[Center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/28hFcDbZ/Rain-Header-2.png[/img][/center]

[Color=silver][b]Location:[/b][/color] HQ ➡️ Jet ➡️ La Hoya
[Color=silver][b]Interactions:[/b][/color] Talon &  Squad 🐝
[hr]

The reactions from his squad after mentioning the worst-case scenario didn't phase Rain in the slightest. In fact, it was what he expected. As he entered his room to suit up, the young man could recall his first time hearing of a plan including the option of leaving others behind if necessary. It was not an option he enjoyed, but it was needed for certain missions, especially those that were covert. To be a ghost of sorts. Commit an action without anyone knowing of it nor your presence. In this case, your true presence. 

After wearing some added layering, Rain equipped his suit, wearing all but the hood and visored mask. For the rest of the hour of preparation, Rain tested his equipment, reviewed the mission brief again, and grabbed some leftover pizza with peanut butter spread on it for the trip.[hr]

[U][I]Jet[/I][/u]

Rain remained quiet for the most part on the jet, seated with a navy blue backpack resting between his feet. The packaged turkey and cheddar sandwich Daphne had given him was inside, waiting to be eaten later. He didn't know how to react to the gesture, because he found a few things off about it. Rain wondered why the girl was paying so much attention to certain details about everyone. It reminded him of his own observations, except the information she collected pertained to favorite foods and colors. Then there was the delivery. There were either no words exchanged or no handover at all. Just an item to accept for no stated reason. But like her, it was harmless and nothing to weigh too heavily. 

Talon taking the seat across from him helped take Rain away from his thoughts. He hoped Talon did not decide to sit there and glare at him for seven hours. Luckily, this was not the case. 

[color=9e0b0f][b]"I put you in charge of Squad B because I need someone I can trust to lead the others. Don't think I need you to play babysitter. You're only leading Squad B because of that reason. Everything is riding on this mission."[/b][/color]

[Color=silver]"I agree. Everything is riding on this mission. I don't care about why you placed me in a position to lead. I will just lead... to ensure our team's success."[/color] He said calmly before his eyes narrowed at Talon. [Color=silver]"Don't address me like I'm one of [I]them[/I]. Any issues we have outside of this… are outside of this."[/color] He was open to working with Talon or anyone for that matter if it meant the mission's success. 

It was hard to see the faces on this plane as expendable to a mission objective, but unfortunately, it was an option. Perhaps the last option, akin to an animal gnawing off a trapped limb to save itself. [hr]

[U][I]La Hoya[/I][/u]

Rain now had both his mask and hood equipped, his eyes on Talon who appeared as if he was going to address the group. About what, he wondered, but not for very long. [Color=silver][I]We can do without this.[/I][/color] He took a step away to visually survey the area just as Talon spoke. As the squads were dismissed Rain turned to his group he could quite clearly due to his enhanced vision.

[Color=silver]"Remember. Observe and report. Simple yet crucial. I will let you determine your vantage points, but I will recommend changes if necessary. Remaining hidden is key. I'd sacrifice any of you not being able to see anything if it meant none of us are seen.  Ensure your earpieces are set up and now would be the best time to address any concerns. Coal can you recon ahead of us. You're the least conspicuous."[/color] Rain would probably never verbalize it now, but Coal would turn out to be a very useful asset.