(Vertigo)
"And what about specialized equipment... wet suits, diving gear, things like that... can your employer provide anything we need?"
Full Version: IC: Into the Abyss
Wishbone
Assuming the preparations are made to their specifications, I'm in.
Assuming the preparations are made to their specifications, I'm in.
"Yes, the escape pods will be on the map. As for the wets suits and diving gear. Not only will you not need those, if you tried to use them at the depth were talking about you would be killed instantly. So it looks like everyone who is going to agree has. I am sorry the rest of you felt it was unacceptable, however that is your prerogative. The plane for Guam leaves in 4 hours. Please return here before that time."
Kim’s Nails, Puyalup, June 3nd 2064, 1810 pm (Wishbone)
“No sugar, I don’t have time for that. I’m leaving town for a couple of weeks, tonight.”
“But Wishy, I want to… you know. And now you’re saying you’ll be gone for two weeks?” Tears on her chubby cheeks again. Maybe I should just dump her now. She’d be happier.
“Look, this is big biz. Big money. The kind of money that’ll let us go somewhere nice for a couple of weeks when I get back. So here’s what you do. Take this cert credstick. It’s got
1000 on it. Spend the next few days researching a nice vacation for us. A couple of weeks somewhere sunny, where they won’t look funny at an asian girl and a big redskinned Orc. Don’t spend more than 5000. Yea, you heard me right. 5000 for the two of us, for at least a week somewhere. Use part of what I gave you as a deposit, and the rest to buy yourself some nice clothes for the trip. Make the reservations for the 20th. If I’m not back by then, and you haven’t heard from me, go to Lucy, at Chen’s Pay Day Advance, and tell her Wishbone sent you. She’ll give you any info there is, plus any money I’m still owed. I’ll let her know it’s cool. But not til the 20th.”
“Do you have to go? I don’t care about the money or the vacation to Aztlan..”
“Forget Aztlan. How ‘bout Hawaii?”
“Hawaii?.” That brought a smile. “I can do that”.
Wishbone kissed her hard and said goodbye and after a quick stop a Lucy’s to drop off 5K of his advance, just in case, and give her her cut, he headed over to his house to pick up the rest of his gear.
While waiting for the cab, he gathered up his stuff, which all fit in a duffle, with space left over for the regular stuff he was wearing. If you’re likely to change shapes and lose your clothes, you should always have something to carry them in on hand.
The cab showed up, and he took it to the same parking garage two blocks from Penumbra. Duffle in hand, he walked to Penumbra and waved down another cab. By 8pm, he’s sitting back at the Airfield eating beef and chicken fajitas with lots of hot sauce.
“No sugar, I don’t have time for that. I’m leaving town for a couple of weeks, tonight.”
“But Wishy, I want to… you know. And now you’re saying you’ll be gone for two weeks?” Tears on her chubby cheeks again. Maybe I should just dump her now. She’d be happier.
“Look, this is big biz. Big money. The kind of money that’ll let us go somewhere nice for a couple of weeks when I get back. So here’s what you do. Take this cert credstick. It’s got
1000 on it. Spend the next few days researching a nice vacation for us. A couple of weeks somewhere sunny, where they won’t look funny at an asian girl and a big redskinned Orc. Don’t spend more than 5000. Yea, you heard me right. 5000 for the two of us, for at least a week somewhere. Use part of what I gave you as a deposit, and the rest to buy yourself some nice clothes for the trip. Make the reservations for the 20th. If I’m not back by then, and you haven’t heard from me, go to Lucy, at Chen’s Pay Day Advance, and tell her Wishbone sent you. She’ll give you any info there is, plus any money I’m still owed. I’ll let her know it’s cool. But not til the 20th.”“Do you have to go? I don’t care about the money or the vacation to Aztlan..”
“Forget Aztlan. How ‘bout Hawaii?”
“Hawaii?.” That brought a smile. “I can do that”.
Wishbone kissed her hard and said goodbye and after a quick stop a Lucy’s to drop off 5K of his advance, just in case, and give her her cut, he headed over to his house to pick up the rest of his gear.
While waiting for the cab, he gathered up his stuff, which all fit in a duffle, with space left over for the regular stuff he was wearing. If you’re likely to change shapes and lose your clothes, you should always have something to carry them in on hand.
The cab showed up, and he took it to the same parking garage two blocks from Penumbra. Duffle in hand, he walked to Penumbra and waved down another cab. By 8pm, he’s sitting back at the Airfield eating beef and chicken fajitas with lots of hot sauce.
Puyallup Barrens, Asher's Crash, June 3rd 2064, 5:03 pm (Tiptoes)
She hadn't expected him back so soon, and he didn't bother with the silent games this time.
"Tell the boys and girls not to look for me in town for the next couple weeks. Biz is taking me out of the sprawl."
Jessica tried to keep her face flat, but question marks floated into her eyebrows. The Asher's basement had been filled while Tiptoes was out: two hijacked vending machines lay on their sides, snacks and hard nuyen spilling across the floor. The gangers affectionatly referred to such escapades as 'stuffer runs'. Half a dozen of the gangers were gathered around the shattered hulks, and Tiptoes was standing next to the stair, addressing everyone.
Rain, a scrawny Hispanic techie chick, tossed him a soda and asked, "Whaddya mean, Tip?"
Jessica was already asking the same question in her head. As far as she knew, Tiptoes had never even been out of the sprawl before. In fact, she had half been expecting him to turn the job down.
Tiptoes shrugged. "Some corp drek, you know?"
Rain nodded. "Awright, chummer." The others nodded and went back to their work.
Tiptoes raised his eyebrows at Jess. "See you" he said.
She nodded, and Tiptoes walked back up the stairs.
She hadn't expected him back so soon, and he didn't bother with the silent games this time.
"Tell the boys and girls not to look for me in town for the next couple weeks. Biz is taking me out of the sprawl."
Jessica tried to keep her face flat, but question marks floated into her eyebrows. The Asher's basement had been filled while Tiptoes was out: two hijacked vending machines lay on their sides, snacks and hard nuyen spilling across the floor. The gangers affectionatly referred to such escapades as 'stuffer runs'. Half a dozen of the gangers were gathered around the shattered hulks, and Tiptoes was standing next to the stair, addressing everyone.
Rain, a scrawny Hispanic techie chick, tossed him a soda and asked, "Whaddya mean, Tip?"
Jessica was already asking the same question in her head. As far as she knew, Tiptoes had never even been out of the sprawl before. In fact, she had half been expecting him to turn the job down.
Tiptoes shrugged. "Some corp drek, you know?"
Rain nodded. "Awright, chummer." The others nodded and went back to their work.
Tiptoes raised his eyebrows at Jess. "See you" he said.
She nodded, and Tiptoes walked back up the stairs.
The hangar where you were instructed to go to after returning looked like the countless others on the airfield. Corrugated aluminum with big double doors. The doors were open slightly revealing the big silhouette of a Skytruck. The large plane was being swarmed with ground crew as the team approaches.
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes hefts his duffle bag and looks around.
With that hurricane, things are going to get dicey he thinks. And I don't know if they've provided us with airsickness bags. Anxiety puckers under his cool facial expression. It's business, he reminds himself. Act like you do this every day. You do do this every day. Maybe not with an airplane or outside the 'plex, but business is business.
Tiptoes sets his jaw and waits for boarding instructions...
Tiptoes hefts his duffle bag and looks around.
With that hurricane, things are going to get dicey he thinks. And I don't know if they've provided us with airsickness bags. Anxiety puckers under his cool facial expression. It's business, he reminds himself. Act like you do this every day. You do do this every day. Maybe not with an airplane or outside the 'plex, but business is business.
Tiptoes sets his jaw and waits for boarding instructions...
(Gin)
Looking around at the rest of the team I wonder how well they'll handle all of this. Seems like a cakewalk, which is inevitably when the drek hits the fan. Some real talent it looks like we have here, but a rather large group. Should be an interesting ride.....
Looking around at the rest of the team I wonder how well they'll handle all of this. Seems like a cakewalk, which is inevitably when the drek hits the fan. Some real talent it looks like we have here, but a rather large group. Should be an interesting ride.....
Spartan
Spartan turned off the engine of his borrowed pickup and pulled the keys from the ignition. He got out of the truck and looked around the hangar, taking in the massive cargo plane. The sights, and particularly the smells, brought him back to earlier times. He turned and hefted two huge bags from the pickup bed. Better to be over-equiped than under-equiped, he thought to himself. He would have a long plane ride to pare his load down. Besides, I need to talk to the others and figure out how we're going to handle this before I make any moves on my own.
He walked over to his fellow runners and set the over-sized duffel bags down. Spartan extend his arm and spoke, "Hi there. My name is Spartan. You can think of me as a heavy lifter. Figure we'll need one or two of those when we get down there. You?"
Spartan turned off the engine of his borrowed pickup and pulled the keys from the ignition. He got out of the truck and looked around the hangar, taking in the massive cargo plane. The sights, and particularly the smells, brought him back to earlier times. He turned and hefted two huge bags from the pickup bed. Better to be over-equiped than under-equiped, he thought to himself. He would have a long plane ride to pare his load down. Besides, I need to talk to the others and figure out how we're going to handle this before I make any moves on my own.
He walked over to his fellow runners and set the over-sized duffel bags down. Spartan extend his arm and spoke, "Hi there. My name is Spartan. You can think of me as a heavy lifter. Figure we'll need one or two of those when we get down there. You?"
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes eyes Spartan warily. The man just screamed 'merc', and most of the mercs Tiptoes knew weren't very quiet about things. Depending on how things went down, however, he and Spartan might be spending a great deal of quality time together.
Tiptoes shakes Spartan's hand. "I'm Tiptoes. I can handle electronics." He hefts the large military duffel bag he's wearing. "And a few other things."
Tiptoes eyes Spartan warily. The man just screamed 'merc', and most of the mercs Tiptoes knew weren't very quiet about things. Depending on how things went down, however, he and Spartan might be spending a great deal of quality time together.
Tiptoes shakes Spartan's hand. "I'm Tiptoes. I can handle electronics." He hefts the large military duffel bag he's wearing. "And a few other things."
(Gin)
Looking at the others saying hello, I move twoards them, "I'm Gin. You guys shoot, and I'll watch for more .... spiritual problems. Sound good?"
Looking at the others saying hello, I move twoards them, "I'm Gin. You guys shoot, and I'll watch for more .... spiritual problems. Sound good?"
Wishbone
"Well, they look like they know what they're doing anyway.
Hi guys, I'm Wishbone. Shaman. Spirits and mojo. I prefer illusion and misdirection to fighting, but I can hold my own when I have to."
"Well, they look like they know what they're doing anyway.
Hi guys, I'm Wishbone. Shaman. Spirits and mojo. I prefer illusion and misdirection to fighting, but I can hold my own when I have to."
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes glances between the two Orc mages, then at the sky.
"Magic seems important, on this one" he says, nonchalantly. "You two figure anything?"
Tiptoes glances between the two Orc mages, then at the sky.
"Magic seems important, on this one" he says, nonchalantly. "You two figure anything?"
(Gin)
"Honestly, I'm a little worried. He claimed that the manasphere was un-polluted at those depths but I've heard all sorts of horror stories about the way spellcasting can act in strange ways when you get away from the normal, habitable sections of the world." I sigh, thinking of all that time indoors. "Actually, I guess I'm here for a little more than just spell-slinging. I have some decent computer skills, though I'm no decker. Doesn't sound like we're going to need too much in the way of technicals for this one; copy and paste not being that difficult."
I glance over at Wishbone giving him an appraising eye. I notice him noticing and smile nonchalantly. Hoping the others think me flirtations, I say, "Mind if we step aside and have a chat, Wishbone."
"Honestly, I'm a little worried. He claimed that the manasphere was un-polluted at those depths but I've heard all sorts of horror stories about the way spellcasting can act in strange ways when you get away from the normal, habitable sections of the world." I sigh, thinking of all that time indoors. "Actually, I guess I'm here for a little more than just spell-slinging. I have some decent computer skills, though I'm no decker. Doesn't sound like we're going to need too much in the way of technicals for this one; copy and paste not being that difficult."
I glance over at Wishbone giving him an appraising eye. I notice him noticing and smile nonchalantly. Hoping the others think me flirtations, I say, "Mind if we step aside and have a chat, Wishbone."
The lead of the ground crew approached the gathered group.
"Ok were just about done here folks, the cargo’s been loaded so you will have to squeeze around that to get to the forward seating area. No smoking, and the seatbelt light is always on." He tips his hat to the runners and walks away.
The inside of the plane is immense. 4 large cargo boxes take up the rear of the plane. There is only a few feet between the boxes and the skin of the hull, making it a tight squeeze for all but the smallest people.
The seating area is 6 rows of benches. each seats 8 people. They all have five point safety harnesses, and a netted cargo area under the seats.
"Ok were just about done here folks, the cargo’s been loaded so you will have to squeeze around that to get to the forward seating area. No smoking, and the seatbelt light is always on." He tips his hat to the runners and walks away.
The inside of the plane is immense. 4 large cargo boxes take up the rear of the plane. There is only a few feet between the boxes and the skin of the hull, making it a tight squeeze for all but the smallest people.
The seating area is 6 rows of benches. each seats 8 people. They all have five point safety harnesses, and a netted cargo area under the seats.
(Gin)
I sigh, "Guess that chat will have to wait." I comment to Wishbone.
Getting into the plan, the cargo containers give me a moment of pause. Hoping to cover my action by letting somoene else move around me, I lightly touch one of the cargo containers, casting a spell in the process.
I sigh, "Guess that chat will have to wait." I comment to Wishbone.
Getting into the plan, the cargo containers give me a moment of pause. Hoping to cover my action by letting somoene else move around me, I lightly touch one of the cargo containers, casting a spell in the process.
(Vertigo)
Vertigo edged her way into the hanger through the big door, trying to look casual but hoping no one would notice her. Sneaking up on your new teammates wasn’t the best way to make friends, but she had a tendency to be stealthy even when she wasn’t trying to be, and wide open spaces like the hanger made her nervous.
Here we go… she sighed to herself. Try not to look like an amateur…
She strode up to the group in what she hoped would look like a confident swagger and dropped her duffle bag to the floor with a thud. Looking around the group she suddenly felt very small.
“Sorry I’m late. My name is Vertigo.” She extended her hand to the big orc on her right.
Vertigo edged her way into the hanger through the big door, trying to look casual but hoping no one would notice her. Sneaking up on your new teammates wasn’t the best way to make friends, but she had a tendency to be stealthy even when she wasn’t trying to be, and wide open spaces like the hanger made her nervous.
Here we go… she sighed to herself. Try not to look like an amateur…
She strode up to the group in what she hoped would look like a confident swagger and dropped her duffle bag to the floor with a thud. Looking around the group she suddenly felt very small.
“Sorry I’m late. My name is Vertigo.” She extended her hand to the big orc on her right.
Spartan
"Pleasure to have you aboard," Spartan said as he reached for Vertigo's outstreched hand. "I was beginning to worry about our team going in undersized. Particularly if that meant some of the people at the intial offer knew something I didn't."
Spartan picked his bags up from the ground and began walking towards the plane. "Hey, anyone here up for a little wager? I say we get a pool going about what is actually down there. How about 100 nuyen to get in, winner takes all... but the winner has to buy the first round of drinks?"
"Pleasure to have you aboard," Spartan said as he reached for Vertigo's outstreched hand. "I was beginning to worry about our team going in undersized. Particularly if that meant some of the people at the intial offer knew something I didn't."
Spartan picked his bags up from the ground and began walking towards the plane. "Hey, anyone here up for a little wager? I say we get a pool going about what is actually down there. How about 100 nuyen to get in, winner takes all... but the winner has to buy the first round of drinks?"
(Mirage)
"Sorry to keep you waiting, is everybody here?"
Mirage walks into the hanger carrying a kit bag in her left hand that appears almost as big as the diminutive French samurai. She is dressed in a different designer suit under her flowing grey coat, she pushes her shades to the top of her head as she walks towards the group, a friendly smile on her beautiful face.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, is everybody here?"
Mirage walks into the hanger carrying a kit bag in her left hand that appears almost as big as the diminutive French samurai. She is dressed in a different designer suit under her flowing grey coat, she pushes her shades to the top of her head as she walks towards the group, a friendly smile on her beautiful face.
(Vertigo)
Vertigo nodded to Mirage with a smile. “I’m Vertigo. Nice to meet you. Captain says we’re just about on our way…”
She grabbed her duffle bag and followed Spartan up the ramp. The tight confines of the plane were much more to her liking. Moving among the crates she made her way to the front of the plane and quickly secured her equipment under her seat before surveying the rest of the team. She took a mental inventory.
Three orcs (at least one ex-military), two shaman and two infiltration experts (counting myself and Tiptoes)… But Walker said there was no opposition, no magical problems and no automated security to by-pass…. something isn’t adding up here…
She shot a wry look at Spartan. “I don’t know about your wager, but I agree that this isn’t going to be the cake walk our Johnson made it out to be. The way I see it we have about 18 hours to plan for the worst. Anybody have ideas about how we should operate once we get on site?”
Vertigo nodded to Mirage with a smile. “I’m Vertigo. Nice to meet you. Captain says we’re just about on our way…”
She grabbed her duffle bag and followed Spartan up the ramp. The tight confines of the plane were much more to her liking. Moving among the crates she made her way to the front of the plane and quickly secured her equipment under her seat before surveying the rest of the team. She took a mental inventory.
Three orcs (at least one ex-military), two shaman and two infiltration experts (counting myself and Tiptoes)… But Walker said there was no opposition, no magical problems and no automated security to by-pass…. something isn’t adding up here…
She shot a wry look at Spartan. “I don’t know about your wager, but I agree that this isn’t going to be the cake walk our Johnson made it out to be. The way I see it we have about 18 hours to plan for the worst. Anybody have ideas about how we should operate once we get on site?”
(Gin @Vertigo)
"I've never honestly never worked in an environment quite like the one described by Johnson. Have any of you?"
"I've never honestly never worked in an environment quite like the one described by Johnson. Have any of you?"
(Vertigo @ Gin)
"Me either. I mean, I'm sure we've all "gained access" to a corp research facility here and there, but nothing like this. The lack of exit strategies makes me more than a little nervous..."
"Me either. I mean, I'm sure we've all "gained access" to a corp research facility here and there, but nothing like this. The lack of exit strategies makes me more than a little nervous..."
Wishbone
"Nope. I've done stuff underwater, it's the easiest way into the Tir, but never into the deep like this.
The upside is that the money they're spending on us is a pittance compared to what a facility in water that deep would cost. I always worry if I think I'm being over payed, but in this case, we may be underpaid, considering the value of the investment we're recovering."
"Nope. I've done stuff underwater, it's the easiest way into the Tir, but never into the deep like this.
The upside is that the money they're spending on us is a pittance compared to what a facility in water that deep would cost. I always worry if I think I'm being over payed, but in this case, we may be underpaid, considering the value of the investment we're recovering."
(Vertgio @ Wishbone)
"Thats a good point, but I'm sure they have trained salvage crews that could do this for hourly pay plus or minus hazard. Why enlist people with skills like ours? I know Walker mentioned investor confidence, but..."
"Thats a good point, but I'm sure they have trained salvage crews that could do this for hourly pay plus or minus hazard. Why enlist people with skills like ours? I know Walker mentioned investor confidence, but..."
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes looks at the others.
"Mutiny, maybe." He focuses on the shamans.
"Add some toxics in with the mutineers, we have a reason for the mojo."
Tiptoes pauses.
"Or, worst case," he continues, "they really don't know what's going on, and they don't want to risk their more expensive people. So they hire us."
Tiptoes looks at the others.
"Mutiny, maybe." He focuses on the shamans.
"Add some toxics in with the mutineers, we have a reason for the mojo."
Tiptoes pauses.
"Or, worst case," he continues, "they really don't know what's going on, and they don't want to risk their more expensive people. So they hire us."
(Spartan @ Group)
"Well, if they don't know what is going on, they're certainly expecting the worst. I mean, drek, do we look like a search and rescue team?" Spartan shifted around his seat, trying to get comfortable for the long flight. No, his first impression was assault all the way. Too many orks, thats what gave it away. People didn't use his type in this large of numbers unless there was some serious work to do.
But beyond that, it was the two shamans that worried him. Magic was rare and expensive, and any job that needed two users was cause for concern. Still, no matter, he thought. The money was worth the stretch.
"As far as how to operate, I think we should be clear on something. Not to sound crass, but what exactly are our objectives here? I think we should put just as much effort into securing the employees as we should on the computer, even if it limits our options a bit."
"Well, if they don't know what is going on, they're certainly expecting the worst. I mean, drek, do we look like a search and rescue team?" Spartan shifted around his seat, trying to get comfortable for the long flight. No, his first impression was assault all the way. Too many orks, thats what gave it away. People didn't use his type in this large of numbers unless there was some serious work to do.
But beyond that, it was the two shamans that worried him. Magic was rare and expensive, and any job that needed two users was cause for concern. Still, no matter, he thought. The money was worth the stretch.
"As far as how to operate, I think we should be clear on something. Not to sound crass, but what exactly are our objectives here? I think we should put just as much effort into securing the employees as we should on the computer, even if it limits our options a bit."
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes nods. "I think he was pretty clear in what he wanted. Data first. People if possible." He paused again. "Ammunition expenditures don't appear to be covered by our agreement. I don't plan on shooting anybody I don't have to. As for the rest, we can't know what's going on until it's on top of us."
Tiptoes nods. "I think he was pretty clear in what he wanted. Data first. People if possible." He paused again. "Ammunition expenditures don't appear to be covered by our agreement. I don't plan on shooting anybody I don't have to. As for the rest, we can't know what's going on until it's on top of us."
(Gin)
I lower my voice, hoping the pilot is more concerned with take-off rather than listening to us. Leaning into the rest of the group, "You know what interests me? I did a quick magical check on what's in those crates. They're full of medical supplies, which I can understand, but also food and some kind of small weapons. I wonder what they're for. I don't remember the Johnson saying anything about supplies being sent down to the facility? Do you all?"
I lower my voice, hoping the pilot is more concerned with take-off rather than listening to us. Leaning into the rest of the group, "You know what interests me? I did a quick magical check on what's in those crates. They're full of medical supplies, which I can understand, but also food and some kind of small weapons. I wonder what they're for. I don't remember the Johnson saying anything about supplies being sent down to the facility? Do you all?"
The rigged pilots voice echoes through the aluminum framed aircraft.
"welcome to Oceanic cargo flight, registration number 108LST. We will be taking of shortly. The wind is from the south today and our approximate flight time will be 19 hours. The weather in Guam right now is sunny with 15 mph winds from the east. The Flight cabin will be sealed for the duration, you need to speak to me please let the Cargomaster know. Please avoid walking around during the trip."
The rear door came to life and started closing with the squeal of hydraulics. The plane lurched forward as a runner pulled it out of its birth and on to the runway. Once the huge wings were clear the hangar the mighty propeller driven engines burst to life with a roar that drowned out all sound.
Five minutes later the plane was in the air heading for twenty thousand feet. The noise from the engines was so great everyone with un augmented ears donned the ear protection provided under each seat.
"welcome to Oceanic cargo flight, registration number 108LST. We will be taking of shortly. The wind is from the south today and our approximate flight time will be 19 hours. The weather in Guam right now is sunny with 15 mph winds from the east. The Flight cabin will be sealed for the duration, you need to speak to me please let the Cargomaster know. Please avoid walking around during the trip."
The rear door came to life and started closing with the squeal of hydraulics. The plane lurched forward as a runner pulled it out of its birth and on to the runway. Once the huge wings were clear the hangar the mighty propeller driven engines burst to life with a roar that drowned out all sound.
Five minutes later the plane was in the air heading for twenty thousand feet. The noise from the engines was so great everyone with un augmented ears donned the ear protection provided under each seat.
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes closed his eyes and tried to think out the situation beyond the deafening buzz beyond his ear protection. The trip was being surprisingly easy on his nerves thus far. Beat the hell out of the Puyallup sewer system.
The most likely possibility is that they just happen to be sending these supplies with us on some other errand. Resupply for whatever facility we'll be landing at. He looked around. I don't know how big that sub is going to be, but I don't think that it could hold an Airtruck's worth of supplies.
Tiptoes closed his eyes and tried to think out the situation beyond the deafening buzz beyond his ear protection. The trip was being surprisingly easy on his nerves thus far. Beat the hell out of the Puyallup sewer system.
The most likely possibility is that they just happen to be sending these supplies with us on some other errand. Resupply for whatever facility we'll be landing at. He looked around. I don't know how big that sub is going to be, but I don't think that it could hold an Airtruck's worth of supplies.
(Mirage)
"I suggest we treat anybody we meet down there as a potential hostile, I am not suggesting that we go in all guns blazing, but we need to secure the first survivors we come across and find out what's going on."
"Much as I'd like to rescue everybody, I can't believe that our employers haven't tried something already, before going to the expense of hiring us. I figure something very bad has happened down there, and we can't take any chances with the survivors till we know what."
"We need to make sure we secure the submarine as well, it's our only guaranteed method of getting back out."
"I suggest we treat anybody we meet down there as a potential hostile, I am not suggesting that we go in all guns blazing, but we need to secure the first survivors we come across and find out what's going on."
"Much as I'd like to rescue everybody, I can't believe that our employers haven't tried something already, before going to the expense of hiring us. I figure something very bad has happened down there, and we can't take any chances with the survivors till we know what."
"We need to make sure we secure the submarine as well, it's our only guaranteed method of getting back out."
(Gin @ Mirage)
"You think it's worth leaving someone behind at the sub to make sure that nothing unexpected happens? We seem to have a plethora of talent on this one."
"You think it's worth leaving someone behind at the sub to make sure that nothing unexpected happens? We seem to have a plethora of talent on this one."
(Wishbone)
If we've got their data, we've at least got something to negotiate with. Until then though, we seem to be stuck trusting them. A bomb or something like that seems a little overboard. One, it will immediately create an adversarial relationship with the only guys who could help us if we needed it, and two, it's an empty threat. What are we gonna do? Blow up the sub?
If we've got their data, we've at least got something to negotiate with. Until then though, we seem to be stuck trusting them. A bomb or something like that seems a little overboard. One, it will immediately create an adversarial relationship with the only guys who could help us if we needed it, and two, it's an empty threat. What are we gonna do? Blow up the sub?
(Tiptoes)
"I think our employers are our number two concern. Number one is whatever the problem they're having is."
"I think our employers are our number two concern. Number one is whatever the problem they're having is."
(Vertigo)
Vertigo nods at Tiptoes.
"I think you hit the nail on the head. Our first objective should be to secure some kind of safe zone within the arcology to base our operations out of. Second should probably be to make contact with whatever is left of the local security detail and find out whats really going on down there."
...probably wouldn't hurt to do some legwork on Guam, either, if we have the time...
Vertigo nods at Tiptoes.
"I think you hit the nail on the head. Our first objective should be to secure some kind of safe zone within the arcology to base our operations out of. Second should probably be to make contact with whatever is left of the local security detail and find out whats really going on down there."
...probably wouldn't hurt to do some legwork on Guam, either, if we have the time...
The first few hours of the flight runs smoothly. The aircraft and her crew obviously know there job. OUtside is nothing but featureless blackness with the occasional light black cloud floating buy. The visible crew finds a spot and sleeps. And you all find the constant vibration of the aircraft and the drone of the engines lulls you into a coma like state where sleep comes easily....
The sudden shudder of the aircraft brings you all to a very alert state. Theres a 'bang' like a gun going of and the plane drops several hundred feet. A quick glance outside reveals muddled daylight and storm clouds.
The sudden shudder of the aircraft brings you all to a very alert state. Theres a 'bang' like a gun going of and the plane drops several hundred feet. A quick glance outside reveals muddled daylight and storm clouds.
Wishbone
Feeling the beginnings of panic, Wishbone looks to Spartan, figuring the big Merc had probably flown into more hot LZ's than the rest of them.
I'll panic when he panics. At least I come with a built in parachute, assuming I'm not still in the plane when it plows into the ocean, disentagrating and scattering our pieces over miles of ocean.
Feeling the beginnings of panic, Wishbone looks to Spartan, figuring the big Merc had probably flown into more hot LZ's than the rest of them.
I'll panic when he panics. At least I come with a built in parachute, assuming I'm not still in the plane when it plows into the ocean, disentagrating and scattering our pieces over miles of ocean.
Spartan
Spartan grunts as the plane shakes him back to awareness. Gazing out the window does not do anything to reassure him. He doesn't know much about aircraft, but bangs, storms, and unexpected drops in altitude are seldom good experiences. Christ, he mutters under his breath, Its hitting the fan already. We've still got engines, even if they are props, and so far the pilots have been compentent.
Ah, screw it. Nothing we can do about it back here anyway." APCs, thunderbirds, planes... it didn't matter. Once you strapped down, you were nothing but a taxi passenger. Faith in his team had saved him in the past, and would have to do so again.
Noticing Wishbone's look, Spartan throws him a double thumbs up and a drek-eating grin. Spartan then tightens his 5-point. If we're going down, I'm doing it with a smile on my face."
Spartan grunts as the plane shakes him back to awareness. Gazing out the window does not do anything to reassure him. He doesn't know much about aircraft, but bangs, storms, and unexpected drops in altitude are seldom good experiences. Christ, he mutters under his breath, Its hitting the fan already. We've still got engines, even if they are props, and so far the pilots have been compentent.
Ah, screw it. Nothing we can do about it back here anyway." APCs, thunderbirds, planes... it didn't matter. Once you strapped down, you were nothing but a taxi passenger. Faith in his team had saved him in the past, and would have to do so again.
Noticing Wishbone's look, Spartan throws him a double thumbs up and a drek-eating grin. Spartan then tightens his 5-point. If we're going down, I'm doing it with a smile on my face."
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes's lips creased together as he grit his teeth.
Next time, he thought, I go semiballistic.
Tiptoes's lips creased together as he grit his teeth.
Next time, he thought, I go semiballistic.
The next few hours are filled with sudden drops that leave your stomach in your throat, and loud bangs that have you wondering if the wing just came off. The pilot, nor the crew speak during this time, apparently to busy to talk to the cargo.
The overly bright sun finally peeks through the windows as the plane begins its final decent on Guam.
"We are two-zero minutes out, cargo master secure the load."
The man who had slept buckled in most of the journey glances around the cabin, when he sees no one out of their seat he replies.
"Cargo secure."
20 minutes later the sky truck comes in for a smooth landing on a small company owned airstrip. The plane taxi's to a stop in front of corrugated aluminum hangar. The engines slow to a stop and the back door opens.
The rush of fresh air feels great after the aircraft fuel laden air you had been breathing. Right behind it though is a wave of dry superheated air that drys your skin and makes it hard to breath.
The overly bright sun finally peeks through the windows as the plane begins its final decent on Guam.
"We are two-zero minutes out, cargo master secure the load."
The man who had slept buckled in most of the journey glances around the cabin, when he sees no one out of their seat he replies.
"Cargo secure."
20 minutes later the sky truck comes in for a smooth landing on a small company owned airstrip. The plane taxi's to a stop in front of corrugated aluminum hangar. The engines slow to a stop and the back door opens.
The rush of fresh air feels great after the aircraft fuel laden air you had been breathing. Right behind it though is a wave of dry superheated air that drys your skin and makes it hard to breath.
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes carefully undoes the straps holding him to the bend and removes the bright red protective earmuffs that had been over his ears for the journey.
Silently, he stands and checks himself, as well his equipment.
Tiptoes carefully undoes the straps holding him to the bend and removes the bright red protective earmuffs that had been over his ears for the journey.
Silently, he stands and checks himself, as well his equipment.
The crew waited patiently for the passengers to file out before they began the arduous process of unloading the cargo.
Guam was hot, really hot. 100 degrees in the shade easy. Standing in the shade next to the hangar were two men, one was obviously a manager, the other was just as obviously a operator.
The manager waved you all over, "Hi, I'm Michale Wincott, I am going to be your liaison on the ground, this is Dutch, he’s uh," the blond haired man spoke up, "I'm the guy who is taking you down to hell."
The manager gave Dutch a sideways glance before continuing, "he will be going with you as a representative of the company. Now we have to hurry, Typhoon "Hurly" is going to be here in a day, and it takes that long to get to the site by boat."
A cargo truck sits a few meters away with the Oceanic logo on the side.
Guam was hot, really hot. 100 degrees in the shade easy. Standing in the shade next to the hangar were two men, one was obviously a manager, the other was just as obviously a operator.
The manager waved you all over, "Hi, I'm Michale Wincott, I am going to be your liaison on the ground, this is Dutch, he’s uh," the blond haired man spoke up, "I'm the guy who is taking you down to hell."
The manager gave Dutch a sideways glance before continuing, "he will be going with you as a representative of the company. Now we have to hurry, Typhoon "Hurly" is going to be here in a day, and it takes that long to get to the site by boat."
A cargo truck sits a few meters away with the Oceanic logo on the side.
(Vertigo)
Typhoon Hurly.... don't like the sound of that....
Vertigo shouldered her ruck sack and followed Wincott toward the truck. She had a menacing feeling that any exit strategy they might devise was going to be made moot by the massive storm. She turns back to the other members of the group.
"So if our insertion is by boat and there's a typhoon barreling down on this area we should probably plan on taking extra supplies incase our extraction is... delayed..."
She tried to sound matter-of-fact for Wincott's benefit but she hoped the rest of the team would read the concern in her facial expression.
Typhoon Hurly.... don't like the sound of that....
Vertigo shouldered her ruck sack and followed Wincott toward the truck. She had a menacing feeling that any exit strategy they might devise was going to be made moot by the massive storm. She turns back to the other members of the group.
"So if our insertion is by boat and there's a typhoon barreling down on this area we should probably plan on taking extra supplies incase our extraction is... delayed..."
She tried to sound matter-of-fact for Wincott's benefit but she hoped the rest of the team would read the concern in her facial expression.
(Gin)
I squint my eyes as my distate for this situation grows, "What is the classification of this typhoon? What kind of conditions can we expect at the site and will the vessel be able to await our re-surfacing on site or will it return here to outlast the storm."
I squint my eyes as my distate for this situation grows, "What is the classification of this typhoon? What kind of conditions can we expect at the site and will the vessel be able to await our re-surfacing on site or will it return here to outlast the storm."
"Well," the man squinted to the south," currently our people think its a Cat 3 with winds in the 60 knot range. However they are confident it will hit cat 5, possibly cat 6 before hitting Guam. So we have to get you to the sight, which is in the path of the Typhoon, before that happens. These things rarely last longer than a week so I don't see the extraction when the job is done being a problem. Right Dutch?"
Guam, June 5th 2064, 1200 pm (Wishbone)
Spirits, thinks Wishbone as he throws his duffel over his shoulder, from the frying pan into the fire. He starts to sweat before he even makes it down the ramp.
He listens to Wincott, with a bad feeling beginning in his gut. He tries to shrug it off, but Typhoon sounds bad. Bad with a capitol T.
Trying to at least look cool, he says, “Can I get a few minutes and maybe a beer before we hit the boat? Or at least the beer. And I agree with Vertigo about the supplies. We should go down with two weeks food and water for everyone.”
Spirits, thinks Wishbone as he throws his duffel over his shoulder, from the frying pan into the fire. He starts to sweat before he even makes it down the ramp.
He listens to Wincott, with a bad feeling beginning in his gut. He tries to shrug it off, but Typhoon sounds bad. Bad with a capitol T.
Trying to at least look cool, he says, “Can I get a few minutes and maybe a beer before we hit the boat? Or at least the beer. And I agree with Vertigo about the supplies. We should go down with two weeks food and water for everyone.”
The man introduced as Dutch appears to be in his early-to-mid thirties, and is quite large and solid for a human, standing 1.91m (just short of 6' 6") and weighing in at 103kg (226lb). His blond hair is cropped short in the traditional military style, and his square jaw is meticulously clean shaven. He has a rigid, military bearing, standing ramrod-straight as he watches the ragged-looking group of 'deniable assets' disembark from the airplane. In spite of the oppressive heat, he is dressed in a chic, dark gray, corporate suit. At his feet sits a battered olive drab rucksack, against which leans what appears to be a customized, matte black shotgun.
Dutch has a piercing stare, accentuated by a strange metallic tint of his turquoise cybereyes, which he now turns momentarily in Michael's direction before responding to the man's comment in a measured tone.
"Sure. As you say, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. It ain't like it isn't in the company's best interest t' pull us out A.S.A.P."
Dutch has a piercing stare, accentuated by a strange metallic tint of his turquoise cybereyes, which he now turns momentarily in Michael's direction before responding to the man's comment in a measured tone.
"Sure. As you say, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. It ain't like it isn't in the company's best interest t' pull us out A.S.A.P."
(Tiptoes)
Tiptoes regards Dutch cooly. A merc pilot. He swings the strap to his own duffel bag over his shoulder. Interesting that they aren't sending some skinny tech down. Doesn't bode well for us.
Tiptoes regards Dutch cooly. A merc pilot. He swings the strap to his own duffel bag over his shoulder. Interesting that they aren't sending some skinny tech down. Doesn't bode well for us.
"Well if you will all get into the truck we can get you to the dock and be on the way!"
Wincott gestures to the open aired 6-wheeled cargo truck. You can say one thing about Oceanic, they don't fly first class.
Wincott gestures to the open aired 6-wheeled cargo truck. You can say one thing about Oceanic, they don't fly first class.
(Vertigo @ Wincott)
"Hold on a minute. No offense, but I'd like some reassurance that everything we will need has been taken care of. Forgive me if I don't take your word for it, but I need to see the supplies we've requested before I get on any boat. I think my teammates will agree with me..."
"Hold on a minute. No offense, but I'd like some reassurance that everything we will need has been taken care of. Forgive me if I don't take your word for it, but I need to see the supplies we've requested before I get on any boat. I think my teammates will agree with me..."
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