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| Skeleton Force; :NYPD Assault Associates: ^_^ | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 13 2009, 12:55 AM (1,220 Views) | |
| Kilian Black | Aug 13 2009, 12:55 AM Post #1 |
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New York, Combat and Communications Technology
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Retaking such a place as a precinct would be a great step towards returning their world to a small state of normality. Only problem was; they were going in blind. No one had been inside the 34th NYPD Precinct probably since the initial 'end of the world', so there would most definitely be weapons and probably some perishable items inside, but that didn't exclude shadow creatures. Since the idea had come to her and she'd presented it to Adam, they'd come up with a generally 'fool proof' plan to re-procure the precinct. However, when one took in all the possible avenues this plan could fall through - inexperienced fighters in the face of unsuspected chaos, shadow creatures, old security measures that may have been put up by policemen and women who'd tried to live there. It was just an endless list of mysterious variables. But Spike had to have some confidence in those who would be accompanying her to the surface for this mission. Standing at the bottom of one of their secured staircases that led to the surface from the flooding subway tunnels, Spike had set up a table and laid out the ammunitions, small arms and a few other items she had that she didn’t need. There were two Beretta handguns, four clips of ammo for both, a compact oozy with an extended clip of 40 rounds and three clips for it. And to top off the small compilation of gun support were three black bullet-proof vests, military issue. Of course, she’d never actually worn them, having gotten them during a few training sessions as a mandatory precaution of the government of which she never took advantage. Spike figured if there were at least a few people accompanying them who were not so well armed, at least the vests would serve to slow down whatever claws were attempting to dig through the person. Of course, they’d face no bullets in this expedition. Ignoring the pain the her two broken fingers, courtesy of the Times Square survivor video mission she and Daniel had been sent on, the black haired woman slapped a freshly filled clip into her HK-416 assault rifle, the butt of the weapon resting on the table before her. She’d been in some hairy situations before, but nothing had ever gotten her this worked up. She was excited, there was no doubt in it, she wanted to kick some ass, leave the names to the wind and get the precinct secured for humanity. Well,… The real humanity anyway. Since seeing her dead father in one of the buildings in Times Square, Spike had been relentlessly replaying the scene in her mind – had she reacted wrong? Was it really him? Did she kill her father all over again? Of course not you fuckin’ retard! He was a shadow-… thing! You should have shot it before it even got the chance to fuck you up! The militant woman’s thoughts became harsh towards her ignorance but she ignored them, continuing the task of shouldering her weapons, ammo and standing in waiting for those who would accompany her. She’d talked with Adam and depending on how many showed, the group would be split into two teams of three – more if needed. Skeleton Force was the name of the whole crew, it wasn’t very fashionable and any joining gutter-punks would fancy the name, but it served the purpose. There would be two units, Skeleton Force Forward – lead by Spike, and the other unit was Skeleton Force Anchor – leader to-be determined depending on who showed up at her little assembly. Once people started arriving, they’d hopefully gather around and be prepared. She’d obviously have everyone do a weapons and ammo check, not to mention a clothing and shoe check. Spike needed to know they weren’t running into the situation wearing perfumes, deodorants or clothing that would fall apart before they even reached the precinct. Slight weight on one hip, Spike let her hand rest on her ammo belt and waited for others to arrive. It was the time to take care of business and hopefully all would attend as promised. |
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| Adam Terry | Aug 13 2009, 01:17 AM Post #2 |
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New York, Head of Operations & Power Discovery
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Adam had anticipated being the first one to show up at the secured start point of the mission, but he had been happily mistaken. He watched Spike prepare her weapons and armor as he approached. "Now we just need the four others... We can get this thing started, huh?" To be honest, Adam was a nervous wreck about the retaking of the city. The precinct was very close to this particular staircase, and the crews could retreat if they had to. It was risky and Adam hated putting people in harm's way, even if it was necessary. Truth was, the subways and underground places where the Resistance was currently residing were flooding something fierce. They had to get out and into some place secure so they didn't all drown. "Which one am I in again?" Of course Adam and Spike had gone over the plan a million and three times before this moment, but he was gaining a sort of stage fright in the whole situation. He couldn't remember any part of it. He wasn't a trained fighter like Spike or anything. He was a bartender, for god's sake! They had scheduled the take-back of the 34th Precinct on Broadway around Adam's arm. After he had the scuffle with Chris and his odd little dream-made creature, his arm was looking pretty bad, but with Charles Faraday there to help him remember to stay on the down low, the arm had healed well and, although a little sore still, it was functioning. |
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| Daniel Ashford | Aug 14 2009, 01:56 AM Post #3 |
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The barrel of Daniel's rifle nearly scraped the ceiling of the hallway he walked down, his booted footsteps padding silently against the concrete floor. He had spent the morning stretching, making more bullets for his rifle, looking over his gear, and meditating to speed the healing process. He had no scars, and there wasn't a souvenir on any part of his body from the disastrous mission to Times Square he had taken on a few days earlier, but his hearing was still sensitive, having just recently returned to him, and the left side of his abdomen was still sore to the touch. He'd had worse injuries, much worse...but having to stab oneself to drain blood from a lung and then move with a broken arm and a body-sized bruise through a multi-storied building was still not his idea of a good time. Holding his rifle in his right hand, the stock against his shoulder and the barrel protruding out well above his head, he rotated his left arm in its socket. He reached over and rolled the sleeve of his bodysuit back with his forefinger and thumb, revealing a bruise the size of a baseball in the middle of his bicep, with a quarter-sized scab in its center. Two and a half days ago, his humerus had been protruding from that bicep and the bruise had been a gaping hole in his flesh. Thanks to the biological enhancements of his training, however, only the large scab and bruise remained. He flexed the bicep of his left arm as he neared the door to the meeting room, wincing slightly as the bruise stretched and burned. He had 75% of his normal range of motion in his elbow...he might be able to get 100% but the scab would tear and he'd start bleeding again. He mentally cursed the giant shadow-creature to an eternity of suffering for the trouble it had caused him and Spike. When he was within arm's reach of the door, Daniel paused, listening and feeling into the room beyond. He could hear a voice he now recognized as that of Adam Terry, a respectable man who was brave in the face of a very grim reality. He could feel Spike in the room; anxious, aggressive, analyzing, and a bit afraid, though not of the upcoming mission. There had been a very strange shadow creature in Times Square that Spike had come face to face with. Daniel had arrived to late to help her, though he was grateful that she hadn't needed it. They had talked about it briefly but with few details; however, what she didn't say, he could feel. However, in contrast to her high-pitched, almost buzzing pressure, Terry's was low, dark, and withdrawn. He was nervous, scared even, and feeling very unprepared, despite the preparation he and Spike had put into the plan. Daniel felt sorry for the man. He had never had combat training; he was not bred and trained for battle like Daniel and Spike. He was not a blade of the mind and body that had been honed for years, then tempered in the heat of battle and the blazes of bloodshed. He was just a man, though a good man. Not wanting to risk the lives of others, however necessary. Daniel respected him for that. As he reached for the door handle, he holstered his rifle across his back. When he pulled open the door, a smile of determination and encouragement was on his face. He focused his mind and his heart on positive thoughts, feelings of success, emotions of comfort. He focused his energy on broadcasting those feelings into the room, trying to spread the pressure that he could read so readily from others. He didn't know if it would make a difference, but he had accidentally read the mind of a shadow creature a few weeks ago, and since then his ability had done some rather amazing things that he still didn't understand. Absentmindedly, he rubbed his neck just below his left earlobe, where blood had been caked for a day and a half before getting washed off...a temporary memorial to his loss of a sense. Stepping into the room and walking in firm, steady strides to the command table, which was littered in weapons and a few other useful pieces of gear, Daniel kept his smile strong and stretched out his hand to Adam, hoping to ease some of his tensions. "We will succeed today, Adam. No matter what. And just as you fear risking the lives of others, remember that there are no conscripts here today, only volunteers. Those who fight know for what and whom they fight, and they will give it all they have to emerge triumphant. As will I, and as will you. You're a brave man to be standing at this table, and you have a strength that is rare among men. Remember that in the heat of battle. Remember your strength. Let it burn in you like a sun and spill from your very flesh to protect you and those you care about." As Daniel finished speaking, his thoughts were confused. What was that? I didn't mean to say that...it sounded like a sermon. And I don't remember thinking a word of it as I said it. Confused but not unsettled, Daniel filed the knowledge away in a place reserved for the mysteries of life that he hoped he would one day have the leisure and luxury of exploring in greater depth. With a nod in Spike's direction, his smile broke into a grin. "Ready to kick some shadowy ass and send these assholes back to whatever pit they came from Killian? Cause I sure am!" |
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| Graham Vittorio | Aug 14 2009, 09:51 PM Post #4 |
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"Oh, gag me. Preacher-man... Funny, I didn't have you pegged for one." Graham came only seconds behind Daniel. His sermon-like inspiration echoed through the sewers and made Graham want to hit him. He watched Adam look on with some confusion and shook his head. "Ready to kick some shadowy ass and send these assholes back to whatever pit they came from..." "Now that, my friend, is much more like it." Graham chuckled and tapped his shiny Thompson M1A1 submachine gun against his shoulder. He had gone searching through weapon stores of the Resistance and helped himself to one to call his own. This was the only one that was just sitting there, so Graham figured he was welcome to it. "I'm looking forward to this." It reminds me of old drive-bys. I wish I had the man-power to pull those off... It would be even better if there were a reason beyond food for such a thing... |
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| Kilian Black | Aug 17 2009, 11:36 PM Post #5 |
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Adam, the poor man, had anxiety written all over him, even if she hadn't had exceptional senses - Spike would have seen it. Honestly she hadn't thought much on where he would be placed in the units they decided on seemed a little erratic and she figured, based on who showed up now, would be the determining factor of who was in what unit. They already come to the decision that she would lead one team and that perhaps Daniel would lead the other. "Don't worry about it, Adam. Things will go smoothly as we can make them." It was as close to words of consoling as Spike was capable of, though her features were stoney and almost impatient; she wanted to get this retaking of the precinct underway. "We'll configure units when everyone is here." Suddenly the familiar scent of her best friend and comrad flitted through the air into her nose and she smirked, he was almost healed and no longer smelled heavily of blood. Whereas Daniel had been outfitted and trained to heal quicker, Spike had only been trained to kill quicker. So above and beyond ignoring and treating the pain with advils she traded from a civvie for a bar of soap, she would have to wait at least another few weeks before her broken fingers were good as new. Daniel's entrance was one filled with unsuspected words. What the fuck is he talkin' about? The black haired woman's thoughts were kept to herself but another man entered and basically rounded up part of them in words. The rude comment would have normally made her smirk, but since it was directed at Daniel the militaristic woman only gave the new man a cocked brow and a threatening look. One that changed when her gaze fell on her best friend again, "Always ready and willing." She winked. Since she'd talked briefly about the man-thing she'd seen in the Square, Spike had felt almost like Daniel was holding something over her head. Of course the feeling was all in her mind, he would never make her feel stupid or more uncomfortable about that bad situation than she already did. But the sensation didn't go away completely, regardless. Her grey eyes scanning over the newcomer and realizing she'd only come across him when he said he'd wanted to be part of the team retaking the precinct, she decided to catch his name. "Hey, I didn't get yer name before." Since the end of the world as they all knew it, Spike had dropped most of her militaristic tone unless she was given a task on the surface that required it, so when she spoke it was very brash and sarcastic most of the time. Clicking the safety on her HK-416 on and off with her thumb, Spike looked to the man expectantly for his name, the impatience to get this shindig rolling growing as she waited for the other volunteers to arrive. |
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| Daniel Ashford | Aug 18 2009, 11:02 PM Post #6 |
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As Graham spoke, Daniel kept his face frozen in the same relaxed but determined smile of encouragement. Part of him knew Graham was right about his words, and part of him wanted to tear the man's legs off at the knees and watch him try to crawl around on the little stumps. His left arm decided to take the moment to lance pain into his shoulder, and he gritted his teeth and opened and closed his elbow several times before the sensation subsided. Graham's pressure was sickly, and nauseating. Daniel had known almost as soon as he met the man that they would not get along, but he knew when restraint was necessary. Besides, Graham could change. It certainly didn't seem like he ever would, but as Daniel knew from experience, everyone had the potential to change. It didn't really make his more savage warrior's mind lessen its urge to tear Graham limb from limb, but it did help to point out to his calculating and caring mind that everyone deserved a chance at redemption. He smiled again, after the pain was gone from his arm. He couldn't really block off Graham's pressure, but he could immerse himself in someone else's to help keep his mind off of it. Listening to Spike's sarcastic, condescending, and rather rough tone, Daniel remembered back to the moment in Time's Square when he saw her screaming in pain from the noise of the monster that they fought there. He remembered reaching out his hand and pressing toward her...almost like he was enveloping her pressure and everything it stemmed from. He remembered the pain, sharp, burning, and steady, that slammed against his ears and his mind after that...the feeling that his eyes were on fire, but not painfully so...the warm blood trickling down his cheeks from his ears, and the silence, long and painful, that followed as he watched Spike run off into a nearby building. He shook himself from his memories. Whatever he had done, he might have to do again. It seemed that instinct had guided him once, there was no reason it wouldn't again. Besides, the mission now still had large sections undetermined, and he could not afford to let his mind wander. |
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| Charles Faraday | Oct 13 2009, 09:27 PM Post #7 |
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New York, Head of Research and Development
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Charles Faraday walked in, frowning. He had caught some of the words that echoed through the slowly flooding halls of the underground tunnel system that had once acted as a subway. He wasn't sad. No, he was frowning because he had the sense that he had a memory just out of reach. Faraday had been in a comatose just before the end of the world and now had amnesia. He was good at memorizing, though. He didn't bother in joining into any conversation. He walked to the only familiar face there--Adam's. The distant memory started slipping, and he let it. Looking up at the world around him, he asked Adam, "How's your arm?" Faraday had been doing that a lot recently, ever since that thing had attacked them. Adam seemed like a man of action, though Faraday couldn't place what job he had held before whatever happened had happened. The arm seemed to have healed well, though. |
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| Adam Terry | Nov 21 2009, 03:53 AM Post #8 |
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New York, Head of Operations & Power Discovery
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Adam tried to listen to the words of encouragement, but he was nowhere near as strong in mind and body as Spike or Daniel. He envied them for their ability to remain calm while he stood there shaking in his proverbial boots. Most of what Daniel said settled his nerves, but Kris arrived and threw off his new confidence. Spike tried to make it better, but it had less effect than Daniel's impassioned speech. "I certainly hope for the Resistance's sake, that you're right, Spike." Adam cracked his knuckles and waited for the others to arrive. Charles was the next to show. "My arm's healed up nice... Thanks. It was largely due to you that it was able to get better so fast. I owe ya." [[Shitty post is shitty]] |
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| Graham Vittorio | Nov 21 2009, 04:03 AM Post #9 |
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Graham enjoyed the not-entirely-friendly banter between him and Daniel. He could feel the hatred and he loved it. He watched Adam and the others closely. Anxiousness and fear were rampant, judging by their facial expressions and body language. Graham was excited. This was due to be fun. Spike asked his name, pulling him from his thoughts and mental preparation for the task at hand. "Kris, darlin'. Call me Kris." He made no effort to offer his hand for a shake, instead looking around the area they were in for anyone who might arrive. There was a man he hadn't yet seen, whose name he didn't know. That would have to be remedied. "'Scuse me, gotta make some introductions," Graham sort of half-bowed out of the company of Spike and Daniel and turned toward Adam and Faraday. He made a little mock-salute gesture with his right hand as he approached. "Sorry if I'm intruding. I don't think I've seen you around before, ...?" He raised his eyebrows at Faraday, waiting for him to complete the sentence with a name. He knew Adam, he basically didn't even acknowledge his existence at this point. |
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| Charles Faraday | Nov 23 2009, 01:44 AM Post #10 |
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The way that Kris trailed off, Faraday knew he was waiting for a response. "Charles Faraday. You can call me Faraday or Charles or Charlie." Faraday stuck his hand out, awaiting a shake, but didn't expect one much. "I'm not really a fighter, but I am here to help however I can. The death of... Chloe hit us all hard." Chloe. It has only been a week, but already it seems like a hundred years. Faraday stopped and swallowed before going on. "Though, I suppose you never met her." Faraday felt he would stop there, as it had seemed like Adam and she had been good friends. |
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| Graham Vittorio | Nov 24 2009, 10:58 PM Post #11 |
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"Nice to meet ya, Charlie. I don't think I had the pleasure of meetin' Chloe, nah." Graham looked the man up and down and snickered. "You don't look like much of a fighter. Watch your back, stick with me, you'll be fine, a'ight?" He took Faraday's hand, albeit slightly late and shook it. This man would be easy eats by himself out there... "Let's see if we can't speed shit up here... this is taking forever!" Graham sneered a little, but it sort of looked like a smile. He turned around and went back over to Spike and Daniel. "Who else is supposed to be showing their faces? They're late. We need to strike fast and hard. If those damned beasts have any intelligence at all, every second we're down here, they have more time to prepare." |
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| Daniel Ashford | Nov 29 2009, 06:50 PM Post #12 |
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Daniel did not particularly like the idea of Kris standing nearer to him that before, but he had put up with far more uncomfortable compromises in the past, and kept his face cool, but stern. When Kris had finished speaking, Daniel stepped forward. "I doubt they'll be lying in wait, since it doesn't seem like they're organized in any kind of force, like we will be, but Kris has a point. We need to get down to business; the more time we spend down here, the more the creatures may have gathered along the routes to the precinct and in the building itself. We can get some of the preliminary business out of the way right now anyway, while we wait for anyone else to arrive." "We're going to split into two teams. Spike here," Daniel said as he motioned to his closest friend, "will be leading one of them. The leader of the second has not yet been chosen. I believe the plan is to split up and hit the precinct from opposite sides in a pincer, is that correct?" Daniel turned his eyes, no longer stern, to Killian and then to Adam, searching for an answer. |
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| Adam Terry | Nov 30 2009, 04:23 PM Post #13 |
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Ignoring the blatant lack of acknowledgment from Kris, Adam listened to Daniel. He was a big guy and Adam was extremely thankful he was an ally. An ally, a calming force of good, too. It was obvious he didn't like Kris, it seemed that no one did. The man just had a way of getting on one's nerves and just gnawing away. Daniel looked to Adam for a response to the plan and all Adam could do was shrug. "You two are the military guys, so I'm pretty much leaving the planning to you... As for the second team, I think Daniel should lead it for previously mentioned qualities." He didn't really have a decent reply to the man, but it was a reply and Adam figured that was all he was really looking for. "I don't know as though anyone else is coming, though... But... If this is it, we're... We're pretty boned, huh?" Please, God, don't let this be everyone... Adam's thoughts gave away his insecurity about the mission, but he tried his best to put on an unyielding front of bravery. It probably wasn't working. |
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| Charles Faraday | Nov 30 2009, 11:49 PM Post #14 |
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Charles Faraday had never been a violent man--to his knowledge, at least--but seeing the small turnout, he decided that he needed a weapon. There would not be a nonviolent job for him. "Before we head out, I would like to have a weapon." He had seen the table when he had entered, but did not know if they were someone's in particular, or if he could just go up and grab one. He also did not know which one was best suited for him. He had read manuals on how to shoot, but didn't remember ever using it in practice. Especially against another living Where they living? Or just ghosts of earlier times? creatures. There was no way to tell what would happen next. Would it be called off, or would they try to continue anyway? Faraday didn't know why he had signed up. It had been impulse. He wanted to stay home. Not go up against a Hoard of Shadows, but if we want to reclaim our city, we need to act. |
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| Daniel Ashford | Dec 1 2009, 10:59 PM Post #15 |
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Daniel nodded in acknowledgement to Adam, giving him the determined smile he had developed during his time with Yoruichi after his changes. He hoped the man could tell that he was grateful for his trust, and that Daniel would not let him down. He surveyed the room again: Killian stood at his side, Kris a little too near them both to be much comfort, Adam across the table, a rather unfamiliar man named Charles a few feet off to the side that Daniel had not yet had the chance to meet. It's a small crowd, at the end of the world... Daniel thought to himself as he placed his rifle, which had been standing up against his shoulder, into its holster across his back. He turned to Killian and grinned rather sheepishly, after all this time still a little shy about making presentations in front of people he didn't know too well. He could also clearly tell that the attitude in the room was not one of confidence or determination, but instead one of anxiety and nervousness. He could feel doubts prickling around the new man, Charles, and he could feel the cloud of worry around Adam as clearly as if he himself had been feeling the same way. He decided to speak up and try to help ease the tension. "We may not get anyone else to go with us, but there's still time. Even if we don't, you all should know that if you're going to war, which is what we're doing, there's no one you'll be safer with than Spike. She's seen more combat than I have, and she's definitely the best soldier here. You can trust her with your life...I know I do." Daniel paused, trying to find the right words that would not sound arrogant for what he would say next. "I know none of you really know me, and you don't have any particular reason to trust anything that I say, but I'll say this. I know what it's like to be absolutely, undeniably alone. I know what it means to fear death, and pain, and all the other terrible things that keep us up at night, and have no one to turn to, no one to lean on, because you don't have any human connection. I've been there, alone, in the dark, afraid, but someone helped me out of it, and I will die before I let anyone else suffer that fate without help. So be afraid, but not of defeat or death. Doubt, but don't doubt your comrades, your friends, or yourself. Be afraid that we will succeed, and reclaim this entire city, with our bare hands and no armies. Doubt the enemy's ability to stop us, understand us, and predict us. No matter what happens, I promise you that as long as I draw breath, each and every one of you will make it back here at the end of the day. And as much as I don't hate to brag, it takes a lot to make me stop breathing." Silence followed, as Daniel was once again puzzled by some of the words that escaped his lips. He'd known what he needed to say, but had no idea how to say it. The words had come from him, but he had not thought them until after he said them. The mysteries were piling up, but for now there was a job that needed to be done. Daniel stepped back, leaning his hip against the wall slightly and crossing his arms over his chest, facing more toward Killian and less toward the entire room. "Would you get us started, Spike?" he asked matter-of-factly, extending his empathy out of the room and down the hall to see if anyone else was on their way. You always had a way with words, my friend. |
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| Azrael Cross | Dec 7 2009, 11:13 PM Post #16 |
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Anxiety was not something Azrael enjoyed feeling, in fact it was one of the least favorite emotions he had ever felt. He had been twirling one of his knives with his hand for the past hour or so, nervous and more than a little jittery. The emotions playing through his head were because of the decision he was currently in debate over. He wanted to help his comrades...His friends, but he was afraid of freezing up again like he did when that shadow...That monster had attacked Adam. Would it happen again? Would he knock himself out of it in time? He didn't want to be a liability waiting to happen. He could feel himself shaking slightly, partly out of anxiety, partly because of fear. His hand began to flutter nervously and he found himself losing control of the knife, cutting his palm slightly as he watched it fall slowly to ground. His shaking abated and he found himself staring at the thin line of blood beginning to pool. He knew he should wrap it up...Clot the wound but he just watched. As he sat there, lost in his trance, a calming voice began to drift into his room. It was quiet, and Azrael had no idea where it was coming from or even who the speaker was, but he listened. He listened and he watched as blood began to drip onto the floor. It was a man...That much could be said, but Azrael did not care who it was...Only what he was saying. The words were breaking him out of whatever it was he was feeling. He could feel his anxiety melt away in front of his eyes. ...I've been there, alone, in the dark, afraid, but someone helped me out of it, and I will die before I let anyone else suffer that fate without help. So be afraid, but not of defeat or death. Doubt, but don't doubt your comrades, your friends, or yourself. Be afraid that we will succeed, and reclaim this entire city, with our bare hands and no armies... He closed his eyes, letting the words wash over him. Could he cast off the doubt that was plaguing his mind? Could he stop being afraid? He closed his bloodied hand into a fist, hearing the drops of blood splash onto the ground and he vowed to himself that he would fight this doubt, this fear of failing his friends when they needed him the most. It would take time, but he would succeed. Not for himself, but for those who depended on him. ...No matter what happens, I promise you that as long as I draw breath, each and every one of you will make it back here at the end of the day... That was a promise that Azrael would take into his heart and would fight until his last breath to keep. With his head clear for the first time in what felt like years, he stood and walked to the wall of his humble room and planted his blood red hand onto the wall, marking it as the declaration of his vow. That mark would serve to remind him what was at stake, what would happen if he let fear control him. After cleaning his wound and wrapping it he adorned his coat and knives, sliding them neatly into place. He walked to the meeting room with a determined look in his eye, mentally preparing for the night to come. As he approached the door he stopped and listened for but a second at all the voices within. It appeared that he was one of the last ones to arrive, and for that he'd have to apologize. Stepping lightly into the room he took account of all the people, some he had recognized from voice, such as Adam and his accursed father, others he recognized at sight such as Daniel and Faraday. There was even one person he did not recognize at all, a woman. A very scary woman at that. The look in her eyes told Azrael all he needed to know about her. She was determined, not completely unlike himself, and that would make her fight all the harder. It was a good group, Azrael decided to himself. A good group indeed. "Sorry i'm late you guys, what did i miss?" Yes, he would die before he broke his promise, for the very people standing in front of him. It was all he had left. |
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| Kilian Black | Jan 4 2010, 09:15 PM Post #17 |
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Spike had watched it all passively, making assessments of those in the room to the best degree her heightened senses would allow. All heartbeats were racing, but for different reasons; though a few reasons were unanomous. Fear of failure, of loss, and in many cases, th fear that someone's death may lay in the balance at personal failure. Not everyone in the room was a fighter, but from what the black haired woman could see; they all had a sharp willingness to put that fear aside and help to the best of their abilities. Adam especially looked as if he needed a serious pep-talk to get him out of his overbearing fear of being responsible for someone's death at the precinct. And if it came down to it, Spike would step up and give it to him. Faraday took her attention from everyone's mental status' and into the hardware of this organized attack. "If you've never shot a gun I suggest you take one of the handguns. They've got a little kick in 'em to the inexperienced, but I figure if you get enough practice on the surface, you'll get to know the weapon quickly." Spike was not one to give weapons lessons, teaching wasn't her strong suit, but if it came down to Faraday needing more help; she'd assist. Turning to look at Kris, grey-green eyes observant of every detail in his features, Spike couldn't help but feel like she'd met him somewhere before. It was impossible, no doubt about it, for she'd not spent time with 'thugs' on the streets of New York before now. But there was a familiarity in him that she noted, almost like it was something reflected from her own personality. Kris was obviously an obtuse persona just waiting to get on someone's nerves and ride them like a bucking bronco until they gave up... Spike was outwardly cold, detached from other people and most generally hated the warm, fuzzy feelings in life. That had to be it. He didn't like people, and she didn't trust them. Mystery solved. Why not focus on the task at hand, stupid? Spike's inner monolog got her brain back into gear as she set her gaze on Daniel. He was doing his best at a speech taht would lift their spirits, make Adam and Faraday more comfortable with the situation. But Spike knew that Daniel wasn't exactly one to enjoy speaking publically, even before a small crowd. Perhaps his new exhibition of courage was a way to show that he was willing to overcome his fears, in hopes of getting others to do the same. Of what Daniel spoke the others wouldn't know, but Spike did. The military woman had known of his terrible time trapped within himself with only a strange new form of power to keep him company as the darkness subsided. Spike had had her share of loneliness just as any other person alive, but Daniel knew true loneliness. He'd been awake and alone for what must have felt like an eternity. He came out of that stronger, Spike. Just remember that and you won't be bound to pity him. Pity is a wasting emotion - don't forget it. It was cold, especially considering Daniel meant so much to her; but if anything ever were to happen in which she might have assumed Daniel to be weak for but a moment, but he really wasn't... The time in which she'd wanted to aid him would have been not only wasteful but dangerous. If they got on the surface and he was in a small jam, but she inwardly knew he could get out of it; doing anything more than having natural fear for her friend could be a deciding factor in the lives of the others in their crew. "Stop over-analyzing." She whispered to herself. She stood near the wall, hand resting idlly on her hip, Spike smirked at her best friend and nodded, though only curtly as a sound caught her ears. It was the unmistakable sound of their sixth member finally showing face at their little gathering. "He's coming." Spike smirked for genuinely, knowing it would ease some of Adam's reservations now that the entire volunteer group had shown up. "Sorry i'm late you guys, what did i miss?" "Nothing much, kid. Just a few introductions, sarcastic remarks and zealous pep-talks." At her last words she eyed Daniel with a playful glance only he could get out of her, and it wasn't playful in the normal sense. Spike knew little of actual emotions, and what she felt of the nicer ones always held some secret malevolence to them. She'd not said what she did to hurt, but in a way she had; it was picking on him without meaning to. But Daniel knew she adored him anyway. "Alright. Now that we're all here." Spike took to the center of attention by stepping forward into full view of all those attending, hands on her hips as she scanned their faces. "I don't like to be mushy and all that, so I'll get right to the point. This is a very dangerous task we have beset ourselves. Retaking that precinct is going to take everything you've got, and probably more. Personally, I have every confidence in each of you." Spike's eyes found Kris' and she wondered just how much a man like him could have confidence put in him; decidedly she went with the reasoning that he wanted back onto the surface as badly as she did and that made him a good tool. A tool she planned on utilizing. "Adam and Faraday, I know you've both got reservation regarding your lack of battle experience, which is normal. But I'm going to arm you well and I expect you to give your all as I'm sure you've already promised yourselves you would." Spike had been the leader of a Black Ops squad, so she was used to giving speechs on intel and the like; but these people required a little more from her than she was used to. Not to say she was backing down from the challange. "Now, from what I can tell, there are four of us who have a least some form of fighting ability. Those of us with the lesser abilities will be put into teams that make sense. Daniel will lead the Anchor group, accompanied by Adam and Azreal. I'll be taking Forward group; Faraday and Kris." Her announcement of the squads was something she'd come up with on the spot, mentally calculating who would best serve where. Daniel and Kris didn't get along, that was plain to see. Faraday had little to no knowledge of battle but showed medical capabilities in the past, which wouldn't serve greatly with Daniel because he could take pretty good care of himself and Adam as well. Adam responded well to the vibes that Daniel gave off and to be honest; Spike didn't have the endurance to coddle people like her best friend could. "After we make sure everyone is properly attired and armed, we will go over duties and the overall plan of attack. Any questions?" Glancing around to meet with Daniel's eyes again, Spike gave him an expression that spoke volumes of 'you're welcome'. [[Sorry for the novel, it's been quite a while since I posted so there were a few things extra that I had to acknowledge XD]] |
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| Graham Vittorio | Jan 4 2010, 11:53 PM Post #18 |
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Thank God I'm not stuck with that Danny fella. Don't know how much more I can take of that... I like this ... woman, I guess. She has tits, right? Must be female... Eh, whatever, she's pretty cool. Graham shoved away his inward thoughts, and instead of speaking his mind, like he usually did, he only acknowledged the little speech with a simple mumble. "Quite a mouthful ya just had there. Anyway, who's helping the newbies with suiting up? Can't say I've really done this before, but uh, probably nothing new." Graham still had a light grip on his M1A1 with his left hand and felt in his right coat pocket for the pistol he had received and kept from Daniel. He wondered if the man knew it was still in his possession. He also wondered why he would care even if Daniel DID notice it was gone. A few more people came running down the hall, nobodies, people really unimportant to Graham, but more guns anyway. More distractions while those trained in the art got to snipe from the shadows. Heh, the shadows... Funny, that's where I'm used to hiding and that's what we're fighting now... He sighed, wondering what waited in the future as the unlikely groups stood preparing for battle. |
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| Charles Faraday | Jan 5 2010, 12:44 AM Post #19 |
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New York, Head of Research and Development
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Charles took a weapon from the table, and watched as several other people came in. He looked at the hand gun. I've never killed anyone in my life. Or had he? The comatose had given him amnesia, and had been the spark to read books about doctoral information. It had later served a good purpose, more recently that is. This gun would have blood on it. On him. He tuned out the later half of Spike's speech, and focused instead on looking at the other members of the party he was in. Kris was the one who harassed people for fun. He would want to kill these shadow beasts off as soon as possible. I'm also with Spike who will keep a strict policy on Kris. That was good. He examined the handle of the gun, and found the safety, based on books he had read. Knowledge of how the weapon worked would be no problem. Actually pulling the trigger; that final moment, where life and death were put on a close string to his conscience would be the had part. He cleared his mind. Need to have a clear mind for this. |
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| Daniel Ashford | Jan 14 2010, 08:49 PM Post #20 |
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Daniel appreciated Spike's forthright manner. And as a squad leader, she was much better at speaking in front of people. When he heard the teams dictated, he kept his sigh of satisfaction within the boundaries of his own mind. Adam was better suited to his company than Spike's, and Azrael was resourceful and straightforward, unlike Kris, the man he had been found with. Daniel didn't particularly want to spend more time than he had to in that man's company, but he knew that keeping a watchful eye was important. Even now he could feel the man's twisted and violent enjoyment of what was to come, and Daniel was reminded that Kris was not a good man underneath his merely abrasive exterior. Killian will keep an eye on him. Daniel thought to himself, a vague half-smile playing across his lips as he imagined what his friend would to do this man if he endangered the mission. No lenience, no mercy...just what he needs at this point. Another good reason Adam was coming with Daniel. Spike would not give much quarter to those who had a gap in their learning curve; he was much more accustomed to working with those with less combat experience and expertise, and could therefore do more to teach and to accommodate. Daniel knew there wasn't any right way to do what they were about to attempt. Ideally they would have some idea of what resistance would be like on the way to their target, as well as within it. They would have air support, snipers, breachers, each their own squad and being coordinated by a higher ranking soldier. But there was no way that was going to happen. It was these six men and women against every shadowy monstrosity between here and the precinct. They had something on their side that was stronger than soldiers, though. Better than coordination, planning, and support. They had determination, desire, and above all, need. If....no, when they succeeded, they would prove to themselves that this wasn't a hopeless war. Hope would return. We all need hope. They need hope that they can somehow return this city to a semblance of the way it was before all this, and I need to hope that I can make my way to Vivienne and see her again someday. So we can't fail. We won't. Daniel could feel the doubt building in Faraday, someone that he hadn't yet been formally introduced to. He could feel it growing, until it vanished, leaving nothing but a clear, quiet hum in the back of his mind. These people are not as ill-equipped as they look, either. Daniel smiled, mostly to himself, as he watched everyone prepare after Killian finished speaking. He knew they would succeed. {{Guh...poopy ._.}} |
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| Adam Terry | Jan 15 2010, 11:46 AM Post #21 |
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New York, Head of Operations & Power Discovery
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Adam was feeling good. Maybe it was just the vibe of the room, but he had a strange and very much welcomed feeling of 'can do'. He gripped his two pistols and nodded with a smile to Spike. This was going to turn out okay, he knew that things that seemed hopeless usually worked out in the end. There would be bumps along the way, but they would arrive at the outcome they hoped to receive. "Looks like everyone's geared up just fine, Spike, how's it gonna go?" Adam took a final inventory of the faces there. Daniel, Spike, Faraday, Kris and Azrael, along with a few people whose pasts and names hadn't been shared. They were acting as filler anyway, so the main six in the group didn't need to know them personally. The two groups of three would be working pretty exclusively, while the others in the Resistance were backup. There were four of them, all armed to the teeth and well-armored. Adam wondered what their stories were, but decided he needed to focus on the task at hand. |
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| Charles Faraday | Mar 9 2010, 04:19 AM Post #22 |
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Though he was not fond of the notion, Faraday stood, in the small throng of people dedicated to taking the city back by any means necessary. Indeed, he too fit in; at least in one sense: he was devoted to the mission; just not with any means at all. If it came to it, he could probably take a shadow's life? Do shadows live? He rubbed his thumb in a circular motion along his index and middle finger, nonchalantly yet with certain apprehension. Faraday did not fancy the idea of going to war with what might be supernatural forces, but he had come on his own volition. They all had volunteered; probably wanting the city to be save again for either kith or kin. Maybe both. Maybe neither. Whatever the case may be, they had all volunteered. The prattle of the others had gone on for a long time now; too long. Adam was his friend, and this would help other people of the Underground gain confidence. The plan was as solid as it would ever be. He cocked his gun, at least that's what he thought he had done, and looked up, grimacing. In a rather stolid voice, he sealed his fate; entrusting it to the one who had devised the plan; the one who he had no clue who she really was, what her personality was like. An idea popped into his head. Anything was better than to wait longer than necessary, so he began to speak. The words were stone cold; frozen in their luridness. "Let's go." The two words echoed through his head; cleared of emotion for what seemed to be an eternity. They reverberated, berating his skull. Each echo seemed to make the words even more inhuman than the previous. There was no need to stay cooped up, awaiting their deaths. Better to go out with a fight. He was here. He would fight for his life. He would fight for victory and the salvation of the human race. He would win. At least, that's what he told himself. He hoped it would help him. |
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| Daniel Ashford | Apr 1 2010, 02:24 PM Post #23 |
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Daniel eyed the miserably small stack of 'intel' they had accrued on their target. Mostly maps, street layouts for the various routes between their little camp and the 34th. It was a ways, but it was also the closest precinct office. And the shorter the distance they had to travel on the surface, with the shadows, the better. Daniel could feel the warm, steady throb of determination echoing in the room. For one reason or another, everyone was enthused. Ready to go, ready to try and make a difference. It felt good, like a lover's heart beating against his own chest. It was warm, like Yori's arms around him. It reminded him of the safety he'd always felt when they hugged, though it had never been more than that. He felt more regret now than he ever had before that he'd never had a chance to let her know how much he returned her physical attractions. Daniel... He turned, staring down the hall from which Azrael had arrived in the room. He could have sworn he saw a flash of the raven hair he was so familiar with, a whiff of that familiar scent of lavender. He blinked, a little water coming to his eyes. The sweetness, and the pain, associated with that scent struck him more deeply than words or visions ever could. He turned to Spike, noting with vague interest that her nearest ear had perked ever so slightly toward the hall. Daniel.....Daniel.....Where are you? He sucked in a sharp breath, quiet, but abrupt. Spike had turned her head a little at the sound. The volume was different, much louder than before. It had sounded like Yori was at the doorway to the room. He turned back to the door, and noticed that the air in the frame was shimmering, like heat over a road. It had a shape, and as he watched, he could see the outline sharpen very slowly, and he couldn't mistake the familiar figure that was there. No one else reacted. What is wrong with me? Am I hallucinating or what? Why does Spike keep reacting to the sound, if no one else notices but me? A hundred different thoughts raged through his mind, his right hand clenching in a fist at his side, so tight his knuckles turned white. Adam was asking about the plan. Daniel didn't say anything, waiting for Spike to do what she did best: brief the less qualified. For all his training, and all his effort, he couldn't speak in front of people like she could. She never cared how many people heard her. He couldn't get over huge crowds, or small crowds of strangers. He barely knew any of these people, but they were slowly becoming more familiar. Their pressures were more comfortable for him to feel. He knew a few of them, Kris, Adam, Azrael...but out of them only two were trusted. And about them, he knew next to nothing. Daniel..... I'm waiting for you..... Why aren't you listening? Daniel nearly jumped out of his skin. He coughed loudly, shaking his head and raising his arms, excusing himself from the embarrassment. He backed up toward the far corner of the room, away from the majority of the people, still watching and listening, but only with half of his mind. The skin on the back of his neck was standing straight up. Cold sweat was trickling down his back. It had sounded like Yoruichi was standing right next to him, whispering in his ear. He had felt warm breath against his ear. That had never happened before. She had also never said anything but his name until now. Daniel was not sure how to handle what was going on. He needed to do something, but he didn't know what. He felt like he should remember something, it was in the back of his mind, on the tip of his tongue...but he couldn't remember. He bit his lower lip in concentration. After a few seconds of heavy focus, nothing came to him. He was lost, and alone, and felt fairly certain he was losing his mind. If his mental state endangered the mission... "Spike, when we're done here, could I talk to you before we move out? Alone?" Daniel stayed where he was, back a few steps from the main group, listening, watching, feeling, but only with some of his mind. His thoughts were troubled, and it might have showed on his face. If anyone asked, he told himself, he would chalk it up to nervousness about the lack of intelligence on the mission. He needed to talk to Spike. He couldn't be a danger to his team and hers. He needed to know what this was all about, or at least figure out how to put it out of his mind for the mission. He'd never been this perturbed. He tried to compartmentalize, but he couldn't. Too much of his life, his mind, and his heart had been tied to Yoruichi. There was no separating her anymore. She was the reason he was alive, in more ways than one. He had to find out what she needed. He had to help her. He had to. |
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| Alan Smithee | Apr 8 2010, 06:49 AM Post #24 |
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As Alan Smithee jogged down the hallway towards the small room where the group was to meet, he heard voices, mostly confidant ones, reverberating down the hollow tunnels. The voices meshed into barely recognizable tones, but he could make out the words. He came to the room with the realization he was late. He entered, prepared to take the punishment, whatever it may be. He fingered his empty belt where he used to keep his gun. Where he hadn't kept his gun in over three years. He had no gun and no intentions to ever hold one again before a few days ago when he had learned about the Resistance and the plans to reclaim the surface. This time, the gun would be used for good; not evil. Alan moved in silently, not really meeting anyones eyes. Graham was there, so were Daniel and Adam. Along with a plethora of unknown faces. Frank was not there yet. So I'm not the last one. He shuffled into the throng, standing in the back, and waited for his instructions. |
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12:52 AM Jul 11