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Post by Tomahawk on Apr 18, 2005 10:54:07 GMT
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTIONS
Upon getting back to Agency HQ (for those of you who were away), you receive an urgent message from Director Jameson stating that your presence is required in the Ready Room immediately[/I].
Director Jameson waits for everyone to come into the Ready Room and take their seats before beginning to address the assembled group. Placed on the table before each person is a manila folder containing several documents. Clearing his voice, Jameson begins,
“First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for coming in on such short notice. Now that that pleasantry is dispensed with, let’s get on to things; Time is of the essence here.
“As you all are already aware, a fully functional communications network is of utmost importance to any successful operation, and even more so for an Agency such as ours to continue to operate.
“Yesterday at 14:25 local time, one of our GeoSynch Comm/Spy Satellites positioned over central and southern Africa made planet fall- and it wasn’t our doing. While we were able to reroute most of the vital communications signals through other satellites, we were not able to retrieve any of the data recorded onto the satellite’s espionage data hard disk. – The satellite coming out of orbit came as a total surprise to us, and it wasn’t scheduled for a routine download for another several hours. The information the satellite had been gathering should, to the best of our knowledge, still be intact and housed inside the remains of the satellite itself.
“Our science boys theorize that the satellite was struck by some interstellar debris during a small meteor shower which coincides with the exact time and place when the satellite broke orbit. What puzzles them, however, is that it would seem that the satellite came down with more mass than it went up with, indicating that the possibility is very high that whatever hit the satellite and knocked it out of orbit came down with it as well.
“Place of impact has already been established- in a rather deserted complex of canyons, tunnels and mountains in the high desert of the small country Lesotho. Fortunately we were able to pick up a faint signal from the satellite’s tracking beacon that was able to get coordinates within a 15-mile radius. The Lesotho government has declared neutrality on this issue, which basically means whoever gets there first gets the prize. The satellite itself was protected by short-fuse force field device to shield it from re-entry heat and impact, so, provided this capacity was still functional, it should have landed intact.
“As soon as we had an estimate of where the satellite would be making planet fall, we scrambled Alpha-X to intercept. A team of 5 highly-trained, PNE operatives- the first and best super-powered team that Agency X had- went in less than an hour after impact. We haven’t heard from them since.
“Communications in the area is compromised in so many ways that I don’t even know where to begin. First of all, we are satellite-blind in the area, so the best we can even offer is high-altitude spy-planes over the area- which themselves are of no use. The canyons make radio and radar communications a nightmare; effective, reliable communication is only good for a range of less than a mile. For all intents and purposes, we are both blind and deaf in there- which means that anyone we send in there is on their own.
“It gets worse. We’ve intercepted communications from other espionage groups, as well as a known terrorist organization calling themselves “The Directorate” which confirms that they are not only aware of the satellite, but also of it’s contents. Being blind in the area, we have no way of knowing if intercept teams have already been deployed, but it’s safe to say that chances are good the Directorate and the CIA already have agents underway, if not already on the ground. There is also a strong possibility that the KGB will get involved.
“The data contained inside this satellite is worth a small fortune on the black market. It contains detailed maps and scans of the entire country of Wakanda, as well as all of their facilities and precious Vibranium mines. Since the Wakandan government has made it a point to keep this information top secret so as to prevent outsiders from having access to their Vibranium and thus maintain their stranglehold on the Vibranium market, they too have a vested interest in making sure that they are first on the scene.
“Considering what a prize this is, we have not ruled out the possibility that Alpha-X has gone rogue. If this is the case, then things could go very, very bad not only for the Agency, but the entire fragile peace which is currently holding the world as we know it together. The primary objective of Mission: Lesotho X is very clear: Recover the satellite and bring it back, if not the satellite, then the data contained within. Secondary objective: if possible, ascertain what has happened to team Alpha-X. Most important, stay alive. The entire region is filled with all sorts of natural dangers, from poisonous snakes and scorpions to unstable rock formations and the like. Communication is effectively nil. Chances of encountering hostiles: very likely. Back-up and support: practically non-existent. That’s the mission, folks.
“Full tech details on the satellite itself as well as the Agents sent in the first mission is contained in the mission briefing in front of you. Any questions?”<br>
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Post by Madclergy on Apr 19, 2005 1:24:36 GMT
Chuck had already been fingering through the files as Jameson talked.
"Wow, the things you remember from random tech. books. Hmm they could have made that a little better, wait a minute..Meteorites, why didn't they..?"
Chuck finished his thought outloud, directed as a question towards the Director.
"Of course my first question would be, if this was a communication satellite then it had to be equipped with some sort of video hardware, a simple video recorder linked to a closed circuit at the very least. Why did you not see these Meteorites coming?"
Chuck went back over his question to make sure that everything had come out of his mouth as it had appeared in his head.
"I have so many questions about going into the field but first I think questions about the cause for the situation is best." Chuck gave himself some self reassurace as he waited for the Director's answer.
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Post by Tomahawk on Apr 19, 2005 8:07:57 GMT
“ Chuck Dragon, ladies and gentlemen- Technical Operative. To answer your question, Chuck, yes, the satellite itself was indeed fully equipped with enhanced video hardware and observation capabilities. However, at the time the meteor shower occurred, all of these cameras were trained in the direction of Wakanda and Africa in general- we were scooping out another mission, of which I am certain you are already aware.”<br> Director Jameson fixed Chuck with a look which immediately reminded him of their conversation earlier. Clearing his voice, he continued, addressing the assembled agents as a whole. “Statistically speaking, each and every one of us here in this room has a better chance of hitting the lottery simultaneously than a meteor striking a satellite in orbit. It seems to be simply a case of really rotten luck, although- since you in a roundabout way brought it up, we have not ruled out the possibility that the satellite itself was somehow targeted, and that the meteors themselves were not what they appeared to be. However, that raises several other questions: Who would have the technology to pull off such a stunt? How would they know the exact coordinates of the stealth-equipped satellite? And most importantly, how would they know exactly what information the satellite contained, and when it was scheduled to be downloaded? Believe you me, these and more questions have already been raised. But we are not going to jump to any conclusions prematurely. Our primary concern at the present moment is recovery of the satellite and its contents. If, in the process, we uncover a conspiracy… Well, I am more than confident that the agents assembled here are capable enough to improvise and handle the situation. Anyone else?”<br>
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Post by Silverback on Apr 19, 2005 13:39:47 GMT
Something about Jamesons summation bothered Leo. Surely every team member went through a full psychological before commissioning as a field agent. If so why hadn't they spotted the potential for agents going rogue? Maybe he should voice his concerns and qualify a few other things too.
"Surely if these agents had gone rogue that tendency would've been picked up in their profile no?" He asked with a deep frown creasing his brow. "If we are to assume that the satellite was targetted deliberately, which seems very likely. Then the missing agents were delivered straight into a hot zone."
Chewing the inside of his cheek he jumped to a conclusion. "Someone or something was probably waiting for them." This was of high concern to the russian. "In which case we'll need backup and the best equipment the Agency can roll out for us."
"We need to assume that we'll be heavily outnumbered so whatever equipment we choose must be portable, preferably silent, and packs a punch. I believe we should treat it as an infiltration mission to ensure the best chance of survival." Shrike didn't voice his thoughts that he wasn't even considering success at this point in time.
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white
Non-Staff Moderator
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Post by white on Apr 20, 2005 10:56:37 GMT
Sophia had remained quiet so far, in a vain hope that Director Jameson would remember his manners enough to introduce her.
Not willing to wait any longer, and slightly put out at the lack of attention from anyone in the room, she cleared her throat to get the others attention.
"Sophia White." she introduced herself to Chuck and Leo. "Pleased to meet you, gentlemen. While I agree with the points each of you has made so far, theres one issue you've not covered. We dont know anything about each other. As you know combat involving people with our kind of 'unique abilities' depends largly on those abilities - we need to be familiar with each others capabilities before we enter a potential combat situation"
Sophia paused and took a sip of her coffee.
"May I suggest, Director, that we be allowed to see each others files, and those of the missing team? Also theres no point worrying about the things we don't know - lets try and prepare for them, but long discussion will waste valuable time."
Sophia sat back, took another sip of coffee, made an unpleasent face at its none - gormet flavour, and waited for a reply.
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Post by Madclergy on Apr 21, 2005 0:13:23 GMT
"The woman is spoken well enough, but she is wrong..dieing wastes valuable time, and dieing is caused by ill preparedness. Which as of right now I am because I don't know anything about the field or how I am going to protect myself..I guess I could take the cryo gun for field testing but it was really meant for mounted combat..like on a 500 pound suit. It would need to be modified down some."
"Chuck Dragon, it is nice to meet you. I am the resident, techno genius, you won't find much more in my file than that."
Chuck returned his attention to the director to continue with his questioning.
"I see here in the schematics that the stealth system could be modified down, was the other team equiped with this technology. If not then it would be best if we did, maybe that would better prepare us for finding the satellite without being caught, unless of course you are right about the ability to find the satellite and it was deliberately attacked. Also, advanced Comm. systems would need to be devised to assist us in this situation."
Chuck was trying his best to sound professional, in reality though there was a shiver that worked its way from the tips of his toes to the end of his bare head at the thought of being sent into the field.
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Post by Smartbomb on Apr 22, 2005 14:48:58 GMT
"The Alpha Team is not responding for one of two reasons. Either they're holed up protecting the target and unable to raise secure comm. Or they've been neutralized."
Most of the people in the room instinctively flinched at the sound of the new man's voice, as he had definitely not been sitting in the back chair a second ago. The new man was a bit taller than average and obviously athletic. His black, black hair was cropped short, and his steady, pale blue eyes were both haunting and haunted.
"Sorry. Jack Jones. Infiltration." His voice was calm and precise, and deeper than one would expect from someone his size. His accent and dialect were a muddy blend, so much so that he sounded almost generic.
"Going in guns blazing is foolish. We'll need to assess the situation up close, then create enough ruckus to distract the...other interests...and slip the target safely into South Africa. So we'll need flash and bang, but we'll need to do it smart-like."
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Onyx
Fanboy
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Post by Onyx on Apr 25, 2005 14:25:07 GMT
David gathers his thoughts and speaks out loud to the group, while addressing the Director as well.
Director, how and when will we be going in?
Sophia you are correct in that we do not know each others capabilities. I have no objections to anyone reading my file.
Jack, I believe that your are correct in your assessment, however, we may be able to slip out unnoticed, as opposed to creating a large enough distraction.
Leaning back into his chair David once again listens to the groups discussion as he prepares himself for yet another mission where he could come up against the CIA.
I wonder, if this mission might afford me the opportunity to regain my memory... he thought.
Sorry everyone, I am David Jenus.
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Post by Tomahawk on Apr 25, 2005 20:25:59 GMT
“One at a time, people one at a time,” Director Jameson said, holding his hands up and calling for a pause in the barrage of questions and commentary. “For starters, we don’t have the luxury of time to waste right now with the whole ‘Hello, and how are you, and by the way, what can you do?’ thing- I’ll leave that for you all to sort out while you’re underway.”<br> “As for how you’re going to get there, we have a modified Osprey XV-22 outfitted with supersonic jets that can get you there in no time. Agent Jenus, since your file says you have experience with both combat helicopters and jet fighters, you should find flying the Osprey to be a piece of cake, since as a tilt-rotor craft it usually operates as either a helicopter or a turboprop; once you get it up to speed and altitude you can kick the jets in for an extra boost. The onboard computer is interactive with a low-grade AI so that should be of some help as well. The Osprey itself is fitted with 2 .50 caliber computer-guided rotary machine guns with 200 rounds of ammo each. Since you’re having to fly halfway around the world, the two external hardpoints which would usually be used for missile arrays are being refitted with external fuel pods to make sure you can get there and back without plunking down into the ocean. Standard ECM’s, radar and all that other good techno-jazz. Questions? No? Good. Moving on…” “For this mission, you all have access to whatever pieces of hardware you can grab and carry from the armory- Plasma Beam handguns and or rifles would be preferred, but for you ‘old-schoolers’ you can grab an M-16 if you like. Don’t forget to grab extra clips or battery packs, people! Beta cloth suits and flak jackets are standard, and already on-board; those wishing to go with Delta Cloth suits see me afterwards and we’ll get that squared away. The Osprey already has the standard array of communications equipment, trackers, survival gear- including portable moisture condensers- on board for a complement of 15 persons. Anything else you think you might need just let me know after this meeting. Now, if you’ll all join me in looking over the files already laid out in front of you…” Jameson hits a button and a projection screen jumps to life with images of 5 agents on it- corresponding exactly to the files contained in the folders in front of you. He starts going through the list, elaborating slightly and giving a summary of the ALPHA-X AGENTS. Special Agent & Alpha-X Leader Samantha Van Derhoof: Codename- Sparkle. Exceptionally agile agent well trained in gymnastics, acrobatics, and the martial arts. Possesses the ability to directly affect and produce all manner of light within the visible and invisible spectrums, from producing total darkness to ultraviolet or infrared beams from her hands. Special Agent Jeremy North: Codename- Blockbuster. A highly trained agent with exceptional hand-to-hand skills, strength capable of pressing in excess of 20 tons, and a resilient skin capable of deflecting bullets. Special Agent Cassandra Zola: Codename- Cleo. Transfer agent from Agency VII; possessor of a set of bracelets and a neckpiece empowering her with energy wielding abilities of an unquantifiable source. Claims to be the reincarnation of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, and a ‘priestess of the goddess Isis’. Full extent of her powers is unknown, but considerable. Special Agent Jonathon Stetters: Codename- Hack. Highly trained computer and technical operative. His entire body is riddled with various cybernetic implants courtesy of Dr. Stephen Strange. He is capable of ‘communicating’ with electronic devices, as well as reprogramming computers and the like. In many ways more machine than man, he is also exceptionally dangerous for his hidden internal weapons capabilities. Special Agent Guenther Eisenhelm: Codename- Rottweiler. Defector from East Germany; capable of assuming the form of a large and vicious dog or half-man, half-dog ‘werewolf’ form. Highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and lethal with bladed weapons of all sorts. Also possesses enhanced senses of smell and hearing and a resilient hide. Capable of pressing well over 1 ton. “Now, as for the possibility of these guys going rogue- I personally don’t see that happening, but we’re not going to rule it out as a possibility. Any time you deal with agents and groups of agents with exceptional abilities such as your own, all the psych profiles in the world don’t amount to much more than toilet paper. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m going to jump to any conclusions or make any assumptions- Jack’s assessment is probably the most logical to go with for the moment.”<br> “People, we are behind schedule as it is. I’ll address any other pressing issues, but we need to get this mission off the ground ASA Freekin’ P. Anyone have anything else they feel they need to add?”<br> Jameson leaned forward, his hands braced on the table in front of him, as he fixed the assembled agents with a stern and impatient glance which could probably curdle milk if given the chance. “Well??”<br>
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Post by Vanguard on Apr 25, 2005 21:10:16 GMT
The conversation is slightly interrupted by a somewhat jovial voice coming from the doorway.
“Ah… come on Director, can’t we all brag just a little… what’s the fun of being freaks if we can’t talk a little smack now and then.”
Kevin slinks into the room from the side door, obviously somewhat late for the meeting but how long he’s been standing there is debatable. Upon reaching his seat, Kevin leans back whimsically and smiles at the assembled team.
“Kevin Thunder, umm… Engagement Specialist? Crap… that sounds like I’m a pro-groom or something. Sorry of the hold up… hot water went out again… I mean we can budget plasma cannons… but not decent plumbers??”
Noticing the by now all too familiar look of irritation in the director’s eyes, Kevin casually and discretely shifts his weight to sit up straight in his chair… putting on his grown-up face, never has an expression looked so out of place on a human face.
“So umm… right… are we umm… on… yet? Are we leaving?”
Rising from the seat he’s only been in a few moments, Kevin seems a little too eager to leave the room. Even without anything having been said about his abilities, its clear to anyone present that the strategy angle of the business wasn’t his strong suit. Before reaching full standing position, a grin break across his face and he glances at the group.
“Oh yeah, if we’re really taking that wicked looking whatever the heck it is… totally calling shotgun…”
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Post by Smartbomb on Apr 26, 2005 4:39:39 GMT
"I'll need to swing by the armory. But otherwise I'm ready. I agree in that introductions can wait for the 18-hour flight."
Considering how much the Thunder guy was babbling, he seemed either immensely nervous or ridiculously stupid; Jack Jones surmised that the Agency couldn't possibly be foolish enough to recruit a total idiot, so he chalked up Kevin's outbursts as nerves or need for attention.
Either way, it was time to motivate. Sliding out his PDA, Jack asked their operations manager, "Can you sync up the collected data and beam it to my Blackberry? I'll read it on the plane."
"Also, if we could get data on current sociopolitical and economic situation in Lesotho, as well as contact points for movers and shakers within their government with whom we might be able to play hardball."
"Finally, if you could also forward a week's worth of the local newspapers in Lesotho, I might be able to get a lead on who we can talk to so as to determine who has the target and how to ensure our acquisition."
((OOC--At this point, I'll be trying to import that data, then racing over to gear up on weapons. If/when you choose to jump to the flight, feel free to presume I'm already there.))
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Post by BlackRaven on Apr 26, 2005 12:01:01 GMT
suddenly, a loud male voice comes from the empty air beside Jameson's desk "Wait a moment, I have a question..." slowly the empty air begins to smoke and form the shape of a man in a long, black cloak that appears to be made of feathers. Most of his features are concealed by a high collar, but his eyes shine quite clearly.
"This team we are following up on, they were the "A" team, correct? I'm guessing these are probably not up to their standards power-wise." his eyes make a quick glance around the room " If A-Team has been compromised, how is this lot going to stand up to them? "
'Oh great, these are my teammates and now they hate me.. why do you DO this stuff?' John thinks quietly to himself, even as he answers formally 'because it must be done'
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Onyx
Fanboy
Posts: 11
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Post by Onyx on Apr 26, 2005 14:54:19 GMT
David was getting the feeling that the majority of the team was professionals in their fields, although there were one or two wild cards present such as the tech guy and the late comer.
Standing up, Davids speaks to the director and says, "I will need to check the transport before we leave, I will head to the armory and then directly to the hangar and begin my pre flight check."
With a nod to all of the rest of the team, David then exits the room and heads to the armory. While there he will pick up a laser pistol and 3 spare power packs. He will also take a standard pistol and spare ammo. When finished, he will head to the hangar and begin his check.
((OOC: When we move to the hangar David will be there finishing his check and ready to go.)
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Post by Tomahawk on Apr 26, 2005 15:38:40 GMT
Jameson’s glare in Agent Thunder’s direction could freeze freshly brewed coffee. As some of the others begin their intel requests and formulating their other requirements, he casually takes out one of his trademark cigars. Blatantly ignoring the “Thank you for not Smoking” sign (as he always did), he took out a match and carefully began to light his cigar.
"Wait a moment, I have a question..."
The look on the Director’s face was priceless, as he practically leaped out of his skin with Black Raven’s sudden arrival.
“Jeez lou- Freekin’ weez, John, haven’t you ever heard of using a door?!”<br> Regaining his composure slightly, he continued,
“Always gotta be pullin’ that ‘ghost in the shadows’ crap… To answer your question, Alpha-X is, or perhaps was, or ‘A’ team, as you put it. That doesn’t mean we don’t have other capable Agents, that just means they haven’t been put together as a team- before now. As I mentioned before, we have no clue what’s going on in there. It may just be a matter of going in as back-up, it may be something different entirely. We won’t know until we can get this team of agents on the ground.”<br> ” I will need to check the transport before we leave…”
“Excellent, thank you Agent Jenus. Now I’d suggest the rest of you follow his suggestion and- “ with an extra glance and stern look directed at Agent Thunder, “Professionalism.”<br> Looking at his watch, the Director continues,
“Get what you need from the armory and get up to Hangar 12. Pronto! We’re in the air on the hour. You’ll have a ten- hour flight ahead of you people, so you’ll have plenty of time to go over the briefings and get to know each other then. Leo! Stick around for a minute. The rest of you are Dismissed.”<br> On that note, Director Jameson placed his cigar firmly between his clenched teeth and waited impatiently for the assembled agents to make their way off on the mission.
“Well, what are ya waiting for? A hand-written invitation?!”<br>
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Post by BlackRaven on Apr 26, 2005 17:22:24 GMT
"Mr. Jameson, doors an unneccesary convience for one such as myself, as you well know from your attempts to ...recruit... me in my younger days. " John's face twisted into a strange smile as he turned and walked through the closed door, inwardly struggling not to burst out laughing. The faces people made when he did that never got old.
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