Ebon hold out a hand as Mockingbird walks away, letting out a sign of resignation. "You tried Doc..."
He then feels the frustration run up his back, as Trystt speaks up. His years of training are put to the test and he lets out a deep breath. "I tried. I don't know how else we're going to get there. Maybe we should just start walking?" He seemed to be picking up some bad manors from his friends as his normal straight talking replacement with some sarcasm.
He pauses for a moment then centering himself. "I'm sorry. I thought she would help us, maybe it is crazy, maybe it is to much to ask for someone else to take this on. I guess we wait and find out what Napalm gets."
---
listen Ebon, the most important thing here is she did not say no.
We are asking a lot, she would be putting her career on the line. This is highly illegal. he says as he watches Mockingbird stride awayall we can do is wait. Give her time
——————————————————
Over the days that follow Sterne falls into his old routine, work, gym, the odd social outing with friends but it all felt a little false. Like he was going through the motions.
The office had never felt so small and his work so insignificant and he found himself getting more and more detached from normal life.
His attention and focus were almost always on the compound and trying to come up with some other way to get them to Sokovia. Without Mockingbirds help he did not see any other way.
Tension leaves Lucas' body as Maggie touches his cheek. He takes her hand in his. "Maggie, I thought I had driven you away. I don't...I don't always like what this has done to me, and I don't know if it's finished yet."
He sighs, still holding her hand. "But saying that I have been trying to do this without you is true, and it's high time that bit ended. Maggie, I need your help. If Doom really did make a bioweapon, then he might have done it in Sokovia. In a secret HYDRA base there. We need to know what SHIELD knows about it, especially the location. But no way they'll let me access that. I thought...maybe you could see what your access will let you see? Maybe talk to your network friends?" He tries to quickly shift away from actually asking his wife to potentially commit a security violation. "If we know where it is, we can investigate what Doom is doing there. Figure out if this is really a weapon."
Ebon nods. "That's one way of looking at it. All we can do is wait, hope will keep up afloat." He looks toward where Mockingbird ran off. "I'm going to train a bit more, I better get ready if this will happen. Any of you are welcome to stay and work with me."
"I don't want you to do this alone any more either. I know you're on this path now, but if..... if something happens to you and I could have helped you.... maybe stopped it happening..? I-I couldn't live with that."
She leans across the table and kisses him.
"I'll do what I can."
"Well, I think that went well," Spore said, as Mockingbird left. From the tone of his voice, he seemed sincere even as Ebon doubted it out loud. As the others started to correct him, Spore did something very out of character for himself: he interrupted them. "I think we'll see her again soon," he said, happily. "Give her some time, and trust in your initial judgment of her, Ebon." With a comforting clap on the back, Spore tried his best to make Akio feel better.
"It has been a while since we've been here," he noted, trying to cheer up the others. "I like the mud drinks they have. Let's get something to drink, and then meditate together?"
--------------
Spore spends the next few days enjoying the sunlight in the park during the day, and roaming Midtown at night (with Ebon and whomever else joins). On at least one occasion he checks in with Midnight, making sure she's healthy, and enjoying the company of another off-worlder: something he'd quickly forgotten he'd enjoyed.
"Thanks Spore, all we can do is wait." He smiles up at the large plant. "Yah let's get a drink, I think I'll skip the mud one. But meditation will help."
Sterne glances down at his phone and re reads the message from Akio.
Sitting back in his leather chair he looks around at his office as if seeing it for the first time and he realises that if something happens and they get caught it could well be the last time he sits here.
Opening the message again he taps out a brief reply
we can meet at my friends place, like we did the first time.
Tonight, say 8 o’clock. Let the others know and dropping his phone into his pocket he stands up and dons his suit jacket and leaves the office for what may be the last time
Susan, ive got to go out of town for a few days. Push all my appointments back to next week and then you can go home. Have a good weekend he says flashing her a smile
ok Dr S , no problem she says looking at him and she can’t help but feel something is wrong you ok Doc? You seem a little preoccupied? she asks and he smiles reassuringly
I’m fine, honestly. Just have a lot going on at the moment he says with a wink and makes his way out into the bustling New York afternoon.
Later that evening Sterne and the others gather in the apartment they first met.
The Punisher wall has been removed and now the bare boards contain several photos of the military base they intended to break into.
Sterne has collected what information he could including satellite photographs downloaded off the internet and maps of the area and examples of the uniforms worn on the base.
It didnt amount to much but it was all they had.
I don’t have much experience with Millitary bases. I am not overly familiar with their processes. he says as he takes another drink from the bottle of Budweiser he held in his hand so what are our options? We can try and bluff our way in through the front gate. I’m pretty sure we can get hold of some uniforms, but we will need a millitary vehicle so we can conceal some of us in the back.
I may be able to use my abilities and my natural charm to bluff our way in but it would be very risky he says turning to the others what are our other options? Going over the fence? With all your abilities I’m sure we could breach the perimeter easily but can we do it undetected?
If we go with this plan we may need to create some kind of distraction. I have ways of concealing myself , I could try and get in through the front. Cause some kind of disturbance on the far side of the base so the rest of you could get in undetected. Maybe set a fire or something. he says throwing out some suggestions
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"Let's not start a fire or blow anything up on a military base. Everyone there already risks their lives enough. I don't mind putting one over on SHIELD as an organization, but endangering individuals is a no-go. It might be better to sneak as few of us as necessary and everyone else is picked up afterward."
"Let's not start a fire or blow anything up on a military base. Everyone there already risks their lives enough. I don't mind putting one over on SHIELD as an organization, but endangering individuals is a no-go. It might be better to sneak as few of us as necessary and everyone else is picked up afterward."
you are right Trystt, of course. We don’t want to hurt anyone or damage anything. he says taking another swig of beer
Napalm, could you rig something up? Some devices that will give off a lot of smoke but no heat. Something that looks impressive but is nothing more than a beefed up smoke grenade
Maybe set a fire or something. he says throwing out some suggestions.
The group meets Mockingbird in an abandoned carpark at midnight on that Thursday.
"I can't believe we're doing this." are the first words she utters as she ties her hair back in a tight ponytail. She is dressed in a black and grey nightsuit made of fitted material and razor thin plates of kevlar. Napalm recognises it as one of the suits SHIELD ops use. "So what's the plan?"
Maybe set a fire or something. he says throwing out some suggestions.
Has it ever failed???? Don’t believe it has :)
Napalm, could you rig something up? Some devices that will give off a lot of smoke but no heat. Something that looks impressive but is nothing more than a beefed up smoke grenade
"I can do smoke bombs if you want to create a distraction. I agree, we shouldn't actually be trying to blow up a military base. Too many unknowns there. Lots of other things we could set off, not to mention I don't really want to be arrested for destroying government property." The irony strikes you as Lucas has been pretty liberal with his personal use of government property in the past.
Which leads to his next statement. "Maggie is looking for any information on the HYDRA base in Sokovia. Don't know what she'll be able to find, but hopefully it'll give us a place to start."
"Mmmmmm yes. Quiet is better. Maybe a distraction before you turn on the plane, though," Spore rumbles.
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"The smaller the group, the better, from what I can tell. That means just the two of us. If things go sideways, I can most likely make it out myself, but..." Trystt lets that thought hang there for a moment. "But we'll make sure that they don't. And we can meet you in a nearby field. Make sure you have your passports, if you have one."
Trystt I would like to accompany you, If you don’t want a distraction and want to do this quietly I can help.
I can conceal myself and others from sight, albeit for short periods of time, I can use my abilities to gain allies inside should we need them and I can make people hear what I want them to hear and possibly do what I want them to do. Within reason. he says with a wry smile
getting in is probably the easy part, we need to find the jet. Make sure it is fuelled and then somehow board it and fly out of the base.
You are going to need some help with that he says finishing his beer
"Ok, that's the best plan I've heard. I feel a lot better if you two are there to cover Mockingbird and watch each other." He looks to each of them. "Just be carful, if anything doesn't feel right just get out of there. We'll be out here ready to move in and help no matter what." He looks deeply serious.
When they arrive at the field, having walked the rest of the way from where they felt comfortable taking their UberXL, Spore stops Trystt, Sterne, and Bobbi before they take off into the night. Gesturing to them to sit down with him on the grass, he takes a hand of each of theirs, sending Trystt a long vine instead (as he’s unfortunately run out of arms). With his eyes closed, he begins humming a low, deep, and inhuman noise, and while nothing visible happens at first, after a minute or so, and just before Mockingbird loses her patience, almost a dozen friendly colorful orbs of varying colors pop from the ground and begin to hover near the 3 soon-to-be plane thieves, circling them slowly and giving off a friendly aura. After a few rotations, the orbs disappear, but Sterne, Trystt, and Bobbi can continue to feel the friendly warmth they’d exuded in their brief time. Seemingly satisfied, Spore stands, and motions to the others to follow him up, before taking a place with Napalm and Akio, who’d watched the ritual silently from a few feet back.
”Be Safe,” he rumbles. ”These Spirits will protect you as best they can.”
Resist Energy is 10 points of resistance.
LRA (Lesser Resistant Armor) is 5 for both energy and DR/-
I'll also make sure everyone is at full HP before setting out.
You should get an hour out of all of them. Good Luck!
Trystt:
Resist Energy: Fire
LRA: Electric/Sonic
LRA: Cold/Acid
LRA: DR
Sterne:
Resist Energy: Fire
LRA: Electric/Sonic
LRA: Cold/Acid
LRA: DR
Bobbi:
Resist Energy: Fire
LRA: Electric/Sonic
LRA: Cold/Acid
"Good luck." He smiles, tapping Stern on the back and nodding to Trystt.
He then steps over to Mockingbird. "Look after them, I worry less about them knowing you'll be there." He taps his jaw, and smiles then turns to look back at the group. "I'll see you three soon with our jet. I'll keep an eye on Spore and Napalm."
"And you're absolutely sure we can just walk in? Like, just stroll in there?" Bobbis asks, clearly somewhat skeptical. "Well I guess I have to trust you...."
As Trystt manifests her powers on everyone, she suddenly sees her and Sterne disappear.
"Holy s%%*..."
The base is surrounded by a high fence topped with razor wire but the main gate is open aside from a barrier that raises and lowers for an occasional vehicle. A guard tower stands to one side and you clearly see a helmeted MP officer with a sidearm strapped to his hip.
Swallowing hard, Bobbi joins Trystt and Sterne in scampering through the gate.
As they run through the guard does not appear to notice and in moments you are clear and in the open ground between the fence and the collections of buildings that stand east and west of you.
As you dash Bobbi can barely contained a stifled laugh.
"Hahaha I can't believe that worked! Jeez this is crazy. They don't have anti-super stuff here. Motion detectors, infra-red, that kind of crap. It's why I picked it, it's basically a repair depot. Um yeah.... I didn't mention that. The jet we take might have, you know.... some defects.... It'll be fine."
Sterne sits beside Spore with the others and adjusts his tactical body armour. He wore the thin Kevlar weave beneath the tight black clothing he had adopted to wear. He had purchased a set of army issue black fatigues,boots and a sweater the day before.
thanks Spore, I hope we won’t need it. I don’t plan on getting discovered he says as he stands up and focusing his mind he once more appears as an older version of himself.
Stepping next to Bobbi and Trysst he reaches out to them both and touches them.
trust me, I am going to add some more protections to you both he says and joining his mind with theirs he creates a subtle telepathic bond.
we will need to move quickly, how long can you keep us hidden Trystt? he asks as they make their way toward the base.
With his heart hammering in his chest Sterne follows the others through the guard post and they head deeper into the base and as Bobbi reveals the nature of the facility Sterne suddenly has a bad feeling.
you could have mentioned this earlier. What kind of defects are we talking about? They will fly I am assuming he whispers urgently .
we might not be able to stay hidden all the way there. I can maintain our invisibility but not for very long, the strain is too great. We may have to save our powers and just walk to the hanger in plain sight. If we act casual, act like we belong here then we will draw less attention to ourselves. If we get challenged I’m hoping I can convince them we are meant to be here
"Don't worry about it Doc, these things mostly come in for routine repairs. It'll fine.... for sure."
The trio becomes visible again toward the centre of the base. Vehicles can be seen on the road east of you some 200 feet or so away.
Right now, you are exposed without cover or magic powers. One of the vehicles, a two-seater Jeep swings toward you, it's headlights splashing over you.
Bobbi slips her staff from the loop at the base of her back, ready to extend it at a moment's notice.
take it easy Sterne says to Bobbi as he turns toward the vehicle and calmly awaits its approach don’t appear threatening, let me handle this
He says and he steps forward toward the Jeep raising his hand as if to flag it down even though it was clearly heading toward them.
As they draw nearer Sterne reaches out toward them with his powers, focusing his mind he begins to bombard them with feelings of recognition and trust as he tries to make them believe he is their trusted friend and ally.
The vehicle pulls up, the lights blaring into your eyes so you can barely see them.
One of the men blinks hard for a second before shaking his head to the side.
Both raise flashlights and train them on you rest their hands on their pistols.
"Identification!" One says and not in a tone that suggests he means to be trifled with.
"'Less one of you has a trick up their sleeve then I'm about to go..." Bobbi hisses.
Sterns heart begins to beat faster as he realises he has not been able to cloud the mans mind. Keeping his focus he attempts it once more as he replies to the man.
at ease soldier Sterne says as he holds up his hands to cover the glare of the head lights
Major sharp, Wing Inspection Team. Why were we not met at the gate? What kind of a s%&! show are you folks running here? When I’m asked to cut my vacation time short and ordered to do an emergency inspection of your under performing facility I did not expect to have to walk half way across the damn base. he says his tone sharp.
Whether the pressure of the situation or something else is getting to Sterne, he cannot say. But the soldier's grim expressions do change to ones of confusion. Slowly, they draw their firearms and point them directly at you.
"Uhhhh Sir...?" one says unsure. "I don't recognise you sir, base regulations say everyone must be identified and checked in. Do you have your credentials sir?"
what do you think they did at the damn gate? I know it’s dark Soldier but I suggest you take another good look before you make a mistake that you will live to regret. I s&#& you not Sterne says staring the men down unflinchingly. the rest of my team are on route and I have a lot to do before they arrive
come on you bastards, let me in! Sterne thinks frantically as he tries again to imprint the soldiers mind
Seeing Sterne and Trystt clearly trying something, Bobbi holds though you feel she is like a coiled spring.
Uhhh. sorry sir... I didn't recognise you...yes, yes no problem. one of the soldiers says, holstering his sidearm.
The other one looks at his partner in disbelief and says;
"That ain't regs Lewis!" before turning back to you but instead of firing he reaches for the walkie talkie at his collar. "Central this is patrol 04. We have unidentified personnel on the base, standby."
"ID sir. Now!"
The man is a good solider and not about to be courtmarshalled for dereliction of duty.
Sterne can feel the sweat running down his spine as the situation was ntensifies and he almost sighs with relief as one of the Soldiers becomes convinced he is who he says he is.
As the other reaches for his walkie Sterne curses silently and switches his focus toward him , reaching out with his mind once more he attempts to fool the Soldier, making them both hear what he wants them to hear.
“Who are these are individuals? S*&& we don’t need this today. We already have WIT inspectors roaming the base on some kind of surprise visit. Looking to catch us out. They turned up a few minutes ago in a real rush to get started. They left their credentials at the front gate and headed towards the hangers”.