The captain, straight and narrow up to this point, stares for a moment before speaking. ”I’ve never met a deity before. It is an honor to share this place with you.” He isn’t sure whether to salute or bow. After a second, he decides on the latter.
Burgurk says "Shakti, this is Captain Nerun of the Legion, he will be running things here from now on. Are you ok? Your lips were moving slightly, as if you were talking to someone."
Good to meet you Captain, but I am no longer a deity, though I might still be considered divine. I think you have inherited trouble here, captain."
She smiles at Burgurk, "I was speaking with someone; the recipient of all the energy harvested here. There is a being here, in a metaphysical sense. The barriers between dimensions has been made... thin, in this place. It appears that their intentions for the place are not over. Perhaps we should discuss this further from the breach."
The Captain nods. ”From what I hear, trouble seems to follow this team as it is. Sergeant? Let’s go back to HQ and discuss what she has to say.”
Once they move back to the impromptu command centre, Shakti takes a moment to obscure them from scrying eyes.
Pausing for a moment, she reflects upon how strange it feels to hide information from the universe, when her instinct is generally to try to convey as much to it as possible.
Once settled, she shares what she has learned with the group, laying it out susinctly.
"As some of you know, before coming to this world, I was deity over a small dimension of my own. Compared to this one, you might call it a pocket dimension. It was perhaps the size of a continent; not even a whole planet, but I was supreme over that realm. The presence in the mines is a being much as I was. However, her priorities are different than mine were in her position. She wishes to expand her control, and subsume surrounding dimensional space and realms. She has decided that this realm offers her an opportunity. This world is a nexus, and as such, offers her the ability to bridge to myriad other worlds."
I think it unlikely she intends to absorb this world, unless she is orders of magnitude more powerful than I remember, but neither would the process be harmless to those hereabouts. Likely, she would view life here as an expendable resource in fueling her attempts to reach out to less powerful worlds, much as she instructed her followers here to weaken the barrier with all those sacrificial deaths."
Trying to understand the universe-sized concepts Shakti is explaining, Burgurk pauses a moment and then says "So...what can we do to stop her from even 'touching' this world...er, universe?"
Captain Nerun harumphs as he is listening. ”Whatever she can or can’t do, we can stop her. The Tomorrow Legion grows stronger every day and we can take what she can dish out.”
After hearing a lot of information regarding parallel worlds and bad things coming out of them, the Captain decides he has had enough. ”Well, like I said, nothing we can’t handle. With Paragould under our umbrella, we have expanded the Legion more than expected. While it is a long reach and we will have a ways to go until it becomes a truly proper outpost, you and your people have made a good headway. What gets me though is why they haven’t made you an officer yet. Politics and paperwork probably. Anyway, let’s get back to the HQ so we can transfer command and I’ll let you guys get a little RnR before heading back to Refuge.”
"I see only a few answers to this problem. First, we could ignore it, and while keeping a watchful eye, hope that what we have done has disrupted her foothold enough that she will no longer be able to break through. Without any remaining followers to work within the mines, it may be that she does not have a sufficient foothold to claw her way through.
"Second, we could collapse the mines, burning the point at which she has physical connection within the rock, making it inaccessible. Of course, as it is the reason for the existence of the town, I imagine the villagers would not be keen on our doing so. We don't necessarily need to consult them, though I'm sure doing it without them would not endear the Tomorrow Legion to them. Of course, blocking the physical access to a metaphysical point of connection may be irrelevant regardless."
"Third, we could ask for a mystical team from Castle Refuge to come and attempt to heal the damage done to the borders of reality in this place, should they even possess someone with the necesary skills to do so."
"Last, I could merge my consciousness with hers. Much as two liquids will join to form a new one, like milk in your tea, we would become a nee creature, possessing all the knowledge of both. There is a chance my more detailed understanding of this world and its emensity will dissuade her from attempting to subsume it, or that my personality will influence a more relaxed attitude towards her ideas of cnquest."
"Thoughts?"
Burgurk thinks for a moment then says, "Let's see if the Legion has anyone who's adept at strengthening the barrier between worlds first. If they can't, and we're going to blow the mine, that decision will have to come from *MUCH* higher up in the Legion than us, due to the consequences of losing Paragould as an ally. I'd leave merging your consciousness with hers as a last resort, as we would *definitely* lose a powerful ally, and only *might* be able to change her mind."
Captain Nerun interjects, ”There are a few Arcane Anomaly Teams attached to Special Operations. Perhaps one can be sent here to rectify the problem.”
Burgurk gets on long-range comms and contacts the home base. He describes the situation, and asks if there are any teams that can strengthen a weak spot between worlds.
It takes some time to reach Chief Elle, something about comm lies going down in some areas again. Once you do, she seems less stoic than usual. ”Sergeant Burgurk. While I appreciate that Captain Nerun has taken over in the defense of Paragould, I agree that the anomaly must be closed for it to be truly safe. The problem is that we do not have an available team in the area to deal with it at the moment and it could take us some time to pull one off of their current missions to do so. I fear that your companion, Shakti, is all you have for the time being. If she can not, then Nerun will have to do his best to keep them safe until it can be dealt with. We have had a recent string of incursions by Splugorth slavers closer to home and we feel it has something to do with capturing one of you. Not only that, the Coalition has decided that now is a good time to send scouts further into our territory and they usually only do that when they are about to attack. Something is afoot Sergeant, and I don’t like it. For now, attempt to close the anomaly. If you can not, return to Refuge as you can. We have something else that we can not share over comms. Elle out.”
Shakti takes a little time alone to meditate, ostensibly to prepare for the ritual. In reality, she takes the time to commune with the tree of knowledge, in an effort to find an outcome to her advantage. Perhaps she could use the breath to reconnect with the tree, to merge with divinity or prepare for rebirth, all while sealing the breach from the other side. And perhaps she might find that betrayal was the only answer, and that she might need to accept her rival's offer.
Would she honour the agreement to give me a world and not reconquer it?
If I were to merge with her, would my influence on our new personality be strong enough to alter her plans for the world?
How can I use this breach to rejoin with divinity without betraying my allies?
Shakti withdraws and finds a place to herself to meditate upon her place and position in the world and the worlds around her. When her being puts forth the first question, the reply comes in her own voice. "You already know, don't you? Ceyrana will give you the world, all to yourself, but you will be forever alone."
As the next thought emerges from Shakti's consciousness, the mists that surround the tree of knowledge start to coalesce into a vaguely humanoid form. It grows several arms, two pairs of legs and three heads, each with a different face. The mouths speak in unison. "We are what you would become. Our whims grow beyond such petty desires and we become one with all that is. There is no need for control of this world or any other."
Shakti feels herself being pulled towards the image. "Let go of mortal concerns. They will attend to themselves and the cycle will continue as it always has. This world is but one iteration of itself. It too shall pass and another will take its place in due time, with each decision a new world forms."
The being reaches its many arms out to Shakti and the pull is strong...
Shakti feels the pull from the infinite, the solution aligning with each and every one of her goals. She allows herself to be pulled into it, her essence beginning to cross the breach and flowing into something greater. As she feels herself being pulled away, becoming something infinitely greater, she reaches out with her mind, sharing her final thoughts with her Ally Burgurk; a mortal she could almost call friend.
Burgurk. It is Shakti. I have found the answer; the solution to so many questions. I have have found how to counter Ceyrana, and how to refind my divinity. I will be leaving you. What we will become is far beyond anything you can understand, but it will be glorious. Ceyrana will be no more, the breach between worlds healed, and neither any threat to you.
I have enjoyed your presence and companionship. Fare thee well.
I have no need of belongings where I am going, and so I leave what material wealth I possess to you. My Armour was accounted fine in your world, and my weapons serviceable. My staff will serve little use to one of your gifts, but it might remind you of me. It is a splinter of the all-knowing tree. If you wish, you may plant it in a place you call home. It will link the tree forever to this world so I might still see you from afar. If you come there, and meditate beneath its branches, you might even speak with me. All knowledge along the tree eventually returns to its boughs, and so, you might one day join with us if you wish it. I do not envy your struggles enduring the pettiness of so many lesser minds, but in you there is strength. You will do well.
Burgurk is having a conversation with Nerun when suddenly he stops talking, and his face goes blank. After a few seconds, Nerun calls his name, but gets no answer. He debates for a moment, then decides to wait a little bit longer. After about a minute, Burgurk suddenly starts, and what might almost be considered a sad look comes over his face. "Shakti has solved the problem of the rift, sir. She has somehow merged with another of her kind, and guarantees that the other will not be a threat, and that the rift is completely sealed. Unfortunately, in so merging she has left our reality. She is not dead, but gone. She left me all her possessions, for what it's worth. I will...miss her."
Captain Nerun feigns understanding as he nods his head. ”I had heard that she was a strange one, but most mystical beings are. I have nothing against them, I just trust my rifle more than any arcane thing. I am glad the problem is dealt with, but I feel this sacrifice will need to be honored somehow. I think, in the time we are stationed here, a memorial should be raised for her. I think the townsfolk wouldn’t be too upset about something like that. I’ll make it happen while you are on your way back to base.”
He stands and pauses. ”You’ve done well for yourself, Burgurk. Your kind aren’t trusted usually, but the men you have with you seem to follow you well enough. I don’t understand why they haven’t commissioned you yet. From what I’ve been told, you would make a good officer.” Captain Nerun then turns and leaves and you are left alone with your thoughts.
Despite the fierceness of his race, and his warrior training, Burgurk feels the pit of his stomach drop as Nerun mentions being an officer. "Could this be...fear?" he wonders.
Friday, December 1st, 109 PA (2395CE). 0800. 37 Degrees, Partly Cloudy. Castle Refuge Briefing Room.
For some of you, the trip here was fairly uneventful. Returning from Paragould, you and your team managed to navigate the hundred plus miles, narrowly avoiding a Coalition patrol and then a Splugorth raiding party. Luckily, it seemed they were more interested in whatever they were already chasing than to engage with your small unit.
For others, this was the other side. You had spent your life fighting against all that could undermine and deteriorate what it meant to be human, but you really questioned what that was when the commanders ordered the annihilation of civilian targets just to take out a few freedom fighters. You remember vividly watching a soldier gun down a green-skinned woman as she was running away. It wasn’t until later that the soldier realized the bundle she was carrying was her child. That was enough for you. Sure, the world was dark, but this was avoidable.
The Tomorrow Legion took you in, albeit after a rather long series of interrogations and psi-scans. It was humiliating, but being from the other side, you understood. You wanted to do something to stop the monsters, in whatever form they took. Once vetted, the Legion treated you as if you were the best thing that happened to them. They outfitted you with new gear and re-conditioned what you brought with you. They assigned you a team and now, after barely a day of getting to know each other, you were in a briefing room.
At least the militaristic setup was familiar. You all stand as Top Chief Elle of Owls enters the room, with Major Grimdark and Lieutenant McDare in tow. The Chief is the very epitome of D-Bee. She has a human form, but an ethereal visage of an owl. Her presence seems to lighten the mood wherever she goes, despite whatever news she may have. You know that since she is here, this must be important.
Major Grimdark is the exact opposite. Though a dwarf, his presence can overshadow even the mouthiest new recruit. He stares at each soldier, checking for even the slightest piece of kit out of place. No one dares look at him back.
Lieutenant McDare balances the two. She is a young human female, seemingly too young to be an officer, but she is the Special Operations liaison and communications specialist. Her red hair is up in a military bun, as per the usual, and her glasses are ever falling from her nose, but her face is grim, as if she knows something. You don’t get much of a chance to speculate, as the Chief starts speaking.
”Welcome back, all of you. I know the reorganization of Special Expeditionary Team 23 has been a difficult process, but I fear it is a necessary one. It is my hope that you can work together to bring about the change we are all hoping for the future of Earth. As you are aware, a few of you are transplants from one of our greatest threats. Your knowledge will prove valuable in the coming months. Major Grimdark will fill you in on the details, but suffice to say that you are most welcome in the Legion. I will not allow anyone to tell you otherwise.” With that, she bows and takes her leave.
Major Grimdark doesn’t miss a bit as he stands at the front. He tells you to sit and the collective sound of it echoes in the room. ”Here it is plain and simple. There are spies in our organization. Good ones. Seems they have made it so our enemies are one step ahead of us. Some of you may remember Lieutenant James Beehan of the Coalition States. He was assigned to Garnet Town before they made claim to join the Legion. His original assignment was to convince them to sign on with the Coaliton, but this mandate has changed. From what we know, he is now ordered to undermine Legion activity in the area and he has been assigned a special team to do it. We sent a team to intercept them on route, but it was a trap. They knew we were coming and the team was wiped out. This indicates a major change for his behavior, as your reports indicate that he was somewhat amicable to an arrangement. We have also found out that Garnet Town has become a hub of illegal Coalition weapons trade. If the two are not related, I don’t know how, but something is going on and we need to know what and put a stop to it. Your mission is twofold. Find out what Beehan is up to and put an end to it, and secondly, find the source of the Coalition weapons and either shut that down, or redirect them to us, whichever you can manage without bringing the whole Coalition army on our heads. Lieutenant?”
Major Grimdark allows McDare to approach and she clears her throat before speaking. ”This next part is voluntary only, as we have teams specialized in doing this, but since you’re going, we need a comm relay tower put up in Garnet Town. The last one was destroyed, presumably by CS troops. Garnet Town has been out of contact for the last couple of weeks since the last transmission, so what we know comes from intel. We honestly don’t know what you’re walking into. Your APC will be towing a cargo container with all the materials you will need. We would prefer it didn’t get lost, but as I said, this is an extra step.” She steps away and those of you who know her well enough can tell that she is upset and missing her usual upbeat manner.
”Right. So, get geared up and leave ASAP. This needs to be dealt with and your team is the only one we can spare.” Major Grimdark ignores the salutes as he leaves and says, ”Dismissed.”
When he and Lieutenant McDare leave, you can hear the murmuring of the troops on the dangers of this mission.
”We got some Deadheads with us, think that’s a coincidence?”
”Chief says they’re cool, so they’re cool.”
”This sounds dangerous, I hope we can make this work.”
”New commander and important mission. I just hope they know what they’re doing.”
...
Specialist Elias Maru probably looked as nervous as he felt as he looked around the briefing room.
'Nothing like dropping straight into the deep end.' The Cyber-Knight thought to himself. 'I'll have to meditate on how the Code applies to counter-spying.'
Sun Li Tao rose with the rest of the soldiers when the Major and Lieutenant dismissed them and left, letting out a quiet breath that he had been keeping contained. It wasn't his preference for a first mission, even though it was one he could excel at dealing with. Psionic examinations were standard fare though, one that he had gone under repeatedly to ensure that he was not a mole being implanted in the Legion's forces. It could've meant sleeper agents that were only beginning to become activated now that the Legion was building on successes.
The human man stood a little over five feet and eight inches, his physique strong and agile enough but nowhere as imposing as some of the more physically trained soldiers. His black hair, just a little over shoulder length, was tied back in a simple ponytail that revealed the laser scarring on the back of his neck. His facial features were severe, the hint of white in the trimmed hair on his upper lip and along his chin. Dark eyes surveyed the assembled team and he quietly listened to the concerns of the troops; Deadheads in their midsts, a new commander, a dangerous mission with multiple objectives and multiple places for potential failure. Moving quietly but confidently, he approached SET Team X-Ray 23's captain, the man known as Arsenio Deloso.
"Captain Deloso, it will be a pleasure to be serving under you this mission. I know we had yesterday to build an acquaintanceship but I am hoping you had a chance to read over my file." While it may not have been disclosed to the rank & file soldier, Arsenio would surely have been given knowledge of the mind melter in their midst. With expertise in biomanipulation, mind reading, and fighting select foes as well as intelligent groups, he was an asset that the Legion was more than excited to recruit once he passed through severe mental examination. Not all details were available, a few pieces redacted pertaining to his experience in the CS. "As I am sure you read, I was active in the Coalition's Psi-Battalion and their civilian organization, Psi-Net. I led to me working hand in hand with espionage agents. Perhaps I can give a presentation of the usual tendencies of the Coalition's infiltration teams, at least how I last remember it." Sun Li's voice remains almost uncomfortably calm and cool as he watches the Captain.
Arsenio nods.
"New perspectives are always helpful. I have a lot of experience with investigation and research, but not so much with counter-espionage ops. I've learned to listen to my specialists when they have esoteric experience like you have."
For the most part, Arsenio looks calm, relaxed even. The only thing odd is that he constantly...fidgets, for lack of a better word. Moving his fingers, shaking them, and occasionally even snapping them to punctuate a sentence, all accompanied by a small burst of flame.
Nodding after Arsenio's approval, the warrant officer makes his way to the front of the room where there superiors had been standing before. He looks over the motley crew before him, it was unlike any assembled platoon he had ever seen. They were mostly humans but their individuality shined through nonetheless. The D-Bees earned a momentary stare and Sun Li considered the fact that only a few months ago, he would've considered them dangerous threats. Now they were his soldiers under his command. His nerves twitched underneath before he took a breath and sedated the part of his mind triggering his sympathetic nervous system. He cleared his throat, loud enough for those in the front to hear him. He waited until quiet took the room, his smile impassive and polite.
"Good afternoon SET Team X-Ray 23. I am Warrant Officer Sun Li Tao and it is my privilege to be one of your commanding officers." He would take the time to introduce the others that were newly assigned after the reassignment, bringing up Captain Doloso in due time. Once initial introductions were finished, he would continue to speak. "Like the Major said, we have been tasked with discovering who the mole is operating within the Legion as well as eliminate the Coalition's plans in the area. Keeping Coalition casualties low is a priority, as it will give less reason for them to strike back retributively."
Sun Li grabs a marker and moves to the wall, drawing upon the board the beginning of what he knew about Coalition espionage efforts. "As I am sure a few of you have already heard, I am a Coalition defector...a former Deadhead...if you will." He could hear a few coughs and mumbles from those in the crowd at being overheard by a commanding officer. "I am a master psionic that specialized in infiltration, espionage, counter-espionage, and disabling targets of interest. What I know, I will teach you. I know for some of you, it will be difficult to trust me...either due to my previous service with the enemy or because of my abilities. I wish to assure you that if the Coalition wished me to infiltrate the Legion, it would not be by being a defector. Too risky, the Legion's powers are a relative unknown, and your general mindset of protecting all is a dangerous threat to morale."
At that point, Sun Li turned back to the group and stepped closer to the assembled fireteams. "Regardless if you trust me or not, I will trust you. I will do everything in my power to bring you all back home and successful." He would let those words hang in the air for a moment before turning back to the board.
"Now, pay attention as I explain the modus operandi that I was taught. Make sure to pay attention, I will only teach it once and I do not want to have to sear it into your frontal lobes, gentlemen." The silence after that comment was deafening as Sun Li looked over his shoulder with a wry smile. "It was a joke. Sorry, psychic humor."
As the teams were nearly finished to be heading out, Sun Li stepped beside Captain Doloso and gently cleared his throat.
"Sir, I have finished reading over the Garnet Town field report. I believe it would be best to get every senior legionnaire together and discuss a plan. I have an initial idea but wish to run it by more...experienced members of the Legion first."
Whitlock heads to the arms locker and retrieves his side arm before he waits for Sun Li to finish and steps up to the Captain. "Pleased to be part of the squad, I am obviously fire support, but I also have a fully functional electronics suite, I have special warfare training and I can function as comms and EOD. I am not sure about the requisition system here. I have a Northern Gun 303, it is fitted to take the standardized 50 round canisters. Will I need to pay for them? I did see an arms dealer that was selling them."
The human nods.
"I am Specialist Elias Maru."
Without his armor, Elias does not make an imposing figure at all, his dusky face speaks of travel, but his clothing is far more humble peasant fair.
"I'm a Cyber-Knight, so its actually Sir Elias Maru if you'd believe it, but that title still squeaks when I turn too hard. I have extra training on the defensive side of things. You need a doorway held or a target distracted, I'm your man. I'm also capable of spotting ambushes and getting friendly civilians to talk to me."
Elias looks a little embarrassed and rubs the back of his head with one hand. "Not much of a shot though."
As Senior Legionnaire Whitlock starts asking about weapons, a man in slick black hair and piercing blue eyes moves impossibly fast to stand near him. "Hey man, they don't like give out guns and such, except maybe to the new guys, but if you want we serious firepower, you can always have the Cap ask for a requisition. That or take what you find in the field. The Legion will keep you stocked on ammo though, long as you come back to get it." He stops for a moment and you notice he is preoccupied with something in the distance and at the same time twirling a knife in each hand. When he comes back, the two knives vanish and his hand reaches out to grip Whitlock's. "Senior Legionnaire Bellaraphon, but everyone just calls me Jace."
Sun Li smiles just slightly, pleased with himself that the interactions amidst the teams was going well enough. When Elias introduced himself as a cyberknight, the man's eyes looked down and away for a moment and the smile faltered. He had his encounters with the knights back in Tolkeen. They were unpleasant memories.
"You will need to test yourself. Keep pushing." He quietly thought to himself, straightening up slightly as he cleared his throat. "Legionnaire Belleraphon...Jace...is correct. The Legion, as long as you are here at Castle Refuge, will supply ammunitions, repairs, healthcare, and maintenance for any employed member of the Legion. Resupplying outside of the headquarters is up to the ingenuity of the legionnaire and his team. The firearm dealer provides discounted weaponry, armor, and other supplies to assist the Legion in its mission to protect the innocent and build a confederacy of common allies." The full-conversion combat cyborg, unlike the cyberknight, would not earn a blink from the warrant officer. In fact, he found the man's presence to be comforting to a degree having worked with many of them back within the Coalition State.
A grizzled old veteran hobbies over towards where the group is talking, after their briefing. The man has dark, sun-beaten leathery skin, thicker than what you'd usually see in a tannery. He's missing half his teeth, and walks with a bit of a stoop. How much of his look could be attributed to years, and how much to a lot of hard miles is anyone's guess. He could be any age between 60 and 90. His overalls are greasy and torn, patched and torn some more. Every pocket seems to hold a few small tools or random bits of machinery and circuit boards. If you look long enough under the stains and Grease, you can eventually spot a Rank patch that calls him Senior Warrant Officer, with the underpatch marking him as a vehicle crew-chief.
He comes up grinning, his voice sounding at once gravely and winded.
"Howdy newcomers. Name's Oates, but most folks me Josey. Heard I'm gonna be shuttlin' you 'round for the next wee spell. New home is o'or yonder!"
He gestures cheerfully to his vehicle, a heavily modified big-rig, probably based on an old NG-HCH-2000 Tractor Hover Truck. It has had some armour plating added, as well as some weaponry. The vehicle is far from new, but while evidence of major damage and repairs is everywhere, every single one of them has been lovingly repaired, with a perfect eye to function, but not perhaps not so much concerned with form. As a result, taken all together, the truck is about as pretty as he is, but looks like it could probably drive through a hurricane without losing a bolt.
"That's Elsie, my pride and joy!. She ain't never let me down and she won't for ye neither! She's not one of them modern skinny dames what's gonna break in half if ya tries wot to dance wit 'er or nuthin'. She's Nuclear! Be the last one at the party, every time, and never fails to blast her way through to were ot yer goin'!"
"Nearly got 'er tail rigged up for the job! Turn 'er into a short straightbody, with an armoured hull on the back. Cargo can will be rigged up to take up to medium rail fire, sleeper to lodge eight, plus my shop, head, and galley. She'll have 'er own power, so we can drop her to run Elsie bobtail, and use the can for a quick drop emplacement, twere we need to. Trying to get a gat we can mount on top. Won't be able to move it far without Elsie, but at least she'll be mobile, and good cover, when it counts."
He drifts off, kind of gazing at the vehicle in a daze, like a proud papa at his kid's wedding.
While he's lost staring, a creature looks over from the cab, and seeing Josey speaking with the group, takes flight, and lands next to Oates.
W.O. Oates starts as the creature lands next to him, though besides the hum of his glossimer wings, the new arrival makes no real noise to speak of.
"Oh, nearly forgot! the old codger jumps in, "This is my driver's mate. He's dumb as a cactus, but it's OK, since I speak enough for the both of us! I calls 'im Buzzbee since he can't says what 'is right name is. He may be little, but he's right mean to anyone that threatens Elsie, and he makes a mean scout with all his flyin' and such. Say 'Hi', Buzzbee."
The small creature standing next to the old mechanic stands under four feet tall, but other than that, pretty much looks like a bumble bee, except that he is wearing fitted Armour, and a well tended all-weather cloak. He raises a arm, one of four, each ending in a rather human-like hand. The posture he assumes does a reasonable job of conveying an inaudible sigh...
A voice emerges into your minds, presenting gently, not at all intrusive, but still there all the same, like someone knocking politely on your front door.
*Please ignore him. Josiah Oates is a good man, a skilled techno-wizard, mechanic, and a dependable friend. He is not however, a reliable source of information; outside his areas of expertise, of course. He sees the world in a very particular way, and neither you nor I will ever be likely to change it.*
*I am Jingu, of the Mellefaren. I am a swordsman. I am talented at scouting, and going unseen when needed, and even making others see what I wish them to see. I look forward to working with all of you.*
Arsenio nods in recognition of Jace as he comes in, but doesn't say anything. It's nice seeing one of the old team around.
"Speaking of requisitions, everybody should take the times to prepare their kits now. Grab a set of civilian clothing to go along as well. We've already lost one team to ambush, so it's safe to say we're headed into hostile territory. Anything with Legion tags on it we can file off or paint over."
"I'm thinking we can pass ourselves off as a merchant caravan, bring a couple of haulers with us. Josiah's truck is pretty much perfect for selling that image, since it's clearly some kind of pet project, so it's a great start."
Burgurk observes each member of the new team as they introduce themselves, and keeps his opinions to himself.
When there's a lull in the conversation, he says "I am Burgurk, the only remaining person from this original unit. I have considerable psycho-kinetic abilities, and can take down all but the toughest opponents quickly. I also have powerful defensive abilities, but unfortunately they only apply to myself."
And, secretly, he's slightly relieved that he's no longer in command.
Elias laughs. "I like the merchant caravan idea, as long as I don't have to drive. Training made me a good at horses, but my driving is all thumbs."
Sun Li takes a moment to appraise the two others that approached. The eldery man earned a look of narrowed eyes at his disheveled appearance. It passed as he gestured to the massive big-rig beside him. The machine had been through hell and back, lovingly repaired back to a functional state. It was a ferocious, battered beast for certain and the more he inspected it, the more he could appreciate Josey's capabilities. The small, buzzing figure drew Sun Li's attention next and there was a momentary look of disapproval that faded as quickly as it appeared. The Tomorrow Legion was a diverse assortment of humans and other D-Bees. He would need to learn to expand his mind and outlook now that he was serving under their flag.
The mind melter's eyes widened as he sensed the telepathic power that gently approached his mind. Like a fortress slowly unwrapping, he allowed the D-Bee just enough access to speak and communicate with him. A polite smile spread on his face as he nodded to each of them.
"A pleasure to meet you Officer Oates, same for you Jingu. I have not had to opportunity to meet one of your kind before." It seemed that the fireteams were loaded with psychic potential outside of Oates' technowizardry. Burgurk approached next and his eyes took in the Simvan warrior. He had read the reports of the initial contact with Garnet Town and the destruction of the mage known as Simon and his demonic assembly. "Sergeant Burgurk, I read over your contributions in the previous operation in Garnet Town. You were most impressive against the demon there. I welcome your assistance and experience."
"A merchant caravan is an interesting idea. It would provide some cover for us and, assuming that the leadership of the town remains the same, could let us accomplish our secondary objective. With the tower repaired, it would encourage the enemy to attempt another sabotage. As a Danger Level 6 zone, we should certainly enter the space with the idea that we will be attacked. Shall we try to remain covert the entire time or only till we can establish ourselves in Garnet Town properly, captain?"
Jingu's wings buzz for a brief moment.
*This sounds like a sound approach. However, if Burgurk has been there previously, is it possible the locals might recognize him? I have noticed many humans have difficulty differentiating one D-Bee from another; Sgt. Burgurk? Do you think the locals would know you on sight?*
Josey Oates, cleans out an ear with a finger, as if trying to get rid of something bothering him.
"Who said Josiah? My mother used to call me that. Her and that damn voice in my head. I'm "Josie,' or just 'Oates.'"
"Elsie will do the job right pretty, she will. Course a Grande Dame like 'er will make 'em think we's right successful too. Start 'em off thinking we means business. Right? Crew comes riding in on a pretty girl like her, these folks will be falling all over themselves to cozy up with our side."
He rubs his hands with glee, anticipating how well this operation is bound to go, at least to his mind.
Jace takes a bit of time to introduce himself to the rest, but he talks so fast that it's difficult to understand him. "I ain't been to this Garnet Town place, but I'm a bit concerned that going in like merchants may also draw more attention, like the bandit kind. Then again we do have an army with us. Sort of." He starts chewing on an apple that you aren't quite sure where or when he got it.
Whitlock secures 100 rounds of Infantry rail Gun Ammo, and a large canvas tarp that he rigs into a large poncho, as close to a disguise as he can think of.
Burgurk observes each member of the new team as they introduce themselves, and keeps his opinions to himself.
When there's a lull in the conversation, he says "I am Burgurk, the only remaining person from this original unit. I have considerable psycho-kinetic abilities, and can take down all but the toughest opponents quickly. I also have powerful defensive abilities, but unfortunately they only apply to myself."
And, secretly, he's slightly relieved that he's no longer in command.
"Good to meet you. I've heard good things about your work. If you know Garnet Town well, as Jingu says, I'll be relying on your expertise to help get the lay of the land."
"A merchant caravan is an interesting idea. It would provide some cover for us and, assuming that the leadership of the town remains the same, could let us accomplish our secondary objective. With the tower repaired, it would encourage the enemy to attempt another sabotage. As a Danger Level 6 zone, we should certainly enter the space with the idea that we will be attacked. Shall we try to remain covert the entire time or only till we can establish ourselves in Garnet Town properly, captain?"
"I think we'll try to lay low as long as possible. I don't expect it to last long, especially with the concerns Jingu has raised, but it might last long enough for us to make it hard to just quietly get rid of us."
Jace takes a bit of time to introduce himself to the rest, but he talks so fast that it's difficult to understand him. "I ain't been to this Garnet Town place, but I'm a bit concerned that going in like merchants may also draw more attention, like the bandit kind. Then again we do have an army with us. Sort of." He starts chewing on an apple that you aren't quite sure where or when he got it.
"Bandits we can handle. We'll be expected to be armed and dangerous, so no need to go too light on the weaponry."
"Understood Captain. With your approval, I'll go and prepare for our outing." Following proper decorum, Officer Tao made his way from the staging room to prepare his supplies. The small firearm was strapped to his hip as he donned his armor, meeting the others beside Elsie to prepare to head out.
Elias nods. "No plan exists without changes, but the longer we can go without being made, the closer we can get to our objectives without having to spend resources."
"As for bandits, any real caravan would have guards. And while it might not be a good idea for all of us to pretend to be guards, at least a few 'rough and tumble' guys would be a good idea."
Jace pats the blade attached to his hip. ”We’re as rough and tumble as it gets.” As he does so, you notice that there are metal parts sticking out of some of his right hand. when he notices you noticing it, he shakes his head. ”Took more of a tumble than I wanted at one point, and I’d like to hunt him down and repay the favor, but, you know, reassignment.”
You fall in formation in the garage of Castle Refuge. “Elsie” has a long 53 foot hover trailer attached to her and the Mark V, camo and graffiti and all, has a smaller trailer attached to it as well. The rest of the platoon looks squared away and ready to go. When given the command, the men scatter into their assigned spots on the vehicles and the rest fall into formation outside of them. On given the all clear, you trundle out into the wilds of old Arkansas, passing by numerous gun towers and patrols before the road completely disappears and you are driving into the trails. Casey has taken first drive of the APC.
”Well, folks, we’re in for a long haul, so settle in and enjoy the ride.” He then comms Captain Deloso. ”Sir, should we take the long way or the short way? Long way is fairly safe, but will take us at least 3 days and should take us past most of the trouble spots. Short way gets us there in a day and half, but according to the latest, there’s been several CS patrols in that area, along with the usual things to look out for. Big ‘ole animals and whatnot.”