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Post by Joe Fischer on Aug 17, 2017 17:32:33 GMT -6
"Hard choices, Doc," Joe said. "If we have to choose between one or the other, the data takes priority."
He held up a hand to silence any objections she may have.
"We have no idea what the technology can do and what can be extrapolated from it," he continued. "Who knows, maybe a weapon of mass destruction can be built from what those pirates learn. If the price of stopping that is nine lives, that's a price I'm willing to pay. I won't like it, but that's what I'll do."
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Post by Maelstrom on Aug 17, 2017 18:05:13 GMT -6
"The other thing is... They're hostages. Pretty much the definition of defenseless already," Maelstrom added. "This way, the pirates will see that it's not their doing, since they wouldn't further incapacitate themselves in an escape attempt."
Folding his hands and leaning forward, he added, "Keep in mind, we're talking about the Terminus Systems. They're just as likely to think we're a rival pirate band, until we go for the hostages. When we give away who we really are is once we show concern for the captives."
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 17, 2017 21:11:13 GMT -6
"I agree with Fischer, as much as I hate to make that choice that data is from a race predating the Protheans," Izahm says then sighs heavily but continues, "But if Prothean technology can jump a race centuries ahead imagine what this could do. We have to ensure it gets to the right hands or at least stays out of the hands of those who would misuse it."
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Aug 18, 2017 3:00:07 GMT -6
"This current topic, while enlightening, doesn't help us come up with a plan," Geneenh said, her tone slightly irritated.
"Lysander, if I heard your plan correctly, here is what I'm following: Obviously, me and Rula'an take out the satellite, then we break up into two teams to take out the towers. Once that is done, the infiltrators peel off to sabotage their ships while the remainder of the teams move to vent the life support in the living quarters. After that, they then move to secure the lab and server, where one tech and one sniper work to recover the data while everyone else engages the rest of the pirates.
She took a breath.
"If that's the case, then obviously each of the teams would consist of two heavies, a tech and an infiltrator," she said. "Although I am unsure how to classify you, Maelstrom and the doctor, at least in those terms. Have you though about who would be on each team?"
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Post by Maelstrom on Aug 18, 2017 7:08:39 GMT -6
"I'm biotic artillery. Basically, send me where collateral damage is desirable," he clarified for the asari.
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 18, 2017 11:40:31 GMT -6
Izahm looks back up from the displays when Geneenh offers her take. "Actually Emily would do better on our own," he says then continues, "Having us saddled alongside a team that's making any noise or is engaged in combat risks someone noticing us by extension or a stray shot hitting us and revealing wherever we are. Emily and I should go on ahead of everyone and plant the charges while you guys distract them. It's better that we have freedom of movement."
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Post by Naetilia Bolanis on Aug 18, 2017 12:32:57 GMT -6
Purius had been wandering the new ship, learning its layout when one of its subroutines determined it should seek out its master and it did just that, progressing through each deck and room until it detected its master’s configuration.
*****
It eventually reached the briefing room, and upon entry detected several new configurations in addition to its master and several others that had been entered into its memory. They were vocalizing, though its limited vocabulary recognition program prevented it from understanding what was being said.
Even though it recognized its master, it did not go to her, instead going to another—Lysander—and began rubbing up against his leg.
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Post by Eric Lysander on Aug 19, 2017 9:53:36 GMT -6
Of all the hostage rescue missions Eric Lysander had taken on as a freelancer, the only success he has had so far was Maelstrom and his family. The Shadow Broker wanted the scientists saved as well as their data, likely more for business reasons than out of genuine altruism but the mercenary group could not afford more enemies in addition to the Collectors, the Reapers and - most recently - Cerberus. There was growing doubt and disagreement over what to prioritize first and what complications could arise should certain members be in places where they may not be best suited or if the enemy used tech or tactics that were not accounted for. Eric did his best to consider everyone's viewpoints as he had done many times before trying to distill a plan that, while maybe to their general satisfaction, was not guaranteed to be entirely successful. As he ground away in thought the Man in Silver was suddenly interrupted by something moving against his leg. He glanced downward to find that Naetalia's cybernetic pet - which she had named Purius - had decided to sit by him rather than with its more appreciative master. Eric had a faint sense of metallic paws a few seconds earlier but was too consumed with the discussion to care. Rather than shoo the construct away, Eric merely shuddered weakly and let Purius remain.
"Okay - everyone's concerns and suggestions have been duly noted," said Eric drawing himself up, giving Purius another quick look after feeling another nuzzle. "But as Maelstrom, Joe and me can tell you from past experience, even perfect plans can only take you so far when going into a fog. SB wants the research data and the scientists so we're gonna do our best ta deliver both."
Eric tapped on a control console on the table to readjust the holomap of the dig site.
"Two teams gives us more ground to cover and less chance of being rounded up n' shot. And sniper coverage from high and just outside can keep the battle steered in our favor."
He tapped on the console again to bring up blue dots to indicate one team on the eastern side of the map, just out of view of the AA gun.
"I'll be with this team here, the team that'll be busting into the lab complex to get the data. Rula'an... if you're up for the challenge, you're with them. And you'll have Joe n' Thrak steamrolling through whatever gets in the way. Xan can provide you with cover in their server room while you shut down their comms and download the data..."
Eric looks down a second at Purius, which laid down by his feet and returned the look.
"If Naetalia doesn't mind... the mutt can help cover ya as well."
[Insert replies/commentary, if any]
More taps on the console brings up red dots near the AA gun on the western side of the map. "The rest of you will comin' in through here to secure the barracks and keep the pirates from getting airborne."
[Insert replies/commentary, if any]
Eric tapped out a slightly longer sequence to generate a rough dot animation of how the operation would proceed.
"After Gennenh and Rula'an make sure the pirate's satellite has been... distracted, our shuttles deposit our teams on the outermost edges, outta reach o' the AAs. They'll go radio silent and dark until exfil; Xiphos can help put a wedge on the door if we find it closing. Next, our techs will disable the AAs on either side. At the same time, our infiltrators Izzy and Emmy can sneak ahead towards the barracks and the landing pad to set charges on the dropships n' frigate, a few more placed around just so to confine hostiles to this zone between the landing pad and barracks when the fighting starts. Fish in a barrel. While Izzy and Emmy work, both teams with their techs will move in to position and wait for the signal. I'll split off from the lab team and station here on this slope with a view right inta the kill zone I mentioned earlier."
"When everyone's in position and our infiltrators are clear, I give the word and we light up their ships. As the lab team makes their push, Gorith and Maelstrom will take point and mow down as many pirates as possible. Gennenh, Naetalia - you'll provide support and suppressing fire; I'll be coverin' everyone from up high. Izzy and Emmy can support and run additional interference. Mal's point about their mistaking us for mere data thieves could bear out. They may try to funnel towards the lab which can work to our advantage... at least until they figure out that this is a rescue mission as well. But between the carnage, the locked doors and the head swimming our pirates will be in a bind, the scientists - most of them - will be too placated ta panic... and Gorith may be able ta collect his bounty..."
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Post by XanDorak on Aug 19, 2017 11:17:08 GMT -6
Xan grunbled a few volus expletives under his breath at hearing the leader's plan. It seemed that despite his impressive resume- which it appeared that Lysander, the team's clear leader, had already read- he was going to be expected to pay his dues with this group before getting to see real action. In truth, he had expected as much, but it still left a sour taste in his mouth when he thought that he was going to be doing little more on the mission than babysitting some quarian.
There might not have been quite as much sting to the assignment if Lysander had chosen not to throw the four-legged mech the same assignment. Not only did it imply that Xan himself was not up to the task, but it told everyone present that the silver-armored human thought little more of the volus' abilities than he did of a dumb mech.
For a moment, Xan looked to the krogan and decided he might need to headbutt him, to make up some of his lost standing in the eyes of the others. He dismissed the idea, though. If he was going to prove to the galaxy that volus could be tough and dangerous, he also needed to retain a reputation for being sane and reasoned. After all, any crazy person could be dangerous, and it would not serve him to be written off as some mentally-defective aberration by the mercenaries of the galaxy. Maybe if the krogan gave him cause, though...
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Post by Urdnot Thrak on Aug 19, 2017 11:20:50 GMT -6
Thrak gave the hulking human a toothy smile. "Looks like we're finally going to get to see each other in combat, Jokes. Should be fun." A long, deep laugh like grating boulders followed, as the krogan considered giving his hammer its first real taste of blood in a long time. He wondered what the human would think of seeing a real krogan battlemaster in action.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Aug 19, 2017 11:44:26 GMT -6
"You mean you're going to see me in action," Joe said. "I'll try to leave you some, but once I get started..."
He shrugged.
"Everyone who is on the team with me, stay back once we're finished with the planning session" he said. "I'd like to go over a few things."
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Post by Naetilia Bolanis on Aug 19, 2017 11:54:26 GMT -6
Naetilia listened as Lysander laid out the plain and was surpised when he not only added Purius to the team but also when he suggested that they operate with different teams.
"If you believe that will enhance our chances of success, then I do not object," she said.
She looked over at Rula'an.
"Do you have any objections to my mech assisting in your defense?" she asked.
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Post by rulaan on Aug 19, 2017 19:20:11 GMT -6
Rula'an looks up from his simultaneous programming and simulations when Lysander outlined his plan. "I am definitely up for it," then when Naetilia queried aboht her mech joining his group specifically as a defender he looked directly at her and says, "I have no objections. Though how you managed to get an eclipse mech is beyond me."
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