|
|
Post by Silverback on May 9, 2005 11:48:27 GMT
"Shrike. A word, please."
The man, codenamed Galahad, attracted Shrikes attention and wandered down to the noisiest part of the Osprey so that they couldn't be overheard.
Leo winced at ths whine and screech of metal on metal as his sensitive hearing was assaulted by the cacophony of mechanical noises. Tapping his throat mic he pointed down to his wrist and switched the system onto channel forty-seven.
Once the agent had complied and attuned into the new frequency Shrike threw a question at him. "Yes? What is it?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Madclergy on May 9, 2005 21:41:24 GMT
"Hmm, power cells, Theta Particle Reactors interesting; but dangerous"
Chuck's face glowed like a kid playing with a toy as he carefully examined the guantlets, afterall it wasn't his so he had to be extra careful; even if he could fix it. Once satisfied he moved on to the visor, he noted the multi spectrum capabilities but then moved on to what he would be wanting to work with. The suit and its reactor cores. Chuck's eyes lit up as he immediatly noted a few things he might have been able to enhance on the equipment. Immediatly he began to invision a project in his mind something that might help the team, "If only i had time" he thought to himself as he finished with the suits inspection.
Lost within looking at the suit and noting the specifics in his pda, Chuck had totally removed himself from the conversation and the constant hum of the motor keeping them aloft. Chuck sat back in his seat and prepared to speak.
"That is a very fine piece of equipment, I am very interested in learning more about it outside of this flying transport. I am wondering if after this mission if you would bring it by the lab?" Chuck made sure to get his voice loud enough to be heard.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vanguard on May 10, 2005 1:00:09 GMT
Kevin notices the building tension in the small vessel and recognizes he’s a good portion of that tension’s source. Diplomacy wasn’t his bag… but swallowing ones pride and just moving on wasn’t exactly college-level anyway. Turning towards, Black Raven… Kevin shrugs and half-apologies,
“Yeah… ya know what… don’t sweat it… probably an overreaction on my part anyhow…”[/b]
Turning his attention back to Chuck, who was just finishing his examination, an idea popped in his head. Granted it wasn’t something he’d normally do… but given the fact that they were a new team in the “getting-to-know-you” phase… best impressions were key. Plus, despite the man’s statements to the contrary… Kevin couldn’t imagine a trained agent not being eager to hit the field.
“Actually, the suit is kind of a back-up thing for me… provided our op isn’t going to be subterraneous or something... I suppose I could loan the suit out to you… so you could get a better feel for its specs.” [/b]
Kevin shrugs a bit jesturing toward Galahad and Shrike.
“Might even be enough to have the boss-men reconsider putting you in the field… that is… unless you’re absolutely needed at the comm. Being a big brainy guy and all… I’m sure the controls are well within your grasp.” [/b]
Noting that the two team-leaders seem to be engaged in some kind of private conference… Kevin adds,
“Umm… but I’d wait until those two finish their chat before asking.” [/b]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Unless comm-operations are absolute necessity this mission (as decided by the team leaders), Vanguard will loan Icy Star the I-Man suit for this mission since Chuck hasn’t had time to throw himself some type of gizmo together yet and Kevin can operate without it (at least in an “Anvil” type group) well enough. Kevin’s ancestor wasn’t as big as Kevin, so ideally the armor fits to form… so unless the Judge objects… I don’t see any problems.
|
|
white
Non-Staff Moderator 
Posts: 53
|
Post by white on May 10, 2005 16:29:17 GMT
Unable to think of a polite response to Black Raven, Sophia didnt bother with one, although she seems slightly put out by him.
She was pleased that her team mates seemed to be getting along, but concerned about Galahad and Shrike - they seemed concerned with some private matter rather than than their teams.
Without interupting, Sophia excused herself from Chuck and Vanguards' conversation, moving away from them, towards where Shrike and Galahad were stood.
She stoped far enough away that she couldn't hear their conversation, and waited for them to finish.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tomahawk on May 11, 2005 13:01:22 GMT
A sudden change in the volume of the noise surrounding the aircraft results in everyone’s speech being much louder than they had probably intended. After a few mere milliseconds, it becomes readily apparent that the rotors have ceased to turn.
In the cockpit, a calm, decisively female voice intones over Onyx’s headset,
“Cruising altitude and speed have been attained; propeller functions disengaged. Whisper Jets engaging in 3…2…1… Whisper Jets engaged. Manual override required to re-engage propeller functions. Automatic audio dampening system engaged. Propellers entering automatic stowage procedure for optimal aerodynamics. Would you like to engage the auto-pilot?”<br>
An eerie silence takes over everything within the aircraft- for all intents and purposes, it sounds and feels as though everything except for the ventilation system has been shut down.
|
|
|
|
Post by Smartbomb on May 11, 2005 13:24:50 GMT
"I'd like to discuss another series of tactics. To do so in front of the others would have been disrespectful to your command."
Jack Jones had made sure their space was secure; unless a body actually opened one of the doors, there was no way for someone to spy upon them.
"That said, I think that with the situation being what it is, I'd like to offer a restructuring of the two teams and a rationale for the change. With your permission, of course."
Curiously, Galahad didn't come across as rank-and-file, despite his words--instead, it was as if he was an old friend waiting for the go-ahead to continue. His relaxed tone and body language suggested a man who was softer, weaker than his shadowy resume suggested.
His eyes, however, lacked any warmth. Despite his cheery demeanor, Jack Jones was all work at this point.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tomahawk on May 11, 2005 21:15:17 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverback on May 12, 2005 10:20:35 GMT
"Tactics!" Leo spat the word out. "This is not battle we're going into Agent Galahad. We do not even possess the full picture of the situation yet! There is no need of . . . 'tactics'!"
By the look on the agents face he could see that he didn't appreciate his outburst and pulling him closer, almost pressing his mouth to his ear, he continued in a loud whisper. "I have made my decision for the first part of the operation. We will NOT be rushing like a bull at a gate. Team Shadow WILL be going in first and we will NOT be engaging anyone until we know what the sit rep is. Do I make myself clear?"
As Shrike pulled away from the ex-CIA member his PDA began to beep and then vibrate against his hip. Holding his position he reached down and unclipped the device from its 'holster' and quickly 'read' the new message.
*The CIA team first sent in were regular agents, in other words, normals with no "exceptional" abilities or powers. Galahad could help considerably there with detailing what their tactics, equipment, etc would be considering his experience with them. Probably number of agents for an op like this: 10-15.
*The second team sent in, S.H.I.T Delta, would be equipped with higher-tech and may have a couple agents with super-human powers, most likely high-tech or mutants; chances of them having power-supressing devices is high. Actual numbers of agents:anywhere between 5 and 10.
* The Directorate's strike team will definitely have super-powered agents, usually with inherent powers supplemented by high-tech weaponry, or simply firearms. Expect them to be highly trained to function as team and use their powers complentary (they are, after all, put together and trained as a team to compliment one another's powers). Their actual power levels probably won't be much higher than those on your team, but you never know. The Directorate tends to work in multiples of 5, for reasons unknown.
* Any news reporters in the air or on ground are not likely to be armed or dangerous- but are more likely to get themselves into danger due to their nosy tendencies (ooh-look! bright lights and loud noise! let's go check that out!) Chances of them actually being anywhere near the scene is slim to none, but they could easily be encountered should the team(s) head into any cities, settlements, or make contact with the local government in any way.
The digital secure signature at the end of the report indicated its source to come from Jamesons office. Absorbing the information Leo pressed 'forward' and sent the new intel to all the agents on the Osprey. "LISTEN UP EVERYONE. We've got some new intel. I suggest you make yourselves familiar with it. Any further information on the CIA operatives will come from Agent Galahad."
Returning his attention to the agent he continued in a quieter voice. "Isn't that right . . . 'Jack'."
|
|
|
|
Post by BlackRaven on May 12, 2005 10:43:37 GMT
John popped his head up from the song at the sound of Shrike's voice. Looking at his intel beeper (thankfully it hadn't blown up yet.. he'd been through 6 this month), he quickly scanned the info, and groaned. Civilians had no place in this kind of situation.
The directorate got him thinking too... and worried him too. The idea of going into an unknown situation with someone he doesn't know watching his back against a team that has trained together. Damn. These are professionals John, and so are we. Get to know their abilities.. John grunted noncomittally.
Chuck was obviously untested, but looked thrilled to be playing with some new tech. He would be dangerous to bring into the field, but then really who here other than SHrike HAD field experience? Reaching the satellite would be difficult... Wait-A-Minute....
"Chuck" John said loudly to get his attention from his toy " how big is this satellite? Is it something we can carry back to the ship?"
|
|
Onyx
Fanboy
Posts: 11
|
Post by Onyx on May 12, 2005 12:40:21 GMT
Deciding that he would engage the auto-pilot Onyx Responds in the positive to the computer and activates the auto-pilot.
Standing up for a moment to stretch, Onyx sees White walk over to the two team leaders, and wonders about the conversations between them. Pulling out his PDA, Onyx reviews the dossiers on his teammates paying particular attention to his team.
While studying, he hears Shrike's announcement and switches over to the new intel coming over. While absorbing that, Onyx returns to the cockpit area and resumes his seat at the controls.
|
|
|
|
Post by Smartbomb on May 12, 2005 16:43:32 GMT
Galahad let Shrike berate him and get whatever alpha male energy he possessed out.
"I'm sorry, Agent Shrike," Jack Jones voice was calm and even, as though the outburst by their team leader hadn't been so explosive. "Were you speaking to me?"
Without giving the ex-Soviet an opportunity to reply to his utterly dismissive comment, Galahad continued. "I know your heart's in the right place, but you have no earthly idea what kind of sh!tstorm you're about to walk into."
There was a pause, as Galahad looked away and seemed to focus his gaze on something only in his mind. Never once did his voice waver from its cool, detached tone.
"You can let passions and pissing contests overtake you all you want. I'm not here to take over your command, Agent. Rest assured, if I wanted your position, I'd have already taken it. So save the badass schtick for someone willing to buy it. I'm here to make sure we don't end up dead or disgraced."
"You're going to need two teams, to be sure, but you're misguided in their goals, Shrike. Give me Raven and Onyx. I'll bring it with the other teams and opposition, cover the rest of your asses to ensure your crew extracts the target safely."
"I'll wage a data campaign against the others, sic the press on the CIA, make it so that your team's fight is minimal and your flight out of Lesotho is secure. This is not the time for superheroics--we cannot afford to let a fight break out. My way will keep our conflicts at a minimum."
"I know you're a good man, Leo. And you're going to be a great leader. But spook theaters like this really aren't your area of expertise. Part of my role as your second is to highlight other options and pick up things you've missed. You selected me because I'm an A-class operative; you're a smart enough man to know you're not well-served by a yes man."
"You can take my advice, or not. Either way, I'll do the best job I can. But I'd be slacking off if I didn't offer my input."
The cadence of his voice was soothing and serene, and Agent Galahad had already left the cargo hold before Shrike realized he was through speaking.
*********************
Without making a sound, Jack Jones closed the cargo door behind him, then brushed past Sophia wordlessly. A polite smile gathered on his face as he did so.
Moments later, he was back in his chair, with his PDA aglow.
|
|
white
Non-Staff Moderator
Posts: 53
|
Post by white on May 13, 2005 8:30:25 GMT
Sophia turned as Galahad brushed past her, followed him towards his seat.
"Excuse me, Agent Jones," she began, "do you mind if I take this seat" she indicated one next to Galahad's.
"I was hoping, seen as I'm on your team, to get a chance to talk to you before we arrive in Lesotho?" she continued, then waited for Galahads reply.
|
|
|
|
Post by Silverback on May 13, 2005 12:30:46 GMT
'Typical CIA.' Shrike thought to himself as Jack brushed past him after his outburst. 'Always wanting to play their gung-ho games to come 'riding in to save the day'. Leo was beginning to have doubts whether he'd chosen the right candidate for second-in-command. It was too late now - he'd have to live, or die, with his decision.
The ex-Spetsnaz couldn't be sure whether he was letting personal emotions cloud his judgement. Maybe he couldn't be impartial where any member of the CIA, whether current or former, were involved. After all there was always doubt in his mind that a double-agent working inside the Russian military had supplied the scientists with a 'corrupt' version of the super-soldier serum. The same serum that had left him 'crippled' with blindness.
'No. That can't be why. Agent Galahad is thinking too far ahead on the mission. We don't have a full enough picture yet to formulate a plan!' Shrike rifled through his plans for the first stage of the mission. He couldn't spot anything new. He knew the first thing they had to do was gather further intelligence before committing themselves to further action.
|
|
|
|
Post by BlackRaven on May 16, 2005 13:35:37 GMT
Watching with growing annoyance as Chuck popped open another panel and studied another glowing readout, John hopped up and paced for a moment.
John we are wasting time... There is stuff that must be done.
John felt the tugging of the spirit, and curious at its intent allowed it control. He found himself walking over to where Shrike stood, now that agent The Man... Galahad was it? had wandered off to his own little world again.
"Osiyo Shrike tlame'ha" he said, slightly more loudly then intended, but his ears were plugged from being trapped in this metal box and he was annoyed at his partners. John gigled inwardly at the spirit referring to Shrike as a "bat".. fit as far as he was concerned. " You will have to pardon my lack of understanding, I am not learned in the ways of technology." John grimaced at the strange way the words were flowing out of his mouth. His voice sounded deeper, and seemed to almost echo as if shouting through an empty wood "How large and heavy is this sat-e-llite we are recovering? will one of us be able to carry it or weill several of us need to carry it together?"
He shrugged. John, feeling nervous, and still irritated at Shrike cut in " and also, while you were talking Vanguard saw fit to give his armor away to Chuck. Not sure what that means to this mission, but I thought you might want to know. "
He smiled broadly for a moment, the the spirit too over again and made him frown " Do we have a place in this ship where we can practice and show each other our skills? ayawisgi who do no know each others strengths will not fight well together." the spirit crossed his arms, and stretched him square making him feel extremely tall for some reason.
John waited silently and patiently for his leader's response.
|
|
|
|
Post by Smartbomb on May 16, 2005 18:11:52 GMT
Galahad didn't look up from his PDA as he spoke. Nevertheless, his tone managed to be friendly. "What would you like to discuss, Agent White?"
At the same time, Jack Jones began using the PDA's web browsing features, looking to see which members of the Associated Press, CNN and other major news agencies had begun jockeying reporters to Lesotho.
~~There's always a paper trail,~~ he mused to himself. ~~Requistion forms for equipment, plane tickets, reporter's blogs. It's almost scary how easy it is to find someone if you know how to look.~~
((OOC--I'm looking to see if I would know anyone in the press corps that's headed to Lesotho. Even if I don't, I should at least be able to wrangle up some names and resumes. I'm looking for members of the press that might be useful to approach while we're on the ground.))
|
|
