The convoy travels at speed through the deserted woodland, the only sound being the rumble of engines and the odd tree that is light enough not to need to divert around. You are able to re-join the road before the bridge and the pace picks up as you accelerate across the cracked asphalt.

This has always been a sparsely populated bit of the barrens and it has only become more so in whatever has happened in the last few days. Your thermal scans pick out the odd scavenger, metahuman or otherwise, but they are always a significant way off and they scuttle away from you like roaches fleeing the light.

Towards Woodinville you begin to see more signs of inhabitation but everyone seems to be avoiding you, hardly surprising given that armoured convoys don't usually spell good news for the squatters around here.

Ahead in the hotspur you see plumes of dust rising from the decrepit 405…it would seem the Hellhounds have survived the catastrophe and they would appear to be keen to make your acquaintance…

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

<<[Corporal Gash] Corporal Gash reporting. I am heading to scout the Hellhounds. If they are Shedim, I will return fast. Legundo will be in my body. Any other instructions?>>

After waiting for instructions, Gash leaves his body in Legundo's capable hands, and travels as fast as only astral forms can towards the incoming hellhounds, his mana barrier whirling around him.

Mercenary Joey "Raccoon"
Redmond Barrens

Hey boss, stop the convoy. Looks like a few locals wanna get acquainted, no use letting 'em see our toys. You want me to play this friendly or just waste em?

[Highway 405, Redmond Barrens]

From the vantage point of the hotspur you can see the Hellhounds are approaching rapidly on a rag tag collection of hogs and the odd four wheel drive monster, all seemingly armed or armoured in some way. Despite their rough appearance you know that they have been known, in the real world at least, to tackle Metroplex guard units from Fort Lewis and you see no reason why they would be less dangerous in this scenario.

Gash’s astral sweep reveals that they are very much metahuman with a typical mix of roiling emotions. First and foremost seems to be desperation though and you suspect that even if they haven’t had clear sight of the convoy they will be aware of its presence. They are certainly fired up enough to attack an armour unit and they might even be able to damage you.

Whilst you could divert away from the 405 that would add significant time to your journey and there is no guarantee that they wouldn’t pursue you anyway…

Mercenary Joey "Raccoon"
Highway 405, Redmond Barrens

Feral, turn us around and get ready to burn rubber back to the convoy. Any chance you can outrun those bikes?

Joey steadies the Barret against his shoulder and takes aim at the lead rider.

Boss, I'm about 15 seconds from dropping these betelheads and getting back to the convoy. If you want any of these boys intact, now's the time to tell me.

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

Returning to his meat form.

<<[Corporal Gash] Back. Negative on the Shedim. Positive on the "They are looking for trouble". Recommendation: Nuke them Sergeant>>

[Highway 405, Redmond Barrens]

The lead biker is hurled from his hog as the high calibre round removes most of his ribcage in an explosive burst. His bike slews round and careens off the plating on sidecar of the vehicle travelling close behind him. The group, rather than show any fear, begin to whoop and holler and accelerate after the retreating hotspur, the scent of blood in their nostrils.

Their ramshackle vehicles are never the less fast, despite the heavy graffiti strewn plates that have been welded to every conceivable surface, and Feral looked over at his passenger

“It’s going to be tight and although we outnumber them,barely, they could do some damage before they go down…I don’t like running, let’s pincer the bastards and run them to ground…I suggest you get the rest of the column to engage...”

And he yanks on the steering column and the hotspur lunges off the carriageway, the smart tires compensating for the bank and rough terrain.

[Highway 405, Redmond Barrens]

<<if we nuke everyone we meet, we're going to run out of ammo. Still. lets see what we can do.>> Sticks did some quick calculations and gave Kitt some precise orders to pass down on stopping the convoy, and laying it out. <<Wolf Cub, soon as you see the bikers, start taking them out.>> <<Feral, you mangy curr, What's your ETA? Run right through us, and then spin around and come back at them. >>


Sticks moved his giant robotic self forward to the front line, spinning up his weapons, and judging optimal firing distance. <<Soon as the HotSpur is through our line, we close and fire. Lets give them a Heavy Metal welcome.>> <<Gash, soon as you get LOS. Do your Worst.>>

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

Gash nods his head, and gestures with his sword.

"They are all yours. Have fun. If you care to share any information with us about what is happening that would be useful, if not 'Hasta la vista baby'."

<<Sarge we are moving out. Let's get to that Ferry>>

[Highway 405, Redmond Barrens]


Feral, with a kind of wild glee, leads the Hellhounds on a merry chase back to the convoy. The hotspur’s balloon tyres spin debris into the air as he swerves and dips to avoid the sporadic fire from the whooping Go gang.

As they come into view around a curve in the highway Gash’s spells lash out and first one then others drop, catapulting their hogs into wild gymnastics that leave bits of vehicle and smears of their former riders across the hardtop.

The barrels of Sticks[b]’ minigun glow hot to thermal sight as they spit death at the incoming horde, narrowly missing the racing hotspur, and ploughing great furrows in the rudimentary armour plating bolted to their vehicles. The convoy unleashes their full fury on the gang as they enter range and their targets obviously feel that discretion will leave them to fight another day and they cut and run.

Directly into the pincer of fire formed by [b]Wolf Cub and Racoon as they coordinate their sniper fire to remove the remaining threat.

In the space of a less than half a minute you have reduced these rampaging gangers to smoking hulks that the APCs easily shunt aside to the edge of the road to clear the path…

…and then the bodies begin to move…those damn shedim obviously haven’t gone far and you feel the first quake of fear as they exert their unnatural influence over your vulnerable minds

An astral form approaches Gash and manifests next to him. You dimly recognise the woman’s form…

“Get them out of the zone, you don’t have time to play with the likes of these. The Circle will deal with them, but this is a one-time offer, once we have exerted ourselves here we are unlikely to be able to help you again.”

At her beacon a host of fire elementals appear, far more than she could control alone

“We will burn out these abominations to allow you to deal with what is important!”

[Highway 405, Redmond Barrens]

Sticks looked around, Shedim rising from the dead, this was a nightmare. He was about to wonder if his first engagement was going to be his last battle when the "Circle" showed up. <<Everyone, get moving. Feral, Racoon, get us the hell out of here. We're hot on your tail.>>

Sticks gave Faraman orders to get all the vehicles going. <<Tell those damn Pilots to get going now. And not stop for anyone.>> That taken care of, he started mowing down animated bodies, trying to keep them off his people and fight a standing retreat. Sticks kicked and stomped nearly dead bodies, and kept the convoy moving while the Circle did their thing and his people made their way out of the area, following Racoon's trailblazing.

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

Gash settled down in the APC and dealt with the perpetual headache that combat mages suffer from.

<<Any idea what the real threat is Sarge? The circle were not particularly helpful. Personally I think we are heading for a shedim apocalypse: can we stop at a gardening supplier as I need to buy a lawnmower to strap to my chest <ARO reference to old 2D flick>>>

The convoy moves on, leaving the burning bodies of your unfortunate foe to the gentle ministrations of the Circle. From Bothell you head north along the 405, the surrounding trees masking you from sight. You pass a few abandoned vehicles but otherwise the area seems to be suspiciously devoid of life.

As you turn onto the 5 there is a sudden rush of activity and you see a motley collection of vehicles in a nose to tail jam making their way away from the centre of Seattle towards the north. People are trudging alongside on foot with whatever they can carry and frequent scuffles break out over food and other things considered essential by the mob. Screams of pain and wails of despair great your sensors along with a general haze of anger and bewilderment…they clearly know as little of what is going on as you do…

Thundering down the 5 southbound you are completely unopposed until around Hall Lake a weird sight greats you, both in the virtual and the real world. Sprawling across the highway is a convoy of trucks that seem to have come to a haphazard halt. Dark and menacing AR displays proclaim the Cirque de la Lune backed with holographic images bounced off the low lying clouds showing giant masked tumblers. Figures are milling about and pointing at the exodus on the opposite side of the highway. The fleeing crowds are on the most part keeping their heads down but you can see that at least a few are taking an interest in whatever these weirdos may be carrying that might be valuable…the chance of conflict breaking out could be imminent…

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Hall Lane]

<<Just pause a minute Sarge.>>

Gash got out of the APC with his hands held in the universal symbol of "truce". Walking up to one of the people fleeing, Gash started to engage him in conversation "What's going on. Why are you all fleeing? Have you seen anything yourself?"

[Highway 405, Hall Lake]

The convoy comes to a halt some distance from the macabre sight of tumblers and jugglers on one side of the highway and a fleeing mass of humanity on the other. As Gash approaches a desperate looking individual to try and gather some intel you note that a group of the circus freaks have broken off and are coming towards you. They are led by a dwarf in a chequered coat of black and red and behind him the lithe figures cavort in ways that don’t look humanly possible. Above them a cloaked figure hovers, darkness and illusion spiralling around them and weaving amongst the acrobats.

Gash

The man gives you a panicked glance but never the less pauses and sets down the suitcase he has been dragging…

“What? What the hell do you mean? We’re getting away from them, the centre is full of…hell I don’t know what they are. It’s the darkness, it’s eating people…that’s when the people aren’t turning on each other…”

There is a ripple in the crowd coming towards you and suddenly the screams intensify. You see a patch of darkness lift from the trees at the edge of the highway and swoop down towards the crowd. There is a metallic crunch and an Americar is stripped of its roof which spins away to crush two of the pedestrians running from the scene. The car disappears and then as whatever it is lifts away again you can see the vivid smears of red in the fitful overhead lights…the lights that are regaining strength as the thing returns to the treeline…

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

<<[Corporal Gash] Well I've never seen anything like this. If I had to guess its Balo the Jester to the Courts of Chaos. Whatever it is: it looks like we have to stop it.

So it looks to me like there are four main targets: the figure in the Darkness, the Dwarf and the dancers.

I'm going astral to have a good look at the dwarf and the darkness. I'll report back what I see. While I do that can you lot get into a decent 'ambush' position. We might as well pick the ground we are going to fight them on. We really want to be shooting at them out of cover that won't just be a problem when a car is bounced off it.>>

[Highway 405, Hall Lake]

<<Cover? Out here?>> Sticks shakes his head inside his cocoon, causing the Mecha to do the same. <<Faraman, get me a tactical overhead display. Kitt, keep the YellowJackets out of reach of what ever that thing is.>> Doing some quick calculations, Sticks setup the convoy as best he could, all the while walking towards the Dwarven Jester and his crew. He came to a stop just before the Dwarf, and bent down on one knee. "That's close enough Jester, what do you want." says the Robotic voice. The Mecha's sensors swept over the group trying to identify threats, implants, anything that could be of use. <<Cub, please be prepared to take this Jester out on my signal.>>

[Highway 405, Hall Lake]

Sticks

As you approach the circus freaks they fan out, jumping onto each others shoulders and launching themselves into the air...from a tactical stand point they make nice tempting targets out here in the open, even if their movements are unpredictable. The dwarf looks up at you, and up some more and twirls his cane and tips the absurd top hat in your direction

You hear Feral muttering over the comm, somehow it doesn't ease your sense of danger...

<<What are they doing here? They've not been written in? Damn Aria and her meddling...it's ok Sticks , they are friends of sorts...I think...>>

The dwarf's voice is sonerous, even through the sensors on your mecha you suspect it is laden with magical suggestion...

"We came to help...you have other things that concern you this night, we thought we'd lighten your load a little if that is acceptable? ...and a little entertainment at the fall of civilisation is always welcome is it not?"

Gash

The darkness is gone but the sense of unease is clearly palpable on the astral plane...it's like its very prescence has left a signature. You have visions of a thing much like a giant ray with teeth, lots of teeth. As far as you can tell it was some sort of spirit, but not, even your extensive knowledge has no real parrallels to draw on. Given what it did to that car though it's dangerous...and the man implied there were more of them...

The circus lot are another thing entirely, some are adepts, the dwarf certainly is, and others seem to be relying on serious augmentation. The hovering spectre seems familiar...Masque? Didn't you defeat her in your first foray with the Stillwater community?

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

<<[Corporal Gash] Sounds like he is a crazed cultist. I don't know if he's a bad guy or not. He and his friends look pretty hard: adepts and cybercases.


The real bad guy here looked like that shadow and it's gone. Shall we head deeper in, ignoring these guys?>>

[Highway 405, Hall Lake]


Sticks laughs, the digital sound sounding strange in the air. "We do have other concerns. Good luck to you, Prince of Fools" He stands back up and starts sending orders. <<Lets get going, we've got a place to blow up. Feral, Racoon, you're on point again.>>

"We'll see you on the other side of Ragnarok." That said, Sticks, brought the convoy back in motion. <<Cub, you keep an eye on them. I want no surprises.>>

[Highway 405, Hall Lake]

The circus freaks and fools move to let you go by and the convoy continues on, the reverse of the mass exodus of people on the other side of the highway divide. The hotspur jolts along on point, increasingly having to divert around abandoned vehicles that show signs of extreme violence done to them. About a mile ahead of you smoke begins to rise and the darkness increases…a ripple of screams comes to you fighting the wind…the smoke is also going against the wind and you see it plunge down and engulf the highway. The cries are desperate and heart wrenching…particularly as they get closer and you can hear the abrupt cut off as individuals are silenced…

Masque’s astral form appears beside Gash, her face still masked by the disturbing blankness that sends uneasy prickles along the base of your neck

~We will draw them off you. I suggest you leave the highway here and strike across less open territory to the west~

And then she is gone. Behind you laser displays and lights stream into the air and in the astral there is a flare of power as they begin some sort of ritual designed to say “look at me”…whether or not the mad buggers will survive whatever they are drawing down on themselves it is to be hoped that you will escape the worst of it…

The darkness is approaching fast and within its seething mass you can see many many writhing forms, images of dark teeth and tentacles fill your sensors and perhaps you might wish that the milspec vision enhancements weren’t quite so vivid.

[Highway 405, Hall Lake - Going Off Road]

Feral and Racoon peeled off in their vehicle, while Sticks and Kitt got the convoy moving. More out of curiosity than anything else, Sticks unleashed a couple of seconds of ammo into the broiling mass. The effect, was not what he had anticipated. rhorho

The mass recoiled from the impacts of the minigun, and Sticks eased off the trigger, not wanting to piss off the thing even more.

<<Step on it people, I don't want to be here when the fighting starts. You've got our GPS destination, and basic route. MOVE IT.>>

He switched to private channel with Gash. <<Can you keep an eye on everyone, if this thing starts using Magic on people. I want some protection.>> That said, the convoy made it's way cross country, Sticks acting as rear guard temporarily. He also kept part of his brain looking at the map of their final destination. How the hell was he going to sneak his mecha in. Maybe he could use himself as a distraction, and send Racoon and Gash in. <<Faraman, show me the list of personelle we have and what their specialities are?>>

Corporal Gash - Magical Supression
[Stillwater Lakeshore]

<<[Corporal Gash] Sarge: It's looking quiet magically right now. I'm going to scout the target if that's OK>>

Exploding out of his body, his astral form armed and armored surrounded by the shimmering haze of a serious mana barrier, Gash paused. "Child of the Ogou I call thee". A small watcher spirit appeared. "Possess my body while I wait. Inform these others should you see any threats".

"Let's go Legundo"

Checking his bearings, Gash zoomed towards the Aztechknowledgy Launch Pad on Fox Island.

Jax surveyed the burning wreckage of the convoy, nearly 90 soldiers, dead. She was the only survivor. She had been in this smulation for a long time now, but losing a soldier was always tough. However this time she didn't just lose soldiers, she lost friends. Sergeant Ruthers, Private Dirken, Gunnery Sergeant Williams...dead. Something attacked them that she had never seen before, something dark and twisted. It tore through her comrades and decimated the entire unit. Through sheer skill and tenacity she managed to hold out its assault. As soon as it had arrived, it left...

Jax solemnly packed up as much supplies as she could fit in her mecha's supply compartments. Bullets, grenades, power cells, she would need them all if that thing was to come back. She hopped back into the mecha and jacked in.

She took a breath. <<Papa Bear, this is Painted Lady do you read me?>> Silence. <<Papa Bear this si Painted Lady do you read me?!>>

The comms crackled to life. <<This is Papa Bear, what is your report Painted Lady?>>

<<Convoy has been destroyed Papa Bear. unknown assailant, some sort of...darkness. No accurate description Papa Bear. I am the only survivor...they turned on each other, like something was causing them to. Then the thing came to finish them off sir. It did something with our comms sir, we couldn't call out. With your permission I would like to track this thing down sir. I got a debt to pay. I think I wounded it during the fighting.>>

<<That is negatory Corporal, you are being rerouted to join Master Sergeant Sticks's troop. Your mission is to provide support for a confirmed sheddim sighting. You are to double time it soldier. After the threat has been dealt with you will join the detachment for their assigned mission. You will be briefed once you arrive. Be careful out there Painted Lady, Papa Bear out.>>

Jax put her mecha in full throttle, she had to reach the convoy as soon as possible. There was no telling if that thing was coming after her or not. She got the sense that it was toying with her, following at a distance, feeding off of her fears. She had her mechsuit's sensors scanning the area, making doubly sure that she would get notice of any bogies before they knew what hit them. Then again, she wasn't exactly stealthy with her large mechsuit and its clunky, yet somehow agile gait. The sound of hydraulics pierced the air as she ran to intercept the convoy. She spotted the mass of refugees pouring down the highway before they spotted her and she did her best to avoid them. She didn't want to cause a commotion and she wasn't prepared to deal with a riot situation without some sort of backup. she breathed a sigh of relief when her sensors picked up the convoy in the distance. She upped the acceleration to its full capacity. Sensors picked up infantry, some transports, and a couple of recon vehicles, not much for a "special" assignment. Then she spotted the mecha and she smiled, it will be good to have another heavy on her side if that thing ever decides to come back.

She radioed command again <<Papa Bear, this is Painted Lady. Convoy is in sight, requesting convoy's commcodes for contact>>

<<This is Papa Bear, we read you. Comm Officer Kit is covering communications for the convoy, commcodes are 7536674-09. Glad to her you made it safely Painted Lady. Kit will brief you once you make contact. Your presence has been reported to Master Sergeant Sticks, you are to report to him directly and you better listen to orders soldier. This is no time for insubordination. Master Sergeant Sticks is out best operative and the mission is imperative. You are to follow all orders, is that clear?>>

Jax rolled her eyes <<Copy that Papa Bear, Painted Lady out.>>

Jax connected to the convoy's comm channel <<Calling Master Sergeant Sticks, this is Corporal Jax of Mech Division Raining Dawn, Heavy serial number 8473678A479T-81 reporting for duty. I have been assigned to provide support to your mission. Approaching your position at 40mph, sending GPS tracking to confirm my approach. Do you copy?>>

[Highway 405, Hall Lake - Going Off Road]

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

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

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

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

[Highway 405]

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

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

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

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

@Gash:

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

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

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

@Sticks:

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

@Jax:

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

@Trismegistus:

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

@All:

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

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

Feral’s voice comes over the comm

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

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

Gash
[Aztech facility on Fox Island]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<<[Trismegistus]: Yes.>>

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

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

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

And not far from The Darkness as well...

If only I could go there---

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

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

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

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

@ Convoy

A trio of comm bursts hit your commlinks.

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

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


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

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

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

If only...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Prepping for Transport]

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

He reeks of fear.

A prey's best defense.

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

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

<<[Trismegistus]: Understood.>>

He then contacts his fellow mage.

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

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

@Sticks et al.

Kit’s dulcet tones come over the comm

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

@Gash

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

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

[Prepping for Aerial Lift]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gash
[Aztech facility on Fox Island]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trismegistus smiles darkly when he hears Jax's reply.

This one may prove interesting.

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

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

[In Flight]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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