The Project - IC Thread

[NemoTheSurvivor]

So, let me get this straight. We came at him with everything we had, and we only knocked him out? Meniru sighed as Arachne reported to command. Missiles are still in our possession and ready for extraction, but you might want to tell them that there's still one missing. Oh, and Damien, there are still some bombs on the boat. You should probably disarm them.

 

[Sherwood]

The reply is immediate. "Affirmative. We cannot transport him, and he cannot be released. Eliminate the target. What is the status of the missiles?"

 

[Psychie]

Arachne has no problem with that order. She has seen the reports of the explosions he is suspected of being behind, and the videos of the broken people being lifted out of the rubble is not something she can forget. "Understood. Fifteen of the missing sixteen missiles are secure. I say again, only fifteen missiles are here. One of the expected loadout is missing. Other than that, we have the dock under our control." Monty, Damien, you guys heard the man. Al-Kahar is to be eliminated. Take him out before he wakes up.

 

[Sherwood]

The radio operator replies, "Understood. We are sending in a helicopter to recover the missiles and to extract you and the body of Al-Kahar. Stand by for recovery."

As this is going on, Monty draws his claws and begins to rip into the unconscious form. The terrorist's tough skin is making it slow work, but eventually, the man is dead.

Off in the distance, you can hear the distinctive sounds of a large chopper flying in.

 

[Silanon]

As the helicopter gets closer, the dingo finally leaves his post, quickly climbing off the crane and joining the others to await its arrival. Only a short glance at the dead body - it doesn't take any medical training to know that this man won't continue his crimes. The order to kill him? A surprise, but a good one. A silly cat might play with its prey - it's good to know that those responsible know better than that. His eyes move on, examining the others. Making sure that noone took major wounds; he's carrying the medkit, after all. "Good work, y'all. Worked out quite nicely. First blood for the pack, and it's a big one as well."

He can't quite resist the urge to look closer, once more turning towards Al-Kahar. They'll probably take the body with them, doing their own experiments. Hard to get your hands on those datasets later on, lots of paperwork at best. Better risk a closer glance, trying to see if there's anything noticeable. He survived more shots than anyone should - and, equally important, it's not some plastic sceleton for once, but their own prey, carefully dissected by Monty's claws.

 

[Monky]

Damien grimaces a little as their orders come down, frowning at Al Kahar's body as he wonders how to finish him off. He glances aside a little as Monty starts to tear into him, before shaking his head and stepping forward, grimly waving Monty off as he sees how much trouble his brother was happening. He obviously wasn't keen on it, but he was pretty sure a point blank implosion to the head or two would be much quicker and less gruesome than what the manticore was doing.

OOC: Mechanically it probably wouldn't be any different, but I feel like if he's got unbreakable skin like luke cage then slamming his head between Damien's claw would probably mush his brain even if it leaves his skull intact... unless that's super dense too anyway :p

Roger Meniru. On my way to retrieve the charges. he sends back with a disappointed tone. Someone should probably clear the ship to confirm the last missile isn't present and take out any remaining hostiles.

 

[Silanon]

"I could do that real quick, shouldn't take too long. Anyone's willing to back me up? Maybe Meniru to not panic the crew further - I'll follow, just in case something happens." The dingo turns away from the dead man, instead grabbing his pistol to finish the task here. His rifle won't be of any use on the ship - but it's not like he'd be defenseless without it.

 

[Sherwood]

After a quick sweep of the ship, all that you find are a couple of terrified crewmen cowering in the lower decks. None are armed, and at the sight of any of the characters, they beg for their lives.

Under the ship, the planted explosives are gathered up without incident.

A total of two helicopters come in, the first gathers up the cargo from the back of the truck under the watchful eyes of several soldiers, and the second comes in to pick up the insertion team. As everyone is getting loaded onto the chopper, you can hear in the distance multiple sirens approaching, signaling the response of the local police department coming to investigate the reports of multiple gunshots in the area.

The flight back to the Project headquarters takes place with high spirits from everyone on the aircraft. Not only did you recover fifteen of the missing missiles, but you also eliminated a sizable terrorist leader, one that was responsible for possibly hundreds of innocent lives to be lost. There is already a press release from the Pentagon in the works to explain what happened in the harbor this evening, stating that a "special operations team" was responsible for the swift and decisive action that resulted in the death of several terrorists, including Al-Kahar himself.

Back home, you are met at the helipad with bottles of flowing champagne to celebrate your victory in the field.

 

[Monky]

Damien for his part whoops and gladly celebrates with his extended family of mutants and scientist, thoroughly enjoying himself without concern for the aftereffects.

 

[Sherwood]

Dr. Conway is kind enough to let everyone enjoy a celebratory drink before stepping in. "Before we get too far out of hand, I must remind you that I need to give you all a quick check-up, then there is the after mission report to go over with Alec. But don't worry; there still will be a party waiting for all of you! You've all earned it."

The good doctor is there to personally oversee everyone's status, asking how each and every one of you are feeling, both mentally and physically. After getting a medical green light, everyone tromps into the briefing room where Lt. Felix Cortez and Alec Guinn are there, and they begin to ask a battery of questions. Why did you choose this particular crane to hide in with the sniper rifle? How did you get the driver and passengers of the truck to leave it with the cargo and walk out? Where did you put explosives under the ship? Why did you choose action A instead of action B?

Overall, while there are a few items of constructive criticism, the entire debrief is upbeat and positive, with the only real negative note is the one missing missile. If that hadn't happened, it would have been a near perfect run for your first time out the door.

After all the formalities are done, you are released to the recreation hall where the party is just starting. On the big tv, there is a news report coming in from CNN talking about a military strike against a terrorist cell that had been planning operations in Atlanta, and they are confirming the reports that Al-Kahar himself is dead at the hands of the US team. Lab technicians are giving out hi-fives and are clinking glasses together at this, and a few even give out hugs to the hero's of the hour.

The next day, training does continue, but the overall pace is much more relaxed, and everyone is allowed to return to the Project grounds early as a well-earned reward for a job well done. When you get your gear properly cleaned and stowed, once more you are directed to the conference room where all of this started. General Phillips is not there this time, but Captain Wells and the other captain that was there the other day is, and there is a much reduced security force in place; only two guards are there with the Captain and her aides. Her expression is much more positive than the last time you have seen her.

Once everyone is seated, Wells stands up. "The General wishes to extend his apologies for not being here himself today; his schedule is very busy and he was not able to get free. He does wish to say that you have done a good job, and there are only a few questions that have to be gone over." Over the next hour, she asks some very specific questions that were not as detailed in your earlier debriefing, but she does draw out some critical details that had been overlooked. Obviously she has done this a time or two before.

 

[Psychie]

As the briefing goes on, Arachne finds a moment between Captain Wells' questions to ask one of her own. "Pardon me, ma'am, but what about that missing missile? Has there been any word on what happened to it?"

 

[Silanon]

The dingo listens, settled back in his chair. He's seen the newscast, the nebulous descriptions of what potentially might have happened - for once he knows every little thing. The criticism, minor deatils - to be expected, after all. Not everything can run smoothly the first time, but the team's intuition has been on point. What counts is the green light for every team member, only little scratches here and there - and of course, Al-Kahar and the missiles. The last one missing? "Probably didn't find it yet - or we wouldn't sit here idly, talking about those pesky details. We're ready to go if we're needed - just saying. Only had a short warm-up thus far."

 

[Sherwood]

First addressing Arachne, the captain responds, "At this time, we are pursuing leads, and the soldier that initially stole the munitions has been apprehended and is currently being interrogated. He has not yet given up the identity of his accomplices, but the Army's Criminal Investigation Division is confident that they will get the answers as to what was done with the missing Stinger." Then, turning her attention to Scott, she says, "I am glad to hear that you are mission ready. At this time, I am going to advise the General that you should be placed on the ready board to be deployed again when a situation comes up that requires your special skills."

 

[Psychie]

Arachne nods in understanding. She is certain that the Army will have no trouble getting the needed information from the soldier that started this whole event. Even so, she says, "Ma'am, I am willing to offer my skills in the interrogation of the criminal if it is needed." In the meantime, I need to work on the strength of my telekinetic shield. If Al-Kahar had gotten a hold of me, I wouldn't last very long. Even Monty was hurt from a punch from him, and he's the toughest of us all! "I am looking forward to serving my country in any way I can."

 

[Sherwood]

Captain Wells looks at Arachne, "Thank you for your offer. If your unique skills are deemed to be needed, I am sure that we can make arrangements for you to be in the same room as Sgt. Cooper, where you can use your mental powers to dredge up the names we are looking for. Any other questions?"

 

[Silanon]

The dingo slowly raises one paw: "Al-Kahar - I assume you secured his remains for studies? Not that I'm a scientist by any means - more of a charlatan, actually. Still would like to take a look at the outcomes, if someone would be kind enough to grant me access. Might learn a trick or two in the process, took us too many bullets to take him down. If we'll be fielded more often in the future, any little bit makes a difference."

 

[Sherwood]

With Scott's basic medical knowledge and general knowledge on paranormals, Al-Kahar was what is referred to as a Brick. He had a Strength score in the 40-60 point range, which would explain why Monty had a cracked rib from the punch that connected with his chest. Usually, along with the Strength mutation, the Brick will frequently have physical and energy resistance on a high scale, making it difficult to hurt them. In order for his autopsy to be performed, it will most likely have to use a high powered laser to cut his hard tissue since a knife won't be sufficient to get the job done.

Once more, the captain gives the same kind of statement that she did to Arachne; "If you are needed, we will let you know."

OOC you could pick up a KS Paranormals at a 12-, giving you some insight into the paranormal community. It would help you to know more about future targets that you are going to be up against.

 

[Monky]

Damien excitedly answers all the questions, expressing disappointment at not getting to detonate the explosives, his enthusiasm for pyrotechnics undoubtedly noted already many times in his file. He also expresses some nervousness and discomfort when the narrative reaches the engagements with the soldiers; he'd performed as he'd been trained, but it would be obvious to his interviewer that he hadn't much enjoyed killing the soldier he'd shot and what he'd done to help finish off Al Kahar.

Feeling a little worse for wear he mostly keeps quiet in the briefing, sipping water to rehydrate himself after the enjoyable evening and the morning's workout. Otherwise he remains compliant and content at a job well done.

 

[NemoTheSurvivor]

Meniru didn't spend much time celebrating before going to bed early. After the examinations and light training, Meniru would join the others in the debriefing with Captain Wells, answering questions when asked but otherwise remaining silent.

 

[Sherwood]

With no other questions, the Captain and her escorts pack up their paperwork and head for the door.

Over the course of the next three weeks, the group settles down into a routine of regular training in various environments, testing your skills and abilities, driving you ever farther down the road to your very best. It is in the middle of the night, just after 3 am, when everyone's alarms start going off nd you are summoned out of bed. When you get to the briefing room, you find Lt. Cortez and Sgt. Cuomo there, waiting for you. Both of them look like they have just crawled out of bed, too, but there is a level of excitement to them that is quite visible.

"Sorry for the early wake up call, but we have just been ordered to deploy, this time to the Gulf of Mexico. An oil rig out in the Gulf has been captured by agents of one of the drug cartels, and there are an unknown number of hostages involved. The initial message from the criminals indicate that they have planted explosives on the rig, and any attempt to retake the place will result in the immediate detonation of the bombs, killing everyone inside and making one hell of an environmental disaster that will take years to clean up. The Coast Guard has several ships on station, and we will be given a more thorough report once we get there. This is going to be a stealth insertion, using silenced weapons. We will either insert via parachute or by swimming in, just depends on how the place looks for us when we get there. Scott, you'll be better off leaving the sniper rifle behind and going with something more suited to close in combat, but let me stress, NO incendiaries! We don't want to start our own fire on the place. Now, I know you have a hundred questions, but save them for the flight out. Go grab your gear and get to the airfield so we can be on the way ASAP."

 

[Silanon]

Tired eyes muster those assembled - a sleepy yawn escapes Scott's jaws. If he had known that they'd capture an oil rig tonight, he wouldn't have read through those articles... oh well, he'll find some more sleep on the flight. "Got you - don't blow up the place, and stab them to death." There seems to be a slight disappointment as he's adviced to leave the sniper rifle at home. After all, it's done some work - but on some platform in the midst of the ocean, it probably won't be too useful. A trusty sub-machine gun will have to do - he'll grab one on his way to the airfield, in additional to the usual gear.

 

[NemoTheSurvivor]

"No problem on the wakeup," Meniru says. "I got my two hours in, so I'll be fine for a couple of days." After listening to the rest of the briefing, she smiles. "Disarming bombs? What do you know, that's right up my alley. Though I don't speak Spanish, so blending in will be rather hard." At the equipment lockers, she chooses to take two SOCOM handguns and bomb diffusial gear.

 

[Psychie]

Arachne will trade in her shotgun for a sub-machine gun with a silencer, with a pair of extra magazines, and a Glock as a sidearm and back-up pistol, that also with a silencer and a pair of extra magazines for it.

"So, what is the insertion plan? Are we going to swim or air drop in? Personally, I have not trained in parachuting, even if it just falling down. I don't want to aim for a landing spot on the oil rig and miss, landing off target and compromising our approach. If we SCUBA in, we can then climb up the legs of the platform without any risk of missing our landing site." She looks over at Monty. "You're the only one of us that is guaranteed to get where you are aiming with a air drop with those handy wings of yours."

H&K MP53 5.56x45mm N OCV +1, RMod +0, Damage 2d6, STUNx +1, Payload 25, Mass 3.05 300m 62/21 AF5
Glock 20 10mm OCV +0, RMod +0, Damage 2d6-1, STUNx +0, Payload 15, Mass 0.64 270m 27/9 PR

 

[Sherwood]

Monty shrugs. "By air or water, I'm wiling to go and dish out some serious hurt. I'll have to come up with something to use besides my M-60; neither one is very quiet. Hmmm. Perhaps tear gas grenades? I can load my launcher up with those and some smoke grenades, and gas out the bad guys without risk of starting any fires or hurting any of the hostages. When I need to get nasty with someone, I can use my claws."

Once everyone has gathered up their choice of weapons and your specialized scuba gear and parachutes are packed up into the transport helicopter, you set off for the Gulf. As you fly, the Lieutenant is able to give you some more details on the job.

"This is a file picture of the Jasper Nine oil platform. As yo can see, it is quite large, with a current crew of sixty people on board. What we do know for certain is that a group of eight to ten gunmen hijacked a supply ship that was making a routine run out to the rig. The gunmen boarded the rig, and proceeded to round up the crew. There was at least three casualties in the crew of the Jasper Nine, with a unconfirmed report suggesting as many as ten have been injured. A group of the rig's crew has been able to barricade themselves into the control room, and it is from them that we are getting direct intel on the conditions on the rig.

From what we have been told, there does not appear to be any Paranormals in the ranks of the terrorists, just normal humans, so the fight will be a bit easier than when you were dishing out the hurt on Al-Kahar and not making much progress. According to the terrorists, they have planted explosives inside the rig with plans to detonate them if there is any attempt to retake the platform. This is not confirmed, so we don't know if there are really any explosives hidden around or if it is just a bluff."

 

[NemoTheSurvivor]

"Do they have any cameras in the control room?" Meniru asks. "Can they tell us if they see any bombs and where they might be? And can they tell us where the terrorists and hostages are? As for insertion, I'd be most comfortable with water, for obvious reasons. Oh, and can I get a set of plans to look over? Having a map of the area wouldn't be a bad idea."