Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts strode forward. Shooting at cloaked ninjas didn't really play to his skillset, but negotiations with hostile forces did. They still didn't have a lot of time to waste talking - or unhooking all of these men and women - but he suspected that despite the physical limitations of the manservant chassis, these drones would be equipped to prevent their escape. Still, he kept moving as he spoke, keeping more attention on the drones than on where he was going. "Not as unfortunate as what will happen to us if we stick around." As he spoke and tried to direct the drone's singular consciousness to himself, he flashed a few hand signals to the others, instructing them to keep moving - and not to interfere. "I hear you don't want us to wake these 'sleepers' up. If we do not, may we leave?"

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Without losing any time, Bryn decided his course. Activating the AR in this room would be too risky, even without a DNI. He spun on his heel and headed back out of the room...

...he paused. He was alone, and his prejudice burned inside him like a flame. He fired a single shot into Swift, hitting her firmly in the forehead, before continuing. With that, he picked up pace.

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

You suspect that the blinking light is wreathed in AR data that you are studiously shutting out...in all likelihood it is an indicator that the biorhythms it was monitoring have disappeared along with the rest of the Deep Watch team...

The sound of your gunshot that finally silences Swift's rattling breath is nothing compared to the thunder of Stick's drones and it does nothing to mask the sound of running feet from beyond the chamber. The echoes make it difficult to place exactly how far away they are but given that you are hearing them through a closed door indicates they are probably closer than you might like...

Sticks & the rest of the depleted team
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The voice projected from the throats of the many walker drones reverberates gently through the massive chamber

“So, you have found some way to isolate yourselves from the nanotrode link? It is a shame, we could have learnt much from your actions within the node. So now you will just leave? When we spoke last you did not seem so keen...your masters will just send more men I believe you said...

...what? An air strike is inbound? Is this correct? Have you deemed us such a threat that you would seek to destroy us without provocation...certainly without the evidence that you claim to have come here for?! I believe you have a saying ‘an eye for an eye’ which might be applied here. If you kill my people why should I not snuff you out too?"

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Bryn bounded after the others, his short legs deceptively quick and powerful. Whatever was behind him was closing in fast and he knew there wasn't time to find out who or what it was.

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts shrugged, "I couldn't tell you why we deemed you such a threat... primarily because none of us remember exactly what took place before we were captured and inserted into your UV node. I trust my own judgement, though, so I'm sure there was a good reason." He had not stopped moving for the exit the others were herding towards. He wasn't sure they new exactly where they needed to go, but he knew they couldn't stay still. "If you're going to try to snuff us out, be my guest. We didn't really expect to be let free without a fight, but, by now, I assume you've also been told we can't call off the airstrike - so your time, attention, and drones might be better used, elsewhere."

Gash
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Gash/Legundo spoke in multiple tones "I/We have been assessing the situation. I/We feel that you have a traitor in your midst. While I/We were trapped asleep one of you called in the Air Strike. If you examine your records you will see that we were incapable of calling in such a strike. There are many among your numbers who are capable of faking my/our identities"

"There is limited time to deal with the situation, and the priority now must be evacuation of the women and children, rather than conflict between us. I/We are willing to offer assistance in such evacuation. It may be the Captain can call off the air strike, but we are currently unable to contact home."

"Shall there be a fight and many deaths, or shall there be an attempt to save the women and children? The call is yours but you do not have long to make it"

color]Joshua
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Joshua puts an arrow on the string of his bow. "Hurray up and decide. I'd rather save the innocent, but if you want we can dance"

Sticks
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]


Sticks isn't here to talk, he's here to leave. Using the cameras and the drones, he does a quick check to see if he can find the form of Kitt in amongst all of the people.

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

You chase after the others, coming upon them as they are negotiating with a drone host. Captain Roberts is indicating that you should move on and out through the largest opening on the floor below you...

Sticks
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Sweeping the acute sensors of the drones across the multitude of people you do indeed catch a glimpse of Kit, helped by the distinctive Deep Watch uniform. She seems to be sleeping peacefully like the others around her...

Gash & Captain Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The drones address you directly, seeming to ignore the other members of your team scurrying around the raised walkway towards your intended exit...

"Your missing time is due to the node assimilating you...it would have been too harsh on your conciousnesses to jack you in directly and so you were placed in a holding state...I agree that you would not have been able to call in this strike during that time...and yet my logs indicate that your Captain did contact the outside world almost as soon as the jamming was lifted...I do not know how this is possible and given the time constraints I'm not sure we have the liberty to explore what this means now...

...you speak sense...help take the children and go, their security is paramount. I will lift their contact with the node as gently as I can but they will likely be disorientated for a while..."

From behind you there comes a roar of pain and rage

"SWIFT...!"

The doors towards the armoury corridor open and a hulking troll, Feather?, slightly different from the version you met in the node but nevertheless distinctive, emerges, followed by two others of the Wolf Pack...it seems that fight you were not expecting to avoid is catching you up...

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts looked confused more than anything else, and glanced at Gash for context. Whoever this was, and whatever they wanted, they were pissed and there was very little hope of everyone continuing to quickly evacuate.

Joshua
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

It seems that Feather wants to have another go at besting you, he is close enough that you could take up his challenge...after all, with your armour the hail of lead from the drones will probably just rain off you...

He has ducked back into the doorway but even over the sound of the gunfire you can hear his enraged mutterings...

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

From your vantage point you witness one of the Wolf pack vault over the rail towards the lower level, activating the ruthenium polymers on their milspec armour as they easily evade Stick's fire...you hear a racking sound and then the distinctive thwomp of a grenade launcher...

The troll takes cover in the doorway and the third figure drops prone to avoid the tracer fire

Sticks
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The drones are performing to expectations...the interface is smooth and you can't help but be at least a little impressed at the quality of the military hardware...where the hell are these people getting this kind of budget?

Gash
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

You/Legundo stretch fourth your astral fingers and wrench at the two minds accompanying the troll...the first curls up in a ball with his hands over his head and you can see the fear radiating from his aura. The second is luckier and the manipulation slides off his mind. As you prepare to strike again an astral presence sinks through the ceiling and looks at you...

...the wolf in her aura is palpable, despite her masking...she gestures and from the ether a might beast spirit appears at her side...

Captain Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Things might be getting out of hand...it had seemed for a moment that Gash had gotten through to these people but events are moving faster than expected once again and your mind slows into combat time. You miss the tactical flow of data across your senses but dare you risk it in here?

Joshua
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Joshua remembered just how dangerous this guy was from the BTL experience. Best to put him down quickly!

Joshua pulls back with all his strength, then unleashes a couple of arrows, hoping to get Feather before he can close to short range.

Joshua
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Above the tumult of the drone fire your arrows barely make a whisper as they streak from your bow and impact Feather’s massive form. The first takes him in the shoulder as he crouches inside the doorway...instead of diving out of sight he lunges forwards and the following shaft takes him above the heart. He stumbles forwards and collapses the grenade falling from his limp grip to spew hot pink smoke into the air

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Below you and all around the chamber you hear murmurs that quickly turn to whimpers and then cries that add to the cacophony as the children are woken from the UV node to find themselves in the middle of a fire fight. It seems the voice still wants to save them, or that events are outpacing its ability to react.

Sticks
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The drones’ ammo counters are registering the depletion of rounds...it seems they were not equipped for sustained suppressing fire rather than controlled bursts...you would have made sure they could have done both but the original owners are probably not going to sit down for a discussion on ammo logistics.

Thermal smoke is beginning to fill the target zone but the drones’ sensors are so far sufficient to cut through the murk and continue to target the doorway you exited from.

Captain Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The grenade launched from Requiem’s under barrel launcher spangs off the railing near you and detonates with a mighty flash that whites out your vision momentarily. Before you realise what you are doing your hand has moved almost involuntarily and engaged your commlink. You are flooded with a reassuring stream of data as your systems come online...amongst it all is a floating text message

<<Thank you for your efforts Captain, it is not unappreciated. The air strike is on target and the group will soon be removed from the equation. It is unfortunate that you will not survive but perhaps that is for the best. M>>

Sticks
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Sticks seeing the Large Troll drop, turned off the suppressive fire. "Next" Echoed from the speakers of his Horseman. "Cpl Archer, Kitt is over here. Come help me get her out." Having said that Sticks, his Horseman and his two pet Combat Drones make their way towards Kitt's sleeping form.

Lt Bryn
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

He knew they didn't have much time, and couldn't afford to be held up on their way out.

He dipped his head, and with a few quick pumps of the legs Bryn was up to speed. He vaulted over the railing and hit the ground below with a loud thump. He'd lost sight of the Wolf Pack member, but knew it wouldn't be long before the wolf found him. He clenched his fist and kept his head up looking for any signs of movement as he moved across the floor towards the other side.

Gash
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Gash/Legundo met the charge of the Wolf Spirit. Gash's usually crippled form moving far faster and more confident than the others had seen him move before. His walking stick glowed with mystical power as it struck the Wolf Spirit. The mana in the air grew distorted as his Mystic armor began to glow, and his counterspelling twisted the local area ready to deal with incoming Mana. This was an area of combat that Gash excelled in: dealing with other Mages and their pet spirits.

Captain Roberts
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Although fighting is still going on around him, Captain Roberts feels that the Powers in charge - the Voice behind the drones - has come to some understanding with them, and the security risk of reactivating his wireless devices seems low compared to the benefit they might provide on the way out. Still shaking his head to clear his vision from the flashbang, the Captain struggles to move towards the sleeping Deepwatch personnel. He knew he should give the order to move out, ignoring any distractions, but the last bit of that text message seems to have drained his confidence that they would make it to the exit in time, anyway.

Besides, based on previous attempts to order the Deepwatch team to exit the premises, he knew those orders would be disregarded by Gash and Sticks if it meant leaving men behind. The best thing he could do is try to help them extract the body, quickly, so they can get back to escaping - as soon as his vision clears, that is.

Captain Roberts
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

As you let the wash of data flow over you, you are exceptionally conscious of the time stamp in your upper field of view which ticks over another minute...time is growing short!

This otherwise bare chamber is now alive with overlapping AR images showing the conditions of the patients being monitored and in some cases views onto the matrix imagery that you presume is flashing before them. You catch glimpses of an ancient forest of impossible scale that is alive with light...in other views there seems to be some sort of post apocalyptic view of Seattle filled with smoke and fire...a dracoform launches itself into the air and is pulled down by a swarm of dark creatures...another shows the outside of the tower as it is now and men, Deep Watch personnel judging by the uniforms, being lead out under guard to be met by what looks like Knight Errant troopers...

Sticks has launched himself down some steps off the walkway with Archer and his cylons in tow...

Lt Bryn
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

You land roughly, the unfamiliar armour moving in slightly unusual ways, although not enough to impede you greatly.

There is movement all around as the sleepers begin to wake up. A small boy shies away from you clutching at his hair until a manservant drone takes his hand and speaks to him with a smooth modulated voice designed to sooth all fears

“Go with him, he will take you to your mother...all is well”

Over to your left, in the direction that the Wolf Pack member went, you see the thunderous muzzle flash of an automatic shotgun...the flare reflects back across the optic camouflage leaving a multitude of sparkles in the air...the target seems to be Joshua’s mighty form

Gash
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The spirit is powerful but you are relentless...the blows from your staff ripping chunks out of its aura...it howls in rage and slinks backwards out of reach...

Sticks
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

More fire near the entrance now that your drones are no longer suppressing the area. Kit’s form is close to you now. As you get nearer she opens her eyes and blinks serenely, she looks at you in a way that makes you think she can see inside your cocoon...

“Hello Sticks, I saw you coming...I thought you’d still be inside the node? I know you don’t understand yet, but this place isn’t what they said it was. There might be digital intelligences here but I find the thought that they might be anti government terrorists to be laughable! Come with me back into the node...not the simulator, but the real data nexus behind that...it is wonderful! You can feel the matrix inside you, buoying you up...”

Sticks
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Sticks sighs inside his Cocoon. "Kitt, I'll bring you back here myself. If this place survives, but right now I need you to come with me. There's an air strike inbound in 7 minutes. We have to go.. and try to rescue as many children as possible." Sticks reaches out a virtual hand for her to take. "Corporal. I need you."

...she reaches out to take your hand...there's no commlink in sight, damn, she may really be one of them?! Still, she's also one of you...

Sticks
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

“An air strike? Why would they attack, we didn’t send the go codes did we? The information on Sojourner isn’t here...I’m convinced they have nothing to do with a rogue AI on an Azzie weapons platform...there’s something much bigger going on! You’ve seen at least some of the tech that has gone into this place...and to run a UV node...that takes a massive amount of processing power, far more than some anti-gov luddites would have access to...this is almost A+ rated corp we’re talking about!

Ok, we have to get the children out, I agree with you on that one...how long have we got now?”

She seems to look inwards for a moment and then points to the large portal in the wall nearby which is slowly irising open

“We can get out that way...it will take us over the lake bed and to the shore...”

color]Joshua
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Joshua thinks that was much easier than last time. Either I was lucky, or he was enhanced in the BTL. Throwing himself away from the shotgun blast, he sends a couple of arrows whistling towards the wolf pack member that had shot him.

Joshua looks around to see if there are any sneaky types around, and trys to work out the best way out of this place.

Gash
[04:16 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Having repulsed (for now) the attacking wolf spirit Gash/Legundo appeal to the watching Mage. "I/We implore you to try and calm this situation. This violence and death serves no one. An air strike is coming. I/We are trying to save the children. Help us save their lives, do not fight us"

Gash
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

She regards you with a steely gaze, her eyes reflecting back the non light of astral space as two blank discs

"Phah, your aura says you speak the truth, although it is difficult to tell with the abomination you have inflicted upon that poor spirit to bind it to you...you come here and kill my pack, why should I not strike you down? You will save the children you say? Is our doom so impending then? I can see that you believe it...I will speak to my mate, if he agrees then perhaps we will let you help us and not hound you to the gates of hell!"

With that her astral form darts forwards and past you towards the double doors where you are all heading...there are surprises in that direction too then, wonderful!

Joshua
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The shotgun blast was close, and despite the thermoptic camouflage your enhanced vision easily places your next target...judging by the profile he's wearing milspec armour and he is definitely swinging that shotgun back in your direction...

Gash
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

"I/We need to inform you that there was an astral fight here, and that there is a welcoming committee through the door. I/We have negotiated for safe passage if we help save the children.

Why can we not call off the air strike? If its communications, then I/We can negotiate for electronic access."

Lt Bryn
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Bryn turned to the Manservant.

"I don't know this child's Mother! Who do you speak of? What is the best way out of here?"

It felt strange talking to a drone in such a way, but these drones seemed to be operated by someone and he was hoping to get his answers from there...

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts chimed in when Gash asked about calling the airstrike off, "Sticks has the intel, but they won't trust any request we make through the matrix. You could try a spirit, but like I said earlier, if they're smart, they will treat all of our decisions as suspect until we've been given a thorough brain-scrub." In a slightly lower voice he added, "Case in point," and gestured back towards Kitt.

Lt Bryn
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

From the tone of it's voice, at least as much of a tone as it has, you can almost hear it rolling its eyes

"David's mother, Fiona Tims, you will find her through those double doors in the far side of the chamber...I suggest you hurry. Go with the nice man, David"

Captain Roberts, Gash, Sticks & Joshua
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Hovering in the air over the centre of the chamber a large wolf manifests itself, the air becoming charged with ozone. To Gash's / Legundo's eyes the display of power is worthy of respect (even if you aren't prepared to be impressed).

The voice of the apparition is decidedly feminie and more than a little angry

"Stop this conflict! They must be allowed to help the children leave, we cannot risk harm to them...we will hunt them again my wolves but now is not the time. GO! That way will see you to the surface..."

Sticks
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Sticks uses one of his drones to help Kitt out of the submersion bed she was resting in. "Can you walk?" He's scanning around, doing the math on how long it's taking to get people up. "Someone from here sent our Authorization codes for a strike down. They won't stop for anything now, they know we've been compromised. Our only hope is to get everyone out." Using his two drones, and politely ignoring the Loud Mouthed wolf, Sticks takes Kitt in hand, and works as hard as possible to get the kids out.

He keeps a digital countdown on one side, deeply aware of every second passing.

"Move towards the exit as calmly, and quickly as possible."

Lt Bryn
[04:17 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Bryn moved towards the doors, allowing the child to follow. He wasn't used to children, and hadn't got a paternal bone in his body. And he wasn't a hand holder. But he wasn't going to leave the kid there, and let him tag along.

"Come on, kid, there isn't time to be wasting"

[04:18 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

You all make towards the exit, some of you herding bemused children ahead of you. Without the harsh sound of conflict you hear a steady drip of condensation and the air temperature drops as you near the tunnel mouth. Waiting for you you recognize the Wolf Pack leader Feral (at least your intel said he was the leader, how much store you set in that now given how much has been wrong so far...)

"Go, I will be at your heels...do not lag, I'm hungry" and he grins at you, apparently at ease talking to the barrels of the assorted weaponry pointing in his direction

Gash
[04:18 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Gash/Legundo nods to Feral, as he steers the children out of the area of the imminent air strike.

[04:19 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The tunnel is obviously of later construction than the tower and the ferrocrete is roughly cast. The air, although fresh, is damp like a cave and a trickle of water runs in a central gully. The lights are dim and you can tell that this passage is infrequently used.

You enter through the irised doors and are immediately faced with a second set, presumably a guard in the event of the tunnel flooding...if you could get those closed they might afford some protection from what’s coming.

The children themselves are surprisingly easily led. The expressions on their faces makes it seem as if they are being spoken to...it seems incredible to believe that they could all be these semi-mythical technomancers so the nanotrodes must still be in operation to one degree or another as there is no evidence of other communication methods.

As you move in a combat spread through the tunnel you are joined by members of the Wolf Pack. They appear out of the gloom from ahead, and then a side service tunnel and from behind you. It is uncertain whether they are herding you, protecting the children or seeking their own way out of dodge.

Sticks
[04:19 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Sticks suspects that they are doing all three at the same time. Using his two big drones as point guards, he's moving forward as quickly as the children behind him can move. <<Kitt, Can you ask them to close those blast doors once the children are through? It might save some lives.>> Not one wanting to be caught off guard, he's quietly determining the optimal fire patterns to take down as many Wolf Pack as possible, should the need arise.

<<Captain, the clock's ticking. We gotta get these people moving faster. I'm not sure if it was real or not, but I think I saw a video of a bunch of our guys getting arrested by Knight Errant, as they came out of the tower.>>

[04:21 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

The tunnel continues to slope gently upwards and you make your way with increasing haste towards what you hope is safety. Behind you the blast doors slam closed with an impending sense of finality.

“Move! Keep moving!”

Two more minutes have gone...time is rapidly running out. The tunnel construction changes and the air feels different. You must have reached the far shore by now and the complex of underground living quarters and hopefully that parking garage.

Suddenly there is a rumble and then a cacophonous boom as a wave of hot air slams its way up the tunnel behind you. As one the kids scream out and many drop to their knees clutching at their heads. The target identified as Sandman lurches and crashes face first into the wall of the tunnel. Feral snarls and pushes his way towards Roberts

“You, you have done this to us! There will be a reckoning! Come on, more your fragging tails we need to be gone!”

On point the anthroforms reach the end of the tunnel. The doors are partly open and look like they have been knocked out of alignment by the movement of the tunnel. The drones are able to push through however and in a hail of dust force their way into the space beyond.

It is some sort of maintenance bay and beyond that you can see the serried ranks of mothballed military equipment. It isn’t exactly state of the art stuff, particularly compared with some of the tech you have witnessed so far here, but it will serve you well to get the hell out of here!

Light filters down from roof wells and there is a distinctive glow fills the air...not of dawn but of fire, a big fire...

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:21 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

When Feral begins shouting at him, Roberts simply sets his jaw (despite his face being hidden inside his helmet) and waits for him to finish. Inside, however, he felt quite conflicted - not because he may have been responsible for a lot of deaths, but because he knows it was the right call. He didn't remember calling in the air-strike, but he felt pretty sure that - if the situation repeated itself - he would do it again. He still didn't understand everything that was going on here, but he understood enough to know that these people were dangerous, and needed to be stopped by any means necessary. The fact that they somehow got him into a UV node, confirmed that. He'd had his brain messed up by simsense in the past, and understood the risks of long-term exposure or biofeedback programming. Kitt was a prime example of why this operation could not be allowed to continue. He didn't know Kitt before this tragedy, but he doubted she would have agreed with the woman who came out of that pod raving about how wonderful this place was. Was there an AI here? Were the children technomancers? Did any of this have to do with the intel they had been given on Sojourner? It didn't really matter. Whatever was going on here was awful, and Deep Watch - hell, metahumanity - wasn't prepared to deal with it.

He looked around at the survivors as they began shuffling into various vehicles, and couldn't help but think that each one of these creatures that they had helped survive would allow whatever had happened here to take root and begin anew. He hated the fact that he felt this way, but, tactically, it bothered him that any of them made it out of there alive. One of the children turned and looked at him, and Roberts felt like she could see through his helmet - maybe even see the thoughts crossing his mind. He turned away from her, and to the rest of the Deep Watch team.

"Okay, we're not out of this yet. KE might be waiting for us, topside, and they are gonna be pissed."

Gash
[04:21 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

One of the problems of possession is that you are not always aware of what is going on. The lack of a commlink can be tactically difficult. Gash was sufficiently surprised by Cpt Roberts announcement that he thought it best to become temporarily unpossessed.

"Sir, what is our response to Knight Errant? We are on legitimate corporate business in a z rated area. From my basic training I understand that they have very little jurisdiction over us.

Whatever you decide Sir, we will back your play."

It was pretty obvious Feral wasn't a professional soldier. Gash disapproved of that level of hate: it gets in the way of sensible planning and execution. A shame really, with some proper training the mob in the tower could become an even more effective force. Gash didn't feel the same sense of antipathy that Cpt Roberts was radiating towards the inhabitants. Gash spent a few moments trying to get his thoughts clear on them:

• Gash had had his ass handed on him on a plate. Well that just meant that they were better than him at something.
• The inhabitants hadn't killed him when they could of, and that was a definite plus point.
• The two sides had fought: well that happened. That's what you do in a mercenary outfit. You don't hold it against the people that you fought.
• The occupants were doing something with the children. Well it looked as though they were technomancer kids, so you would expect them to be different. Gash shrugged.
• The occupants had done something like brainwashing on people. Well how did that make them different to any mega corporation you could name? Everyone did brainwashing nowadays
• The inhabitants lacked professionalism, but instead they had passion. That is a good thing to have in a battle, but bad in a war. Well Gash fought battles not wars, so that was fine with him

It mostly came down to the fact that the inhabitants of the tower were worthy opponents. Next time (if there was a next time) Gash would be much better prepared!

Gash looked at his bank balance estimates. Shame about the lost friends, but the much larger sums in the bank partly compensated. At least Gash would be able to stand a round in honor of the lost.

Enough lotus gathering. Time to get ready to deal with Knight Errant. Gash signaled to Legundo that it was time to get ready for battle

[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

The engines rumble in the confines of the tunnel as the Citymasters power towards the surface. Sticks had been able to suborn the command protocols whilst the rest of you pumped the vehicles with petrochem. A temporary patch runs from his Horseman to the control panel to avoid the possibility of anyone trying to hack the feed and the readouts are showing green across the board. The ammo counter for the overhead turret gun indicates there are two hundred and seven armour piercing rounds available. The positive air seal is in place and you are finally on the move.

The Wolf Pack are following you in two vehicles with the children in tow...

Weak dawn light is visible up ahead, washing out the halogen glare of the powerful headlights on your APC. Now is the time to decide whether to blast out of here or send a forward scout to determine what is happening outside. You know that the fire is likely to spread however and you are leaving substantial fuel stores behind you so time, as ever, is of the essence...

Gash
[04:24 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Getting on the transport, Gash reports "I'll just do a quick astral scout Sir!".

Unfolding out of his body, Gash nods to Legundo "OK lets see whats around. Time to be sneaky". Gash and Legundo went forwards together to see what was happening.

Gash
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Astral over the Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

You ghost out of your body and with Legundo by your side and extending his concealment across you, you move unseen through the ether.

Even before you reach the surface you can feel the pain and rage emanating across the astral. Although heat doesn’t technically transmit itself from the meat world to the cool currents of this plane you can feel the beating waves of elemental torment from the twisting remains of the tower.

As you burst free from the underground lair you see in fact that the tower is surprisingly intact considering the likely force of the bombs. Fire burns in the centre, consuming perhaps six levels on the eastern flank. The verdant growth is withering in the heat and you can feel even the pain of that wash over you. Fire spirits have flocked to the blaze and they cavort in the flames, perhaps trying to assist any trapped within or perhaps fanning their element to higher and higher expanse.

Figures scurry around the island and the entrance block on the shore, and although you are a distance from them you can sense their bewilderment. More focused are the Deep Watch personnel sheltering in the tree line near where you have emerged. They are under armed guard by grim, determined figures, whose auras indicate a detachment that suggests they aren’t residents of the burning community. Perhaps Knight Errant are indeed on site?

A helicopter is being buffeted by the raging thermals around the tower and for a moment you curse the inability of the astral to transmit writing in an intelligible form that might tell you where it came from.

Several armoured vehicles are parked on the junction of 317th and 114th and more figures are gathered around conferring. At least one of these is a mage but given the interference on the astral sphere you are certain that you wouldn’t be spotted even if you chose to get closer.

Gash
[04:24 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Returning to his body, and reporting by voice in case the communications had been hacked.

"Sir! Private Gash reporting. Sir!"

"The firebombs have landed, although the tower is less affected than I would expect. Deep Watch personnel are under guard near the exit. They have at least one helicopter, and several armoured vehicles on the junction of 317th and 114th. Although I only saw I mage, there may be more. "

"I was unable to ascertain the identity of the guards, or the armoured vehicles. Whatever we do we had better do it quick. Sir!"

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:24 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts nodded, as if unsurprised by the news. "They are going to try to stop us. We don't have much of a chance of pushing through, and it sounds like our professional credentials are no good here." He looks to the rest of the team in the APC for ideas. "Can we get the other two vehicles on the radio? It would help to know what they're going to do."

[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

Sticks patched through the comms to the trailing Wolf Pack...Sandman’s voice comes back through the speakers, still sounding shaken from whatever caused him to crash...

<<Our intentions? We intend to watch you burn, just as you are doing to us! I am certain that those waiting for you will oblige us. Your arrogance won’t sustain you against them, they are professional warriors with the firepower to back up that statement. Did you really think that you could walk away from this unscathed? You were kind enough to separate yourselves from the children so now there is nothing to stop them blowing you to hell! ...of course you could just give yourselves up...I’m sure they would take that into consideration...>>

In front of Sticks the threat display readings are lighting up and countermeasures are being prepared...an electronic voice speaks to you

“Laser painting detected – chaff ready”

In the tunnel ahead of you a rotadrone appears and sweeps you with its sensors...

Cpt Jon Roberts
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Roberts sighed, "They make a good point. Sticks, think you can wedge this APC in the tunnel to cut off the other two vehicles while we deal with that drone?" He knew the other two vehicles were probably armed, so they would have to be alert and stick to the opposite side of their vehicle, but the Wolf Pack wouldn't be able to plow through the APC - even if they opened fire on it... and they wouldn't be able to escape with the children until the situation was resolved. He didn't like the idea of taking children hostages, but the Wolf Pack was right, without them, there was no way their APC was going to make it far enough into Seattle to get them to safety.

Gash
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater Eco Tower Level -2]

Wow they really carry a chip on their shoulder. They should learn to target their hate at the correct targets. Ah well the impetuousness of youth I suppose

"Where is the laser targeting coming from? I will go deal with it"

"Legundo...can you go and deal with the Helicopter?" Gash salutes Legundo on the Astral then turns to deal with the more immediate threat of the laser targetter.

Heading to the back of the vehicle, Gash positions himself to get a good look at the wolf pack vehicle. Focusing hard on the laser targetter Gash pounds spell after spell at it. "Curse this technology" he mutters. That seemed to do it! Just when Gash was about to give up, the laser targetter starts to glow and get hot.

Meanwhile on the Astral Legundo, although weakened by the background count, easily possesses the helicopter pilot, and Legundo pushes and pulls on the stick, trying to get the helicopter to crash.

Gash
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

Leaving Legundo to hopefully deal with the helicopter you return to your body to deal with the threat on the mundane world.

As you have swung across the width of the tunnel the APC behind you has come to a grinding halt some five meters away...Pulling the mana into yourself you target the sensor array and feel the molecules in its makeup begin to vibrate...it becomes warm and then visibly hot, the air around it steaming as you melt it to slag.

Legundo
[04:33 August 23, 2070 - KE pilot, Tenshi transport helicopter over the Stillwater tower]

The air here is hot from the elemental rage pumping from the tower where you and your master have been battling. You can feel it weakening you as the astral is warped by the fleeing souls of those within.

Inside the unfortunate body of the pilot you ignore the incoming VR feeds that are being pumped into his brain, dismissing them as a tickle of information that you cannot comprehend. You crab the control stick on the console ahead of you and begin to swing the craft around...

The meat bag next to you yells across the control panel at you and then begins to speak to himself, all the while throwing concerned looks your way and reaching for his sidearm

“Sarge? What are you doing? Shit! Something’s wrong, the Sarge is taking manual control...Initiating overrides...What do you want me to do?”

The stick bucks and fights your grasp and then will simply no longer respond to you...

Gash
04:33 August 23, 2070 - KE pilot, Tenshi transport helicopter over the Stillwater tower]

Pilot/Legundo turns towards the co-pilot, his face obscured by the pilot's headgear. Even so the mist pouring out of the face, is somewhat upsetting. Reaching down to the pull a survival knife out of his boot, Pilot/Legundo rasps "You are have no honour. You rain death from above and cannot see their eyes as those you kill die. You do not deserve this gift I give you. Feel now what it is like to die at the hands of a true warrior".

The knife rises, the knife descends and then there is no more co-pilot.

Pilot/Legundo nods to himself. Gash was sometimes too pacifistic for his liking, and at times like this Legundo was free to do as he wished.

Pulling the control stick in random directions, Pilot/Legundo managed to move the helicopter some distance from the tower, before opening the door and jumping out.

Sticks
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

One of Sticks two combat drones spoke mechanically, "Brace for impact" Then, doing something that only a Rigger would even try to do, Sticks slammed the APC into a spin that would wedge it tight across the tunnel. "Time to evacuate. You want me to make this thing explode?"

Sticks' Horseman was already moving towards the side ramp that had opened up, and he was scanning the area for Call signs, so he could figure out who all these people with guns were.

"Captain, the troops holding ours, they seem to be Knight Errant FireWatch" says the drone in a very monotone voice.

[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

You are all shaken as Sticks rams the APC into the side of the tunnel wall and slews the end round to form a pretty impenetrable barrier some twenty meters from the tunnel mouth. Behind you the Wolf Pack vehicles go into reverse, the lead one still smoking from Gash’s spell.

With the side door open after Sticks’ hasty departure you can smell the burning in the air, despite being some two hundred meters away. The cylons crash forwards towards the exit, their footsteps echoing from the hard walls...before them the rotadrone begins to make a hasty retreat whilst a voice blasts from a mounted loud hailer...

“Deep Watch personnel, stand down. This is Knight Errant Firewatch. You are in violation of a restricted security zone under our protection. You will be taken into custody for processing before being returned to Fort Lewis.”

Time to see if that much vaunted Firewatch reputation is real?

Bryn
[04:33 August 23, 2070 – Stillwater 'Hobbiton' Exit]

Bryn had sat quietly in the APC. He was used to this sort of thing. Years of drops, heavy landings and rough journeys meant he could filter out the involuntary movement his body was making as the APC slewed to a stop. What seemed a lifetime of being in crisis situations and panicked confusion meant he could cut out most of the things his team-mates would be thinking right now. He sat there, and started thinking quietly to himself. He had no authority in this situation, but would advise the Captain if he required it.

<<@Captain Roberts: Sir, I think we'll be better off footslogging it, and it looks like we're running out of options anyway. At least we're smaller targets, and we can vanish much more easily before we run in to any other obstacles. Would you advise a scatter and regroup procedure?>>