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GLADIUS Mission #01: Deep Trouble; HERMES division
Topic Started: Apr 30 2009, 10:29 PM (2,937 Views)
Lawman
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Director
[Location: An unspecified location on the India-Pakistan border]
[Time: Approximately 8 hours before Mission Briefing]

It certainly couldn't have come at a worse time - with Lavender still in the middle of her assignment in North Africa; but unfortunately situations that require the swift intervention of the GLADIUS Corps can come up anywhere, anytime - of course, under optimal circumstances Lavender should have been here to brief the HERMES operatives on this upcoming operation. Of course, anyone with a military background would know that in warfare there is really no such thing as 'optimal circumstances' and one need to be ready for every potential worst-case scenario. In the absence of Lavender, The Director had seen it fit to have Achilles activated and assigned on duty.

Achilles poured over the expedition logs and journals recorded by the Project OASIS research team before all contact was lost. To date, all findings and happenings were cataloged and recorded by the project coordinator in charge of this expedition, ATHENA division operative Bai Ling, (白鈴) the contents of the files being shown on a portable screen by a video projector hooked up to a notebook computer.

The old man scratched his chin thoughtfully as he began from the start of the operation - a new shaft that was being added to a salt mine operating in the area led to the discovery of what was believed to be relics from an ancient civilization, which were subsequently led to an agreement between the OASIS Foundation the the local authorities to conduct an archaeological expedition into the mines. Much of the details of the logs mainly focused on notable findings during the archaeological dig, as well as any outstanding incidents such as accidents. Throughout the duration of the operation, the expedition crew maintained constant contact with the project director at ALPHA Labs, constantly keeping them updated on their findings as well as sending notable specimens back to the SEED Institute and ALPHA Labs for detailed analysis.

The most notable finding was three days before the last journal entry by project coordinator Bai Ling - when the excavation crews tunneled into a new subterranean chamber - among their various findings of note included a description on how the architecture of the chamber bore similarities to the ruins located at the foothills of the Prometheus Peak back at Nova Oasis, leading them to speculate on the likelihood of an ancient globe-spanning civilization. The other interesting detail was on how they had discovered ancient texts on the walls which after detailed study was believed to be a code, which was later translated to be binary - machine language. The last journal entry from the project coordinator read that she would attempt to get her team to compile the binary codes, and from that point on the log was abruptly cut off.

So what happened to the research team? If it wasn't bad enough, even the team of ARES operatives (due to the political tensions within the region, the OASIS Foundation knew better to be safe than sorry, and had a team of ARES operatives led by the division lieutenant assigned to protect the expedition) had lost contact with the headquarters. This was certainly a matter the required investigation. Rising from his desk, Achilles set his eyes on the HERMES operatives at the command outpost.

"The mission objectives are simple," Achilles spoke in a clear tone. "You are to investigate the Project OASIS archaeological site in the salt mines to find out what happened to the research teams stationed there, as well as to update the ARES team on what are the possible threats they will face when a search and rescue operation is necessary." Gripping his katana, True Heart, in his hands, the former GLADIUS commander surveyed the operatives present with a pair of sightless pale blue eyes.

"So, any questions?" He asked.
Edited by Lawman, May 1 2009, 02:59 AM.
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Katyusha
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"What are the rules of engagement should we find something unpleasant?" Marina asked in a cold, business-like voice.

She was of course, referring to the amount of force they would be allowed to employ, how much collateral damage was 'acceptable' and most importantly, under what circumstances would they be allowed to fight back.

Such a question was normally not an intelligence officer's primary concern - most of them were more likely to sprout wings and fly than to stick around in a firefight - but Marina wasn't quite a 'regular' intelligence officer. In truth, she was closer to the paramilitary side of the business, which was why she was put into the Special Investigations department to begin with.

In anycase, if something down there managed to make an entire ARES squad disappear, it was a matter of concern. Besides, the very fact she was shipped off here meant there was probably at least some degree of danger or urgency involved.
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Cypriss
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"If you encounter a hostile don't hesitate to shoot to kill, but it's not our mission to clear the mines. We're just here to figure out how the last team was lost.... But do try to remember its a mine. Not built to sustain a lot of damage. This is a mission for HERMES, not ARES, it needs a certain amount of finesse.." Johnson said to Marina. He was wearing a tight black body armor. Laced up boots to his knees. Thick gloves that covered hid knuckles but not his fingers. At his side was a small hand knife. The other side house the holster for his M9 pistol. He squeezed his knuckles feeling a bit tense. "Normally I wouldn't even need to be here... And dragging Achilles out too..."

"Right.. The artifacts the mine is bearing must be extremely valuable.." Beaumont said. He too was wearing a similar black body armor. Except his had a strange look to it. Small boxes at various points as well as being less tight. It was the new type he and Cypriss had to test out. The type that prevented people from detecting them. "I'll stay back here and offer a rear guard. That way if anyone gets in trouble I can back them up pretty easily. When we secure locations I'll advance there, hunker down and you guys will continue. Meaning backup will never be more than a minute away.."

"I'll use my psychic detection to warn you guys of threats in advance.." He said to Marina. "This is how Unit 26 operates..."

"Our objectives are to gather intelligence on the threat, what exactly happened to our previous teams... We're here to figure out what's down there, If it turns out to be an enemy we'll secure a staging point for an Ares operation.." Johnson said before looking up.

At this poitn Cypriss entered into the tent, fastening his belt. "Don't worry guys, I'm been listening in on the comm watch.. Marina, looks like we're teaming up, I'll try not to get in your way.." He too had the black suit with small black boxes along it. "I'll be playing point man. Invisibility.. Undetectable in this suit. It's not hard to figure out why..."

"However I wish I were rear guard for marina! I would love to guard Marina's rear... Eh..? Ah! That sounded wrong.. Flank! Rear flank! Hahah! Because it's going to be dangerous... Er... Nevermind.."

".." Johnson sighed a bit. "Alright... Unless there's anything more we'll begin by repelling down the shaft.."

Beaumont closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his forehead. "Brother..." He said lightly. Groaning a bit. However after a few moments several black blade like fingers materialized. Followed by a great deal of light and energy as his guardian materialized. "We'll be the rear guard and guide.. I'll hold the rear, my brother will protect me, and you all will advance..

"A-ah... Cypriss.." Beaumont said nervously. He adjusted his glasses a bit. "Just... Uh.. Good luck"

Cypriss grinned a bit. "As long as you're there to warn my of dangers I'm not really at risk, right? We'll be fine!" He said flashing a thumbs up.
Edited by Cypriss, May 1 2009, 09:45 AM.
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Lawman
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"What are the rules of engagement should we find something unpleasant?" Marina asked, her voice was cold and indicative that the HERMES operative meant nothing but business. Achilles nodded at her question as he rose from the desk.

"We know not who or what is responsible for the disappearance of the research team along with their ATHENA division guards and ARES operatives..." There was a brief pause before Achilles continued. "However, should you encounter anything or anyone responsible for the act you have full authority to use lethal force at your discretion based." Achilles tapped the ground with the tip of True Heart's scabbard.

"Keep in mind that this is however first and foremost a search and rescue operation - and the top priority would be to rescue and ensure the safety surviving OASIS personnel and securing of OASIS data files from the archaeological site; in the event that said task is proven impossible, then the alternative plan would be to destroy any remaining artifacts and research data to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands." As Achilles finished his part, he allowed Johnson to take over, quietly listening until he, Cypriss and Beaumont had spoken their piece.



"Also..." Achilles turned in the direction of an ATHENA division guard, who nodded and retrieved from a nearby strongbox what appeared to be a ringed metal baton made of a shiny chrome-like alloy with a blue crystal set into one end. "In the event of a worst case scenario you are authorized to use this." The ATHENA division guard handed the metal baton to Achilles as he held it up.

"This is a teleport beacon," Achilles explained. "As you may all know back at headquarters we have a first of its kind teleportation device - the device at headquarters is a 'transmitter', and the device I hold here in my hand is a 'receiver' that allows the teleporter to connect two points in space together to create a teleportation gateway. The ARES division at headquarters are on high alert throughout this entire operation, and should worse come to worse, you are authorized to call in reinforcements from the ARES division."

OOC
 
It would be assumed that GLADIUS operatives of the player characters' caliber know how to operate a teleport beacon. To use a teleport beacon, twist the head bearing the blue crystal and plant into the ground with the crystal facing up.


"Johnson," Achilles addressed the lieutenant in charge of HERMES' operations. "As leader of this squad you will be exercising your discretion on the course of action to take during this mission." The old man nodded as he passed the teleport beacon to Johnson.

"I will be coordinating this operation from the command outpost, do keep me updated on the situation." Achilles added. With the briefings and preparations complete, the next thing to do was to head to the mine entrance - a vertical shaft sunk several stories below the ground with an elevator leading up and down.
Edited by Lawman, May 1 2009, 01:09 AM.
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Katyusha
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"Rappelling huh?" she asked to noone in particularly. "Well, I guess its better than a slow, vulnerable service elevator."

With that, Marina quietly put on her gloves and started a final inspection of their safety gear. Afterall, it just wouldn't do for something to snap and send one (or all) of them plunging to their deaths down a mineshaft.

She didn't mind risk of death, but to die stupidly was not really something she cared to do.
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Cypriss
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"Yeah.. The elevator presents a lot of unnecessary risks that simply going down by rope can avert.." Johnson said idly.

They all stepped out from the tent heading across the path to the mine. The area was secured by several agents so at least this much wasn't anything to worry about. Judging form the way the area around Cypriss was turning dark it was clear he was absorbing as much sunlight as he could. It took them a few minutes but soon enough they had reached the mine shaft.

He placed his hook into the side of the shaft. Running his rope through it and then lowering himself until he was standing horizontal from his rope. "Cyp, you first.."

Cypriss nodded, having spent the last several minutes absorbing as much sunlight into his body as he could, following Johnson's lead. However after he hot himself horizontal he became completely invisible. Even making the rope invisible as well. All that could be heard was the almost silent tap of him hitting the wall and bouncing off.

Beaumont took a knee. Expanding his psychic powers out as far as he could. 'All right.. everyone can communicate psychically via me as a relay..'

'Dude, so everyone can hear my thoughts..?' Cypriss replied mentally.

'No, just i can read your mind. They ca-'

'Oh good because I was just thinking something REALLY awkward abou-'

"EVERYONE CAN HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING. When you communicate it's to us all.. Your thoughts are not relayed.. idiot.... B- By the way.. could oyu please focus on the mission.. th-that what you were thinking about is.. very distracting..'

's.. sorry..'

'It seems clear to the bottom..'

'Good, Me and Marina will start down..' Johnson said, starting his repel down while Cypriss landed at the bottom, scouting the bottom of the shaft for nearby enemies lurking. Still invisible with his suit activated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile at the top Beaumont was cleaning the blood from his nose while scanning the mines for nearby foes. "Sheesh.. Cypriss... His mind is really graphic.."
Edited by Cypriss, May 1 2009, 11:34 AM.
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Lawman
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Rappelling down the mine shaft, the team of HERMES operatives would find themselves at what was the main operations area of the mine before OASIS took over. Several makeshift structures were put up in this large subterranean chamber - fashioned from converted and refurbished cargo containers, these structures served as offices, infirmaries and rest areas. Everything seemed to be intact, as if the research team simply left the place as it is - the generator was still running and supplying power to the lighting and various equipment.

It was from here that the archaeological research operations were coordinated, with findings being brought from the lower levels to this area to be cataloged and examined in detail. The first sign of something amiss could be found with the bodies of two researchers and an ATHENA division guard - a closer examination of their bodies would yield that the three men are dead, with the two researchers being killed by multiple gunshot wounds from the guard's HK416 assault rifle, and the guard himself was killed by two shots - one in the forehead and another in the chest. One of the researchers lay face-down on the gravel, a H&K USP still clenched in his grip. Judging from the spent cartridges on the ground, it was evident that they were either shooting at someone or something... or at one another.

"HERMES team, this is Achilles, do you read me?" Achilles' voice came over the agents' communications equipment.
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Katyusha
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Marine unfastened herself from the rope just as soon as her feet touched the ground. It was odd. Things seemed to be intact, so this was... odd. However, the bodies on the ground...

"HERMES team, this is Achilles, do you read me?"

"Fate, crystal." she said, referring to her own rarely used codename, and that she was receiving Achilles' messages 'crystal clear' so to speak.

She walked towards the bodies slowly, unconsciously drawing her own service revolver (A Webley MkVI Revolver chambered in the .455 Webley cartridge, the sort that armed the British Army during the first World War) as she did so, and motioning for everyone else to stay back as she examined the bodies.

"3 subjects down, dead. Looks like they shot each other, so this is pretty odd. There's spent brass on the ground, will continue investigation, over." she said over the radio.

She then took the weapons from the bodies, ejected the magazines and the remaining cartridges in the chamber (if any), and safed them, less someone else stumble in there and use them. She spoke again as she turned to the others

Pretty obvious that something's wrong, she thought aloud to the others. If everyone's dead, data retrieval should be top priority. I suspect if anyone's alive, they'll probably be in an altered state of mind is my guess, considering they've shot each other. We should break out HAZMAT gear.
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Cypriss
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'Not a bad suggestion Marina!' Cypriss said.

'Well it's not like ANYONE couldn't have thought of that..' Beaumont said, feeling somewhat awkward with the way Cypriss seemed so friendly with Marina.. She was a terrorist after all.. 'I'll deploy that stuff down now..'

Cypriss secured the line to the bottom of the shaft. 'I'm ready on my end..'

'All right.. Coming down..' He hooked a back of equipment to the line. The hook has a special roller that allowed it to go down at a controlled rate. 'All right, it's coming down.'

Cypriss at the bottom retried the large bag and opened it. The special suit had a hazardous materials version though it wasn't quite up to the level of a full hazmat suit it'd do for more hazardous materials. He put on the mask and gloves which went halfway up his forearms and snapped down forming a seal. However there were more traditional suits for Johnson and Marina.

'Alright.. We'll advance as planned.. Me and Marina on rear guard. Cypriss up front. Once we've confirmed the next area is secure Beaumont is to come down or else we'll be outside his Psychic detection range..

'Right..' Cypriss said moving through the tunnels. Keeping his eyes open.. even if Beaumont had his back.
Edited by Cypriss, May 1 2009, 03:43 PM.
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Lawman
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"Fate, crystal." Marina replied to Achilles' transmission, addressing herself by her codename which was rarely used. Achilles nodded upon receiving Marina's acknowledgment - the team has so far managed to remain in contact with the command post.

Unconsciously drawing her service sidearm - a .455 Webley MkVI revolver - Marina cautiously approached the bodies of the researchers and guard to examine them. "3 subjects down, dead. Looks like they shot each other, so this is pretty odd. There's spent brass on the ground, will continue investigation, over."

Achilles raised an eyebrow at Marina's report. Dead? So could it be that they came under attack?

After she was done examining the bodies, Marina took from them their firearms, stripping them of their magazines and ejecting any remaining rounds inside their chambers and put the weapons on safe to prevent their future usage should someone chance upon the weapons.

Pretty obvious that something's wrong, Thanks to Beaumont's telepathy, Marina was able to relay her thoughts to her teammates and the command post. If everyone's dead, data retrieval should be top priority. I suspect if anyone's alive, they'll probably be in an altered state of mind is my guess, considering they've shot each other. We should break out HAZMAT gear.

Good call, Fate. Achilles broadcast his thoughts back to the team of HERMES operatives, as Cypriss - who had till then been on standby at the shaft entrance descended to join up with the others, lowering together with him a large bag holding special equipment; in this case, hazmat gear. Cypriss adjusted his special operations suit for hazmat protection, donning a mask and a pair of gloves, while the bag held proper hazmat suits for Johnson and Marina.

"At any rate, staying alive will be among your primary objective, HERMES team. Anyone you encounter down there that attacks the team, treat as an enemy and respond appropriately, with lethal force if necessary, even if they are OASIS researchers or ATHENA division guards." Achilles radioed in.

Moving down the tunnels which yielded several more dead workers, the HERMES operatives would soon arrive at an excavation site, scaffolds were put up for workers to access the three-story high salt formations, where their findings would be placed in crates before being wheeled over to the general operations area for sorting and detailed examination. On a nearby table, next to a flask of long-turned-cold coffee and a half-eaten sandwich on a paper plate rested a notebook computer, plugged into a power outlet and displaying a curious pattern which from afar resembled a screen saver. A research worker lies dead in a pool of dried blood at the foot of the table, a pick axe buried between her shoulder blades, while three more bodies - two of them being local salt miners who have been since hired to perform excavation work, and the third being another OASIS researcher.

The two miners were apparently bludgeoned to death, with their heads showing evidence of impact trauma, although the researcher bore no obvious signs of injury - should closer examination be given, it would soon be obvious he still possessed a pulse and is breathing; unconscious but very much alive. Meanwhile, someone lurked in the shadows behind a stack of equipment crates, eying the HERMES operatives movements.
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Cypriss
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'Cypriss the next area isn't clear...' Beaumont said mentally. 'I detect two minds.. Ones nearly dead.. the other is intent on staying hidden... Both are possibly threats..'

'Roger..' Cypriss moved silently into the room, invisible and undetectable by smell or e's detection thanks to his suit. 'lead me to the one hiding..'

Cypriss moved following the series of instructions relayed via Beumont around behind the hidden man. He drew out his handgun, carefully moving towards the person before placing a finger on the trigger. He held his other hand out gathering light energy and pointing it at the person alive on the ground. At this point he made himself visible..

"I'm Agent Ghost of GLADIUS, Hermes branch, I'm here to rescue survivors and figure out the cause of this incident.. Identify yourself while standing up slowly.. No sudden movements, okay?" Cypriss said sternly. Pressing the gun against the person's head. "And you over there laying down. .I don't know what condition you're in but stay on the ground! We'll have medical treatment for oyu as soon as we're sure it's safe.." He wasn't sure they could hear him but it was worth it to try.

Johnson moved slowly, drawing his gun as he approached the other end of the hallway, the entrance to the room ahead now visible. He took a knee, carefully aiming the gun at the person on the floor... waiting for what happened next.. Whether it turned into a fight or went peacefully..
Edited by Cypriss, May 2 2009, 04:02 PM.
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Katyusha
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It wasn't so much a 'real' HAZMAT suit as much as it was Military NBC gear. A Self-Contained Breathing Unit, and materials went to be worn over a soldier's regular clothing meant to provide protection for up to several days while letting them move and function. Unfortunately, they tended to be only rated up to B-grade, which was sufficient for military use, but less protective than a fullgrade one.

Then again, you couldn't really fight in one of those overinflated personal bubbles.

It was much the same case for most of the tunnel. Dead people, and having to disable loose firearms, when they finally got to the excavation site proper.

'Cypriss the next area isn't clear... I detect two minds.. Ones nearly dead.. the other is intent on staying hidden... Both are possibly threats..'

'Roger.. lead me to the one hiding..'

Marina had to resist the urge to facepalm. Their objective was Search and Rescue afterall.

-----

This is not how to conduct a search and rescue. she thought aloud at the scene of Cypriss having snuck on the man and threatened him.
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Lawman
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As Cypriss advanced stealthily on the one in hiding that Beaumont had detected, he would soon discover an OASIS researcher, a short-haired blond woman in her late 20's to early 30's, dressed in a typical women's business outfit and a lab coat. "I'm Agent Ghost of GLADIUS, Hermes branch, I'm here to rescue survivors and figure out the cause of this incident.. Identify yourself while standing up slowly.. No sudden movements, okay?" Cypriss spoke as he placed the muzzle of his pistol to her head, causing her to drop the crowbar she had been clutching in her hands.

"And you over there laying down. .I don't know what condition you're in but stay on the ground! We'll have medical treatment for oyu as soon as we're sure it's safe.." Cypriss addressed the unconscious research worker on the ground.

"You... you're not one of them, are you?" The female research worker asked as she raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, turning her head upwards to gaze upon the face of what could either be her rescuer... or her killer. "You..." the woman gasped as she gazed into Cypriss' eyes from behind his mask, a hint of relief in her voice.

"You're not one of them..." she continued, although still mindful to not make any sudden movements. "I can see it in your eyes, you're not one of them." At this point she was getting a little incoherent, either a sign of having her mind altered in some way, or having just gone through severe duress.

Meanwhile, Johnson approached the unconscious body - a bespectacled male OASIS researcher in his mid-20's with a bald head, keeping his weapon trained on the man as he got down on one knee.

"NO!" the blond researcher shouted as her eyes widened in shock. "He... he could be one of them! Be careful!" She screamed. As if responding to the woman, the unconscious man's eyes suddenly flashed open, the whites of his eyes emitting a faint red glow from behind his glasses. The bespectacled research worker's expression took on a savage snarl as he pushed aside one of the dead bodies, grabbing hold of a pickaxe that had earlier been hidden due to the corpse lying on top of it.
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Katyusha
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"What are you talking about?" Marina asked, slowly approaching the woman and holstering her revolver to avoid spooking her.

"I can see it in your eyes, you're not one of them."

"One of wh-"

...

An icy chill materialised in Marina's stomach. You could call it intuition, or just the refined senses of someone who'd been in danger enough times throughout their life that they should recognise when something is wrong.

"NO! He... he could be one of them! Be careful!"

She instantly turned her head towards Johnson.

The instant the thing rose up...

A sound as if crackling with electricity.

Posted Image

An activation requiring only an instant. A process that had been repeated countless times, a shape materialised beside Marina, a weapon from ages long past and one with which she was all too familiar with.

The weapon is called Laevateinn, The Bound Sword of Nine Seals.

Without even charging it fully, Marina smashed her fist into the sphere to launch it towards the figure grabbing the pickaxe.
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Cypriss
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"Cypriss.. She is right. You could stand to be less gruff.. I realize you're on edge but there's n-" At that moment the unconscious being lunched towards an axe. "Son of a-" However before he could find the time to renovate the 'person's' head so that people standing behind them would have a clear view right through, Marina was shooting a sword with chains or some tom foolery at the person. Well, it wasn't quite as fun as a good clean single shot kill, but it was a hell of a lot better at not killing the target.

"SEE?! Do you see why I do guns now?!"

"Cypriss, she still has a point.."

"Fine.. Yes Sir, I'll be less.. 'gruff'.." He holstered his gun and glanced to the woman. He smiled broadly at her. 'Ah.. Cute.. Would I get in trouble if I took pictures?!' Not knowing for certain he settled for subtly taking pictures on his wrist watch communicator.

Johnson fired a single shot at the pickaxe blowing the axe head off the handle before approaching in a crouched manner. "Ma'am.. What exactly happened here..?"
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