Emerging: End of Days IC, Will you face the Apocalypse? Recruitment Always Open Options

[sabs]

[Highway 405, Hall Lake - Going Off Road]

Faraman's jovial face sprang up in his display. <<We have an inbound Mecha. About 15 k out. And we're getting confirmation from Stillwater its' one of theirs being reassigned.>> Sticks frowned. <<Show me the display. Get YJ-2 to tag that Mecha, and be prepared to bag it.>>

Sticks poured over the personnel file from HQ, and also as much mission information as he could get. <<Kitt, we've got an incoming Mecha, supposedly friendly. But it's moving like a giant jackrabbit that saw a coyote. Keep the convoy moving. I want to grab it's logs.>>

<<Faraman, keep this giant moving with the convoy.>> Sticks leaped out of his cocoon and down the wireless network reaching out towards the new Mecha. His persona slid easily into the control module of the mecha, and he quickly brought up the logs for the last few hours, skimming through them at hyper speed, running the data stream through his attention co processor, and letting it determine what was important and what was not. He also fed a direct stream to Faraman for analysis and later review. Diagnostic screens snapped up in front of him, both for the Mecha and it's pilot.

By the time Jax reported to him, he'd already gleaned everything he needed from her Mecha.
<<Corporal, slow down there. You're coming in too hot, you've left a trail a mile wide behind you.>> Something had this pilot spooked. <<Switch to Channel 891.54U, and give me a sit rep.>> He overlayed the approach angle and position he wanted her Mecha to take up on her maps, before returning to his own Mecha. <<Follow the route in, and welcome aboard.>>

[Friendbot2000]

[Highway 405]

Jax wasn't even aware of the fact she was leaving a trail behind her. She was distracted. Her focus was on the faces of the men that were lost and of her friends. They may have just been simulations but they were still friends. Sticks shocked her awake from her dreamlike state and drilled the realization into her that she wasn't even paying attention to sensors at this moment. Christ, what am I doing?!

<<Situation's bad Sarge, convoy got ambushed by some kind of black shadow. It made the men turn on each other. I am the sole survivor. 109 men are dead. Command assigned me here to provide heavy support. I salvaged what I could from our supply convoy. I have ammo, power cells, grenades, and medical supplies in my supply compartments. Not sure if that shadow thing is tailing me but it has me scared. Ain't seen nothing like it and I have been here a long time.>> Jax's voiced choked and paused <<They were all turning on each other and the thing was in my head, telling me to murder. It was controlling me Sarge, I couldn't stop it. It was over within seconds, everyone was dead and it came after me. Took everything I had not to get killed. I think I wounded it though. Then it just left. Don't know how or why I am alive.>>

Jax took a deep breath and her voice hardened <<I ain't going to no psych ward to get an evaluation Sarge, so don't even think about sending me back. I am here to stay and you'll have to kill me before you can tear me away from this. I am going to find what did this and end them>>

Jax modified her speed and followed her designated approach, being careful to leave as little trace as she could, though that is hard to do in a heavy mecha.

[Aria]

@Gash:

Free once more of the bindings of the flesh you soar into the astral and make your way towards Fox Island. The astral plane is muddied, you can think of no other word for it…the currents that normally flow so freely through the aether are turgid, polluted by the presence of the darkness. Despite this the glory of its strength is clear to you, shining just beneath the oily scum were they have passed.

Carefully avoiding the centre of Seattle which is still emanating a vast disturbance in the aether from the nuke and thor strikes you rapidly cross the miles to your target.

The base is clearly on alert…the main buildings are warded and the area is buzzing with watchers so you can’t get too close. A mass of humanity is gathered on the bridge and surging against the secured gates…then you see the tell-tale overlays of the sickening shedim auras in their midst. This is clearer as you see the Azzie guards taking laughing pot shots at the crowd, and the gravely wounded figures clawing themselves back up to throw themselves helplessly forwards once more…

@Sticks:

The frequency of the message from the incoming mecha isn’t listed in your data base but the protocols are acceptable and your access codes work fine so it seems the simulation wants you to have some additional support…the more big guns the better? As it pays to be cautious it’s approach is tracked by the watchful barrels of your own Super Heavy and the circling yellow jackets…it certainly looks like it has been through a scrap recently…the file downloads are interesting…it looks like it was attacked by a formless shadow, lightning fast, that towered over it, striking out with tentacles that rent the transport convoy asunder until the mecha eventually drove it off…

@Jax:

You feel a moment of irrational panic well up as your sensors report an active missile lock but the Sarge’s voice coming across the comm is reassuring…at last, someone else to take responsibility in this hell hole…

@Trismegistus:

You look back almost wistfully as the convoy moves away from the darkness…what you wouldn’t give to study it, particularly how it is changing the astral plane as it passes…

@All:

…pressing on over the flat lands away from the 405 you make good time as the area seems to be deserted of life. Whoever was here has packed their bags and fled or is hiding carefully out of sight and away from the sweeps of your radar sensors. There are the tell-tale signs of conflict and rapid flight but no bodies which doesn’t bode well…

Then you see them, relayed from the forward vid feeds from Feral, there are hordes of them crowded at the docks waiting for the ferry. An overloaded ferry is already pulling away as panic stricken people leap for it across the increasingly widening gap.

Feral’s voice comes over the comm

<<Not sure we want to wade through that lot? How about we rustle up some air transport for a short hop down the coast? The forward team could take those and the convoy follow on…it was always the intention that it be a quiet insertion followed by ground forces securing the base so if you’re prepared to risk aerial transport…?>>

[Friendbot2000]

Edit: Oops this was meant to go in the OOC thread x.x

[Seth]

Gash
[Aztech facility on Fox Island]

Well I guess I had better get closer then Legundo. I hope they are paying us for hazard duty.

Gash zoomed closer to the facility, keeping an eye out for astral mages, spirits, wards or other threats. The Shedim outside the facility he kept an eye on, but mostly ignored. Of interest to him were how magically prepared were the guards at the main gate dealing with the Shedim, and what magical threats could he determine.

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[En route to convoy]

<<[Captain West]: Listen to me, you fekking pompous ass! If your superior officer gives you a fekking order then you obey it, damn it!>>

Tell him he's a fool... Tell him that if the rest of your team was meant to survive, they would have found a way to defeat The Darkness without you... Anima's voice gently kissed the forefront of his mind. How he would love to indulge her---indulge himself---by telling West where he could stick his concerns. However, the captain kept talking.

<<[Captain West]: Thirteen men dead, two mechas lost, that is fekking unacceptable! Do you hear me??? Answer me, damn it!>>

Anima gives a throaty, sensuous laugh at the sound of West's fury.

<<[Trismegistus]: Yes.>>

<<[Captain West]: You're damn lucky I'm not there in person to bust your ass myself! I'm giving you one last chance to show that you can handle yourself on the field. There's a convoy moving to hit an Aztech facility. Fortunately, they don't need you, but they could use your support. I'm sending the coordinates to you now. Meet with them ASAP. I'm also sending them a report on your most recent actions so they know exactly who they are dealing with. I'm sending you a copy as well so you can read it and maybe do some soul-searching or just realize how big of an asshole you really are. West out.>>

A moment later, West sends him the coordinates of the convoy, as well as copies him on the dossier of Trismegistus that the convoy is receiving.

Only about a klick away. That's fortunate at least.

And not far from The Darkness as well...

If only I could go there---

No. Anima's voice assumes a commanding tone. You are not ready to face what lies there, not yet.

Trismegistus hesitates before answering. He is not sure if this is another test, or if Anima is being sincere.

This is not another test. You were worthy for that last test to seek out the source, and you have grown stronger...much stronger than you were when I first felt your presence. However...there is something strange...something unnaturally wicked about it. I am not sure if it is a true source of power or merely a shadowy deception.

Very well, I will listen to you. This time. He can feel Anima smile at his "submission." She had been responsible for slowly coaxing out his contrary nature, honing it, sharpening it into a source of fearlessness. Others could rarely understand her advice, and instead believed her to be dangerous. However, he could see her for what she truly is: someone who cares. She would not let him die without purpose.

@ Convoy

A trio of comm bursts hit your commlinks.

<<[Capt. West]: This is Captain West. We recently lost a team, and I'm transferring the lone survivor to your convoy. He's a mage specced for combat and support, so he should come in handy. However, he's also a fekking little prick and partially responsible for the loss of his team. I'm sending you a report on him. He should be rendezvousing with you soon.>>

<<Report---Robert Curwen, Code Name "Trismegistus">>

[ Spoiler ]

Name: Robert Curwen
Code Name: Trismegistus
Age: 33
Appearance: Height-5'10" Eyes-Blue Hair-Brown Skin-White Weight-150 lbs Distinguishing Marks-None
Psych Evaluation: Has issues taking orders. Demonstrates confrontational nature. Not suited for leadership positions. Has "mentor" named "Anima" that he claims advises him. However, well-adjusted to combat and medical duty. No issue taking down targets. Conclusion---Useful as combat asset, but not always dependable so remind him that he is part of a team.
Last Mission: Assigned as sole magic support to recon team. Recon team stumbled upon roving pack of enemy targets. Rather than obey orders, Trismegistus struck out alone to identify the source of targets---"The Darkness." Abandoned team to fend for itself. By the time he returned, recon team was lost. Trismegistus managed to wipe out remaining enemies, but unable to save the rest of the team.

<<[Trismegistus]: Trismegistus here. You can use Tris for short. I have been assigned to your convoy and should rendezvous with you shortly. I read West's report and it is...accurate. I will...try...to remember that I am part of a team. See you soon.>>

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

Upon arriving with the convoy, Trismegistus broadcasts his location to the convoy and pulls off his stealth armor's helmet so the team can get a visual confirmation on his appearance. He waves to make sure that they can see him. No sense in getting shot at, and I might as well make an attempt at a good first impression. As he slowly and carefully walks over to the main group, he takes a look back at The Darkness.

If only...

Prove yourself worthy, and you will get your chance. Test the strength of its minions. Study it from afar. Prepare for battle with it. Then and only then will you be worthy of meeting this challenge.

Trismegistus gives each group member a curt nod. When he receives Feral's message, he carefully considers both options before agreeing that aerial transport is probably the best one available.

"I am fine with continuing by air. Give me a moment to make preparations for combat."

He begins weaving his hands through the air, tracing the threads of mana as he weaves a web to call forth one of Anima's aspects. When the web is finished, he calls out to his quarry and draws forth a fire spirit---Anima's Aspect of Fury---in the form of a shapely woman. As the summoning comes to a close, blood begins to seep from Trismegistus' eyes and nose.

Await my call in the astral, for I suspect I will need you to unleash your fury upon our enemies.

Your arrogance has cost you blood. Use the knowledge I have given you to heal yourself. Anima's voice is a mix of disdain and concern. She is upset that her protege would attempt to call forth a spirit beyond his own power without making the proper preparations, but she is also worried that it will affect his chance of surviving this new test.

He takes out his medkit and places it on the ground before casting a new spell. This time, his hands trace astral sigils of wisdom, knowledge and training. He feels his ability to focus and solve problems increase exponentially. When he finishes the spell, he sits down, opens the medkit and begins treating his wounds. He injects a few anti-hemorrhaging agents into himself and swabs coagulating agents inside his nostrils to stop the bleeding.

He casts a final spell of quickened reflexes, drawing sigils of speed and caution. He shunts the spell into a sustaining focus. With his casting complete, he allows the logic augmentation spell to disperse back into the astral.

[sabs]

[Prepping for Transport]

<<Feral, you're right we don't want to mess with that. Lets get some aerial transports in here. Probably should have done that the first time.>>

<<Jax, don't worry. I will, if need be... Now get in formation, and lets deal with what we got.>> He sighed, just what he needed, someone who should be in psych eval backing him up. And as if things couldn't get worse, he got the report on 'Trismegistus' who was now part of his unit. <<@Kitt: My kingdom for an officer.>> Sticks just shook his head, then focused back on the task at hand. He had Faraman analyze the combat footage of the 'Shadow' just in case it came up again.


<<Convoy, we're going to prepare for aerial lift.>> He quickly highlighted the LZ on their maps. <<Form a perimeter. Lets make sure that spot is clean and defended. ETA is 20 minutes on the birds.>> He hated sitting there that long in this post apocalyptic hellhole, but what could you do.

Sticks interfaced directly with 'Trismegistus' communication unit. <<You're working support for Private Gash. Get with him for a sit rep, soon as he's back from scouting. Clean slates here, but don't make me regret it. If you have a bright idea, you bring it up to me. If I like it, we'll do it. If for a second I think you're going to get us all killed, I will put a 1000 rounds into you before you can blink. Now, make sure this LZ doesn't have some horrible magical threat hiding in it.>>

Personnel and machines moved into place, quickly establishing a LZ for the transports to pick them up.

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

Trismegistus grins when he hears Stick's response. He feels Anima chuckle as well. As if bullets would concern him amid the rest of the perils in this deathtrap.

He reeks of fear.

A prey's best defense.

Yes, but that is not the part he should wish to play...a pity, though. Not all can be hunters...

After a moment of contemplation, he sends a thoughtful reply to his companion in the walking casket.

<<[Trismegistus]: Understood.>>

He then contacts his fellow mage.

<<[Trismegistus]: Private Gash, it looks like I am your support. Let me know what you need.>>

[Friendbot2000]

Jax sighed and steeled her resolve; she probably shouldn't have broken down in her report to the Sarge, but it couldn't be helped now. <<Copy, that Sarge. Joining convoy now. Sarge, what exactly is our mission? Command said I would be briefed onsite.>>

[Aria]

@Sticks et al.

Kit’s dulcet tones come over the comm

<<Ok sergeant, I have your lifts inbound…two Ares Dragon Heavies, ETA five minutes. You’ll have to pick and choose who goes and who stays but it will be enough for our initial insertion. I will stay with the convoy and coordinate our crossing on that inbound ferry>>

@Gash

In the astral you watch from a safe distance but never the less you attract some attention from the watchers and a moment later a flayed spirit lifts out of the main ward and spirals into the air above the facility. Its aura is dark and tainted although not exceptionally powerful…

On the bridge you can make out the auras of a number of adepts and at least one mage but they seem content to sit back and watch as the more mundane troops take pot shots at the possessed yammering at the gates…

[sabs]

[Prepping for Aerial Lift]

<<Alright, lets get this show on the road.>> Sticks does some last minute modifications to his insertion team. <<Here is everyone's assignments. Those of you staying behind with Kitt, good luck to you. Rest of you, get prepped for loading.>>

Sticks eyed the list, hopefully Gash would come back soon with some information on what the Compound looked like.

<<The mission briefing is simple. We're going to take over an Azzie Launch Facility on Fox Island. It's a simple straight forward grab and hold against an entrenched foe. In otherwards, it's a fubar. But we gotta get her done.>>

Sticks sends a copy to Jax and Tris of the initial mission briefing. <<You and I are going to have a hard time getting in close until we knock out some sensors. But I'm working on that.>>

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

As he waits for Gash's response, Trismegistus gets to work surveying the astral area around the landing zone. However, he firsts casts a spell to help keep his temper in check. If Sticks is any indication, this team does not expect to be coddled---which was the problem with his last group. He at least owes them a wholehearted effort to keep from "accidentally" taking offense at an innocent comment. Besides, it would really vex West if he managed to keep this group in one piece. The last thought puts a smile on his face, and he begins casting.

First, he traces sigils of temperance and willpower to boost his self-control. The magic seeps into his mind, brushing away the distracting mewls of petty desires and repetitive thoughts. Next, traces another web of ether call forth a trio of watcher spirits---small, soft, glowing orbs floating in the astral---and tasks them with patrolling the landing zone with the explicit instruction to warn him if they see any potential adversaries. As the watchers scurry off to fulfill their task, he calls upon Anima's Aspect of Fury.

I require your aid. Scour this area for any threats, known or potential, but report to me before unleashing your rage upon anything you find.

So be it, Animus, replies the fire spirit, using the title Anima had bestowed upon him.

When the spirit leaves to turn its eyes upon the LZ, Trismegistus sits down and awaits word from Gash, the watchers, or the fire spirit. With the free time, he pulls out his pocket magic library and begins cataloging all the details he had observed from The Darkness and fervently tries to find a pattern between it and anything---metaplanes, history, theoretical physics, mythology, or even pulp fiction.

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

Trismegistus is somewhat vexed when Sticks' broadcast interrupts his studies. He halts what he is doing, and reviews the initial briefing, the plans of the launch facility, and the expected resistance. When Sticks mentions the problem of getting the mecha past the sensors, he begins weighing possible alternatives.

<<[Trismegistus]: Sergeant, a powerful enough spirit might be able to take out those sensors. I doubt my current fire spirit could handle it on her own, but I might be able to summon one of her more powerful counterparts. There is a certain amount of...risk...to my person, but if there is no other option I will make preparations.>>

[Friendbot2000]

<<Sarge, do we have authorization for an missile strike? If we breach the walls in two places we could provide a two pronged attack and use a artillery strike to keep the Azzie's heads down. The mages should stick with us heavies so they don't get ganked by some Azzie goon shot.>>

<<Just put me into position Sarge and I will kill some baddies for ya.>>

[sabs]

<<Negative, we do not have authorization for missile strikes. We need the place defensible after we take it. I'm waiting on Gash's preliminary report to get things going.>> Sticks gets his people mounted up on the transports and starts pouring over the maps. Picking out a good location for a Drop Zone. <<Lt, drop us here. We'll hoof it the rest of the way in.>>

<<Jax, what's the Jumpjet capacity of your Mech? I can clear those walls, once I hack their defense systems.

A spirit to work on the sensors might be worthwhile. But I expect them to have magical support as well. So It's quite likely they'll have someone around to counter anything we do. So keep that in mind.>>

[Seth]

Gash
[Aztech facility on Fox Island]

Gash flew around the facility, searching for other threats. If the one half dangerous spirit wanted to come closer, Gash would oblige it with a fight, but until it chose to commit seppuku, Gash continued his search.

[Friendbot2000]

<<It will be a tough jump in my heavy Sarge, but I can clear them. What defenses do you want me to target first Boss? I vote you and I gank any magical support they have before they wreck us with some nasty mojo.

Do you want the mounted weapon installations intact Boss? Keeping them up and running is gonna be hard without blowing em to chitter glass.>>

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

Trismegistus pauses before responding, considering the impact that an enemy magic group would have.

Consider it another whetting stone to hone your abilities...

They will not stand a chance against me. He can hear Anima laugh wickedly in delight.

Prove it, then... Just remember, each one struck down will arise once more. Slaughter the dead, but subdue the living...

<<[Trismegistus]: Thank you for the update, Sergeant. That information...unfavorably shifts the balance of risk versus benefit in summoning a more powerful spirit. I shall maintain Anima's current aspect for the time being. If it helps, I have experience in countering magic such as dispelling healing spells and disrupting combat spells. I will be blunt and admit that I prefer direct combat, but if you think my abilities will serve better in a support role...then I will oblige.>>

[Friendbot2000]

<<Yo Tris, you got any mojo that goes boom? We are gonna need some tank busting spells down in this joint once we get inside. And if you want direct combat stick by me buddy we are going to be filling this place with Azzie corpses!>>

<<Yo Boss, whats our plan once we hike it over those walls? How we going to get our other goons inside? Judging by what you tell me about this fortress we ain't going to have a picnic if we go solo. Beatrice ain't too keen on getting shot up and neither am I Boss-man. I bring the pain, but I ain't good enough to take too many tank shells to the teeth if you know what I mean. What are the specs on your mecha Boss? You a fleetfoot or a heavy?

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[With Convoy]

Trismegistus smiles darkly when he hears Jax's reply.

This one may prove interesting.

Yes...she is eager to prove herself... I wonder if she will live up to her expectations...

<<[Trismegistus:] Tanks may be...problematic. I have a shatter spell which breaks down materials at the molecular level, but it requires me to physically touch the target. It is an option if necessary. However, my fire spirit should be able to help us against heavy vehicles as well. For the moment, I am probably what you would call "anti-personnel magic support." If you can focus on vehicles, I can neutralize enemy targets on foot.>>

[sabs]

[In Flight]

<<The plan will depend on their Matrix Security, and conditions on the ground. The Short plan, is you and I jump the walls, and establish a beach head. The Mages fly the rest of the team over the walls, except for our Overwatch, who will be taking people out from a high point.>> He double checked the images, <<Our current intel is a bit old, so I'll want to take new intel before we commit to anything. We might have to come up with a new plan if that doesn't look viable.>>

Sticks sent the basic non-classified specs of his Mecha to Jax, <<This is a command modified Heavy Mecha.>>

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[In Flight]

Before leaving the convoy, Trismegistus requisitions a talislegger's kit---just in case he manages to find suitable samples to assay concerning the nature of the enemy. The last time he had encountered The Darkness, he lacked the proper collection materials. He was forced to leave behind the tainted gore and viscera of his fallen team and the destroyed Shedim. Instead, he had to dictate notes into his PocketMage library. Just thinking about the lost opportunities still pains him.

Upon the air transports, he sits down and begins cataloging everything he knows about The Darkness, trying to discern a useful pattern that might connect it with other phenomena. However, he simply lacks the data. In a moment of serendipity, Sticks once again interrupts his research with a woefully incomplete battle plans. He frowns upon hearing that he is supposed to "fly" other personnel over the wall.

<<[Trismegistus:] Currently, I cannot use magic to fly allies. My fire spirit may be able to carry them over, but I am not sure how comfortable they might be with that. I may have a spell formula scanned into my PocketMage, but I will need some time to practice it. I am willing to learn it if necessary, but I would prefer not to if there are other options.>>

[Friendbot2000]

<<Are these transports dropship capable Sarge? If so we can drop a couple of pods in there and hopefully they will crack some skulls on their way down. IF not we may have to crack that gate open if our mojo men can't fly the rest of the goons over.>>

[JxJxA]

Trismegistus---"Magic Support"
[In Flight]

<<[Trismegistus:] Sergeant, do we have an estimated time of arrival before we reach the target?>>