Brotherhood of the Machine (IC Thread) [PG/14] {03}

[Lisky]

Darkshine felt it time to add his own thoughts to the equation.  "I think we should start getting gear packed then, much of the planning can be done en-route, but for now, we know where were going, and what's going on there, the longer we plan here, the less time we have to implement the strategy there.  If anyone else has been keeping notes, either metal or physical, of what we need.

I'll fire off a list... starting with supplies, 1) food and water for the entire team for at least 2 weeks, 2) extra ammunition to last through at least 3 extended engagements, 3) heavy support weapons which can be stationed around the dig site, 4) Portable barricades, 5) As much high explosives as we are allowed, 6) deployable sensor packages which can be placed throughout the area, acoustic, seismic and thermal would be idea, but we'll take whatever we can get, 7) either hand excavation tools, or light equipment to assist in digging and lastly, enough medical supplies that we can treat and stabilize multiple gunshot victims simultaneously. 

Personnel, well need at least 4 additional soldiers, a pair of medics, a pair of demo experts, and an extra sniper team if we've got them.

Transport, 2 Heavy Vans, 2 Scouts cars preferably with mounted support weapons, and I can take the banshee as well, as it can provide a sensor hub and the AI is capable of monitoring far more channels than any operator."

rubbing his fingers on his temples lightly, he perked up for a second, and looked around the table with a slightly crooked smile, "anyone else have anything they wish to add?"

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Fetrethar considered the dog-man's comments and felt the need to pipe up at his hefty equipment list.

"Chances are, they can throw a virtually unlimited supply of clowns at us. This means that we might have to bug out in a hurry. Can we really afford to take all this stuff with us, that we have a high probability of needing to abandon?"

[Tapewolf]

"When we investigated the other tower, we set up a concealed base camp away from the theatre of operation," Dorcan said.  "I feel a similar strategy may also be viable here.  I know that the best laid plans oft go awry, but as long as we don't take too much gear into the dig site itself, the amount of kit in the transports shouldn't make much difference if we have to scarper."

[shadowterm]

"Taking extra dig equipment may not bet as necessary, I should be able to fix or maintain the existing equipment." Izzie offered. "Other than that I'm not sure my usefulness would extend much farther than putting more lead into the air and being a meat shield in the event of an 'accident.' I'd certainly love to help examine the crystal if it's still there though."

[Ryudo Lee]

Armstrong piped up.
"You won't need to take extra dig equipment.  You're there to provide a defense against a possible Brotherhood invasion.  They do the digging.  And for the new people in the group, make yourself a list of equipment and personnel that you need and take it to the Quartermaster.  If he's got it, you can have it." He says.

[Tapewolf]

"Ah," Dorcan said.  "I thought you said that we were to provide whatever assistance the dig team needed to finish up quickly."  Inwardly he was slightly disappointed - a mission which had less emphasis on killing people was something he could have done with.

[Azlan]

Morgan sighed, "it is too bad we are not assisting the dig team, I always had fun in archaeology at university and though I am a computer science major, I had a minor in archaeology.   Dr. Woodworth was even a guest lecturer during our pre-apocalypse portion of the class."

He scratched the back of his head and gave a slight nervous laugh, "though I do not suppose you hired me for my casual interests, but for my militant, computer, and intelligence skillsets.  I will stick to my job."

Morgan considered the equipment he intended to bring with him.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Such an openhanded offer..... Probably a courtesy trap. Fetrethar dropped to his hands and feet and pondered. It was uncertain how long they'd be at this dig, so a bit of food and water would be necessary. Furthermore, if they were wiling to loan him a weapon, something that would attack from long range, a rifle like one of the elders would have would be very, very useful. But he was just an outsider, how to phrase this question so that it did not draw wrath upon him? He rocked on his heels, like he usually did when uncertain.

[Tapewolf]

Dorcan scritched his ear, trying to think what equipment would be needed.  At the end of the day he couldn't think of much different from the last mission.  Let's see... autocaster, probably won't need the grapples this time - no, wait, they're digging holes.  Might still need that if we have to get out of it ASAP or something.  Laser rifle, knife and some kind of close-range gun.  The stunner and that handgun Darkshine lent me.  That should do.

He glanced round to the feline.  "How are you doing?" he asked casually.  "Looked like they were treating you a little rough earlier, though you're here so I guess you checked out okay."

[Azlan]

Morgan thought out loud, "I suggest everyone be sure to pack a weapon for use in melee, as well as a minimum of one backup.  Also, I recommend some type of armor."

He then gestured to Armstrong and Exo, "a side bar for a moment if you would be so kind both of you."  He walked to the corner of the room and activated a small white noise toner built into his military grade mobile.

When the others joined him, he was careful to keep his back to everyone else, "I do not mean to be a bother and secretive, but we do have a few that are hesitant to take necessary action at times, as well as a at least one questionable liability.  My purpose is to flatly ask the important question, if there is no possible way to escape with the artifact, the doctor and/or his team... what actions do you wish to be taken?  Is it acceptable for the doctor or a member of his team to be taken hostage?  If we have to choose the artifact or the doctor, what choice do you want made?  I need to know how you want this to be handled, I do not want there to be any mistakes if the unthinkable happens."

 

[Ryudo Lee]

Armstrong pondered Morgan's questions.
"The first priority is to eliminate any Brotherhood attackers.  Stopping hostile actions taken by the Brotherhood against innocents is what we're here for.  So the doctor must be protected.  His life and the lives of the other people in those ruins are more important than some rock.  If you have to choose, choose to save lives." He says.

[Lisky]

Darkshine smiled thoughtfully at Dorcan and replied, "i'm doing quite well, thank you.  The soldiers that escorted me weren't rough at all, and i wouldn't blame them if they had been.  I've earned myself a bit of a reputation, and until they were sure i held no ill will towards the rebellion i would have taken the same precautions... if not more."

he paused for a moment, slight concern in his eyes as he asked, "how are you doing?  do you think your ready to go out again so soon?"

[Tapewolf]

"Well, I didn't think we'd be going out quite so soon, I'll admit," Dorcan said.  "But I can manage.  Don't need to sleep.  I'm a little more concerned about the others from that point of view."

"As for your escort, well... people being led off at gunpoint is something of a sore point with me.  That was the reception I got from the Brotherhood.  When I see the rebellion doing it too, I start to think uncomfortable thoughts."

[Lisky]

Giving the doberman a nod, darkshine figured he'd do his best to put his new friends worry at ease.  He said, "The rebellion does what is necessary for it's survival and continued attempts at bringing down the Brotherhood.  he Brotherhood seems to revel in it's brutality.  They enjoy the slaughter.   Although they appear similar, the mindset is so far apart it's startling."

"The very fact that I'm here should put your mind at ease about the rebellion, for the brotherhood would have either shot me on the spot, or they would have hauled me off to become one of their grotesque experimental weapons."

Shuddering slightly he kept his voice level, "If i hadn't shown up, you would have had every right to question the character of the people you find yourself in the company of.  As is, you should be glad to have found yourself in the company of such a quality organization."

[Tapewolf]

"Yeah," Dorcan said.  "I do honestly think I backed the right horse here, but all the same, it's something that does make me very nervous.  Still, never mind me.  Let's see about getting our equipment sorted."

[techmaster-glitch]

   There was a sudden snort from somewhere in the briefing room.
  If anyone cared to look for the source, they would see Jexx slumped in his chair, metal arms hanging from his sides. The cyborg was apparently asleep, as his chest gently rose and fell with quiet breaths.

[Azlan]

Morgan nodded at Armstrong's reply, "I thought so, nice to see my faith in your people is well placed.  I just had to be sure, but I would have placed the lives of the people at the front no matter what you would have said."

He scratched at his side, it was now starting to itch, a rather unpleasant sensation, "I have grown to expect the worst in people, it is nice to be proven wrong on occasion."

[Ryudo Lee]

Armstrong nodded to Morgan's comment.
"We may be soldiers, but we're not heartless." He says.  "Anything else?"

[Azlan]

Morgan nodded, "I do have a request, do you have a machine shop with gunsmithing... or armorer equipment and tools?"

[Lisky]

Darkshine nodded and gave Dorcan a crooked smile, "Well, if you're good to go, just lead the way to the quartermaster.  Seeing as this is my first time here, i'm going to need to follow someone around until i know the layout."

[Ryudo Lee]

"We have basic facilities at the Quartermaster's disposal.  Go and talk to him." Armstrong says.
He raises his voice to get everyone's attention.
"Alright then, if there's nothing else, then I'll leave you to it.  You know where the Quartermaster is, he'll hook you up with everything you need, if he has it in stock.  Go to him for vehicles, weapons, personnel, whatever you need." He says.

[Tapewolf]

"Yes sir," Dorcan replied.  He gestured to Darkshine and made his way to the armoury.

"Looks like we're heading out again already," he said.

"I'll assume we're getting a stock package like body armour, knife, rations, medikits and so forth.  For the armour, I guess I'll need the one that was modified to accommodate my wings.
"Anyway, specifically I'd also like to have an autocaster with a couple of grapples, preferably a selection of other bolts as well.  The laser rifle I had before would also be handy if it's good to go.  I'll need some kind of close-range weapon as well.
"Is that doable?" he asked politely.

[Lisky]

Darkshine nodded politely, eased out of his chair, and followed Dorcan to the armory.  He waited for Dorcan to finish his order then approached the counter.  "i'll take my own personal gear which is in the banshee for most of the equipment, but if you've got any in stock, i'd like a long range tactical sniper. PPreferably in fifty cal if you've got one."  Pausing, he thought of a few other things that might be useful, "also, do you happen to have some empty sandbags, some camo netting, and some heavy duty dowel rods... also, i'm curious how much high explosives one might be able to find themselves issued for this particular mission..."

[Ryudo Lee]

The Quartermaster had to grab a notebook and jot down notes like a waiter taking an order when Dorcan and Darkshine started making their requests, and answering them at the same time.
"We can prepare supply packs for everyone, which is actually a good idea.  We've already been working on armor made for you and your wings, and a helmet too if you're interested.  Autocaster, we might have one in stock with a grapple and some normal bolts.  Should be good for the laser rifle, and you'll get a standard issue side-arm."  He says.
He turns to face Darkshine when he starts talking, though his attention was on his notepad.
"Sniper rifle, check.  Sand bags, camo netting, and dowel rods, planning a base camp eh?  We might have some in the back.  And you don't get high explosives until the demo team certifies that you're smart enough to not blow yourself to kingdom come.  That goes for artillery too.  You can have frag grenades, flashbangs, smoke bombs, and tear gas." He says without missing a beat.

[Azlan]

Morgan arrived behind Dorcan and Darkshine, the dynamic duo it appears, "yes supply packs for everyone, good idea, I am not in the mood to micromanage my gear at the moment.  Make it so." 

Gesturing to his damaged armor, Morgan indicated the hole, "this is a wonderful light, concealable tactical armor, but I seem to have gotten it damaged.  For this next mission, I think I will need a heavier armor.  Preferably something highly protective, articulated, and power assisted.  I was originally going to work on this myself, but as I do not need it for this mission, I would like to give it over to you for repair.  I also require as much 15.2mm ammunition as you can spare."

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Fetrethar noted how the others asked for gear from the man who doled it out. He thought he had the form down for asking, begging really, since it came out of the clan store and there were no guarantees of protecting it, or oaths on how to use it. Of course, it seemed that all of these odd people, many not even human, were much higher in the clan councils than he was. Perhaps they were even superior to this "quartermaster" although he had a high sounding title. And if they were greater than he, why did they not keep their gear themselves, where it had less chance of being pilfered?

Fetrethar gave himself a mental kick in the shins for woolgathering, and idly rubbed the back of his legs, which started to ache. Probably all that crouching in the briefing room.

Walking diffidently up to the counter, he nodded at the man behind it, and spent a brief moment staring at the ledger. Then he spoke. "I would wish for a rifle of some sort, and ammunition for it, in addition to one of those standard packs the others spoke of, food, and the like."

He gave a short bow to the man and withdrew.

[Lisky]

Darkshine nodded and replied, "well, if it's grenades, i'll take 2 smokes, 2 flashes, and as many frags as you'll allow..." he smirked and added  "almost any problem can be solved with the proper application of high explosives."

[Tapewolf]

Dorcan glanced at the Quartermaster as Morgan made his order.
"I take it you will be able to restock on that ammo he uses?  By the looks we're going to have three more missions in quick succession."

[Ryudo Lee]

The Quartermaster continued jotting down notes, and noted the damaged armor.
"Geez, what'd you do, jump in front of all their guns?" He asks as he grabs the damaged armor.
He produces a similar armor.
"This is the best we got.  All our powered armor is out." He says.
He looks down at Fet.
"A rifle?  You'll have to be more specific than that.  Long range, rapid fire... give me some specifics." He says.
He looks back to Dorcan.
"Ammo's not a problem.  Never has been.  It's the specialty rounds that you kids these days like to use that are the problem." He says.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Fetrethar flinched, somewhat aghast at the taller man's stare. Speaking more to the floor than to this supply hoarder, he said "Whatever you deign to give me, I will make suffice."