the day starts poorly. its raining. the kind of rain that just barely drizzles, but it clings to everything, any clothing quickly gets soaked, any exposed metals start to show the beginings of corrosion and rust.
you have been traveling with as much stealth as possible for a person in your shoes. you have avoided all population centers, moving at night and acting like a ghost.
the set of coordinates you were giving in a brief transmission are just in this valley.
scooping out the scene, you see a large SAMAS robot standing guard over a small white tent, with a single coalition trooper at the front holding a large weapon.
you think back on your instructions
go to the coordinates attached to this message. there you will meet up with your counterpoint and will be given the chance of a lifetime to garner fame, fortune, and advance your status in chi-town.
Malcolm pulls his poncho over his head
"What's with this weather, I swear I've been through more gun oil this week than the last month"
He checks his compass again and thinks "Good still on course"
"Blame it on the rain...drops keep falling on my head, doot, doot."
As the voice in his head sings silently in time with the raindrops, Alfie Macklin slips ninja-quick from the dripping brush and scurries around the side of the tent. Approaching on silent feet (Prowl roll is 18, Prowl skill 55%, -5% for armor) Alfie steps up next to the Coalition officer.
"ALFIE MACKLIN REPORTING FOR DUTY SIR! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THIS MAN'S ARMY WILL BE REQUESTED TO DO! SIR!" he screams, snapping a salute with such force that his sopping-wet black wig/pirate scalp is knocked slightly askew.
Woof! uh; I mean Private Sparky reporting for duty Sir!
<Sparky is dressed in full,jet black Coalition "dead boy" armor with helmet; throat, shoulder; wrist and knee spikes, but takes his sealed helmet off when reporting.>
|
A motorcycle pulls up to the rendezvous point. The rider, wearing a plain black suit with shades on, looks around at the tent and the SAMAS. Shutting off his bike he grabs his gear and walks inside the big tent, ignoring the soldier outside. Taking off his glasses once inside he casually begins cleaning them while addressing the others gathered around.
"That drizzle sure can be a nuisance wouldn't you say? So did you all volunteer for this job too or were you assigned here?"
"Kid, we all volunteered the moment we joined the army," A Slightly grizzled looking man says. His uniform displays several campaign badges, most notably the Tolkeen campaign. "Once you're in, everything else is academic. Name's Ballard Roebuck. Anyone know what the job is this time?"
<I dont move; but will scent out those present and those arriving from where I am standing and uses psi sensory powers to check for the presence of D-bees and uses his see invisibility; being young and inexperienced; Sparkie recalls his training and is favorite drill instructor telling him; "it is not that your are or are not paranoid; the true questions is: are you paranoid ENOUGH! Cause, little doggie; they ARE out to get you and us too.">
Coretta makes sure her weapons are slung or otherwise safely in their sheaths & holsters before approaching the tent. While her status as a sanctioned Psi-Stalker in the Coalition affords her some level of respect, she's acutely aware of her less-than-Human nature in the eyes of her CS comrades.
Nodding to the grunt outside, she steps into the tent. Who, or what she is - it is evident by the PSI markings and the distinctive spiked helmet.
Once within the tent, she removes her spiked helmet. The golden hued skin of Coretta's plain face is framed by reddish brown hair, pulled back in a knot.
As before, she does her best to look non-threatening, and keeps a healthy distance from everyone around her. However, her alert eyes scan the room, almost predator-like; an instinctive action from her Psi-Stalker nature that she cannot consciously avoid. Otherwise, her facial features are quiet.
She does not utter a word. Being mostly amongst the Human, she knows to wait before speaking.
sitting in the tent is a strong looking elder gentleman. hes kicked back in a chair, feet up on a field table sipping coffee and holding what appears to be an antique reading book with the words "lord of the-" printed on the side. hes smiling broadly, and occasionaly gives a chuckle.
he continues to read, completly ignoring your presence, until an aide walks in from behind him and hands him a steaming towel.
ahhh, much better. its interesting, reading a book written by a guy named tolkien, and there this city way up north with the same sounding name tolkeen. interesting coincidence, dont you think?
now, you all are wondering what the hell your doing here. well, stop. your the best at what was available after the war. our glorious nation has dumped all its resources into the tolkeen war and so now a good chunk of our forces sit guarding that site.
but now, a new goal has crept into the emperors mind.... EXPANSION! yes, he wants to expand. both east and west, north and south. he's gotten into his head that he wants to be like that country called "rome", no idea what that is. but anyways i ramble.
your job is simple. you are to plan a route, going from here, he points at a holgraphic projection of a map with weird overlays showing old world political boundries(the southern point of indiana) to here, the pacific ocean. we want a nice safe route. by safe, we mean easy pacification. small towns, villages, population centers where it would barely be a speed bump for the army to roll through setting up defenses and setting the foundation for more cities.
your job is simple, yet difficult. you are to remove all traces of coalition affiliation from your gear, and leave from here, plotting the course at random.
your identification will be known to me, the emperors aide, and the emperor himself, since this is a highly classified mission.
before you leave here, i will personally inspect all your equipment, from simple survival knife to massive bot that you pilot looking for anything thatll link you to the CS.
questions?
"Well since I'm not an "official" part of the CS, feel free to have a look...uh...sir"
"So, uh, how we gonna be resupplied during this trip?"
"Jenny can go about 600 miles, but after that, well I don't wanna get stranded...a nuke powered one would be better...or one of them solar generators."
"I do have a Firebreather in Jenny that already has the markings removed..."
"If we're gonna do this, I could use some supplies, extra 'nades for the Firebreather, case or 2 of missiles for my arm launcher...extra eclips for each weapon"
"We're gonna need some extra food and water as well."
<ears drop; tail droops, looks around sheepishly>
Sparky do something wrong? Sparky good Coalition soldier <small wimper> Sparky not traitor, <growls a bit angry> Somebody explain! Sparky proud be Coaliton soldier!
<looks to the other dog boyz>
We gone from Pack? What we do wrong?
Stalker Captian explain!
SPARKY NO TRAITOR!
<put helmet on, looks to Coretta>
<put helmet on, looks to Coretta>
Coretta nods in a calm and kindly fashion to Sparky. She taps the distinctive spiked Dead Boy helmet under her arm, reluctant to let it go.
To the elder gentleman, Coretta says, "With all due respect, sir, a Psi-Stalker and a Dog Pack... we are not exactly a friendly presence once we put aside our CS markings. Sir, I would not want to be seen as a traitor, nor would I want my pack to appear as enemies of the state. How do we leave the CS safely, and return again? We have pledged ourselves to humanity's service... for us to appear as if we are leaving it, even under orders for detached duty - it's a difficult and complicated matter, sir. If we might have a defined way back to the CS, it would aid us in our mission."
... I could use some supplies, extra 'nades for the Firebreather ..."
Alfie's mouth leaps into action as soon as the word "'nades" escapes Malcom's lips.
"Grenades! Get in line mister. I've been trying to talk that damned quartermaster into some grenades for the last three weeks. I'll need seven, preferably plasma, as well as a pair of vibroswords, a .50-caliber autopistol, C-5 pump pistol, 3 purple markers and a carton of peppermint chewing gum," Alfie says, rattling off the list in a single breath. "Uh, food and water, too, I guess."
Rummaging in his pack, he pulls out a soiled CS uniform.
"Think this is the only thing I have - the CO wouldn't let me play with much of the standard gear. Never mind the, uh, spots on the trousers ... [breaking into sing-song] It must have been love, but it's over now ... Ahem. Sir."
|
|
Shrugging his shoulders at the officer, Duane throws his gear on the floor.
"Inspect away! Though if you are gonna change out some of our equipment I wouldn't mind gaining a hold of one of those Juicer rifles. I'm not a big fan of being away from big cities for long periods of time, so this job better pay well! Unlike the lifers there I ain't part of your military and military recognition doesn't pay my bills."
At the mention of 'lifers' he gestures to the dog boys and psi stalker.
the officer glances at everyone, but shoots a glare at the crazy(alfie)
getting back into the CS territory will be discussed once completion of the mission.
this is a stand alone mission. you will be on your own once you leave this tent, although you can put in for resupply at new lazlo in the former state of texas. also, give me a list of everything that you will think youll need and once you hit the post, youll get what is available.
another thing. once a week you will need to set up a communications array and send a status report in encryption format to various locations. if you dont check in, youll be considered dead.
looking at the stalker put your pack at ease, they are still well appreciated and liked. whatever special needs your pack will need, ill be sure to make it a top priority to get the goods, kind of have a soft spot for the dog-boys, my kid has one..
he wanders through, personally opening bags, patting you down, pulling out random items that you wouldnt think could link a person to the cs, and a pile begins to pile up of nick nacks and keep sakes.
ok, when u get to lazlo, youll have to turn in your weapons. they look too new, too military to be considered black market bought.
<trying to keep a stiff upper lip and follow order>
request recognition:
blocks of demolion gear and blasting caps; enough for length of mission
armored personell carrier for our crew and gear.
spare energy packs for weapons
food and water
several chew toys
sensory gear.
bribes,
terrain maps
tactical situation reports
known intel of the area
sir,
Salute.
<sniff>
Stalker help soldier Sparky with emblems?
Looks at his Juicer rifle...
"you can't possibly mean me, you must just mean the regulars..."
"I'll have a requisition equipment for you momentarily..."
<put helmet on, looks to Coretta>Coretta nods in a calm and kindly fashion to Sparky. She taps the distinctive spiked Dead Boy helmet under her arm, reluctant to let it go.
To the elder gentleman, Coretta says, "With all due respect, sir, a Psi-Stalker and a Dog Pack... we are not exactly a friendly presence once we put aside our CS markings. Sir, I would not want to be seen as a traitor, nor would I want my pack to appear as enemies of the state. How do we leave the CS safely, and return again? We have pledged ourselves to humanity's service... for us to appear as if we are leaving it, even under orders for detached duty - it's a difficult and complicated matter, sir. If we might have a defined way back to the CS, it would aid us in our mission."
"Not to mention that I'm more dead weight then useful without a Sam. Sure, I can operate other mecha like a Flying Titan, but not as good as I can pilot a Sam."
"Not to mention that I'm more dead weight then useful without a Sam. Sure, I can operate other mecha like a Flying Titan, but not as good as I can pilot a Sam."
"Well, the Black Market's been selling those Sidewinder knock-offs. Probably flies or, uh, wears like the official thing. Maybe you could get one of those and pretend to be a bandit," Alfie says, glancing at the officer nervously. "Just so you could get close enough to the real bandits to kill 'em, of course."
"So, do we get to eat before we leave or should I crack open another tube of crazy glue?"
Coretta nods to the SAM pilot who shares similar concerns about the particulars of the mission, even if the greater cause is not directly in doubt.
"I do not relish the thought of putting aside what I am... but I live to serve humankind."
Coretta lays out her weapons and equipment as well, including her trusty spiked Stalker helmet.
Despite any internal misgivings, she holds her chin up with pride and calmly awaits the prospect of losing all that defines her as a CS-sanctioned Stalker. To appear saddened and weak in a moment of uncertainty would go against all that was expected of her.
Fills out requisition form
Solar generator for recharging Mountaineer ATV
case of 12 grenades
case of 12 plasma grenades
6 eclips for each weapon and
a charger that can adapt vehicle power to recharge weapons.
2 cases of mini missiles for cyborg arm launcher.
MREs for 3 months.
water purification tabs
geiger counter
any other gear required for completion of this mission.
"Here you go sir."
"super glue...for wha...wait, is he a crazy? the CS hired a crazy? this mission must be more dangerous than I thought."
grabs back the requisition form
"gonna need to add a few more things...like ear plugs...frack'n crazies..." he trails off...
...like ear plugs...frack'n crazies..."
"Ear plugs? Are we going swimming? If that's the case, better add some floaties and a big fluffy towel to my list," Alfie says. "Actually, make that two towels. They're surprisingly useful."
hey everyone, got some bad news.
due to unforseen circumstances, i will no longer be able to run this post as a dm.
sorry for this...
Huh, just as I was getting back into Rifts...c'est la vie...
Big Bummer
Ok; I started looking for a RIFTS gm to replace ours; hope your guys want to continue and look for a GM also.
RIFTS GM NEEDED hehe trying to get Balif or Lorm who both have run RIFTS here in ABQ to take over. If you guys could post in other places that would be cool, this group seems pretty cool; would really like to play.