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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 9, 2017 10:55:49 GMT -6
As Eric's team reached the entry to the Okinawa the Centurions moved to completely block the way, crossing their rifle barrels much like the royal guards familiar to the N7 in his ancient vids. He contained a snort; their armor was clean, almost immaculate if not for the dents peppered about them. Likely their first official posting if they were not still in Basic Training.
"This is a restricted area, "the man on the right stated. "State your name, rank, and cargo."
Closer observation showed they were both tense, ready for anything. The man on the left had his trigger finger primed. Certitude with a touch of condescension would be the way to handle the pair. And something out of left field to defuse them slightly.
Eric moved to the front of the sled - centered between it and the Centurions - folded his arms and angled his head at both of them.
"Logan, Theodore. Lieutenant," said Eric, not sounding as conciliatory as he did with the inspection team. "We have a delivery for Captain Crichton from the freighter Patroclus: recovered luggage, courtesy of Captain Braxton. Inspection has already cleared it... so would you two please relax? You look like a pair of krogan holding in a shit!"
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 9, 2017 14:47:31 GMT -6
"Black, Arnold, Lieutenant," Joe said, leaning casually against the corridor wall.
He almost joined Lysander, but with his size, such a move could ratchet up the tension a bit too high. One look at their armor and the way they held their weapons screamed rookie. Rookies were nervous, and the most dangerous thing in the galaxy was a nervous person with a gun.
"But don't take our word for it, go ahead and call up both of the captains to verify the shipment," he said. "I'm sure they got nothing better to do."
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 9, 2017 21:58:48 GMT -6
[GM Post- continuing Round Two]
The two men stared first at Lysander and then Fischer, as they spoke their peace.
The man on the left presses a finger to one of the audo-receptors on his helmet. "Tell Captain Crichton we have a group of four here, with a sled they say is carrying personal effects delivered by the Patroclus."
The one on the right looked Fischer dead in the eye, and said, "There isn't anything more important than maintaining the security of this project, Lieutenant."
The man on the left nodded. Then he nodded again. "The Captain wants to see you."
The man to the right moved aside for the group, the man on the left leading them into the ship. Everywhere in sight mulled technicians, engineers, and systems specialists. Supervising them all were a number of Assault Troops and Centurions. The ship, complete save for the very finishing touches, was obviously being tweaked to perfection prior to its first launch.
Standing up on the galaxy map, surveying it all, was a tall man with short, military hair. He was wearing what was clearly a custom heavy armor, along with a Harrier on his right hip. Standing guard at the base of the map, to either side, were a pair of Dragoons.
Not immediately acknowledging their approach, the man tapped an earpiece, "I don't care if it's calibrated to within regulation requirements. I want the variance in that drive core reduced by half, Commander." A pause. "Erin, I don't want to hear it. Tell the engineering team to get whatever specialty gear it is they need and get that variance down."
Turning to Lysander (assuming he and the group follow onboard), Captain Crichton said, "About time! Well, let's see it!"
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Post by Urdnot Thrak on Apr 9, 2017 22:03:24 GMT -6
Thrak drew his hammer and made his way over to the shuttle hatch.
"You aren't going out there?" Emily asked, concern in her voice.
He had heard distant voices in the cargo bay, but closer than they should have been. Something had gotten the attention of the inspection team. Thrak was trying to figure out what it could be, until he noticed the hanar typing away at a mid-sized computing device. Rushing over, he pushed the jelly out of the way and stomped the device, turning off the power and giving the Vengeance stealth again. He pointed an angry finger at the hanar, silencing any objections before they started.
Turning back towards the cockpit, he added, "Not unless I have to, Girlie."
Still, he waited by the hatch, hammer in hand.
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 10, 2017 7:11:21 GMT -6
The man on the left put his hand to the side of his helmet to activate its audio-receptors. "Tell Captain Crichton we have a group of four here, with a sled they say is carrying personal effects delivered by the Patroclus." Eric waited as the man nodded twice then finished his communication. "The Captain wants to see you," said the man.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” replied Lysander as he motioned for his team to take up their sides on the sled again to bring it inside the Okinawa. The Centurion who commed the ship led them as his partner made way for them to board.
Assault Troops and Centurions were everywhere as technicians, engineers, and systems specialists scrambled to make sure everything checked out for the vessel’s maiden voyage. Eric’s group were led up to the ship’s galaxy map. Captain Crichton was there speaking with various personnel around his ship over an earpiece. A tall man with short, military-styled hair wearing a custom heavy armor with a Harrier on his right hip. Standing guard at the base of the map, to either side, were a pair of Dragoons.
Eric had his group stop and wait as he stepped forward to address Crichton himself, catching the tail end of his conversation with a tech on the other end.
"Erin, I don't want to hear it. Tell the engineering team to get whatever specialty gear it is they need and get that variance down…"
Turning off his earpiece, the captain turned to Eric.
"About time! Well, let's see it!"
“Certainly, sir…” Eric looked about him at the bustle surrounding them. “Begging your pardon, sir, but maybe we should unpack this somewhere less… obtrusive? Looks like things are in high gear around here and I’m sure the crew would appreciate it if they didn’t have to trip over your stuff as you’ve got them going over all the vital systems and everything…”
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Apr 10, 2017 8:48:10 GMT -6
Sensing things were about to go bad, Geneenh casually strolled over towards the comms section of the bridge. As soon as the gunfire started, the comms officer would alert the entire yard and that could not be allowed to happen.
Then we only have to deal with an entire ship instead of the entire shipyard...
The comms officer nodded at her and she nodded back, wondering if the officer had any idea her fate would be decided in the next few seconds.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 10, 2017 9:52:06 GMT -6
Maelstrom's spirits brightened at seeing the ship. It was beautiful. A nearly perfect place for him to hide from Cerberus, as long as his goals and the Broker's we're aligned.
The means of getting it was perfect too. So many evil people in one place, so unaware. Their blood would run freely shortly.
Eric and Captain Crichton began talking, and Maelstrom noticed the asari make her way to a comms station. He quietly followed. His loyalty was with Fischer and Lysander, but Geneenh was the most mission-critical person at the moment. And the most helpless
He hoped Lysander and the others understood not to discount the engineers and technicians walking around. Many would have combat experience. Some Engineers even wore armor, absent a turret but wielding instead torches, plasma cutters, or delicate calibration equipment.
"Don't forget to invite our Greek friends to the surprise party," he said to the asari, more to ease his anxiety than because he feared she might forget.
It was torture to keep his hands off his weapons.
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 10, 2017 15:21:06 GMT -6
Izahm spotted a familiar group moving to the captain but he couldn’t place why they were so familiar. He was dressed in Centurion armor much to his displeasure though it did allow him access to the ship and any intel on Cerberus research labs and troop movements. He was content to keep his armor safely stashed away in the baffles of the Okinawa for when the ship left off. His Centurion disguise also allowed him to remain on the bridge close by the captain where he heard one of the four armored individuals speak. He recognized the voice instantly as Lysander’s, he had a very particular way of talking. He then noticed one of the four armored individuals peel off and stand by a nearby comms technician, ‘Smart take out the comms so nobody can warn the outside forces.’ Then another walks over to the first. ‘Maybe I can get his attention, though he may not take kindly to a Cerberus Centurion talking about his past and the group,’ Izahm thinks starting to walk over to Lysander which he figured by the massive frame and heavy armor the other nearby him must be Fischer. ‘That must mean one of the other two nearby the comms officer is Maelstrom.’ He thinks before slowly looking around and then casually comes up next to Fischer and says quietly so the man can hear, “Hey where’s your twin of destruction? You two were practically inseparable. And how’s the others we had a very explosive parting,” then he waits for his answer hoping he’ll recognize the phrases.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 10, 2017 17:30:15 GMT -6
Joe turned his head ever so slightly at the centurion talking to him. He was obviously a member of the team, but who? It wasn't anyone who had been present for the meeting with the Broker's representative, so that left someone from the team who worked for their previous employer.
His mind raced through the roster of those who had worked for Bridges, and it took a large amount of effort not to sigh in exasperation.
"Later, Clark," he said softly to the reporter, hoping the kid remembered the nickname he had given him, and then nodded towards the door which led deeper into the ship, hoping even more he would get the hint.
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 10, 2017 18:08:09 GMT -6
Izahm noticed the nickname and breathed an internal sigh of relief, 'He recognized the phrases' he thinks before nodding to the other Centurions around him and making his way the nearby door Fischer regarded. He positions himself nearby the door then waits for the group to do what they do best. 'This should be fun' Izahm thinks as he waits.
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Post by Arcus on Apr 12, 2017 2:50:08 GMT -6
Arcus began to laugh as he deactivated his omni-blade. Blood dripped from his gauntleted hands as eased the body of the Cerberus soldier to the ground. He drunk in the smell that was heightened by Clarity's effects. There was something intoxicating about the scent of the iron-based blood that pumped through human veins. But then, there was something intoxicating about any blood Arcus spilled.
He supposed he should hide the bodies from view. He looked around. There was simply too much blood to clean up to be able to avoid scrutiny. The engineer in particular had made quite a mess from arterial spray. He walked over the the dead man's head and picked it up, gazing for a moment into his lifeless eyes. He adjusted his voice into a mocking pantomime, moving the engineer's jaw as he spoke.
"Oi, boss, I figured out the problem! There's a feckin' turian in here. Must be chewing through all the wires!" He tossed the head back over his shoulder, chuckling to himself before returning to his normal, cold voice. "Better call the exterminator. I hear turian infestations can be a real bitch to handle."
The mad turian pulled up the security feed on his HUD again, just in time to see third set of dots joining the second in the cargo bay. He cursed to himself. They must have picked up a reading on the Vengeance. Well, at least he wouldn't have to worry about cleaning up after himself now. The boarding party wouldn't be making it back this way.
Arcus began running in the direction of the cargo bay, wishing he could give a heads up to Thrak without risking the message being intercepted. He wasn't sure if there was enough time to intercept both teams before they spotted the shuttle.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 12, 2017 9:27:25 GMT -6
Maelstrom's hand jerked towards his sidearm, as he watched a Centurion walk right up to Fischer. The purpose with which he had done so told Maelstrom this was no simple checking in with another officer. He had come out of nowhere and went straight for Fischer, who was clearly not working a post. The way Fishcer then turned his head and the body language between the two of them suggested a brief conversation. The unknown party then moved off.
What are you up to? Maelstrom wondered. There was a time, not long ago even, when he might have questioned Fischer's motives, if he could be trusted. Then the man had faced down the full fury of Cerberus for no reward aside from loyalty. A number of people had. To him, that meant he could extend them absolute trust. While there were still some things he kept private, they understood who and what he was now.
Still, he was tensed. Something told him that there was about to be trouble. He wanted to be the cause, not the recipient.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 12, 2017 18:52:54 GMT -6
Joe could feel it; the plan was going sideways, and they would have to fight their way through to their objective.
He was okay with that.
The ignorant might think he was a bloodthirsty savage, someone who stood atop a pile of his fallen enemies and howled for more.
Far from it, but still close at the same time.
He didn’t go looking for trouble, but if he ran into it—or it into him—he didn’t run from it; he simply wasn’t made that way. Whatever it was in him, it drove him to step up to the trouble rather than running away.
It was like an approaching storm, full of chaos, but he had learned that even in chaos there was peace, a simplicity that made everything else in life go away.
You and your opponent trying to destroy each other; what could be any easier than that?
He had already picked out his targets: the two fighters guarding the ship’s captain. Their armor matched that of several fighters he had faced in the raid to free Maelstrom, which meant they were armed with powered whips which would spring out of both gauntlets. Once charged, the fighters would then leap forward, their whips cutting through both shields and armor. He saw firsthand their effectiveness in the bodies of those that had accompanied him in the raid.
Had he been in his Destroyer armor and carrying his usual complement of weapons, they would be of little concern, but now all he had was an assault rifle, a stun rod and some smoke grenades.
I don’t know how I’m going to win. I just know I’m not going to lose.
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Post by Arcus on Apr 13, 2017 3:12:41 GMT -6
Biotic energy swirled around Arcus as he ran through the entryway into the cargo hold. He let it surge, propelling himself into the air as kicked off the ground. He landed atop a high container as softly as he could and crouched down, pausing for a moment as he listened for any sign of his quarry noticing his entrance. His HUD wouldn't pinpoint targets beyond what room they were in, but his ears could pick up the slack. He continued to listen; still under the effects of Clarity, his hearing was heightened enough that he could hear the cautious footfalls of the Cerberus units. He still could not reliably pinpoint an exact position, particularly with the reverberations from all the containers in the room, but he could figure out a general direction.
His head whipped towards the door he had just come through and he hissed. He heard footfalls approaching from just outside the hold. Where the hell did they come from? His HUD had only shown two teams of two remaining, both of which were definitely among the cargo containers already, unless his ears were playing tricks too. He pulled up his HUD as he retreated further into the cargo bay, quietly moving from container to container. Best not to engage this new group right at the entrance to the bay. If any more unexpected teams were to follow they'd see the mess and cover would be blown. No, better to clear out the ones that are closer to the Vengeance first, then deal with the new team. He cursed again as he looked at his display. New teams. His HUD showed a fourth group now, this one consisting of three unknown Cerberus agents and one dot labeled as Captain Braxton. They were still a ways out from the hold, so the captain was probably slowing them down, at least. He turned his attention back to locating the two units already in the room with him. One of them was close.
He crept along in what he believed to be the right direction. Back at the entrance to the hold, he heard a voice speaking. ". . . was coming from in here." The third team had entered the room. Arcus cautiously peered over the edge of the container he was on. Sure enough, another Cerberus Trooper and Engineer walked the narrow corridor of crates below him. Engineer in back, soldier in front, as the other team had been. This time, however, they were more on guard. Both holding their drawn weapons at the ready and stepping cautiously.
Arcus matched pace above them for a moment before dropping on the trailing engineer, a stiletto blade burying itself downward into the man's skull as Arcus landed beside him. The Cerberus trooper began to turn around in response to the noise, but Arcus had already released the stiletto, and an omni-blade with an axe-like edge clove the man's helm down the middle.
A bead of red blood trickled unheeded over the mad turian's brow as he retrieved his stiletto with a sickening squelch, singing softly to himself in a satisfied and gleeful tone. Another biotic-boosted leap carried him back to the top of the containers and he disappeared into the hold.
"And another one gone, and another one gone, and another one bites the dust."
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 13, 2017 3:43:51 GMT -6
[GM Post]Captain Crichton stared intently at Lysander, seeming none too pleased with the man's refusal to jump immediately when ordered. He gave a curt nod to one of the Dragoons guarding him, and the man immediately gave Lysander a shove back from the sled. The Dragoon threw off the top of the first several crates, revealing the contents inside. With a cocked eyebrow, the captain said, "Now, is it just me, or are those components to a nuclear device? Now, I'm certain I didn't order those..." ##### Snippets of conversation can be heard through the split helm of the cleaved Assault Trooper. They quickly rise in alarm, as the other teams notice that not one but two teams have gone silent. Before long, there is calling out, the other two teams seeming to consider that the circumstance is perhaps only a comms failure. Still, the acknowledge threat is clear in their voice. [Round Three]
Regarding the infiltration team, Lysander may attempt to buy more time with words, but if this fails, any member of the team who waits on his action will have only 50% combat effectiveness this round. Present on the bridge is Captain Crichton, the two Dragoons guarding him, five Centurions, five Assault Troopers, five Engineers (not carrying turrets), and ten unarmored (but armed with pistols) specialists. If conversation is not attempted, characters get the element of surprise on all but the captain's party (can declare actions and results, taking no or only minimal damage). Each character may choose one of the following: kill three mooks, make declared actions against both Dragoons, or make a declared action against Captain Crichton. Geneenh may make up to two actions in the system this round, or exchange one system action for taking out two mooks.
##### Regarding the Patroclus team, another two Cerberus personnel can be taken out, but this will result in putting all surviving Cerberus personnel on the ship on alert. If no hostile action is taken against them, they will find the remains of the last team killed, likewise putting them on alert. At the beginning of this round, all Cerberus personnel entered the cargo hold, though they are still spread out.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 13, 2017 4:34:23 GMT -6
As quietly as she could, Naetilia drew her submachine gun and whispered to the others, "If you are carrying armaments, I suggest you prepare them--quietly."
They all drew pistols, including Miss Moore, causing the turian no small amount of concern. But at the same time the woman had not done anything to incur further suspicion so, as the humans liked to say, she gave the former prisoner the benefit of the doubt.
She moved up to krogan as quietly as she could and whispered, "If we engage in combat with Cerberus personnel, please inform me if you require any assistance. Otherwise I will remain here and protect the others."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 13, 2017 8:58:39 GMT -6
Instead of entertaining or questioning Lysander’s request, Crichton merely stared at him then nodded to one of his Dragoon compliment to shove him back from the sled and reveal its hidden contents. So much for the subtle approach thought the ex-marine as he quickly noted his team had taken up positions away from the sled. Gennenh and Maelstrom near the comms station, Joseph by a Centurion.
With a cocked eyebrow, the captain said, "Now, is it just me, or are those components to a nuclear device? Now, I'm certain I didn't order those..."
The team’s ruse was literally uncovered. No reason to pretend anymore…
“Sorry – stripper took the day off!” cracked Eric, whipping out his Talon pistol and taking a shot straight at Crichton’s torso. “Let’s keep this a private party!” he barked out to Gennenh and Maelstrom before ducking down alongside the sled. He hoped that Gennenh understood his signal to take out any means for contacting reinforcements.
The others, no doubt, knew what needed to be done.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 13, 2017 9:20:09 GMT -6
“Let’s keep this a private party!” Lysander shouted, taking a shot at the captain's chest.
No need to tell me twice, Maelstrom thought. Without a moment's hesitation, he leveled his gauntlet at the comms officer next to his asari teammate and activated the control. A quick burst of weapons-fire from the device put a dozen holes in the helmet, and the officer dropped to the ground without a chance to take any action. Too quick... I wish I could take my time.
Surveying the scene, he saw an Assault Trooper begin leveling his weapon at Geneenh, having clearly kept track of who came in when. Maelstrom mentally applauded the man's observational skills. The hardened biotic push which followed, a detonation of compressed air hitting the man under the chin like a concussion grenade, was all the impeachment the man's poor reflexes required. Still, Maelstrom unleashed a liberal number of rounds into his falling form for good measure.
Another bit of movement caught his attention, an Engineer running towards the cockpit. Maelstrom had no idea what the man had in mind, but he suspected a means of disabling the craft or calling for help. He reached behind himself to find the Phantom's sword he wore, then biotically propelled it into the man. It lodged its full length between the man's shoulder blades, severing the spine. With a biotic pull, Maelstrom reclaimed the mono-molecular-edged blade as the Engineer collapsed to the floor: another neutralized threat.
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 13, 2017 9:55:50 GMT -6
Just as Izahm thought they knew how to make an entrance. Lysander as he was closest took a shot at Crichton, while A phantom used a familiar style of biotics to dispatch an assault trooper and an engineer in addition to using a the phantoms special Omni-tool weapon to kill the comms officer. 'That one must be Maelstrom' he thinks before leaping into action 'He's the only one I know to use biotics like that'. He flicked his baton out threw it up slightly caught it in an underhand grip then slammed it into the fleshy neck of a specialist nearby him. The baton hit true and the man choked and convulsed as the force of the blow jammed the baton past the mans skin. Releasing the baton he then stepped into an Assault Trooper maneuvering for a shot at Lysander. He grabbed the man's gun pushed it up from beneath the barrel then twisted it down and to the side along with spinning his own body dislocating the Troopers arm and freeing the Hornet SMG at the same time. Izahm then spun the Hornet in his hand levelled it at the Troopers head then shot three times rapidly killing him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a specialist leveling a Carnifex at him. Rolling away form the dead trooper he fired a flurry of poorly aimed shots at the specialist causing him to stop aiming and dodge the poorly aimed shots, however the Hornet ran out of ammo and instead of reloading it Izham spun it once more gripping it tightly then throws it. The SMG impacting the man stunned him long enough for Izahm to unholster his Mattock and put four rounds into the specialist. After eliminating his targets he crouches nearby one of the exits ready for anything.
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Apr 13, 2017 19:55:03 GMT -6
"Let's make this a private party!" Lysander yelled and then fired at the Cerberus captain.
Geneenh turned towards the comms officer, her Phalanx pistol in hand, ready to end the woman's life, but her target slumped down, multiple holes in her head.
She didn't bother looking to see who had helped her, she needed to accomplish her objective as quickly as possible.
She also didn't waste time pulling the corpse off the comms panel, nor did she attempt to use the console to shut down all shipboard communications; she could spend the entire firefight trying to do that and not come anywhere near doing what she needed to do.
She dropped to one knee and turned her back to the battle to not only reduce her target silhouette but also give her a modicum of cover; risky, but again time was of the essence, she couldn't waste it removing the turret and activating it.
She activated her omnitool and launched her hacking protocols.
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