Shepard sighs as Gabriel takes his leave. It was hard not to follow him. Really hard. But as the angel gets further and futher away Shepard feels the urge subside somewhat.
He turns back to his companions and activates his comms. "I uh... I'm not really sure what came over me, there. I'll admit, I've been feeling a bit weird since we got here. I had some kind of flashback or something when we first started talking with Mary."
Falcon nods as Marconi speaks then turns towards Shepard to make sure he is included. ”What are your thoughts Shepard? We are talking about completing the primary mission first and returning for more information, not abandoning this altogether.”
Shepard stands with his arms folded, listening to his squadmates. He kicks a small stone to the side and snaps his head to attention when Falcon addresses him.
"Well... I can't say I agree with Marconi's suspicions. Angel or not, I think he really does want to help and means well. I'd vote that we stay for dinner, but..."
A bitter taste assaults Shepard's taste buds as he forces out his next words. "I'm not in charge here. You are, Falcon. If you give the order, I'll follow it."Why was that so hard to say? They might be right, after all.
Shepard wrote:He turns back to his companions and activates his comms. "I uh... I'm not really sure what came over me, there. I'll admit, I've been feeling a bit weird since we got here. I had some kind of flashback or something when we first started talking with Mary."
Falcon is concerned at the mention of a flashback or something. We don’t know a lot about his history or abilities. Could it be PTSD….or a premonition? Hell, even before all this craziness I believed guys in the field who felt something.
Shepard wrote: A bitter taste assaults Shepard's taste buds as he forces out his next words. "I'm not in charge here. You are, Falcon. If you give the order, I'll follow it."
Falcon can hear the bitterness come through his words. Yeah, I was like that when I didn’t like orders. Damn, I think I may still be like that.
Falcon moves closer to Shepard both to show support and to help guide him/stop him from running. ”I can understand that you want to stay and I hope this is on the up and up, but I’ve learned not to trust anything on first site. If it is agreed I will go tell Gabriel and we can get moving.” Falcon puts his hand on Shepard’s shoulder. ”And I may outrank you. That gives me final say, but we are a team and I respect all opinions and abilities here. I want to hear about your flashback once we are moving.”
Falcon moves back a bit and waits for the agreement before moving off towards the vehicle.
(Rolls Carried Over)
Liam points out, "Gabriel already gave us permission to leave if we needed to. Seeking him out would not change anything."
(Showing when he said it)
Sum of All Fears wrote: ↑Sat Oct 19, 2024 8:06 am
He looks at Falcon, "Of course. There is nothing to forgive. There is nothing wrong with having or expressing ones emotions. These are trying times after all. If you do have to leave so soon after arriving I understand. Please visit when you have more time. I will do all I can to keep those here safe." Falcon feels a little uneasy. He's not sure why. Maybe it's the way everything here is. He wouldn't hesitate to call it Eden. but it feel so out of place given what they've experienced. Maybe he's just being cynical, but it feels 'too' good. You know that you haven't told him why you are there. Only that you are on your way to an important mission. Would this be something you could come back to?
He continues, "We should simply prepare to go and then return after our main mission is finished. Our stop here we only intended to spread good will. If there is, as there appears, more going on here, then it will take longer to sort out than we have time to spend doing so. Therefore, returning when we do have time is the proper response."
DTG wrote:
Date: 2 March 2099 Time: 2330 Temp: 22F Blue Zone Distance: 4.5 miles
You all load up to depart the area. Falcon has his robots flank the vehicle once more as the depart. Leaving the farm in the rearview an unease comes over everyone as they get about a mile or so away from the area. Liam is still working to come to terms with what he witnessed and felt. While he felt compelled to believe Gabriel, Liam's own uncertainties with in himself and his prior experiences have created friction in his own mind.
Shephard is less enthusiastic about leaving, but falls in as a good soldier would. Shephard is especially upset about the missed opportunity to learn more from Gabriel. Shepard is fully convinced Gabriel is a real angel and just like the one mentioned in the lore of the old bible.
Falcon is just glad to be leaving. nothing really made sense there. it was too nice. Not to be trusted.
You make your way about 7 miles from the target city of Pontiac before you stop for the night. It's taken much longer then it would have before everything went to shit. Destroyed cars and roads made the travel less then ideal. The evidence of the desperate people fleeing along the road is evident by discarded suitcases. Knickknacks and personal keepsakes left by the side of the road in favor of more practical items. Even the occasional corpse here and there preserved in the cold snowy environment. Luckily the vehicle has been able to take all of the terrain challenges thrown at it with no issues.
It's late as you all set up camp in a small field just off the road. The group has paused at a tree line that opens into a field for a few hundred feet before the field hits the road. As you all get ready to bed down for the night one of Falcon's drones sends him a message, "Anomaly detected at the road."
At the same time Liam feel's something strange. It feels like the bluezone is near him for a moment, but then fades. Something just opened up and quickly closed near them from the direction of the road. It's unlike any feeling you've had before. Like something disturbed the fabric of reality.
The road is 800 feet to your east across an open field. There is a wooded area to your north and west with the open field extending to your south. You are currently located on the wood line with your vehicle providing cover from the road.
Liam spends much oft he trip organizing his thoughts. He will, once we stop, express them to the others.
Liam will begin, "There were many inconsistencies in the situation we encountered. The very first is that Gabriel came to speak with us if he had something else he was supposed to be doing, he should have had his followers ask us to wait because their leader would want to speak to us, but was busy."
Liam will continue, "The second is his appearance. He looks like the modern image of an angel, but that is not the original description of how an angel would appear. By earlier descriptions, an angel of his rank, an angel of the Throne, has four pairs of wings. One at his feet, one at his hips, one on is back, and one on his head. He wears no clothing, because he is innocent, and uses his wings to cover his feet, groin, and face...the latter is covered because the glory shines through him blindingly and the wings covering his face lower the glare so humans can bear to look upon him. His Appearance was a lie, and he should have so stated...that he assumed this form for the comfort of those around him or some such."
Liam will add, "The third is his statement that Satan changed the event from God's intent, that would mean Satan would need to be more powerful than God. On the face of it, this must be false if God is all-powerful and all knowing. If he had claimed that the Lord had left a narrow and difficult path to heaven and that wide and easy are the paths to hell, that would be reasonable."
He concludes, "Next, he called the abilities I have Divine Abilities. He should have called them gifts from the Divine and explained that Man, being created in the Image of God, possesses the potential to act similarly to the creator. Finally, when confronted, he asked to wait until morning, but also asked us to join him for dinner. If he would be available for a meal, he would have to be available for a brief walk after blessing the fields. There is no reason to wait for morning unless he needs to do something to hide from or alter my perceptions."
He looks anguished, "His honesty is so apparent, I am forced to believe that he thinks he is telling the truth, but that he, himself, has been fooled. He may even be the very angel who acted as herald in biblical times, but if so he has been lied to for thousands of years, and his belief has been used to fool humanity for as long."
Perception: 18% /
1d100: [79] = 79
JIC:
1d20: [1] = 1 /
1d100: [61] = 61
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics
Gymnastics – Back Flip (80%):
1d100: [12] = 12 (In case of pilot fail)
Detect Ambush (50%):
1d100: [92] = 92
From the turret Falcon watches the farm as they drive away. Looking for any oddities or anything that may catch his eye. We will be back. Either to help Gabriel, or help his followers, I don’t know which yet.
After listening to Marconi’s evaluation Falcon takes a moment and is about to give his own. Then pauses, Shepard, what do you think? You seemed more inclined to stay and hear him out. Oh, and you mentioned something about seeing something?”
He then leans against the back of the turret watching for any signs of danger as he listens and ponders his own suspicions.
Shepard lays out his sleeping bag near the campfire. He stirs his MRE as Marconi lays out his theory about Gabriel. Shepard wasn't even hungry. Since they'd left the farm, he'd felt a bit sick to his stomach. Maybe it was guilt about not staying to help the angel, maybe it was something else.
"Look, Marconi. I get that you're skeptical. You know what? Maybe I should have been more so. I just feel like we missed a real opportunity to do some good, or at least pick the brain of an interdimensional being that wasn't out to eat our guts... I dunno." Shepard snaps a small twig and tosses it into the campfire.
After listening to Marconi’s evaluation Falcon takes a moment and is about to give his own. Then pauses, Shepard, what do you think? You seemed more inclined to stay and hear him out. Oh, and you mentioned something about seeing something?”
Shepard hesitates for a moment.
"Well... It was when we first started talking to Mary. I had some kind of flashback... or premonition... Hell, I don't know what to call it. Caught a flash of a white garment, maybe something similar to what those farmers were wearing. And blood..."
Shepard sighs. "You all must think I'm losing my damn mind."
Shepard wrote: "Look, Marconi. I get that you're skeptical. You know what? Maybe I should have been more so. I just feel like we missed a real opportunity to do some good, or at least pick the brain of an interdimensional being that wasn't out to eat our guts... I dunno."
Falcon takes a few moments to consider his words. I understand the sentiment. In this new world a little good and peace would be nice.
”Well, we intend to go back. Whether this is truly an angel, or a benevolent spirit, we would want to help. However, we also need to go in looking at all options. Trust, but verify. I would expect the angel to do the same.”
Shepard wrote: Shepard sighs. "You all must think I'm losing my damn mind."
Falcon laughs and taps his helmet. ”Ha!! I lost my mind once. Now I keep it in a metal box. Seriously, given the last few days, I think we may all have lost our minds. Don’t discount your flashback, premonition, or instincts. We can use all the help we can get.”
(Rolls carried over)
Liam asks seriously, "What is sanity, when the world itself has gone mad? I seriously doubt my own sanity, and would wonder if anyone can be fully sane at the moment."
Marconi wrote: Liam asks seriously, "What is sanity, when the world itself has gone mad? I seriously doubt my own sanity, and would wonder if anyone can be fully sane at the moment."
Falcon finds himself warming even more to both of his team mates. ”I am absolutely ok with us each being crazy. Some people consider those willing to give up flesh and blood parts for cybernetic enhancements crazy.”
He then takes on a more commanding, leadership tone. ”We WILL return to speak with Gabriel again. All I ask from this team is that we keep an open mind, both directions, and a defensive posture. None of us really knows what is going on in this new world.”
Falcon leaves the conversation at that and moves to more general topics like the weather.
Sum wrote: It's late as you all set up camp in a small field just off the road. The group has paused at a tree line that opens into a field for a few hundred feet before the field hits the road. As you all get ready to bed down for the night one of Falcon's drones sends him a message, "Anomaly detected at the road."
Falcon is immediately alert and grabs his rifle and helmet. Given that they are ‘behind enemy lines’ he has chosen to bed down in armor and boots. ”Look alive. We have something at the road.” he hisses quietly while moving to a concealed position in the wood line with a clear view of the road. He begins to scan the area with his enhanced optics and audio while issuing commands to the drones.
The flying drone he had left to circle the camp at higher altitude is commanded to focus on the area of the anomaly, but stay out of danger. Both hounds are instructed to pull back within 25 yards of the camp and patrol the North, West, and South of the camp to make sure nothing sneaks up on them.
Shepard is setting his helmet down next to his sleeping bag when the alert from Falcon's drone begins to sound.
Falcon is immediately alert and grabs his rifle and helmet. Given that they are ‘behind enemy lines’ he has chosen to bed down in armor and boots. ”Look alive. We have something at the road.” he hisses quietly while moving to a concealed position in the wood line with a clear view of the road. He begins to scan the area with his enhanced optics and audio while issuing commands to the drones.
The flying drone he had left to circle the camp at higher altitude is commanded to focus on the area of the anomaly, but stay out of danger. Both hounds are instructed to pull back within 25 yards of the camp and patrol the North, West, and South of the camp to make sure nothing sneaks up on them.
He fumbles with the helmet before finally placing it over his head and hearing it click into place. "R-roger that, Falcon." Shepard shoulders his assault rifle and hustles to catch up with Marconi as he makes his way down the road. Shepard advances, looking right and left and occasionally over his shoulder. His heart pounds in his chest and he can almost hear the blood pumping in his ears. He couldn't help but think how much he would rather have stayed back at the primitive farm under the watchful gaze of Gabriel. But out here, they were on their own.
Well... No use whining about it now.
Shepard taps on the temple of his helmet a few times as he squints into the darkness around them. "Say, Marconi. Do these things have night vision or infared or something? I can't see a goddamn thing."
Benjamin Shepard wrote: ↑Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 am
He fumbles with the helmet before finally placing it over his head and hearing it click into place. "R-roger that, Falcon." Shepard shoulders his assault rifle and hustles to catch up with Marconi as he makes his way down the road. Shepard advances, looking right and left and occasionally over his shoulder. His heart pounds in his chest and he can almost hear the blood pumping in his ears. He couldn't help but think how much he would rather have stayed back at the primitive farm under the watchful gaze of Gabriel. But out here, they were on their own.
Well... No use whining about it now.
Shepard taps on the temple of his helmet a few times as he squints into the darkness around them. "Say, Marconi. Do these things have night vision or infared or something? I can't see a goddamn thing."
Liam replies, "The night vision goggles are in a protective case above the face, slide them down to activate them."
Liam makes a note that Shepard does not have militia training in how to use his gear. That will have to be fixed ASAP.
DTG wrote:
Date: 2 March 2099 Time: 2335 Temp: 22F Blue Zone Distance: 4.5 miles
Everyone is flustered as the alert comes in. As Falcon gets his drones up and rolling, the rest don their gear and prep in the dark.
It's 800 meters from your current position to the road. The drone buzzes over head to provide an overview. (2 Prowl rolls for the drone please.)
The drone pipes back the image of two human like figures moving around the scores of disabled vehicles on the road. The cloaks the individuals are wearing seems to be interfering with a clear visual as is seems like the darkness keeps wrapping itself around the individuals making them very hard to see at times when they are standing still. The darkness seems to swirl around them as they move, making it slightly easier to see, but you're not sure what exactly your witnessing. They are clearly looking for something. the way they move and stop, as if they are looking into the cars. They are searching for something, but you're not sure what.
Your drone does pick up some type of conversation, but it's not a language you are familiar with.
As you watch you can see a third figure jump out from behind a car and begin to run away from you into the opposite wood line. As he does you see one of the other figures gesture to the man running. As he does so the man seems to freeze in place.
Passed Perception by 20% or more
Not only the man has stopped but everything for 10 feet around him seems to be locked in place.
Include prowl rolls with your next post.
What are you doing? You are 800 feet away in the tree line and about 10 feet below the road.
Shepard stops to fiddle with his helmet a bit. Finally, after a couple of minutes, he is able to activate his night vision. He flashes a thumbs up at Marconi before jogging over to get back into line with his squadmates. It takes him a bit to notice the feed from Falcon’s drones in the corner of his HUD. In spite of the fact that it is doubtful anyone can hear their radio chatter, Shepard instinctively whispers over the comms.
“Are you guys seeing this?”
Shepard immediately regretted his comment the moment he made it.
Of course they can see it, idiot. You’re all getting the same drone feed.
“Looks like there’s something wrong with the feed. Some kind of interference.”
Watching the shadowy figures, Shepard tries to recall his research on the supernatural to see if there might be anything to give them a clue about what they might be getting into.
Drone Prowl (75%)
Roll 1:
1d100: [81] = 81
Roll 2:
1d100: [12] = 12
Save vs Magic (+2):
1d20+2: [3]+2 = 5
Shepard wrote:“Are you guys seeing this?”
Falcon shakes his head, once again. FNG’s…..wonder if he will live long enough to learn.
”Yep, we see it. Stay off coms with general comments right now. You got instructions or information, go for it…..Marconi, you got anything to add or pertaining to your special area?”
Sum wrote: As you watch you can see a third figure jump out from behind a car and begin to run away from you into the opposite wood line. As he does you see one of the other figures gesture to the man running. As he does so the man seems to freeze in place.
The third individual catches Falcon’s attention. Shoot. Opposed groups means at least one might be ‘innocent’ or ‘good’. Easier when we can just shoot them and be done with it.
Falcon gestures to Marconi and Shepard. ”Marconi, Shepard cover me from here and keep me informed if you notice any changes. If you feel you need to, shoot first and we will figure it out later. Rex, Nora, you are with me. Standard approach.”
Frack….we have got to get some ground pounders. Some infantry too stupid to not go into the fire. I became a sniper so that I could safely shoot things from cover.
Falcon stands, rifle held at the ready position and begins to approach the group. Rex (left) and Nora )right) take up positions about ten yards behind and 20 yards to either side as they approach.
When they are far enough in front of Marconi’s and Shepard’s position so they don’t draw attention to the two in cover Falcon opens his external speaker. ”Attention. We mean no harm. Do any of you need assistance?”Please just need assistance.
Liam watches the feed and listens to Shepherd's comments and thinks, *That does not look like any kind of normal interference, it is more like some of the things I can do near a dimensional interface...but there is no interface nearby. Think Marconi, how is this possible? Well, what if someone came through the interface from somewhere with natural laws a bit different from here, and their body retains a kind of resonance from their native laws of nature. That might give the the ability to perform tricks that seem to defy logic, because they continue to have different rules until the resonance fades. If that is right, then none of these may be from around here, and just because they are not friends of each other does not mean any are friends of ours.*
Liam comments, "Be careful Sarge, I do not think any of them are locals, they may all be hostile."
He aims his rifle at the one in the back and waits to see their reaction.
(Rolls Carried Over)
Falcon gestures to Marconi and Shepard. ”Marconi, Shepard cover me from here and keep me informed if you notice any changes. If you feel you need to, shoot first and we will figure it out later. Rex, Nora, you are with me. Standard approach.”
Shepard nods at Falcon. "You got it, boss."
Shepard kneels down first and then goes prone alongside Marconi. He brings the rifle scope up to his eye and adjusts the sight until he can see the three figures more or less clearly. He watches as Falcon slowly begins to stride into his sights and taking a deep breath, he clicks the safety off on his rifle. Slowly and carefully he pulls the bolt back until it clicks, sending a round into the chamber. Shepard winces at the noise. Every little click seems to him like it could be heard from miles away.
He tries to slow his breathing and keep calm like Falcon showed him back on the base.
Easy, Ben. Easy. Keep cool because if this goes south, Falcon is counting on us to cover his ass.
He glances over at Marconi for a moment to see how he's setting himself up. Marconi might not be the hardend super-soldier that Falcon is, but his militia traning definitely seems to have made some difference. The other soldier looks cool as a cucumber as he likewise keeps his eye on Falcon. Shepard looks through the sight once more and sees that Falcon is much closer to the three figures now.
I hope you know what you're doing, bossman. Shepard thinks.
"You got a bead, Marconi?"
Initiative: 1d20: [11] = 11
NEMA 5.56 mm Assault Rifle - DMG: 5d6 SDC, 1d6 X10 Burst
NEMA PLP-20 "Police Special" Laser Pistol - DMG: 2d6 MDC, 5d6 Burst
(Rolls Carry Over)
Falcon moves slowly towards the unknowns 800 meters away. At his current pace he should close the distance in 15 minutes, but his helmet speaker can cover the distance without an issue. Let them respond and come to me before I am too close to engage.
Marconi wrote: "Be careful Sarge,
Shepard wrote: "You got it, boss."
Falcon frowns at the responses. Which hell is this? I guess it is better than Sir.
DTG wrote:
Date: 2 March 2099 Time: 2340 Temp: 22F Blue Zone Distance: 4.5 miles
The tension mounts as Falcon and his drones move through. Keeping an eye on things from a distance both Liam and Shepherd do what they can to line up shots. Given the amount of unknowns its the best course of action. As they watch Shephard think back to see if he can identify anything from these beings. He can think of a few things they might be, but cant land on anything concrete. The combination of the odd language and the difficulty in seeing them makes it nearly impossible to know who or what they are.
Falcon moves up closer to the beings. He seems to find every stick, rock, or thin sheet of breakable ice on the ground. But if they hear him they give no reaction to his approach. Just before he speaks he is suddenly hit with an overwhelming pain. Rather then words coming across his speakers he screams as his body is suddenly aged. His bones become brittle, skin weathers and wrinkles, his eye sight blurs. All this comes with an intense pain as he hit the equivalent of 100 years of age. It takes all Falcon's effort to remain standing. (All physical attributes, melee actions and bonuses are reduced by half, and always last on initiative. S.D.C. is reduced to zero and hit points are at 19/29) Effect lasts for 11 minutes. After which you will revert back to your normal age. SDC and HP will need to be recovered with rest.
Upon hearing his scream everyone fires at the shadowy figures. But the result is not what anyone is expecting. Lasers and bullets streak to their targets before freezing in mid air. You can tell your shots were expertly lined up, but they now hand suspended in mid flight to their targets.
You then hear over the drone feed, "Oh look the simpletons decided to investigate." "Leave them we have a job to do." "But they shot at us first!" "Leave them!" "Oh fine. You're lucky ones today Meat!"
You watch as they collect up the other person and open a rift. Liam is shocked at the ease with which they opened the dimensional portal given the distance to the closest blue zone. And suddenly they are gone and the portal closes behind them.
After a few minutes the projectiles seem to continue their flight and impact the vehicles on the road.
(Lore: Magic rolls for anyone trying to figure out what the hell just happened)
Shepard yells at the top of his lungs as he watches Falcon stumble to the ground. Fire rings out for a good few seconds.
Shepard pulls his head back from his rifle scope as he sees his and Marconi’s shots literally freeze in mid air. His heart sinks and a feeling of dread begins to well up in his stomach.
“Oh shit…” Shepard utters as he sees the figures turn towards them. His heart sinks and a feeling dread begins to well up in his stomach as he ponders what to do. Mostly, he wanted to turn tail and run. But Falcon was down and God only knew what they would do to him. Shepard grits his teeth and breaks into a run.
“Goddamnit! Cover me, Marconi!”
Shepard sprints towards the figures only to see them open a rift and step through before he is even halfway there.
He falls to his knees beside Falcon and cradles the man’s head in his hands. “Falcon! Falcon! Talk to me, man!”
Perception: 18% /
1d100: [38] = 38
JIC:
1d20: [16] = 16 /
1d100: [24] = 24
+2 v HF, +2 v Lethal/Non-lethal Toxins, +6% vs Coma/Death, +2 vs Magic, +2 vs Insanity, +2 vs Psionics
Lore: Magic (35%):
1d100: [93] = 93
Sum wrote: His bones become brittle, skin weathers and wrinkles, his eye sight blurs. All this comes with an intense pain as he hit the equivalent of 100 years of age. It takes all Falcon's effort to remain standing…..You watch as they collect up the other person and open a rift. Liam is shocked at the ease with which they opened the dimensional portal given the distance to the closest blue zone. And suddenly they are gone and the portal closes behind them.
It takes all of Falcon’s effort to hold his rifle and stay upright until the creatures disappear. Is this what it is like to feel mortal? I’d forgotten. Falcon’s training stays strong as he manages to cradle his weapon to his chest (and not piss himself) as he falls back into the grass. He barely notices that the sun is still bright as his Light Filters take a moment too long to engage.
Marconi wrote:Shepard grits his teeth and breaks into a run…..He falls to his knees beside Falcon and cradles the man’s head in his hands. “Falcon! Falcon! Talk to me, man!”
Falcon smiles to himself at the concern in Shepard's voice as he weakly taps him with his left hand. ”You're a good boy Rex. Next time we send Shepard or Marconi as point.”
After a moment’s hesitation his hand falls back to the earth and he says, ”Hey, don’t let Shepard or anyone kiss me. I’m ok. Just going to take a little nap.” before he passes out.
As Liam feared, those shadows absorbed the lasers.
OOC Comments
Liam is intellectually unable to accept light being stopped, so he is dismissing that as a hallucination.
He says to Shepard, "I might be able to do something to help him, but not here. I can only manifest anomalous dimensional vortexes near the blue lines...unlike whatever these things were."
He adds, "Do you think we can transport him safely?"
There are, he knows, two types of effects that can be manifested, those that cause an instant lasting change, and those that wear off. While he hopes this will prove to be the latter, he can not count on it.
Shepard looks over at Marconi, then back down at Falcon. The concern in his face is evident.
“Hell, I don’t know. Let’s get his helmet off. Get him some fresh air.”
Shepard winces as he eases Falcon’s helmet off with a hiss of compressed air. Shepard gasps as he glimpses the man’s face. Even in the uniform green of his night vision, he could tell something was not quite right. Falcon looked like an old man, with wrinkles scattered all over his face.
“Jesus… I don’t know if we can move him, Marconi. He looks like he might just about fall apart if we drag him over a rock or something.”
Shepard bites his lip and takes a look around at their surroundings.
What the hell were those things? Falcon is basically a cybernetic super soldier, and those things dropped him like a bad habit.
“I don’t know if we can stay here, though. Those things might come back for us. Maybe one of us should head for the vehicle. Or maybe the cyber-hounds can give us a hand. Do they have a password or something?”
Liam says, "Right, we will rig a stretcher with some tree limbs and some of our clothing and attach it to the dogs, they know me and should follow my commands because Falcon is damaged."
Liam has seen this done, but not done it himself. He hopes he can manage.
Attempt to craft basic stretcher:
1d100: [27] = 27
***Falcon doesn't know if it is the rocking and movement of his bunk or the hushed whispering and quiet laughing that wakes him, but it only takes a moment to realize he can't move, his OD green wool blanket stretched taught over him. He smells the rancid breath before he feels it next to his ear. "This is for losing the team race for us today, birdie. Why don't you just wash out? The military is no place for a pigeon like you."
Falcon can't tell how many different loaded socks bludgeon him, but he knows no one else in the training barracks moves to help. After what feels like an eternity the beating stops, the blanket loosens, and he hears the hurried shuffle and creak of bodies rushing back to their bunks....
....Falcon struggles to stand straight as he walks down the front barracks steps to morning PT formation. He hadn't had the heart to look at himself in the mirror that morning. As he walks to take his place at the 'lowest rank' end of third squad he scans the formation. Some of the group, those he expected, leer back at him with malice and satisfaction in their eyes. These are the ones he notes for the future. Some look ashamed, at their feet, or look away. Yeah, you better feel guilty, but not guilty enough to help....
...two days later while everyone else is out enjoying their limited free time Falcon sits on the floor of the barracks. Boots, razor blades, glue, and tin snips litter the floor around him. He checks the security of the last blade in the toe of the current boot before moving on to the side blades. Gotta angle them just enough and leave them flexible. Can't let them find them as they slide their foot in, only when they lock into place as they try to jerk their feet out...just like a punji trap. That boot done Falcon moves onto the next right boot. no need to fix both boots in a set. Just the right. Not like they are going to put the second one on as the first sets in place....
...Falcon had just started to dry himself off after his post PT shower when the first screams rang out, quickly followed by a chorus of others. Idiots. They have to do everything together. He hides his smile as he wraps his the towel around himself and rushes with everyone else to see what is happening...
...Falcon barely has time to drop his duffle bags before the Commandant's assistant ushers him into the main office and shuts the door behind him. Falcon had only seen the Commandant a couple times, but he was certain the man standing beside the desk was not him. The man ignored Falcon as the recruit came to attention and snapped a crisp salute. Finally the man chuckled as he shut the file and looked at Falcon. "The razors on the top and sides. Flexible enough for the foot to slide past, but pulled tight between the foot and boot wall when they jerk their foot out. Just like a punji trap." Falcon was still saluting when the man placed a hand on his shoulder. "Never mind. You can tell me all about it on the way. You are just the type of soldier special operations is looking for."***
DTG wrote:
Date: 3 March 2099 Time: 0600 Temp: 16F Blue Zone Distance: 4.5 miles
Shephard gets to Falcon and is horrified to see the wrinkled old man he has become. Shephard looks to where the shots are still holding in mid-air. he notices other thing about that area. for about 15 feet around the shots everything seems to have stopped. Something has frozen time in a specific area. If this is the work of magic, it's not something anyone is aware of. It's never been seen before and shouldn't even be possible.
Liam can not believe his eyes. So much so that he seems to doubt what he sees Falcon has become. It will take some time to process everything. Liam is in such a state of concern and disbelief he missed the shots continuing on and impacting the vehicles on the road.
Falcon for all his bravado passes out quickly as he feels the aging process.
After several minutes, Falcon seems to return to normal. While he appears mostly unharmed, it looks like he really did age and revert. The pain of the de-aging wakes Falcon up. The pain is quickly replaced by a slight numbness in his limbs as they are feeling the trauma of the transformation.
After all that happened you all turn in for the night leaving the robots on watch.
The crisp morning air greats our brave heroes as they wake from their sleep. The cold helps you wake up quicker.
