" Let's hop to it then. We are on assumed limited resources and an unknown number of hostiles. Clear out the filth and then hold up in the area. use the storm to our advantage if we can. "
Pete tries to use his knowledge of the area to bring them to the site smoother and positioned at somewhat of an better position if attack were to spring upon them.
I'm, um, not sure what we can secure these locomotives to, especially unsupervised. I recommend we haul them back to HQ, grab bigger weapons, and return as soon as the storm clears.
" Did you not just see our bird get shot down? By the time we radio in a pickup it would be too late. If you are worried, then kill them so we can get on with this mission. "
I was trying to think through a safer strategy as opposed to rushing in without thought. If I wanted a c*nt in the group, I'd have brought along your mother. We kept 'em alive up until now, may as well keep them that way.
Jack, clearly annoyed with Pete's negative attitude, looks for a place to secure these walking brick-houses.
Awareness 32:
"Even if we went ahead with trying to sedate them, either, One: I don't have enough sedatives on me to keep it down for that long, two: the dose is too small and barely affects it or three: the dose is too strong and he OD's. None of which are good scenarios. For the sake of Expediency, we could just Off this one and try to nab one at our final destination if we really need to."
"Or, you could break all of its appendages and remove any and all gear from it so that it literally cannot get anywhere quick though we don't know how fast they heal."
"Just take their kit and secure them to the thickest tree you can fine. We haven't got time for any b$%&~ing and moaning," Mark says, frustrated at the delay. "We need to be on target by the time this storm hits or we could be stuck out here for days."
Mark reviews the tac-map for the most efficient route to the target, hoping they've got enough time before the Alaskan weather gets too rough.
Mark manages to find a clear bearing in the rapidly deteriorating weather. The team secures the enemy in place, knowing that they will likely die of exposure before the storm ends. Powerline grabs an M4 out of the cockpit, along with a parka.
After 2 hours and 50 minutes you are finally at the edge of the logging camp.
It looks like there are 5 buildings in an U shape. The largest building at the base of the U, it looks to be a headquarters/ office of some kind. 4 Buildings are 2 stories, the only one this isn't is the log cutting plant. The building on the same leg as the cutting plant is a garage/ maintenance building, the last 2 are dorms.
The weather closes in as Mark leads the squad through the forest to the target. Forced to rely on long-unused land nav skills he learned in the Brecon Beacons as part of UK Special Forces Selection, Mark concentrates on the map and the compass bearing, ignoring the cold in his feet and the ache in his legs.
"I don't think we have time to set up an OP," Mark says, forced to raise his voice slightly over the wind. "This weather is only going to get worse. Let's try and get into the garage and lay up there."
"Anything to get us out of this. Though we might want to take it a bit slow on our way in. Don't know if any hostiles might be waiting in the rafters for us." She says as she gestures around.
Pete nods in agreement, " Alright, then let's not keep our friends waiting. I'll move in with Beowulf. We have to secure the area either way. "
He moved up, M16 at the ready. Utterly unable to stealth.
Mark nods at Pete. "Agreed, may as well get moving." Mark stows his nav gear, tightens the sling on his M4, and follows on behind the rest of the squad, keeping a watch behind them as they move onto the target.
everyone make an awareness check as you move in towards the garage.
The throbbing chest pain Anna is experiencing after having being shot is much too distracting for her to notice minute details in the surrounding environment.
The driving rain obscures much of Mark's vision.
On his way to the garage Pete notices that a pair of automated turrets have been set up outside the HQ building.
The garage itself appears empty except for several heavy duty trucks and a pair of big SUVs. There is also some equipment for doing light/ medium repair work on the vehicles.
Pete silently yet firmly places his hand up to stop the advance of the squad and then motions with two fingers the positions of both turrets to the them.
He then makes a motion to try and bypass them by going around. Or to nip them early, perhaps salvage them.
He looks to his allies for their response, making sure to order each idea with 1, 2, or 3 fingers.
Mark stops at Pete's signal and spots the turrets he points out. Keeping in hand on his weapon, he motions to Pete to circle around the turrets so as to not give away their presence.
The turrets do seem to be confused by the heavy snowfall that is coming down.
Pete nods and moves around out of their line of fire/sight. Possibly to flank/disable them later, but more importantly not to alert the clear Alien threat that is stationed here.
Mark follows Pete's course through the falling snow, making sure to keep in visual contact with all members of the squad while simultaneously keeping a watch for any alien threats that may appear.
Anna follows along keeping a wary eye on the turrets as long as their in visual range as they move along.
Once you reach the garage you are out of the line of sight of the turrets.
Once the squad reaches the garage, Mark begins co-ordinating a sweep of the building for hostiles. Using hand signals so as not to give their position away Mark directs Pete and Jack to lead check upstairs while he and Anna review the ground floor for hidden compartments or other access points.
As Anna sweeps the bottom floor with Mark, the continual throbbing in her chest distracts her from focusing as they go about their business.
The team takes cover in the garage for what feels like days, but is probably only several hours while a whiteout blizzard rages around you. Eventually the storm stops and the temperature drops to an extreme -38 degrees Celsius before windchill. At least 18 inches of snow fell, but in drifts it is as high as 4 feet.
Powerline speaks up. "Should we call for evac? There could be another storm cell."
"I don't think we're likely to get evacced in this, do you? Besides, we've got a mission to complete." Mark says, rubbing his hands together. "What's our supply situation like? We might be out here for a day or two. Obviously we can make water from the snow, but is there any food?"
"Negative, sir, I packed for an in-and-out job, not an extended stay. If we're really screwed, we've probably got some extraterrestrial popsicles to munch on...eugh..."
"Anyways, if theres automated turrets here it means whoevers basing here might be in for an extended stay and that means feeding yourself. How bout we B&C the place?"