The pilot squares himself up as best he can before answering. ”Look, all we were told is that this town was in the way of some big project. Something about the Rift nearby. We were told that Legion folks for guarding the place, so some of the softies weren’t too upset about hitting a civvy target. We were not told of another unit coming to rescue them. Intel, am I right?”, he tries a small chuckle to try to diffuse the tension.
Sun Li keeps an eye on the interrogation, listening in quietly and gathering whatever information he could. There would be multiple interrogations before their task was done.
Burgurk makes a low growl, then throws the guy on the ground on his butt. "Bah! I am done with this one! Do with him what you will!"
Speaking only to Sun Li Tao, Jingu asks, *If we need anything further, do you have the talent of walking his mind?*
He keeps an eye on the situation as it unfolds, jut leaves it to the commanders to decide how to proceed. Once the wounded were taken care of, he busied himself salvaging equipment and gear from the fallen enemies.
With dozens of skelebots at hand, he makes an growing pike of blasters and vibrant blades. As he works, he keeps an eye out for any skelebots that might have salvageable parts. He knows from experience that Josie was more than capable of matching the heads from units hit in the chest with those hit in the cpu, in order to whip up some functioning bots. With a bit of reprogramming by himself, they would make useful sentries and labourors.
Sun Li gives a slight nod at Jingu's question; the mind melter would be busy with the captives after the captain had sorted the mess and decided what their next course of action would be. He thought that they should try to contact headquarters and prepare for a response; this assault was one of the first tests that this newborn confederacy.
Whitlock does his best to keep an eye on the interrogation, he doesn't want to interfere in the questioning, but he doesn't want harm to the pilots, they are likely just like he was, before Newtown.
Josie grabs his tool belt and slings his rifle across his back. He heads over the area of excitement, but instead of stopping to watch the interrogation like everyone else, he just walks past, obliviously, headed for the downed robot.
He can be heard mumbling to as he goes, though whether to himself or someone else isn't exactly clear, "Sorry 'bout that baby; no way to make an introduction... laser blast to the chassis an' all that, but them nogidnicks up in the driver's box was steering yas to do all sort o' unpleasantness. Think your bones may have done give up the ghost, but we'll put to life everything we can. Now, with that blast, I'm bettin' your mini-launchers are toast, but the railgun and your short and medium launchers are up on the pauldrons, and should be good. The sensor suite and it's lasers should be ok, unless they got messed up in the fall, and we can always find a use for your reactor, presumin' it shut down the way its spose'ta. Lets see what ol' uncle Josie can do, alright sweety? I promise it won't hurt."
He pulls out some tools, first checking his Geiger counter to make sure the reactor self-sealed as designed. Next, he climbs into the pilot compartment to check the system readouts, plugging in his own diagnostic tools.
Once he's got the readouts, he gets out and starts checking the maintenance access panels, so he can assess the manage to the super structure. He's assuming it's too damaged for repair without access to a robotic's dry dock and OEM parts, but he's going to check before harvesting for parts.
Jace stays near his commander. ”Sir, we seem to have the place secured for now, but there may be more of them. I will have my team secure the perimeter and then help where we can with clean up.”
With the interrogation changing hands, the rest of you and what is left of your platoon work to clean up the area, taking weapons and materials where you can. The destruction of the APC will make it harder to accomplish, but you are sure you can fit most of it into Josiah’s truck, at least if you can get the comms tower back up.
The Skelebots left a lot of material behind, and the UAR-1, after significant repairs at a dedicated facility, could be brought back online. The nuclear power core is still intact and that alone could be worth salvaging, if not the rest of it. Still, the problem lies with how to get it back to a facility. It won’t be walking anytime soon and the Skelebots do not have enough parts combined to put it back together. Or do they?
"Captain Deloso.." Sun Li says after ensuring that the prisoners have been successfully detained by the rest of the troop. "...it seems that our casualties are limited, though the loss of the APC is a detriment and will slow our travel speeds. We also have to deal with the fact that the prisoners have showcased psionic capabilities; they are a constant danger. I will keep an eye on them at all time and, with your permission, investigate them mentally to try and form a coherent story as to why the Coalition State annihilated Garnet Town." There was a momentary pang of guilt that was quickly suppressed. It was ruthless, utterly so. It was too close to Tolkeen.
"Something to discuss in a moment. Command meeting, now." Deloso orders, gesturing for the "faces" of the group to come along away from the rest of the group a bit.
Once everyone is gathered, he continues.
"I'll rip the bandage off quickly: we may be looking at a state of complete mission failure here, before we've even started. Even if the enemy doesn't know we're Legion, after that little display -which everyone within 10 miles probably got a good listen at, if they didn't see it- they know damn well we're not humble merchants, and are going to come looking."
"On top of that, our secondary objective to save Garnet Town seems completely shot. We'd be supplying relief efforts at best, in territory now controlled, however tenuously, by the enemy."
"The situation as we understand it has been completely flipped on its head, and the original scope of our mission is inadequate to cover what the situation has become."
"I want to hear your thoughts on the matter before I give further orders."
*Sir, I suggest we begin with a census of the villagers; find out if there is enough of them to rebuild. If not, we may have a refugee situation, in which case we can get them ready to go back to Castle Refuge if necessary, and willing. If it appears they have enough to rebuild, or refuse to leave, then we begin with that task, and start fortifying the village for defense in case the Coalition comes back. Do these people have a mayor? Or a headman?*
Burgurk goes back to the soldier he was interrogating, picks him up by the collar again, goes nose-to-nose with him and says "You! Does the Coalition have any other teams near Garnet town yet?" He smiles, showing his sharp teeth.
The robot pilot nods his head. ”There is a CS mechanized infantry company about 10 klicks east of here.”
Away from the interrogation, "With the right terrain and supprise I think we could defeat a Mech Inf Company, but it would not be quick or clean. I bet I could spoof a mayday from the robot. We could drop that in the other direction give us some more time.
Arsenio mulls things over.
"It's something we could maybe handle, but things would definitely get dicey. Josiah, how fast do you think you could get the communications array operational? We can radio for further orders...and maybe backup."
Josiah looks up from where he is working, the magnification viewfinder of his optics distorting his face and eyes, "Huh? How fast? All the parts are pre-assembled, so not that long; a few hours probably; faster if a few of the telekinetics help out with the lifting. Main question is where you want to put it. A tower is always going to make an easy target, but regardless, we're going to have to clear some space."
"Another thing, these troops are along way from home, it could be that they are also off book."
He casts a map, centered at their location, to a nearby display. then pings Fort El Dorado. "If I am reading things correctly this is where these guys are based out of. We are outside of there operational envelope. That could be a mistake, or it could be they are looking for something. And if they are willing to put this much hardware out in the field, beyond their support umbrella, it would have to be something valuable. I wonder if it is related to that multiband interference I ran into."
He looks around the command table. "Do any of your Wizard types sense anything odd?"
*I believe we are close to a Ley Line nexus, so supernatural energies run fairly rampant. I haven't felt anything beyond that, but them, I'm more of a Psion-type than a wizard-type.*
*Personally, I am more curious about their striped uniforms. I am not familiar with these markings, and I've never heard of anything like them with Coalition troops before. Anyone have any ideas? When we rescued the Mayor, she mentioned 'Bees.' Could these be a special unit or a splinter group marked by their striped Armour?*
"I have not detected anything too unusual. Before combat occurred, there was a mental ping. Likely communication between the enemy psionics. Their armor is not known to me and I had...in-depth time with a multitude of Coalition special forces." Sun Li reports, rubbing at his chin lightly.
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Josiah looks up from where he is working, the magnification viewfinder of his optics distorting his face and eyes, "Huh? How fast? All the parts are pre-assembled, so not that long; a few hours probably; faster if a few of the telekinetics help out with the lifting. Main question is where you want to put it. A tower is always going to make an easy target, but regardless, we're going to have to clear some space."
"Get to work on it ASAP. They might send another group to check out why these goons never reported back, and I want us to have our game plan ready by then."
"Yessir! I'm on it!"
Josie heads back to Elsie, and moves the transport into position. Once there, he starts the process of unpacking and assembling the parts.
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"I can try and hack the comms of to give us a heads up, that UAR should have everything I need."
Within a few moments smoke begins to bellow from the UAR Cockpit
"Damn it all. They must have rigged it against tampering."
As Josiah and some of the platoon get to work on the comms tower, Whitlock attempts to utilize the internal comms system of the UAR-1, and instead, manages to wire the console backwards and fry the circuit. Without being taken back to a maintenance repair bay, the comm system on the UAR-1 is shot.
Sun Li has the soldiers separate the prisoners so no information could be shared between them, standing before the two pilots first before moving to the psychically adept sniper. Kneeling down before the battered man, he reaches out and places his fingers upon their temple.
"This may be uncomfortable." Sun Li says before he pierces into the mind of the first pilot. He does the same with the second, moving through their mind to uncover what laid within.
~ Who are the commanders of this company and what is their objectives?
~ Are they any special attachments connected with the company?
~ Have you constructed any communications back with your homebase?
~ Did you know you were going to be killing civilians?
~ Do you feel guilt for what you have done?
~ If offered redemption, would you take it?
Approaching the Sniper, Sun Li would look over the injured figure before giving a small smile. The mind melter did enjoy a challenge. He reinforced his mind first, preparing to assault the sniper's defenses and learn what they knew.
~ Are they any special attachments connected with the company?
~ Have you constructed any communications back with your homebase?
~ Have you seen a small, D-Bee child (describes mayor's son)?
~ What is your unit's specialty?
~ Who are notable figures in your unit?
~ Did you know you were going to be killing civilians?
~ Do you feel guilt for what you have done?
~ If offered redemption, would you take it?
Sun Li pushes into the minds of the men, having the most resistance from the sniper, but still able to get through despite his mental defenses.
After a lengthy interrogation of the trio, you find out the following:
Pilot One, Lieutenant Michael Steelbrook, Wolf Pack Unit 4
~ What mechs are accompanying the company?
The Coalition Mechanized Company is carried around by two Spider Walkers
~ Who are the commanders of this company and what is their objectives?
Captain William Shrike, CS Mechanized Infantry Company Commander, his orders, as I was told, is to hold this position until a special team arrived to deal with the nexus.
~ Are they any special attachments connected with the company?
Wolf Pack Unit 4, Special Acquisitions Team
~ Have you constructed any communications back with your homebase?
The Coalition knows we are operating here. We are a detachment from our own Mercenary unit based in Kingsdale. Last comms check in was two hours ago. We have to check back in two hours.
~ Did you know you were going to be killing civilians?
Targets are not people. Mission parameters state as such.
~ Do you feel guilt for what you have done?
I am proud to serve my unit.
~ If offered redemption, would you take it?
I do not need redemption from following orders.
Pilot Two, Sergeant Robert Blake, Wolf Pack Unit 4
~ What mechs are accompanying the company?
Two of the big spider looking things. I think the commander has a SAMAS too.
~ Who are the commanders of this company and what is their objectives?
The CS leader is Captain Shrike, scuttlebutt says he’s a relative of some famous CS officer.
~ Are they any special attachments connected with the company?
Just us.
~ Have you constructed any communications back with your homebase?
Lieutenant Steelbrook handled comms.
~ Did you know you were going to be killing civilians?
I knew they were deemed hostile. When they started shooting, we started shooting back.
~ Do you feel guilt for what you have done?
Knowing that there might have been non-combatants, I guess I am a little confused now.
~ If offered redemption, would you take it?
If I have killed an innocent as collateral damage, then may whatever spirit is out there give me righteous punishment.
PsiSniper, Captain Darius Crane, Psi-Stalker Special Operations, Wolf Pack Unit 4
~ Who are the commanders of this company and what is their objectives?
The CS Company Commander is Captain Shrike, a CS tool if there ever was one. I lead this team and I’ll be damned if he is going to keep sending us on these suicide runs so he can save his own tailpipe.
~ Are they any special attachments connected with the company? Just us. Commander Freling said we are to follow Shrike’s orders. They paid us well and we never betray a contract, no matter how stupid.
~ Have you constructed any communications back with your homebase?
Freling knows my misgivings about this whole thing, but sent us anyway. Radio check in every four on the hour. We’re about halfway through the next cycle.
~ Have you seen a small, D-Bee child (describes mayor's son)?
There were several small D-Bee children, but that one does look familiar. I saw him running through the forest when we first showed up, he wasn’t a threat, so I let him go.
~ What is your unit's specialty?
Acquisitions
~ Who are notable figures in your unit?
I am the leader of this team and Lady Hildebrandt is my second. Lieutenant Jaxxus flew the cycle team and you have Steelbrook and Blake.
~ Did you know you were going to be killing civilians?
I knew they would be in the area. Those hostile were killed, as any target would be.
~ Do you feel guilt for what you have done?
Guilt is for those who do not understand the laws of nature.
~ If offered redemption, would you take it?
I am who I am. I would not ask redemption from a snake who kills its prey any more than a soldier who does their job.
Sweat drips from Sun Li's brow as he focuses on the lieutenant, the only other sign of effort being being his jaw's clenched. After five minutes though, he pulls away from them and gently wipes his brow of sweat.
"We appreciate your cooperation." Sun Li says before contacting the command staff to gather for a debriefing. The former Coalition State operative shares his information with the team in a calm and calculating way.
"So, what do we do now, knowing what we do?"
"Sorry I missed that failsafe, I can gather my team and see if one of the comm units survived when those bikes crashed or I can help with the tower, looks like we are going to be cutting it close."
"Help with the comms. Our time is more crunched than we thought."
His team members may notice that Burgurk is keeping well away from the enemy captain, and growls softly every time someone mentions him or he happens to look in his direction.
Whitlock jogs over to the tower bringing up the schematics for the array on the way.
Whitlock jogs over to the tower bringing up the schematics for the array on the way.
Once done collecting the weapons salvageable from the battle, Jingu reunites with Josie, assisting him with his work. The two knowing each other well, Jingu always seems able to hand whatever tool Josie is about to need, moments before he realizes he needs it.
After doing a stock of weapons and remaining gear, you are able to salvage about 200,000 credits worth from the robot and sky cycles and the Skelebots. You already have the equipment needed to set up the radio tower, so you won’t need any of it for doing that, especially with the assistance.
One of the prisoners’ helmets comms activates though. ”…Come in Pack 4, what’s your status? You are over due for check in. Respond immediately…”
"Officer Tao. Any chance you could compel one of the prisoners to respond? Say their transport broke down or something. Could buy us the last bit of time we need."
"Unfortunately, I cannot Captain. My abilities are excellent for reconnaissance and information gathering. As command had said before to me, they are still...maturing."
Sunday, December 3rd, 109 PA (2395CE). 1938hours. 25 Degrees, Overcast. Garnet Town Ruins (Emerald Ridge, MO)
You work as you can, with the chill air and darkness threatening to make things more difficult, especially if Tao can’t convince the enemy to stay away just a bit longer. You know that even if they do mobilize, more than likely they will send a scout first to see what’s going on, but then the rest will move out. Assuming they follow Coalition protocol. The scouts will probably be airborne, which means they will get here in minutes, but it may take only a few hours to get the rest here, depending on the terrain between where they are and here. You notice that Jace i starting to get jittery.
Joseph Martin 681
Elwin the Technomancer
