Jack shrugs.

Fuck it. Just thought Id add another point of veiw. Clearly, its not needed. Carry on with the master plan Morn. You and Centuar seem to be on the same page. Ill leave it to you. Just tell me where to be.

Jack seems to have taken a strange change of heart from his usual attitude towards being talked down to.

Scratch? Just curious. If you're here, who's running Hell?

Ahh, there he is.

Jack stares at tjhe gun, then Scratch. His cocky grin gone, and looking quite serious.


I was only trying to make a point. But it appears I took it too far. Ill take my leave now. I apologize for the conflict. Take it easy fellas.

You are a Jack.Ass Salem. Good job. Now you're going in alone.

Jack grabs his things and walks out the tent and sees the blonde Colonel he attempted to flirt with earlier. He aproaches her and salutes.

Ma`am, former Staff Sergeant Jack Salem of the 343rd Recon Battalion, Raven squad. I wanted to offer my apologies for my behavior earlier. I was out of line. I hope you can accept.

Fuck .... spirits .... that man is a demon. If I ever find need to take him down, it will definitely be from the rear ... or a long ways away.

The elf, not even involved, can't help but swallow, resisting the urge to get clear of the scene of pending violence, then decides that taking the chance would be foolish. Even with Jack bowing out, he gives the pair a little space.

Things just got much more interesting ... and dangerous. One less gun. Scratch could have waited, perhaps let the monsters in there ... probably best not to point that out. Good God.

Morn instead simply stands clear, letting them decide who is going to be the last man standing, whether that be standing here or on their feet. Either way, best not to be in the middle.

The Command Center - Jack & Colonel Scott

As Jack walks up to the platform the Colonel is standing on, several of the armed men at the Pod's entrance fall in to flank him. A waved hand from the Colonel and they step back. She raises an eyebrow and listens with a curious expression as Jack speaks. When he finishes she gives a short laugh.

"Apology accepted, Sgt. Salem. Now, as you can see... we're incredibly busy. If there's nothing else I can do for you.. ? She lets the sentence trail off, watching him with an amused expression.

Behind her, Special Agent Buchanan watches the exchange as well. His expression is unreadable.

Negative ma`am. Ill be going in ahead of my team. It'll be a necessary risk to scout ahead and alert them of any suprises. Perhaps ill see you later. Until then ma`am. Jack salutes, does an about-face and walks away to find the north-east entrance into the park.

Outside the Command Center - Jack & Buchanan

Outside the Command Center, the scene seems to have intensified just in the short time they've been inside. As Jack watches, a car on a rollercoaster just barely visible over the tree line plunges forward before spiraling off from a broken piece of track. Screams and cries fill the air for one long second and then are cut short. Seconds later, drones and air units are in motion.

"Sgt. Salem? A word if I may? SA Buchanan catches up, his eyes tracing over to the park at the sound of the accident and then back over to Jack.

Jack eyes the man suspiciously.

In case you didn't catch that Buchanan, those were people dying. I need to get moving. So with all due respect sir, can we make this quick?

Outside the Command Center - Jack & Buchanan

Buchanan nods solemnly. "I know, Sgt. It's been happening all day. Listen, I heard what you told the Colonel. Going in and trying to gain the advantage is smart, but going in without backup is risky. I've been assembling my own team... because, frankly, I couldn't trust that Corporate would send us anyone capable of taking care of this mess. If you're already planning on making the move... we should join forces. We can even create a diversion to help your people get inside. People are dying, Sgt. The more chances we can give them, the better."

The situation ' averted' for the moment, with Scratch still obviously heated, Morn excuses himself.
Checking on those drones. Make sure ... He looks at Scratch, then at Beckett...
Never mind...

The elf walks off, headed first for the privvy, and outside.

Jack considers the offer a moment.

Why you askin me? I think I made it obvious that I'm not quite a team player. You got three capable men in that tent right now that would love to ask how high they can jump for you given the right price. In other words sir, what do you want with me?

The Command Center - Morn



Outside of the conference room, the Command Center is an organizational madhouse. The Colonel and her people seem to be moving more frantically then before. Clearly, there's been new activity since the group's been inside. Moving past the sentry isn't easy, the trio at the door are definitely on edge, but Morn manages to slip past. He comes out a few paces behind where Buchanan and Jack are speaking.

"...create a diversion to help your people get inside. People are dying, Sgt. The more chances we can give them, the better."Buchanan faces Jack, his expression concerned.

Outside the Command Center - Jack, Buchanan & Morn

"I think you nailed it right on the head, Sgt. "For a price"... you see those people in there? He points towards the park, his face grim. "They're dying regardless of who gets paid or not. Now, I know you got a thing with Corporate.. that they're paying for your services and that's fine by me. We all earn our paychecks... but your people in there. They've got an eye on the brass ring. They're not looking at the big picture. If we can work together on this... pool our resources, we could make a go at bringing not just our people back... but a whole hell of a lot more. But, we need people with experience, someone to help us get in and work as a unit. We're not asking you to hold our hands and sing 'Kumbyya', Sgt. But, you're military... and we need that. Can we count on you?"

Jack looks him over.

Have your team ready in five minutes. We're heading to the first security kiosk. Ill need someone to have a layout of the place to show me where that is. I leave in five minutes, with or without them. And Agent? Just remember I don't work for you. But I can agree to work with you.

Beckett stared across the table at the Scratch, and the back of Jack walking out, he is about to say something when Morn leaves after a half arse excuse.

Well that justifies every reason why they disdain us and think of us as loose triggers.

Ignoring Scratch he turns picking up the bag from the floor, placing it on the chair he zips it open. He pulls a large sheathed blade from bag followed by a suit of body armor, placing the blade over the arms of the chair he quietly dons his armor, checking each strap is secure.

Addiction Test


Once his armor is on and his sheathed blade is strapped to his side, he pauses a moment focusing his mind.

Casting Imp Reflexes Force 4


He leaves the room following the others out.

Second Infiltration Roll


Morn moves out from the door, moving away from the speaking pair, using good ol' large Jac kas a visual block to stay out of Buchannen's line of sight.

He quickly brings up the encrypted chat they began before, sending a shot straight to Beckett.

Outside the Command Center - Buchanan, Jack & Morn

Buchanan Perception Test


Stepping past Jack, Buchanan spots Morn. His eyes narrow. "Can I help you, Mr. Morn? You seem a bit lost.

No you cannot Agent Buchanan, as it seems you are incapable of performing your proposed function.

Jack step in front of Buchanan.

Morn? What are you doing?

Outside the Command Center - Buchanan, Jack, & Morn

Buchanan's mouth twists into an angry line, his fists curling at his sides. He looks at Jack. "We'll be ready to move on your mark, Sgt." He steps up to Morn, clearly past the point of caring about such things as "personal space". When Jack steps up, he holds a hand up. "I'll take care of this, Sgt." He turns to look at Morn. "My "function", Mr. Morn, was to babysit a group of cutthroat criminals and mercenaries and make sure they didn't kill themselves or our people. I was also supposed to make sure you received equipment you were to stupid to pack yourselves. Now, at this point... I could care less if you kill yourselves. But, I'll be damned if I'm going to let you jeopardize the safety of our people or those inside. I suggest you back off, turn around and go wait in your little room until your gear gets here and you can get the hell outta my sight."

I could debate the point of gear, as I have serious doubts about how much of "your gear" is acutally yours Buchanan. But there's no point into getting into a debate with you, is there? Go your way.

Jack steps between them after contimplating if it would be worth it.

Ill be ready when your team arrives agent.

He faces Morn, speaking quietly.

What are you doin sneakin around? I thought I was the liability Morn.

The elf smiles a little.
You are. Forgive me, I'm not trying to antagonize you, but you upset the Johnson, you pissed of our source of information and our evac, the Colonel, you infuriated our team mate to the point of imminent violence, and now you're planning what under the best of circumstances would be considered desertion or mutiny for these men. What would you call it?

<<<@Ambar[Beckett]>>>


Beckett shortly emerged from the building, dressed head to foot in full body armor. His long strides covering the distance quickly, he comes to a halt besides Morn, looking down on the gathered group.

I call it an oppurtunity to give you guys a chance. This aint gonna be easy Morn. So why not use a resource placed in front of me? I mean, I was gonna go alone seeing how I'm not part of the club anymore, but this sEems less suicidle. Besides, a few extra bodies can help us. And I said before, I'm not just lookin to save a bunch of corp big wigs. I'm saving who I can.

Outside the Command Center - Jack, Buchanan, Morn, & Beckett

Buchanan, seemingly disgusted with the conversation, turns on his heel and heads back into the building. He sidesteps Beckett as the big troll comes out the doorway.

@Jack:

Outside "Command Center" - "HA! 'Command Center!

Morn shrugs.
Do you really believe that Buchanan has any interest in freeing a park full of people? With what? A rogue squad? He's corporate military. Forgive me for calling a spade a spade Mr. Buchanan, it certainly takes one to know one, but if he was benevolent as he wants to appear, do you think he would work for a corp? Don't you think something like a national government, that actively works on something beyond the bottom line, would be more appropriate?

He's using you, just like Mr. Johnson. Except he wants you to do it without pay and be cannon fodder so that he can claim the 'brass ring'. Go on your adventure if you want, but don't delude yourself. Buchanan can't even keep his word to his employer.

Jack places a hand on Morns shoulder.

You're concerned now, but when the real liability puts a gun to my head and kicks me off the team you don't make so much as a peep? Don't get me wrong Morn, I apreciate the advice, but I'm taking this chance to help you.

Outside the Command Center - Jack, Morn, & Beckett

A feminine voice interrupts the heated words. "Excuse me, gentlemen?" The voice belongs to a young elven woman wearing a set of urban camouflage BDU's. She smiles hesitantly, apparently well aware of the current situation. "The Colonel asked me to inform you that your gear has arrived. I can have it assembled for you in the conference room, if you'd like?"

I don't know what was said but there is only one way to save all those people. Find the person who is pulling all the strings in there and stop them. Depending on whatever their goal is rescueing people enmass just might cause even more issues. While I don't like seeing innocent people die untill I've got a better idea of what's going in there I'm not going to rush in willy nilly trying to rescue everyone in sight. Things have changed inside there and we have even less of an clue of what is going on. Their first teams that went in got slaughtered, and any more than go in will probably be to. I would guess some of their best men lie dead inside there, you want to go in with the left overs, they called us in for a reason.

Jack smiles at her.

God I hope you're coming with me. Thanks darlin.

He turns back to Morn. Ill stay in contact with you the whole time. Thirty minute status checks and we'll set up a rally point for when you have the target. Agreed?

Morn turns to the young woman, nodding.
We'll be in for it in just a moment, thank you.

He turns back to Jack.
It's not your lack of professionalism that concerns me. You can shoot I assume, or else you wouldn't be here. What concerns me is that you lack sight of the big picture. You see nothing beyond yourself, and so you will never grow, nor be formidable. You cannot conquer your enemy if you cannot conquer yourself.

We will not be in contact. Everything we have seen so far suggests that our opposition is highly technical. If the Horizaon hackers cannot penetrate the system, it speaks of their ability. Comms would be easy to intercept.

Outside the Command Center - Jack, Morn, & Beckett

The young woman blushes at Jack's comment, ducking her head slightly. She nods when Morn speaks and then slips back inside. There's a sudden explosion from the park, fire and debris hurtling into the sky before raining back down into the park. Faintly, the sound of raucous cheers can be heard.

What the hell?!

Jack looks towards the park to see what's going on.

I think my points been made. We need all the help we can get.

Beckett ducks slightly as the explosion goes off and debris goes flying overhead.

Well gear has arrived and by the looks of it things are getting hotter. I'm not sure whether I should be happy about that cheering or not. It might have just made our job a little harder.

Ignoring the explosion, Morn removes Jack's hand from his shoulder and walks inside to get their gear.
If we're going to move, it should be soon. Let's get our gear together.
Morn looks for Scratch and the Colonel, having business with both. Jack is going to have to figure himself out.

I'm ready just need to pick up some of that gear.

Beckett turns and follows Morn back into the building.

Well this is going to be interesting all round

Inside the Conference Room, Command Center - Morn & Beckett

Inside the conference room, the young elven woman from before is setting cartons of equipment out onto the massive table. There is no sign of Scratch or his gear. She looks up and smiles nervously as the duo walks in.

"The gear has been divided by the individual who requested it. Mr. Morn, your gear is over here." She gestures to a large case sitting on the floor and another smaller carton on top. "Mr. Beckett, your gear is here." She places another carton on top of the stack already waiting and steps back. "Is there anything else I can do for you before you head out?

The cartons containing Scratch's gear are noticeably absent.

Beckett picks up the 1 medkit from his pile and slides the other one over to Morn.

Guess it's just you and me now.

He places the summoning materials inside one of pouches.

Don't think I'll have time to use these for now

Beckett pauses a moment focusing part of his concious on the astral.

Counterspelling active on Beckett and Morn

Yes, you could let the Colonel know that I would appreciate a word with her if you don't mind.

Morn goes over his gear while he waits, including running a bug scanner over it, and checkign the hard lines inside the Condor's casing for any data line taps.
Beckett , we'll take that insertion point Scratch pointed out. It may be he got hot headed and went in that way. Unless you have a better suggestion.

Inside the Conference Room, Command Center - Morn & Beckett

The woman nods. "I'll let Colonel Scott know." She excuses herself and leaves the room.

@Morn: Hardware Skill Roll w/applicable equipment modifiers, please.

Sounds like a good plan, we're most familiar and have planned for that route, no point in changing it now.

Hardware Test = 7 hits

Inside the Conference Room, Command Center - Morn, Beckett, & Colonel Scott

@Morn:

A moment later, Colonel Scott walks into the room. She looks harried beyond belief. "Private Hill tells me you needed to see me, Mr. Morn? What can I do for you?"

Thank you for a moment Colonel. First, one of your people inserted a tracking device into the Condor you provided. Am I to assume that you're intending on tracking us?

Secondly, your agent, Mr. Buchanen is intending to take a rogue group into the site, unless of course you've signed off on that as well.
I think we would like to know where your standing is before we attempt our insertion with one of your teams.

Inside the Conference Room, Command Center - Morn, Beckett, & Colonel Scott

The Colonel's eyes widen as her mouth tightens. She turns and shuts the door behind her, pausing for a moment with her back to the duo before turning back around.

"I was unaware that a tracking device had been placed in your equipment, Mr. Morn. It's insertion was not approved by myself or my Director. You have my apologies. We will, of course, find out who was responsible."

@Morn & Beckett: Roll Sense Motive

Colonel Scott rubs the bridge of her nose, as if to stave off a headache. "Special Agent Buchanan is operating under his own parameters, Mr. Morn. He does not require my sign-off for specialized operations. As I mentioned before, I am in charge of Communications and Response."

Sense Motive = 6

Sense Motive

Jack takes a deep breath.

Play it safe on this Jack. Stick to what you know. Time to make a call.

Calls Madame Zatvalla.

@Morn:

@Beckett:

@Jack: