Unfortunate but understandable agentmanatee. I'll go ahead and write your character in reserve then for the time being if that is fine by you, in case if you do in fact return.
ShiningSector Member
Forever Editor
- Last Seen: 12 mos ago
- Joined: 11 yrs ago
- Posts: 948 (0.23 / day)
- VMs: 0
-
Username history
- ShiningSector 11 yrs ago
Status
User has no status, yet
Bio
User has no bio, yet
Most Recent Posts
Not sure if anyone attends college here but its finals week for me...So responses are going to be slower than I thought until after Thursday.
Just as a heads up to anyone awaiting a response. I do plan on replying and adding additional dialogue once I get time to get it all together.
Just as a heads up to anyone awaiting a response. I do plan on replying and adding additional dialogue once I get time to get it all together.
Yay 4 pages now!
I had this post in my head for quite awhile but another RP demanded a lengthier post so my time was devoted to get that running.
I had this post in my head for quite awhile but another RP demanded a lengthier post so my time was devoted to get that running.
It was obvious that there were hardly any former military officers on board aside from Rayland himself and a few other individuals whom operated on Jump Drive rigged vessels before and thus were seemingly immune to the influential psychological effects of warping through space and time instantly that impacted the body. Of course the potency of the effects and how long they would last was completely up to the individual whom perceived the visual experience of being stretched several hundred light years across the galaxy; clearly there were already a few people had recovered completely and began to go about their business as normal. The others however clearly needed more time, especially those whom never even traveled through slipspace before while awake. Luckily for them Sel had voiced over the comms that she would readily help treat anyone feeling ill.
Rayland examined the operational report on his terminal and begun looking over the recent events. All three carriers and their respective task groups had initiated a interstellar jump all at once in same area of space. Falymar Station had since closed down slipspace travel in that particular region due to the gravitational influx created by the mass jump and had begun sending pings to inbound vessels to relocate their exit vectors in unaffected space until the disruptions had settled. Though the entire expeditionary force had jumped as one unit, each carrier group had dispersed into different routes towards their intended target systems, travelling though slipspace to ease their approach. The reported detailed an ETA of roughly 3 hours until the force reaches its destination; right on schedule.
Figuring that crew would need to be briefed on the operation eventually, he routed the mission data from the meeting from earlier to the ship Briefing room; a central facility of the Infamous Alto that had remained inaccessible for quite awhile, only seeing legitimate use during important conferences and new crew orientations. The latter seemed necessary, it was only a temporary post; basically the same job the Alto signed on to. Rayland anticipated that if the mission went well, he and his crew would be handsomely and everyone whom joined up on this operation would be on their merry way. Assuming of course if they don't get shot up or become a grotesque space whale’s lunch.
Rayland rose from his seat unfazed from jump and stretched his limb before making his way off the bridge. "Towan, watch the bridge for me. I'm going to go ahead and do my rounds, make sure everyone is feeling okay...Oh and get everyone organized for a mandatory meeting in the Briefing room in thirty."
“Understood Captain Rayland Sul’tari, assuming temporary post.” replied Towan as Rayland made his way off the bridge. “All crewman; a mandatory meeting concerning the current operation in-progress has been scheduled in the Briefing room in thirty minutes. Guide lights for the Briefing room have been lit for new members for their convenience.”
Just before Rayland could approach and exit through the bridge doors, his eyes caught an unfamiliar face…which was oddly concealed by large plated helmet…Which was additionally odd to wear in doors, along with underslung rifle. Since he did not recognize this individual, he naturally assumed they had came in along with the rest of the new personnel. Ultimately since he only had a crew manifest with names without an associable portrait, he changed his vector and approached the man instead, activating the holo-tool on his wrist so he could identify who this masked and armed fellow was.
“Greetings and salutations good sir. I assume you’re one of the newcomers I take it?“ Rayland didn't wait for an answer just as the crew manifest loaded on the wrist projector. ”And you are…?”
Rayland examined the operational report on his terminal and begun looking over the recent events. All three carriers and their respective task groups had initiated a interstellar jump all at once in same area of space. Falymar Station had since closed down slipspace travel in that particular region due to the gravitational influx created by the mass jump and had begun sending pings to inbound vessels to relocate their exit vectors in unaffected space until the disruptions had settled. Though the entire expeditionary force had jumped as one unit, each carrier group had dispersed into different routes towards their intended target systems, travelling though slipspace to ease their approach. The reported detailed an ETA of roughly 3 hours until the force reaches its destination; right on schedule.
Figuring that crew would need to be briefed on the operation eventually, he routed the mission data from the meeting from earlier to the ship Briefing room; a central facility of the Infamous Alto that had remained inaccessible for quite awhile, only seeing legitimate use during important conferences and new crew orientations. The latter seemed necessary, it was only a temporary post; basically the same job the Alto signed on to. Rayland anticipated that if the mission went well, he and his crew would be handsomely and everyone whom joined up on this operation would be on their merry way. Assuming of course if they don't get shot up or become a grotesque space whale’s lunch.
Rayland rose from his seat unfazed from jump and stretched his limb before making his way off the bridge. "Towan, watch the bridge for me. I'm going to go ahead and do my rounds, make sure everyone is feeling okay...Oh and get everyone organized for a mandatory meeting in the Briefing room in thirty."
“Understood Captain Rayland Sul’tari, assuming temporary post.” replied Towan as Rayland made his way off the bridge. “All crewman; a mandatory meeting concerning the current operation in-progress has been scheduled in the Briefing room in thirty minutes. Guide lights for the Briefing room have been lit for new members for their convenience.”
Just before Rayland could approach and exit through the bridge doors, his eyes caught an unfamiliar face…which was oddly concealed by large plated helmet…Which was additionally odd to wear in doors, along with underslung rifle. Since he did not recognize this individual, he naturally assumed they had came in along with the rest of the new personnel. Ultimately since he only had a crew manifest with names without an associable portrait, he changed his vector and approached the man instead, activating the holo-tool on his wrist so he could identify who this masked and armed fellow was.
“Greetings and salutations good sir. I assume you’re one of the newcomers I take it?“ Rayland didn't wait for an answer just as the crew manifest loaded on the wrist projector. ”And you are…?”
"You and me both. When I was in the US Navy, I flew F-14's off of Nimitz-class boats all the time. Even did a couple of landings and launches off of the French carriers too. They're much less... unique. The Stormcloud is pretty much one of a kind. She was supposed to be the prototype for a next-gen carrier, but the bottom fell out of the project. From what I understand, General Thomas and the other founders of TB purchased the finished ship. Scrapping it would've been more expensive than finishing it off, I suppose. I'm told she has a lot more capabilities than just launch and recovery of aircraft too. While she's a lot different, a lot of its' good - there's a lot more space and more luxurious facilities than a regular carrier for a start."
Luxurious huh? Though not literally in the sense of the word from what Rodriguez gathered but agreeably the Stormcloud was well designed and maintained upon further inspection while he and his mates traveled into depths of the floating city. When he had first signed on with Thunderbolt Black, he was introduced to many on-paper facts about the organization and its iconic flagship but words absolutely did the vessel little justice. Rodriguez’s respect for his CO climbed steadily when Heartbreak spilled his own experiences of carrier operations during the war which made his background something of a developing interest; had he walked past or even worked with this F-14 pilot before without realizing it?
However a great idea to explore, the moment wasn’t to be for reminiscing, especially when the pilot with the car ears came to the table. As Kat and Valentine shared their greetings and compliments to one another in regards to the previous battle, Rodriguez, finally having a better view, set his eyes on to the cat ears that sprouted from Kat’s head. Momma had always said that staring was rude to which he agreed to but this new physical concept had apparently marveled him somewhat. After a bit of time, he shifted his gaze to Austin and Marciano arriving at the table, nodding as they sat down and conversed with their CO. He had to ask Kat about those ears eventually; he swore the left one twitched.
"Anyhow, I think it's time we got moving. Don't wanna keep the boss waiting..."
Rodriguez downed the last cup of joe upon finishing off his bagels, feeling more active now and refreshed. Of course he simply hoped that this would push him forward for the rest of the day though he was sure it was going to be a long one. He along with everyone else followed Heatbreak as he gave a miniature tour of the Stormcloud on their way to the briefing room, further impressing Rodriguez of the carrier’s layout and facilities.
It wasn’t long until they had arrived to the briefing which everyone on the squadron as directed to take a seat until General Thomas eventually showed up. Upon Valentine’s order, the squad shot out of their seats and snapped to attention in regards to the presence of the General in the room. Rodriguez locked his heels and stood with a respectable straight posture with professional accuracy until they were put at ease by the head honcho of this operation.
"First of all, let me begin by saying thank you for your work out there this morning. I know it was a difficult situation for everyone, especially jumping into action from a standing start. And with your squadron, especially, not even being fully mobilized and stood up yet. Fortunately, since most of you were quick off the mark and in the air quickly, you avoided many of the casualties and damages others too…I hope that any of you with dependents on the Island have confirmed that they're all right and safe too. We're still working through everything - as you can imagine. If you haven't heard anything, pass a request to me personally through Colonel Valentine and I'll do my best to get an answer for you."
Austin did mention a concern for his kids; Rodriguez hoped that everything was alright with his squad mate’s situation. He then noticed the lights in the room dimming down just before the illuminating pictures casted by the projector in the room painted the board.
"Regarding the events of this mornings' attack on Thunder Island, we now have a clear picture of what we can assume has transpired, especially with information that has come to light".
Rodriguez, whether he could understand it or not, felt the rising feeling of distain as several slides showing photos and footage of a KKV satellite. His natural smile vanished into an ill frown as he remembered the recent strike from earlier and the attacks during the war to which many people had lost their live too and the destruction it had wrought.
"The weapon used to attack the island was a Kinetic Kill Vehicle; a ballistic non-explosive orbital weapon, like those used in the closing stages of World War Three. You're all familiar with the basic technology I'm sure, so I won't waste time by explaining. We can confirm that the device used was not of US origin, nor belonged to any allied powers with access to the technology. KKV satellites are safeguarded like nuclear weapons - multiple pass-keys are required to authorize a launch, as they're generally considered as strategic rather than tactical weapon systems, and the potential for damage - imagine if it had been a target like a large city - is staggering".
Upon the brief silence, Rodriguez mentally thanked whoever for not including any clips of the weapon in use. It was bad enough he had seen more than once already, especially since he had to survey its results even more so. The carnage would only bring back bad memories.
"This is the device in part responsible for the attack. It's a ground-control station for a KKV launch system. Such devices are normally kept under full control and security of high-ranking government officials. As there are only four nations on earth with KKV satellites, and one of those is no longer a nation, that narrows things down. We believe that this is a former USSR or Chinese KKV launch control device. It was being turned over to UN jurisdiction via transport through Thunder Island as part of a clandestine contract. Somehow, the information was leaked, and someone took control of the device, and was able to override its' security lockouts. We have confirmation of who now possesses and controls it".
Then came an internet video from one of the slides, its bad quality blurred much of the details on top of the lack of revealing light. Despite all that though, everyone could make out a brownish man in the center of the room shown in the video wearing was appeared to be military attire. Rodriguez continued to watch the video to better understand whom this person was if that actually mattered.
"The last Great War and its' excesses of violence, destruction, and carnage were the result of the so-called Great Powers of the west, the nations of the Northern Hemisphere and their self-righteous control of the worlds' economies, politics and culture. For too long, they have shaped and directed events. Now, after exhausting themselves, they turn greedy eyes to the nations below the equator, expecting to be welcomed with open arms. With one hand open they offer friendship, while the other clutches the knife to threaten us. No more - we now have access to the same weapons, the same power. We are the Army of the New World Order, the Southern Hemisphere Alliance, and we demand to be recognized-"
The General stopped the video just as the man in began to ramble on about his or this coalition’s demands or goals; he assumed it was the same stereotypical nonsense one would see in a spy movie. Rodriguez was somewhat dumbfounded about this man’s political declaration and especially by the name of this organization; the Southern Hemisphere Alliance. Admittedly he was not one to delve into politics, not since the war and its entirety of bad decisions that should never have come to pass. But if he knew his geopolitical maps correctly, many of the nations in the Southern Hemisphere were hardly involved in the war at all. Which begs the question why all this then?
"They go on to demand that control of the stock markets be turned over to them, and a laundry list of other demands. Needless to say, normally they wouldn't be listened to, but this Army of the New World Order has recently become a big problem in Africa, as well as other areas of the world. Someone has been supplying them with weapons, training, and money to finance all of it, including hiring mercenaries. They recently launched a large and well-orchestrated attack on South Africa, along with others in Kenya, Peru and Argentina. There have also been reports of Australian and New Zealand Naval vessels being attacked by small craft, or buzzed by unidentified tactical aircraft. Whoever's behind this - and I have my suspicions who - is obviously setting out to make these people a credible threat."
More like overly angry pain-in-the-ass nut-jobs thought Rodriguez.
"Which is where your mission comes in. We know who has the device, this ANWO. We also have some positive news: The device was due to be turned over to Professor Silas Ellar, something of an... eccentric genius who works under contract for the US Military and their allies. He had developed an orbital jamming device that will be capable of blocking the specific transmissions made by the remote launch stations used by the former Soviet satellites; the intent being to avoid specifically this kind of situation, or worse ones with other potential facilities and systems. His satellite is almost ready to launch, and is currently under final assembly at his facility in French Guiana. The region is heavily destabilized, as I'm sure you're aware - the French Government have experienced difficulty in restoring order due to heavy guerrilla activities in the area, and I've no doubt that whoever's been supplying the ANWO will be providing assistance to these hostile groups as well".
With the facts layout by General Thomas regarding the preparations to launch this special satellite and the destabilized region crawling with not-so negotiable insurgents, he surmised that their mission was to ensure that launch goes up without a hitch and to obliterate anything that so much as tries to get into site with a fifty cal or above.
"Your mission will be to secure the Professors' compound prior to, during, and immediately after the launch. We have efforts underway to gather intel on enemy forces in the area, and their bases. Disposition of their forces is expected to include armour and heavy weapons captured from other regional forces, as well as light aircraft, helicopters and some tactical aircraft - although, if our suspicions prove to be correct, they may have more advanced aircraft and even some light naval forces on par with what was observed this morning."
Called it.
"A pair of C-130's are en route as we speak to offload support equipment for your aircraft. One of them will keep supplies flowing back and forth as much as possible too. A KC-10 tanker will meet you en route for air refueling over the Caribbean, and I'm going to ensure an E-2 Hawkeye callsign 'Watchman' will be based in the area for AEW&C as well. I may have more pilots to join you once you're underway - currently, things are a little up in the air regarding our manpower, thanks to the earlier attacks. We don't have much time to waste; I'm aware there may be a leak in our organization, so this information might already be in the enemies' hands. As such, we can't delay. Your aircraft are being prepped currently, with any repairs well underway. You'll be flying with full fuel loads and minimal weapons - self-defence only, I'm afraid - but be prepared for a possible quick-turn once you reach the base at the other end. Colonel Valentine, I'll leave the rest to you. Good luck, and godspeed".
Rodriguez watched as the General gave his final piece before giving the floor to Valentine whom took the center stage and went over the details left by General Thomas.
"All right, it's as the General said, boys and girls. We're headed South of the equator, to the sunny northern coast of South America. We'll fly as a group and tank en route. Our aircraft are currently being turned and fuelled. Austin, your F-15 needs the most work - fortunately, the damage appears to only be superficial, and they can change our the damaged components in a few hours. Everything else, I'm reliably informed, is looking square. Intel is spotty, but local assets will be able to give us more info. Currently, there's a few known positions for the enemy; we'll work on sorties hitting them once we reach the other end and have an idea of the security situation on the base. Everyone, sign out your personal firearms, hopefully we won't need 'em, but best to have 'em just in case. Personal effects are being flown up on one of the C-130's, so they'll be with us. Anything else you need, sign it outta the stores aboard ship."
Going by Heartbreak's words, it seemed that all of their survival equipment was brought here in light of the recent chaos just for this mission. Rodriguez mused how long this sortie was in development until now.
"We ain't had a lotta time to get to know each other yet, an' I'm sorry about that. But y'all have impressed me mighty well so far. Here's how it goes - I give you the benefit of the doubt from here on. You showed me you can handle yourselves, that you're fighter pilots; heart-breakers and life-takers, through and through. An' that's what I wanna see. Professional, bad-ass aerial assassins whether yer turning bogeys inta scrap, or diggin' holes in the world with bombs, screamin' outta the skies. You follow my commands when I give 'em, you walk the line, an' I give y'all the respect you deserve, I treat you easy an' nice, an' we're all friends and happy-like. I don't wanna hard life - sure you don't either."
Then came something Rodriguez didn’t think he would see again. His observant eyes caught Valentine’s expression shifting from a once optimistic manner to a near threatening countenance. The change telegraphed to Rodriguez what was about to occur next. His time as a flight instructor allowed him to relate once his CO’s voice came into play. He then began to wonder who in the room had or had not attended boot camp before.
"But, if you dick around, if you back-chat when there's lives at stake; if you question my orders or my authority and you make any aspect of working as a functional, effective fighting force unworkable or hard, I will make your life miserable, and you will fear my wrath. Everyone in this group depends on everyone else - there aren't enough of us to do otherwise. You don't have to like each other, you especially don't have to like me. But you have to respect each other, and the chain of command. Earn that, and show it in everything you do."
It was clear that Heartbreak wanted a clear trouble-free operation and flight to which Rodriguez had no problem not arguing against. He gave a nod in compliance just his CO withdrew back to his smiling expression.
"You wanna be the best? Then show it in how much of a professional, bad-ass, kick-ass mother of a Black Knight you are. Not by snarkin' off and bein' the rebel without a clue. I said my bit - anythin' else you need to ask me, then go right ahead. I'll be gettin' last minute briefings and checks in the hangar from maintenance up until the moment we fly, or checkin' in with where the tanker and transports are, an' with the long-range weather in the ops room. Page me, and I'll let y'all know where I am. In the meantime, get yer shit together and get ready. I'll see y'all on the deck at eleven hundred hours actual. Dismissed"
Most of Rodriguez's time was spent observing the maintenance on his own craft as it was refueled and re-armed. He stood firmly, already in his flight suit and survival equipment while holding his own helmet underneath his arm. Apparently the deck crew had found a large piece of shrapnel that had pierced the underside of the F-16 rather conveniently knocked one of the electronic communication components loose. It was theorized that the jagged shape of debris was hurled into his fighter seconds after the kinetic impact had flung it into the air. It was the only logical explanation for his radio equipment malfunction and thus Rodriguez rolled with it.
It didn't take long until the small gash on the fighter was sealed up, making the aircraft combat worthy once more without any SNAFUs to speak of; heaven knows there were clearly enough that went down already. The time for the sortie to take-off was upon him when orders came in for the deck crews to start pulling the squadron craft onto the elevators that would bring them to the main deck. Rodriguez hurried over and joined up on the elevator, staying close his aircraft until it was eventually maneuvered on the main deck. Just as he reached the top half of the Stormcloud, he saw Heartbreak's and Razorblade's Super Tomcat scream into the air past him and the personnel on the deck. Once he saw Stalin's Su-35 preparing for launch, Rodriguez climbed into the cockpit of his F-16 with the canopy closing above him and locking neatly.
After going over the initial flight checks with the deck crew, the Su-35 finally took off as well, leading the F-16V into the launching position. Deck personnel performed last minute checks before taking their positions around the fighter before the carrier blast shield rose from behind. Then came the moment Rodriguez had been waiting for; a single crew member in yellow who had lead him into position then lurched forward into a kneeling stance and pointed to runway, giving the signal to take-off. Rodriguez replied in kind with the already built-up thrust fired, throttling the F-16 forward just as the catapult beneath the fighter shot the craft down the strip. G-forces built on to Rodriguez as he pulled the nose up once he felt his F-16 was no longer on any surface.
Now airborne and quickly gaining altitude, Rodriguez scanned the skies for his teammates before eventually coming across them in flight. He banked the fighter right and steadily maneuvered into formation with Knight One. "Knight Five, Spirit. Forming on Knight One's wing and awaiting instructions."
Luxurious huh? Though not literally in the sense of the word from what Rodriguez gathered but agreeably the Stormcloud was well designed and maintained upon further inspection while he and his mates traveled into depths of the floating city. When he had first signed on with Thunderbolt Black, he was introduced to many on-paper facts about the organization and its iconic flagship but words absolutely did the vessel little justice. Rodriguez’s respect for his CO climbed steadily when Heartbreak spilled his own experiences of carrier operations during the war which made his background something of a developing interest; had he walked past or even worked with this F-14 pilot before without realizing it?
However a great idea to explore, the moment wasn’t to be for reminiscing, especially when the pilot with the car ears came to the table. As Kat and Valentine shared their greetings and compliments to one another in regards to the previous battle, Rodriguez, finally having a better view, set his eyes on to the cat ears that sprouted from Kat’s head. Momma had always said that staring was rude to which he agreed to but this new physical concept had apparently marveled him somewhat. After a bit of time, he shifted his gaze to Austin and Marciano arriving at the table, nodding as they sat down and conversed with their CO. He had to ask Kat about those ears eventually; he swore the left one twitched.
"Anyhow, I think it's time we got moving. Don't wanna keep the boss waiting..."
Rodriguez downed the last cup of joe upon finishing off his bagels, feeling more active now and refreshed. Of course he simply hoped that this would push him forward for the rest of the day though he was sure it was going to be a long one. He along with everyone else followed Heatbreak as he gave a miniature tour of the Stormcloud on their way to the briefing room, further impressing Rodriguez of the carrier’s layout and facilities.
It wasn’t long until they had arrived to the briefing which everyone on the squadron as directed to take a seat until General Thomas eventually showed up. Upon Valentine’s order, the squad shot out of their seats and snapped to attention in regards to the presence of the General in the room. Rodriguez locked his heels and stood with a respectable straight posture with professional accuracy until they were put at ease by the head honcho of this operation.
"First of all, let me begin by saying thank you for your work out there this morning. I know it was a difficult situation for everyone, especially jumping into action from a standing start. And with your squadron, especially, not even being fully mobilized and stood up yet. Fortunately, since most of you were quick off the mark and in the air quickly, you avoided many of the casualties and damages others too…I hope that any of you with dependents on the Island have confirmed that they're all right and safe too. We're still working through everything - as you can imagine. If you haven't heard anything, pass a request to me personally through Colonel Valentine and I'll do my best to get an answer for you."
Austin did mention a concern for his kids; Rodriguez hoped that everything was alright with his squad mate’s situation. He then noticed the lights in the room dimming down just before the illuminating pictures casted by the projector in the room painted the board.
"Regarding the events of this mornings' attack on Thunder Island, we now have a clear picture of what we can assume has transpired, especially with information that has come to light".
Rodriguez, whether he could understand it or not, felt the rising feeling of distain as several slides showing photos and footage of a KKV satellite. His natural smile vanished into an ill frown as he remembered the recent strike from earlier and the attacks during the war to which many people had lost their live too and the destruction it had wrought.
"The weapon used to attack the island was a Kinetic Kill Vehicle; a ballistic non-explosive orbital weapon, like those used in the closing stages of World War Three. You're all familiar with the basic technology I'm sure, so I won't waste time by explaining. We can confirm that the device used was not of US origin, nor belonged to any allied powers with access to the technology. KKV satellites are safeguarded like nuclear weapons - multiple pass-keys are required to authorize a launch, as they're generally considered as strategic rather than tactical weapon systems, and the potential for damage - imagine if it had been a target like a large city - is staggering".
Upon the brief silence, Rodriguez mentally thanked whoever for not including any clips of the weapon in use. It was bad enough he had seen more than once already, especially since he had to survey its results even more so. The carnage would only bring back bad memories.
"This is the device in part responsible for the attack. It's a ground-control station for a KKV launch system. Such devices are normally kept under full control and security of high-ranking government officials. As there are only four nations on earth with KKV satellites, and one of those is no longer a nation, that narrows things down. We believe that this is a former USSR or Chinese KKV launch control device. It was being turned over to UN jurisdiction via transport through Thunder Island as part of a clandestine contract. Somehow, the information was leaked, and someone took control of the device, and was able to override its' security lockouts. We have confirmation of who now possesses and controls it".
Then came an internet video from one of the slides, its bad quality blurred much of the details on top of the lack of revealing light. Despite all that though, everyone could make out a brownish man in the center of the room shown in the video wearing was appeared to be military attire. Rodriguez continued to watch the video to better understand whom this person was if that actually mattered.
"The last Great War and its' excesses of violence, destruction, and carnage were the result of the so-called Great Powers of the west, the nations of the Northern Hemisphere and their self-righteous control of the worlds' economies, politics and culture. For too long, they have shaped and directed events. Now, after exhausting themselves, they turn greedy eyes to the nations below the equator, expecting to be welcomed with open arms. With one hand open they offer friendship, while the other clutches the knife to threaten us. No more - we now have access to the same weapons, the same power. We are the Army of the New World Order, the Southern Hemisphere Alliance, and we demand to be recognized-"
The General stopped the video just as the man in began to ramble on about his or this coalition’s demands or goals; he assumed it was the same stereotypical nonsense one would see in a spy movie. Rodriguez was somewhat dumbfounded about this man’s political declaration and especially by the name of this organization; the Southern Hemisphere Alliance. Admittedly he was not one to delve into politics, not since the war and its entirety of bad decisions that should never have come to pass. But if he knew his geopolitical maps correctly, many of the nations in the Southern Hemisphere were hardly involved in the war at all. Which begs the question why all this then?
"They go on to demand that control of the stock markets be turned over to them, and a laundry list of other demands. Needless to say, normally they wouldn't be listened to, but this Army of the New World Order has recently become a big problem in Africa, as well as other areas of the world. Someone has been supplying them with weapons, training, and money to finance all of it, including hiring mercenaries. They recently launched a large and well-orchestrated attack on South Africa, along with others in Kenya, Peru and Argentina. There have also been reports of Australian and New Zealand Naval vessels being attacked by small craft, or buzzed by unidentified tactical aircraft. Whoever's behind this - and I have my suspicions who - is obviously setting out to make these people a credible threat."
More like overly angry pain-in-the-ass nut-jobs thought Rodriguez.
"Which is where your mission comes in. We know who has the device, this ANWO. We also have some positive news: The device was due to be turned over to Professor Silas Ellar, something of an... eccentric genius who works under contract for the US Military and their allies. He had developed an orbital jamming device that will be capable of blocking the specific transmissions made by the remote launch stations used by the former Soviet satellites; the intent being to avoid specifically this kind of situation, or worse ones with other potential facilities and systems. His satellite is almost ready to launch, and is currently under final assembly at his facility in French Guiana. The region is heavily destabilized, as I'm sure you're aware - the French Government have experienced difficulty in restoring order due to heavy guerrilla activities in the area, and I've no doubt that whoever's been supplying the ANWO will be providing assistance to these hostile groups as well".
With the facts layout by General Thomas regarding the preparations to launch this special satellite and the destabilized region crawling with not-so negotiable insurgents, he surmised that their mission was to ensure that launch goes up without a hitch and to obliterate anything that so much as tries to get into site with a fifty cal or above.
"Your mission will be to secure the Professors' compound prior to, during, and immediately after the launch. We have efforts underway to gather intel on enemy forces in the area, and their bases. Disposition of their forces is expected to include armour and heavy weapons captured from other regional forces, as well as light aircraft, helicopters and some tactical aircraft - although, if our suspicions prove to be correct, they may have more advanced aircraft and even some light naval forces on par with what was observed this morning."
Called it.
"A pair of C-130's are en route as we speak to offload support equipment for your aircraft. One of them will keep supplies flowing back and forth as much as possible too. A KC-10 tanker will meet you en route for air refueling over the Caribbean, and I'm going to ensure an E-2 Hawkeye callsign 'Watchman' will be based in the area for AEW&C as well. I may have more pilots to join you once you're underway - currently, things are a little up in the air regarding our manpower, thanks to the earlier attacks. We don't have much time to waste; I'm aware there may be a leak in our organization, so this information might already be in the enemies' hands. As such, we can't delay. Your aircraft are being prepped currently, with any repairs well underway. You'll be flying with full fuel loads and minimal weapons - self-defence only, I'm afraid - but be prepared for a possible quick-turn once you reach the base at the other end. Colonel Valentine, I'll leave the rest to you. Good luck, and godspeed".
Rodriguez watched as the General gave his final piece before giving the floor to Valentine whom took the center stage and went over the details left by General Thomas.
"All right, it's as the General said, boys and girls. We're headed South of the equator, to the sunny northern coast of South America. We'll fly as a group and tank en route. Our aircraft are currently being turned and fuelled. Austin, your F-15 needs the most work - fortunately, the damage appears to only be superficial, and they can change our the damaged components in a few hours. Everything else, I'm reliably informed, is looking square. Intel is spotty, but local assets will be able to give us more info. Currently, there's a few known positions for the enemy; we'll work on sorties hitting them once we reach the other end and have an idea of the security situation on the base. Everyone, sign out your personal firearms, hopefully we won't need 'em, but best to have 'em just in case. Personal effects are being flown up on one of the C-130's, so they'll be with us. Anything else you need, sign it outta the stores aboard ship."
Going by Heartbreak's words, it seemed that all of their survival equipment was brought here in light of the recent chaos just for this mission. Rodriguez mused how long this sortie was in development until now.
"We ain't had a lotta time to get to know each other yet, an' I'm sorry about that. But y'all have impressed me mighty well so far. Here's how it goes - I give you the benefit of the doubt from here on. You showed me you can handle yourselves, that you're fighter pilots; heart-breakers and life-takers, through and through. An' that's what I wanna see. Professional, bad-ass aerial assassins whether yer turning bogeys inta scrap, or diggin' holes in the world with bombs, screamin' outta the skies. You follow my commands when I give 'em, you walk the line, an' I give y'all the respect you deserve, I treat you easy an' nice, an' we're all friends and happy-like. I don't wanna hard life - sure you don't either."
Then came something Rodriguez didn’t think he would see again. His observant eyes caught Valentine’s expression shifting from a once optimistic manner to a near threatening countenance. The change telegraphed to Rodriguez what was about to occur next. His time as a flight instructor allowed him to relate once his CO’s voice came into play. He then began to wonder who in the room had or had not attended boot camp before.
"But, if you dick around, if you back-chat when there's lives at stake; if you question my orders or my authority and you make any aspect of working as a functional, effective fighting force unworkable or hard, I will make your life miserable, and you will fear my wrath. Everyone in this group depends on everyone else - there aren't enough of us to do otherwise. You don't have to like each other, you especially don't have to like me. But you have to respect each other, and the chain of command. Earn that, and show it in everything you do."
It was clear that Heartbreak wanted a clear trouble-free operation and flight to which Rodriguez had no problem not arguing against. He gave a nod in compliance just his CO withdrew back to his smiling expression.
"You wanna be the best? Then show it in how much of a professional, bad-ass, kick-ass mother of a Black Knight you are. Not by snarkin' off and bein' the rebel without a clue. I said my bit - anythin' else you need to ask me, then go right ahead. I'll be gettin' last minute briefings and checks in the hangar from maintenance up until the moment we fly, or checkin' in with where the tanker and transports are, an' with the long-range weather in the ops room. Page me, and I'll let y'all know where I am. In the meantime, get yer shit together and get ready. I'll see y'all on the deck at eleven hundred hours actual. Dismissed"
Most of Rodriguez's time was spent observing the maintenance on his own craft as it was refueled and re-armed. He stood firmly, already in his flight suit and survival equipment while holding his own helmet underneath his arm. Apparently the deck crew had found a large piece of shrapnel that had pierced the underside of the F-16 rather conveniently knocked one of the electronic communication components loose. It was theorized that the jagged shape of debris was hurled into his fighter seconds after the kinetic impact had flung it into the air. It was the only logical explanation for his radio equipment malfunction and thus Rodriguez rolled with it.
It didn't take long until the small gash on the fighter was sealed up, making the aircraft combat worthy once more without any SNAFUs to speak of; heaven knows there were clearly enough that went down already. The time for the sortie to take-off was upon him when orders came in for the deck crews to start pulling the squadron craft onto the elevators that would bring them to the main deck. Rodriguez hurried over and joined up on the elevator, staying close his aircraft until it was eventually maneuvered on the main deck. Just as he reached the top half of the Stormcloud, he saw Heartbreak's and Razorblade's Super Tomcat scream into the air past him and the personnel on the deck. Once he saw Stalin's Su-35 preparing for launch, Rodriguez climbed into the cockpit of his F-16 with the canopy closing above him and locking neatly.
After going over the initial flight checks with the deck crew, the Su-35 finally took off as well, leading the F-16V into the launching position. Deck personnel performed last minute checks before taking their positions around the fighter before the carrier blast shield rose from behind. Then came the moment Rodriguez had been waiting for; a single crew member in yellow who had lead him into position then lurched forward into a kneeling stance and pointed to runway, giving the signal to take-off. Rodriguez replied in kind with the already built-up thrust fired, throttling the F-16 forward just as the catapult beneath the fighter shot the craft down the strip. G-forces built on to Rodriguez as he pulled the nose up once he felt his F-16 was no longer on any surface.
Now airborne and quickly gaining altitude, Rodriguez scanned the skies for his teammates before eventually coming across them in flight. He banked the fighter right and steadily maneuvered into formation with Knight One. "Knight Five, Spirit. Forming on Knight One's wing and awaiting instructions."
Understandable. No need to strain yourself, just take it easy and get some rest. =)
*early awaits new posts*
So I saw my bro off and with family activities now wrapped up nicely, I should be active more now (aside from work and college)
I can't help but think that Rayland in the current scenario is kinda a douche (foreshadowing laughter) for finding amusement from other people's disarrangement would you jest?
So I saw my bro off and with family activities now wrapped up nicely, I should be active more now (aside from work and college)
I can't help but think that Rayland in the current scenario is kinda a douche (foreshadowing laughter) for finding amusement from other people's disarrangement would you jest?posting tomorrowGotcha, looking forward to it =)
"Thanks, everyone. You're right; I am Knight One, otherwise known as Heartbreak, or Captain Valentine. This here's Razorblade, or Lieutenant Commander Carter. I'm your CO in the Black Knights; welcome t' the show. That was some mighty fine flyin' I saw up there, especially accountin' for the hasty scramble an' all too."
An urge had befallen on Rodriguez to comment on the fact that he had not engaged into actual dogfight aside from tailing a running bandit and the majority of his flight time was purely devoted the patrol of Thunder Island for several hours. But he had resisted this social desire in favor to maintain silent professional stance as he listened Captain Valentine’s loose briefing to organize everyone on the ground. He maintained his stance with his hands grasped together behind his back as he continued to listen to Heartbreak all while at the same time resisting another urge to look at one of the pilots in the group whom has a pair a feline-like ears sprouting out of her head; he could not tell by the brief glances if they were real or not.
"Maintenance'll take care of yer planes fer now. We got a briefing scheduled with General Thomas - Thunderbolt One - but I ain't aware of the time and location other than 'on the ship', so I'd suggest y'all fall out to the mess hall, get some chow and relax a little. I'll come join you shortly when I get the scoop on the meetin' location, and we'll get a... 'informal meet' in too, so we can actually get to know who the heck each other are. ..Hate ta say it, but I'm as thrown inta this as you are. I did have notes and slides an' all that crap... but they're not much use right now under three feet of water, or burnt to a crisp. Anyhow - Razorblade'll show ya the way. If you'll excuse me, I gotta go rescue our Japanese pilot from bein' thrown overboard".
Rodriguez eyed his new CO as the man went off to the hanger to calm an already developing case with one of his eventual squadron mates. He admitted hearing about a female pilot stirring up a storm with the maintenance staff on her plane; he also has to admit that he wasn’t the one sorting things out either, especially getting into the kind of verbal brawl that can lead to a throwing of a punch or a wrench. The latter was something he was afraid of more and the folks at maintenance had plenty of them.
After Valentine had left the scene, he and the other pilots followed St. Helen to the carrier’s mess hall. Rodriguez had lived on carriers for quite some time before during the previous war. He surmised that he had operated on at least two carriers before operation control became an airfield as Allies pushed inland after securing several beachheads. But this carrier however seemed different; it was massive and was truly the physical manifestation of a floating city. The facts rang in confirmation as the group navigated their way through the many hallways and descending ladders into the metal depths of the metal colossus until that arrived at the mess hall which apparently was as roomy as a five star restaurant. Seemed rather clean like one too, especially with the chaos still ensuing outside the ship was still in a state of combat readiness.
There was a surprising variety of food displayed neatly for everyone to get a piece of though Rodriguez unfortunately had his fill much earlier in the early hours and thus grabbed a few items; a couple a bagels with a few tiny containers of cream cheese and two cups of caffeine enriched coffee. Heavens knows that he desperately needed the joe considering how long he was in the air for and what had disturbingly went down earlier. Sad really that had his patrol gone smoothly without an orbital strike to speak of; he was guaranteed several hours of sleep before resuming operational duties.
"So, hell of a first day as a squadron, right...."
“Hell of a first day indeed, ma’am.” replied Rodriguez as he took his seat and sip of his coffee at the same time while the rest of his new squadron came in, assuming their own place at the table and replying in kind to Razorblade.
For a few minutes, St. Helen, seemingly with nothing officially productive to do had begun talking to assembled squadron about she and Heartbreak how they came to know each other during their initial time with Thunderbolt Black and how they got paired into the same aircraft. She then went into detail about her time during the war along with her partner’s individual roles. Rodriguez could compare his service in the same manner as he had operated in similar missions throughout the conflict. Going with what they worked through, he was sure he would get along with this pair just fine.
"Hello, campers. Good news, our briefing isn't for an hour, so that gives us a short while to get our heads together. The briefing is in the main briefing room on deck 5. Gives us a chance to sign our flight gear over and change out of it, and we can get a brief introduction to each other, and I can let you know a little about me, too. Then I guess it'll be time for the bigwigs' address to us all. Finish up your chow, and we'll get on it."
Rodriguez watched as his CO got his own grub and placed himself at that table as well.
"Hell of a day, but at least we got breakfast. Glad you're all in one piece too. Some of those landings were mighty impressive."
“Carriers have been like a second home to me for awhile. Glad to know I can still land on one.” Rodriguez commented before how downed another sip of coffee. “Though I must admit that this boat here is a lot bigger than I anticipated; I’m personally a little bit more used to the with the flat-tops used in the war.”
Oh, and I meant to mention this before but I forgot unfortunately. Your Cen'turi link has broken, sector.I had a feeling that link might spontaneously go up in flames =/ Much of the coding was done well before any of the recent updates and it actually scares me to even touch the post and risk breaking it. Thanks for the update. I sent you a PM about your character introduction.
© 2007-2026