Futuristic ParaCom: Adversary Uncertain

[Splat]

​

Aero

​

Alright guys, I'm not sure how much longer I want to wait. We need to get this show on the road!" Aero radioed in to Center, hoping for the O.K. to take off. There wasn't much of a crew, but the Little Lady was over half-way full, so that should be enough. There was a face that he hadn't seen yet, silently sitting in the corner hugging his sniper rifle. What an odd one, he thought. It's too dark in here for sunglasses. He took a step back in to the main area of the craft and called out to everyone, " Alright guys, I'm trying to get permission from Center to go ahead and take off. Do you think we can do it with just us, or do you want to try and fill the craft up with some more people? I think this is all we should need but it's not really up to me."

​

Lance

​

A rather obnoxious child came from the cockpit to announce that they were trying to leave soon. He recommended leaving without a full crew, confident that they wouldn't need it... but Lance's training had taught him always over-prepare for a mission. He spoke up, simply to say, "Having eight people and only needing three is better than only having three and needing eight. I say we wait." His response was short, and as soon as he had finished talking he went back to his thought simulations. He predicted several scenarios and positions that he could take on the area. He had memorized the geographical layout of the area, as well as the buildings and their heights. The highest building in this case would not be the best location, as there were too many around it. One of the outer building would give a better view of the city. Several different scenarios went through his head. He went through this process before every training session, simulating possible events to raise the success rate. Little did he know that paranormals expanded beyond the realm of what they knew to be possible. He would have to adjust.

 

[Yang Xiao Long]

Harold went straight to his bunk. It was one of the bottom bunks in the room. He pulled a crate from out below it and opened it quickly. Grabbing his gear from it he quickly put on his vest and grabbed his machine gun. Checking everything quickly he ran for the hanger.


Once he arrived he climbed into the back of the aircraft and sat in the seat nearest the door. He checked his equipment and looked at the new people.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Center radioed to Aero, "We have about five people. If we can get at least one more to join the current team, we'll be set. Though we really need to get to that bomb soon! Any last moment volunteers, this is your chance! We leave in fifteen minutes!"


Center affirmed that the mission was rather urgent. Casualties would be enormous if something won't be done. This mission couldn't wait. Paranormal retaliation was obvious, but more was approaching. It was only a calm before a storm.

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Pedro slid quickly into the hangar, making a run for the aircraft. As soon as he was onboard, he slammed himself down onto the nearest open seat and tried to act like he wasn't massively late. Instead, he worked on mentally preparing himself for another mission. Steeling himself for what was to come. Absolute efficiency and professionalism was what won firefights these days.

 

[Rookie]

Hal was running to the aircraft, this mission seemed important, and he didn't want to miss it. He reached the craft and found a chair, he let out a sigh that seemed to be a mix of fatigue and relief before he started to prepare himself for the mission ahead

 

[DerUbermensch]

"We're all aboard! You may depart now!" Center radioed Aero to begin flying. Because of their position on the world, the Little Lady should make it on time. However, special care must be considered when disarming the bomb.


Center then radioed to the group. "Intelligence reports to disarm the bomb, we need to destroy or deactivate the power nodes located around the city. Since we're going to London, we'll have to do this with care. We don't want any bridges falling down any day soon." Even Center had a sense of humor.

 

[Yang Xiao Long]

Harold opened up on his comm as the aircraft started to lift off the ground. "Sir, I've been looking through my PDA and the Intel. One or two of the nodes don't have any decent place for the little lady to land by." He was speaking loudly due to the noise of the aircraft starting to take off. He looked to Pedro across from him. "We have two paratroopers, a couple chutes, and a static line running along the ceiling here. Pedro and I could do a static line jump on approach and land near some of the further out nodes. We'll be on our own but we could handle it!"


He checked his gear and removed his field lack from his back, preparing for the eventual yes that would hopefully come back. He sadly had to get rid of the rocket launcher as well as some spare ammunition in order to be light enough. Then he moved towards the back of the VTOL and grabbed two parachutes. Moving back to his seat he threw the spare chute at Pedro. He threw his own on and sat back down.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Fortunately, conventional bullets can destroy the nodes. It's similar to our own in that a good sized shot can completely destroy the bomb. Intelligence also reports that apparently the nodes can be deactivated as well by sabotaging what appears to be wires by pulling them out of their sockets. It's rather suspiciously simple. I advise caution."


Center knew how suspicious it was. He assumed that a worst case scenario, it was a trap. The best case scenario, it was a distraction. Either way, the team needs to do the job quickly and efficiently. The bomb goes off means that the United Kingdom has a chance to outright withdraw from the ParaCom funds all together.

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Ava Kjersti - London

Pop, splat. And that was another ghoul down as Ava cocked the side of her AX338 Sniper rifle, she was standing on the rooftop of one of London's many brick buildings, overlooking a good amount of streets and other buildings, she'd disabled 3 of the power nodes already and was well on her way to finding a 4th. She turned her sights onto another ghoul that was patrolling the now deserted city street, breathing in deeply and holding it as she pulled the trigger. Pop, splat. That ghoul dropped to the ground as well, more lifeless than it already was.

She slung her sniper over her shoulder and begun sprinting, leaping from the rooftop she was on to the next one. Moving position after firing was a sniper's lifeline, that was of course only if you hadn't chosen a very good hiding spot, which Ava hadn't she was wanting to disable the power nodes whilst killing as many ghouls as she could, and so being immobile in one area wasn't her goal. She slid behind cover on the next rooftop, unclipping her military cellphone from her belt and pulling up the antenna, calling Center. />"This is Intel reporting in, 3 of the 8 known power nodes are out of commision, the Paras are tightening security though, advise caution for your team."</​

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Aero has his ways. Fear not. But be ready if you need to parachute."


By the time Ava reported her findings, the team arrived. Now it's up to them to help her find the rest of the bomb. The task would be much more difficult if the sniper didn't do her part of the job. Quality of life did improve for the team.


Alina smiled. "At least we got help. Now let's go!" The Russian heavy had a sense a new enemy would come to harass the team. This won't be easy at all.

 

[Splat]

Aero

​

Alright boys, we're coming over London. Get ready to bail. It isn't safe to land, but I'll get within dropping distance and you guys are going to have to jump out yourselves. I'll be taking snipers to vantage points on top of the taller buildings." Aero flies to about 15 feet above the ground and slows the Little Lady down so that they're only going about 15-20mph. "Jump out now!" The Little Lady takes a shot in the side, paranormal bullet ricocheting off the side harmlessly. The strange, silent man in the back, jumped up and took two shots. He saw a figure drop in the distance. Aero whistled. Damn that was a nice shot.

Lance

​

Lance got in position, happy to hear that he would be dropped off from a vantage point. He would have to wait for the rest to get out, first. As a bullet hits the side of the craft, he saw the trajectory of the shot and followed the angle with his superhuman eyes. Spotted. The shooter was approximately 124 meters out, currently hiding behind a wall. The rip of his weapon poked out the side of the. He took down on a knee and pulled out his handgun, no need for the rifle at this distance. A few adjustments were made for conditions and he fired as soon as the ghoul turned the corner. The bullet landed nearly dead center in the thing's chest, then another shot found its home between the thing's eyes. It drops. "Target down." He holstered his gun and took his seat, ready to continue.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Alina jumped along with everyone else. "No need for parachute." After jumping, she surprisingly landed well, despite her equipment adding extra weight. Her training as Spetsnaz paid off. Alina had it worse in her past. That's how they did it, Mother Russian style. Adjusting to see if the hair trigger she installed wasn't damaged, The Russian Heavy moved on.


After quickly gaining a standing position, she readied her light machinegun. Looking around, she saw a glowing cubical shape from the ground, approximately the height of an average human male and twice the width. It could provide cover given that it wasn't destroyed. "Found a node. Now cover me while I handle it." Alina then carefully approaches the power node, going from cover to cover. Benches, walls, even trash cans. Better safe than sorry.


Something didn't feel right though. She sensed something in the air. Those near her would feel a subtle change as well. It was wise to take heart Ava's warning about security. Perhaps the paranormals were getting reinforcements.

 

[Floodwater31]

As people began jumping from the Little Lady, Ben strapped his shotgun to his back. He wanted his hands free for the fall, even if that meant dropping in holstered. When it was finally his turn to take the plunge, he took two quick then let gravity take him the rest of the distance. Using his legs to absorb the force, he landed on all fours before breaking into a low run to a nearby van for cover. Not the recommended procedure for landing, but it had worked none the less. He unstrapped his firearm and began scanning the surroundings for possible hostiles, but the only thing he saw at the moment was the big glowy cube.


It's design and placement both felt off, it stuck out like a sore thumb, a large glowing target sitting in the middle of the street. In short, it was too noticeable, no effort had been put into any sort of concealment. The talk about this being a trap seemed more and more likely.


As Alina approached the node, Ben kept at eye on her from his new vantage point behind a pillar. If something went wrong, he'd at least get a shot off. The wind shifted, the new air... wasn't right. The hairs on the back of Ben's neck stood up as he continued to scan the buildings. Something is wrong.

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Pedro Matas

Pedro caught the parachute that Harold had thrown at him, then peered over to the drop. Only five or so metres, nothing that would require a parachute. "A little late, there. I'll be up near point if you need me." Pedro leaped off the Little Lady, landing with a surprisingly quiet and agile roll, immediately breaking into a low sprint for the corner of a building just behind the 'front' where Alina was approaching the bomb.


Sparing a quick glance the other way, Pedro settled himself into a comfortable firing position covering Alina. He got the strangest feeling that this was one of the most dangerous positions he could be in, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up a little. Every few moments he threw a slightly nervous glance behind him. There was an ambush coming, he could feel it in his bones. "Everyone stay sharp and in cover, now. Don't know what's out there. Someone keep checking the upper windows."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Ava watched as the Little Lady hovered over the drop point, checking her rifle's ammunition as she watched the squad jump from the back of it. Leaping onto another rooftop, this time on top of a building that was directly near the squad's position. She went over to the edge and aimed her rifle further down the street, making sure it was clear up ahead for the squad, so far there was nothing. She made sure to keep track of the squad as well as what was ahead of them, hawk-like eyes keeping trace of everything that was on the street.


This was an ambush if she had ever seen one, a minute before the Little Lady arrived, the place had been swarming with enemies, all of which had been looking for her. But as soon as it had arrived they'd all seemingly vanished, it put her on edge immensely as she checked behind herself once or twice, before returning to her posture on the roof, keeping her breathing controlled as she kept her sights steady over the street, there was still no movement..where could they have gone. />"The street's completely empty, minutes before you arrived there were swarms of them, I think it may be an ambush."</ She radioed over the squad's channel.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Just as Alina approached the pod, it was eerily quiet. An unseen force was already observing. However, one figure was seen that appeared to be just an ordinary civilian that just rummaged through a waste container. He seemed to be a scavenger to those who observed. Alina merely pressed on, keeping an eye while disarming the node. While the node was easily disarmed, Alina was concerned about the scavenger. Training her gun to be ready, she focused on what she considered out of place. Not saying a word to alert the scavenger, she took avantage of the cover provided behind the node in case the scavenger was armed.


However, the scavenger found what he was looking for. What appears to be a pistol that pulsed blue when readied. The waste container may have acted as a dead drop for the scavenger. It should be noted that no ordinary scavenger would have thought of finding a pistol in such a place. The scavenger placed the weapon in his holster and noticed the group, attempting to leave nonchalantly while whistling innocently.


Center radioed the group: "That scavenger looks out of place. Try to detain him for investigation. Reports indicate that all civilians were evacuated from the area prior to this mission. He seems to be troublesome." After Center spoke to the group, an unexpected turn of events happened.


The "scavenger" knew they would try to shoot or apprehend him. "Go ahead and try." With a cool and calm attitude, leaning near a brick wall, it was as if the scavenger was goading the group into taking action. "Be my guest."


The scavenger wasn't wide open, but vulnerable to flanking. He then bared his teeth, revealing fangs. It was no mistake who he was. It didn't help that the bomb mission was at night.

 

[Yang Xiao Long]

Nastda didn't really feel like being goaded at this point, not after making an ass of himself with the parachute. He went over to a corner where he had a good view of the scavenger. He drew his weapon, and decided on a hair brained move. "Someone cover me..."


He dashed out of cover like a bat from hell. As he neared the scavenger he threw his head down and dove into a tackle. Hopefully being able to catch the man offguard and knocking him to the ground.


(GG for dumb moves, I hope this counts as heroic)

 

[Floodwater31]

As Alina was messing with the pod, a man who was dressed like someone trying to avoid suspicion wandered into the area and began rummaging through a trash can. He pulled out something blue and glowy much quicker than anyone should have found a soda can let alone... whatever that was. Alina had taken note of the visitor and had her gun trained on him. Which in turn caused a strange reaction, the man gave a cocky grin and goaded the soldier.


Someone ran by Ben to meet the man's challenge, Harold was rushing towards the man. What the hell are you doing!? Ben left his cover behind the pillar and ran after Canadian, What the hell am I doing! While Harold threw himself at the man, Ben ran behind him and brought up his gun taking in the surroundings. As much as he wanted to help his fellow soldier, the man wasn't alone. Something told Ben they wanted to pounce on whoever was stupid enough to leave the group. "Stay together, they could pick us off in the dark", the remark was partially directed a Harold who he presumed was wrestling on the ground behind him and partially into the radio.


We're surrounded...

 

[Splat]

Lance

​

Aero dropped Lance of on the top of a near by building, then the craft moved up into the sky. Lance quickly got into position and took his allies within his scope. Instantly, a red flag was thrown up in his mind. His allies charge him, and suddenly there's movement all around. Amateurs. His training kicked in and his finger moved to the trigger of his gun. Silently, he took aim at the men wrestling on the ground and fired. The shot hit the shoulder of the unknown man as he came on top of his ally. More movement was inspired by the gunshot. The bogeys moved rapidly, and would be nearly invisible if not for Lance's enhanced eyes. He adjusted his scope and took three shots at the enemies, taking one in the knee and another in the shoulder and calf. He tapped into the com. "Moving. Restrain downed enemies. ETA to new location, five minutes." He picked up his rifle and ran, jumping across rooftops silently, weaving around obstacles and crashing through a window into a dark building with a better view of the field. He tapped back into the com. "They've trapped me." He heard them as soon as he cam through the window. His pistol was drawn, they knew he'd come to this spot. They moved blindingly fast, but Lance's eyes were faster. Bam, Bam Bam. Three shots went off and downed two vampires. One more came in behind Lance, but he was able to turn just in time to meet the creature's heart with his pistol. Bam. "Downed two, killed one. Requesting pick-up of PoW." As he was talking, his hands moved swiftly, Kevlar ropes wrapping around the downed enemies to immobilize them.

 

[DerUbermensch]

While Harold failed to take down the vampire, Lance's firing helped Ben out tremendously. An inhuman screech of pain was obvious as the sniper blew out the scavenger's kneecap. Because of Lance's isolated position, a vampire attempted to assault the sniper. Fortunately, he saw it coming and shot the vampire, downing it in one hit due to the close proximity.


The others that came to assist the scavenger were down, but not out. If something wasn't done, tying them up with Kevlar would prove to be rather difficult. It was even surprising how the vampires survived the particular sniper rifle rounds. Ben in particular can knock them unconscious as can Harold using the buttstocks of their weapons. While powerful enough to fracture a human skull, they can also knock vampires out cold.


Alina missed her shots as she tried shooting at a vampire frantically. "Close quarters!" Another one then suddenly appeared around the same area Alina was occupying, going out of stealth. Fortunately, Alina was no slouch in melee with her Spetsnaz training. She and the vampire then engaged, the Russian heavy using her LMG as a blunt weapon. The node, while disabled, also provided an impetus for Alina to slam the vampire onto the node.

 

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Pedro Matas

Pedro's eyes flicked around as more of these human-looking paranormals came from nowhere and attacked. He checked behind him, then set his sights on the one engaged with Alina. He considered shooting it, but from the sounds of it, they could speak. Who knows what intel they could gain. He charged forward, rifle raised and ready for close combat. Once in range, he put his body into a thrust with the butt of his rifle, using the momentum of his sprint as part of the attack.

 

[Floodwater31]

Shots rang out in the darkness and three forms fell to the floor. One was particularly close to Ben, he now lay in the fetal position clutching a bloodied knee, his face contorted revealing it's terrible fangs, monster. As he was looking down he saw a flicker of movement, as if his gun had gained a mind of it's own it raised itself and fired at what he knew was there. Without checking to confirm the hit he turned and took two swift steps, allowing his momentum to collect itself in the side of his boot as it collided with the downed monster's head. He cocked his gun and did a three-sixty to check his surroundings, they did love to attack from behind after all.


He gritted his teeth, If we don't find the other nodes, this will be all for nothing...

 

[Yang Xiao Long]

He charged almost blindly at the Scavenger. Then all hell broke loose. The Scavenger moved at an inhuman speed and countered the tackle bringing Nastda to the ground instead.He struggled fighting for some ground until he heard a far-off shot and then a ping. He felt something wet on his leg then heard the vampire scream. Using this as an opportunity he pushed the blood sucker off of him and climbed ontop. He quickly grabbed his LMG and bashed the thing twice on the head making it go lip. Much to his surprise this time the enemy's weapon didn't explode. "Center, I think I just captured one of them!"


He then quickly hefted the Vampire over his shoulders and moved to get out of the line of fire. "Well this was great we walked into a fucking ambush."

 

[DerUbermensch]

Alina thanked Pedro for the assistance before readying the LMG. "Going lethal. We already got some." She knew the group wasn't out of the woods yet. "Help me search." The vampires on the ground were knocked out cold. Alina dashed forward into better cover, discovering another node. She beckoned the assault troopers and snipers to cover her while she gets ready to disarm with a grenade. She had a feeling a vampire was hiding behind the node.


P A R A N O R M A L A C T I O N


"By all means try." A vampire voice vocally taunted. Harold was suddenly grappled. Before he could fight off the vampire properly, he felt the most crippling pain in his neck literally. It took powerful jaws and enamel to penetrate even bomb defusing suits. And it was demonstrated with the vampire attack. It was not the scavenger vampire, who was out cold on the ground. This one completely came out of the blue and attacked. To rub salt in the wounds, the Canadian heavy's mouth and nose were sealed by the vampire's free hand to secure the hold and induce suffocation. This was how lions in Africa killed their prey.


((Damage done: 2 points, 1 point for every update until the vampire was dealt with.))


The rest of the squad witnessed the attack. Now it's known the MO of the vampire attacks.

 

[DerUbermensch]

[Continuing off previous post]


Alina reacted quickly. She fired a burst of rounds on the vampire with surprising accuracy. The vampires was down and was able to be finished off. Topping off her actions with blowing up the node, she also blew up a vampire using her grenade. A junction explosion made sure the vampire was done in.


"Who's next?" The Russian heavy gestured to Lance and Ava to keep the group covered while watching out for vampires. None of the would-be captive vampires awakened. They were still all out cold and may be restrained for easier transport. With another node disabled, more time was bought for London.