January 1st, 2071, 1045 EST; MV Thundercloud, Off Miami, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Booddocks

Gunner Blythe takes the shotgun, unloads it while placing the barrel into the shot bucket.

"Would you like me to draw you a picture of that safety mechanism? With or with out manufactures specifications?"

He gives a brief smile and checks the shotgun, if it has a smartgun link, checks the smartgunlink's diagnostics for when it was last services. He makes notes into a comm link file on the shotgun. He hands the shotgun back to Franklin and hands him the ejected ammo.

Wonder which one of these Woody Wuff Dah's will put a hole where it does not belong first.

January 1st, 2071, ~1041 EST; MV Thundercloud, Off Miami, Caribbean League
Litany

<@Franklin [Litany] Just let me know everything you'll need to keep everyone patched up, it'll be my job to get it all for you. From the physicals I expect you to be able to tell me what's needed to keep everyone running, any habits I'll need to keep supplied, special gear, and the most important thing is that no one is or has bugs. We don't want someone's kink bomb going off unless it's me punching the button. Same with the med bay, check it for surprises. It might be a good idea to cycle out all the supplies as soon as we can for stuff we've verified ourselves, or from sources we can trust.

And good job following up, anytime I'm not clear you let me know.>

January 1st, 2071, ~1041 EST; MV Thundercloud, Off Miami, Caribbean League
Franklin

<@Litany [Franklin] Will do.>

Heading to the medbay, Franklin looks around and familiarizes himself with the layout. He'd move stuff around later to make it easier to access, but that was later. Now the doc needed to get ready to have a half dozen patients roll through for their physicals.

January 1st, 2071, 0931 EST; MV Thundercloud, Leaving Pier 32, Miami, Caribbean League
Cuda; [LTG, PAN=Passive, 3] SIN=Chris Tyes

Johnny turns to Cuda and says, "Would you do us the honors of taking us out of port?"

Cuda smiles, and takes the helm. "With great pleasure! Whats our heading?"
Johnny sends him the intel to meet with the USS Ohio and meeting coordinates. Cuda nods, "Aye aye sir." He gently eases the ship out and in the direction of the USS Ohio. This is a fine ship. The Thundercloud! Got a nice ring to it too. Can't wait to see what she feels like...

January 1st, 2071, 1037 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League

<<@Blythe [Cuda] I've got an LMG in my bag, send someone to get it if you'd like to look at it. My drone's got a gyrojet pistol mounted, but don't be poking around in her willy nilly. And I've got a mini flare launcher too. You really wanna check out my grapple gun too? Survival knife in my survival kit. Oh, and a miniwelder I'm sure you could use as a weapon if you really tried... Don't tell me you wanna see my accessories too.>>

<<@All [Cuda] Who can watch the helm? Since I've got an interview apparently, and here I was thinking I already got the job. >>

<<@Franklin [Cuda] You gonna be busy after my interview? I figure as long as someones watching the helm I should get done with as much as I can.>>


January 1st, 2071, 1225 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League

As Cuda is relieved of watching the helm, he hefts his things down to his room, before jogging to the foredeck to meet Litany for his interview. "So, should we talk benefits? Or am I getting a promotion already?" One can only hope... Especially with her!

Litany starts rattling off questions... Cuda does his best to answer them.
"What part of the Caribbean/Eastern Atlantic do you have personal knowledge of?"
"None."
"Safe harbors and hiding spots?"
"In Boston, sure."
"Do you know someone or have a way to get these things?"
"Not really no, but for medical equipment and supplies Franklin, I'd think, drugs probably the Doc for these too. Guns and supplies my bet would be Blythe."
"Do you know a fence, what do they prefer to buy?"
"Not anywhere around here."
"Do you know any government or corp officials in a position to be of assistance?"
"Nope."
"Do you know any other pirates or criminal orgs in the operational area?"
"No."
"Anything else to share that might be helpful?"
"Well, not really... except that you're kinda cute."
"What operational parameters do you wish to avoid?"
"The ones that end up with our crew dead."

"What's your favorite food and drink?"
"Fresh salad... and strawberry daiquri's."
"What would you like to do with two day's liberty?"
"By the time we get that, I'm sure I'd be happy to spend all day in bed."

Once that's done, he heads down to grab his white knight and ammo to take them to Blythe. "There she is, don't do anything to her I wouldn't." I swear, he he makes me let him look over my jackhammer, I'll hit him with it! The white knight just has a top mounted smartgun link, and theres 200 rounds of EX ammo in 100 round belts.

Finally, heads over to see the good doctor Franklin in the medbay. "Gotta tell ya doc, I'm a freak." I hope he's seen some modification in his time, I've certainly got enough of it.

January 1st, 2071, 1040 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Booddocks

Gunner Blythe chuckles at Cuda's message. ah another sea going bell hop I can see

<<Cuda[Gunner Blythe] No when you get off watch will be fine for you to get your firearms checked in. Thanks for the offer on the other gear but not at this time. If I am not in the Armory when you get off watch, give me a call and I can meet your there.>>

Oh such a saint he is, wanting me to fetch and carry for his nibs.

Gunner Blythe will check to see that status of the Armory while he is waiting.

January 1st, 2071, 1225 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League

Gunner Blythe will take the White Knight, point the barrel into the shot bucket, and empty the weapon, he checks smartgunlink for its last diagnostics check, and works the empty action while monitoring the weapon via smartgunlink.

He hands the White Knight back to Cuda and hands him the ammo.

When the drones are unpacked I can go thru the weapons on same.

January 1st, 2071, 1050 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League

Carlos is unpacking when the com messages start flying back and forth.
Good timing, the gun's just starting to really get in the way.
Carlos picks up his trusty AK-97 and slings it over his left shoulder. He throws the spare clips in a shoulder bag and slings that over his right shoulder. He then makes his way to the armory.
"Here's my weapon, Mister Blythe, I trust you'll take good care of it. I've got a knife too." He gestures to his hip sheath. "Oh, also I brought aboard some tools for weapons maintenance, if you want to use them just drop me a comm and swing by the shop."

Carlos then heads over to the foredeck for his interview with Litany.

"What part of the Caribbean/Eastern Atlantic do you have personal knowledge of?"
"Well, I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela so I have a decent understanding of the surrounding coast."

"Safe harbors and hiding spots?"
"My knowledge is mostly from an onshore perspective, but I can think of a few spots that might work in a pinch."

"Do you know someone or have a way to obtain certain items?"
"There's a Fixer I worked with in Miami the last few years, he could come up with some of that. I actually used to work for a drug smuggling cartel in western Venezuela, but most of the people I knew there I don't know how to find, or are dead."

"Do you know a fence, what do they prefer to buy?"
"Not really, sometimes Joey, my fixer, could find a home for things, but it really depends."

"Do you know any government or corp officials in a position to be of assistance?"
"HA-HA-HA-ha, where I come from, government is a dirty word, and the corps are scarcely better."

"Do you know any other pirates or criminal orgs in the operational area?"
"There is this street gang I used to run with in Caracas, Los Ojos Muertos, I still should have some clout with them."

"Anything else to share that might be helpful?"
"Not at the moment."

"What operational parameters do you wish to avoid?"
"Magical opposition. All of the situations I have been where the enemy had magical support ended badly. I'm not sure if avoiding this will always be possible, but lets at least try to stay away from the Yucatan for now."

"What's your favorite food and drink?"
"The hot and edible kind, as long as its not English."

"What would you like to do with two day's liberty?"
"Browse the Matrix for the latest developments in Cyber/Bio/Nano-tech, and probably also read some more general tech journals."

After chow Carlos then returns to belowdecks, where he inspects the engine, the fuel level and the supply of spare parts. He sends the requested list of necessary operational supplies to Litany.
He then sends the following coms:

<<@Captian Rollins[Carlos Rodriguez] Oi, Capt'n, where can I meet you to secure my com?>>

<<@Team[Carlos Rodriguez] If you have any machinery or electronics (e.g. Drones) you want inspected or maintenance performed on just let me know and I'll work it into my schedule.>>

January 1st, 2071, 1050 EST; MV Thundercloud, In Route to USS Ohio, Miami, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Booddocks
Gunner Blythe takes the AK-47 points the barrel into the shot bucket and clears the weapon and checks its status via its smartgunlink.
"I can keep your weapon here or you can pack it along like some of the others? Your knife I have no interests in, you can have it put here or you can carry it?"

Gunner will make a note of the weapon in a file on his commlink.

"Thank you for the offer/information, but I believe I may have to take you up on it, some of the crew have different views on things, but they may learn otherwise."

Gunner will secure the Armory and head to his appointment for his interview.
What part of the Caribbean/Eastern Atlantic do you have personal knowledge of?
"I am from the Bahamas, I have some knowledge of the Caribbean.
Safe harbors and hiding spots?
"No"
Do you know someone or have a way to get Ship Fuel
"No"
Ship parts
"No"
Medical Equipment and supplies
"No"
Drugs
"No"
Guns and supplies
"Yes"
Tools
"Maybe"
Software
"No"
Electronic and computer hardware
"No"
Drones and supplies
"No"
Do you know a fence, what do they prefer to buy?
"Why do we need a fence? If we are taking cargo by our Letters of Marque?"
Do you know any government or corp officials in a position to be of assistance?
"No"
Do you know any other pirates or criminal orgs in the operational area?
"No"
Anything else to share that might be helpful?
"None that you would listen to at this time."
What operational parameters do you wish to avoid?
"Anything outside what our Letters of Marque allows us"
What's your favorite food and drink?
"None of your business."
What would you like to do with two day's liberty?
"Again none of your business."

Gunner walks away and down to his quarters.

There he sits down, accesses his comm link, opens a file, looks over the file. He gets up and goes to Franklin, once he is there he sends him a message.

<<<Franklin [Gunner Blythe] Here is a copy of my medical record, it has the information you need to treat me. Also here is a copy of the file from my biomonitor it is attached. @Attached Files>>

(OOC: See my point on the OOC thread re the necessity for fences. I'll grant you all the 'Common Sense' Edge so far as stuff like that goes - it perhaps isn't immediately obvious IRL.

Meanwhile, re the interview: Please do include the questions, not just the answers?

Thanks!

-Your GM, trying hard to get the images provoked by news that 'Dumbledore is gay' out of his head. Because sex between ancient wizards...Not a good image.)

January 1st, 2071, ~1040 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

As everyone quickly fell into their perspective roles, Johnny allowed himself the luxury of a small smile, thought just briefly. Step by step and by the numbers.

Reviewing the itinerary from Litany, he set reminder... then noticing she'd established a general inspection for him at 1600, he set another... Finally, when her update comes in about an 1130 hours chow time he sets a third. Looking at the time and seeing how low until chow, he decides to start his inspection of the tactical bridge. He no more than arrives when he gets the message from Cuda.

<<@Cuda [Captain Rollins] I will relieve you at 1200 hours and take a four hour watch.>>

January 1st, 2071, ~1130 EST; MV Thundercloud commons, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

At lunchtime, Johnny makes his way to the crew commons. As everyone (save Cuda who is on watch) gathers their food and drink, he raises his cup of water. "I'd like to propose a toast to the success of this crew. May we endure all storms, weather all challenges and return to post with our proverbial nets overflowing. " He makes it a point to engage both the commanders in the short time, if just to look the men in the eye.

January 1st, 2071, ~1158 EST; MV Thundercloud bridge, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

He makes it to the bridge with several minutes before his watch begins. "Food is ready." With a slap on the back, "Consider yourself relieved. One question: Would you like to extend watches to six hours on, six off or keep them at four? Realizing that only you and I are currently qualified to pilot the ship."

January 1st, 2071, ~1130 EST; MV Thundercloud commons, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Booddocks

Gunner Blythe attends the mess decks meeting, raises his cup of tea to the toast.

He hands a second set of keys to the Armory to the Commander. He sends a report of the weapons that were checked in to him via AR message.

He goes forward and from that point works his way towards the aft part of the ship, he looks at everything, setting its location into his mind. He stops at the a midships pintle mounts, inspects each, and sees what is needed to mount weapons there. Hmm ok will have to modify the mounts, but it will work

He works his way aft, he comes to the engine room.

"Permission to enter the engine room" He enters and looks thru out the engineering spaces, getting familiar with it. He does not touch anything when walking thru engineering.

He looks for the locations of the fire fighting and damage control equipment.

Once he all the way aft, he takes a moment and watches the wake the boat makes.

He goes back to his quarters and puts a accurate AR image of the boat with all the notations he made on his tour into it.

He takes out a pipe case and takes out a meerschaum churchwarden pipe, puts a rich Turkish blend with heavy amounts of awakened Latakia and awakened Perique blended into it.

He sits back blows smoke rings, and goes thru his day, and makes plans on the rest of the day.

January 1st, 2071, 1130 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

Johnny thanks Gunner for the keys. "Any requests for the electronic security measures?"

January 1st, 2071, 1330 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

As Litany arrives on the deck, Johnny looks up. "Afternoon Chief. Have have the interviews been? During the prepatory small talk, he poses several other questions/comments back to her. "We need to begin assigning each of the crew, beyond Mister Cuda, to each work an hour a day with me learning the helm. Also, each of the crew should be given a shift once per week to work with Mist- Carlos to assist with ship maintenance. Problem is with Mister Cuda and I the only two on the helm, our time to pull another shift in maintenance just doesn't exist. I assume you will be fulfilling the duties of Ship Steward as well? That will be constraining your time pretty considerably as well."


What part of the Caribbean/Eastern Atlantic do you have personal knowledge of?
"I've been to every port in the Gulf area. Most of my travels into the Caribbean and eastern seaboard did not provide for shore leave."
Safe harbors and hiding spots?
"Corpus Christi, New Orleans, Tampa... to some extent Savannah."
Do you know someone or have a way to get: Ship Fuel, Ship parts, Medical Equipment, Drugs, Guns and supplies, Tools, Software, Electronic and computer hardware, Drones and supplies
"Yes."
Do you know a fence, what do they prefer to buy?
"Yes, anything that can be moved and won't be tracked or bring trouble with it."
Do you know any government or corp officials in a position to be of assistance?
"No."
Do you know any other pirates or criminal orgs in the operational area?
"No. Yes."
Anything else to share that might be helpful?
"CAS Navy."
What operational parameters do you wish to avoid?
"We do not execute prisoners."
What's your favorite food and drink?
"Fish & chips. Irish beer. Shrimp Gumbo. Unsweetened tea." He then looks her almost like he's confessing a sin, "Cafe mocha with real espresso."
What would you like to do with two day's liberty?
"Share the company of an engaging woman. Eat an insanely expensive meal. Stay at a five-star hotel."

January 1st, 2071, 1130 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Booddock

Gunner Blythe "No Commander, that lock has no pins to be picked."

Later during the day when the Commander is not on watch or inspecting, he will go by his quarters and let the Commander examine his comm link.

January 1st, 2071, 1330 EST; MV Thundercloud, Leaving Pier 32, Miami, Caribbean League
Litany

"Well enough, I have a concern that Gunner Blythe is not that interested in sharing. But I expect that to sort itself out. I'm chipped for helm and nav, so I can take a shift. And yes." She rolled her eyes, "Steward and Purser. Which means the bankroll." this must be what mom feels like.... all the time!

After tabulating the answers in her head Litany gives a synopsis, "For an operational area, once we are done with the shakedown op, it looks like Miami, Gulf Coast and Venezuela can make it a for a triangle, Gunner the Bahamas and Cuda knows Boston Harbor, anything in between won't have any anyone who has laid real eyes, but that probably suits our patrons. Nothing strange yet for crew personal tastes, except Gunner. Looks like you and me are the only ones who can get rid of anything we get, though Carlos has contacts we might be able to use to ship stuff out. I'll talk to him about pursuing that. Same with supplies, except for guns, yo and me, and Carlos. My contacts are solid, probably have to take some risk with Carlos contacts. We are hurting for operational intel, definitely going to need to build that up. And initially supplies are going to be a real pain, especially fuel and ship repairs. Which reminds me, you handling SIGINT yourself? I'm going to need some really clean communications to start working on the intel end of this op."

"Oh, what have I missed?"

January 1st, 2071, 1340 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast
Johnny Rocket; [LTG, PAN=Hidden, 3] SIN=John Smith

Johnny continues his discussion with Litany. "Gunner. This is the first day and we are a new crew. To be honest I didn't expect to have the captains bars when I work up this morning... This reminds me of basics. We each come from different places and got no reason to trust one another. After a couple of missions we will pull together."

As they begin to discuss the operations Johnny is not sure. "Venezuela? Isn't that perhaps a little wide? In any case, after we drop our guests and pull the milk run we need a port call. There will undoubtedly be a list of supplies we missed by then. I'm not ready to deal with risky contacts yet."

As the conversation continues, Johnny continues to feel the pressure of command. "I think that is correct. SIGINT is mine. Damn am I glad I have a sleep regulator cause I damn well ain't getting no sleep for a while."

"Ok, let me see what I can do about communications. Problem is that any satellite up-link we get right now is going to have risks that I am not confident I can mitigate. I'll feel much better when I can run with some clean sat gear and accounts that I set up."

"If you're chipped for helms, then we'll run standard four hour shifts. Cuda midnight to four and 8am to noon. I'll take 4am to 8am, noon to 4pm and 8pm to midnight leaving you the 4pm to 8pm. How does that sound?"

(OOC: Redjack wins 2 karma for his excellent mapping of the ship. If he wants to post a link to em to the OOC thread, he's wlcome to.)

January 1st, 2071, ~1158 EST; MV Thundercloud bridge, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast

Cuda turns to Johnny as he is being relieved. "Well, I'd prefer 6 since that means I could get 6 hours of sleep when I need to. We do need to figure out everyones positions for engagements though."

January 1st, 2071, 1341 EST; MV Thundercloud, In route to USS Ohio, Just off Florida Coast
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Hidden, 3] SIN=John Smith


As the schedules begin to come together, Johnny fires off a text to Cuda advising him of the changes. <<@Cuda [Captain Rollins] Earlier we had agreed on six hour shifts. I've since learned that Chief Litany is chipped to pilot the ship. We'll return to four hour shifts and you will have midnight to four and 8am to noon. This will afford you a full twelve off and time to train with Carlos in engineering.>>

January 1st, 2071, 2228EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Passive, 3] SIN=John Smith

The first day was a first day. Chaotic, full of energy and anticipation. Tiring.
Johnny was amazed that he had actually found time to make the modifications to his sim module. He had though and the modifications were amazing. He was outside of manufacturer's specifications, but if he hadn't made the mods he would never keep up with a chipped opponent when lives were on the line.

As Roberts stood on deck with Johnny, they both looked out on the dark sea. The quiet. The raw power teaming just beneath the surface. This is the moment. Johnny is a simple ork with simple aspirations. He'd be just as happy the crewman on a well run ship than the captain.

<<MV Thundercloud to USS Ohio. Permission granted. Glad to see you all.>>

"Commander, we will be ready for you to disembark soon."

January 1st, 2071, ~2230 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Litany

Running helm under these conditions was easy. She didn't even think about it all. To keep awake at the helm she ran through a set of calisthetics and stretches every hour, in the meantime she started reviewing some of the optons for the work ahead.

Long ago she'd lost her reaction to the fact that every now and then her hands would move on their own volition and move the helm in a slight course correction.

The couple of hours before this shift she'd pulled out a towel, unrolled a polarized sheet of UV block to screen her as she took a sleepy naked sun bath on the raised foredeck. Long before Chicago her family had taught her the value of catching sleep when you could. The sleep regulator the captain mentioned was something to check into.

Right after her shift she'd gone right back to the foredeck and strung out her a hammock and dozed as the sun set, wrapping herself in a blanket as the evening cooled.

The warship looming alongside in the night, reasonably visible to her in the tropical night woke her due to the Thunderclouds rythm change. She didn't move as she snapped awake, but she certainly wasn't snoozing any more. As the comm channel lit up she relaxed slightly, and stayed where she was.

She checked the message again, <<Various persons who miss you have lately been hinted to of your exploits; Even when I protested that, I was told that old ties do count for something to my superiors. Besides feeling lonely, I'm told that those former comrades informed were somewhat amused when informed in vague terms of your current irregular employment by the government. Certain warriors of a previous generation expressed their pride.>>

lousy security... and mom has been burning a candle for me every saint's day, what will she do now if she knows?

<<@allshipThundercloud:: Goodbye and fair winds, Commanders Roberts and Butler. And Roberts, be so kind to remind "Various Persons" that since I understand We Take Care of Our Own I forgive them their breach of security, but let's hope it won't happen again.>>

She deleted the message, time to deal with the consequences later.

Roberts chuckled, picking up the intercom handset.

<<@AllshipThundercloud I agree, but that decision was made above my paygrade, ma'am. That said, Thundercloud: Good luck, and good hunting.>>

With that, as Ohio extended her gangplank, Roberts turned to Rollins with Butler. The two naval officers saluted the Captain of the Thundercloud, before the UCAS officer asked, "Permission to disembark to the Ohio, sir?"

A formality, yes, but the customs and courtesies of the Sea Services mattered.

After Rollins replied, both naval officers extended a hand to the ork. "You'll do well out there, Captain,", Roberts noted. "But nonetheless, good luck, fair winds, and may you all be sound and healthy the next we meet. Despite my harshness earlier, everyone aboard this vessel has my complete confidence; I hope you all understand that." He pauses, then. "But, enough of my words. Lest I forget: Your authentication code for any messages you need to send in the next two weeks is Alpha-Two-Hind. Include it on its own line in the message. Our authentication code will be Elizabeth-One-Whiskey. With that, I believe you have a ship to mug." Another smile, from himself and Butler, before the two cross to the Ohio, salute the UCAS ensign, salute the Officer of the Deck, and request permission to board. The OOD returns their salutes, grants said permision, and the two head through a hatch. The Ohio retracts its gangplank, then.

<<Thundercloud, Ohio. Our passengers are aboard. From them, and the Captain and crew of this vessel: Good luck, and good hunting. We are pulling off to your starboard aft.>>

(OOC: Yes, I'm being a bad boy, and posting from work.)

January 1st, 2071, ~2230 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Litany

Right after the commanders left, she piped over her message to the captain.

<<@captain, [Litany]:: I suggest we make for Havana. 1 The Nahuatl may already be there, 2. We need to eyeball the port anyway 3. We can refuel there 4. City signal traffic can disguise ours 5. We can get any missing supplies there . 6. if we are there once and pick up supplies, when we come back for the Nahuatl we'll have established our visiting pattern.

You need to schedule an all ship operational planning session. Since we won't be simply sinking targets and looting a wreck, we need to determine boarding parties and any other scenarios.>>

She snuggled down into her blanket and tried to ignore the looming metal shape that could simply run them over without scratching the paint.

January 1st, 2071, ~2235 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Boondocks

Gunner Blythe watches the departing officers and watches as they move away.
He goes down and fixes a hot cup of Assam Estate Tea and sits down on the Mess Decks and smokes pipe, while reflecting.

Should be an interesting cruise to say the least.

He finishes his tea and his pipe and gets ready for his watch.

January 2st, 2071, ~0545 ; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League

Gunner gets up and does his morning cleaning rituals, and goes to the Mess Decks for Chow.

There he listens to any crew banter as he eats. During a break in the banter.

I need assistance in unpacking/uncrating etc the various drones, so I can check the weapons they carry."

January 2st, 2071, ~0545 ; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Carlos
Upon hearing Gunner's request:
"I'll help you out. It'll be a good opportunity for me to familiarize myself with the drones we have aboard. Heck, I should also run some diagnostics myself. When's a good time?"

January 1st, 2071, 2231 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Passive, 3] SIN=John Smith

"Permission granted. Good voyage gentlemen." Johnny returned the salute of the two officers then watched them disembark. Adherence to custom. Good sign.

He shook their hands as he listened to their words. "Thank you again."

<Copy Ohio. Affirmative. Have a safe voyage yourself. Thundercloud out.> He watched the immense ship pull away, remembering days on a similar ship himself.

<<Chief Litany [Captain Rollins] Havana. Check. I have quite a list. I'll put that together and get it to you. What are the laws in Cuba? I'm not familiar with that port. I agree with your idea about tactical operations. We need to perform a live run through. I'm good with that. I say we schedule an exercise tomorrow. We can deploy the skiff remotely and use it as a practice vessel.>>

(OOC: Guys: Cape Canaveral/Port Canaveral is CAS ruef.

I can't figure out WHERE the CAS/CL line is, but I know it's a lot farther south.

On that note: You are 30 nm off Cape Canaveral, at 28 degrees, 23'16.23" North, 79 degrees 56'16.84" west.

Feel free to look it up on Google Earth or whatever.

January 2st, 2071, ~0545 ; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Boondocks

Gunner Blythe Carlos why not this morning, work or watch load permitting."

January 1st, 2071, 2245 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Passive, 3] SIN=John Smith

<<Chief Litany [Captain Rollins] Let's put in at Port Canaveral for the morning. I will see if I can get connected with a local contact.>>

He then drafts a few encrypted texts, configuring his com to send it when he gets LTG signal from shore:

As the ship's pull apart, Johnny reflects on the conversation with Litany and drafts a memo to the crew.
<<@Crew [Captain Rollins] Within a few days, we will have the first test of our ability to function as a unit. I have several questions about each of you to assist in tactical planning:
(1) Can you swim? Do you have scuba experience or equivalent cyber-ware?
(2) Are you trained in infiltration? Hand-to-hand? Small arms? Heavy weapons?
(3) Are you a trained drone pilot? Do you have a control rig?
(4) Do you have combat or healing spells? What are they?
(5) Do you have training in signal jamming, ECM or ECCM?
(6) Any proficiency in electronic or computer hardware?
(7) Do you have any special abilities or tactical proficiencies that we can be used to our advantage?
(8 ) Are there any skills you think have been missed in this questionnaire?>>

January 1st, 2071, 2400 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League

When Cuda relieves him Johnny says, "Let's plan on staying the morning at Port Canaveral then Havana for the next stop. Please plot us a course; I expect to set sail again around noon."

January 2st, 2071, ~0545 ; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Boondocks
Gunner Blythe reads his messages from his comm link.

<<@Commander Rollins [Gunner Blythe]
1. Yes I can swim, and I am familiar with SCUBA.
2. No I do not sneak very well at all. I can use blades and pretty much any firearm I can use better than average. Also throw many types of weapons, grenades included.
3. No and No
4. No
5. No
6. I have skill with Hardware
7. Tactics no
8. Yes I am an Master Armorer, and fluent in Spanish and French, I can perform First Aid, pilot a boat or ship, and navigate same.
>>>

January 1st, 2071, 2300 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, CAS
Carlos

<<@Captain Rollins[Carlos Rodriguez] Here are the answers to those questions you asked:

1. Yes, I can swim. No, I do not have any diving experience, but I feel I could learn the necessary procedures quickly enough.
2. No infiltration experience. Hand-to-hand: yes, as long as my hand has a knife in it. My only experience firing firearms has been with assault rifles.
3. No, I can fix your drones but thats about it. Heck, I don't even know how to drive the Thundercloud yet.
4. Hell no.
5. No training, but it's an intriguing subject, I'd love to learn more.
6. Yes, I should be able to fix most electronics we might deal with if its a relatively standard procedure, for anything really exotic though I might need to get some outside help.
7. Well, my technical technical ability should allow me to disable physical security measures should the need arise. I also have decent observation abilities. I should be able to learn most needed skills in a short period of time.That's all I can think of at the moment, but if I do come up with something else I'll let you know.
8. Yeah, its always useful to have someone who can talk their (and hopefully our) way out of trouble.

>>

January 2st, 2071, ~0545 ; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, CAS

"Sure, Gunner, just let me swing by the shop to pick up some tools (you never know when you'll need to do some unexpected maintenance) and I'll meet you by the drone closets."

January 1st, 2071, 2400 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League

Cuda relieves the captain, "Yes sir, I'll get started on that course to Havana. Heres the answers for that questionnaire you had for us."

Cuda sends the captain a datafile.
<<@Johnny [Cuda]
(1) Yes, quite well. I have nanoware allowing me to stay submerged for over 2 hours.
(2) Heavy weapons and gunnery yes, everything else, no.
(3) Haha. Of course I can drive drones, and have a rig, as well as some rig boosters as well.
(4) You kidding me?
(5) Thats a no.
(6) Not particularly.
(7) Extremely talented helmsman at your service, particularly when I'm plugged in. Good at navigating as well.
(8) Yeah, how do we sell our spoils?>>

January 1st, 2071, 2250 EST; MV Thundercloud, Off Port Canaveral, Miami, Caribbean League
Litany

<<capt [Litany]::1. I can skinny dip safely
2. Not trained, but I get by, I can shoot my hogs passably. Chipped for mounted vehicular weapons.
3. Not trained on drones, chipped to drive or fly them, no control rig, don't need one for most drones
4. I do go through spells of combat and healing, but I don't think that's what you are asking.
5. Not much on the SIGINT
6. Nor computer internals
7. Nothing special
8. Does anyone else, I don't, have demolitions, locksmiths, safe crackers, surveillance and tracking, climbing, first aid, languages (I've got French Dutch and Spanish chips)?

January 1st, 2071, 2250 EST; MV Thundercloud, Off Port Canaveral, Miami, Caribbean League
Franklin

<<@Captain Rollins [Franklin]
(1) I was a fair swimmer back in school. I even tried out for the team, but didn't make it.
(2) The only thing I've ever had to infiltrate was my parent's house when I was 16. I'm a fair shot with a rifle or shotgun--I can take out a clay pigeon more times than not or down a sprinting deer.
(3) Nope
(4) I'm a fair medic. Just about anything that I can't figure out with the instruments, clears itself right up when I think hard about it. Send the boys to me after a long night drinking, you'll see.
(5) This is one of those questions I'll need you to translate to med-speak.
(6) I can use a computer if that's what you mean.
(7) Not much beyond putting people back together again.
(8 ) I'm a decent cook and outdoorsman. If you find any boulders, I can climb them.>>

January 2nd, 2071, 0350 EST; MV Thundercloud, Florida Coast near Canaveral, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Passive, 3] SIN=John Smith

Johnny arrives on deck to relieve Mr Cuda. "Let's contact port authority and put in. Then you can grab some shut eye."

January 2nd, 2071, 0600 EST; MV Thundercloud, Docked: Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

The ship docked and Mr Cuda long since gone to the rack, Johnny is able to make contact with Sam. <<@Sam [Johnny] Thanks for getting back with me. We can stay docked for an extra day. Keep checking on the suit for me and let me know if you locate anyone who can make it happen.>>

He then drops a text to the team:
<<@Team [Captain Rollins] I secured the upgrades for case/skin-link upgrades for the coms and 600r GEL rounds for the white knights. We will need to stay in post until 1200 hours tomorrow, January 3rd. Shore leave is authorized. Chief and I will cover ship watches 0600 to 1600. Mr Franklin and Carlos will have 1600 to 0200 tomorrow. Mr Blythe and Mr Cuda will cover 0200 to 1200 tomorrow.>>

(OOC: Just a quick bump.)

January 2nd, 2071, 0800 EST; MV Thundercloud, Docked: Port Canaveral, Caribbean League
Gunner Blythe;[LTG, PAN=1] Henry Boondocks
Gunner Blythe

Gunner Blythe will stop by the armory and check out his side arm, put in one clip and put two more into the place for them in his jacket back. He will run it thru diagnostics then place if in safe mode. He will secure the armory as he leaves.

<<@Commander Rollins [Gunner Blythe] Commander I am going ashore to see what sort of tobacconists I can find here, stocking up on some supplies myself.

Gunner will go ashore, once there he will use his Comm Link to locate any tobacconists shops or the like.


He will scan thru the various listing he has found, he will seek out the one that can mix tobaccos in store. Once he has done that, he will secure a cab to go the one(s) on the listings.

Tobacco is still legal, so it's just a look through the phone book. Unfortunately, in health-conscious Florida, there's not much demand for tobacco products (especially after more than a century of 'This stuff will kill you in horrible ways' warning labels on packs and similar public health messages), so there isn't much in the way of selection. What there is, isn't very good. And the excise tax is 25%, on top of sales taxes or the like. And to top it off, an anti-tobacco group (LungSavers) is broadcasting AR ads that trigger upon detecting the possession of tobacco, advertising free smoking cessation programs. At the same time, Yamatetsu broadcasts ads for a sale on new lungs.

(OOC: Yes, I'm bored at work. Why do you ask?)

January 2nd, 2071, 0800 EST; MV Thundercloud, Docked: Port Canaveral, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Hidden, 3]

As the crew begins disembarking for a few hours of leave, Johnny gets to the task of working on the firewall software. Earlier, he set his fly-spy on a patrol path around the ship. Nothing like an extra set of eyes keeping a roving watch.

January 2nd, 2071, 1600 EST; MV Thundercloud, Docked: Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

A boring day, long day of watch supplemented by a bit of computer work made it pass rather quickly though. The copy protection on the firewall software however was broken and he could begin working the required upgrades.
<<@Chief [Captain] Swing by the bridge and I'll upgrade your firewall software.>>

As Franklin & Carlos arrive for watch detail, he upgrades the firewall on their coms as well before heading below to change. His sandals, shorts and a loose t-shirt are a welcome change from the long pants and deck shoes.

His afternoon is simple. A trip by the computer store for a stack of skin-links and a satellite link. The smart-goggles and ammo tomorrow from Sam, arrangements on the decals and flags and that takes cares of my gear list.

January 2nd, 2071, 1900 EST; McCormick & Schmick's, Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

By dinner, he finds a seafood restaurant on the shore for a quiet dinner. Johnny ignores the couple at the next table snickering about an ork eating in the restaurant. No desire to spend the night in the local pocky for mixing it up with the locals... Besides scallops in real butter is not a dish that should be allowed to go to waste, he thinks as he takes a sip of wine.

January 2nd, 2071, ~1600 EST; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Miami, Caribbean League
Litany

<<@Chief [Captain] Swing by the bridge and I'll upgrade your firewall software.>>

The message interupted her last conversation with the software agent vending portable espresso machines, her whole morning had been taken up with wandering around the bowels of the ship pretending to be interested in the engineering tutorsoft, even though it was quite pointless to worry about the software getting hurt through by inattention.

First thing she'd caught Sunshine, and the woman had been happy enough to make some cred off the books, though Litany never did understand how anyone could track any money on paper anyway. The main thing was a place to get the ship patched up, and make sure it wasn't easy to track their fuel expenditure. There was that one Yamatetsu suit they'd nailed because Flipper had run the numbers on the standard armored Nightsky fuel consumption and figured there was an extra 30 klicks a week. Once they knew to look for something finding the crooked suits kinky lovenest had been easy, easier then the rest of the job. Litany didn't want to be caught out like the Yamatetsu suit.

The Hammer had actually paused at her inquiry, unusual in the grizzled auctioneer, but once he'd recovered, he'd just snapped out a time and disconnected as he moved on to his next transaction. If she hadn't actually had to pick up stuff from him in person, Litany wasn't sure how anyone could think he wasn't a software agent given the sheer speed and total number of interactions he had.

Her long catch up conversation with Flipper had to interupted by a scheduled call to Yancy, it wouldn't do to contact the customs official during an active shifts, employers tracked everything, and then the corps and business operators all had to have their versions of the inspection records too. The question had been about packaging, which turned out to be standard. It never hurt to verify what you expected. At least Flipper stayed out of the conversation, Yancy would have freaked at how easily the connection got compromised, but Flipper was one of the best, and discrete, and without really needing to be asked offered to rundown the specifics once Litany named the Benito Juarez. Since Flipper had built her commlink to begin with, she wasn't sure she could keep him out anyway in the long run.

A round of messages netted her some quotes on papers for everyone, that was probably going to be tabled till they got some cash in.

On the bridge she flipped the ork a salute in front of everyone, "Found a yard that'll get us fuel off the books, and after next week they'll have space for dry dock, 500 a day, and 75 an hour labor, no questions asked. I just piped you the identification codes. In three days I'll have a quote for the goods, apparently there's not much of a market for them yet. Crew we might need to handle anywhere from 6 to 30, but everything aboard will be standard ISO packaging and RFID tagged. I'll have a standard spec and layout for that class this time tomorrow, and the scheduled route in another day. I can get an alternate set of papers for the Thundercloud for 6k, wanted to check with you before I authorized that, and alternate papers for everyone else I'm getting some quotes, but that'll run us a fair bit just because there more of us then the ship. That's 2500 in the hole for the ship's budget before I go shopping this afternoon. I'm going to post a collection request for the seed money for a ship slush fund, payback pegged to the Hang Seng Index rate of return. Anything else before I take some beauty sleep?"

January 2nd, 2071, ~1600 EST; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Miami, Caribbean League
Captain Johnny "Rocket" Rollins; [LTG, PAN=Hidden, 3]

"Plenty good Chief. Plenty good. I alway like options. I say go forward with a set of fake papers for the ship. You have a port of registry in mind?"
He takes a moment in AR to add the fake registry to the list. Then he sends and ARO of the gear and expenses to each of the crew after encrypting the widget.
"My contacts are arranging everything but the last three. I'll pony up the 5,450 towards those expenses. Can you gather enough to cover the rest? If not, let me know and I can assist with that as well. Have a good rest."

-----------
January 3nd, 2071, ~0100 EST; Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

Johnny left the waitress sleeping in her bed, exhausted. As he strolled out into the street and towards the docks he used the fly-spy to scout ahead for trouble as he walked. He liked to walk. Even on the ship he'd laps around the ship till the crew got dizzy of watching him. It was one of those things about this sleep regulator; When he slept, he slept, but when he was awake he liked to be occupied doing something.

As he walked on he reflected for a few moments on that little piece of technology. I imagine this is a little glimpse into immortality. All these hours that everyone else looses sleeping I have to spend... or to use just walking.. As he walked, he reflected back on the waitress. Not gonna win a beauty pageant, but boy could she win a few other awards...

-----------
January 3nd, 2071, ~0200 EST; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

He arrived back at the ship just as shift change was occurring and as he made his way towards the gang plank he connected to the ship's command node and logged himself back onto the ship. He waved to the other members of the crew, almost all of whom are up due to the shift change as he continued to his own quarters. Once there he went to sleep pretty rapidly.

-----------
Saturday, January 3nd, 2071, ~0530 EST; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

Johnny awoke with a start. It always happened that way. The sleep regulator caused him to quickly enter a deep state of REM and rapidly exit that state; One of the little life changes he learned to live with.

-----------
Saturday, January 3nd, 2071, 1200 EST; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

The morning went quickly. Johnny had been ashore for breakfast and to pick up the deliveries from Sam. He also stopped by a dive shop and picked up a good dive knife. As the ship prepared to pull out of port, Johnny was happy to be heading back out to sea. In a few days we'll have the information on the Benito Juarez and we'll get this first mark plundered.

<<@Crew [Captain] Attention all hands, we are preparing to put to sea.>>

The passage plan comes through by 1800 that evening.

They're apparently making a wide swing away from the Yucatan, heading through the Florida Straits, and then hugging the coast (while staying in international waters) until they get north of Bermuda. Then, it's a nearly straight shot to Quebecois waters at high speed.

Curiously, the passage plan ends with entry into Quebecoic waters, no mention of berthing in Montreal.

January 2nd, 2071, ~0800 EST; A chapel in Port Canaveral, Caribbean League

Candles quietly burning in the nearby alcove provide plenty of ambient lighting for Litany's eyes. if only it would illuminate the dark places in my soul. Kneeling she moved her hand in long practiced motion and spent a few minutes reflecting as the multi tinted light from the western window covers her in a patchwork of red, green and yellow shades.

//Tear Ducts OFF

remember Danny, Lord look out for him as he did for me .. it's not his fault I am this way, he's a good boy.
Nate, may he find the joy he never had in life
Jeremiah, forgive him, he knew not what he had become
Murphy, granted she was a witch, but one of saintly charity and mercy, may You have mercy on her soul
4Runner, let him find the wind in his favor, the stars to guide him, not as we failed him that deep dark night
Cracker, never let him lose his touch
Bliss, let her find herself
Junker, what he dreamt of one should never have, but he died a true friend and loyal companion, the bastard
Silent Knight, may he roam forever
Argo, scented oils should suffice as his reward, he'll know what to do
Righty, a good just man, forgive him his transgressions
Boomer, he never heard it coming, may he wake to the singing of angels
Daisy Gawenda, she was never quick enough, it wasn't her fault
The woman in apartment 2230, only You know her name

a candle for each of you this day, who knows I may join you all this night and the candles may guide me too.

For the living, I ask You to watch over Jean and Phil, my brothers and sisters, the 16 nieces and nephews I know about, and even the ones I do not. Forgive them their sins, and remember that my sins are not theirs.

And last, Stephen, though he asked mockingly, I send a prayer for him to You, and Dresden because she has already been to the depths and I would ask You to spare her that again.

Done with her ritual, Litany rises to her feet gracefully, turns her back to the altar and strides out the main doors of the church, her rubber gripped leather strap sandals make no noise as she heads out into the night.

Sunday, January 4th, 2071, ~1600 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

A full day and night and more at sea had come and gone. Litany had just relieved Johnny of the helm. Johnny also finished cracking the copy protection on the analyze program on this shift. As Litany manned the helm, he connected to Franklin and Cuda's coms, installed the analyze software, loaded it and tied it to the firewall software defense routines. Well, that pretty much takes care of the software based defenses for the team. We could use a few hardware upgrades, but they're gonna have to fund those themselves.

Johnny wasn't quite done with the software yet though. "Chief, I noticed you had an agent program loaded on your com. Mind if I borrow that for a while?"

-----
Sunday, January 4th, 2071, ~1800 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

As Johnny relaxed in the lounge and ate his dinner, he did his best to relax. He'd been keeping a pretty hard driving pace but soon would have the basic defenses in place and ready for an encounter with Benito Juarez. He isn't exactly thrilled with the vague plans they have for their assault, but they needed a fire run to meld as a team.

Sunday, January 4th, 2071, ~1600 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

"Chief, I noticed you had an agent program loaded on your com. Mind if I borrow that for a while?"

She nodded, "Gabriel."
\\Gabriel:: off you go.
Soon to be a Host
"You'll have to ask him."

Thursday, January 2nd, 2071, ~1630; MV Thundercloud, Port Canaveral, Miami, Caribbean League
Carlos

After reading the list of gear and expenses sent by Cap'n Rollins Carlos replies in a text:
<<@Captain Rollins [Carlos Rodriguez]
The list looks good, no specific objections here. However I didn't sign up for this voyage 'cause I am flush with cash. Let's just say that the sooner we acquire an objective the sooner I'll be able to cover some of these expenses. >>

Carlos takes advantage of the time in port and underway to tweak the engine of the Thundercloud as much as possible. I expect that in this line of work, every ounce of speed this ship can sustain will be useful sometime in the future. Its best to be prepared to outrun, or overtake other ships if necessary.

Sunday, January 4th, 2071, ~1800 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

@Captain:[Chief]: Freighters don't stop and anchor at night do they? And I noticed all the ones we've seen are much higher then the Thundercloud. So how do we get the infiltration team aboard, and what do we use to transfer all of those boxes of loot over to us?

Sunday, January 4th, 2071, ~1800 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

Johnny walks over to the lounge chair, leans back and enters full VR. He enters the command node with Litany and walks over to the environmental controls; Specifically the second backup air-conditioning system controls. "We have a supper special redundant back-up system."

As he folds back the control panel, a new panel appears. "Along center mast there is a crane concealed. It seems I neglected to mention that." After she is familiar with the controls, he exits the command node, returning his consciousness to his body.

Monday, January 5th, 2071, ~1500 EST; MV Thundercloud, At sea US East Coast

Another day had passed. The ship now sits at anchor off the coast of Miami. Johnny's latest project had been cracking the copy protection on Litany's agent. He wasn't quite done yet, but but dawn he would be.

Everyone was falling into their duties and the routine of the ship was running mostly smoothly. As he finished the last hour of his shift and looked out on the water, he pondered the results of the next few weeks.

Tuesday, January 6th, 2071, 0830 EST; MV Thundercloud, underway 50km E of Key West

On the edge of the sensor range (about 40km), at bearing 070, appears a new contact. According to sensors, it's a freighter of about the Benito Juarez's size, speed 14 knots, heading 020. It's transponder squawks Aztlaner registration.

Weather is clear and sunny, temperature 21C, winds @ 5mph fron the NNW.

Tuesday, January 6th, 2071, ~0830 EST; MV Thundercloud, underway 50km E of Key West

Johnny is sitting in the lounge having just finished breakfast when the short red-head entered AR with the sonar contact report. Noting that the contact is at 40 klicks, he takes a moment to admire his edit work on the copy of Litany's software agent. The image was pulled partly from his memory of a lifeguard he hooked up with one week in Daytona and partly from the online image of Jezebel Muffin the sim-porn actress. I'd much rather this was a night operation...

He mentally reviews the subterfuge put in place during the overnight shift... The decals for Lucky Lady are in place over the Thundercloud's true name. The Jamaican flag is flying and our transponder is running silent. .

<<@Captain [Mr Cuda] Mr Cuda - Please establish an intercept course. Keep us running silent. I'll be moving the Stormcloud into position.>>

He uploads the ship's electronic warfare program to the Stormcloud and lays in a command for it that places the drone between the two ships, 4 klicks from each.

As Mr Cuda turns the ship hard to starboard, round to a heading of 275, the course plotting software maps out an intercept in about 42 minutes.

<<@Captain [All Hands] We have a potential intercept on the Benito Juarez. Visual confirmation in about 30 minutes. All hands stand ready.>>

Tuesday, January 6th, 2071, ~08:31EST; MV Thundercloud, underway 50km E of Key West

Nearly immediately after giving the order, Johnny changes his mind, having an epiphany. <<@Mr Cuda [Captain] Mr Cuda - Belay my last order. Turn us to a heading of 090 and take us just out of sensor range then run us to a heading of 000, full speed ahead. We want to get in front of the ship's path.>>
He stops the launch sequence for the drone. They would need to get in front of the ship before launching the stormcloud.

He and Chief Litany have a short conversation, following up from a conversation the day before.
<<@Crew [Captain] Ok. Here is our recommendation for a plan, we are open to suggestions otherwise we will run with this. First, we are going to get ahead of the Benito Juarez. Everyone except Mr Cuda will drop in with SCUBA gear as the Thundercloud pulls away. The Stormcloud will provide over watch and allow us to intercept the Benito Juarez. Once we have it in sight, I will hack into the command node and generate alarms from the engine. I will also disengage all other external communications while having an agent insure that it appears they are working. They will need an all stop to investigate the engine issues. Meanwhile, we will board the ship and subdue the crew. Once they are secured, the Thundercloud will come alongside, we will fill our holds and get back underway. I will clean all their logs and clean it out as we exit. Questions? Comments?>>

Tuesday, January 6th, 2071, ~08:31EST; MV Thundercloud, underway 50km E of Key West

<<@Gunner Blythe [Litany] Can you scrape up a couple clips of gel rounds for my hogs?>>

With that request out of the way, Litany went to take a sun nap and relax before what was bound to be a strenous swim later.