The hood's removal reveals a dark, bare head with an angular face. It's definitely Achak. The only feature not present in the photo supplied by Preacher is a rash of fading bruises across his jaw and temple. His eyelids flutter and he calmly scans the immediate surroundings. "I knew Preacher would not abandon me," he says in a hoarse voice. It seems he has immediately grasped the situation.
Mouse helps Achak out of the cumbersome straight-jacket apparatus. This leaves Achak bare-chested, wearing only a pair of disheveled prisoner's trousers. His torso is lean, packed with muscles like iron cordage. A number of scars decorate his chest and back, some of which are new enough to attribute to the black site's hospitality. Mouse watches in awe at the stoic and calm manner in which Achak comports himself. When he stands, it's with a preternatural fluidity.
Achak rubs his wrists gingerly and begins stretching his arms against his chest. All the while, he examines each team member. His gaze pauses on Reiya and he nods slowly. "Iniiyi’taki, áákiim." He nods again to indicate the entire team. "I thank all of you."
Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
It’s a good thing that Achak is a model of preternatural composure. Otherwise, it might have been just a bit dickish for Mouse to have just ripped that hood off after countless days in darkness.
She takes a step back, pausing only to snag one last silent still image of their recovered quarry for the away team. (Of course, it's only a matter of time that Achak’s musculature will end up shuffled in alongside her other ‘biometric references’.) She lets her eyes drift shut, if only momentarily, both to confirm the absence of any new icons approaching and to craft her message outbound. << We’re 2 for 2. Unless you have a reason why we shouldn’t beeline for your location, I think it’s time we blow this scene. Get everybody and the stuff together. Ok? >>
She takes a step back, pausing only to snag one last silent still image of their recovered quarry for the away team. (Of course, it's only a matter of time that Achak’s musculature will end up shuffled in alongside her other ‘biometric references’.) She lets her eyes drift shut, if only momentarily, both to confirm the absence of any new icons approaching and to craft her message outbound. << We’re 2 for 2. Unless you have a reason why we shouldn’t beeline for your location, I think it’s time we blow this scene. Get everybody and the stuff together. Ok? >>
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Mick crosses the threshold out of Cell Block D and into the cold morning air, a wave of relief washing over them as the sun kisses their blood-smeared cheeks. The ork spares a look over their shoulder back into the chamber, its mouth stretching open wide like some prehistoric abyssal terror, ready to gulp down awakened undesirables. Mick draws a deep breath into their lungs, drinking deep the clean air of the San Francisco Bay, easing the dull ache in their chest left by the rancid atmosphere of that hellish place. Their senses clearing, the adept refocuses on their surroundings.
(( Perception check, please. Listening / looking for dangers. Also listening to try to hear if there's gunfire or anything coming from the marina. ))
(( Perception check, please. Listening / looking for dangers. Also listening to try to hear if there's gunfire or anything coming from the marina. ))
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Dice
Inside D-block, Achak steps out of the cage. He seems a bit sore, but otherwise none the worse for wear. His head swivels as a number of muffled clicking sounds begin emanating from the crab drone carcass. "We should make haste," he says.
There's no response to Mouse's comms, although TacStar is still reporting the signatures of their sister-party on the HUD.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
"I can hear gunfire coming from the marina!" Mick hollers at the team.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
"SO WE'RE RUNNING." Even as the decker shoulders her own bag to move, her focus flits between the members of the team, the newly freed inmates, and the ragged breathing of those still suffering the lingering effects from the neurostun. "MAYBE IF WE GET LUCKY, WE CAN HIT THEM FROM BEHIND, MAKE IT A SPITROAST." The word she's probably searching for is probably 'flank', but she's clearly distracted, eyes already wide and muscles tense from the mere notion of charging (and likely stumbling) into a firefight.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Yung bows his head, letting out an audible sigh. Despite the environmental discomfort, the momentary escape provided by a bit of carefree banter was well worth the supplemental anxiety. The reality of the situation comes crashing back to the forefront with Mick’s announcement.
A strange expression flits across his face as he musters a response to Mouse’s comment, a cross between feigned enthusiasm and foreboding. "I think the tactical term is an ‘Eiffel Tower’ maneuver, Zal’s team gets em in the face, we got the rear; high fives when we finish." He does his best to muster a half smile before making his way back to the Doc’s wheelchair.
"No time to lose eh?" He says, confirming Achak’s sentiment.
Yung grabs ahold of both handles and begins wheeling towards the door. He leans down close to the doctor and whispers, "Almost outta the drek Doc, you got any tricks up your sleeve to sneak us outta this place? Not sure I completely trust the rest of these…" He glances among the rest of the crew, silently imaging the nature of their ultimate betrayal.
He crosses the threshold of the doorway, and suddenly the fleeting misgivings he was harboring vanish. He turns to Axel, "Aye, those birds can move a lot quicker than we can, wanna recon the marina? Maybe Tio can come up with a plan, yeah?"
A strange expression flits across his face as he musters a response to Mouse’s comment, a cross between feigned enthusiasm and foreboding. "I think the tactical term is an ‘Eiffel Tower’ maneuver, Zal’s team gets em in the face, we got the rear; high fives when we finish." He does his best to muster a half smile before making his way back to the Doc’s wheelchair.
"No time to lose eh?" He says, confirming Achak’s sentiment.
Yung grabs ahold of both handles and begins wheeling towards the door. He leans down close to the doctor and whispers, "Almost outta the drek Doc, you got any tricks up your sleeve to sneak us outta this place? Not sure I completely trust the rest of these…" He glances among the rest of the crew, silently imaging the nature of their ultimate betrayal.
He crosses the threshold of the doorway, and suddenly the fleeting misgivings he was harboring vanish. He turns to Axel, "Aye, those birds can move a lot quicker than we can, wanna recon the marina? Maybe Tio can come up with a plan, yeah?"
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Drew Buddy
- Posts: 1488
- Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:06 pm
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Axel looks up at Yung with a confused look on his face before understanding dawns. "Oh, oh yeah, already way ahead of you on that." He says to Yung, the map in his AR feed already marked with a waypoint marker on the marina.
""Wind, Whrilwind," he calls out, "gogogogo!" He waves his arm toward the marina as he says the words, his own feet starting to move in that direction.
""Wind, Whrilwind," he calls out, "gogogogo!" He waves his arm toward the marina as he says the words, his own feet starting to move in that direction.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
The team charges out of D block, feet slapping concrete in rapid succession. Once everyone is clear, Luis hits the exterior door controls and the blast door begins to grind back to its original position. Achak moves surprisingly well for someone who has been detained for an extended period of time-- crossing the building's threshold has a visible effect on him. No sooner is the team outside than his face fills with relief. A single tear rolls down his cheek, clearing a path among the grime.
Wind and Whirlwind plunge on ahead as the group struggles up the steep path, passing the barracks and emerging on the plateau of the island. The silhouette of the administration buildings, communications tower and marina are visible. Here and there, small pillars of smoke twist skyward. Everyone can hear the gunfire now, as they draw closer.
Achak takes great bounding strides, clearly in his element out in the open and also eager to be off the island entirely. "Once we get to the marina, what is our plan?"
Wind and Whirlwind plunge on ahead as the group struggles up the steep path, passing the barracks and emerging on the plateau of the island. The silhouette of the administration buildings, communications tower and marina are visible. Here and there, small pillars of smoke twist skyward. Everyone can hear the gunfire now, as they draw closer.
Achak takes great bounding strides, clearly in his element out in the open and also eager to be off the island entirely. "Once we get to the marina, what is our plan?"
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
"HONESTLY, I DIDN'T EXPECT US TO GET THIS FAR. "As usual, Mouse's text to speech render her comments in a neutral, almost sardonic tone. The decker, meanwhile, is barely managing to keep pace with her teammates, instead maintaining what could be at best considered a frenetic shuffle. "OUR FIRST PLAN WAS TO REMOTE PILOT THE SHIP WE CAME IN ON AS A DISTRACTION. THAT PLAN PROBABLY GOT SCRAPPED THE MOMENT WE CRASHED. "
Between gulps of air, she glances between the more magically (and athletically) inclined members of the team. "BUT SHE’S BFFS WITH LIKE, THE GHOST OF GOJIRA." She manages a nod toward Reiya. "YOU SHOULD TELL IT THAT IF IT SAVES OUR HOOPS, IT CAN HAVE ALL THE HAIR IT CAN EAT. "It's unclear if Mouse is even joking here, her expression tinged with clear desperation as she glances in her HUD toward the more reliable feeds from Axel's drones, almost afraid of what they might show. "OTHERWISE... IDK, WE BLOW STUFF UP?"
Between gulps of air, she glances between the more magically (and athletically) inclined members of the team. "BUT SHE’S BFFS WITH LIKE, THE GHOST OF GOJIRA." She manages a nod toward Reiya. "YOU SHOULD TELL IT THAT IF IT SAVES OUR HOOPS, IT CAN HAVE ALL THE HAIR IT CAN EAT. "It's unclear if Mouse is even joking here, her expression tinged with clear desperation as she glances in her HUD toward the more reliable feeds from Axel's drones, almost afraid of what they might show. "OTHERWISE... IDK, WE BLOW STUFF UP?"
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Mick's strides are so wide as they run that the ork is all but leaping, effortlessly gliding graceful and low across Alcatraz Island like a seagull skirting the surface of a glass-eyed sea.
Calling back over their shoulder, Mick interjects, "We're mostly a 'show up confused and kill who disagrees' kind of crew!"
Calling back over their shoulder, Mick interjects, "We're mostly a 'show up confused and kill who disagrees' kind of crew!"
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
The volume of the gun shots increases as the group moves across the plateau and begins descending the hill towards the North shore. Obvious evidence of a fierce skirmish abounds: bullet holes in the brick buildings, scorch marks where grenades detonated, and even a few dead guards, stripped of their weapons.
The gritty sand that makes up the cliff's substrate is churned from so much frenetic foot traffic, making it look like a schizophrenic zen garden. It's impossible to tell whom has gone where. Before long, the team has arrived at a large fence, topped with razor wire. Just beyond is a pair of large buildings and somewhere further lies the path down to the marina docks.
Achak stops at the fence and kneels. "Perhaps we should split up? Once we know the location of our adversaries, we can commit a flank. Until then, traveling together makes us easier targets."
The gritty sand that makes up the cliff's substrate is churned from so much frenetic foot traffic, making it look like a schizophrenic zen garden. It's impossible to tell whom has gone where. Before long, the team has arrived at a large fence, topped with razor wire. Just beyond is a pair of large buildings and somewhere further lies the path down to the marina docks.
Achak stops at the fence and kneels. "Perhaps we should split up? Once we know the location of our adversaries, we can commit a flank. Until then, traveling together makes us easier targets."
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Reiya smiles in delighted surprise at Achak's greeting in her native language, but the conversation shifts too quickly for her to reply at first. Once they leave the barren cell, however, and she sees the relief in Achak's face at no longer being bereft of magic and astral presence, the shaman gets her chance. "Ákaanistsiwa, niisistowahsin." [Your wish] has been fulfilled, brother.
Shortly after, Reiya bristles at Mouse's description of Sanasatasamara, but agrees that now might be time to call on her friendly earth spirit. "I can definitely ask Sanasatasamara for a quick exit, but we need to choose our location carefully. There can only be so much rock in between us and the outside, and I can only hold the opening for so long. Any ideas? "
Shortly after, Reiya bristles at Mouse's description of Sanasatasamara, but agrees that now might be time to call on her friendly earth spirit. "I can definitely ask Sanasatasamara for a quick exit, but we need to choose our location carefully. There can only be so much rock in between us and the outside, and I can only hold the opening for so long. Any ideas? "
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
"How about she open up a sinkhole beneath whoever has the biggest gun?"
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Achak digs his fingers into the soil, clearly relieved to be outside. It almost looks as though he hasn't been detained and beaten for the past week. "If áákiim can speak with spirits, that will improve our chances." His jaw sets in something resembling a smile. "I can do some damage myself, but our main advantage is the element of surprise."
Wind and Whirlwind have overtaken the team now and weave between the buildings, cresting the cliff to soar over the marina.
The marina itself is a handful of small warehouses set on a sprawling maze of docks. A stairway meanders down the cliff, composed of a number of switchbacks until it hits sea-level. A guard kiosk sits in between the cliff-side and the raised structure of the docks. As the twin drones begin to close distance towards the docks, the feed reveals several parties engaged in combat. It looks as though Zal and his crew are pinned behind the furthest warehouse. A small group of guards, led by a Kuroikaze, are slowly making their way along the docks towards them, moving from cover to cover. Another group seems to be lurking within the guard kiosk building, providing covering fire.
The gleaming hull of a patrol boat can be seen at the end of the docks, just behind Zal et al. Another patrol boat lies between the two groups of combatants, but it appears to be heavily damaged and a thick plume of smoke roils off of a crater in the hull.
Wind and Whirlwind have overtaken the team now and weave between the buildings, cresting the cliff to soar over the marina.
The marina itself is a handful of small warehouses set on a sprawling maze of docks. A stairway meanders down the cliff, composed of a number of switchbacks until it hits sea-level. A guard kiosk sits in between the cliff-side and the raised structure of the docks. As the twin drones begin to close distance towards the docks, the feed reveals several parties engaged in combat. It looks as though Zal and his crew are pinned behind the furthest warehouse. A small group of guards, led by a Kuroikaze, are slowly making their way along the docks towards them, moving from cover to cover. Another group seems to be lurking within the guard kiosk building, providing covering fire.
The gleaming hull of a patrol boat can be seen at the end of the docks, just behind Zal et al. Another patrol boat lies between the two groups of combatants, but it appears to be heavily damaged and a thick plume of smoke roils off of a crater in the hull.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Taipan surveys the situation, frantically running scenarios and counter-scenarios in his head. "I think our new compatriot's thinking is smart, we should split up and flank them." He runs his eyes over the group, making a quick calculus as to how to balance the team. "Mouse, Mick, Thoryne, Axel, Achak, you're the right flank. The rest of us, we're left flank." He returns his attention to the scene unfolding.
The samurai pauses as he calculates, considers. His face is stoic, sweat beaded on his brow, a few untied strands of his long, thin hair riding the breeze, trailing eagerly away from his face to the East. "Best thing we can do first is open our allies up to defend themselves, so we take out the cover fire pinning them down." Taipan uses his hands to indicate a flanking maneuver converging on a single point. "We take them out, then move toward the group advancing on Zal's team," Taipan's gestures shift as he continues to describe the flow of battle, his hands moving as loose and fluid as a painter's as he indicates approach vectors and angles of exclusion. "They draw down on Zal's team, pushing themselves into a bottleneck" He spares a look at the team's faces to ensure comprehension. "By the time they realize they've trapped themselves between Zal and us, it'll be too late." Taipan looks at Mick. "How did you describe it earlier?" The question is rhetorical; Taipan's view of the situation continues to refine and redouble its focus, all ambiguities resolving to fine detail as he brings his hands together at last, his palms slapping together sharply. "We pop them like a fucking zit."
A silence hangs between the team for the briefest of moments, filling then with the tinny crack and rattle of gunfire from the not-so-distant marina.
The samurai pauses as he calculates, considers. His face is stoic, sweat beaded on his brow, a few untied strands of his long, thin hair riding the breeze, trailing eagerly away from his face to the East. "Best thing we can do first is open our allies up to defend themselves, so we take out the cover fire pinning them down." Taipan uses his hands to indicate a flanking maneuver converging on a single point. "We take them out, then move toward the group advancing on Zal's team," Taipan's gestures shift as he continues to describe the flow of battle, his hands moving as loose and fluid as a painter's as he indicates approach vectors and angles of exclusion. "They draw down on Zal's team, pushing themselves into a bottleneck" He spares a look at the team's faces to ensure comprehension. "By the time they realize they've trapped themselves between Zal and us, it'll be too late." Taipan looks at Mick. "How did you describe it earlier?" The question is rhetorical; Taipan's view of the situation continues to refine and redouble its focus, all ambiguities resolving to fine detail as he brings his hands together at last, his palms slapping together sharply. "We pop them like a fucking zit."
A silence hangs between the team for the briefest of moments, filling then with the tinny crack and rattle of gunfire from the not-so-distant marina.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
There's a slight tremble in the lip, a wrinkle in the nose, betraying the decker's anxiety at the thought of the team's division. But the thought of the Kuroikaze (and to a lesser extent, his team) already bearing down on her comrades is infinitely worse. She shoots the de facto ops-lead a singular nod, punctuated with a soft hum of agreement. No time to lose.
"JUST NEED TO MAKE IT DOWN WITHOUT EITHER TEAM GETTING SHOT TO SHIT." She swallows here, her gaze trailing down the path downward, though stopping at the kiosk. "BUT IF THEY SOMEHOW DON’T SPOT US, WE MIGHT JUST GET OUR CHANCE TO BLOW DREK UP AFTER ALL." She shoots Taipan and Thoryne each a look, if only to confirm that they’re following her logic, before turning to Yung with a nervous smile. "…HIGH FIVES AT THE END."
"JUST NEED TO MAKE IT DOWN WITHOUT EITHER TEAM GETTING SHOT TO SHIT." She swallows here, her gaze trailing down the path downward, though stopping at the kiosk. "BUT IF THEY SOMEHOW DON’T SPOT US, WE MIGHT JUST GET OUR CHANCE TO BLOW DREK UP AFTER ALL." She shoots Taipan and Thoryne each a look, if only to confirm that they’re following her logic, before turning to Yung with a nervous smile. "…HIGH FIVES AT THE END."
Last edited by Molly on Wed Jun 29, 2022 6:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Achak, having no commlink of his own, peers over Mick's shoulder at theirs. After taking a moment to study the TacStar map, he straightens and points through the fence, to the cliff.
"This high ground would provide a good vantage for a marksman. It would provide a chance to delay the advance of the adversaries and cover the descent of a main force down the cliff. Meanwhile, I could circle around. While the enemy's attention is diverted, we could deliver a pincer attack from several different angles. Different types of attacks from different directions will discombobulate them. Anyone who feels comfortable free climbing could join me, to increase the efficacy."
"This high ground would provide a good vantage for a marksman. It would provide a chance to delay the advance of the adversaries and cover the descent of a main force down the cliff. Meanwhile, I could circle around. While the enemy's attention is diverted, we could deliver a pincer attack from several different angles. Different types of attacks from different directions will discombobulate them. Anyone who feels comfortable free climbing could join me, to increase the efficacy."
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Luis turns over the pistol in his hand, his expression dubious. "Not sure how much damage I'll be able to do, but I might be able to create a distraction," he volunteers.
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Drew Buddy
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Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Axel looks dubiously at the pistol in his own hand. "Not going to be doing any marksman work with this. Besides, I worry about the kids," he says, casting a glance at the twin dots in the sky.
Perspiration runs down the back of his neck, and his pistol almost hums in his hands from the trembling. He snatches periodic glances at the clock that has lived in the corner of his AR feed since Bongoland. Don't lose time, don't lose time. He resolves to finally get that full psych eval if he ever makes it off the island. He's used to being able to run away from failures of the body, but failures of the mind follow a rigger anywhere they go.
Axel blinks, and returns to the present. "Just saying," he offers cheerfully, "we just need to get on the boat. Unless these mooks are carrying anything that can sink it, their bullets are going to do as much as harsh language once we're a couple hundred meters out."
Perspiration runs down the back of his neck, and his pistol almost hums in his hands from the trembling. He snatches periodic glances at the clock that has lived in the corner of his AR feed since Bongoland. Don't lose time, don't lose time. He resolves to finally get that full psych eval if he ever makes it off the island. He's used to being able to run away from failures of the body, but failures of the mind follow a rigger anywhere they go.
Axel blinks, and returns to the present. "Just saying," he offers cheerfully, "we just need to get on the boat. Unless these mooks are carrying anything that can sink it, their bullets are going to do as much as harsh language once we're a couple hundred meters out."
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Mick nods with Taipan and Achak's suggestions. Responding to Achak, they offer, "Me and Yung are probably your best bet at climbing down with you." The ork hooks a thumb at the team's other adept before locking eyes with Taipan. "I've seen you be pretty slippery down a rockface too. And if you come with us, that'll make a fore team of everybody who likes to get up close and personal."
(( Perception roll for the best way over / through the fence? ))
(( Perception roll for the best way over / through the fence? ))
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Yung clicks his tongue, "Yeah so uh, es verdad, si. I have certain skills and climbing is among them. Pero, el doctor, he makes it difficult, eh. Zal and his crew, they musta found another way around this." He says craning his neck in each direction.
"I think the best bet for the ‘B Team’ is this way." He says thumbing in the direction of the bend in the fence. Before waiting for any kind of response he begins moving, once again setting wheels to motion. After a short distance he quickly glances back to see if anyone plans to follow.
(( Start walking to the right on the map layout, towards the angled fence looking for a way through ))
"I think the best bet for the ‘B Team’ is this way." He says thumbing in the direction of the bend in the fence. Before waiting for any kind of response he begins moving, once again setting wheels to motion. After a short distance he quickly glances back to see if anyone plans to follow.
(( Start walking to the right on the map layout, towards the angled fence looking for a way through ))
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Dice
Achak nods at Thoryne, then at Mick. "A sound plan. Fire support from the ridge, and two teams-- one to prevent retreat, the other to close the pincer. I have a few spells in mind." His eyes narrow. "I have to repay the hospitality I was shown here."
Luis nudges Axel. "Say, you could have the drones set up opposite the docks, so that we can cover all angles? And I'm not the best climber, so I'll stick with the stair group."
Yung moves out of earshot, surveying the fence. About thirty meters down, he finds a section where the heavy-duty links have been cut. The section becomes roughly human-sized when he pushes on the surface of the fence. It would fit most of the party members, except for Thoryne.
Mick slinks the opposite direction, doing the same. After twenty meters, they come to a small gully that runs underneath the fence. The space between the gully and fence is blocked by a substantial concrete k-rail. If it were to be moved, the resulting gap would suffice as passage through the fence. The only other marina entrance is likely further Westward, toward where the communication bunker is. They have a feeling that's the route that Zal's team took.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
" SO IT'S CLIFF SQUAD, STAIRS TEAM AND… EL DOCTOR?" One of these things doesn't belong, so much so that it prompts a cartoonish rubberneck to confirm the good doctor's continued presence. By the time that reality sinks in, Yung’s already off investigating the fence.
When he pauses to glance back toward the team, Mouse takes that as her cue to follow up, both in the literal and conversational sense. "YOU REALIZE WE'RE DONE WITH HIM, RIGHT?" She keeps her volume low, as much as from an abundance of tactical caution as some innate desire to shield her own team from her baffled reaction. "THE IMPERIALS AREN'T GOING TO LET A LITTLE THING LIKE HOSTAGES STOP THEM FROM FILLING US WITH LEAD. BESIDES, THIS CLIFF ISN'T EXACTLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE."
When he pauses to glance back toward the team, Mouse takes that as her cue to follow up, both in the literal and conversational sense. "YOU REALIZE WE'RE DONE WITH HIM, RIGHT?" She keeps her volume low, as much as from an abundance of tactical caution as some innate desire to shield her own team from her baffled reaction. "THE IMPERIALS AREN'T GOING TO LET A LITTLE THING LIKE HOSTAGES STOP THEM FROM FILLING US WITH LEAD. BESIDES, THIS CLIFF ISN'T EXACTLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE."
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Drew Buddy
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Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Axel nods and waves the drones to the other side of the docks.
For a moment, he hopes for another mental glitch. That he'll look back at the docks only to find them empty. The report of gunfire and drone feeds tell him that he's out of luck.
For a moment, he hopes for another mental glitch. That he'll look back at the docks only to find them empty. The report of gunfire and drone feeds tell him that he's out of luck.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Making their way back to the team, Mick reports their findings. "Might be the best way through for you, Big Person." The ork nods at Thoryne, but moves on quickly, "And I vote we pitch the doctor down the hill. So we know what happens when a person falls down it, for science. And he's a fascist, so fuck him." Sweat drips in filthy steaks down the adept's face, carving a ragged relief birch forest in the blood dried on their cheeks.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Dice
Luis, having followed Yung, heaves against the fence to provide an opening. "Alright folks, let's get the frag out of here."
Thoryne spits on his hands and rubs them together before planting his legs and straining against the k-rail. The obstacle proves formidable, and the troll-- strong as he is-- is only able to move it forward a meter. Fortunately, it's just enough room for him to squeeze through. Once on the other side of the fence, he leans his back against the concrete and inches it back just enough to deter pursuers.
<< On my way to overwatch position, >> Thoryne comms.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Yung lets out a sigh as the team makes their approach to the stairs. "Wasn’t intending a hostage, or to be done with him."
He stops, dipping his head slightly in brief contemplation before resuming his course. He clicks his tongue. "When I was a boy in Korea, there was only ever one friend who was kind to me, a girl named Jae. Other boys, they hated me, yeah, I was different. One day when I was walking home from school with Jae, the boys grabbed her, there were seven of them. They told me if I fought, they would do things to her that I won’t mention." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "They told me the only way they’d let her go unharmed is if I killed a dog, there were a few strays in the neighborhood, and they knew I liked animals. A little bit of me died that day, but what choice did I have?" He asks rhetorically. "They let her go, and for the rest of my time in Korea I was known as ‘dog killer’."
He stops talking for a little while, continuing to walk in silence.
"Sometimes when people are powerless, they’re forced to do horrible things. Does that make them monsters? Maybe. The Doc here, he’s saved me more than once already."
"Maybe he’s doing this by choice, maybe not." He gestures, waving his hand across the island.
"All that data you jacked, I’m sure it will shed some light on things. Maybe the Doc here is willing to shed some more; maybe not." He shrugs. "If so, maybe he denounces the regime publicly if we get him somewhere safe. Could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, especially if he can tie it to some Megas."
He stops nearing the top of the staircase, looking out over the marina. "Probably not."
He circles around in front of the chair, bending down to hoist the doctor’s body over his shoulder. He stands up, reaching with his free hand into his jacket and producing his dubious Ares Predator. "Either way, I’m doing everything I can to get him outta here."
He stops, dipping his head slightly in brief contemplation before resuming his course. He clicks his tongue. "When I was a boy in Korea, there was only ever one friend who was kind to me, a girl named Jae. Other boys, they hated me, yeah, I was different. One day when I was walking home from school with Jae, the boys grabbed her, there were seven of them. They told me if I fought, they would do things to her that I won’t mention." He pauses for a moment before continuing. "They told me the only way they’d let her go unharmed is if I killed a dog, there were a few strays in the neighborhood, and they knew I liked animals. A little bit of me died that day, but what choice did I have?" He asks rhetorically. "They let her go, and for the rest of my time in Korea I was known as ‘dog killer’."
He stops talking for a little while, continuing to walk in silence.
"Sometimes when people are powerless, they’re forced to do horrible things. Does that make them monsters? Maybe. The Doc here, he’s saved me more than once already."
"Maybe he’s doing this by choice, maybe not." He gestures, waving his hand across the island.
"All that data you jacked, I’m sure it will shed some light on things. Maybe the Doc here is willing to shed some more; maybe not." He shrugs. "If so, maybe he denounces the regime publicly if we get him somewhere safe. Could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, especially if he can tie it to some Megas."
He stops nearing the top of the staircase, looking out over the marina. "Probably not."
He circles around in front of the chair, bending down to hoist the doctor’s body over his shoulder. He stands up, reaching with his free hand into his jacket and producing his dubious Ares Predator. "Either way, I’m doing everything I can to get him outta here."
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Confusion gives way to understanding. Understanding gives way to contempt. The decker’s head tilts as she squints toward her teammate and the limp body in his care. "SOU KA? THEN TELL ME… WHICH ONE OF OUR TEAMMATES ARE YOU WILLING TO LET DIE FOR HIM?"
She doesn’t seem to give any thought to the jagged metal edges of the cut fence as she follows Yung through the gap, intent on her pursuit. "BECAUSE EVERY SECOND YOU WASTE BLOWING YOURSELF OVER THIS SELF-RIGHTEOUS BULLDREK, OUR REAL FRIENDS ARE GETTING SHOT WITH REAL BULLETS." She jabs a finger toward the sound of gunshots below, as though this is the sort of point that needs to be illustrated.
"YOU WANT TO SAVE A LIFE? THEN DROP HIM." It’s all Mouse can do to keep filtering her words through her synths, gaze fixed on the adept, her expression darkened with simmering fury, in addition to something more primitive, and harder to place: ….hurt? "OR ARE YOU MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE WAR CRIMINAL THAN YOUR ACTUAL TEAM?"
She doesn’t seem to give any thought to the jagged metal edges of the cut fence as she follows Yung through the gap, intent on her pursuit. "BECAUSE EVERY SECOND YOU WASTE BLOWING YOURSELF OVER THIS SELF-RIGHTEOUS BULLDREK, OUR REAL FRIENDS ARE GETTING SHOT WITH REAL BULLETS." She jabs a finger toward the sound of gunshots below, as though this is the sort of point that needs to be illustrated.
"YOU WANT TO SAVE A LIFE? THEN DROP HIM." It’s all Mouse can do to keep filtering her words through her synths, gaze fixed on the adept, her expression darkened with simmering fury, in addition to something more primitive, and harder to place: ….hurt? "OR ARE YOU MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE WAR CRIMINAL THAN YOUR ACTUAL TEAM?"
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Yung lets out a low whistle. "Dios mio, of all the things, didn’t expect this to be the one to get your panties in a bunch. Besides, don’t think I’m the one you have to be worried about holding things up." As if on cue, Yung dashes to the top of the stairs. He moves with surprising speed, his innate strength clearly more than adequate to handle the doctor’s weight.
"Besides, who said anything about friends, we’re mercenaries right. The good Doc has already helped me through what, four or five drekstorms. The nade in the elevator, Doc told me to do that, saved you too!" He’s almost shouting now, making sure he’s heard as the distance grows between him and the other members of team one.
He looks down at his feet as he begins to descend the stairs. He takes them one at a time, but does so in rapid succession.
He switches over to team comms as he continues, << He watched our backs down in the dark too, when all the lights went out, tellin me what to say to keep things chill while you were losing your fraggin mind. Hell when all this is over, me and him might be the only ones who actually saved a life this whole damn biz. >>
Ok, that one might have been over the line.
"Besides, who said anything about friends, we’re mercenaries right. The good Doc has already helped me through what, four or five drekstorms. The nade in the elevator, Doc told me to do that, saved you too!" He’s almost shouting now, making sure he’s heard as the distance grows between him and the other members of team one.
He looks down at his feet as he begins to descend the stairs. He takes them one at a time, but does so in rapid succession.
He switches over to team comms as he continues, << He watched our backs down in the dark too, when all the lights went out, tellin me what to say to keep things chill while you were losing your fraggin mind. Hell when all this is over, me and him might be the only ones who actually saved a life this whole damn biz. >>
Ok, that one might have been over the line.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
"Dammit, cut the drek, and keep your voices down while we still have the element of surprise!" Taipan's imperative is issued sharply. "We were told expressly not to bring back anybody other than our targets. This is one of the fundamental parameters of our mission here, 'mercenary.' And if we're not freeing other prisoners of Saito's regime, we're not kidnapping or playing wet nurse to members of it, either." His tone is firm, the reality of it as a non-issue plain to him. Unsurprisingly, the career corporate samurai has an easier time with the notion of mission parameters than the kid all hopped up on rebellion and usually following the overly eager dowsing rod in his designer pants.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Mick shakes their head and huffs in exasperation as they duck through the cut fence. "This fucking guy..." Making eye contact with Mouse, the ork continues, "I'm not going out of my way to help him if this bullshit lands his ass in the fire." A momentary pause as Mick searches for the way to say it. "Don't get killed." The order is brusque and flustered, loaded with completely veiled– but still somehow utterly transparent– sentimentality. Mick breaks to the left down the alleyway between the buildings, heading for the top of the stairs along the lines of the plan Taipan and Achak had laid out.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Reiya's been listening to the tactical discussions to try and figure out if her offer to call on Sanasatasamara is indeed being taken up, or if they're on to a different scheme. Working as a team may be the only way to handle an extraction like this, but there are times when she misses working on her own; even the spirits tend to be more direct than this bunch of runners.
Akela's story of childhood trauma, direct and unspoken, reaches past her annoyance and edginess to elicit a well of sympathy and horror. She, too, has had to make such choices about who suffers and who lives, and live with the aftermath of that choice. But never has she had to kill an animal that wasn't already wounded and close to feath. The very notion hits her like a tiny fracture in her soul. Never, she wants to promise herself. But she's never had to make that choice; yet.
Briskly the shaman forces her consciousness back to the conversation at hand, and the anger-laced banter now piques her annoyance. Enough. "Taipan is right about the noise, and our parameters." The shaman dashes up and then down the stairs until she's a couple paces from Akela. "Taipan is right. I can try to heal him enough to stabilize him before we move on," she offers quietly, in the carefully neutral voice she associates with seeing those in need of her healing skills. "But it must be now. Choose."
Akela's story of childhood trauma, direct and unspoken, reaches past her annoyance and edginess to elicit a well of sympathy and horror. She, too, has had to make such choices about who suffers and who lives, and live with the aftermath of that choice. But never has she had to kill an animal that wasn't already wounded and close to feath. The very notion hits her like a tiny fracture in her soul. Never, she wants to promise herself. But she's never had to make that choice; yet.
Briskly the shaman forces her consciousness back to the conversation at hand, and the anger-laced banter now piques her annoyance. Enough. "Taipan is right about the noise, and our parameters." The shaman dashes up and then down the stairs until she's a couple paces from Akela. "Taipan is right. I can try to heal him enough to stabilize him before we move on," she offers quietly, in the carefully neutral voice she associates with seeing those in need of her healing skills. "But it must be now. Choose."
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
<< Oh, he talks to you? Well, that's different. >> Mouse doesn't even bother making eye contact now. With this vigorous debate between crackpot and kettle elevated to comms, Mouse finds herself freed from social niceties, transmitting whatever vitriol flickers across her neurons. << In that case, why don't you ask him what he was doing with those surgical tools in Cellblock B? Or why he's got more little kids in his basement than Preacher? >> She idly checks her pocket for the smoke grenade, the holsters gun, a presence that's become increasingly familiar, even tempting in the last few seconds.
<< Not that it would matter to you. He'll wake up, and you two can bond over your shared respect for human life. How lucky you are to have not been born a dog. ♥ >>
It's Mick's voice that drags her from the thick swamp of her own darkened thoughts. The moment she catches their gaze, she gives her head a hard shake, as if to loose the muck still clinging to her consciousness. "NAH. THAT'S WHAT THOSE RACIST DREKBAGS WOULD WANT. WE GOTTA LIVE, JUST TO SPITE THEM." She cracks a weak smile. "BESIDES, YOU STILL OWE ME A DRINK."
She casts one last scan of the scene below, extending her matrix awareness outward, in the offchance something's running loud enough to see at this distance. "JAA, REIYA. IF YOU'RE GOING TO CALL SANASANTABOBANTA, SHOULD PROBABLY DO IT NOW." It's probably for the best that the shaman is speaking too softly to pick up on, especially as Mouse can't help but add, "WE'RE GOING TO NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET."
<< Not that it would matter to you. He'll wake up, and you two can bond over your shared respect for human life. How lucky you are to have not been born a dog. ♥ >>
It's Mick's voice that drags her from the thick swamp of her own darkened thoughts. The moment she catches their gaze, she gives her head a hard shake, as if to loose the muck still clinging to her consciousness. "NAH. THAT'S WHAT THOSE RACIST DREKBAGS WOULD WANT. WE GOTTA LIVE, JUST TO SPITE THEM." She cracks a weak smile. "BESIDES, YOU STILL OWE ME A DRINK."
She casts one last scan of the scene below, extending her matrix awareness outward, in the offchance something's running loud enough to see at this distance. "JAA, REIYA. IF YOU'RE GOING TO CALL SANASANTABOBANTA, SHOULD PROBABLY DO IT NOW." It's probably for the best that the shaman is speaking too softly to pick up on, especially as Mouse can't help but add, "WE'RE GOING TO NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET."
Last edited by Molly on Sat Jul 02, 2022 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Run #2 - Between The Rock and a Hard Place
Thoryne skids to a halt at the edge of the cliff, his boot sending a hail of pebbles tumbling into space. He unslings the AK-98 and takes a prone position. The barrel of his rifle nestles comfortably on a flat chunk of granite. All of the visible combatants on the docks inherit green outlines-- a benefit of the smartlink processor. The big troll squints against the glare of sunlight and guides the reticle over the enemy cluster. << In position. >>
Taipan, Mouse, Yung, Luis, Reiya and Axel begin to descend the treacherous stairs. Fortunately, their approach remains unnoticed in the grand cabaret of gunfire and explosions. The going is slow, as each member has to concentrate on retaining their footing. Yung must move even slower, the pathway barely wide enough for the wheelchair.
"Mierda," Luis hisses, nearly losing his balance. He heaves a sigh of relief as Taipan grabs his shoulder to steady him. "Gracias, amigo. This island is bullshit."
Meanwhile, Achak and Mick sprint towards the far cliff. As they approach the sheer drop, Mick spies a small strip of rocky beach. Whether they approach the docks from the water or via the beach, they'll have a good angle on the unaware force moving towards Zal's group.
Achak slows and crouches at the edge. He glances sidelong at Mick. "You do not walk alone." A sort of melancholy, almost envious expression decorates the man's visage. "Do not fight it, but do not allow it free reign. Think of it as a partnership." With that advice, Achak turns around and prepares for the descent. He pauses. "At the same time?"
Taipan, Mouse, Yung, Luis, Reiya and Axel begin to descend the treacherous stairs. Fortunately, their approach remains unnoticed in the grand cabaret of gunfire and explosions. The going is slow, as each member has to concentrate on retaining their footing. Yung must move even slower, the pathway barely wide enough for the wheelchair.
"Mierda," Luis hisses, nearly losing his balance. He heaves a sigh of relief as Taipan grabs his shoulder to steady him. "Gracias, amigo. This island is bullshit."
Meanwhile, Achak and Mick sprint towards the far cliff. As they approach the sheer drop, Mick spies a small strip of rocky beach. Whether they approach the docks from the water or via the beach, they'll have a good angle on the unaware force moving towards Zal's group.
Achak slows and crouches at the edge. He glances sidelong at Mick. "You do not walk alone." A sort of melancholy, almost envious expression decorates the man's visage. "Do not fight it, but do not allow it free reign. Think of it as a partnership." With that advice, Achak turns around and prepares for the descent. He pauses. "At the same time?"