User:Anonymous ONI agent/Irk logs/Mission to Ephyra


 * Lt_Colin_Davis walks out of Major Berkeley's office.

 God damn bastard...

 Hm?

* Lt_Colin_Davis hands Randall a piece of paper, "Our new orders."

 "Major" Berkeley wants us to take out some of the new Stranded recruits and get them some real field experience.

 Why's that so bad?

 We get an easy assignment for once.

 Because it's not my job to train conscripts. We lost Ephyra five days ago, and instead of leading my new platoon of real soldiers, they want me to get some conscripts killed.

* Craig_Randall reads the paper more closely.

 Wait.

 "Supply retrieval from Ephyra"

 He wants us to head into enemy territory?

 I thought he wanted to train the conscripts, not kill them!

 You see what I mean?

 We'll be lucky if we get out alive, but those recruits have almost no chance.

* Lt_Colin_Davis shakes his head, "Come on Craig, lets go meet our new cannon fodder..."

* Katrina_Day enters wearing full cambat armor.

 The squad's equipped and ready. What's our assignment?

* Lt_Colin_Davis mutters under his breathe, "Oh fuck me."

* Craig_Randall hands Katrina the paper.

* Katrina_Day reads it, and puzzled look spreads across her face.

 So we're not coming with?

* Lt_Colin_Davis straightens up, "No Sergeant, you won't. Major Berkeley has temporarily assigned you as commander of Yankee-Two until we return. If you want your assignment now, you're supposed to go make sure the Stranded don't-"

 No, you're coming with.

 But the orders say-

<Craig_Randall> I don't fucking care what they say. You're coming with.

<Craig_Randall> Get an Armadillo and a packhorse loaded up. We'll be there with the conscripts shortly.

* Katrina_Day nods and exits.

* Lt_Colin_Davis raises an eyebrow and looks at Craig for a moment, but doesn't say anything.

<Craig_Randall> Well, looks like you'll have a few "real soldiers" beside you after all.

* Lt_Colin_Davis smiles and walks towards the part of the barracks set aside for conscripts.

<Craig_Randall> I'll go tell Kent to play babysitter instead. I'm sure if I threaten to steal his helmet, he'll do it.

* Lt_Colin_Davis enters the barracks and looks at the assembled men, most with customized armor, but a few have complete sets, these being the ones who have already gone through some form of official COG training.

* Elijah_Simms stands up as the two Gears enter the room. He doesn't salute at them as is customary, but simply nods and he plays around with a Snub pistol's magazine.

<Elijah_Simms> I'm guessing you're our new parole officers?

* Craig_Randall ignores the comment.

<Craig_Randall> Having a good day?

<Hank_Esters> Not anymore.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> This is Sergeant Craig Randall, and I'm Lieutenant Colin Davis. We are the ones who are going to keep your asses alive on our mission.

<Elijah_Simms> Great, an REMF...

<Craig_Randall> You wouldn't know a REMF if one court-martialed your ass.

* Lt_Colin_Davis walks over to the man, standing a good six inches taller than him, "You know why I'm a Lieutenant? Because everyone above me died at Ephyra, which if I remember from your file, you had to have your ass dragged out of there.

<Craig_Randall> Anyways, we're no more thrilled about this arrangement than you, but if you don't piss us off, we won't let you get killed.

<Craig_Randall> We won't take any bullets for you, but we'll remind you to keep your head down if you happen to forget.

<Elijah_Simms> Let me guess, if we do, you'll kill us yourselves?

<Craig_Randall> No.

<Craig_Randall> The Locust are plenty good at killing you already.

<Elijah_Simms> I'm well aware of that fact. They wiped out half of my camp before Ephyra fell.

<Craig_Randall> And Ephyra was my home. So we're both homeless.

<Craig_Randall> Maybe we have more in common than you think.

* Elijah_Simms looks the Sergeant over, "Maybe," he then turns to the lieutenant, "From what I've heard, you lived by yourself for a year before the Hammer strikes."

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I was, but right now that's not important. What is important is our mission.

<Hank_Esters> Shit, he's the one guy you mentioned earlier, Simms?

<Elijah_Simms> Yeah.

<Craig_Randall> Okay, ground rules.

<Craig_Randall> One, keep your heads down.

<Craig_Randall> Two, don't piss us off, as we've already established.

<Craig_Randall> Three, don't try to be a hero. We have a special name for heroes around here: dead.

<Craig_Randall> Four, if we tell you to do something, we aren't doing it for our health, so please listen.

<Elijah_Simms> Is that all?

<Craig_Randall> Yes.

* Elijah_Simms looks back to the two Gears, "What is this mission then? I want my first excursion with the COG to be fun."

<Craig_Randall> We're looking for supplies.

<Hank_Esters> Where?

<Craig_Randall> Ephyra.

* Elijah_Simms tries to hide his shock, but fails, his eyes going wide.

<Elijah_Simms> Are you fucking shitting us? I joined up so my family could have food,

<Elijah_Simms> Not so I could die for nothing on my first mission.

<Craig_Randall> Yeah, we're as pleased by this as you are.

<Elijah_Simms> I fucking doubt it.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You think we want you to die? We need everyone we can get, now more than ever.

* Craig_Randall walks directly up to Elijah.

<Craig_Randall> Look, I have a family too. They don't have a fucking home anymore, and all I can think about is how goddamn depressed and worried this makes me.

<Craig_Randall> The last fucking thing in the world I want to do is go back to Ephyra.

<Craig_Randall> But I am, and you're coming with me.

<Craig_Randall> So man up and grow a pair. If you quit your bitching and listen, I'll get you back home to your family.

* Elijah_Simms looks like he's about to speak, but glances over to Lieutenant Davis and, noticing the glare, decides not too.

* Lt_Colin_Davis steps forward.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Before we begin, who actually has received real training?

* Elijah_Simms raises his hand.

<Hank_Esters> Does shootin' squirrels count?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> No, but I'll assume that means you have some decent aim. You're authorized to requisition a Longshot.

<Hank_Esters> Naw, I could never hit 'em.

<Hank_Esters> I did hit a rabbit once instead, though.

<Hank_Esters> He was tasty.

* Lt_Colin_Davis 's eye twitches slightly, "Then I redact my previous statement."

<Hank_Esters> D'aw. Always wanted to be a sniper.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> To those who do have actual training, such as Mister Simms over here, you're to placed as some form of squad leader.

<Elijah_Simms> Oh goody, I get to lead my own little group.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Alright everyone, get to the armory, get your gear, and meet us in the vehicle depot.

* Hank_Esters picks up his lancer and a can of chewing tobacco.

* Lt_Colin_Davis watches as everyone gets up and leaves the room, heading towards the armory, then turns to the Sergeant as they walk out.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You see why I didn't want to do this?

* Katrina_Day is standing next to an idling Armadillo, and waves to Randall and Davis.

<Craig_Randall> I dunno.

<Craig_Randall> Could be interesting.

<Craig_Randall> Or a disaster.

<Craig_Randall> Let's hope for the former.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I hope to God you're right. I don't need my first missions as an officer to go down as "Almost entire unit wiped out."

* Craig_Randall nods.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I know Stranded, they're though bastards, they have to be to survive out there, but I don't know if they can really handle this.

<Craig_Randall> If they're anything like you, they'll be just fine, ell-tee.

<Craig_Randall> I'll be over with my squad to load the FNGs onto the 'dillo. You have them toss their gear onto the packhorse.

* Lt_Colin_Davis nods but quickly pulls over Craig, "Just one more thing."

* Craig_Randall stops.

<Craig_Randall> Hrm?

* Lt_Colin_Davis whispers, "The one who was arguing, Simms. I read his file; during the Pendulum Wars, his city was attacked by the UIR. When they broke into his house, he stabbed two of them to death with a big butcher knife."

<Craig_Randall> Damn, dude.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> He's also got the most training out of all of them, when Ephyra fell, he had almost finished the standard training course, with almost perfect results. If he could just learn to listen, he could have the best chance to get out of this mission alive.

<Craig_Randall> Noted.

* Craig_Randall heads off to the Armadillo.

* Elijah_Simms soon arrives with the rest of the platoon. With his full gear on, he actually appears professional. He approaches the Armadillo, "Where too... Sergeant?"

<Craig_Randall> Sit up here.

* Craig_Randall points to one of the seats.

<Craig_Randall> Have your squad pile in next to you.

* Elijah_Simms nods to the other conscripts, and climbs in, "Lets go kick some Grubs."

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks out the window of the Packhorse as they enter the limits of Ephyra, "Holy shit..."

<Lt_Colin_Davis> The damn city is still on fire.

* Elijah_Simms tries to get a view out of the Armadillo's windshield, but can't see much.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Sergeant... Craig, are you ok?

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Let's just get this over with an go home. The less time we spend here, the better.

* Lt_Colin_Davis parks the Packhorse and gets out, surveying the area.

<Elijah_Simms> Come on guys, lets get our weapons from the truck.

* Elijah_Simms gets out of the Armadillo and walks over to the Packhorse, grabbing the standard Gear loadout: a Lancer, a Gnasher, and a Snub pistol.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks around at the city, "I didn't have much time to look at the city during the fight, but looking at it now... Damn."

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Craig... I'm sorry man, seeing your home like this.

* Craig_Randall says nothing, but looks to Davis and gives a small nod, showing that he appreciates the sympathy.

* Elijah_Simms taps Lieutenant Davis on the shoulder once the whole platoon had assembled, "We're ready."

* Lt_Colin_Davis turns around, a little surprised that the group of men, who appeared to be little more than hobos in the barracks earlier, looking like real soldiers, even with their mixmatched armor pieces.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Alright, lets set the squads up. Sergeant Craig_Randall is the leader of Yankee-Two and second in command here. Simms, you're going to be leading Golf-Fourteen, consisting of Tompkins, Ragsdale, and Wetzel.

* Elijah_Simms nods.

<Elijah_Simms> Got it.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Patel, you're in charge of Oscar-Thirty Two. You've got Baker, James, and Wood.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks at Hank_Esters, "I have no clue where the hell to put you."

<Craig_Randall> I'll take him with me. I'm gonna go scout out the downtown area.

* Craig Randall motions to his squad, and they head off down a nearby alleyway.

* Elijah_Simms looks to the three men now under his command, "Alright, lets get movin', we don't got all day."

* Elijah_Simms leads Golf-Fourteen down the hill into the burning city, scanning for anything that could be a trap.

* Elijah_Simms wanders around for half an hour before they find anything, a large box of food. Placing a beacon on it and moving on, they soon find a squad of dead Gears. Stopping to inspect them, Simms gets down and looks over them and removes their COG tags, as well as their weapons and ammo.

<Elijah_Simms> If I were still a Stranded, I wouldn't have bothered, but I guess we're brothers now. If I make it back to Jacinto, I'll make sure to get it to your family, Sergeant... Carter Hall.

* Elijah_Simms stands back up and continues walking. As they round a corner, he sees a flash of light for a brief second. As it registers in his brain, it is too late, and the round of the Longshot Sniper Rifle passes through Conscript Felton Tompkins' leg.

<Elijah_Simms> Fuck! Take cover!

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks up as he hear distant gunfire and activates his radio.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) The hell is going on down there?

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) We're taking fire! A sniper hit Tompkins!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Damn, can you recover his body?

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) He's not dead, but he's out in the middle of the road, should I get him?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Negative, that was one of the rules, remember? Don't be a hero and get killed, just tell him to stop moving until you can take out or distract the sniper.

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) Got it.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Davis, Simms, got a bit of a Berserker dilemma near your position. Think you might be able to assist?

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) I just said we're fucking pinned!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Don't worry Sergeant, I'm coming to assist!

* Berserker bursts through a wall about 40 meters from where Tompkins went down. Craig, Katrina and the rest of Yankee-Two run out behind it as it swats at the air.

<Elijah_Simms> Oh shit!

* Lt_Colin_Davis switches on his TACCOM to try and locate Sergeant Randall.

<Craig_Randall> They're using Berserkers to sniff survivors out from the rubble!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) I see it, coming in now!

<Craig_Randall> Katrina, head behind the buildings and see if you can fix Simms' sniper problem! We need him unpinned!

* Elijah_Simms watches as the rest of the Gears attempt to shoot the creature, but their rounds merely bounce off.

* Craig_Randall dodges as the Berserker charges at the sound of his voice.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Grenades, people! Use them!

* Berserker sniffs the air and smells a new, enticing scent: freshly spilt human blood, not far down the road.

* Berserker turns towards the smell and charges, but is interrupted by a loud boom and a painful explosion of force directly in front of her.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Back the fuck up, you big bitch!

* Berserker hears the sound of a human behind her and charges at it.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Oh fuck me!

* Lt_Colin_Davis combat rolls to the side, the Beserker flying past him into a streetlamp.

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) I need to get Tompkins before this bitch squishes him!

* Berserker knocks into something metal and tears it from the ground, but keeps going until she smacks into concrete, smashing through it. Hissing erupts in her ears, and she is hit with a rush of a foul-smelling gas.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Anyone else smell that?

<Craig_Randall> Smells like natural gas!

<Craig_Randall> Some of these gas lines might still be good!

* Lt_Colin_Davis smiles behind his helmet, "You know what that means, don't you?"

<Craig_Randall> You're fucking right I do!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets cook the bitch!

* Berserker flails about in anger, reeling back until the hissing subsides.

<Craig_Randall> Fuck!

<Craig_Randall> She moved away!

* Berserker charges at a voice behind her.

<Craig_Randall> Shiiiiit!

* Craig_Randall rolls.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Ah hell!

* Lt_Colin_Davis stands back in the direction of the gas line and starts shooting the Berserker.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Woohoo! Over here!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You big, scaly whore!

* Berserker feels something tapping against her back, and hears yelling behind her. She charges.

* Lt_Colin_Davis questions his decision to start shooting at the Berserker.

* Berserker is already heading directly for the source of the sound in full sprint.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Fuck me!

* Lt_Colin_Davis tries to roll out of the way.

* Lt_Colin_Davis watches as the Berserker charges back into the building filled with gas.

* Berserker shrieks as the hissing returns.

<Craig_Randall> Light that fucker up!

* Lt_Colin_Davis reaches for his second grenade, but grabs only air, "God dammit! It must've fallen off when it charged me!"

* Elijah_Simms dashes out of cover, a grenade in hand, and chucks it into the building. Unfortunately, the sniper who is still alive manages to he a shot off, hitting him in the calf.

<Elijah_Simms> Gah! Fuck me!

<Craig_Randall> Simms!

<Katrina_Day> Fuck!

* Katrina_Day revs her chainsaw and rushes the sniper as it reloads its weapon. The dying howls of the Locust sniper echo through the dead city.

* Berserker shrieks in agony as the hissing of gas changes into the angry roar of flame. Fire engulf her body, and she writhes furiously, smashing stone and drywall. But soon enough, the pain overcomes her, and collapses to the rubble-strewn ground with an earth-shaking thud.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks over to the down Simms and Tompkins and sighs as he holsters his Lancer, sprinting over to the pair.

* Lt_Colin_Davis mutters to himself, "God damn Locust, God damn snipers, God damn Major Berkeley, God damn everything...," as he grabs the two conscripts and drags them back into cover.

* Craig_Randall waits until the flames subside and goes to kick the Berserker, checking that it is in fact dead.

* Berserker stays limp. She is dead.

* Craig_Randall heads over to help tend to Simms and Tompkins, but stops as he realizes realizes something.

<Craig_Randall> Where the fuck is Esters?

* Hank_Esters is nowhere to be seen.

* Elijah_Simms crawls against the wall, gripping his calf muscle, "Oh god-fucking-dammit!"

* Lt_Colin_Davis takes some strips of clothes from a dead civilian and uses it as a tourniquet, "You're going to be alright, got it Simms?"

<Elijah_Simms> Did it hit anything important?

<Elijah_Simms> It feels like it did.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You took an antipersonnel round to the leg, of course it's going to feel like that! Looks like it missed the artery, so you'll probably live.

* Katrina_Day heads down to meet Davis and Simms. Locust blood soaks her face, chestplate, and rifle.

<Katrina_Day> We need to get moving. There were at least four other Berserkers downtown. No doubt they heard that fight.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> And we didn't bring a Scorcher...

<Craig_Randall> We need to find Esters.

<Craig_Randall> Chances are we lost him while the Berserker was chasing us.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lost as in "dead," or lost as in you lost a toy?

<Craig_Randall> The latter.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Alright, first we need to get these two some medical attention.

* Craig_Randall hears another Berserker growling nearby.

<Craig_Randall> (whisper) We'll need to do it elsewhere.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (whisper) We need to move them, quietly.

* Lt_Colin_Davis watches as Simms slips into unconsciousness and sighs, "At least they'll be quiet while we move them," as he says this however, Tompkins begins to stir and moans, and Davis' eyes roll behind his helmet, "Fuck me."

<Craig_Randall> Katrina, help me with Simms. Ford, Goodall, take Tompkins. If you have to knock him out to keep him quiet, do it.

<Craig_Randall> I'm sure he'd rather have a concussion than be dead.

* Craig_Randall finds a wooden palette and slides Simms onto it, and grabs one end.

* Katrina_Day grabs the other.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks to the ones not occupied with moving the two conscripts, consisting of Graham, Ragsdale, and Wetzel, "I guess you three are with me. We need to keep the grubs away from them and the wounded conscripts."

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks to Graham, Ragsdale, and Wetzel, "Come on, the grubs won sit around forever, lets get moving."

* Lt_Colin_Davis leads the Gears behind Sergeant Randall and the others, scanning the rooftops for snipers and the alleys for any other surprises, all the while making sure to stay quiet enough so as not to attract the Beserkers.

* Craig_Randall quietly follows behind, careful not to bump anything or let Simms roll around too much.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (whisper) If a firefight breaks out, I want you to run like hell, got it?

<Craig_Randall> (whisper) And leave Simms here?

* Lt_Colin_Davis tilts his head to the side, "Really? No, of course not! You run as fast as your little legs can carry you back up to the truck with those two and get out of here."

<Craig_Randall> (whisper) Good, you had me worried for a moment.

* Elijah_Simms rolls around on the pallet and opens his eyes, seeing the Packhorse and Armadillo. He also sees several Gears working on Tompkins and his own leg is bandaged up. He tries to sit up, but whimpers in pain, softly mumbling, "Fuck me, that hurts."

* Elijah_Simms looks up and sees Sergeant Randall walking toward him.

<Craig_Randall> Good to see you're awake.

<Elijah_Simms> Ugh. Where is everyone?

<Craig_Randall> Close by.

<Craig_Randall> We've been rotating out patrols. It's my turn on break right now.

<Elijah_Simms> Where's Esters? And the Lieutenant guy?

<Craig_Randall> Davis is out on Patrol. Esters... I don't know. He got split off from us while that berserker was chasing us.

<Craig_Randall> We've been looking for him ever since, but there's only so much we can do.

<Craig_Randall> The city's heavily occupied, and we can't afford to risk everyone here for just one person.

<Elijah_Simms> So we're going to leave him behind?

<Craig_Randall> I don't want to have to think about that possibility right now.

<Craig_Randall> Although there's a lot of things in this cty I'd rather not think about at the moment.

* Elijah_Simms tries to stand up and almost falls over, having to use Randall and the APC to steady himself, and looks out into the city, pointing at a single point of smoke, "There, that was my barracks when I was training."

* Craig_Randall helps to steady him, so he doesn't fall.

<Elijah_Simms> Me and a bunch of other LIFEBOAT conscripts. We were almost done training, about a week left. Then the Locust attacked, and we had to be evacuated. A lot of us died in the first few minutes, that's what the Lieutenant was talking about when he said I had to be dragged out of the city. I went back to help some of my guys and almost got killed.

* Craig_Randall nods solemnly.

<Craig_Randall> I can sympathize.

<Craig_Randall> Trust me, I can.

<Elijah_Simms> We didn't even have those fancy little COG tags yet because we hadn't finished training.

* Craig_Randall removes his helmet.

<Craig_Randall> You see this?

* Craig_Randall points to a long gash running diagonally accross his face.

<Elijah_Simms> What? The scar?

* Craig_Randall nods.

<Craig_Randall> Indie gave me this.

<Craig_Randall> We had a small camp set up in the woods in Ostri.

<Craig_Randall> I was only eighteen if I remember correctly.

<Craig_Randall> We'd scoured the whole damn area before we'd set up camp.

<Craig_Randall> We thought for sure it was clear for miles.

<Craig_Randall> When I hit the sack for the night, some of the others just set up a small campfire.

<Craig_Randall> I woke up to the sound of the Ostrinis shooting the men in the other tents as they slept. The fire gave away our position.

<Craig_Randall> The guys at the fire were dead; they never saw the bastards until it was too late, I'm guessing.

<Craig_Randall> By the time they came around to my tent, I had a knife and a pistol out, and was huddled in the corner.

<Craig_Randall> I hit the first guy in the face, the second shot at me and knocked my snub pistol out of my hands.

<Craig_Randall> I went in with the knife but he had a bayonet on his rifle.

<Craig_Randall> He slashed me accross the face before I could get him.

* Craig_Randall gestures to the scar.

<Craig_Randall> Bastard would've shot me dead right after had the platoon sergeant not come and blown the fucker's brains out.

<Craig_Randall> I couldn't see a damn thing; I thought for sure he'd got me in the eye.

<Craig_Randall> It was just blood blocking my vision, though.

<Craig_Randall> Over one hundred and fifty stitches.

<Craig_Randall> I was out for about two weeks.

<Craig_Randall> When I was finally in fighting condition again, the Armistice was signed.

<Craig_Randall> Believe it or not, I was fucking pissed.

<Craig_Randall> I was fucking pissed, and I wanted to kill some Ostrini bastards for what they did to my face and, more importantly, my platoon.

<Craig_Randall> I'd never get the chance, though.

<Craig_Randall> Six weeks later I was headed home.

<Craig_Randall> I was worried as hell about what the folks would think about what'd happened.

<Craig_Randall> And perhaps even more so about how my girlfriend would react.

<Craig_Randall> Never got the chance to see that either.

<Craig_Randall> Everyone had gathered in Porta Ogari to welcome me home.

<Craig_Randall> Family, friends, my girl; everyone.

<Craig_Randall> They arrived right as I was walking down the ramp off the boat.

<Elijah_Simms> Porta Ogari...

<Elijah_Simms> I was at Porta Ogari, waiting for some friends to come home so we'd all go out drinking, try picking up some chicks.

<Elijah_Simms> My buddies made it off their ship, but two of them got nailed right after they popped up.

<Craig_Randall> So we were both there on E-Day.

<Craig_Randall> Anyways, since they were coming out of the ground, the sailors started grabbing people and dragging them onto the ship while us Gears grabbed our weapons.

<Craig_Randall> My family was among those they grabbed.

<Craig_Randall> Somehow the Locust got on the boat anyways before it left shore.

<Craig_Randall> They took control of the guns and started to shoot at other COG Ships.

<Craig_Randall> In all the madness, those ships returned fire.

<Craig_Randall> I heard an explosion, and then a lot of fucking screaming.

<Craig_Randall> Screaming like I hadn't ever heard before, and haven't heard since.

<Craig_Randall> My loved ones were among those screaming.

<Craig_Randall> Only about five or so who were on the ship made it back to shore.

<Craig_Randall> My little sister was the only survivor out of those I knew.

<Craig_Randall> She was mute for months.

<Craig_Randall> She's still not the same.

<Craig_Randall> Nothing's ever really been the same since.

<Elijah_Simms> I'm guessing you were in Jacinto a year later.

<Elijah_Simms> Because I heard screams like never before during the Hammer Strike.

<Craig_Randall> Ephyra.

<Craig_Randall> We lived in our family's house here in Ephyra up until a few days ago.

<Craig_Randall> Until, well, you know.

* Craig_Randall puts his helmet back on. No sooner than he does so...

<Katrina_Day> (COM) Sarge, get your ass out here, ASAP. We've found something you'll want to see.

* Craig_Randall heads over to Sergeant Day's position, and sees none other than Hank_Esters sitting beside her.

* Lt_Colin_Davis frowns at Ester whom has been joined by Daniel_Ragsdale and Darius_Wetzel.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Well goddamn Esters, the hell ya get too?

<Katrina_Day> Easy now, he's a bit shook up.

<Hank_Esters> He was fuckin' huge, man...

* Hank_Esters 's gaze is distant.

* Darius_Wetzel sits down next to Esters, along with Ragsdale, "Who was? Come on Hank, this'n ain't much like ya."

<Hank_Esters> He was gonna kill me if I didn't tell them about you guys.

<Hank_Esters> There was this Locust, man. He was huge; at least ten feet.

<Hank_Esters> When he spoke it sounded like this evil fuckin' hissing...

* Lt_Colin_Davis casts a glance over to Katrina and Craig.

<Hank_Esters> He caught me, and he was gonna kill me...

<Hank_Esters> I managed to slip away while their backs were turned...

<Craig_Randall> Wait.

<Craig_Randall> What color was his armor?

<Hank_Esters> Black.

<Hank_Esters> Some of his guards had black armor too, but they were shorter and these freaky masks...

<Hank_Esters> They were carrying these weird fuckin' shotguns. Looked like they had twin bayonets.

* Lt_Colin_Davis lowers his head, "Fuck me..."

* Craig_Randall looks to Davis.

<Craig_Randall> You and I are thinking of the same grub right now, aren't we?

* Lt_Colin_Davis nods his head slightly, and places his finger to his mouth plate. Walking over to Ester, he places a hand on his shoulder, "You're okay now conscript, we're going to get you out of this city and back to Jacinto. Ragsdale, Wetzel, keep him company while the Sergeants and I talk."

* Daniel_Ragsdale nods and sits down next to Ester, pulling out a flask of whiskey.

* Lt_Colin_Davis motions to the two Sergeants and walks out of earshot of the three conscripts.

<Craig_Randall> Fucking RAAM.

<Craig_Randall> I'm gonna kill that overgrown grub son-of-a-bitch for what he did to my home.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Goddamn. If losing Ephyra wasn't bad enough, now fucking RAAM is here too.

<Katrina_Day> That means the Kryll will probably be here soon.

<Katrina_Day> It's nearly nightfall.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks up at the dimming light. "Shit..."

<Craig_Randall> We need to find shelter and a sustainable light source.

<Craig_Randall> Fast.

<Craig_Randall> The APC isn't gonna cut it.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Alright, we need a plan. Sergeant Day, we need to get everyone together, think you can do that?

<Katrina_Day> Yessir.

* Katrina_Day snaps a salute and heads off to gather the other Gears.

<Craig_Randall> We also need to get far away from here.

<Craig_Randall> I have a feeling RAAM let Esters go so he could have his Therons track him back to us.

* Lt_Colin_Davis turns to Randall, "Look, I know you're fucking pissed right now, but the last thing we need is to engage RAAM, and if what you're saying is right, then we need to move now."

<Craig_Randall> I know, I know.

<Craig_Randall> But if we get the chance, I want to hit that motherfucker where the sun don't shine.

<Craig_Randall> For me, my family, and the rest of the goddamn COG.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Then we need to contact Command.

<Craig_Randall> Let's wait until we find somewhere safe to stay.

<Craig_Randall> We're extremely short on time as is.

<Craig_Randall> Being Kryll chow isn't exactly the way I'd like to go.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Trust me, neither do I.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks at the sky again, "They'll be here soon, where are they?

* Craig_Randall sits anxiously as the APC rumbles along the streets in the outskirts of Ephyra.

* Lt_Colin_Davis is driving the Packhorse, "Where are we going, Sergeant?"

<Craig_Randall> You tell me.

<Craig_Randall> You're in front.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Day is supposed to tell us where to go, she said she wanted to be navigator.

<Katrina_Day> We're headed to the East Barricade Academy.

<Katrina_Day> There's an old Pendulum Wars bunker there. I'd be surprised if the locust found it.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Sounds fucking lovely.

* Elijah_Simms manages to sit up in the Armadillo, "East Barricade, I'm pretty sure I was there before Ephyra got nailed."

<Katrina_Day> I'm surprised you made it out.

<Katrina_Day> Locust hit EBA the hardest.

<Elijah_Simms> So was I, the Gear who pulled me out, everyone in the evac chopper, and everyone back in Jacinto.

<Elijah_Simms> I saw this one fuckhuge guy with a double barreled rifle thing, but it was huge too.

<Elijah_Simms> Tore the shit outta some COG guys.

<Graastrug> Taaaaaaarget ssssssspotted.

<Hank_Esters> What the fuck was that?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I wasn't the only one who heard that?

<Darius_Wetzel> Nope.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Naw.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Good to know I haven't gone completely crazy yet...

<Katrina_Day> I can't hear shit over the-

* Katrina_Day is cut off by a loud explosion next to the APC.

* Lt_Colin_Davis quickly cranes his neck to see what happened, "What the fuck was that?!"

<Craig_Randall> Katrina, fucking punch it!

<Graastrug> Ssssshiffffft possssitionsssss.

* Graastrug loads another bolt into his Torque Bow.

* Katrina_Day floors the pedal.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Hey Lt, I think we got grub guys comin' in.

* Craig_Randall is nearly knocked out of his seat by the sudden speed increase.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Thanks Ragsdale, I couldn't fucking see it myself! Why don't you try shooting them!

<Craig_Randall> Not just any grubs; Therons!

<Darius_Wetzel> Sounds fun, I'll help!

* Darius_Wetzel pulls out his Lancer and fires in wild bursts in the general area of the first explosion.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> God dammit, you two! I didn't mean waste all your ammo on dead air!

<Daniel_Ragsdale> But you said-

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I know what I said, now shut the fuck up and stick your damn heads back in the truck unless you want to lose them!

* Darius_Wetzel slowly sits back down, "Aw, you ain't no fun."

<Graastrug> Intercccccept!

* Lt_Colin_Davis 's eye twitches under his helmet and he looks like he's about to say something, but decides against it, "Nevermind, just sit there and be quiet."

* Katrina_Day slams on the brakes as a Reaver lands in front of the convoy.

* Lt_Colin_Davis slams on the brakes, "Oh fuck me! Ok, now you can shoot!"

<Daniel_Ragsdale> But you said-

* Lt_Colin_Davis is rapidly trying to get his Lancer off of his back, "Shut the fuck up and shoot!"

* Darius_Wetzel grins at Ragsdale as they both unload haphazardly into the Reaver, their Lancer barrels glowing at the continuous rate of fire.

* Elijah_Simms is shaken around at the sudden stop, "The fuck is going on up there?"

<Craig_Randall> Therons!

<Hank_Esters> Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck....

<Hank_Esters> Fuck it!

* Hank_Esters opens up the top hatch of the armadillo and fires his lancer wildly at the Reaver.

<Craig_Randall> Esters, what the fuck are you doing?

* Elijah_Simms tries to pull Ester down back into the APC.

* Hank_Esters kicks Simms in face.

* Graastrug spots a human poking his head out of one of the vehicles.

<Graastrug> Eassssssy Preeeeeey.

* Lt_Colin_Davis barely hears the call of 'Therons' over the rapid staccato of gunfire, his own Lancer contributing, "Oh fuck me."

* Graastrug fires his Torque Bow.

* Elijah_Simms reels back in pain.

* Hank_Esters tries to scream, but is unable to before half of his torso is disintegrated.

* Elijah_Simms is showered in gore as Ester's lower torso falls back into the APC, "Oh God!"

* Hank_Esters falls from the hatch into the APC troop hold and on top of Simms.

* Hank_Esters is still concious, somehow, and looks at Simms.

<Elijah_Simms> Holy shit, he's still fucking alive!

* Hank_Esters, unable to speak with his lungs shredded, mouths the word "help" at Simms, blood pouring from his mouth.

* Hank_Esters trembles for few more moments, then falls limp.

<Craig_Randall> Fuck!

<Craig_Randall> Fuck you grubs!

<Craig_Randall> Fuck all of you bastards!

* Lt_Colin_Davis 's Lancer clicks empty just as the Reaver collapses and dies.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> What's going on, Sergeant?!

<Craig_Randall> Esters is dead!

<Graastrug> Ssssssstorm!

* Darius_Wetzel looks at Ragsdale, "What? Them grubby sonsofbitches! Lets go get 'em Ragsdale!"

* Graastrug vaults over the rubble, and rushes down at the humans, four more Therons following behind.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks as the two conscripts attempt to climb out of the Packhorse and quickly grabs them, forcing them back into their seats.

<Craig_Randall> Oh shit! There's more coming from the left!

* Lt_Colin_Davis reloads his Lancer, "Sergeant, lets show the conscripts how we've fought the war."

* Graastrug and another Theron take positions behind the Armadillo, preparing to breach the troop hold.

<Craig_Randall> Katrina, reverse! Now!

* Katrina_Day shifts the APC into reverse and floors the gas.

* Graastrug hears the engine begin to rev and narrowly dodges out of the way. The other Theron is less fortunate, and is pulverized beneath the wheels of the Armadillo.

* Lt_Colin_Davis hops out as the Armadillo reverses over the Therons. Walking over to inspect what's left, he spies Graastrug getting up after nearly being run over.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Well hey there, you little fucking grub.

<Craig_Randall> They're going to shoot us through the front!

* Graastrug aims his bow.

* Lt_Colin_Davis shoots the Grub in the arm before it can fire.

<Graastrug> Graaaaahhhhh!

* Graastrug turns to see a Gear advancing on him as his Torque bow falls from his hands.

* Graastrug draws his Boltok Pistol.

* Lt_Colin_Davis delivers a swift kick to the Locust's face, knocking it over, "Hey Sergeant, I caught me a little grub friend."

* Graastrug 's pistol clatters to the ground.

* Katrina_Day angles the APC at the Therons, and flicks the floodlights on at their maximum brightness. The Therons hiss in pain, and Katrina puts the APC back in drive and floors the gas, splattering two more grubs.

<Graastrug> Asssssssisssst!

* Lt_Colin_Davis pulls out his own Boltok, having pryed it from a dead Locust years ago, and aims it at the Theron.

* Graastrug 's final remaining comrade approaches the Gear from behind.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Your friends can't hear you, they're what we humans call 'road kill'. Can you say it with me? Roooooad Kiiiiill.

* Craig_Randall hops out the back of the APC and revs his lancer, chainsawing the Locust about to ambush Davis.

* Graastrug, furious, lunges at the Gear's weapon in indignation.

* Lt_Colin_Davis frowns and pushes down, smiling at a loud snapping sound, most likely the spine, paralyzing it.

* Craig_Randall walks up beside Davis, drenched in Locust entrails.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I have a friend I want you to meet.

<Craig_Randall> Just fucking kill the bastard. Piece of shit isn't worth the effort of making him suffer.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Hold on, I gotta name him first.

<Graastrug> Graaaaasssstrug!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> How about 'Ugly Fucking Bastard?'

* Graastrug growls.

<Graastrug> GRAAAAAASSSTRUG!

* Lt_Colin_Davis ignores its screaming, and smiles.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I think it has a better ring to it, I mean the thing can't even say 'Road Kill,' I doubt it can name itself.

* Craig_Randall picks the Torque Bow up from the dirt and brushes it off.

<Craig_Randall> Thanks for the toy, ugly.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> See? Look, you're already calling him by his name.

* Lt_Colin_Davis bends down slightly, "That means the name's stuck, Ugly. Might want to get used to it."

* Craig_Randall spots something on the body of one of the other Therons.

<Craig_Randall> Hey, Davis.

<Craig_Randall> Check this out.

* Lt_Colin_Davis grabs Ugly by the collar and drags him with him, "Lets go see what Sergeant Randall has to show us."

* Lt_Colin_Davis walks over to Randall, "What've you got?"

* Craig_Randall holds up a double barrelled shotgun. The weapon is heavily modified, with a decent portion of the Barrel sawn off and two nasty-looking blades bolted beneath the end of the barrel.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Damn, well if that isn't metal, I don't know what is.

<Craig_Randall> The barrel is covered with those funky locust symbols, and the crastmanship is incredible.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I might have to keep one if we find any more. Until then, load it up in the Packhorse.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks down at Ugly, who seems to be choking from being held at the collar for so long.

* Lt_Colin_Davis drops the grub and proceeds to crush its head by curb stomping it.

* Lt_Colin_Davis calls over to the Packhorse, "Ragsdale, Wetzel! I got you guys dinner!"

* Daniel_Ragsdale pokes his head out of the cab, "Really? What is it?"

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Fresh grub.

<Darius_Wetzel> Oh, is it cooked?

* Lt_Colin_Davis shakes his head, "Nope."

<Darius_Wetzel> Oh good, that leaves all the nutrients and shit.

* Lt_Colin_Davis walks away from the rapidly bleeding corpse over to the APC, "If any brass member saw me do that, they'd label me as mental with the second..."

<Craig_Randall> I'm pretty sure you are mental.

* Lt_Colin_Davis grins, "In this war, we need mental."

<Lt_Colin_Davis> And no, I'm not going to let them eat the body. Yes, they probably would if I let them.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Did we lose anyone?

<Craig_Randall> Other than Esters?

<Craig_Randall> No.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> So they got him? Damn.

* Lt_Colin_Davis sighs, "This is the part of my job I'm going to hate. Check his body, anything intact is to be moved to the Packhorse, weapons, parts of his armor, and rations he may have had on him."

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Get his tags too.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Once that's done, get everyone back in the APC, we're almost to EBA, and almost out of time.

* Lt_Colin_Davis gets back into the Packhorse and slams the door shut.

* Katrina_Day slows the Armadillo to a stop as it pulls up beside a caved in building.

<Craig_Randall> This doesn't look promising...

<Lt_Colin_Davis> We're in a city that was ransacked by subterranean monsters a week ago, doesn't scream "promising" at me.

* Katrina_Day laughs.

<Katrina_Day> Don't be an idiot, Randall. The bunker's a ways underground.

<Craig_Randall> And that's supposed to make me feel better? The Locust live underground, you know.

<Katrina_Day> The walls of the bunker are lined with nearly a foot of solid titanium.

<Craig_Randall> Oh.

<Craig_Randall> Well then.

<Katrina_Day> It was designed to withstand Hammer strikes and attacks from other prospective UIR wonder weapons.

<Craig_Randall> You sure know a lot about this place...

<Katrina_Day> I had a... friend who was involved in its construction.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> This should also be a good time to remind everyone that one of our objectives is locating survivors. I have a list of MIA Gears if anyone wants to take on any special assignments when the sun comes up.

<Craig_Randall> RAAM's in charge. I don't think we'll be finding anything other than corpses.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> If people can survive giant death lasers, then someone can make it through this. Just keep an eye out.

<Craig_Randall> I hate to say it, but I actually think RAAM's deadlier than the Hammer of Dawn.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I'd advise not pursuing that train of thought. Now let's dismount, the Kryll are gonna be here any minute.

* Craig_Randall nods in agreement and grabs his weapons from one of the storage compartments.

* Lt_Colin_Davis checks his Lancer before getting out of the truck with Ragsdale and Wetzel, "Alright you two, this isn't a game. You two will follow my orders, or the Kryll will be more than happy to rip you to pieces."

* Lt_Colin_Davis takes one last look at the darkened Ephyran sky before entering the remains of the East Barricade Academy.

<Craig_Randall> Wheres's the entrance to the bunker?

<Katrina_Day> Down the main hall, and to the left.

<Katrina_Day> It's in a janitorial closet.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Really?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> A fucking janitor's closet?

<Katrina_Day> You don't want your doomsday bunker to be easily located.

<Craig_Randall> How do we know that the entrance isn't blocked?

<Katrina_Day> We don't.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets assume the janitor kept it clean.

<Craig_Randall> Yeah.

<Craig_Randall> If not, we're fucked.

<Craig_Randall> I can say goodbye to having skin.

<Craig_Randall> And so can the rest of us.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets see if we can find a power switch so we don't get eaten looking for the damn thing.

* Lt_Colin_Davis walks off, careful to keep his helmet light on.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Sergeant Day, since you seem to know so much about this building, any idea where we'd might find a light switch?

* Katrina_Day leads the group to a small, unremarkable door, marked only with a room number. She tries the knob and finds it locked, so she shoots the door off of its hinges.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> The universal key.

* Craig_Randall walks into the room. There is another, peculiarly placed door inside, sporting a lock but no knob.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Something tells me a bullet might not open that door.

* Katrina_Day slams the butt of her Lancer into a section of wall, knocking loose paint and wall-repair putty, revealing a small metal panel. She tears it open, revealing a small computer panel.

<Craig_Randall> You've got the code?

<Katrina_Day> Pff.

<Katrina_Day> I don't know that much about this place, Sarge.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks around. "Max, get your floating metal ass up here!"

* Maxbot decloaks, and floats over to the panel. It tears off the front of the panel, and begins tinkering with the wiring inside. After just a few moments, the door creaks open.

<Craig_Randall> Nice job, Max.

* Maxbot beeps a simple acknowledgment as he folds his arms back up and cloaks again.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> God bless the 'bots.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> My squad had one during the Battle of Bonbourg, called it Jamie.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> When it came time to fire the Hammer on the UIR Third Fleet, the target locator was damaged and that little bot was the only thing able to fi...

* Lt_Colin_Davis ' voice trails off, realizing no one is listening to him.

* Craig_Randall pushes the door open to see... yet another door, this one enormous and made of solid metal.

<Craig_Randall> Are you fucking serious?

<Katrina_Day> Believe it or not, this is the easy one.

* Katrina_Day walks up to the door, removes her COG tags and holds them up to the door. A quiet automated voice replies "Identification verified: COG tags CSID 34FG22-BR32D-VN. Day, Katrina. Access Authorized."

<Craig_Randall> Something tells me you more than just knew a guy who worked on this.

* Katrina_Day doesn't reply.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets not waste anymore time, Sergeant. Get your squad inside. Conscripts, follow Sergeant Day, as she apparently knows what to do here.

* Katrina_Day leads the group down a long flight of stairs, into the darkness of the bunker below.

* Katrina_Day reaches the bottom and walks over to what looks to be an enormous power generator. She pulls what must be the activation lever, and...

<Katrina_Day> Fuck me. It's dead.

<Craig_Randall> What?

<Katrina_Day> I just said what. It's fucking dead.

<Katrina_Day> But don't wor-

<Craig_Randall> It's a little late!

<Craig_Randall> I'm worrying!

<Katrina_Day> -worry, because there are backups. They're not as efficient, but they're sturdier and plenty sufficient.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> What's wrong with it? Is it out of fuel or broken or what?

<Katrina_Day> I don't fucking know.

<Katrina_Day> I wasn't trained as an engineer.

<Katrina_Day> I pulled the fucking lever, and it didn't fucking work.

* Lt_Colin_Davis glares from behind his helmet, "That's enough of that, Sergeant Day."

<Katrina_Day> Fine.

<Craig_Randall> Well, looks like we're gonna have to find those backups.

<Craig_Randall> How much time do we have?

* Katrina_Day checks.

<Katrina_Day> No more than a half hour, I'd say.

* Jorstad_Villiers raises his hand.

<Jorstad_Villiers> I used to help out with the defenses for my old settlement, sir.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Part of those duties were wiring up the UV spots.

<Craig_Randall> That's all well and good Villiers, but our main concern isn't activating the generators, it's finding them.

<Jorstad_Villiers> That's what I'm getting at, sir.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Hold on Sergeant, maybe he can help Max figure out what's wrong with the main one.

<Katrina_Day> True. Even I don't know the backups' exact location. Depending on how fast he can do it, it might save us some time.

<Craig_Randall> Fair enough.

<Jorstad_Villiers> As for the backups, If you see any PVC tubing, it might be holding together the wiring bundles leading away from the generator.

<Jorstad_Villiers> All we'd have to do is backtrace that.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets get to it then, I'd rather not be Kryll chow.

* Elijah_Simms stands near the door to the bunker, steadying himself against the door frame, Lancer at the ready. Suddenly, he hears a roar from outside, "Uh oh."

* Jorstad_Villiers hisses, tightening his grip on a Gnasher. "Oh, shit, what was that?"

<Katrina_Day> Wretches, it sounds like.

<Craig_Randall> Villiers, you work on that while Day and I head down. You said they were on the next floor down, right?

<Jorstad_Villiers> It's probable. . . I, uh, don't have to go alone, do I?

<Craig_Randall> Nah.

<Craig_Randall> The LT will stay with you, I'm guessing.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Oh, eheh, good.

<Elijah_Simms> (COM) Uh, Lieutenant, I'm hearing some pretty angry sounding shit outside.

<Craig_Randall> Wretches, we know.

<Elijah_Simms> I ran into some Wretches during the battle, this is definitely not Wretches, unless they've learned how to talk.

<Craig_Randall> Wait, then why did we hear Wretches?

* Jorstad_Villiers tests the strength of the custom stock mounted onto his Gnasher.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Man, oh man, I hate Wretches. They get into everything and shit on the carpet like an untrained dog.

* Lt_Colin_Davis turns to the two conscripts behind him, "Ragsdale, Wetzel, I'm going to trust you two to go up and assist your squad leader. Can you two do that?"

* Darius_Wetzel nods and runs up the stairs, Lancer at the ready.

* Daniel_Ragsdale follows Wetzel, "Lets go get us some Grubbies for dinner!"

<Katrina_Day> They're probably in the bunker, then.

<Craig_Randall> What?

<Craig_Randall> I thought you said this place was pretty much impenetrable.

<Katrina_Day> By digging, yeah.

<Katrina_Day> Smaller creatures like Wretches can still get in through the vents. How else would the Kryll be able to get in?

<Craig_Randall> And you tell us this now?

<Katrina_Day> I hadn't needed to bring it up.

* Craig_Randall glares at Sergeant Day.

<Jorstad_Villiers> What do you expect, man? No place is safe no more.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Which is why we need the damn lights on. Villiers, lets get going, we need to get the power up.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Right behind you, sir.

<Craig_Randall> Well, this certainly complicates things.

<Craig_Randall> Max?

* Maxbot beeps, though he remains cloaked.

<Craig_Randall> I need you to go help Villiers trace those generators.

* Maxbot beeps again, decloaks and floats over beside Villiers.

* Lt_Colin_Davis checks his Lancer before looking for the power cables.

* Jorstad_Villiers holds his shotgun loose, scouring the walls for anything that looks promising in the beam of his helmet's headlamp.

* Elijah_Simms raises his Lancer as the growls get closer, and catches something out of the corner of his eye as Ragsdale and Wetzel approach him.

<Craig_Randall> Now.

<Craig_Randall> Anybody got a light source handy?

<Jorstad_Villiers> Hey, are these helmet flashes ultra-violet, Lieutenant?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Don't think so.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Otherwise they'd keep Kryll away.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Which they don't.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Dang. Was hoping we might use 'em to fend off a few Kryll if they show up early.

* Jorstad_Villiers frowns, inspecting the wall.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> What's going on up here Simms? Got a bit of a Grub problem?

<Elijah_Simms> Shut up Ragsdale, I thought I saw something over there.

* Darius_Wetzel looks down the hall, "I don't see nothin', yer just going a little crazy s'all."

* Daniel_Ragsdale scoffs and walks down the hall, "Look, I'll show ya that there ain't nothing down there." A few moments after disappearing behind the corner, he runs back around the corner and hops over a file cabinet that's been knocked on its side, gunshots and yelling following behind.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Everything I'm seeing is labelled main power, and we know that's out. There's gotta be a junction somewhere where they intersect, though. ..

<Jorstad_Villiers> Hey, Max? Think you can guess at the power grid structure enough to point us in the direction of a junction?

* Maxbot begins rummaging through Pendulum-War era database files, then beeps after a few moments.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I'll take that as a yes.

* Maxbot deploys his integrated viewscreen, showing a fuzzy blueprint of the building.

* Jorstad_Villiers smirks.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Cool. Should be down the hall.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love the bots.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Finding anything? Doesn't look like there's any Kryll down here, but there's definitely a lot of Wretches!

* Katrina_Day can be heard swearing and firing her Gnasher at said Wretches.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) We're looking at potential locations now, just hold your ground. A few monkey dogs shouldn't kill you.

<Craig_Randall> Monkey-dogs? I get the monkey part, but dog?

* Jorstad_Villiers throws a quick glance over his shoulder at the sound of scuffle and picks up his pace. Before long, the group reach an intersection between corridors, and Villiers surveys the ceiling. A multitude of pipes, artillery cart rails, and plastic tubing form a criss-crossing lattice overhead.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Damn, that's a mess. Shoddy post-Pendulum War craftsmanship, that is, all hap-hazard fast enough to mount a response to Locust attacks.

* Craig_Randall terminates his communicator as he revs his Lancer's chainsaw.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Looks like this is a relatively recent patch job, might mean survivors.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Maybe. Sure looks jury-rigged, but it might've just been a mess you COGs made to begin with. ..

* Jorstad_Villiers waves Max over to start picking apart some wires.

* Darius_Wetzel takes cover next to Ragsdale, firing a few rounds at the Locust coming down the hallway.

* Daniel_Ragsdale pops up and fires a burst, "Don't say a fuckin' thing Simms!"

<Lt_Colin_Davis> So what'd you do before the Hammer strikes?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You seem to know a fair bit about engineering.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Wasn't an electrician, I'll tell you that. War forced everyone to pick up a few more trades to survive.

* Maxbot activates his arc welding torch. As he does so, the bright light of the torch illuminates something troubling: Serapede eggs.

<Jorstad_Villiers> And I had mouths to feed. So-

<Jorstad_Villiers> Whoa shit.

* Lt_Colin_Davis backs up instinctively, "Godammit!"

<Lt_Colin_Davis> It just had to be fucking Serapedes, as if today wasn't ending on a low enough note.

* Jorstad_Villiers swallows nervously, turning wildly to look down each passage.

<Jorstad_Villiers> My bets on finding stragglers just dropped a percentage, boss.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Yeah, same here. We got to torch these eggs, but we can't risk damaging the electrical shit.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Hmm. Fire'd only fry the electrical. Squishing 'em one by one would just be...

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Do we want to count down on how shit this bunker is turning out to be? First no power, then Wretches, and now Serapedes.

* Maxbot deactivates his torch as the rusted metal panel clatters to the floor. The noise seems to attract something, as a soft hiss can be heard nearby.

* Jorstad_Villiers jumps back, startled, fidgeting with his shotgun.

<Jorstad_Villiers> That better not fuckin' be what I think it is.

* Lt_Colin_Davis raises his Lancer, "Odds are not in our favor today."

<Craig_Randall> (COM) What's our ETA on that location? Katrina's first guess was a no-go.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Not looking so good, we found some Serapedes eggs in the electrical.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Oh, fuck me.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) No thanks, Sergeant. I'll pass.

* Craig_Randall rolls his eyes.

<Darius_Wetzel> (COM) Hey LT, I got somethin' to tell ya.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) I swear to God Wetzel, if this is bad news, I'm going to feed you to the fucking Kryll.

<Darius_Wetzel> (COM) How high do you rate 'Locust attack' in the scale of news?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) I'm going to fucking kill you, Wetzel.

<Darius_Wetzel> (COM) Could ya kill the Grubs first?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) I've got my own problems, you deal with it.

* Lt_Colin_Davis switches off his COM and focuses on the current situation.

* Elijah_Simms looks over to Wetzel as bullets fly past, "What'd he say?"

<Darius_Wetzel> He basically said 'go fuck yourself,' and hung up.

* Jorstad_Villiers pushes on the lever action of his Gnasher, and looks down as he hears a dissatisfying click.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Aw, fuck, not again.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Anyone see it?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Shouldn't be too hard, its got a bright glowing ass.

* Jorstad_Villiers tries to force open the Gnasher's lever action without success.

<Jorstad_Villiers> That end's not the one I'm worried about.

* Elijah_Simms briefly turns the corner, unloading into a pair of Grenadiers moving up the hall, killing one and downing the other.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Damn, nice shot Simms. You did that like an actual COG, and without gettin' blown apart by them shotguns.

<Elijah_Simms> What do you mean a "real COG"? We're Gears now, even if we're just conscripts.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> I'm just doing this so I don't have to eat Grub anymore.

<Darius_Wetzel> And I want a crack at one of those Birthin' Creches they advertise.

<Darius_Wetzel> I don't know what goes on there, but I talked to some COGs who've been there and they say its pretty cool.

* Elijah_Simms reloads his Lancer, careful not to let his bad leg stick out too far.

<Elijah_Simms> Just keep shooting!

* Lt_Colin_Davis takes off his own Gnasher and offers it to Villiers, "Don't break this one."

<Jorstad_Villiers> Hang on, I can-

* Jorstad_Villiers calls out as the flat head of the Serapede rears down from the ceiling, mandibles scrambling to get their poison-filled fangs into him. Villiers stumbles and falls onto his back.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Ah shit!

* Lt_Colin_Davis begins firing at the Serapede, trying to ward it away.

* Jorstad_Villiers scrambles backwards over the waterslick concrete floor, finally managing to force open the Gnasher's lever. Cocking it back into place, he lifts the end of its stock to his shoulder and adds a shotgun shell to Davis' fire, the buckshot only scattering harmlessly on the creature's hardened carapace.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Fall back! We need to get it on the ground!

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Trace it now! There are Wretches crawling out of the woodwork down here! Literally!

* Jorstad_Villiers pumps the lever again, ejecting a smoking shotgun shell, and takes aim again.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Ugly, bioelectric fuck!

* Lt_Colin_Davis walks backwards, firing bursts at the Serapede, trying to hit a weak spot.

* Jorstad_Villiers looses another blast into the Serapede's face, tearing an antenna off of the creature and only serving to enrage it.

<Elijah_Simms> Ragsdale, you good at throwing things?

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Sure, why?

<Elijah_Simms> Chuck a grenade down there, take some of them out before they come 'round the corner!

* Daniel_Ragsdale takes one of his Bolo grenades off of his belt and stands up while the other two cover him and chucks it down the hall.

* Daniel_Ragsdale grins as the grenade goes off, the sound of dying Locust reverberating throughout the building.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Someone fucking trace the wiring!

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Now!

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Goddammit Sergeant, we've got our own fucking problems! Foxtrot-Seven, get down there and help Yankee-Two!

<Craig_Randall> (COM) I don't need backup, I need a location! We have three minutes until the sun is down and we are fucking dead! And that's if we're lucky!

* Jorstad_Villiers blanches in fright as the Serapede rounds on him, and tries to scramble to his feet. The creature is already to close onto him, however, and Villiers instead crawls down the passage the other way. The Serapede, looking to avenge its amputated antenna, creeps after him.

* Lt_Colin_Davis turns off his radio as he hears the conscript acknowledge the order.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Good idea Villiers, lead it away so I can get a clear shot!

<Jorstad_Villiers> Fucking huh?

* Jorstad_Villiers shoots a glance back as if he's crazy, but keeps scrambling away.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Max! Get the power on now!

* Lt_Colin_Davis takes aim as the Serapede follows Villiers and fires at its glowing rear, eviscerating body segments, until the creature turns around and comes after him, "Ah shit!"

* Maxbot beeps and floats over to the power cable. He returns a moment later, highlighting the generator's location on his viewscreen to LT Davis.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) It should be around that corner, you'll see a large power box with wires coming from the ceiling.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Villiers, finish the fucker off!

* Lt_Colin_Davis sprints off to the location Max provided.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) I can hear Kryll chittering through the vents! We are out of time!

* Elijah_Simms hears the sound of approaching Kryll, and panicks, "Guys, get back in the bunker and help me close the door!"

* Darius_Wetzel and Ragsdale nod in agreement and rush past Simms who limps in after them. They all proceed to push the door closed just as the screeching grows louder.

* Jorstad_Villiers takes note of the Serapede's change in course, and pumps the Gnasher's lever once again. As soon as the beast's turned completely around, he lines up his sights on the bioluminescent flesh poking out from the last segment of its carapace and looses a shot, blasting the next-to-last segment apart. The Serapede doesn't die, but it does fall from the ceiling and lands on its back, scrabbling helplessly with its soft underbody exposed.

* Jorstad_Villiers plants a foot on the already-dying creature's stomach to keep it steady and racks his shotgun's lever action.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Fuckin' bug.

* Jorstad_Villiers blasts the thing into iridescent paste, then starts after Davis.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Villiers, get up here!

* Jorstad_Villiers runs up to the Lieutenant, who is standing next to the backup generator, trying to pull the rusted activation lever. He grabs on as well, pushing into the lever with all his weight. After a few moments, the lever gives and the generator rumbles to life.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) That should get the power on!

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Finally! Cross your fingers, people!

* Craig_Randall goes silent for 30 tense seconds, before lights switch on in sequence throughout the bunker, brightly illuminating every nook and cranny of the bunker almost like sunlight.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Oh thank God...

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Whoo! Too fucking close, man!

* Jorstad_Villiers holds a hand up in front of his face as his helmet's display overcompensates for a moment.

<Jorstad_Villiers> Ow... damn.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Alright, I want a head count, everyone get to the main room.

* Craig_Randall returns to the others minutes later.

<Craig_Randall> Shit, that's fucking bright.

<Katrina_Day> Supposedly it's meant to simulate natural daylight.

<Katrina_Day> People were meant to potentially live down here for up to decades at a time.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Lets not start complaining about how bright it is, they might just turn off again.

<Jorstad_Villiers> We probably ought to give the whole network a check-over. Make sure none of the boosters are gonna give out and leave a whole wing dark.

<Craig_Randall> Nah, we cleared those wretches out and double checked to basement for anything intelligent enough to do that.

<Jorstad_Villiers> I just mean on the system itself. The stuff's old, could give out on its own.

<Craig_Randall> Fair point.

<Craig_Randall> We'll need to check the place for Serapedes, too.

* Jorstad_Villiers shivers, rattling his armor.

<Craig_Randall> And let's take care of the eggs while we're at it.

* Elijah_Simms limps down the stairs, Ragsdale and Wetzel following behind.

<Craig_Randall> You look like hammered shit.

<Elijah_Simms> Well, I was shot in the leg when we fought that Berserker, and we just held off a Grub attack while you all were dicking around with the lights.

<Craig_Randall> Hey, I said you just looked like shit, not that you didn't do a damn fine job, Gears.

* Craig_Randall also points out the fact that both he and Katrina are both literally soaked with Wretch gore.

<Elijah_Simms> Now where'd we put Tompkins? The squad's going to stay together tonight.

<Craig_Randall> Tompkins is next to the main generator.

<Craig_Randall> Villiers set him there when we came down.

* Jorstad_Villiers tugs his helmet off, gladly breathing the facility's cooler air over his suit's internal filter system.

* Lt_Colin_Davis takes his own helmet off, "Alright everyone, we can relax for a little bit."

* Elijah_Simms limps over to the generator, the other two following behind.

* Lt_Colin_Davis sighs as they walk away.

<Craig_Randall> Time to formulate a plan, then.

<Katrina_Day> Where's our objective located, again?

<Craig_Randall> West side of the campus.

<Craig_Randall> WBA.

<Craig_Randall> Not too far from here.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> We didn't have a specific objective, remember? We were supposed to recover equipment and survivors, which we've done a shit job at so far.

<Craig_Randall> Look again.

<Craig_Randall> We're to retrieve prototype parts for an experimental missile system.

<Craig_Randall> As well as a sonic mapping and target designation system.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> The more the day goes on, the more I want to punch Major Berkeley when we get back.

<Craig_Randall> Supposedly these devices are critical to some kind of contingency plan: the "Lightmass Offensive".

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Sounds top secret and bullshit.

<Craig_Randall> Yeah.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Either way, we're not heading out tonight, we'll plan our next move later, get some rest for now.

* Craig_Randall nods and heads off to join the other three.

* Craig_Randall looks up at the grey, overcast sky.

<Craig_Randall> What a shitty morning.

<Katrina_Day> At least there's no Kryll.

<Martin_Ford> Looks like it might rain, if you ask me.

* Maxbot beeps sadly at the possibility of rain.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Rain's better than Kryll.

<Craig_Randall> Unless it's razorhail.

* Lt_Colin_Davis glares at the Sergeant from behind his helmet, "Don't jinx it."

<Katrina_Day> Yeah, let's not.

* Craig_Randall points to a nearby church steeple.

<Craig_Randall> Ford, head up there and give us some overwatch.

<Martin_Ford> You've got it. I'll let you know if I run into any trouble getting up there.

* Martin_Ford departs, Lancer in hand and Longshot on his back.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Alright, WBA isn't much further, Simms, how's the leg holding up?

<Elijah_Simms> Fine for now, I can at least stand up without falling on my ass.

<Craig_Randall> Good to hear.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Tompkins?

<Katrina_Day> Villiers still has him.

<Katrina_Day> He's still out cold.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Hey, LT?

* Lt_Colin_Davis sighs. "What, Ragsdale?"

<Daniel_Ragsdale> How come we ain't bringing the Armadildos with us?

<Craig_Randall> They won't fit through all the rubble around here.

<Craig_Randall> We can get there on foot in less time than it would take to get the 'dillos through.

<Craig_Randall> Katrina's still navigating, though.

<Craig_Randall> Speaking of that, are you sure you don't want a helmet, Sergeant?

<Katrina_Day> I'm sure.

<Craig_Randall> You wouldn't have to hold an actual map, then.

<Katrina_Day> For the last time, I don't mind, Sarge.

* Darius_Wetzel briefly turns to Ragsdale. "Dildos? Those don't look like any sex toy I ever seen."

<Daniel_Ragsdale> That's because they we-

* Lt_Colin_Davis smacks Ragsdale's helmet. "Would you two quit talking about fucking dildos?"

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Ow! Sorry, LT.

<Katrina_Day> If anyone has reason to talk about dildos, it's me, the female.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Don't get them started again.

* Daniel_Ragsdale looks like he's about to speak up again but stops when he notices Davis looking at him.

<Katrina_Day> Alright, so WBA is about a klik and a half thataway.

* Katrina_Day points to the northwest.

<Martin_Ford> (COM) Sergeant? Lieutenant?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Let me guess, bad news?

<Martin_Ford> (COM) Good news is that I'm in position. Bad news is that I can see you-know-who in the main academy courtyard.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Oh, fuck me.

<Elijah_Simms> Wait, who's "you-know-who?"

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Goddammit, Ford. You couldn't have been a bit more subtle?

<Martin_Ford> (COM) How?

<Craig_Randall> (COM) By, uh... fine, fair enough.

* Craig_Randall turns to Simms.

<Craig_Randall> RAAM.

<Elijah_Simms> RAAM?

<Craig_Randall> One of the leaders of the Locust army. We think.

<Katrina_Day> He led the invasion of Ephyra.

<Katrina_Day> As well as most of the rest of the major battles of the war.

* Elijah_Simms 's eyes go wide, "The big one."

<Craig_Randall> Yeah. Him.

<Elijah_Simms> He's the one who attacked our barracks, who dropped the building on me.

<Craig_Randall> He's responsible for all of this.

<Darius_Wetzel> RAAM? Not ringing any bells.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> You remember what Esters was talking about after we found him? The big black armored guy?

<Darius_Wetzel> Yeah, they attacked us and blew Esters up better than a hooker. We killed them dead.

<Craig_Randall> Those were RAAM's henchmen, you dolt.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> RAAM is basically the biggest badass in the Locust Army.

<Craig_Randall> The LT and I have met him before.

<Craig_Randall> He's even smarter than he is ugly.

<Craig_Randall> He's outsmarted the best tacticians of the COG for over ten years.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Well, it can't be that hard, can it?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Do you want to hit him, or should I?

* Katrina_Day rolls her eyes and smacks Ragsdale.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Thank you, Sergeant.

* General_RAAM sniffs the air.

<General_RAAM> Hominidssssss...

* General_RAAM points to a pair of Reavers.

<General_RAAM> Sssssearch and dessssstroy!

<Martin_Ford> (COM) Uh oh.

<Martin_Ford> (COM) Two Reavers just went airborne. They're heading in your general direction.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Great. Anyone got any anti-air?

* Elijah_Simms shakes his head.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Uh uh.

<Craig_Randall> That'd be a no.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> That's what I thought.

* Craig_Randall retrieves the Torque Bow he took from Ugly.

<Craig_Randall> I've got this, though.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Good enough. Ford, what's their ETA?

<Martin_Ford> (COM) Two minutes, max.

<Craig_Randall> We should get inside, at the very least.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Agreed, move.

* Lt_Colin_Davis moves into a nearby convenience store, the windows shattered during the attack, the remains of the employees and several customers still there.

* Elijah_Simms hobbles after the group, trying not to put too much weight on his leg.

* Craig_Randall heads inside, where they wait for several minutes. They hear nothing outside.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Where are they, Ford?

* Martin_Ford does not respond.

<Craig_Randall> (COM) Ford?

* Martin_Ford remains silent.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> (COM) Specialist, do you read?

* Martin_Ford still says nothing.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Goddammit.

* Craig_Randall cautiously peeks his head outside.

<Craig_Randall> FUUUUUUUUCK!!!

* Craig_Randall is pounced on by a Reaver, which drags him out of the building and into the street, biting at him.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> What the fuck?!

* Craig_Randall scrambles for the torque bow. As he pulls it out, the reaver bites onto the barrel, refusing to let go. Thankfully, it's already loaded.

* Craig_Randall squeezes the trigger, charging the weapon. The Theron Guard atop the beast realizes what's happening and begins to charge up his own bow, but isn't fast enough.

* Craig_Randall 's bow discharges. An explosive-tipped arrow embeds itself inside the Reaver's mouth. The beast reels upward in pain, letting Randall scramble free. The bolt detonates, and the Reaver is consumed by a firey explosion, which sends Randall flying into the side of the building where the others are hiding.

* Lt_Colin_Davis flinches as the Reaver explodes, looking up in time to see a flying Randall, "Oh shit!"

* Craig_Randall groans.

* Lt_Colin_Davis rushes outside, Lancer raised in to meet the other Reaver if it were there, and runs over to Randall, "You alright?"

* Craig_Randall tries to stand.

<Craig_Randall> Arrgh!

<Craig_Randall> My ribs are broken, I think.

* Craig_Randall clutches his chest.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Goddammit, the one day we don't have the Corpsman! Who's got the medical supplies?

<Katrina_Day> I do!

* Katrina_Day scrambles over.

<Craig_Randall> Where's the other Reaver?

* General_RAAM looks up to see a Reaver landing nearby, holding in its mouth the limp body of an unconcious Gear.

<General_RAAM> Veeeerrry gooooood.

* Craig_Randall looks up, and sees the steeple where Ford was to be no longer standing.

* Elijah_Simms hobbles over to Randall, "I think I saw it fly over there." He points to the tower Ford was at, severe damage visible.

<Katrina_Day> Sarge, quit moving!

<Craig_Randall> No, Simms is right! Look!

* Craig_Randall 's voice is weak.

<Craig_Randall> Ford's vitals are only in the yellow, though.

<Craig_Randall> He's unconcious, but alright.

<Katrina_Day> Then we have to get him.

<Katrina_Day> Sarge, we'll leave you here with Max and we'll get him back.

* Maxbot beeps.

<Craig_Randall> Like hell you are.

* Maxbot beeps sadly.

<Craig_Randall> No offense, Max.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Whoa, hold on there, Sergeant.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> I know he's your squadmate, but that Reaver took him to RAAM.

<Katrina_Day> No Gear left behind.

<Craig_Randall> Yeah, no Gear left behind.

<Craig_Randall> If he's alive, we're going to get him. And I'm coming with.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> If we go after him, we're dead, our mission over, and whatever it was supposed to accomplish down the toilet.

<Craig_Randall> We have to go through the courtyard anyways.

* Maxbot beeps urgently.

* Maxbot lowers a viewscreen, showing a radar screen indicating a storm headed the group's way.

<Katrina_Day> Fuck me.

<Katrina_Day> Razorhail.

<Craig_Randall> No, wait.

<Craig_Randall> I think I have an idea.

<Vince_Goodall> What might this plan be, Sarge?

<Craig_Randall> It's not a plan, per se, more of just an idea.

<Craig_Randall> If we can lure them away from Ford until the hail hits, we can keep them pinned with the hail while we grab Ford and escape.

<Katrina_Day> Well how the fuck do you suggest we grab Ford in the middle of a razorhail storm?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> And what if Ford's outside? I doubt RAAM's courteous enough to bring him inside before the storm.

<Craig_Randall> That's the part I'm unsure about.

<Vince_Goodall> Well, anybody have a better idea on how to save his ass?

* Elliott_Patel walks up to the group, having been fairly silent this whole time, "Why not just crawl up top somewhere and snipe him?"

<Craig_Randall> Because A, he's RAAM, and B, Ford was the sniper.

<Elliott_Patel> And no one else has one?

<Craig_Randall> Not as far as I know.

<Elliott_Patel> Well that sounds like poor plannin' on yer parts.

* Craig_Randall sighs.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> The first thing you say all day and it had to be something fucking stupid.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> He's right though, who only brings one sniper in a big city like this? Esters wanted to, but you wouldn't let 'em.

<Craig_Randall> People who are short on supplies, perhaps after losing their capital city?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Esters also fucking exploded, remember?

* Elijah_Simms hobbles over to the group, "Maybe we should stop wasting fucking time with this bullshit and actually figure out a way to do this."

<Craig_Randall> Agreed.

<Elijah_Simms> Sergeant, you know about the sewers or any tunnels that run by EBA?

<Katrina_Day> I do.

<Katrina_Day> Down on Hurant Street, about a block from here.

<Elijah_Simms> Is it possible that while the others distract RAAM and his men, someone can go into the tunnels and get Ford?

<Craig_Randall> It's the best idea we have.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> It's the only idea we have.

<Craig_Randall> Yeah.

* Lt_Colin_Davis glares at Ragsdale and Patel.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> So, I guess now we decide who distracts and who gets Ford.

* Lt_Colin_Davis looks over to Craig_Randall, "He's your man, I take it you want to make the grab?"

<Craig_Randall> My ribs are broken.

<Craig_Randall> I can't grab anyone, even if I wanted to.

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Only two or three.

<Katrina_Day> Yeah, LT, he ain't grabbing anyone.

<Daniel_Ragsdale> Well shit, Wetzel and I could grab 'im.

* Craig_Randall looks to Davis.

<Craig_Randall> Sure.

* Lt_Colin_Davis lowers his head, his emotions clear even with the helmet, "Seriously?"

<Lt_Colin_Davis> This is something that you actually considered in your head?

<Lt_Colin_Davis> Are you sure it's your ribs that are broken?

* Lt_Colin_Davis watches as Randall simply stares at him and sighs, "Fuck it, fine. Go ahead."

* Daniel_Ragsdale and Darius_Wetzel look at each other and grin, "Alright!"