Zephyr Survey II - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
15/6/2016
Log
Aaron can be found waiting patiently outside Zephyr HQ, leaning against the wall near the entrance. Whenever someone who's supposed to be present for the mission arrives, she seems to smile slightly, as if reassured that people weren't simply going to bail out; this mission is /possible/ with less than six, but noticeably less safe. As time passes and more of the expected people filter in, she nods her head very subtly and silently tracks who she expected that has yet to appear.
Astara exits the lobby, pushing two doors open to get her large arachne body through. She takes a deep breath of fresh-er air, and exhales smiling, looking around; smiles wider as she spots Aaron, skittering over to where she's waiting. "I'm here!"
Angus checks the paper again, checking the message on his comm unit as he slinks in from the outer entrance of the Zepyhr compound, the cherry on his cigarette flaring red for a moment as he steps up. "Hello again Aaron, heard you need some help?" The coyote asks, shifting the weight of the duffle bag hanging off his right shoulder as he takes stock of who is already here.
Nisha circles around above the assembled figures for a couple loops as she bleeds altitude, then comes in for a gentle landing a couple dozen feet away. The panther taur fluffs her wings a bit before settling them on her back again, then walks over to the rest of the assembled figures. She's come loaded for bare, but has some casual clothing over her body as well, to hide as much of the weaponry as she can. She says nothing as she approaches, on the assumption her entrance wasn't exactly subtle, and her presense hasn't been missed so far.
Colette slips in to the Zephyr's safe zone from the west, staring up at the wall as she passes by them. A hand went to her back as she looked around, feeling for something under her clothes, then letting out a sigh as she seemed to find what she was looking for. Quietly, she wandered over to Aaron, and as she got closer a small nod was given with a smile. She stayed quiet, looking around at the others that had gathered as well, inching a bit closer to Nisha as she did.
Cameron came padding in from the outer gate. Her hands fiddling with what looked like a large cannon, though large in the little kitty's hands. She went through her mental check list of needed gear as she slung the weapon over her shoulder next to her pack. Seeing the bunny she gave a small wave as she drew closer to the gathered crowd. She then checked the wrist mounted comm unit to make sure she was on time.
Jojo walks with haste down to the meeting area beside Zephyr, dressed up for the worst in his armor, a few weapons hanging on him as if he expected fights in the near future. Though the rabbit had very little interaction with Zephyr, or even knew much about them, the oppertunity to be of use quickly drew his attention down. He still even had a little flyer folded up in his bag. Giving a wave to the others who might glance his way, settling in closer to Aaron. "Aaron!" he excplaims happily. "I heard there was stuff going on! Any way I... or we can help?"
Aaron seems to be satisfied with the appearance of six agents, even if one of them wasn't who she had chosen; he'd been forced to beg out due to prior obligations. Still, having Angus along could be, uh, interesting. She begins to pace back and forth, drawing in a deep breath. "All right. It's good to see all of you, whether I interviewed with you or not. Let's get right down to business. For those of you who aren't familiar, let me lay down some history. About a month ago, we started on a project wherein Zephyr's "safe zone" would be significantly expanded. Agents were sent in two-person teams in all directions to investigate the area, make sure structural damage was within acceptable limits, ensure that ferals had vacated per our agreement, and so on. Things went pretty smoothly and everyone did their jobs. Until..." She turns to face the six of you. "One of the local packs, a cluster of latex foxes, decided to renege on their agreement and attack the agents investigating the restaurant to the northeast." There seems to be more, but she's giving all of you a moment to digest the information.
Astara sighs towards the end of Aaron's explanation, shaking her head slightly. "Could have gone better, that's for sure... though, it could have gone worse, too. Just glad Vaeri and I didn't get squished, or get showered in shrapnel and debris."
Angus gives Aaron a bit of a smile, he was here looking for fun! Which means anything instead of sitting within a workshop just cranking out weapons of destruction. "So basically the latex foxes started a party and won't leave the place now? Seems like bad neighbors either way." Crossing his arms over his chest he takes stock of the other participants, giving a nod to any of them that he makes eye contact with.
Nisha watches the other agents as they coalesce around Aaron, waiting for the assignment. This group is even more unfamiliar to her than the last... Until she sees Colette. The panther taur smiles and takes a few steps twowards the serval, then leans down and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey there. You signed up for this too?" She asks in a whisper. Nisha then nuzzles Colette for a second and looks up to Aaron as the rabbit begins her speech. Nisha nods along, as she remembers quite well how things went last time.
Colette smiles up at Nisha, nodding in response. "It seemed like a good cause. I want to help if I can." As Aaron begins her recap of last mission, her smile turns to a frown, closing her eyes and clasping her hands together, whispering a silent prayer.
Cameron gave a small nod as she found a place to stand. Though she couldn't help but give the other coyote a curious look. She then turned to regard the other agents as Aaron filled in the others about what had happened last time. Remembering the fight she figured it was a good thing she had come prepared this time just in case. Speaking of she pulls out a small sword from her pack and straps in onto her hips, her tiny hands adjusting it a moment to let it sit comfortably.
Jojo raises an eyebrow, glancing back toward the northeast with a huff. "Latex foxes.." he grumbles, closing his eyes for a moment and shaking his head. Stray words here and there about the events prior to now had wandered to his ear over the course of time, though that definitely was a bit of news to him. Just when he thought the bombing was bad enough. "It's really great to hear Zephyr is being expanded but.. I assume you're looking for us to clear out the foxes?" He turns back to the group, looking back and forth between the faces and whatever their reactions might be.
Aaron briefly nods to Jojo, then continues with her story. "The GOOD news is that I'm on good enough terms with a pack of local wolf beasts that they had our backs, and were closing in on the foxes. The BAD news is that one of our agents decided to drop grenades on the whole thing. Foxes, wolves, building, the works." Rubbing her temples, she continues, "That agent will not be joining us. Needless to say, what would have turned into a rout in our favor became a debacle. The building was further damaged and needs re-examining. Now, if that was all that was wrong, this mission would be a cake-walk." Another short sigh escapes. "Matters are further complicated by the fact that the latex foxes interpreted this as a victory and have moved in. They're inside; we need them not to be." Looking from person to person, she instructs, "This is where you come in. Our goal is primarily diplomatic. You are to go to the restaurant, engage the foxes in negotiatons - don't worry, their leader is still somewhat coherent - and convince them to leave." A firm gaze is cast to several present. "Now, here are your mission parameters. Your mission is DIPLOMACY. We want to convince them that being here is not in their best interests. Violence is to be a last resort. That said...Zephyr wanted the foxes 'pacified', and we all know damn good and well that they aren't overly picky. If they leave with their tails between their legs because we smack them around a bit, well. That's a damn shame, but it's a reality we may have to face if our words fail. Now then, any questions so far?"
"Hmm... you answered anything I would've asked, really." Astara says, still thinking it over a little. "Well, I guess whenever the foxes are taken care of - one way or another - I'll volunteer to re-examine the building. Still have enough of a memory of what was there to see what... changes they might've made in the intervening time." She nods in self-affirmation, before snickering a little; "If we need to bind anyone... I also have that covered!", and she wiggles her spider booty a little for emphasis.
Angus puts his hands up in the air, palms out. "Hey, hey I get it. Don't start shooting till they get snarly. I can still make funny faces right?" He teases, his smile fading a moment later as he starts to get serious. "Do you know how many are actually in there?"
Nisha nods and smiles at Colette again. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It'll be nive to make some difference around here." She says as she tries to keep her voice low enough to not interrupt Aaron's speech. The panther taur chuckles wryly when Aaron stresses diplomacy so highly, then tucks the bandolier of spare clips around her waist under her shirt. It'll be inconvienient if they're needed, but... What can you do? She then looks down at Colette and lowers herself so she's lying down, then nudges the serval's cheek with her muzzle. "Climb on my back if you want a ride." She whispers before looking back up at Aaron.
Colette smiles up at Nisha, before she raises her hand slowly to head-level, speaking out shortly after. "Uhm.. do we have any information that we can use against them?" She nods to Angus's question, "Are there times where groups of them leave for anything..? If it turns violent, it may be best to be able to take things bit by bit as much as possible..."
Cameron gave the bunny a small nod in the affirmative at her words. She was glad the mission was of a more diplimatic nature, she wasn't keen on hurting ferals if it could be avoided. "Understood." She hoped the mission was a peaceful, cause making more of a mess then the building already was would be counter productive, hopefully they could avoid putting more holes in the building then there already was.
Jojo nods his head, looking over the plethora of items he had on his person. "Well, that's a breather! I really hope I won't have to bother with any of these! I think we can make some heedway with the foxes, how bad could it really go?" The rabbit waves off the worries with a jovial chuckle. "Any advice you can give us before we head out? Things that could make our conversations go as smoothly as possible?"
Aaron nods briefly to Angus. "We know there's at least a dozen. That's why I'm sending in six agents. You should be more than a match for them if combat becomes an issue, but again, I'm hoping that's not an issue; the big reason for a group this size is because we don't want to show them weakness - we know two people represent a force they're willing to attack - but we don't want to go in with an army and look like we're forcing them out." Colette gets a regretful shake of her head and an "I don't know, sorry.", and Jojo's answer is more along the lines of, "One moment." That said, she draws in a deep breath. "A few more interesting wrinkles exist. Number one, they're going to have an alpha to whom you need to speak. I'm not asking you to choose an 'alpha', of course, but you do need to choose a team leader amongst yourselves. Someone well-spoken who will be leading the discussion, because if all of you talk at once, everything will go to hell. I'll let you choose that person amongst yourselves, but I want you to choose said team leader before you head out. Number two, for whatever reason, the foxes now consider me an enemy. As a result, I won't be able to go with you, as my presence would poison negotiations. I'm counting on this group to make things right. Number three might be a little bit in our favor; I'm told that there have been sounds of argument coming from inside. Possibly a power struggle. Feel free to figure out how to use that to your advantage."
Astara's face scrunches in thought, letting out a low "Hmmm...." as she digests the information. "Do we know what motivations they have, or is that to be figured out on-the-spot? And on a different note, for voting for a leader, how about we at least narrow our choices down to who actually is up for such a job. For me... I'm not going to discinlude myself from it, so you can vote for me if you want." She smiles, showing off her fangs and teeth. "My size might help a little."
Angus clasps his hands together, stretching his arms above his head. "Right, pop into the lions den, shake its paw and see if we can't get it to go away instead of snapping at us. Seems like a walk in the park, want us to pick anything up for you while you're there?" He grins, giving Aaron a wink. "Last time I ran into a pack of squeakers they ran the moment I palmed a grenade, these guys sound just a little more brave but shouldn't be to much of a problem. We'll have your restraunt cleared out for you without incident, even if we have to bash a few skulls. "
Nisha waits a few moments as Aaron continues to speak, then slowly stands herself up again. She looks over the rest of the assembled mutants for a moment. When Astara chimes up with her two cents on the decision to be made, Nisha nods briefly. and stretches herself a little taller. "I'm pretty big as well. And I can keep my cool, regardless of what happens... I don't have much experience with negotiating, though. So there's probably someone better if we want to try a more wordy approach." The panther taur then looks over at Angus and arches an eyebrow slightly. "Um... Too many grenades is /exactly/ what got us in this situation, so can we please, /please/ avoid that, if at all possible?"
Colette looks down, the end of her tail hooking left and right as she ponders things. She looks up at Nisha's words, twiddling her fingers as she nods in agreement. teeth slid over her lower lip a bit, before she spoke up. "Uhm, I'm not sure about leading everyone, but I wouldn't mind speaking to them. You get pretty used to intimidating figures when you're constantly talking down drunken farmers." She gives a small smile at the end of her words.
Cameron nods as she listens to her words. She thought six agents would be more then enough as well to deal with at least a dozen ferals. Hearing about needing a leader made sense, things might go pear shaped if everyone tried talking all at once. Plus of there was a beta trying to become an alpha that could be useful to know as well. She nodded in agreement with Nisha before stepping closer towards the group. "I am not really wordy either. Plus they might see me as a push over due to my size."
Jojo glances about to the others, and gives a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm not against any suggestions as to who will be taking charge of most of this here. In my eyes, you all could be more than able for it!" Jojo gives his shoulders a shrug, and nods to both Angus and Aaron. "I think everything should be fine if we just pick our words carfuly! And we're all cooperate and all that other fun stuff. I've got a pretty decent way with words if i'm of any canidacy! I may not be the biggest or strongest, but hey!" He looks about to the others, arms folded over his chest.
Aaron looks at the six of you and nods slowly. "So, it sounds like Astara and Jojo have put themselves forward. Angus doesn't seem to care, Nisha and Cameron aren't really negotiators based on what they've said, and Colette isn't confident in being a leader...and trust me, they're not gonna want to speak to anyone but the team's leader, or the "alpha" as they're likely to put it. So, let's put this to a vote. Astara or Jojo. Each of you in turn cast your vote. And remember, no sour grapes if you don't win. The important thing here is in getting the job done. Astara, you first."
"I vote..." Astara says, hesitating. "...hm. Jojo."
Angus flicks his ears. "I'm more then willing to step up to lead when the situation merits it, the issue is more. Have you ever met a person who trusted a coyote the first time they've met? And I do have a reputation, which could work for or against depending on if they know me or not." He shrugs his shoulders once more. "I'll happily stay in the background until needed." With that he watches the proceedings. Ears flicking back and forth. "....I really don't know either of them well enough to cast a vote."
Nisha looks between Astara and Jojo for a moment, then brings a hand up and rubs her cheek with it for a moment. "Hmmm. We could rely more on trying to intimidate them, but... Honestly, I think if things go that far, we're probably going to end up fighting, anyway." The panther taur takes a deep breath, then looks at Astara. "We can still be intimidating from in the back. I vote Jojo as well."
Colette tilts her head, looking to Angus. "I see no reason not to trust you. I mean, we're working together, after all." She looked between Jojo and Astara, tilting her head a bit. "well.. I mean, if one of them is going to vote for the other, then I guess I'll vote for them, too." She nods with a smile, "I vote for Jojo."
Cameron rubbed her chin a moment as she regarded the two canidates. Astara seemed like she didn't really want the job of leader, one or the other. Might not be wise to have a leader who couldn't care one way or the other if they were or not. Though Jojo seemed sure of himself and seemed to want to be the leader, could be what they need. "I vote Jojo."
Jojo ears perk up as he hears his name, and gives an affirming nod to everyone. "Well, if that's the vote then I won't let you guys down! I'll do my best." Turning back to Aaron, he says, "Well if that's all the information you have for us, maybe we should start making our way down! Better get there sooner than later. And if you all have any thoughts or ideas on it, it'll be good to hear."
Aaron nods resolutely. "All right, then. Jojo it is." A faint smirk appears upon her muzzle. "If you ask me, you've chosen well. Always vote bunny." With that bit of levity dispensed, she becomes serious once more. "All right. The restaurant is to the northeast. The building isn't catastrophically damaged - we would've seen that from a distance - but there is damage to it. Careful how you approach, and remember that they're used to agents who are eager to beat the...whatever-latex-foxes-have out of them. Just remember that my #1 priority is your safety. I can't imagine them being much of a threat, but if they somehow have help from twenty Solar Dragons or something, bail out as needed. So, if there's nothing else, go for it!"
Astara giggles on-cue with Aaron's joke, snickering a little at the mention of twenty Solar Dragons as well. "Rodger!" She shuffles over towards Jojo, giving him a pat on the shoulder and a friendly smile. "You'll do well, I know it!"
Colette nodded to Aaron, before looking to their new team leader. "I think we should figure out the source of whatever fighting there is. So we can either use it as a negotiating piece, or look out for a second group that may try to use us as a distraction to do something."
Angus gives a nod, rummaging through his duffle bag to find his pack of smokes, lighting up another one as he waits. "So, we all ready to go then? I'd hate to keep the party waiting for us." He murmurs, giving Jojo a smile of encouragment. "You'll have people watching for you, so just do your thing."
Nisha smiles and takes some time to give her equipment a last-minute check. She then takes a couple moments to do some stretches. "Alright, now that that's settled..." The panther taur looks around at the rest of the team, her eyes stopping on each member for a moment. "I'm ready to go, but Jojo, Cameron, Colette, Angus, if any of you want a ride, I will offer one. It may not be that far, but I'm strong enough to carry all of you on my back, if you like."
Cameron nodded as well seeing their choice of leader. "Seems we have our leader." She smiles at the joke about the bunny master race and shook her head a moment. She then did a quick double check of her gear to make sure it was all present before heading towards Jojo to follow him out. Might be wise to let the ferals seem him in the lead so as to cement him as the leader at least to them.
Jojo smiles and strides over to Nisha, giving a slight awkward token of resistance as he climbs up onto the taur's lap, upon her words. "Thanks, I really appreciate it." Already he felt a bit better from his friends and allies words. On that notion, he looks off to the place at hand in the distance. "Seems like that's it. Now let's go get that resteraunt back!"
With the team heading out, Aaron tosses them a quick wave goodbye and waits patiently for a moment before going inside HQ. The voyage to the restaurant is quiet, conspicuously so - there's the usual hubbub around Zephyr, but otherwise, the bunny doe seems to have been true to her word; the vast majority of ferals seem to have done as they promised and vacated the scene. It's not until they reach the restaurant proper that any signs of activity become obvious, and they're entirely inside at the moment, sounds of conversation mixed with animalistic yips and - for those with very good ears - the subtle squeak of latex. 'Squeakers' indeed. There doesn't seem to be a welcoming party waiting.
Astara comes to a halt, looking back at Nisha and the rest of the team. In a subdued voice, she says "Before we get any closer, lets get a battle plan together. Err... figurative battle plan. Maybe a literal one as a contingency." She gazes over back towards the building, looking for any figures squeaking around inside that're visible through the windows.
Angus reaches down at his hip as they continue forward, drawing the lemat revolver and snapping open the cylinder. "So, I'm legitimately curious. Who here has actually been in a scuffle and know how to use those weapons they have at their sides?" He asks just loud enough for the group to hear, pushing a bright orange shotgun shell into place before loading the cylinder of the gun. Snapping it closed he almost cringes at the squeaks, muttering to himself. Now he remembered why he hated dealing with squeakers.
Nisha's ears twitch and she frowns as the sounds from inside the building reach her. She stops walking as Astara speaks up, then turns and looks back at the rest of the group. "I don't have fantastic armor, but... I have good weapons and sharp claws. So I'll probably jump in the back and try to scare off the little ones." She says, then glances over at Angus. Nisha takes the carbine off her back and pops the release for its clip, then re-loads it. "I know what I'm doing, for one."
Colette's ears flick and turn as she gets close enough for her to hear what's going on. She frowned a bit, brows coming together in a slight worry. "..I didn't expect them to be fighting right when we came in..." She noted, mostly to herself. As angus spoke up, she looked over, frowning a bit and lifting the back of her sweater to show the laspistol holstered around her waist. "I was.. forced to learn how to use them, despite not really wanting to. I'm not the best shot, but I'm not hoping that we get to the point where I have to find out if I can hit them or not."
Cameron's ears flattened against her head at the sound of the squeaking, she really found that sound hard on the ears. Looking to Angus she raised her hand for a moment. "I know how to use it. I have been in my share of fights in the bubble and out." Not wanting to provoke the feral pack in the restruant she left her weapon over her shoulder for now, the time for the nanite cannon to be use was not here yet.
Jojo squints his eyes a bit, looking over the structure before them. "I have with some of the ferals out and about," he croons to the coyote. Tapping the polearm slung over his back, he adds, "And i'm pretty handy with this little guy here. Not the best but.." Turning his attentions over to Astara, he say, "We should be alright for the most part.. As long as we don't provoke them, they shouldn't give us that much of a hard time.. right?"
The sun moves slightly in the sky as the group discusses their options. (scenepass)
Astara pulls her laser pistol holster at her side, inspecting it momentarily and flipping the safety off before reholstering it. "I've been pretty good with this 'lil guy here," she says, tapping it lightly and smirking. "But yes, I'm competent without it, as well; Inari has graced me well..." she goes on, a playful glint appearing in one of her human eyes. "So... shall we do this?"
Angus watches Nisha mess with the release on her rifle and put in a new magazine, arching an eyebrow. "You forgot to take the safety off." He answers her, before turning to the rest. "Right eitherway, If things get heated, cover your ears, I've got a surprise loaded in this revolver that will hopefully give us an edge." He taps the barrel of his gun once, holstering it back at his hip before waiting to see how things get started.
Nisha checks the safety on her rifle before stowing it on her back again, then glances at Angus and arches an eyebrow. "Why would I need to take the safety off?" She gives her chainsword a quick check as well, to make sure nothing is obviously out of place. "It points directly at my back in its holster like this, so..." Nisha shakes her head, then looks at the group again. "That's the last thing I want to do yet. I think I'm all set. Everyone ready?"
Colette readjusted her sweater so the weapon was hidden, making herself look about as dangerous as a normal civilian. She positioned herself a bit behind some of the larger members, namely Nisha, nodding her head to the question.
Cameron gave a small nod as she followed along with everyone. "Alright, good to know before hand." She hicked the weapon and her pack on her shoulders to get them into a more comfortable position. Her eyes glancing about the building warily as they loitered outside. "I am as ready as can be."
Jojo nods to everyone, then looks back toward the resteraunt. "Well, looks like we're all good. Let's go ahead and get a move on!" He clambers off the back of the taur, striding toward the front of the group, motioning for them to follow as he approaches the entrance of the place at hand.
Now that the team has begun to approach, the foxes within begin to take note. Seven of them are immediately visible, lounging around or speaking to each other in a strange combination of squeaking barks and half-words, but the reaction to Jojo's approach is uniform: all present lurch to their feet, teeth bared and ears pinned back, hostility immediately evident in their demeanor. It's not hard to tell that they expect to fight anyone who walks through the front door of their new hangout.
Astara keeps a cool demeanor as she follows about a yard or so behind Jojo, looking expressionlessly at the rubbery foxes, looking to find any distinguishing features on them to be able to tell them apart.
