Futuristic Project Griffin: The RP (Official IC)

[DerUbermensch]

Blades finished off the heavily automaton with her close quarters maneuver (rolled a 6 plus 5) and found loot! The loot was from one of the robot's inventory stash that was surprisingly resilient. Though it opened as soon as the machine was downed. In particular, it was a Cosmodium core. Cosmodium was an energy source used by the paranormal beings and the Emergence Entity alike. The engineers back at the base would love to have one of those cores recovered unharmed. Wren sprinted right to the VTOL craft without incident (rolled an 8).

Hitting one's hand on the wall didn't cure the disorientation, as the disorientation was more akin to being punch drunk or dizzy. As a result, his shots were grazes on a targeted drone (rolled a seven, minus 1, total 6). Jericho's flash grenades didn't work on synthetic enemies despite landing near them (rolled 8, minus -1, total of seven). They worked only on organic enemies. Robots weren't affected by flashing lights or loud noises like organics were. However, it only provoked them further. Hornet scored a direct hit (rolled a 10!) and killed the drone in one hit. He was free to fall back and regroup with the others. Yensen's suppression maneuvers scattered the drones moderately (rolled an 8). The remaining drones, three of them, scattered to avoid gunfire. All out in the open were free to get back to the VTOL. Gray was free to run back to the transport with no incident if she wanted to. Abel did snag (rolled an 8) the bike thanks to the owner leaving the keys there. Lots of things happened thanks to the drunken party. With Nun in tow, he was able to reunite with Bakudan and Ying at the ship.

As most were on the retreat, the drones focused their attention to Jericho. All three of them were onto the commando's general direction. One of the drones got close to Jericho and fired the taser (rolled a five, plus 5, a ten!) that knocked him unconscious. A threat neutralized, the other two drones patrolled elsewhere. They were unaware of remaining operatives. It was up to Yensen, Gray, or other operatives to rescue Jericho. The commando made his bed, but may not have to sleep in it. Fortunately, all previous disorientation wore off by the time their comrade was knocked out cold.

 

[Windsock]

Yensen nodded at his orders (And her comment) while giving an affirmative "Yes Ma'm.". He waited in place while scanning the plaza from behind his metal bench, making sure he reloaded his rifle correctly. Gripping it tightly, he noticed sweat condensing in his mask, and could still barely believe he was actually in a shoot-out. With robots, even! Watching the situation unfold, he glanced aside at the retreating parties figured something was about to go to shit.

As he heard a painful-sounding zap, he widened his eyes in mild surprise, with a bit of expectancy, as he saw Jericho go down due to a taser shot. He stammered, "J-Jericho's down!". Breathing heavily as he realized what this means, he still forced himself to move and jumped up from his cover. Again, he yelled, "Captain! We can't leave him behind!" while unloading another magazine of suppressing fire towards the drones hovering about near his downed squad-mate.

He was a doctor, and if he knew anything, he knew a good doctor helped as many people as possible stave off death. His tools just changed this time.

 

[Darktanion]

Gray skidded to a stop, looking back, her teeth clenching unhappily as yensens voice broke over the mic. Her eyes shifted back to Jericho, a groan passing her lips as she twisted, sliding to Jericho. "I've got him. Go now." -She grunted pulling his arm around her shoulder, raising her gun and firing at the autobo. She raised her foot kicking off the tazing line, keeping the wire under her rubber based boot-

 

[Imperator_tenebrae]

Colonel Edmund had his eyes on the live feed this whole time aboard the Nemesis. He looked down at the LCD displays in front of him of the current situation with his typical analytical stare while he took a drag from his cigar. Without saying a word or looking towards the CIC’s main entrance he noticed the distinctive air of frustration and impatience permeating the room from a particular man of short stature.

“Aye! Are ye blind, mate?! Do ye see thagt kor? Tha most intact wev cam across, it would giv os an ech against thez paratwats to kict thim riaght in da daddybaggs!” Argyle ranted on in his typical thick brogue that even Edmund struggled to understand at times.

“Calm yourself, professor. I already tasked an extraction team as we speak.” Edmund leaned forward to watch the progress of the secondary VTOL in real time from a nearby camera drone.

The colonel reached over to put his headset on to speak to the team directly, chiefly Blades. “Be advised we have a secondary objective. Secure the cosmodium core at all costs, the professor needs it and you’re the closest one. I have backup coming your way.”

The backup Edmund spoke of was none other than Murder. He was sitting in the secondary VTOL calmly waiting for the rear ramp to open at a moment’s notice to unleash hell. He was a beast of a man geared in heavy body armor and armed to the teeth with a personal arsenal of a sub-machine gun, a high caliber, high ammo capacity shotgun, hand grenades, a .45 pistol and a trusty tomahawk at his hip to inflict maximum carnage on anything the paranorms had in store for him and the team.

Escorting this VTOL was a pair of Griffin’s own combat drones armed with hellfire missiles and chin mounted guns to provide an extra layer of support with another sortie flying behind them. The Colonel had to pull some strings to get an extra pair to insure the paranorms will not deny them this crucial piece of technology.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Assuming everyone's at the VTOL:

Gray managed to beat Yensen to rescuing Jericho (Rolled a seven vs a six, Gray won). The remaining drones didn't zero in on their location, but they were still on patrol. They still had time to get back to the VTOL at their leisure. "Recover everything and we're set!"

The scientific entourage came in loaded for bear. That was a good thing considering how precious the loot was. The core was carried surprisingly smoothly, considering Murder's amount of weaponry (rolled a 6). The core was snagged with Blades' help and everyone ran back to the VTOL ships promptly.

"Mission accomplished! The area is cleared!" The charges then detonated promptly, causing quite the panic among the party-goers. Fortunately, the only casualties were just mere injuries in the ensuing stampede. All expected from drunken fools running away.

PROLOGUE MISSION SUCCESS

"The mission could have gone worse, but you all pulled through. Good job and expect promotions!" In particular, Abel, Bakudan, Blades, Gray, Hornet, Murder, Nun, Wren, and Ying would be promoted to Corporal for their efforts in the field. Everyone else was squaddie for the meantime. The promotions were also given in junction reward of new gear from the engineers. However, while both can be declined, it would be a good idea to accept both. For apothecaries, a dart gun. Bombardiers can have a rocket launcher as the alternative. Commandos get a new melee or short ranged weapon of request. Deadeyes may also have a new wrist-mounted cannon as an alternative reward.

The core was immediately taken to Argyle for further study. While it was a risky endeavor, the scientist got his prize. Jericho had to be in the medical bay for recovery. It would take some time to get him back to consciousness. All operatives were free to make themselves home at the giant mobile base, the Nemesis. A converted Xeno supply barge, the size allowed for not just human personnel. Automated vehicles such as interceptors and ground combat tanks were included. There were three VTOL ships in total in the hangar alongside drones and interceptors. Fortunately, majority of the crafts were backup in case of danger. Worst case scenario, it was completely amphibious. Air, land, and even submersible in the sea, there was no Earthly environment out of grasp.

Amenities including a bar and a gym were around for operatives' convenience.

 

[CharChar45]

Blades huffed and grinned as she leaned back in her chair, resting her hands behind her head. "Cakewalk," she commented, in regards to the previous mission, "Corporal Blades... I like it. It has a nice ring to it." She chuckled slightly, grinning as she popped a piece of bread into her mouth, washing it down with a swig of beer.
"You should not be so arrogant," Wren commented, giving her a sideways look as she calmly sipped her drink. "You are of a higher rank, which means more responsibility. And your recklessness and pompous attitude show a lack of an ability to be responsible."
Blades scowled at the words, giving Wren a quick glare. "I am perfectly capable of being responsible. I take care of myself!"
"And what about the others in the team? You always go in alone, and do not accept help. It could get you and others killed."
"Oh please. I'm pretty damn hard to kill, uptight much." Blades took another heavy swig of her drink, purposefully ignoring Wren. Wren shook her head at that, deciding to focus on her own thoughts then dealing with this.... child beside her.

 

[Darktanion]

A head pressed suddenly against Blades lap quiet suddenly. Abel slipping down to lay on her, almost instantly asleep. He had been known to do this. His definaition of personal space has been completely none existent. Though he usually found John's lap to curl up in, Blades was far closer. Ending in the situation you see now. He was still dressed in the same clothing from the mission before, the sniper rifle laced to his back with the thick dust of debris from the monument that had dusted the street in a cloud of concrete.
He adjusted himself in his sleep, wrapping his arms tiredly around Blade's waist. He practically hugged her, hips, his dust covered clothing rubbing against hers. Gray stepped up to the table grabbing another piece of bread raising a brow as her eyes shifted down to Abel, then again to Blades. "I wouldn't be against placing a bomb on his belt." She muttered, taking a bite of her bread. "Next mission will be soon I hear."

 

[DerUbermensch]

Mission 2: Operation Piercing Freebooter

Pebruary 9th, 2035

Two hours after the attack, Argyle was free to study the Cosmodium core at his leisure. It would take days to study, but the good doctor may move at his own pace. John Doe then thought the whole base could use some more supplies. Hearing from the resistance of a convoy coming around and filled to the brim with supplies, he had an idea. With a week of planning, he came up with a way to pick it clean in a raid.

February 16th, 2035

Local time: 0816 (8:16 AM)

A week later, the entire team had to lay low before executing another mission. Surprisingly easy considering the massive Nemesis. The mobile base was about as fast as the speed of sound at a cruising pace, but it didn't exceed Mach 1 for stealth purposes. Breaking the sound barrier was noisy as is. Though it was high time to be loud.

"This shortage of supplies should trouble us all. It's a situation that should be avoided like a plague. Fortunately, I have just the cure for this one. Resistance partisans have sabotaged an Emergence Entity convoy and it just screams for us to pick clean. Corporals, if you want further promotions, this raid calls out your names! The risk is higher, but so is the reward. We may be fighting robots and organics in tandem, so don't be afraid spilling their blood."

Squaddies were free to join up, though they'll have to be extra careful and be mindful. All VTOL craft was ready for loading and takeoff.

 

[Darktanion]

Gray stood in the corner, her hand wrapped around a hand rail above her as the ship rocked, swaying her footing slightly. Her eyes moved to John as he spoke, her lips perking slightly. "What type of enemy combatants are we lightly to be coming in contact with? The armor we wear isn't enough to with stand the 'Al'san' bite. What's more is they blend in all too well. In close quarters this could be an issue unless we employ a distraction. Bait so to say."
Abel again found himself leaning over onto Blades lap, snoring softly.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"From information gathered, double E often uses subterfuge over brute strength to protect cargo. Robots and clones are speculated to make the bulk of the enemies we encountered. However, they aren't civilian peacekeepers. They have fully lethal weaponry so no chances. While Kevlar and ceramic plating can mitigate the damage, your best defense is not getting hit in the first place."

John Doe gave exposition on what they would be up against. All of them were expected to have magnetic weapons analogous to ballistic weapons used by Griffin. Because life for convoy and transportation workers had inherent risk of going wrong, every worker had the option in sending in a clone as a temporary replacement if the job was deemed dangerous enough to warrant it. These included mountain ranges and extreme weather. The former this time was the case as the convoy was transporting goods over the mountains.

"Because the environment is less than ideal for flatlanders, the VTOL includes all necessary equipment for fights in the mountains."

 

[CharChar45]

Blades groaned as Abel dozed off on her lap, a machete strapped to her back. It was the weapon she requested when promoted, and it was a damn find blade. It would help her take down machines with more ease as well. She still had her small shotgun, of course, but melee weapons were much more her style. "How high is the elevation? Breathing may become a problem if we aren't careful."
"Finally asking the proper questions," Wren muttered to herself in response to Blades, giving her a sideways look.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"It won't be Mount Everest if that's what you're asking. It won't exceed 3000 feet or 1000 meters depending on what system you use. I have put on equipment that you can use for the mountains. The good news is that since there are mountains, it'll be hard for the convoy to recover. That's a ripe opportunity to loot."

They will need new equipment and adjustments to attack fully lethal enemies. Mountains were hell for anyone to fight. Thus John Doe prepared the VTOL with necessary items. It may seem generous, but generosity was only giving excess amounts.

 

[BassJunkyLeader]

((OOC: Somehow I never got notified about these posts! I am so sorry!))

Gabe had been listening for sometime to the strategic ideas of Grey. She had the right ideas, he thought almost admiringly. Strategy was Gabe's favorite topic to relieve stress before a battle. As for today, he was rather quiet. This smash and grab attack had him a little worried; however it wasn't anything new. With his helmet tucked under his arm, his rifle on his back, and his dual magnums tucked in their holsters, Gabe reminded himself of his skills that helped him in combat.

Gabe finally held his helmet up to his face to see his own reflection. After fixing his hair a bit (which was a nervous habit) he smiled. Confidence began to rush back into him as he remembered how the dents in the helmet came to be.

"So these Clankers can kill this time?" he said, his accent thick but mixed. "I think a distraction is risky but a good idea, Grey."

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Yes, the machines are outfitted with lethal weaponry this time around. We got Kevlar and ceramics to help out, but the best defense is not getting hit in the first place." The VTOL was loaded with at least four operatives. Should be minimum to perform a raid.

"Anyone else want promotions? This is a great opportunity for some!" John Doe was confident that the group can handle it with discretion. Good loot was very hard to come by. Even the staunchest of dissidents would love to have some of the weapons and supplies the Emergence Entity transports with their many convoys.

 

[Imperator_tenebrae]

Slayne did not make much of a sound when he brought the core aboard with Blade’s help. He did not say as much as a thank you before he sat back down and fidgeted with his submachine gun. He was a strange individual.

-After Action Reports-

Edmund knew after this recent achievement would put Griffin back on the Entity’s radar and had the Nemesis’s helmsman move the mobile sea base as far and away just as soon as all VTOLs and drones were secured. The Nemesis stayed submerged somewhere in the Pacific where the vastness of the ocean was their best hiding spot until they were ready for the next mission.

Argyle was practically geeking out in front of his most trusted assistants as he took the core apart to examine it thoroughly within the cluttered confines of his lab within the bowls of the Nemesis. As dedicated as to solving a very complex puzzle, Argyle was the type that did not leave a single stone unturned when reverse engineering xenos technology.

“Aye this is greht, ye wan beleev te powrr tis wee contrapa-cohrr poots ouht!” Argyle went on like a kid on Christmas morning who got all sorts of new fancy toys.

Edmund just shook his head in mild amusement.

“Just see what you can do with it, professor. We’re going to need that edge against these damned aliens.” The Colonel chewed on his cigar and took the stairs back to the upper decks of the Nemesis contemplating deployment details and compiling intelligence reports for the next raid.

Meanwhile Slayne was sitting at his usual spot in the cantina medicating himself with the most potent drinks available and polishing off his second MRE after an intensive workout. The man lived to be a killing machine and was keen on making himself as deadly and formidable as the human physiology could allow. One would say he started a small skull collection of the paranorms he killed in his private quarters in a rather macabre display of his many triumphs over the vicious bloodsuckers or sanguivores as biotechs called them.

--One Week Later-

Edmund was already in the briefing room and was going about the intelligence reports while John Doe briefed the team on the mission ahead. He switched the projector to show the mountain site where they’ll be performing their smash and grab.

“Not only will the machines be outfitted with lethal weapons but they’ll be having some of their heavy soldiers there as well.” The Colonel clicked the control to show a few photographs of lizard-like men intelligence called saurians.

“These guys are pretty tough and I highly recommend take heavy anti-personnel with you but the intelligence wants one alive for questioning if possible.” He added.

“Leave that to me.” The deep gruff voice of Slayne spoke up as he cracked his knuckled loudly.

 

[DerUbermensch]

John Doe acknowledged Slayne and Edmund. "Edmund's right. We can't get information from a corpse!" At least six troopers, mainly commandos and deadeyes were aboard a VTOL. More were readied for reinforcements as needed. The group was headed to the Appalachians.

The Appalachians were surprisingly warm considering the mountain altitude not exceeding the average of 3000 feet on where the area of operations were. The convoy was already trapped by the fact they could not easily recover. It screamed an opportunity to raid. Snow was present, but it wasn't arctic level.

As the group landed, they were all hidden in plain sight. Concealment was active, meaning they now operate in the shadows. This should allow the group to get the drop on the convoy. The operatives have to be aware that the weapons are lethal though.

 

[Darktanion]

Gray stepped out into the snow, holding her weapon against her chest as she steps forward. "This snow will slow us down. Without freezing temperatures it's likely to be more slushy." She looked back to John, Abel jumping from the lip of the craft into the snow, the ice slushing under his feet. "Don't fall sleep in that. I am not treating your cold sleeping beauty." Gray retorted, Abel smiling sheepishly.
"You'll carry me right?"
"You wish Snooze." She moved forward, Abel pulling his scope up, eyeing the mountains above. "I will set up there."
"Perfect napping spot?" She growled, shooting back a glare.
Abel "I wont fall asleep this time." She huffed again, looking to John. She had always voiced her distaste for him. And now lacking the other deadeye on this mission he would only be a problem asset. Unreliable. "Someone should go with him." She added, Abel clenching his teeth slightly, keeping his expression plain.