[quote=@Guy of Z] Mars In cooperation with the EDC and the newly formed Xcom Organization they have created a joint search and rescue/exploration taskforce called Hue for intersteller travel. The EDC sent a single ship composed of The American Captain Conrad "Ebony" Leifshitz alongside Captain Paul "Crimson" Melcamp to extract their beleaguered agent and the soon to be hostages. "You really think the Concurrence has some kind of alien artifact on this rock?" Crimson asked "Who knows after all General Hawk is getting paranoid in his old age. Regardless smashing these wanna be Cobra losers should be fun. " Ebony responded. Ebony had no clue as he spoke the wheels of destiny were already turning. His fun will swiftly become a nightmare [/quote] [u][b]Mars Outer Orbit[/b][/u] “This is US space fleet escort Cosmo Fire 129 of the Mars sector. Shuttle 104, please respond.” “This is shuttle 104, over.” “Your landing is on schedule and we’ll be escorting you to the checkpoint.” “A UN Scramble squad is the first to meet us? Resources must be strained here too… or that old hag is maintaining a chokehold on them still. Damn them” Mikhail mutters as the shuttle and escorts are guided to the Red Planet. “Is something the matter Lieutenant?” It was then Mikhail realized he accidentally left the com open. Quickly he responded to the shuttle pilot, “There’s no problem, I’m just glad our journey ended without incident.” Thankfully a familiar voice blared over the channel soon after as Meyer tuned out the Shuttle. “This is Base Control. Shuttle 104, please follow the schedules flight plan.” ‘The aftershocks of the war extended even over to Mars… even now the amassing of weapons is causing great tension. There’s rumors the Decepticons have hidden bases here too.’ “I’ll feel much better when it calms down…” Meyer murmurs preparing for landing. Deciding the shuttle’s landing was passed the stage of incurring serious problems the communications officer slouches back as the Shuttle touches down without incident. “Okay, shut down!” “Looks like we were right on time” The shuttle pilot calls out as the Culture Club waits for the shuttle to come to a halt while chatting amongst themselves. “We’re here! It’s Mars! It’s Mars!” “But man there’s nothing here.” The eldest of the Club, Arthur groans in dissatisfaction at the end of their long journey. “Look at that! A volcano! “Where? Where?” “Look over there!” “That’s Mount Koroharika. It’s 14,600 meters tall.” Roanne informs the chatting girls who proceed to pay little attention while chatting loudly. Okay okay, you’re a walking encyclopedia aren’t you?” A snide remark comes from the front as David goes back to talking with his friend Judo sitting next to him. “The sky is really red” “Of course, we’re on Mars after all” The professor cleared her throat before addressing the students “Everyone, please settle down, we’ll be preparing to leave shortly.” “We’ve finished docking. Get some oxygen in here.” A construction mobile worker calls out to Base Control as the shuttle finishes docking. “Air entering. We’re now in normal atmospheric conditions.” A loud round of applause fills the Culture Club’s ears as the step out of the tunnel and enter the Mars Base. “Judo this looks great. We’re finally here!” Continuing to pour in Simone is amazed at the amount of officers applauding in concert at their arrival. “This is a bigger orientation than I thought…” “Attention!” Professor Clayberry calls out as the Culture Club lines up in file in front of the officers. “Cosmic Culture Club, First class, 16th group reporting.” “We’re pleased to have you here. I’m Lee Bure, one of the commanding officers of this Base.” Lee extends his hand in handshake towards Professor Clayberry. “I am Elizabeth. We’re here as the first representatives from the UN.” “I see.” “Here is the roster.” Clayberry hands Lee a tablet consisting of the student’s name and basic information. Glancing over it Lee stops near the middle of the list. “Anna… Anna Stephanie?” “I am her.” A low voice calls out from where the girls stand in attention. “Do your best not to lose to the others, even if you are the youngest here.” Anna merely smiles and nods at the Commanding Officer and he continues with the Orientation. “I am sure you all have questions for the captain? If there is anything you are not sure about, please do not hesitate to ask-“ That was enough for Mikhail as he steps out, there’s more important things to be done than lengthy introductions involving a class of high school aged children. ‘This orientation looks like it’s going to take a while. In the meantime I’ll try to contact any operatives already planet side.’ Heading back to the hangar and confirming no one was nearby Mikhail sends out an encoded message to EDC Operatives in the area. “Come in Command, this is LG Meyer of the EDC, I have arrived on Mars and are awaiting further orders.” Mikhail decided to wait until he could confirm contact before planning his next move.