[IC] Hijacked - LowInt ops, In Character thread for Low Intensity Options

[phlapjack77]

<<@Team {Crispy} : Copy that, Murphy. I'm ready to rock-n-roll. Our next objective is that downed VTOL craft, I've marked it on the shared map over the tacnet. Let's kick some ass! Despite being shot at, blown up, nearly hijacked, not to mention almost being fragged by a giant fragging paranormal carnivorous spider queen...Crispy was having a great time. It was apparent from the huge grin on his face as he took the shotgun position in the hummer, f'n scar held in his lap as he looked like a kid going on a field trip.

[NeVeRLiFt]

Sanchez collects his gear and stows it in the back of the Humvee, keeping his Area Alpha out.
I accept the tacnet synch and get in the the Humvee ready to go.

[Mach_Ten]

Hijackers : 02:12:22 Vashon Island, SW 280th & HighWay

The beach road climbs to the top of a low hill above the crashing waves and slowly transforms to a much smoother metalled road,
the grid-link markings that automated vehicles follow worn down to almost transparency in the low beams of the hummer.

Nova glares ahead unblinking with Murphy sat solemnly beside her watching the passing landscape, to the side of the road massive hydroponic structures tower over the fields of crops.
the lamps slowly fade up on one patch as another darkens, simulating a constant cycle of light despite the dark hour, stimulating the plants to hyperactive growth.
With the window half open the warmth from the devices floods the vehicle and He basks in it's soft glow and subtle scent of flowering plants.

In the rear of the Hummer, Sanchez sits next to Crispy, lost in his AR world of Meta-human sexuality, eyes glazed as he stares into an AR universe only he can perceive,
His reverie is abruptly interrupted by a girlish squeal from next to him "What the FRAG is THAT !!?!" Crispy points at the top of Sanchez armor where a rodent like head has emerged and sniffs for scraps of food.
"KILL IT ... Kill it with FIRE!" the tall mercenary seems unsettled at the stowaway and the Dwarf reacts, quickly pushing Rufus back into his torso, muttering apologies.
The episode passes past the driver as she keeps her eyes fixed on the road ahead, but a wry smile flickers across her face, under the passing street lights it looks almost evil.

"In zero point three kilometres, take the left lane South-Western HighWay, waypoint Bravo!"
Artemis' voice purrs from the dash and the HUD pings the location on the map overlay.

Murphy yawns involuntarily, the warmth making him sleepy and the yawn becomes contagious, passing around the vehicle the team feel a mighty need to get a little sleep.
over head the maintenance drones that look after all the equipment in the agriculture sector, buzz around like bees around the hive collecting and delivering their payloads of pollen.

Nova takes the designated route and swings onto the highway, it's strange to her that even at this time of night there's not a single road-bound vehicle to be seen
in fact the road, considering back in Seattle, this would be a major thoroughfare, seems very poorly maintained, the street lights flicker on as they pass and switch back to energy save mode as they move out of range.. but not all of them work properly, large tracts don't switch or stay on after switching.

A large sign of some sort swings into Murphy's view, far off to the right, but it's horribly faded and illegible ... he turns to Nova but she is obviously completely focused on the task of driving,
Maybe it's me ... but I'm sure as hell she's weaving all over the place ... if only I wasn't so damn tired..... he thinks,

and closes his eyes for just a moment...

[LordArcana]

Murphy : 02:12:22 Vashon Island, SW 280th & Highway

With his eyes getting heavy and his sight getting ever more blurry, Murphy focuses enough on the passing sign to read its warning.

“You have got to be fraggin kiddin me! Quick everyone roll up your windows! Hurry dammit!”

Murphy fumbles around with the AR controls of the Humvee trying to find the environmental controls hoping that with the environmental seal there is an auxiliary life support system or at minimum an air recycling system. He punches the dashboard in frustration as his mind begins to cloud over from the toxins in the air. Seeing that Nova begins to weave a little more than he feels safe with Murphy reaches over and tries to wake her by gently slapping her cheek. In an act of final desperation he hits the power button on the aftermarket sound system and cranks the volume to max. I hope Ricoh has good taste in music.

[NeVeRLiFt]

Sanchez jerks out out of his slumber and burbs, sneezes and farts at the same time!

What in the hell is happening... is this... the pollen or the insecticide?!?!

Shaking his head to try and clear the cobwebs, Sanchez quickly rolls up his window and tries help keep the others awake.

[Mach_Ten]

Hijackers : 02:17:29 Vashon Island, SW 280th & HighWay

Murphy's jaw drops in a yawn and his eyes water with drowsiness, He's about to succumb as the synapses in his brain fire when the data from his optic nerve arrives.

ROAD SIGN AHEAD
the voice in his mind screams out! to try and get his attention, finally recognition dawns.
Slamming his fist down onto the window activation pad he closes them all and lunges for the Environmental Controls.

"ALERT! Foreign toxin detected, Cabin over-pressure is activated, please keep all doors and windows sealed for your own protection!"

Nova nods her head slightly, chin almost resting on her chest, eyelids unbelievably dry and heavy she blinks for what seems like an eternity.
With the sudden movement in the car she rocks awake,
the glare from a set of headlights behind them appears in the mirror and she raises an hand reflexively to protect her eyes, forgetting about any protective enhancements momentarily.
She screams at the auto=pilot program to take over

"Auto-Pilot Engaged, Destination acknowledged *ALERT* Humvee Model 857-BRAVO is not programmed for Off-Road conditions, please consult your sales representative for upgrade!"

"FRAG YOU RICOOOOH !"

In the back of the Hummer Crispy and Sanchez heads both droop and they slide in their seats till their heads almost touch, Sanchez snaps awake as the wheels hit uneven ground and being smaller than most is thrown wildly around in the back, Crispy is rocked but a loud snore and a sliver of drool from his chin indicates he is out for the count.

The drivers side wheel hits the ditch first, it wrenches the steering wheel from Nova's hands before she can regain control, but manages to at least keep it on the ground.

The other passengers who are awake brace themselves in the seat for the impending impact, the front of the hummer nose dives and hits the soft dirt channel at a low speed, but it's enough.

Sanchez looks around him, holding his breath until he goes purple and has to take a massive gasp of .. "Fresh!" he exclaims, looking happily to his friends around him...

Who are all completely unconscious !

Looking over his shoulder the lights of a vehicle shine through the dust cloud,
it has stopped about 20 meters behind them and the sounds of doors slamming and feet on the ground with muffled voices echo into the night.

"Oh, Drek!"

[LordArcana]

Murphy : 02:17:29 Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

As a line of drool begins to trickle down Murphy's cheek...

"ZZzzz ZZzzz ZZzzz"

[NeVeRLiFt]

Sanchez moves quickly and grabs his canteen from it's belt clip and starts splashing water into everyone's face and waking them up the best he can.

I make sure the doors are locked to the Humvee during this also.

[Mach_Ten]

as the dust settles, Sanchez quickly rouses his team mates,

Looking out of the rear he can just about make out the forms of four people out there, definitely armed.

"They sure dun' look like security Pa' ! should we kill 'em anyways ?"

one of the figures enquires, taking a knee and aiming at the stricken Hummer

"You jus' hang fire there Jimbo, let yer' old man deal with this, cover me jus' in case, they start summat, we'll end it fer sure!"

[NeVeRLiFt]

Hey out there don't shoot!
We've had an accident and have injured people... we need help please!

[Mach_Ten]

Pa' sidles up to the rear of the hummer, shotgun pointed at the glass in what he hopes is a menacing fashion.

It seems quiet in there and he calls back to the others "Mebbe' thems all dead .. lemme check!"

He steps a bit closer and tries to peer into the darkened glass from as close as he can get without lowering the gun.

A face covered by gas mask accompanied by two hands slams into the glass like some nightmare creature and Pa' trips and falls backwards a step, almost discharging the weapon into the air or at the hummer.
He manages to control himself and slow his heart rate down, the Doc' told him to keep takin' them pills and he wished he'd listened about now.

"MmmmMMMm MMM MMooonnn' MMMmMmooooTTT!!" the gas masked figure waves frantically and seems to be trying to communicate I sure'n hell hopes these ain't no aliens! ... lost a perfectly good air plane the last time it wuz aliens

"Okay Sonny! ... we'll Open tha Boot ... ya crazy sum-bitch... dang if I know what in tha hell..."

Lowering the weapon, Pa' steps closer again to try and get to the rear of the hummer,
he glances inside and catches sight of the full form of the passenger he has been conversing with, full military armor and gas mask ensemble.
for the second time, he loses his footing and slips down the steep incline of the ditch, behind him the sounds of several weapons being re-cocked
"Whut the who now?!" He motions to the others, that he is okay
"Jimbo, you shoot on sight now, these'm them military types you dun' warned me about! .. this 'un looks a little smaller though! but them's armed to the teeth"

He backs up and raises the weapon, expecting to be attacked at any second, Taking a risk, Sanchez rips the gas mask off and yells through the glass "DON'T SHOOT! .. we've got injured in here, we NEED Help, PLEASE!"
the authority in his voice comes through and Pa' is snapped from his reverie of glory days and national service,

"Okay Sonny, you hangit' there, I'll get the winch!"

[NeVeRLiFt]

Sanchez goes to get out of the Humvee but the autopilot has locked the doors stopping him.

Thank you for stopping, not sure what we would've done... we think the insecticide in this area did a number on us and knocked us out cold!
We're lost and need help getting out of this ditch.

[Thanee]

As Sanchez begins to unlock the doors once more, seemingly intent to get outside, Tatjana stirs in her seat and turns around.

"Think, man! If you open that door, we are all dead!"

Then she gives the autopilot another command, to keep the doors locked from outside and inside, while the EnviroSeal is active.

[LordArcana]

Murphy : 02:17:29 Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

Wiping most of the grogginess away for the moment, Murphy opens his eyes. Why the hell am I all wet? He hears the clicking of the rear door as the handle is being worked. He turns to see Sanchez trying to get out of the vehicle... lights being shined in the Humvee from behind and the strained voices of people outside. Something clicks in his head that this is a very dangerous situation.

“Oh Sanchez...”

Murphy slides the Colt 2066 from its holster and points it into the back seat.

“If you open that door, I'm going to shoot you in the face.”

[NeVeRLiFt]

Murphy lower you weapon and watch where you're pointing that thing... I'd hate for something to happen to that pretty little face of yours.
Sanchez gives him a friendly smile and wink.

[NeVeRLiFt]

Everyone the insecticide being used in this area has poisoned us and caused us to pass out and we wrecked.
You're wet because I poured some water on you from my canteen to wake you up.
We had some locals show up and they're armed and there's four of them outside now, and they're offering to help pull us out of this ditch.

[LordArcana]

Murphy : 02:17:29 Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

Seeing that Sanchez has come to his senses about trying to get out of the vehicle, Murphy slides his Colt 2066 back into its holster on his chest. I've never fires Stick-N-Shock point blank in a situation like this before. I wonder if it would have shocked all of us. A calming smirk crosses the Marines face.

"I have a pretty face? Really? You think so?"

Murphy turns around to look out the passenger window...

"I feel sorry for Crispy sitting back there in that condition." A warm chuckle escapes his lips at the thought of what could befall poor Crispy.

[NeVeRLiFt]

I was being sarcastic.

Sanchez shakes his head at Murphy...
Just don't ever point a gun at me again.

Sanchez is in a foul mood now.

[Thanee]

"Well, that was that..." Nova says, sighing a little. "I could go outside and talk to them through the astral, but I don't know how they will react... might spook them a little," she explains. "Anyone got a better idea? Does this thing have a loudspeaker outside or something?"

Wondering about that last part, Tatjana searches the console for something that might allow her to talk to the people outside of the vehicle.

[Mach_Ten]

The heavy clunking sound of metal on metal sounds at the rear of the hummer,

looking behind the face of the one called Jimbo can be seen scrabbling back up the incline with a steel rope in hand that leads back to their vehicle and what can only be a winch.

The hummer lurches as the slack is taken up and then slowly and steadily is pulled backwards and onto the tarmac once more.

In the next instant Pa' is at the side of the truck "Which 'un of yers is injerred ?" he calls trying to get his voice through the glass and yanking on the door handles.
"Yer needin' ter get out tha truck an mah girl here can medic yer up good !"

Behind Pa' a young lass in a dirty set of ill-fitting coveralls steps forward with an ancient looking first aid kit in her hands,
you don't need to see the 'Use-By Date' on the bottom to know that it's not entirely hygienic.

Pa' looks around nervously "Come on out if ya can, we ain't git all night!"

[phlapjack77]

Crispy, groggily, woke into something out of his worst nightmares. Trapped in a vehicle with shotgun-wielding inbred rednecks all around, it's like something out of a trid show he'd seen when he was younger...and it wasn't making the merc feel very at ease, at all. He shrank down into the seat, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible even though, rationally, he knew those outside couldn't really see in. Slipping his respirator on over his mouth gave him slightly more peace of mind, but only slightly. It wasn't the gas that worried him so much. It was how those outside would react to his looks. Quietly, "Uh, anyone here have a tactical helmet, preferably one with a visor? Or a hat? Baseball cap? Handkerchief? Wait, scratch that last one...anyway, what the frag is going on? Is it hot in here? Why am I sweating?"

[Mach_Ten]

"Temperature is nominal at eighteen degrees, would you like me to adjust the air conditioning ?"

Artemis voice has a distinct tone of playfulness in it, but that must be your imagination, AI's don't have funny chips?!

"The vehicle sensors are picking up an increase in activity to the North of your position, There is a seventy-three percent chance of Aerial units inbound in Four minutes and thirty eight seconds!"

The HUD expands into the full windscreen and displays a low resolution radar image with several small dots heading from the area of the wall.

[NeVeRLiFt]

Everyone should put on their respirator or gas-mask.
We inhaled some toxic insecticide while driving through this area and it caused us to pass out and wreck... sorry you're wet I had to pour some water from canteen on you all to wake you up fast.

Sanchez has his respirator back on and his assault rifle beside him ready to grab if needed.

Seeing we have 4 minutes to get the hell out of here we need to move fast and hopefully not harm these locals trying to help us.

[Thanee]

Tatjana nods.

"Ok. Then let me handle these guys. You stay inside, and keep the doors closed!"

Leaning back in the driver's seat, Nova's body relaxes as her consciousness leaves the body and she projects her will into astral space.

Looking around for a second, she heads outside and then looks for a place where she cannot be seen by the locals, inside the nearby crops, or just behind them, before manifesting a translucent image of herself.

"Hello there!" her voice reverberates in her mind. The only way to communicate in this fashion is psychic, her voice cannot actually be heard.

"Please, relax, we mean no harm to you. Much to the opposite, we would really appreciate your help to get our car back on the road. But we cannot leave the vehicle, it would kill us for sure. We are not accustomed to whatever is in the air here, like you are. We are trying to get away from them. There is not much time. They will come looking for us. And by then, we must be gone. Please, help us. You are our only hope!"

[LordArcana]

Murphy : Early Morning : Vashon Island, Middle of a Pumpkin Patch

"Ok, so much for doing this the low profile way." Murphy turns back towards Sanchez.

"Hey man, sorry about pointing the gun in your face a moment ago. I was just a little spooked by this whole situation. Something about being forced to wear a ball gag and being anal probed by some hillbilly and his mule of a son tends to put me at odd ends. Hope there is no hard feelings. And now that we have kissed and made up, I don't suppose you would be a lamb and hand me my armor from the back please?"