"Hopefully it won't be us who'll get pounded. Guess it goes without saying you people should watch your back on the field; if I would carry my kit, I'd might as well put a bull's-eye on my head."

"yeah, wish we had more time to split up a kit." mike mused, "but I got a light med kit, ought to patch a few holes." it was a lie really, despite adding a few tampons into the pack just in case anyone got shot, it was a far cry to what they'd need. 

a few moments later, after everyone had shown up, blade started the mission briefing.
"Nawlin, you and Sykes are buddying up" Blade said pointing to them in turn. mike nodded a confirmation as he moved to pair up next to Aiden, 
"Recon and Medic?, what could go wrong?" he asked smirking, trying to keep morale up, despite their last skirmish. 
"Nawlin, you and Sykes hit the bars an' dives in the' middle of town." blade said, getting back to them.
"Gods no!" mike whispered, putting a fist to his head. "never again"

"Remember: we're tryin' ta pick up the buzz, chit-chat and rumors. Keep an eye out fer anyone who looks out of place... and try not to get drunk, or thrown out."
"Can do sir." mike said, planning his cover, but perked up at "special fund".

"special fund?" he asked. "Any restrictions?...barring contraband of course"

the rest of the brief, was straight forward despite the mission, Find the target, be quiet, don't be afraid to play a little dirty, don't get caught, STAY ALIVE. too soon for his nerves, it was time to leave. checking over his gear one last time, he gestured to Aiden if he was ready, and stepped into the city. 

Immediately everything was wrong, the briefing may have covered it, but being in a hostile occupied city, this lightly outfitted, was still jarring. there were too many people, and his ever reassuring hud was missing. The old tensed posture from his child hood returned, core tight, legs slightly bent, hands tightly clenched. he quickly assessed the new surroundings. 

[i]"am I in danger?", no. "Am I blending?" [/i]he took a quick sweeping glance, and found a varying crowd. 
I am close to blending. [i]"what do I need to blend?" relax, be alert, not aggressive....
[/i]slowly the core loosened a bit, legs straightened into a stride, and thumbs slipped into his pockets. glancing to Aiden, he cocked an eyebrow.

"you up for a game of pool?"