FalloutJack

Splintered / Reflections

At least it wasn't the Makadikadi.

THAT would've been both an open-terrain nightmare AND a terrible slog for heavy weaponry, as it was a great salt plain full of a viscous sludge that three particular car enthusiasts referred to as 'like driving over Crème Brûlée' that gets you stuck and possibly dying out in the middle of nowhere. So, fortunately, the Sahara was just sand. Kerris did indeed drop first, in case they needed an immediate clear perimeter. She and Maxon actually enjoy drops, as it certainly got the blood flowing, shortly before they got the blood flowing in combat. It's what you would call a good starter course, but then how would they not, as natural-born fighters?

Her landing would be angled in such a manner to kick up gouts of sand as she slid down a bit of dune to distort the long-range ability to quite see what or how much was going on. That, and it was fun. She had essentially personal-cratered with jump jets engaged, and then come out of it, guns already at the ready with her own shotgun out as Silver was giving orders. Maxon, of course, landed nearby in packed sand. She too had let off a brief gout of gunfire, her chaingun sweeping a bit to cause the line troopers to take cover or - if they were dumb enough to stay up - get clipped by bullets.

Now then, we're splitting the sibs up, so...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Kerris

"Already on it, Silver."

She, like HB, was a frontal assaulter, in this situation. She had the MAS Suit equivalent to a riot shield and riot shotgun, among other things, so she was going to use it. You use such people to act as your temporary cover to move into position, concentrate fire, and so on. HB had already blasted some of the first responders, so Kerris took to focus-firing some other straggler units that had scattered a bit previously, giving them the old 'short controlled bursts' routine to take them down. Not that you had to worry about recoil so much in one of these things, but it prevents wasting bullets. Kerris then noticed sudden surprise movement on her periphery and saw two line troopers had actually been playing dead when initial barrages came through in order to attack their flank. A gout of flame blasted from the auto-shotgun in her Suit's hands and ended them without delay. Kerris' instincts were faster than whatever the Totality had programmed into their troopers.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Maxon

"As you wish."

Being tasked with looking after the snipers and their comms officer, the heavy Dranfel stomped off in the direction originally intended by Jacobine, the burning tank. The YPR-765, though ruined, was a hulk worth taking cover behind, especially since the ammunition would've already gone off, judging by how it was 'killed'. Likely, a counterpart of his in the Totality army had done it. Maxon himself was a known tank-killer among his peers. In any case, he was moving into position himself when there was the heavy trooper flanking, which were taken out by Jacobine and Veep before he was actually in position. However, Veep had had to maneuver to avoid taking damage and had fallen behind. Maxon contacted the Felness over radio.

"It's safe for now, Veep. Move into position. The area is secure."

That was when a communication from Fea came in, calling for a heavy weapon to blast some Totality troops out of bunch of rubble. In short, his expertise was requested. With an "I'm on it.", he leveled his rocket launcher, found a small gap to focus on and let fly. The explosion was equal-parts dusty and fiery, with bodies - such as they were - flying free from their cover.

"Target vanquished. Moving along."

Splintered / Reflections

Hey, everyone! Have almost two minutes of freaky noises that Runners make!

youtube.com/watch?v=PqoyYIHN318

(it counts as world-building or... something)

@Rhona W

Is it good or bad that I feel like every bit of that was performed by Michael Winslow?

Splintered / Reflections

With several headed to their MAS Suits, what was one more from the Amazonian-like Dranfel? As Maxon was preparing his rocket launcher and putting on his field items before his jump pack, Kerris went and slipped into her pilot suit, tying her coat to her waist so that she wouldn't have to leave it behind. She liked that coat. Now, there was, of course, some minor issues with the fitting of her into a MAS Suit. She had height and she had horns. Naturally, they just made it a bit taller to manage her form. The tail wasn't an issue, because she simply wrapped it around her waist, but as a result, Kerris' midnight-blue and red-highlighted MAS Suit did have an unusually-shaped head. Nobody's perfect.

As you might expect, her MAS Suit was designed for heavy combat, all weapons and no special utilities. Kerris glanced at the Hwavy Laser and checked to see if she could fire it while doing the combat drop. It might be viable to do that with its extreme range and accuracy, instead of waiting and having to use up her hard ammunition. Mmm...perhaps. It was about this time that she heard Veep expressing his concern about the manner in which they were getting to the ground. Alas, this was a simple cargo plane, not not really designed for VTOL functions. And with no airfield, that did mean they could only take the plunge from the sky to the ground, as Kerris suspected would happen. Silverwind also specified a low-altitude jump, which might make things easier on the laser's aim.

At that moment, the klaxon sounded, and they had one minute. Suited up with the others, Kerris headed for the plane's rear ramp.

"Allow me the honor of the first jump, if you would. I'm loaded to fight, and for defense, so I will establish a perimeter."

"Take heed of your surroundings, Kerris, and leave none standing that are near."

"Of course, Maxon."

Both of the Dranfel were prepared. As a regular soldier, he would jump after the actual heavy machines, but be vigilantely ready with his launcher on the way down.

Splintered / Reflections

Kerris' Loadout

"This will be painful for only a second."

Arm-Mounted Weapons:
Right: Chain Gun
Left: Shield - Shotgun Drum (Slug) x2 in slots

Rear Waist:
Auto-Shotgun - Dragon's Breath Drum loaded

Hips:
Right: Combat Knife
Left: Combat Knife

Back Weapons:
Right: Heavy Laser
Left: Surface-to-Air Missiles

Legs:
Right: Shotgun Drum (Dragon's Breath) x2
Left: Chain Gun Magazines x2

Splintered / Reflections

The lady Dranfel smirked with a light tilt of the head as Veep responded.

"Once again, a chance to show your abilities. At the very least, the cooperation of two in such a sport will carry us farther than I alone."

Maxon was uninterested in such a pasttime, so she figured that someone else who spends their time dealing with machine equipment would. And since Veep did seem perturbed by his earlier confrontation with Feanulde, it seemed fair.

It was directly after this that the Keeper spoke up in regard to the promise of a clandestine act of battle. Ah yes... Back to the matter at hand. Kerris shrugged slightly, before gesturing to him.

"As Veep said a moment ago, it would be up to Captain Silverwind. I would not say no. Let us merely say that the option is there to bring up, when all is in readiness."

Yes, it really depended on their canine captain. Speaking of which...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

His ears may have perked to hear Maxon speak, but he rumble of the large dragon-y man would hardly be lost over the noise, when he meant to be heard. In any case, Silver could see the disappointment on the Dranfel's face when his question was answered. There was a pause in his pull-ups as he processed the new data, and then as he continued...

"I had hoped there was something so morale-breaking as to reflect the pains inflicted on all of us, but alas...maybe it is not meant to be. Very well. Once step at a time, and claim their strategic battle points, it shall be. Don't let me distract you from your own matters. This is merely my routine."

He would let the captain get back to his own business, the interruption spent. All of this, of course, was before...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Some Time Later...

...and now, we're at after.

All had been taken care of for pre-battle preperations, hopefully. Food, sleep, and whatever else would done with now, as matters began to pick up. Indeed, the two Dranfel had managed to get rest, as they were use to doing so in hostile territory out of necessity. Of course, it was not long before Silver had some news for them. Bad news. Well...yes and no, as Kerris looked to her brother.

"You DID wish us to be hurried along."

"True, but I'd hoped that it would be to arrive through the Mirror before it was discovered."

"I believe the humans have some addage about the plan never surviving contact with the enemy."

She then looked over at the Felness, saying "Let us away, then." before turning and heading for the MAS Suits, double-time. Others could easily help with the unloading process and the parachute preparation. Kerris and Veep would have to suit-up and get the machines up and running for the ride - Read as 'Fall' - down there. Maxon was indeed going back there to aid in the heavier tasks before going for his own equipment. Now was the time to rush, as they were definitely on the clock and heading for a fight. The only question was...which world would it be happening on to start with?

Splintered / Reflections

Gunships and ground forces being the height of what they expected put the Dranfel pair a bit more at ease. While there were things in the Totality that the two had been menaced by in the past, gunships were something more of a harrassment. Difficult to deal with if you were ill-equipped, but as they would be using suits, Kerris was looking forward to shooting them down. Veep was still apparently going to check on the MAS Suits, despite the elf's disagreement. How did the human phrase go? 'Measure twice, cut once'? Something like that. In any case, Silver seemed receptive to her thoughts on camouflaging the mirror on the other planet and experditing their arrival at the site in Egypt, as Maxon suggested. He'd no doubt communicate that ahead of them when he had a moment to spare after the meeting. Kerris had to snort about the Horned Bastard's comment regarding Egypt's lack of membership to the Coalition.

"It was unwise of them, of all people, to not join in. I would wager they are reconsidering their position now."

"I'll second that notion."

After all, it's not as though the thought of Egypt getting invaded through a gateway hadn't crossed their minds... In any case, the most pertinent matters to question seemed to be covered, so the lot of them were dismissed, leaving them to their own devices.

"If you're going to eat, pack more water, just in case we become waylaid in the desert."

"I just came from a desert. I don't plan to spend more time in one just standing around. What will you do, then?"

"Prepare my launcher, then some exercises. Join me?"

"Later, perhaps."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

So, the lady Dranfel would enter the kitchen area, hearing Veep and the Keeper converse. The latter of the two was jocular, as per usual, while feline was probably still not in the best of moods. She listened in as they went at it, preparing herself some choice bits of meat to feast upon, and something to dry into extra jerky for her and her brother later. When the conversation had reached a completion point, Kerris called over.

"You know, Veep, you and I should go on an elimination run, once we are there, to thin the Totality numbers before they can reach our position."

She took her plate of food and sat nearby, her tail making certain to tuck under her seat, lest it be trod upon by those with careless feet.

"The planet is lush and full of cover. We could take down many in our wake, even set traps."

Kerris let that thought process for a moment as she dug into her meal some. However, as she did, a thought crossed her mind, and she raised one of her fingers for a moment before swallowing.

"A point of order, though, regarding your skills... About how good a mechanic are you? Perhaps more skillful than I? There could be a use for that off-mission, if you're interested."

Oh, what fresh new hell did the dragon lady have in mind for him?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Maxon didn't have any trouble finding his own weapons already stowed. He just had to make sure the rocket launcher was ready and able for combat ahead of time, since he could realistically only take it OR the Micro-Missle Launcher OR some other heavy weapon that was provided. Once done, he looked over at the walls of the cargo plane. It is a matter of fact that such craft had sections along the inside that reinforce the stability of the fuselage, and that they had gaps in them that could serve as handholds. The reason this was important would become apparent, but he noticed Silverwind nearby as he went for one. The fox/canine couldn't help but notice him. The big Dranfel's footfalls weren't exactly quite.

"Ah, Silver. I do have a question of you, if you have the moment."

Gripping the 'handholds' now, Maxon was using them as sort of a ladder, taking care to hook the talons of his feet in as well, traversing his way up. He would step when he was in the prime position to do some pull-ups overhead, and proceeded to do so.

"I was wondering if you knew this... The Totality, of course, occupies our planets and uses our resources, but has command ever located a world they might care about, like a homeworld, a Totallus Unus, if you will?"

Splintered / Reflections

The mission must have been important if the two of them were diverted from reaching the base, and instead were taken to a cargo plane, already being readied. They simply wouldn't be in such a rush unless every moment counted. Naturally, the rest of the group filtered in to join them, starting with Silver, their canine commando. Not the words of the two Dranfel, but what others called him in the base, sometimes. Kerris prefered 'Canus Militus'. A bit of Earth Latin. Still, to the briefing... Once they'd taken off and things were a bit quieter, they could hear what this was all about, and with all the heavy equipment that had been loaded with them.

It started with a simple exploration mission in the country of Egypt, evidence of a lush planet, and then...a loss of contact. Steeling herself, Kerris knew what was coming next, as did Maxon. They wouldn't be called unless the very next thing was the Totality. And sure enough, as they were shown the on-planet probe feet...soon they saw evidence of Totality forces. They had attacked this little world. There was just a muttering from Maxon, who rumbled a bit, saying "Rescue missions are difficult...", assuming that's what this was. Silver would continue, and as he went on, it seemed more two-fold. They had to do something about how easily the Totality could come here if they retained access to that world.

He finished up by underlining the miniscule amount of coverage they had in Egypt, the time it would take to get there, and the fact that they should use their time to clear up any confusion, rest, or eat via the on-board kitchen.

"I could eat. What of you, brother?"

He held up a hand.

"Quite full, as of now."

They wouldn't move off to whatever they were to do next without attaining more information first. There was plenty of time for all of that, if they had eight hours. Kerris could see the Felness, Veep, already stalking off to go check on equipment. There was a little body language there that suggested a little nervousness. Understandable, considering she and Veep were similarly skilled. Feanulde insisted that the weapons would be fine with almost the same fervor as the Keeper and his desire to visit justice on the Totality. It was at this point in time that the Dranfel decided to chime in.

"I don't like that our position, this side, was not secured. Could they set up umm...? What is it? I read about this. A camoflaging tarp used in the older human wars to prevent detection of something from the sky? Place taut over the mirror, it may buy some time."

"The bigger question is whether or not the mirror's position is known already. The Totality - as I know them - prefer a location to be secure before acting on it, but if a scout has already spotted it, our time will be very limited, and our edge will be lost."

That is, if the mirror's position was not yet known, the Totality would likely proceed at their usual pace in securing the area. But if it were known and a scout were to penetrate to Egypt in short order, then they would setup an outpost right then, and it would be heavy combat for their team from the word go, instead of some potential infiltration before the bloodshed.

Splintered / Reflections

@Rhona W

At least it's not a rock quarry.

Splintered / Reflections

Kerris Dagorath

Bonneville Flats, Utah

The Earth has seen its share of battlezones, with plenty of prime locations destroyed, yet there were still areas of unspoiled paradise - according to the humans - where they may partake in the motorized ritual of high-speed racing...

For years, human beings have come to this unassuming stretch of flat salty land for the purpose engaging in motorized entertainment with few pesky laws to actually get in the way. It was a self-regulated event, but if you wanted to drive in excess of 100 MPH, you could. Take any car you want out there, make whatever changes in performance you think are necessary, and have a drive. Events originally started with drag stripping to see how fast you could go, flat-out, while people could do as they pleased outside of what was considered the official grounds. However, in later years, they added something else to the mix: Rally stages.

"Race Three on Track Two is ready to begin! Racers, to your position!"

It was just a simple outlining of cones with some outlines marked into the ground with tools, outlining the rugged course of difficult terrain. And there, in the third car in the ranks - the jeep with the rollcage and no roof to accommodate her horns - was Kerris Dagorath. She was in her usual attire, with just the alteration of two things. First, it was a white t-shirt she had on so the salt dust wouldn't be as noticeable, and second, she was wearing a mask. Specifically, it was a set of shaded goggles with a nose piece that someone had helpfully given her, because while - as a Dranfel - she could stand the heat, the light, and the dust, it was still annoying, and she came out here to have some fun.

"GO!"

Her boot-laden foot slammed on the gas as they got started, tail coming out to adjust the gears as she and the other cars got moving. Kerris was considered fairly expert in vehicle operation, given the way she handled them. Maybe not to the extent of the three wise men who once traveled the world in hair-raising hijinx and adventure, but give her time. She was self-taught AND THEN military-trained in things. This was her fifth race of the day, and despite all difficulty of her life previously on her home planet, the lady Dranfel was enjoying herself. The race was on fire, the wind was whipping through her dark locks, and the car rumbled furiously with a life of its own. However, all good things must come to an end, as the Pebble she'd stuck by her ear interrupted the music she was playing with an incoming call.

"Hmmm. Answer call."

"Operator Dagorath?"

"One of them."

"We're calling you both in, ma'am. Your team has been chosen to take part in a mission, and we need you back at base in Jacksonville for briefing, ASAP."

"I assume you know where I am."

"Yes, ma'am. A jet has been sent. It will land near your location."

"Good. I'll make my way to it shortly."

She ended the call, but then opened up a new one.

"Bonneville Control, this is Kerris Dagorath. I am in need of departure. Permission to exit the race at speed to link up with transport."

"Permission granted. Be safe out there."

"It will be done. You may pick up the vehicle later, at your leisure."

She switched back on the music, and when the opening presented itself, just drove right out of the rally stage, due east in order to have the incoming jet zero in on her and land. Soon after, the Dranfel stopped the car and flipped herself onto the hood, before taking a high leap and dropping to a point nearby. It was actually not a military jet, but a private jet. Climbing aboard, a man closed the door behind her and signalled the pilot to take off. Kerris looked around the cabin with some interest.

"Rather luxurious for military use."

"It seemed a little better than sending two separate jets when your brother is so nearby and we may need them in case of emergency."

"'Tis true. Anything could happen."

The plane was already in the air, and now headed towards...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Maxon Dagorath

Reno, Nevada

Really, a card game was just an engagement in simple mathematics, trying to figure out if their X would beat out your Y, and how. To a fellow like Maxon, it was really no more than a diversion, keeping his mind busy while his body waited for something to do. Gambling was just a funny little edge to the game, because really...what he was after was nothing more than the atmosphere, the act in of itself, while he idly sipped something alcoholic in a calm atmosphere lit with the slight tension of trying to beat someone at their own game. He even had a cigar, though...due to the fact that the nicotine has no real effect on him, it was hardly the addictive tube of frustration that it was for most humans.

"And therein lies the heart of the matter. My sister enjoys human articles, such as the clothing, because it's comfortable, but I find it not so accessible, due to the problem of size."

Kerris was like an amazon warrior, while Maxon was a Dranfel slab of meat. He had to grab one of the offered sandwiches at the table between thumb and forefinger, so that his claws wouldn't just slice it apart before it reached his mouth, and he could shove the whole sandwich IN his mouth comfortably, and even swallow it whole without difficulty.

"There are many things that just don't apply to me, due to some of the limitations, or because I'm a traditionalist who doesn't prefer them. Even the alcohol has a limited effect, though I do enjoy the flavor."

One of the other players - one of three other humans - looked at him.

"Isn't there anything in our culture you like?"

"Certainly. The robes are quite plush and flowing. The food is pleasant and nourishing. And besides...the reason I came here was for this relaxing atmosphere."

"Yeah, well, you're up. You holdin' or foldin'?"

"I bet twenty."

This would continue on until there was a vibrating chirp from his pocket. The Dranfel frowned a bit before raising a clawed finger.

"A moment, if you would."

He turned and drew out the Pebble from his pocket, the end of his tail coming down on his cards, keeping anyone from looking. There, he activated the projection screen to take the message in text form on the smooth surface of his own leg pad. Yes... It seemed his break time was at an end. Pity. As the jet was incoming, he would have to get out outside of town for pick-up. The couldn't exactly land in the street, after all. After the bright and busy town of Las Vegas had been smashed by the Totality in a bid to crush human morale, Reno picked up as the new gambling den of the area. Still, he was obliged to finish the hand first, as it would take but a moment. He turned back to the others.

"This will be my final hand today. Call."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Aboard the plane, now headed for Jacksonville Base in Florida, Maxon took a heavy slump of a seat nearby his sister.

"So, brother...did you win?"

"Indeed. Apparently, our species has quite the poker face. They find it difficult to figure out our...tell."

They then turned to the other man in the cabin, who also sat nearby.

"What can you tell us about the mission?"

"I'm afraid the most of it will have to be explained during briefing, ma'am. Matters of secrecy, preventing the enemy from overhearing, you understand."

"Inside our own territory?"

"Well, we're always trying to explore new ways to intercept their transmissions. It only makes sense tha they'll be developing new ways into ours. That's while old-style code-phrases are still in effect."

"Very well. What can you tell us?"

"Only that you will be going off-world. The rest you hear back at base."

...which would take a few hours, so they could take a rest along the way. Jacksonville would already know their ETA along with anybody else's, so the meeting would probably be waiting for them as they got back.

Splintered / Reflections

@Rhona W

Okay, Google says 3-4 hours from where I'm planning, if by military jet, which is what would do the pick-up. It's just for my intro, though, so if that's not soon enough, I'll pick a closer location.