AuthenticTomb

XCOM: Devastation RP

Due to lack of activity besides Whoami and myself, this role-play has been changed into a 1x1. Feel free to view and read the post but character submissions will no longer be accepted.

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Eisenhorn

A shaky, poor-quality video displayed across a large screen in the command center of XCOM's European Base. The base commander, Bradley Delmote, watched as black smoke rose from what appeared to be the surface of a cruise ship. One of the alien devices known to incapacitate civilians was in the center focus spewing green bands of energy targeting the passengers while screaming filled the audio. It cut abruptly when a sectoid came into the frame "This video was uploaded shortly after a distress signal from the ship was sent out ten minutes ago. Playing it now." A technician on one of the consoles voiced.

"Mayday! Mayday! This is the S.S. Paradise! We have just been struck by several unknown objects...*static*...What's it...?" The audio reduced to complete static and was cut "I was able to trace the signal off the coast of Sicily. Displaying coordinates" A male, robotic voice came over the command center's comms. It was the XCOM A.I. nicknamed 'Arthur'.

Bradley glanced at the numbers on his personal screen in front of the geo-scape. If they acted quickly they might be able to rescue some civilians and intercept a UFO in the process "Arthur, pull up satellite imaging." he firmly ordered. The paused video was switched for an aerial view of the coordinates recovered revealing a heavily damaged cruise liner obscured by large amount of smoke. The S.S. Paradise was without a doubt dead in the water "I want the Sea Dogs prepped ASAP and two squads ready for back-up. Send Crusader 4-1 to secure the air. Send word out to any police or military personnel in the vicinity of our operation, keep them in the dark."
______________________________________________________________

Novak Vilmos was the only member of the Sea Dogs catching up with some shut-eye within the barracks, Lucia was too busy trying to win at least one game of poker against Felix after a series of extraordinary bad-luck at the barracks' table.

Felix peered down confidently at the four of kind currently in his hand, playing against Lucia was like stealing candy from a child. The frustration in her face was painfully clear "What could possibly be taking you so long?"

Lucia was debating on changing out some of her cards, she thought Felix had to have a great hand with how confident he was ""Don't rush me. You've had your way for too long!" She was about to trade in the cards she selected when they got the message to ready up. Quickly she peeked at the cards she got dealt and smiled cheerfully before tossing a pillow from one of the beds at Novak "Hey Princess stop kissing your pillow, we got a mission."

Novak heard the familiar noise their belts made when given a mission and was already opening his eyes as he caught a face-full of white fabric. He tore the pillow from his face and jumped off the bed "Who needs alarms when we got that loud mouth of yours." he responded as he began changing into his combat gear.

The rest began to do the same, Isak came running in afterwards "Looks like a cruise ship in the Med. An interceptor just got cleared for take-off." he frantically spoke getting to his gear.

The squad leader Annika had been in the middle of drink with Helene Mauss of the Grim Crows, which is why she immediately knew that XCOM's ace team was their back-up. She stepped soon after Isak with clear authority, a woman who took no nonsense when a situation got serious but otherwise was laid-back "I'm glad to see none of you are wasting time. Command wants us mobile immediately." she spoke moving quickly towards her locker.

XCOM: Devastation RP

Though they drank, none of the Steel Tigers had over-did it knowing that, unless stated otherwise, they were supposed to be combat ready 24/7 though through proper rotation no one squad was over-worked. The worst offender in their little party had to be Kiana, who had insisted that Alex piggyback her to their barracks. The other members of the Steel Tigers had dispersed elsewhere leaving the two alone to walk back.

Alex sighed as his hunched form lugged his squad-mate along "I can't believe I'm doing this..." he lamented. The look in his eyes clearly told he was less than enjoying this.

Kiana giggled with her arms loosely around his neck "You shouldn't complain getting to carry such a woman like myself. Make sure you watch those hands." A short laugh came after her slightly slurred words.

He just kept looking forward, rolling his eyes at such a prideful comment "A woman who needs to be carried after a few drinks? You're right, I should be honored." The sarcasm couldn't be any clearer.

Smith could feel the pressure around his neck get a little tighter "Now you're getting it. I am so thoughtful, aren't I?"she shamelessly exclaimed.

It was a good thing there were no other people nearby or he would have dropped her like a rock right there "So full of shit more like. Do you talk to yourself in the morning like that?" He asked getting a little frustrated.

"Are you saying you don't? What better way to start you day than some self-motivation?" Her voice was a little too excitable that time.

A few moments of silence passed "You're messing with me."

"Oh totally." A quick response came.

Alex grunted stopping in his tracks "Alright off." he bluntly stated dropping his hands from holding her up.

Kiana hung on his neck for an extra second before she dropped to the ground with a over-acted pout, walking up to his side "Aww but we're almost there..."

Alex did not seem amused in the least "I think you're fine to walk the rest of the way." He started walking towards the barracks once more.

Kiana rushed to keep up with him "Alex, you've been part of this team for a month now and I have never once seen you let loose." It finally came out then.

He didn't stop walking "I'll let loose when Earth is safe." was his answer. How could he waste time on frivolous things when such a dangerous threat is facing them capable of wiping humanity out?

She was not about to let this side "We are a team Alex. You alone can't win this war. Keeping yourself so stressed isn't going to help anyone." Kiana was much more firm in her approach.

Those words were not what he wanted to hear "Messing around won't either. Look, what would make you drop this?"

A far too devilish grin filled her cheeks "You know, start hanging out with us off-mission. Nobody says you gotta be friends with everyone just get to know them."
Finally they reached their barrack's door "Why would I want to do that?" He asked coldly opening the door.

Kiana replied as she rushed past him "Cause you're the rookie of the group and I will keep my mouth shut about how badly I kicked your ass." The disturbingly nice smile almost concealed the threat.

Alex gritted his teeth as he walked over towards his bed "Blackmail huh?" He sighed "You are one sneaky bitch." He flat out said to her.

The cheek grin as he turned around to look at her told him she seemed quite proud of it "You would've known that if you spent time out of the range. That's why you don't cross me. I knew we'd understand each other." The energy in her voice really hid her deceitfulness.

There was a digital board within every barracks that displayed the current deployment status for all squads in North America. Due to the low alien activity, All of the NA's bases currently displayed 'on standby', displayed in green, which was the default setting. However a small electronic noise emitted from the machine, a notification that it was updating, when the status by the special unit 'Artic Wolves' switched to an orange 'Mission Prep'. Alex knew they're getting called because everyone in the squad receives a notice before the board updates.

Kiana stepped over to the board, seemingly curious about something. A finger tapped the Artic Wolves tab on the board, and a list of current members displayed "I see they finally cleared her. No rest for the wicked as they say."

There was no point in asking who she was referring to, Alex already knew. He heard a few soldiers within XCOM talk about the woman, not in the flattering way either. She might not be military, but she survived first contact, abduction, and a crash. That was enough for him to consider her XCOM already "Mission Vector?" he asked ignoring for the moment his grief with her.

A few more taps on the screen "Are you concerned?" she teased him, the serious of his eyes stopped her from contiuning further "A ice sheet in north-east Canada."

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Jarl Coolgruuf

That is one issue that I've been debating on. XCOM is currently flying personnel that were enlisted as reserves in case of the alien invasion. If you have that you are sort of the new guy (though you have combat experience) I would have no issue with adding you to the squad.

XCOM: Devastation RP

Name: Helene Mauss

Age: 30

Nationality: Germany

Base of Operations: Europe

Bio:
If asked about her life or service before XCOM Mauss will typically reply along the lines of "I don't see the relevance of the question. Read my record if you want to know."

What her record would tell is she was born to a wealthy, notable family to Sigmund and Katrin Mauss descended from German nobility. Her father is the current CEO of Mauss Armanments, a well-known weapons manufacturer at the cutting edge of their industry. The German military currently employs a wide range of Mauss products producing a steady profit for the family.

Helene was fortunate to have quite the extensive education thanks to this wealth however she consistently found herself bored with most subjects presented to her, not out of dis-interest but because they were too easy. She was quickly deemed a prodigy by many of her instructors and advanced by two grade-levels to compensate for her advanced learning abilities. One of her favorite hobbies she acquired was Chess, a game she would play with her father whenever he was home like a ritual. After only a few months of practice, she never lost a single game against him except for occasions in which she would let him win so he wouldn't quit their tradition.

Those early games of chess created a deep obsession with large-scale planning and strategy, and so she began playing any strategy games she could get her hands on. The thrill of completely outmaneuvering and devastating your enemy in one calculated strike brought her the greatest delight which no amount of money could buy. Her siblings refuse to play any type of game that isn't random chance with due to her ability to figure out the optimum strategy for playing and even then, they would complain she cheated at random chance as well.

The rapid pace at which her mind matured left a gap between those of a similar age and thus she had very few friends during her time in high school. This left plenty of time for her to pursue her other passion, martial arts. Helene was a firm believer than in order to have a sharper mind she needed to train her body as well, her intelligence and serious attitude quickly rose her through the ranks. By the time she graduated high-school, she was already a black-belt.

Her ears were filled day in and day out of all these grand designs and dreams her parents held for her, to the point she finally was fed up with others trying to control her life. The choice to join the army was one made by her own hand and of her own desires. Helene had no trouble climbing to the top of her training class and never lost a mock battle when she was squad leader. Those who admired her gave her the nickname 'The Iron Maiden' for her harsh attitude and fierce presence on the battlefield. She was enlisted in 10th Armored division after her training was complete leading her own squad.

In all the missions she would go on, there was never a single casualty in her squad. In personal combat, Helene preferred to be the first one breaching building and clearing rooms. After a few years of experience, she put in a request for screening to become part of the KSK, or Special Forces Command, to further her pursuit for the ultimate tactical challenge. She declined many offers for an cushier officer position stating that she prefers to lead troops on the field than in a safe tent.

The first part of the training was nothing compared to the endurance section that was to come. Helene not only thrived under the conditions presented by her but finished in the top percent of her group and earned a special accommodation. She was assigned leader of a tactical assault team who would later become the most decorated operating unit in the KSK, with Mauss intent on keeping her clean record of no deaths.

Nothing lasts forever however as Helene was to find out during an escort mission of a high-ranking military general. The entire day Mauss had a deeply unsettling feeling in her gut which she expressed to the general half-way to their destination who dismissed her feelings say he "Had nothing to fear with your team around.". That was right before green flashes of energy spewed from a tree-line they were passing through and the lead car burst into flames and molten metal. She had just suffered her first causalities and it happened in a matter of seconds. The sounds of crackling plasma and smell of burning flesh have never left her mind since that day, it was a recurring nightmare for her. Shots came from all sides and for the first time in her life she felt out-played, just when she was prepared to die alongside the rest of her comrades a unknown jet dropped off reinforcements as the aliens moved in for the VIP. As she struggled to hold the line, she could hear the inhuman screams of their attackers as the unknown squad carved their way through the aliens. By the time they got there, she and the general were the only ones not seriously injured. She practically demanded that XCOM take her to which they didn't refuse.

Those of her team would suffered only injuries recovered but she was no longer their leader. For the first time in awhile, Helene found herself not in charge of her own squad and instead part of the Vanguard unit, Night Owls, as a point-guard. She found herself grow quite attached seeing she was not leading them, a change of perspective she appreciated. She is the only survivor of the Night Owls from the Battle of Berlin, known as Operation Swift Strike, the most costly operation in XCOM history. She currently lead the most elite XCOM squad, the Grim Crows, made up those survivors from that mission. Each member is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure humanity's victory.

Appearance:

Class: Assault

Squad: Grim Crows

Rank: Captain

Utility Skills/Strengths:
Tactical Genius - Able to come with an effective strategy no matter the circumstances
Expert in urban warfare
Expert Agility - Intense training and control over her body allows for better maneuverability and acrobatics in combat

Personal Skills:
Iron Will - There a very few things that can get under her skin and remains calm in the most dire of situations
Dedicated - Always puts in extra effort no matter the job.
Perfect Memory - Remembers everyday events in perfect detail

Weaknesses:
Emotionally Scarred - Trauma from the battle of Berlin has left her near-emotionless
Grudge - A burning hatred for the aliens can cause her to perform reckless actions

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Eisenhorn

Excellent, when you are ready make your introductory post over in the IC. Welcome to XCOM

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Eisenhorn

It was worth the wait, well done! Please copy your post onto the Character list and we can get you started!

XCOM:Devastation

The RP has started up and is accepting character applications, if you are interested please apply!

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Whoami

LOL nice. I have a feeling I'm going to learn a few more words like that in the future. Any suggestions on a first mission for your squad? I have a few ideas already but would like your input :D

XCOM: Devastation RP

@Whoami
I'm actually quite impressed you nailed nearly all the nationalities of your squad members. Hengeveld is Dutch by the way. So far loving the personalities you've given them. What do think of your team's insignia? (the picture above their names)