the soldier carrying the explosives, "Be careful with those! Do you want to blow us all to bits? Don't rush it, just put them down carefully in the hold."

A long suffering grunt is all the unfortunate soldier gives in reply as he gently places the crate in the Pelican.

"That's it, well done, now don't ya have something else you should be doing? Go on, clear off!" She watches him leave then, giving a brief shake of her head, turns back to the assembled Agents, "I don't know why I keep him around, worse than useless. Right, any of ya got the experience to be co-pilot? If ya do, I'll see ya in the pilots cabin."

Not waiting for an answer, she climbs into the pilots seat of the waiting Pelican and starts running through pre-flight checks.

[Hazuki]

Agent Alaska allowed the leader to think over plans and teams for the missions, she could think about it along the way, because there were things to do in the meantime, and no doubt the Director had his own goals for the day that didn't involve wrangling the squad into finally leaving the briefing room. She was one of the first to leave, headed over to the Pelican that they'd commandeered. She wasn't particularly fond of the design of such ships, and the paint job in particular. Why they still stuck with such an ugly green, when its only purpose was camouflage in times gone by, she had no idea.

At Six Four Niner's officer of co-piloting, she quickly headed into the cabin with a helmet-tip to the boys of the group; they'd still be able to talk over the intercom and the boys could do whatever chest-pounding or the totally heterosexual rubbing up and down against each other with eyes locked that Indiana and California seemed so fond of. There was something relaxing about slipping into the pilot's seat, especially in contrast to what they were just about to do. Comfy seats were a much better choice than explosions and gunshot wounds.

"Hope you don't mind sharing the cabin with a grunt." She said to Six Four Niner with something of a lazy grin, though it couldn't be seen past her visor.

[OracleofSilence]

"Okay, so lets get this out of the way. The hell is your problem with me Indiana? Yeah, I made fun of the marines. I was a marine! The marines are as a whole, not the greatest."

Switching the intercom on, "Hey Alaska, any chance of a tip if we can make the pre-flight posturing... interesting?"

[Binks]

Grabbing his equipment on the way to the hanger Arizona observes the scene that unfolds with some amusement before moving to follow the pilot into the pelican, taking a seat in the rear area.

As soon as the others are in the Pelican and it's getting ready to take off he speaks up, making sure that Alaska can hear him from her position as co-pilot.

"All right, here's how it's going down. Two teams, recovery and distraction. I'm leading recovery, we'll be entering the main building, proceeding to the box, extracting it and moving to the LZ. Should be minimal resistance until we reach the box itself if the intel is right, which it never is of course." he notes with a chuckle.

"California will lead distraction team as he seems to have the most demo experience. I'll let you choose your second and the other two will be with me. Distraction team is responsible for planting the charges, set for, say, 5 minutes after you're done setting them, your discretion if that's enough time, then moving to the LZ. First team to the LZ secures it and I'll call for pickup when it's required."

"Radio silence unless you need to break it, don't shoot unless under immediate threat or unable to maintain cover, and move fast. Questions or Comments as we go?" Arizona asks, clearly pleased with himself and much more confident than he was in the briefing room.

[Drakeburn]

"At least you're experienced." Pennsylvania told California as he boarded the Pelican. "I was just a paramedic before this big project took me in. I'm what you can call an 'ok' soldier." He softly laughed at himself with the last sentence. He wasn't sure how well it will go, but he's going anyways, like it or not.

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

"Sounds good to me." Pennsylvania responded after Arizona's instructions.
"Ready or not, here we come."

[OracleofSilence]

"Alaska, you come with me. I could use some good second guessing on my tactical calls and we would make a good look out. Indiana no hard feelings, but I think the other group could use the help more."

[Julian928]

Indiana had been sitting stone still in the Pelican's troop bay while California spoke, his knuckles turning white under his gloves while he focused all of his energy on keeping them around his helmet, and in his lap. He couldn't even stand to look at the man addressing him, knowing that doing so would be as tantamount to letting loose and attacking.

"Alaska, you come with me. I could use some good second guessing on my tactical calls and we would make a good look out. Indiana no hard feelings, but I think the other group could use the help more."

"Ffffine." His jaw was so tight that his mouth wouldn't cooperate enough to open. He stood slowly and stepped as far back into the Pelican as humanly possible, and then pulled his helmet on over his do-rag, and his balaclava up to his visor.

Indiana grabbed one of the safety handles and squeezed it until he calmed down.

[Comissar]

Six Four Niner pays barely any attention to Alaska as she keeps running through her checks, "You could be a potato peeler and I wouldn't care, so long as you knew what you were doing."

She flicks the intercom on, "Buckle in people, we're on our way."

With a rising whine, the engines lift the drop ship into the air before the Pelican shoots out into space.

"We've got a couple of minutes before we reach the drop site, kick back and relax until we get there."

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania can't believe that he's going into what might probably be his first mission, and probably his first battle as well. Being part of a team is something he can do, but being part of some special military project is something else.
Snap out of it Steven! If I bailed out, my father would never let me hear the end of it! He thought to himself, shaking his head.

[Julian928]

Indiana sat down next to Pennsylvania after he'd calmed down some, him being one of the two other Freelancers that Indiana hadn't already developed a distaste for. He had also picked up on the medic's nervousness.

"We're gonna win, y'know."

[Drakeburn]

"I know." Pennsylvania replied.
"Its just that before Project Freelancer, my job was to save lives and help people. Now my I'm expected to kill if necessary, if we ever come to that." Pennsylvania stood silent for a moment, thinking about it.
"But we're all in this together, right? So let us just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride while it lasts." He says with a happier tone as he pats Indiana on the back.

[Julian928]

Indiana hits Pennsylvania's pauldron in a friendly way. "If'n it comes to blows, and you feel like you just can't pull the trigger, I'll think no less of ya. Takes a strong man to hold to his principles. And yeah, we all got each other's backs."

He takes a moment to pull of his right gauntlet and glove, then offers the hand to Pennsylvania. "Leo."

[Binks]

Arizona closes his eyes as the Pelican takes off. He spends most of the flight silently reviewing the briefing, plan, and comments made by the other agents.

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania pulls off his right gauntlet and glove as well and shook Indiana's hand.
"Steven." He said with a smile behind his helmet.
"I'll probably have to pull the trigger anyways, even if I'm not comfortable with it. You know, making life and death decisions isn't new to me." Pennsylvania said as he put his glove and gauntlet back on.

"Are we there yet?" He asks Six-Four-Niner with a child-like tone.

[Julian928]

Indiana leans back, but not before giving Pennsylvania a hand-smile (wherein one stretches the thumb and forefinger into a checkmark, then holds it where their mouth would be).

He absent-mindedly checks to see that his weapons are loaded and their safeties are off, but that neither pistol nor rifle has a round chambered. Then he makes sure his knife is secure, and waits to drop.

[OracleofSilence]

California checks his weapons then leans back as well, his foot absently tapping out a complex rhythm on the floor while humming absent-mindedly to himself. He passes the rest of the time this way, occasionally glancing around the Pelocans interior with a bit of a start before relaxing again.

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania inspected his weapons to see if everything was ok with them. They were in top shape, the safety was off, and loaded. Pennsylvania took in another deep breath, not because of the first mission, but because he just realized that he had forgotten to bring spare ammunition with him.

Either he makes every shot count, or he could just steal a weapon or two from dead Insurrection soldiers. It was too late to turn back now. All he could do now is wait and hope for the best.

[Comissar]

"What is this, a school trip? You worry about your job, I'll worry about mine."

Turning the intercom off, she shakes her head. "I mean, really, do they think it's easy piloting these things?"

[Binks]

Arizona smiles at Pennsylvania's question to the pilot before resuming his memorization and planning work.

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania turns his gaze to Arizona, who was studying the layout. He'll need to be ready as well, so he tries to study Arizona's layout as well.
One thing for sure, Agent Pennsylvania is glad that he isn't doing this mission on his own. He just hopes the Insurrection has extra ammunition to "borrow".

[OracleofSilence]

California straightens and shifts his weapon into a more comfortable grip "Alaska, any thoughts on how we should infiltrate the barracks? You've been suspiciously quite so far. I know I failed to make our prep entertaining, but there is no need to sulk about it!"

[Hazuki]

Alaska hopped off of the Pelican and shrugged her shoulders at California. "Nothing in my noodle." She replied with a shrug and a visor-hidden smile.

[Comissar]

The Pelican comes in low, hovering behind a rock formation for a few moments to allow the Agents to disembark. As they jump out, Six Four Niner's voice is heard over their radios.

"Alright kids, all out. I reckon you've got about a minute and a half 'til the next patrol comes through. Remember, it'll take me a while to get to the evac. point, call me sooner rather than later."

Parting words given, the rear door closes and the Pelican speeds off into the distance, skimming close to the ground as it goes.


You've been dropped off approximately 150 ft. from the main complex, behind the cover of some rocky hills. The patrols walk from West to East and pass through the spot you are currently sheltering behind. If you could decide who's carrying the charges, that would be very helpful.
Local Map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-09at221634.png

Map in relation to the complex:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-09at221905.png

[Julian928]

Indiana does a last compulsory weapons check, then secures the rifle on his back and pistol to his hip. Then he pulls down the balaclava that concealed his nose and mouth, and sticks in a piece of cinnamon gum. With his face once again concealed he crosses his arms.

"How you wanna play this, 'Zona?"

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania takes a final inspection of his weapons, seeing that both are in good condition and loaded, but no spare ammunition. He looks to Arizona as Indiana asks the question, waiting for their leader's answer. Pennsylvania holds his breath, hoping that the team will get moving quickly. Hopefully they'll be quicker than the patrols......

[OracleofSilence]

California jumps out of the Pelican scanning his surrounding. "We should get going Alaska, I doubt it'll be long before we get spotted."

[Hazuki]

Dust kicked up in a small cloud beneath Alaska as she landed on the ground with something of a thud, the weight of both her armor and muscular form more than enough to disturb the ground. For that reason alone, hunting grounds such as these weren't the best for any kind of mission where they were meant to go undetected. Luckily, there were plans for explosions, so the trails left in the dust wouldn't be much of a problem unless the Insurrectionists would take photographs of their footprints to attempt to identify anybody who would assault them. Given the paranoia she saw in the eyes of her own family, she wouldn't doubt them going that far.

With California's suggestion, Alaska hefts her unbranded assault rifle and gives him a nod, as she begins to trail around the rock face besides them. "I'm thinking we could take the scenic route; we can use the fence as cover then slip in the gap between the West entrance and the building that has our cargo; use that to get to the Northeast building and plant some explosives on the corner by the elevator, then we get to the barracks and let the ones on the elevator go. They'll be panicking for a few moments about people crawling through the elevator shaft, leaving us time to set up." She rattled off, though her tone wasn't particularly urgent or firm.

[Binks]

Arizona drops down and immediately begins scanning the surrounding area. Once satisfied that there are no patrols visible he nods to Alaska. "Scenic route sounds like as good a plan as any, I doubt we can bluff our way through the main gate. Let's loop around the rock and see if we can get through the fence without being spotted. We stick together till we're in the facility then split into our designated teams."

With that Arizona takes point, doing his best to remember timings and patrol routes so as to lead the group around the rock and towards the furthest wall from the gate.

[Julian928]

Indiana falls in at Arizona's left flank, taking the rifle off of his back and chambering the first round. He also drops a hand to his right hip to arm his pistol, and loosens the knife on his shoulder.

[Comissar]

Keeping the patrol routes in mind, Arizona times the movement around the outcrop of rock such that they're not immediately spotted by any guards. From their new position, the chain link fence is visible, and is in fact only a fairly short distance away. The only visible insurrectionist is in the building by the western entrance. From this distance you can't see what he's doing, but he is not looking your way. Your actions will still need to be quick though, a patrol will soon be making its way down between the barracks and the building housing your objective.


Current Map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-11at223857.png

Large View Map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-11at224024.png

If at any point you're not happy with where I've placed you, let me know and I'll move you to a more appropriate location (I'm not expecting this to apply just yet, but just in case I'm mentioning it now)

[Julian928]

Indiana makes a gesture at Arizona, then the fence, silently suggesting "Up and over?"

[Binks]

Arizona shrugs, takes aim at the lone visible soldier to silence him in case he becomes a problem, and nods at Indiana to try going over the fence without being noticed.

[OracleofSilence]

California scans around, similarly sighting on the guard in the gate house.

Takes ready an action to fire on the guard with the DMR

[Comissar]

You manage to reach the fence without incident. As the rest of the squad hangs a short distance back to keep watch, Indiana attempts to climb the chain link fence. Unfortunately, the close mesh of the fence proves more difficult to climb than it first appeared. Unable to find any easy route over, Indiana merely manages to rattle the perimeter fence instead.


New Map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-12at212223.png

Overview Map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-12at212304.png

I'm assuming the rest of you will hang back a little, if you'd prefer to be closer then let me know and I'll adjust accordingly.

[Binks]

Arizona, listening carefully to the noises within the compound, waves at Indiana, urging him to fall back and get in cover. Lowering his weapon and trusting the others to keep an eye on the watchtower guard he does his best to attract Indiana's attention without being spotted. If nothing works he clicks his radio twice before waving Indiana back again.

Whispering to the others he notes, "Voices from the barracks, someone heard us. Might need to take another route."

[Julian928]

Indiana, hearing Arizona's verbal warning, returns to the group and draws his rifle. "I'm gonna kill that fence." He mutters.

Takes a ready action to fire on the nearest barracks entrance with the DMR.

[OracleofSilence]

"Did anyone something we could cut through the fence with?"

California continues glancing around the compound, but keeps his rifle trained on the guard.

"'Cause at this rate, we are all going down in the score board due to shear incompetence. Earths finest, defeated by a fence."

[Hazuki]

"Observe, boys." Alaska said to her gathered comrades, with a voice much like a drill instructor would have, as she cleared her throat, rolled her shoulders, and took a deep breath. In the next moment, she began running towards the compound, headed towards the fence so she could trail the South side, maneuver around the East perimeter, work her way around the North side, until arriving at the West side, completely avoiding that lone guard. The Freelancer enters the compound through the main gate and sprints for cover behind the Northwest building, hiding her from the view of the barracks.

[Binks]

"Cutting makes less noise, but does tend to leave a pretty visible bit of evidence that you were there for any patrols to spot. Didn't want to ruin the surprise before the explosives went off." Arizona whispers, before Alaska goes running off.

"Huh. Well if that works these guys are even more incompetent than I thought...maybe we don't need to be this careful..." he whispers, half to himself as he waits to see what happens to Alaska's plan.

[Drakeburn]

"This is ridiculous...." Pennsylvania growled.
To him, being thwarted by a fence was not acceptable. He could just imagine his father's expression when he hears that his son's first military mission was foiled by a fence.
"If Alaska's 'idea doesn't work, I have an idea that might work better." He whispered to the freelancer next to him.

[Julian928]

Indiana looked at Pennsylvania and drew a circle towards him, with the general message of "Well... ?"

[Comissar]

Alaska's trip around the compound proves to be uneventful and she successfully makes it within the chain fence. She notices a squad moving in the distance, heading around the back of the outcrop they were dropped off at.

Meanwhile, the other Agents soon find out who the voices Arizona heard belong to. A group of three soldiers, one armed with a shotgun and the other two with assault rifles, turn the corner around the barracks. They're clearly surprised to see you there. The two with the rifles raise them whilst the third, presumably the leader, asks "Hey! What do you think you're trying to do?"



Small map for Alaska:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-13at225750.png

Small map for everyone else:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-13at225605.png

Overview map:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-02-13at225811.png

You're not yet in combat, no need for initiative just yet, the two soldiers with rifles are clearly ready to fire however. The squad Alaska can see in the distance consists of five marines, they're just about to move behind the outcrop. I've omitted them from the map on the basis that it'd leave everything else very small, if you still want to see where they are, I can get an image up for you. Suffice it to say that they don't appear to be aware of you just yet. And finally, as ever, tell me if you'd rather be somewhere else (within reason, given that the other Agents decided to wait and see if Alaska's plan worked while being aware of voices drawing nearer, they're not gonna be in a position to avoid the questioning here).

[Binks]

Hmm...I guess I was assuming we were further back, and somewhat hidden. Oh well.

Ahh...this could be...interesting. First rule of robbing a place, if they're not aware you're there to rob the place, don't make them aware of that. Never was a good liar, but here goes nothing.

"Testing your response time." Arizona says, sounding as calm as he can and keeping his weapon pointed mostly at the ground but in his hands. "We were sent here to reinforce. Seems someone believes this base might become a target soon, for some reason. We weren't given much in the way of details."

Arizona silently waits for a response, hits nervous sweat probably not being noticeable at this distance with the current light level.

Worst case scenario at least we have someone inside to help out...assuming Alaska's noticed this.

Bluff check? [roll0]. Hooray cha penalty!

[Julian928]

I both lower my rifle, and do something as close to a ready action as possible to fire on the Assault Rifle Innie to the left of their leader without actually pointing my gun at him.

[OracleofSilence]

"Yeah, my friend over there insisted on getting to know the fence a little first. He has his quirks, but he's pretty good in a tight corner. Just don't touch his balaclava"

California seems to relax, rising to his feet, and shifting his grip on the DMR as he says this.

Similarly readies himself to attack but staying as calm looking as possible.

[Julian928]

"Just checkin' for weaknesses. This chain-link ain't gonna keep anybody out for more than a few minutes." Indiana mutters, kicking the bottom of the fence lightly.

[Comissar]

With apparent uncertainty, the two riflemen lower their weapons. They still appear to be nervous, but are definitely less confrontational. Their leader seems less convinced, "How come I didn't hear about this? There's normally some kind of brief if we're expecting new soldiers."

No map change this time, the guards seem a lot less hostile now though. Poor sense motiving will do that to you.

[Julian928]

Indiana stands briefly at Arizona's shoulder. "I got me an idea, but uh, if it don't work... Just make sure yer gun's loaded, alright?" With that, he walks up to the fence and stares down the leader. He speaks with a barely restrained fury.

"You didn't hear about us because we're a special surprise from Command. My name is Gunnery Sergeant Taylor, and Command sent me down especially to evaluate the troops here. I am not impressed. " He begins pacing. "You lazy little bastards took 30 seconds to respond to the fence. " he stops and punches the chain-link as hard as he can. "What the f**k kinda namby-pamby time is that?! I have seen better from men with broken legs, and I was the one that broke their goddamn legs! Now you're standin' here havin' a goddamn conversation."

He stops abruptly and levels his pistol with the head of one of the riflemen. "THREE RULES OF PATROL!!" Indiana holds the gun there for just long enough for the man to start talking, but lowers the gun and cuts him off. "Catch it, kill it, or carry on. You found a bunch of strange folks you ain't met, you demand to know why they're lurkin' around, you don't ask them a damn thing! We told you why we're here, now you're gabbin' like an old woman. You ain't gonna catch us, you ain't gonna kill us, so CARRY ON SOLDIERS! You got a whole base to patrol, and if you don't get your whole route done triple time, I will personally rejoin the UNSC just for the privilege of taking this whole base out myself!"

An Intimidate Check [roll0]

[Comissar]

The three soldiers look taken aback at Indiana's rant. Surprise is quickly replaced by a scowl on the leader's face. He raises his shotgun, the other two following suit with their own weapons.

"Now here's what's going to happen. You're going to drop your weapons without fuss and we're going to walk with you along the fence and bring you in for questioning. If you so much as blink without our say so, we'll fire. You've got five seconds. Drop your guns, hand in the air."

All three have now raised their weapons. They're prepared to fire, but you will have the chance to shoot first if you so choose. Any of the Insurrectionists that are still standing will then be able to fire back then we'll go off initiative rolls, include the init roll in your post if you do decide to go into combat please. That goes for Alaska too, just so that her movements can be carried out during the same time frame as the combat (even if she chooses to not get involved). Again, no map update this time round.

[Drakeburn]

"Alright, we'll cooperate...." Pennsylvania said softly and calmly as he slowly reached for his assault rifle and dropped it to the ground. Next he slowly reached for his pistol (PWDS), and slowly drew it out. As it looks as though he's going to drop it as well, Pennsylvania suddenly aims it at the soldier with the shotgun and fires.

Initiative roll [roll0] (+1 initiative from my character sheet, that should be 13)

Attack roll [roll1]

(If that isn't ok, let me know. I'm new to D20 Modern after all)

[Julian928]

Indiana raises his own pistol and fires on the shotgun wielder.

Initiative [roll0]

Attack roll, including the armor minus from the pistol in my attack bonus [roll1]

Damage roll, if I hit [roll2]

[Binks]

"Well..." is all Arizona says before raising his DMR and firing a round at the northern rifleman of the group.

Initiative: [roll0]

Shoot the north rifleman.
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[OracleofSilence]

California similarly fires at the shotgun wielding commander, "Please don't let me die, I'm to pretty to die, please don't let me die, I'm to young to die, please don't let me die, I HAVEN"T MADE ENOUGH JOKES ABOUT THAT BALACLAVA YET!"

To hit: [roll0] -2 to target defence
Damage: [roll1]
crit confirm [roll2]
crit damage [roll3]

"Why is the squads snarker the only bloody professional around here?"

[Hazuki]

The lone Agent watches the scene unfold, quite unsure of what to do in such a situation that she's been pushed into. If she were to shoot at the marines, they'd likely all turn on her or call for even more aid than they had; which would have meant that she'd be pinned down by far more soldiers than there were in the courtyard already. It would be too late to stop the first shots of the marines, but there had to be something she could do.

She cast her eyes about the complex, for anything she could possibly use to take advantage of the situation, such as a box of grenades or an alarm she could trigger.

Taking 10 on Spot for 14.

[Comissar]

The sudden attack catches the patrol off guard. The soldier holding the shotgun just has time to say "Son of a..." as California's shot hits him in the throat, sending him to the floor. The other two, sparing a quick glance at their fallen comrade, open fire with their assault rifles on the Agents before them. The first sprays the area around Indiana whilst the second aims for Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, Alaska manages to spot a tripwire running around the inside of the perimeter fence. The wire is likely linked to an alarm of some kind, presumably to catch anybody that attempted to get past the fence off guard and alert the soldiers to their presence.

Attack roll against Indiana - [roll0]
Damage Roll against Indiana - [roll1]

Attack roll against Pennsylvania - [roll2]
Damage Roll against Pennsylvania - [roll3]

The autorifle is an automatic weapon, as such it's firing to hit a 10x10 area and requires an 8 to hit (including the Assault Rifles -2 to targets defense). You're each entitled to a DC15 reflex save to avoid the damage completely.

Map's don't want to load for some reason, unchanged from last maps except that shotgunner is out of action. I'll update them as soon as I can get it to work properly

[Julian928]

Indiana's fear powered reflex save. [roll0]

[Drakeburn]

Rolling for reflex save as well [roll0]

[OracleofSilence]

California snaps a shot at the marine who dropped Indiana, then starts moving in the same direction Alaska ran off in.

attacks: [roll0] defense counts as 2 lower
damage: [roll1]
crit confimer: [roll2]
crit damage: [roll3]

Moves 30 feet west (if the maps directions assume the top of the page is north.

over radio Guys, we need to keep moving, we don't have time to get pinned down, get Indiana moving, then get going yourself.

[Comissar]

The soldier who managed to drop Indiana starts shouting "Intruders in the base! We have intruders in the base!" before opening fire on Pennsylvania.

Attack Roll - [roll0]
Damage Roll - [roll1]

Needs an 8 to hit the 10x10 area Pennsylvania is in, as before, if he hits you can take a DC15 Reflex save to avoid all damage.

Attack missed, on with the rest

[Binks]

After California's action of course

Idiot. We're outside the base... Arizona thinks before raising his weapon and firing on the other soldier and speaking over the radio.

"Alaska, any chance you can setup a distraction? Do you have any of the explosives? Click once for yes, twice for no if you can't speak."

No plan survives contact with the enemy...I hate improvisation.

Attack the lower right soldier (the one lower in init count who hasn't acted yet).
Atk: [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]

Can I spend my move to instead scan for anyone in sight reacting to the soldier who shouted? Spot [roll2]. Want to give the rest of the squad a chance to get Indiana moving before I fall back, assuming that's the course of action everyone else is taking.

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania returns fire at the soldier that shot at him.
"Next time, let me do the lying!" Pennsylvania growled.
"Thank goodness I brought along a medical kit with me." He mumbled under his breath."

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] And lets us not forget the -2 on target's armor.

Then I want to move over to Indiana and to treat Indiana's injury.

Treat Injury: [roll2]

"I need cover fire!"

[Comissar]

With a strangled shout, a second insurrectionist falls. The last remaining soldier cries out in pain as he too gets shot, before limping back into the base itself. "Help! Intruders! Help!"

Arizona notices the soldier in the building near the entrance leaning out to see what's going on. As yet, there are no audible alarms going off in the base.

Maps will be up tomorrow, apologies for the long silence there, been busy with uni work. California managed to drop another soldier and Arizona injured the third, who is now limping towards the building your objective is in.

[OracleofSilence]

"Arizona, it seems the best thing now is to keep moving. I'll rejoin Alaska, you and Pennsylvania should try to get Indiana up and then go for the black-box. If Alaska and I get the charges set soon, we can hopefully draw the guards off." California raises his rifle and fires on the retreating guard, hoping to silence his cries before to much attention is drawn.

Attack:
Crit Confirm: 1d20+3[/roll]
Damage:[roll1]
If Crit: [roll2]

Ready a move action to move after Alaska if Arizona confirms, or he is spotted by guards.

[Binks]

"Roger that." Arizona says in reply to California. "We'll draw them until you plant the explosives, they'll probably assume that was our main goal, a double diversion." he adds over the radio as he prepares to move with Indiana and Pennsylvania towards the black box building.

[Comissar]

"Intrud-aargh!"

The last member of the ill-fated patrol you ran into falls to the ground. Pennsylvania's hasty medical attention proves to be enough to staunch Indiana's bleeding.


Photobucket is still messing me around, many apologies for the lack of map again, trying my best to sort it. All three patrol members are now down. The one soldier who had been in the building near the entrance will act after everyone else in the initiative order as that's when he joined the combat. For now, still move according to initiative order please.

[Binks]

Arizona moves to help Indiana to his feet.

"Anyone has some wire cutters to get through that fence? Else we hit the entrance." he says, waiting for a response before moving.

If someone responds that they have wirecutters move to the fence and ready an action to shoot anyone who looks hostile.

Otherwise double move towards the entrance. Going the short route, not the long.

[OracleofSilence]

California sprints along the same route Alaska had taken, hoping the gate house guard goes mysteriously blind.

Takes run action along the same path as Alaska

[Comissar]

California starts racing back around the compound, following Alaska's example. As he runs, the guard in the guard house returns inside his building, to do what he cannot see. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's expert care brings Indiana back to his feet. Finally, Arizona rushes to reach the complexes main entrance having heard no answer regarding wire cutters. He rapidly reaches the open gate, noting that the guard appears to be making his way to a desk on his way past.


Only a quick update today, internet keeps dropping out

[OracleofSilence]

California continues running until he rejoins Alaska. Once he reaches her, he drops into a crouch and scans the near by buildings, saying "We need to get going. In theory, the rest of the squad will distract from our distraction, but I don't know how long they are going to hold out. Indiana is barely holding on as it is."

[Julian928]

Indiana rises on shaky legs, making a mental note to let someone else try his bad ideas in the future. He nods his gratitude to Pennsylvania, then follows Arizona to the front.

[Binks]

Arizona kneels down near the entryway, hoping that the action near the fence will draw attention away from the main gate, and waits for the rest of the team to join him before moving in, scanning the area for anyone paying too much attention and likely to become a problem in the seconds before they're inside.

[Comissar]

Indiana reaches Arizona, the two of them crouched together near the compounds entrance, they spot California darting through from the north to join Alaska. Mere moments after California gets through, a siren starts sounding in the base.

An alarm has now been set off in the base, Pennsylvania and Alaska you both have time to submit a move prior to the siren going off, I'm just not going to have a chance to post again tonight.

Map at last:
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-03-04at202135.png

[Drakeburn]

Pennsylvania quickly puts away his pistol, picks up his assault rifle, and follows Arizona and Indiana to the entrance.
"We are in a lot of trouble, aren't we?" He groaned.

[OracleofSilence]

California groans and shakes his head "Yeah. Yeah we are. But we don't have time to worry about that now, we are in way to deep to bug out. See if you can kill that gate guard, while Alaska and I get those bombs in place, I need a moment."

Still scaning around, California carefully scans the courtyard again, trying to recall the intel for on base patrol routes, then shrugs and after taking cover at the nearby wall, and locates any power boxes, air vents, or other vulnerable or enclosed area's to plant his explosives.

[Comissar]

California notices several inconspicuous locations on both the building he and Alaska are sheltered behind, and on the barracks a short way off. The patrol routes, though remembered, likely don't matter much now that the siren has gone off.

Updated Map (Vents/Grills circled, Patrol routes put in with arrows):
http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/Comissar/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20Dale%20Thompsons%20MacBook/untitled%20folder/Screenshot2013-03-08at180911.png

[OracleofSilence]

California carefully removes one of the explosive charges from his stachel and places it in the nearby vent, then begins work to set the timer and make a few adjustments to its wiring, attempting to make the disarming process more difficult.


Taking ten on the check: 16 (a 16 on demolitions is required to disarm)
Timer set to 15 minutes
For extra structural damage: [roll0]


After completing "Okay guys, first charge is set. We have 15 minutes and counting before first detonation, I will set some more charges on the barracks with a shorter fuse. This charge could bring the building down, or at least make it unstable. We should be gone by the time it goes off."

[Binks]

"Roger." Arizona says over the comms as he moves into the compound towards the building the target was supposed to be in.

[Comissar]

California finishes planting the charge as Arizona moves within the compound. The siren continues to wail as they plan their next move.

Only a brief update due to internet connection issues, no sign of soldiers yet as the alarm has only been going a short time.