Fields of Fire (IC), A war is brewing Options

[crizh]

I concur the TSTA seems to be the safer choice. However if we do not approach them we risk being overlooked. Perhaps we could approach them offering a short term contract, at the end of which we should be in a strong position to negotiate more lucrative terms.

Regardless, Dust, the final decision is yours.

On a side note I have come bearing gifts. My drone will be my combat transportation but I have also customized it with Mechanical skills sufficient to maintain all the Units vehicles and Medical skills sufficient to completely replace a field surgeon if necessary.

[BlackHat]

Overkill leans back in his chair, near the rear of the room. His mind is half concentrating on an AR feed, but he's paying enough attention to the meeting not to piss anyone off. When it is time for people to voice their opinions, he waits patiently for a lull and speaks up. "It never mattered much to me who I was working for, so long as they paid well, and gave me enough rope to hang myself with." He smirked. "This warlord sounds like an asshole, but we know who we're dealing with. We can keep our distance, and we are likely a superior force to anything he could bring to bear on us. It also sounds like he will be needing us more, and nobody else will want to work with him, so he will pay better - at least, until we slip up, and give him the opportunity to betray us." He considered the other side of the argument. "The TSTA sounds like the safe bet - they're run like a corp, and they'll treat us like employees. That's both good and bad. They don't need us as much, so the pay will be less, and they probably have the means to keep us on a very short leash."

He sat back down, "I'll go with whatever you guys decide - but if it were up to me, I'd put my money on the long-shot, and go for the big win. This isn't the sort of job for guys who take safe bets." He shrugged, allowing the conversation to resume.

[DWC]

DangerClose's voice is smooth and measured.

"Overkill is right. I would rather an employer that is both untrustworthy, and harmless, rather than one who is trustworthy, and a threat. The trustworthy become dishonest faster than the weak become powerful. However, if the forces are unbalanced enough, the warlord might not survive long enough to pay us."

[BlackHat]

Overkill smiled, "All the more reason to back him up?"

[Muspellsheimr]

Perhaps, we should investigate the positions of each side before deciding. Even if the warlord needs us more, he may not be capable of out-bidding the corp. Why do we not contact both about employment before deciding? Also, I support the idea of a short-term initial contract; a single mission or two to begin. Once we prove our capabilities, a higher fee should be obtainable.

Muspelheim leans back, listening to the following discussion without further comment.

[Intro]

"Corps can be just as likely to consider a risk those they employ as any unbalanced warlord - they simply use a cost-benefit calculus with regards to economics instead of a politics." Zé says, looking towards Tam. "We should indeed investigate the situation and the principals more closely; however, that does not mean simply passively waiting for an offer of employment. While we obtain more information, we should also express our interest to both parties, without making any agreements, or giving any firm description of our capabilities or materiel, for the obvious reasons."

"We might even choose to relocate to the region without an agreement beforehand - that way, if one side finds itself in a situation where more force is rapidly needed in a particular area, we would be able to provide that, and we would be in a particularly favorable position to negotiate terms."

[Tarantula]

AD-80 chimes in, "I agree with getting some initial bids from both teams before committing to the highest bidder. If we can't, I'm for the warlord."

[Mickle5125]

Adrian, having taken the form of Adrienne, his young girl appearance, smirks and says in his, erm, her little girl's voice. "It doesn't matter to me which side we fight on... all that matters is the challenge... the slaughter... which will provide us opportunity to indulge in our bloodlust? Which will provide the bigger challenge to conquer? Assuming that the challenge will be equal either way, we should offer our services to both sides... see which will extend the larger payout."

She gestures, and a commlink that had been left on the table floats through the air to her. "Granted, when we do get hired, would it not be wise to bankrupt the opposition? It does, after all, cost money to fight a war... and money means bank accounts... one might even think a skilled hacker could be most convenient in this... A pity that I doubt there is a hacker skilled enough to accomplish this feat..." She absently says as she plays with the commlink before tossing it back onto the table. She quickly flows out of her chair, shifting back into her male form as she rises. "I grow weary of this discussion. Let us make a decision. I have tasks to complete before we begin the slaughter."

[Dumori]

Dust sands up and makes him self another soy-coff. Sitting back down he purposes a plan. "It looks like we want to work for the TSTA. But this is not unanimous so I say we contact them saying where heading to the area and if they have any job for us. Then we'll set up a temporary base and wait for a contact or opportunity. Or we can contact both see if we are needed. Plus could be worth our while to recon both sides to see how we could help or hinder there plans. Nothing shows where good planners than pointing out defensive weaknesses"Placing is soy based coffee on the table Dust finishes his short speech. "If there are now questions I say we get ready to leave new week at the latest. That should be enough time to pack up and tie up and loose ends you might have here. I'll be ready to leave tomorrow if any one else will join me in setting up the base camp there help is welcome other wise I'll hire some workers for the help"

[crizh]

That sounds good. I have one little thing to finish here but I can be ready to ship out tomorrow.

[Tarantula]

AD-80 replies over the comm, "I will assist you with transport and setting up base camp."

[Dumori]

sounds good I was hoping Adrian wouldn't mind tagging along just so he has seen the base so he can get to it ASAP after hes finished off and I hope AD-80 doesn't mind the trip as then well have some heavy firepower and ground transport out there.

[Mickle5125]

Adrian glances boredly towards Dusty. "Send a message to my house when you have selected and arrived at a location. I will join you then. Until then... Pleasant evening..."

Adrian then turns and walks towards the wall, fading through it and quickly moving through astral space to his home, where he begins locking the place down with wards. The security provided by the hired help is good... but still run by mortals. Best to not trust the protection of my sanctuary solely on them...

[DWC]

DC's response is quick, dry, and probably intended as humorous. I am ready to leave now, aside from packing my toothbrush.

[crizh]

I shall attend to my affairs and perform a recon of the area in the morning.

Abaddon rises and nodding at his team-mates leaves.


Later that day, The Ziggurat

He knelt on the floor, his fingertips brushing the surface of the block of clear ballistic plastic that was inlaid in the floor. Encased in the plastic, like a fly in amber, was a single, spent .380 ACP casing. It had been fired in Sarajevo over a 150 years earlier and had passed from macabre collection to macabre collection ever since. Probably not one of the fatal shots, for it's aura was fairly weak, but with the network of Orichalcum nano-wires amplifying and colouring it's Astral emanations it had been made into a useful addition to any Techno-Shamanic Lodge.

Once again he strapped himself into the comforting bosom of the exo-skeleton and prepared to renew the last of his Pacts.

[ Spoiler ]

Summon

[ Spoiler ]

Summon Spirit of Man 9 (Innate Spell: Edit, Deflection, Alleviate Allergy)

Summoning (4) + Magic (6) + Power Focus (6) + Specialization (2) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 36254461222466662212 = 7 Hits.

Force (9) = 9 Dice = 362363366 = 4 Hits.

Services: 3

Drain: 8P

CHA (12) + WIL (15) + Centering (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 38 Dice = 44166252611152332541162554512363434462 = 12 Hits.

Task

[ Spoiler ]

Ensure that I remain protected to the limit of your ability until the end of your service. (Guard, Deflection, Alleviate Allergy)
Ensure that this Drone remains undetectable and protect it from harm to the best of your ability until the end of your service. (Edit, Deflection, Guard, Concealment)

Deflection @ Force 15

Spellcasting (9) + Magic (9) + Edge (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 29 Dice = 14556544526453354456612641566+2336341+5 = 17 Hits

Drain = 8P

CHA (9) + WIL (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 51362555154526533426 = 10 Hits.


Deflection @ Force 15

Spellcasting (9) + Magic (9) + Edge (9) + Aspected Domain (2) - Sustaining (2) = 27 Dice = 356165335266366563113652412+43625433+2 = 15 Hits

Drain = 8P

CHA (9) + WIL (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 31614132124255453541 = 5 Hits.

Edge (Reroll Failures) = +15 Dice = +633126452441566 = 11 Hits.


Edit @ Force 9

Spellcasting (9) + Magic (9) + Edge (9) + Aspected Domain (2) - Sustaining (4) = 25 Dice = 6441565131424623323356352+2515 = 9 Hits

Drain = 7S

CHA (9) + WIL (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 24532654465635541561 = 11 Hits.


Alleviate Allergy @ Force 9

Spellcasting (9) + Magic (9) + Aspected Domain (2) - Sustaining (6) = 12 Dice = 54361232466454 = 5 Hits

Drain = 7S

CHA (9) + WIL (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 45225353335563521122 = 7 Hits.

Binding

[ Spoiler ]

Bind Spirit of Man 9 (Innate Spell: Edit, Deflection, Alleviate Allergy)

Binding (4) + Magic (6) + Power Focus (6) + Specialization (2) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 32242551446625215234 = 6 Hits

Force x2 (9) - Sustaining ((IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) = 10 Dice = 3243412456 = 2 Hits

Services: 4

Drain: 4P

CHA (12) + WIL (15) + Centering (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 38 Dice = 62223312351326362645342331464231625422 = 9 Hits.

Spend 9 Karma for long term service.

[Intro]

"I'll make the trip with you, too," Zé says. "I'd like to head down and look around a little. Given that we're moving some pretty heavy equipment, this isn't exactly going to be a stealth op. Might as well take advantage of that fact and see if we can't set up some supply lines. Out of the 'plexes, people often eat actual food, and I wouldn't mind the break from soy. I know that some of us have more... esoteric... tastes as well, so it might be good to start to source whatever we'll be needing in the coming days."

[Dumori]

"Good thinking Zé but don't discount stealth" replies Dust "I'm arranging for a skytrain to lug us and the heavy gear to the site the rest Overkill can bring to us along with the others."

[BlackHat]

Overkill nodded. "I'm ready to fly, when everyone else is. Just make sure you tell me who I'm bringing along. It'd be a shame if someone got left behind."

[JoelHalpern]

Tam looks at the others, then comments "I can be ready any time. It would be good to be able to take a look around the area. Even though it should not be a prime combat location, it would be good to look around to see where folks could cause trouble, or where we can cause trouble for intruders."

[DWC]

Is anyone else not ready to leave immediately, who will require transportation?

[Dumori]

:just a quick filler before I can get the time to write up a full plot post:

8th January The Wild Cards temporary base, Northern Africa.

A week past un-eventfully with a bases in the region fullyset up and wired up to the outpost (the merc version of shadowland) General Yassem hasn't really made a move there are rumors of a team in operation scouting out areas near TSTA land but this could be you. Some of you are beginning to feel that picking a side would help.

[DWC]

8th January The Wild Cards temporary base, Northern Africa

“Bugger.�

DangerClose had always hated the Sahara, and really, pretty much all of the northern half of what outsiders from a land with no sun had dubbed “The Dark Continent�. There was no wildlife worthy of the name, less water, and more sand than anywhere else on earth.

Along with water, and game, it currently lacked one last necessity of survival for the eternally destructive troll. It held no contract. The big troll was stomping through the sand for free, waiting for someone to decide that they needed to break the stalemate of the brewing war by hiring a dozen crazed outsiders to ambush and destroy strategic elements or poorly supported formations.

“I am giving serious consideration to wandering out into the wasteland, destroying the first force encountered, then offering our services to the other side. Neither has answered our feelers, so perhaps it is time to make our value known, and let fate choose a side for us.�

[Mickle5125]

8th January The Wild Cards temporary base, Northern Africa

Adrian had arrived on the 4th and had immediately begun exploring the area, locating various villages in the area and other mildly interesting features. Such as the shepherd who was sleeping in a tent. Adrian had great fun slaughtering all of the sheep and leaving their entrails piled and spread around as if they were a demonic sacrifice.

Most amusing... Now if only I could find a real challenge... I suspect this war will hold nothing but lesser opponents. No matter... At least I'll get the chance to slaughter weak little mortals...

Adrian frowns as he stands on top of a dune, staring off into the empty wasteland. He grins and throws himself down the hill, shifting as he fell into a black, dog-like form with six eyes and a big, heavy-looking metal collar. When he reaches the bottom of the hill, he darts off towards the camp. Perhaps something interesting has happened while I've been away...

[BlackHat]

8th January The Wild Cards temporary base, Northern Africa

Overkill, taking a break from patrolling the area, nodded at DangerClose. "I'm with you. The fact that we were able to get into position here without resistance means this war is way too calm. Our routine patrols are a waste of gas. I say we go out there and crank this thing to 11. Even if nobody hires us, at least the teams we annihilate will have some supplies and gear to help offset the cost of being here."

[JoelHalpern]

8th January The Wild Cards temporary base, Northern Africa

Even Tam, who rather likes the quiet, is starting to get concerned. We have to have income.
Abaddon, Adrian, have either of you spotted any activity anywhere in this direction? I rather like the idea of finding an engagement and saving one parties neck, then getting them to hire us.