"Unfortunately you are the only away team we have right now. Otherwise you would get at least some kind of break before your next mission. A new slate of candidates is scheduled to arrive in 3 days, but we can't drain too many people from other organizations too quickly. It would draw attention we don't need."
" Noted, so if that is the case, my choice is solidified. People are aware of the strange man with red eyes, so there can at least be denied knowledge to the event and local forces could help. People being kidnapped is also terrible but has been over a week. The Village is being attacked tonight, thats possibly a hundred people. And is the enemy being aggressive. "
Pete scratches the bridge of his nose. " Has the teams noted anything about the samples we brought in, anything new or groundbreaking? Regardless I'm ready to head out on your orders sir. "
"Fair enough sir! After seeing what these Lizardmen have been doing to the wildlife, I'm loathed to think about what they might be doing to the villages they've been abducting in the jungle; I suggest we go there and find out just why they would need to abduct so many people."
"Having one of these guys appear on social media out in broad daylight is certainly not a good thing but it does mean we might be able to get some local forces on our side to deal with smaller threats while we're away."
"All of these disappearances though...we need to get to the bottom of this fast."
Jack is on board with the jungle adventure
I'm good for an immediate turnaround to head back out, but can we first tweak our gear? I'm hoping you have SOME toys in this basement...... sir.
Mark sits quietly during the debrief, completing his notes by filling in information from the other squad members.
"I'm ready to go too. Just need to load up on analgesics for these ribs," Mark says, wincing as he shifts position slightly in his seat.
"The automated weapons are an interesting subject. There were two lizards in the 'cockpit' when the automated turrets went off. However, they did not shoot at us until I threw rocks at the craft, then it went off shooting at both the rocks and me. Meaning they weren't actively manned but on automatic, hence the odd target choices. This could mean they couldn't see out of the ship, or that they trust the weapons to even make choices in what constitutes a threat."
Looking at Pete he says: "If we're voting for names I'm going with 'Geckos', they are small lizards who are not welcome in our home"
"For the missions I'm up for the jungle, a damn shame about the farm though".
As far as the animals go the only weird thing was that it was a mix of domesticated and wild animals all at least dog sized.
The team quickly settles on heading into the jungle.
"excellent, Mexico it is then. Hopefully someone speaks Spanish. The hamlet in question is home to about a dozen families, there are 14 major buildings in the hamlet. Similar sized hamlets have been emptied overnight already so expect more than 4 of the enemy this time. You leave at 1100. "
"I believe Anna and Jessica speak Spanish, I can only bid people good evening"
turning to the sgt. and the team
"I want to make a suggestion that we select a team leader. We're a military unit and someone needs to make executive decisions in the field. We'll need to discuss tactics and positioning and all that, but we can't really have a congress, nor nine one-man teams operating independently.
Looking over the team smirking he adds
"We're all a little on the wild side, but 9 baboons can do a hell of a lot more damage if they are coordinated"
"For my part I'd like to nominate Mark as the King Baboon, not just because he looks the part He grins at Mark "he's also got knowledge of tactics and tends to be in the forward element, giving him the latest intel".
I kick doors, I'm an enabler and not a leader, so I'll proactively remove my name from that hat. I want to kill aliens, not employees through red tape. Bob knows sign language and Russian, but not Spanish. As long as Pete won't get too caught up in the front lines with me, I'd listen to what he'd have to say in the field.
"I didn't get to language school, I can order beer in Spanish but not a lot else I'm afraid." Mark nods at Roger's suggestion that the squad develop a loose leadership structure, but is surprised to hear his name put forward.
"Thanks mate," he says to Roger. "I'm happy to share my special forces small unit tactics experience with everyone. I've got some leadership experience under my belt, both as an MP and at a section level with SRR. If people want to try out Roger's suggestion, I'll do my best to lead you guys." And hopefully bring everybody home, he thinks ruefully.
"Yeah, we can speak Spanish so that shouldn't be too much of a problem."
Looking over the rest of the team.
"Well, for now, the most qualified of us to actually lead would be Mark."
Pete folds his arms looking at Mark and then the rest. " While I will put forth I don't particularly care if I am appointed leader or not I will say this. I dont give a damn about rank or rap sheet when it comes to a leader. I've had plenty of people who outranked me die because they werent actually that qualified when it really came down to it and I've lead people to victory with minimal deaths. I didnt see that as something that was important to mention until recently. I come from the SWAT, I'm the lowest rank here. I have no ego on the job or in this conversation. If I am to follow anyone however, they need to prove to me they can handle the position. Otherwise I warn you I am likely to disobey orders if there is a better option available. There will be tough choices, there will be painful experiences, there will come a time where you will have to levy lives. I want the leader to be able to make those for the best of everyone and give up their life if it comes to it. "
Pete looked to Jack and nodded, " Thanks man, but It seems Democracy wants Mark, ranking outweighs action. I'm the most disposable anyway. So it really doesnt matter. "
After Pete's tirade Roger slowly nods
"That's fine and all, just put the team first Pete"
Looking at the rest of the team
"Are we fine on equipment? I could distribute my grenades to people if we want to take some demo charges. Pete and I know how to set those up. I have no idea what we're going up against though"
Pete smirks, " I always put the team first, but you shouldn't be telling that to me, you should be saying that to Mark, He's Commanding Officer. "
Pete thumbs over to the man. " As far as that, I'm not sure if we will get there before the strike or as its happening, best to prepare for both. I would think to get heat sensors but Lizards tend to have cold-blood. Not sure with these all. "
After Pete's tirade Roger slowly nods
"That's fine and all, just put the team first Pete"
Looking at the rest of the team
"Are we fine on equipment? I could distribute my grenades to people if we want to take some demo charges. Pete and I know how to set those up. I have no idea what we're going up against though"
"Well, we could always take some grenade launchers for some extra oomph if we ever need it; barring that, flame throwers should roast the f~++ers just fine."
"If we do get there first, those of us who don't have silencers might as well pick one up so that we can properly set up an ambush if needed; though if they're like some of the Lizards we have here, they might have Infrared means for detecting...prey...so might not be all that useful actually."
"We'll have to check in with the QM, see if they have any Motion Predictors. Might be more useful than infrared sights on a potentially cold blooded enemy."
" I've been known to have Training with those. A little firebug ever since I played Starcraft back in the day. As for Silencers, well If Im that far away Im not going to shoot and if Stealth is needed up close I've got the blade. I don't feel all that safe without a little boom. And it becomes obvious somethings shooting you when you friend goes down. Either way, I'm gonna suit up. If you'll excuse me. "
Pete leaves rather abruptly at a quickened pace. It was as if he already had his thoughts in mind.
Mark's voice is steady and calm as he responds to Pete's concerns.
"You've got nothing to worry about Pete. This is a new situation for all of us, but I was a senior NCO in the military police, then a section leader in one of Britain's special forces. I know you don't care about rank, but I just want you to know that I've made tough choices before, choices that cost the lives of people that I cared about, choices I've had to make for the sake of the mission. And I'd go back and make those same decisions time and time again. And if the mission required it, I'd lay down my life. I'm not afraid to make that choice."
He turns to Roger and the rest of the team. "Explosives are a good idea, given what Jack had to do to get into the alien craft. Sight wise, we've no idea if IR would work on these things yet. Hopefully there are some research boffins working on that as we speak, but until then red-dots or motion predictors might be our best bet."
Jack re-read his PAM on ballistic skills 101 in order to refresh himself on keeping his weapons steady when firing. Jack then walked down to the QM and acquired the biggest launcher they could provide for him.
Jack decided to be armed to the teeth for the jungle excursion, so between him and Bob they packed two slots for rockets (total 9), and two slots for shotgun ammo (7 clips total).
"I say we load up on some explosives, I could set up some booby traps if we arrive ahead of them. We could make some tripwire grenades and some demo charges on a bridge or some structures perhaps."
Roger goes to the quartermaster to see what he can get
Jack re-read his PAM on ballistic skills 101 in order to refresh himself on keeping his weapons steady when firing. Jack then walked down to the QM and acquired the biggest launcher they could provide for him.
Jack decided to be armed to the teeth for the jungle excursion, so between him and Bob they packed two slots for rockets (total 9), and two slots for shotgun ammo (7 clips total).
Jack started to nod off halfway through the PAM, and remembered reading PAMs was for chumps. He instead decided to get tough by drinking swill at the bar and headbutting walls.
Anna will spend time going over medical books/studies and any research she has access to at the base to further her studies despite having finished her degree. You never stop learning! she thinks to herself.
Once satisfied that she can't cram any more info into her brain at this time, she'll head to the Quartermaster to get her gear for the next sotie sorted out.
"I say we load up on some explosives, I could set up some booby traps if we arrive ahead of them. We could make some tripwire grenades and some demo charges on a bridge or some structures perhaps."
Roger goes to the quartermaster to see what he can get
I would say yes, anyone carrying the bag would reduce their agility bonus by 2 for calculating movement and good luck if something shoots that duffle bag.
Pete spent time contemplating the events that transpired and the decisions his fellow soldiers chose. They were all there for a reason and overall the fight against this enigmatic force could only be done by them for now. It was a time to reflect, a time grow.
Breathing lightly he entered a few stances to center his concentration, doing mental exercises for an hour before rigorous training, strengthening his swordform and acuity. When it was time to ship out he would be ready to strike down those who had deemed it fit to prey on humans.
Mark spends his pre-deployment time rigorously reviewing his kit, cleaning his weapons, and making sure he's had something to eat.
Roger gets the bomb bag and spends his time prepping tripwires and making sure the explosives are good to go, while listening to David Bowie's Space Oddity, Life on Mars and Starman
The team heads to the hanger where Powerline is waiting.
"you boys take me to all the nicest places. Better strap in tight this time, officially this bird doesn't have clearance to be in Mexico and we aren't exactly filing flight plans."
Powerlines flying is if anything crazier than last time and you spend most of the flight within 50ft of the ground.
You arrive at the village with 3 hours to go before dark, landing in a clearing 200 meters west of the village. The villagers have no idea that you are coming and a few curious ones are already heading down the path from the village.
Pete walks off making sure to have no weapons in his hands, most holstered or sheathed. When the approach he simply speaks somewhat familiar with the language. " Buenos Dias Muchachos! Me llamo es Pedro. " gauging their response from his upbeat introduction he turns an helmeted head to Mark, " Awaiting orders.. sir. What do you want to do? I'm not fluent but Anna there is. "
"I'll try and distract them or at least get some info they might have. *exhale* Lets see if I've still got it..." She whispers over comms.
Anna then walks up to the nearest group of villagers.
"Good Evening everyone! We're with the Military, here investigating the disappearances of the people living in other villages and we think whoever is doing this might be passing through here or close by and we want to ensure your safety."
"Now, has anyone heard or know anything about what happened in the other villages? It would help us immensely if you could share anything with us."
"We won't be here long, we promise! We just want to make sure you're all safe."
Jack, not knowing any Spanish, stays back with the group and patiently waits for orders from the group leader so that we can 'risk manage' the locals and carry on with the mission before more of these poor folks disappear. Jack is impressed with Anna's ability to calmly and clearly communicate with the jungle people.
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"You are American? Because you definitely aren't Mexican military. We know nothing about the other villages where people disappeared, but a few of the children said they saw a strange man standing in the jungle. They said he was tall, but when I went to look there was no one there."
"Looks like the children have seen one of them already. They don't describe a Lizardman so we might be up against something else entirely."
"I won't lie to you, we're not Mexican Military, no, but we were called in specifically to deal with these...strangers...because they pose a serious threat to the world at large."
Looking around to try and spot the children if none are already present.
"With your approval, would the children be able to show us where they saw these strange men? We'd like to take a look around and, if it's O.K with you all, stay for a few days to make sure you're all safe before moving on."
"I'm trying to see if we can't get one of the Children to show us where they're seen these strangers as well as see if we can't stay for at least a few days."
Pete shakes his head, " Anna, while I appreciate the effort to find the enemy, its not good to promise things you cannot keep. In this type of job you cant promise much of anything. I rather they not see us as monsters when we cannot. We had to ship out in less than 24 hours here, what's to say we won't have to do so again? "
He folded his arms across his chest as the light from his visor showed the right side of his face up to the eye.
"The few days thing is an ambiguous measure of time. They could just say sure and we're all like 'sorry, missions done and we've got orders to move on, sadly can't stay' when we get the order to ship out. I doubt they'll be hurt if we suddenly have to leave seeing as we're outsiders. It's a matter of courtesy, Pete."
"It also makes the threat out to be something temporary but serious meaning they'd be more inclined to help us, hopefully. It might also stop them from ratting us out."
" A few days is two or three days Anna. You would have been better off saying 'A little while'. Listen, What you are describing and doing is called 'manipulation'. I don't practice it myself. I just want you to say what you are doing instead of pretending you arent. That is not courtesy. " Pete turned to the face the natives.
" These people need our help, that should be the primary objective above all else Anna. Whether they speak about us or not should be the bottom of our queue. We don't need to spread fear. In just a few hours they will see our squad fight and possibly die against enemies that fire beams of death to defend them. You highly underestimate the effect that act will instill in these people. Small lies can make big differences. "
Mark endures the chopper flight with the nonchalance of a special forces soldier with previous experience of nap-of-the-earth rides into danger.
Disembarking, weapons sheathed, Mark sees a few curious villagers approach. He stays back to co-ordinate, allowing the Spanish speakers to take the lead. He listens to Anna converse with the villagers, and the reports of strange outsiders suggest that they are in the right place.
A debate breaks out between Anna and Pete, and Mark steps in. "Hey, cool it guys. Anna, Pete's right - our mission is to investigate what's going on with these disappearances, we're not here on a humanitarian mission and we can't afford to hang around. That said Pete, moderate your tone please. We're all on the same side, working toward the same objectives."
He turns to the rest of the squad. "Jack, Roger - set up a perimeter while we're here. I don't want to get ambushed while we're gathering intel with the natives."
Anna smirks and points to the Medic Badge on her uniform.
"Sue me." and chuckles.
"Alright, fine, cut and dry it is. We're in, we're out. So what? Enforce a curfew? Tell them not to leave their homes once it's dark and we've given an all clear? Shove them all into the larges defensible building?"
"Sorry about that, we had a slight change in plans in that while we will be able to help defend you all if these...men...appear, we won't be able to stay long."
There is a slight pause, Pete stares at Mark through his visor but it was easy to tell through body language he was not overly pleased. The moment lasted a full 20 seconds before a trickle of blood ran down the front of his neck that he spoke. His body tightening back up, " Yesh, Shir. Anytheng elshe, Shir? "
"Sounds like a good plan to me, Anna. We need to protect these people from whatever is here, and we don't need non-combatants getting in the way if we have to go on the offensive. If they have a church or something they can shelter in, we should get everyone in there before nightfall."
Mark registers Pete's displeasure, but having spent most of his career arresting drunk and belligerent squaddies, he lets it wash over him. "Join Roger and Mark in setting up a perimeter. When Anna's done with the locals, we'll all escort them back to the village."
Sure thing; c'mon Bob, let's get going.
Jack and Bob work with Roger to set up a loose perimeter with three-four people.
(low tone to himself) Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off with guns I go.....
The villagers seem wary of government people but a few of the children show you roughly where they saw the strange man on the NE side of the clearing about 10 meters into the jungle.
"he was tall, very tall. And he was wearing coveralls, but they looked really new."
Any talk of them all staying in the central building is met with resistance.
Pete goes around setting up grenade tripwires with Roger while this goes on to calm down. He makes sure none of the people go near it and if possible checks the tracks to determine where best to place them.
Jack and Bob follow instructions and conduct irregularly patterned roving patrols as infantry school 101 taught them. A little extra vigilance on patrols was given to Pete and Roger as they set up the tripwires along the perimeter. Jack was grateful he was not in charge of handling the locals, he isn't exactly the "bureaucratic, diplomatic" kind of guy.
"You would only have to stay inside for the night maybe not even that long depending on how things goes. It sucks being forced out of your own homes but please understand, it's for your own safety and we'll be able to properly protect you if you all just spend a night inside the building together."
"For all we know, you might not even have to spend the whole night inside, just long enough for us to do our jobs. If any of you have weapons, I'd suggest you take them with you inside alongside any essentials you might require."
Anna then looks around to her squad mates as they go around placing traps in the immediate forest then turns back to the assembled villagers.
"And, as of now, I'd strongly advise against setting foot in the Forest until we give you the all clear."
Turning back to the team; more specifically Mark as Jack and Pete are out setting up traps.
"Looks like they're being less than cooperative when it comes to possibly spending the night cooped up in that single structure. I'm trying to placate them but...yeah."
"Any ideas?"
"Any ideas?"
Yeah, but you wouldn't like my ideas. They usually involve tazers and duct tape. If need be, Bob can babysit.
"We can't force these people to do anything, we just have to make it clear that we're trying to work out what's happening and then do something about it so that no-one gets hurt. If they won't stay in their communal building, see if they'll agree to a curfew.
If they won't even do that it's going to make things much harder. We can't protect the whole village with nine soldiers."
"I have a feeling we're going to see something new guys, very new. The Geckos we've seen are only about 150cm tall and the kids talk about someone very tall. Even to a kid 150cm is not even the size of a teenager. We can expect anything we've learned last mission to be unlearned today"
While setting up tripwires with Pete he starts up a discussion about knives, to cool his head and keep his mind on the mission, as he knows Pete is into them as well.
"So, Gerber? A fading empire pretending to be German workmanship? or are theu just making "tactical" knives to sell them to the s%%+-munchers while keeping their other ranges still top level?"
"I have a feeling we're going to see something new guys, very new. The Geckos we've seen are only about 150cm tall and the kids talk about someone very tall. Even to a kid 150cm is not even the size of a teenager. We can expect anything we've learned last mission to be unlearned today"
While setting up tripwires with Pete he starts up a discussion about knives, to cool his head and keep his mind on the mission, as he knows Pete is into them as well.
"So, Gerber? A fading empire pretending to be German workmanship? or are theu just making "tactical" knives to sell them to the s%!*-munchers while keeping their other ranges still top level?"
Yes the lines are paths leading to other villages or clearing where crops are grown. The other clearing is where the helicopter is.
"Alright, well, we can't force you to do anything you dont want to. If you're deadset on staying in your homes tonight, then please, for our sakes, stay indoors and, if you hear anything - gunfire, explosions, anything dangerous - take cover and stay hidden until we give you an all clear."
"It'd make things easier for us if you all stayed in the central building but, thats up to all of you to decide. If you'll excuse us, we've got a few things to set up."
"Its in their hands now. Hopefully they at least keep their heads down and don't interfere."
"Well, I'm no explosives expert so I'm going to see if I can't get a vantage point to scope out the place."
"Alright, well, we can't force you to do anything you dont want to. If you're deadset on staying in your homes tonight, then please, for our sakes, stay indoors and, if you hear anything - gunfire, explosions, anything dangerous - take cover and stay hidden until we give you an all clear."
"It'd make things easier for us if you all stayed in the central building but, thats up to all of you to decide. If you'll excuse us, we've got a few things to set up."
"Its in their hands now. Hopefully they at least keep their heads down and don't interfere."
"Well, I'm no explosives expert so I'm going to see if I can't get a vantage point to scope out the place."
yah, but you have better lines of sight if you are on the building.