Nondescript News

[Raleigh]

*A few miles away from the CTC encampment a copy of Raleigh manifests along with one of his created monsters namely a kind of stone/metallic scaled creature that is exuding green breath.* Raleigh3: Testing time. Need to make sure we can count on this when needed. *Without much ado he severs the creature's head.* Secondary phase of testing. Resurrection. *Casts a resurrection spell on the creature to see if the miasma will interfere with resurrection spells.*

[Jello Shot Mischa]

The mAlice are androids pure and simply put patterned as females of course. I was using Muffinville as a testing ground for several models where they would have to duke it out to see who got to be the mass production model and whose line remains forgotten prototypes. Sadly outside events prevented the test run from being completed so I still have all of the prototypes. This place could be as good a test ground as any. For that matter I could summon some of the still functioning Abominations of one of my incarnations. They were made to survive any environment.

**At the CTC Headquarters****
Ebony: Hello Caine. Where do you want the circle for the transport? Also, I need to discuss a security precaution with you as we set this up.

Major Durant listens to the explanation. "Hmm... I seem to recall some cursory data on that project. Didn't you conduct field tests in Muffinville at one point?" She shrugs. "As it stands... I would recommend perhaps choosing one system to try and staying with that for now. We have our suspicions that our opposition has its means to learn from our developments, in particular, subverting captured, killed, or destroyed materiel and personnel. Deploying a variety of systems at random could result in an uncoordinated effort that would simply make our opposition stronger."

Meanwhile, near the CTC Headquarters, Caine greets Ebony politely. "Ahh... actually, I had wanted to discuss this operation with you. Giving it some thought, there are some strategic concerns. Would you prefer to discuss them in private?"

The Storm Crow slowly hovers a few over the shoreline just outside the CTC base of operations. Just before a landing crew disembarks, the Chibiwanbanshu telegraphs a response to the CTC craft informing them that the enemy aircraft have made a retreat and that the Storm Crow has reached the shoreline.

"Well, we were able to stave off the miasma by burning ceremonial incense aboard the ship. Unfortunately, the Storm Crow's supply is beginning to dwindle, although I've sent word to my agents in the Chibi district to stockpile as much as they can."

(Sips tea)

"Anyways, shall we disembark?"

The CTC fighters acknowledge this, but offer to at least provide an escort until the Storm Crow is safely down upon the ground. While there isn't much of an area for a landing strip within the current CTC compound, there is plenty of open space nearby.

"Much appreciated. We should be fine. I'm surprised though that the CTC's heavy infantry use larger suits than our own."

*After a few short minutes, the Zone Troopers have displayed their lack of care toward common modesty and clothed themselves in the customary dress uniforms, which resemble battle uniforms for most armies with the armored plates and reinforced clothing. While most of the unit inspects, cleans, and repairs their equipment, LT Rommel then indicates to Lieutenant Brede that he's ready to meet with the CTC Major along with his two most-senior Sergeants.*

"Ready when you are."

Lieutenant Brede nods. "The Armed Suit design was considered suitable for our needs. In the event that we need a compact yet well-protected humanoid system, we have the EDU robots, or could use a SIBLING squad. The larger suit permits us to deploy somewhat heavier equipment, particularly by taking advantage of the shoulder and rear-mounted hardpoints for modular weapons systems, allowing us to produce a variety of weapon layouts and packages. The larger frame is also better suited to handling a COWARD system, due to the larger available power supply."

As the Zone Troopers change, Lieutenant Brede also takes the opportunity to change into something closer to a dress uniform. When Lieutenant Rommel and his sergeants are ready, the CTC officer leads them into the facility proper, through an airlock connected to the hangar. The Zone Troopers will note that the modular design of the facility does lend itself to compartmentalization, another layer of protection against the hazards of the miasma.

Finally, they arrive at the CTC command center -- a rather cramped room, filled with electronics. It's not particularly neat or elegant, with exposed conduits and wiring, but the glow of dozens of active displays and the hum of supercooled massframes reveal that there is an enormous amount of tactical computing power here. In the center of the room, a woman in an officer's uniform stands by an active holodisplay, while off to one side, a woman with long, silvery hair wearing a conventional dress uniform watches rather nonchalantly. Raleigh is also present, and currently discussing matters with the major.

[Raleigh]

I thought everyone did that. Ah well, I suppose you have a point. In that case I shall only present myself for now. Seems the Talons have arrived. Greetings Rommel.

***At HQ****
Ebony: I am not surprised. Very well then, where shall we discuss? There aren't a lot of places out in the open or otherwise that aren't being monitored. I should know since I work for one of the ones watching.

[Feng]

"Its known as the shimmer weed in the human tongue, a reddish grass that grows in the mountains and desert. Remember, when acquiring the incense make sure you go for the mountain variety. The stuff that grows in the wastelands is extremely potent."

(Sips tea)

"Of course the best place to obtain it would be the Chibi market in town. The Temple of the Smoking One has a stockpile of shimmer weed that they use for rituals of purification. Normally they will be reluctant to part with their stores however they'll acquiesce if ordered by the Chibiwanbanshu leadership."

Bones hands Raleigh a sealed envelope.

"My agents will also be in the area, no doubt acquiring what supplies that they can from the marketplace. The officer in charge should be Stone Beak, no relation to that renegade shaman."




Fortunately, the Storm Crow is able to find a landing space just North of the CTC base. The ship's doctor, accompanied by a squad of Chibiwanbanshu warriors, disembark. Some of them carry bushels of reddish grass, most of the remaining shimmer weed.

"Excuse me" he says, approaching the closest authority figure he can find. "Can you refer me to the officer in charge of this expedition? I have important business to discuss on behalf of my employer, Bones."

[Jello Shot Mischa]

***At HQ****
Ebony: I am not surprised. Very well then, where shall we discuss? There aren't a lot of places out in the open or otherwise that aren't being monitored. I should know since I work for one of the ones watching.

Caine considers. "I'm not sure...."

( More a question of whether you'd prefer to use PMs, or just discuss it in the thread? :3 )

Fortunately, the Storm Crow is able to find a landing space just North of the CTC base. The ship's doctor, accompanied by a squad of Chibiwanbanshu warriors, disembark. Some of them carry bushels of reddish grass, most of the remaining shimmer weed.

"Excuse me" he says, approaching the closest authority figure he can find. "Can you refer me to the officer in charge of this expedition? I have important business to discuss on behalf of my employer, Bones."

The ship's doctor may notice that the miasma, oddly enough, seems to have been largely cleared from the area around the CTC base. At least they won't have to worry about that for the moment...

Outside the walls, soldiers in full body armor can be seen patrolling, and several have already gathered to secure and assist with the landing of the Storm Crow. One of the officers nods at the doctor's request. "All right," the officer says, "Just give me your name, and I'll direct you through the compound. I believe the major is already awaiting you."

[Raleigh]

Ebony: Well we could discuss here if you want rather than finding a room. Just let me cast a spell so to outsiders we are speaking pure gibberish. Would that be alright? I don't want to spook any of your guards or anything. ((PM for the details I think while playing out a bit of them conversing in gibberish.))

[Feng]

"You can call me 'Doc'," says the Chibi smiling. "I'm afraid that my birth name is a tad bit tricky for most humans to pronounce. Besides, its what everyone else calls me anyways." ^_^

Meanwhile, Chibi begin unloading a bunch of heavy equipment in crates. They head over to the closest clearing they can find, preferably near the CTC supply depots.

[Anonymouse]

"Squeak squeak..."

In the aftermath of the battle out to sea, several pieces of metal and wreckage begin floating up to the surface. These remains are obviously from the subs- but isn't that odd? They had sunk earlier... maybe the metals have some clues as to what the CTC may find themselves dealing with soon? If nothing else, there may be remains from the technology of the vessel which could always contain clues- hint hint.

Elsewhere, the Steel Talon's crashed vessel, durable as it is, is soon largely covered with lots of angry hot lava, which will continue to flow for some time. The CTC's long range sensors like pick up all the activity, as do other parties...

Shortly thereafter, a flight of interceptors scream over the erupted volcano, circling about while collecting data. Eventually, the seem to lose interest, and retreat inland.

A distance away, as Raleigh experiments with reviving the created being- and sadly, the creature doesn't revive no matter how much life reviving juice he puts into his spell. It's hard to tell if the miasma is the cause, or if it's something else- but almost immediately, darkness begins to seep into the dead creature, giving it a putrid appearance... Cracking noises become audible from its innards, as it begins to shiver and move. Maybe that was why the Steel Talons had that odd practice of burning the dead almost immediately? At this point, it's entirely up to Raleigh if he should let whatever is happening take its course, or kill it deader than dead.

To the East, the pitched battle against the black plague of soldiers continues, with the horsemen each picking away at their respective super-mechs- in general, it seems the main shielding units are mounted in arrays in the legs- probably to distribute the barrier the most effectively, and also for ease of cooling, as several parts of the mech look to be literally red hot. Regardless, the mechs are certainly distracted enough by the horsemen which gives the main army of Corvus and his brothers a reprieve. But it seems Corvus' demon and enemy soldier projectiles usually result in them going splat like bugs on the powerful shielding of the mechs for now. What determines how some things gets through the shielding but others don't seem totally random- but the mechs do seem to be struggling with small and agile opponents. Clearly they were designed for laying waste to tanks and vehicles, not individual infantry that could actually damage them.

Eventually though, War succeeds and bringing one down by disabling the cooling systems to the shielding, and then gradually ripping apart the main control systems. Eventually, the mech topples into a beaten heap... and then VIOLENTLY explodes in a grand conflagration which levels a hill to a smoking, molten crater. Time to redraw the map again.

Once Shadow's horrors join the battle, things seem to become more favorable, especially with the giant tentacles of lava popping up, flinging the enemy soldiers about like rag dolls and drawing attacks from the army to said tentacles of doom.

Overall, the battle is going great! Aside from there being no apparent end to the enemies in sight still, and it seems the army is sloooowly being encircled, even with one of the giant war mechs falling.

(If I missed something, let me know!)

"Squeak squeak..."

[Jello Shot Mischa]

"You can call me 'Doc'," says the Chibi smiling. "I'm afraid that my birth name is a tad bit tricky for most humans to pronounce. Besides, its what everyone else calls me anyways." ^_^

Meanwhile, Chibi begin unloading a bunch of heavy equipment in crates. They head over to the closest clearing they can find, preferably near the CTC supply depots.

The officer hesitates a moment, presumably caught between protocol that recommends obtaining a visitor's full name, and the fact that this is a rather exceptional situation. It's only a moment, however, as in this world those who can't deal with exceptional situations tend not to last long. "Very well, sir," the officer replies, before motioning for the Chibi to follow, along with any assistants he may wish to bring.

The CTC compound is constructed from prefabricated components, although many of them, including the outer wall and much of the facility proper, have been partially buried and covered in soil to help provide both additional protection and concealment. The compound seems quite busy, with robots and heavy machinery moving about, continually working to reinforce the CTC's position -- there's almost an air of desperation, as if the CTC feels they must get as much accomplished now before something else happens.

The officer leads Doc in through an airlock into the facility proper, and through the winding compartmentalized hallways, until the Chibi finally arrives at the command centre. It's a bit of a cramped room, packed with sophisticated computers and electronics, and feels even more cramped due to the presence of several individuals. A middle-aged woman in a CTC uniform, presumably the major, stands by a holographic display. Off to one side is a silver-haired woman in a CTC uniform as well, looking rather nonchalant. Also present are Raleigh, and three Steel Talon Zone Trooper soldiers.

The CTC officer leading Doc salutes the Major, and introduces Doc. The woman nods in response, and tells the officer he is dismissed, before turning her attention to Doc. "Welcome... you are Lord Bones' representative, then?" she asks. "That should be everyone I'd hoped would attend this impromptu meeting, then."

[Feng]

"Yes, I suppose that would be the case," says Doc, bowing to his host. "I am Doc, Bone's chief medical officer. I believe you've already met my brother (he motions to a nearby Chibi ninja) during that business with the Destroyer."

The ninja, alias "Grumpy", bows. "Greetings. I am Bone's head of security and intelligence. I'm in charge of the Chibiwanbanshu squad deployed on this mission. It'll a pleasure working with you again."




Meanwhile, just off the southern coast, the mysterious craft (Bone's Trump Card) begins to drift towards the wreckage.

[Raleigh]

Welcome to the powwow doc.

**Aboard the Storm Crow***
Raleigh2: Alright. I suppose I need to present this to the guards before they will allow me to purchase from the market, correct?

**Experiment site***
Raleigh3: Hoh ho. How cute. *He turns into shadows that swarm over the creature before flowing back into Raleigh's human form once more. There is no longer a creature left.* If someone is going to cannibalize my forces its going to be me. I suppose I should always salvage a situation while here. *He dissapears only to reappear standing over the water looking at the metal wreckage below.* Scarlet, prepare to receive samples. *He gets a confirmation via telepathy and begins to port out select pieces of the remains. After all he might as well let some of the others get some samples too.* Well that is all I'm needed for at the moment. *This body turns into dust and falls into the sea.*

[Feng]

"The letter is to allow you access to the temple stores. The market gets human visitors all the time. In fact, the Chibi rely on tourism as a major source of income."

[Jello Shot Mischa]

(( I'll wait on the Steel Talons to respond, before getting into the little meeting proper... for now, a response to some of the other things going on. ))

In the aftermath of the battle out to sea, several pieces of metal and wreckage begin floating up to the surface. These remains are obviously from the subs- but isn't that odd? They had sunk earlier... maybe the metals have some clues as to what the CTC may find themselves dealing with soon? If nothing else, there may be remains from the technology of the vessel which could always contain clues- hint hint.

Search and rescue aircraft from the CTC task force arrive and start investigating the wreckage, collecting a few samples of their own for study. The remnants of the shark-sub with the beam weapon are of greatest interest, but any components that can potentially lead to new developments in defeating the enemies on this continent would be helpful.

[Funny Hat + Funny Accent]

*The Lieutenant Rommel shakes himself out of his trance of reviewing data uploaded to his neural network prior to the mission.*

"Greetings. As the ugly one who looks funny and whom I have never met, I am Rommel, Lieutenant Alexander Rommel of the Fourth Mechanized Battalion, to be exact. I specialize in Recon and Defensive missions. My Sergeants have requested to not be identified at this time. Call them Sergeants 'Thing One' and 'Thing Two' if you must address them though."

[Jello Shot Mischa]

"Yes, I suppose that would be the case," says Doc, bowing to his host. "I am Doc, Bone's chief medical officer. I believe you've already met my brother (he motions to a nearby Chibi ninja) during that business with the Destroyer."

The ninja, alias "Grumpy", bows. "Greetings. I am Bone's head of security and intelligence. I'm in charge of the Chibiwanbanshu squad deployed on this mission. It'll a pleasure working with you again."

Major Durant nods. "Oh yes... the kaiju incident."

As "Grumpy" introduces himself, the silver-haired woman stirs for a moment, looking him over with some interest. Grumpy may recognize her -- in fact, she's almost the spitting image of the woman he spoke with in Academy City, close enough to be a twin sister -- although there's subtle differences that indicate it's a different person.

*The Lieutenant Rommel shakes himself out of his trance of reviewing data uploaded to his neural network prior to the mission.*

"Greetings. As the ugly one who looks funny and whom I have never met, I am Rommel, Lieutenant Alexander Rommel of the Fourth Mechanized Battalion, to be exact. I specialize in Recon and Defensive missions. My Sergeants have requested to not be identified at this time. Call them Sergeants 'Thing One' and 'Thing Two' if you must address them though."

The major then offers Rommel a polite nod in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant Rommel. For the benefit of those who have arrived later, I will introduce myself and my companion. I am Major Durant, of the CTC, and my companion here is Special Adjutant Elly, assigned to act as an assistant and bodyguard for this mission." The silver-haired woman simply smiles, and nods at the introduction.

"With everyone finally gathered here, I shall begin this rather impromptu meeting. Each of you represents a certain faction or organization with an interest in what has occurred here on this continent. As you can see, it has proven to be quite difficult even to approach, much less explore. Fortunately, the CTC has been active in this area over the past few months, and has accumulated a certain amount of information which I will now share with you. While this may seem suspiciously generous, we feel that the situation has worsened to a degree that providing this sort of aid can only prove beneficial in the long term."

"Before I begin the presentation proper, are there any questions that you'd like answered before I start?"

A few soldiers enter the command centre, bringing chairs for the guests to sit upon if they choose, as well as a small tray of refreshments that's set off to one side.