Log Title: Duty
Characters: Hawk Ahndi Nakamea Tunnel Rat Kamakura Scarlett Wisp Battleaxe
Location: Turkiye
Date: 4/26/2023
TP: The Man The Plan The Product TP
Summary: A raid by an unknown foe hits the Joes hard, very hard.
As logged by The expendable Imager
[G.I. Joe] Suddenly....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_9KR3mYkUo
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "That's coming from our training camp in Turkiye. Contacting..."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Copy that. Joes prepare to respond to whatever that camp needs."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "No contact to the camp. Confirming alarm."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "On my way."
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Nothing personal, Dial Tone, but you need a better grade of alarm clock."
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "I'm en route."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "Hmm, I know this camp. It's the only one we have in Turkiye. It's a greenshirt training camp mostly. Not now Tunnel Rat."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "There's a secondary data storage site there. It's a small hub for the region. I don't know how Cobra found it, but that's a training base before all else.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Well, sounds like we need to get there as fast as possible. Someone prep a Transport. Everyone else, gear up."
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Let's not discount it, especially with Cobra's recent activities. We'd best check it out."
[G.I. Joe] Sgt. Tarmac says, "Got one for you, Chinook #1337 is gearing up."
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "I'm goin', I'm goin'."
[G.I. Joe] lil Wisp says, "Standing by to escort."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "Absolutely, General. I'm seeing what I can pull up on data feed. Turkiye is very hesitant of our involvement in the area, but they allowed a small base. Problem is we don't get much feed access or structural defenses in the area."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "It's a weak link in our defense, and somehow they knew where to strike."
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Which means it's a ripe target. Prepare for anything, Joes, those snakes have been extra slippery lately."
Out on the launch pad of the PIT, a Chinook troop transport is already warming up as Joes start to pile out of the PIT. Wisp's interceptor is already being towed out, prepping and fueling in motion.
G.I. Joe Troop Transport
A G.I. Joe troop transport. Lightly armed and armored, its prime function is to move troops to safe locations and extract them from harm. The sides are opened up at rest and in transport.
As the Joes start to pile on, and attach themselves to the heli, it already starts to lift off, gusts of wind flooding over the area... and as the last Joe gets aboard, the pilot is given the thumbs up for motion, and the crew takes to the sky.
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "It's still a long flight. General, administrative might want to rehouse extra Joes back in the European theatre if this keeps up. Looks like ETA is two hours and change. Visuals look.... no sign of smoke. Hard to tell with the cloud cover."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Do we have any planes in the air that can get us a look at what we are heading into? Even if they can only get there a little before we arrive, it would be helpful for us."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "Checking for recon as we speak. Turkiye's pretty hardball about aerial surveillance."
"Guess we better make ourselves comfortable," Nicky says, strapping himself into a seat.
Kamakura comes running to the hangar, and straight to the transport. He Is in full ninja gear, ready to do what's needed.
Shana glances around at the team that has assembled, as the transport lifts off. She just grabs a hanging strap, to allow anyone else to sit if they want to. She will wait until everyone else finds a seat. She pulls a tablet from her duffle bag, and tries to get access to the Sat Image section, and just hopes she can pull up something on the target base. She'll even just pull up a schematics of the base, if that is all she can get. Any information, at the moment, is good information.
General Hawk settles in, checking his ammo and guns as he gets settled.
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Get us what you can, Dial Tone, I'd rather go in with at least some info than totally blind."
"C'mon, Green Ranger, ninja yerself aboard!" Tunnel Rat calls to Kamakura as the chopper lifts off.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "If one is in the area, we could send in a stealthed jet..."
Dr. Steen spends his downtime making an inventory of the supplies he has on hand and is quiet as he does so. He chooses to stand the entire way there, like Scarlett does, balancing by hanging onto a strap.
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "Working on it, Sir. Breaker's detected several attempted data breaches and has shut them down...."
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "Heli Transport on site. Resolution on this old satellite is weak... but unless Cobra's changing their branding, it's not them. Still forty minutes out. I'm tracking."
It's a tense flight as the Joes move in to Turkiye. Normally, the staff on site, and automated weaponry would make this sort of offense a near impossibility, not without heavy arms and armor, but not every country is so open to the Joes. As the transport views the site, doing a 360 of it, there's not much in the way of visible smoke or fire. The range is empty, and there's no signs of strife outside either. It's quiet, too quiet.
Shana gets the same image as Dial Tone, and moves over to Hawk, to show it to him, "Hawk. I was able to get a copy of the image Dial Tone mentioned, before we left Range of the Pit." She sighs, and holds the tablet to Hawk, and continues, "Enhancement won't do much good, but this is an aerial view of the base... I might still find a map of the base, but the Tablet is limited on what it can hold."
General Hawk frowns, and nods. "Let's take her in. Slowly.... keep your eyes peeled and be ready for anything. This doesn't feel right... we should be seeing at least some activity."
NOW PLAYING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck0Emi7CQb4
Lifeline closes up his pack and awaits the transport's landing. He, too, is getting a bad feeling about this, but he keeps it to himself. Typically, he's motivated but otherwise neutral when a mission's about to pop off, but this seems more foreboding.
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says, "The area system went down just before the transport. Whomever it is, they probably blew the servers, ripped blades, or shut them down. This was a data heist."
A few minutes later the Chinook sets down its back wheels, and spins down....
[G.I. Joe] lil Wisp says, "Should I maintain monitoring position, or land?"
Kamakura ended up coming along, ninjaing his way onto the transport. Once he arrives, his steps out looking around a bit. "well, Turkey. This is new."
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Maintain position until further notice, we may need cover and fast for an evac."
Shana moves to get a look at out the side of the transport. She is going to try and see what she can see, when they get close enough. She calls out, "If you see anything, call it out!" She is not allowing herself to anything, other than the calm she normally does. Even going in blind, with no knowledge of they might face on the ground, she is going to remain calm, otherwise, when she starts worrying, other Joes will just *know* something is wrong. As they set down, she jumps from the transport
[G.I. Joe] lil Wisp says, "Acknowledged."
It is as was seen, the main base itself is scarce. It wouldn't be hard to visually see it happening, a ground assault from the close by city. The doors have been breached. Explosive Charge. These are civilians, administrative, and training crews, not the frontline soldiers...
Nicky unbuckles and stands up in a single smooth motion and heads for the transport's doors as it touches down. He jumps down and peers at the base entrance. "I guess they were in too much of a hurry to use the doorbell."
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Battle Pose Order for: Turkey - Western Asia
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Scarlett 1812
Lifeline 1730
Kamakura 1548
F-35 Lightning II #639 <Wisp> 1367
Tunnel Rat 1065
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Lifeline proceeds toward the blasted-out base doors with the rest of the team, looking around and listening to the awful quietness as he goes.
The skies are clear at the moment. Dial-Tone reports in, finally <<lost that troop transport. They're pros whomever they are. Looks like it is all but abandoned now. I'm having locals secure the site for later.>>
Tunnel Rat doesn't take out any weapons just yet, preferring to keep his hands free for the moment. He moves up on the right flank as Scarlett indicates. As he takes in the first sign of casualty, he sets his jaw and does now unsling his M-16, keeping its nose low, his eyes on constant watch for signs of unwelcome movement.
General Hawk approaches where the legs are visible, to see if someone is injured or needs help. Frowning at the blood, he carefully rounds the corner to take a better look.
From Wisp's Lightning II, Wisp adjusts the jet to hover, watching intently with radars at full range, and turning the plane slightly for better field of view. She waits for word from any others on anything else, maintaining her guard position in the air.
As the Joes progress further, and Hawk takes lead, its surreal for a moment. There's a familiarity there. The woman wears a full dress uniform, and lays mostly facedown. A service pistol lays clattered, empty of rounds at her side, and her hands are covered in blood. Next to her on the wall, a bloody handprint streaks down from an emergency alarm. Bianca Martinez, aka Battleaxe, lays still on the ground, in a pool of her blood. In her last moments, she chose to protect others.
Given that this was administrative and training, there were several panic rooms installed into the small base. Bianca's move probably gave the majority of them enough time to seal themselves away.
Shana's eyes spot Bianca, and even she can not remain calm at the site of what she sees. Tears fill her eyes, and she wipes them away quickly. She takes a deep breath to calm herself, hoping no one saw the flash of emotion she just showed. She murmurs something under her breath, and should anyone be close enough, they might hear a soft prayer for the dead. She turns the corner and moves forward, just enough so the rest of the team is covered. She doesn't like it, but she has to remain focused on the mission.
At the moment he realizes who it is on the floor, Lifeline rushes over to crouch beside Bianca. He knows it's too late, he knows any effort is going to be a futile one, but he can't NOT try. He checks for a pulse on her bloodied wrist. Looks for ANY signs, however faint, that she might be hanging on. But her skin is already cold. He looks toward Hawk, then at Shana, and shakes his head.
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "She's gone."
Kamakura moves in, covering the left. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Bianca and lowers his head quietly. "Bianca." He says softly.
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Let's look for any clues and survivors. Someone is going to pay for this, and I want their head on a platter."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Yes, sir."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says coldly, "I'll be happy to serve it to you, Hawk..."
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "You got it, General."
Tunnel Rat never met Battleaxe in person. Sarcastic words are on his lips, his typical attempt to relieve tension for himself as well as his fellows, but seeing the reactions of the others, he keeps his mouth shut.
F-35 Lightning II #639 <Wisp> maintains its hovering and maneuvering pattern as silently as possible. It's pilot keeps watching the radar and other such things to make sure no hostiles are inbound.
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says in a softer, cool tone, "We have a casualty?"
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Battleaxe is dead, Dial Tone"
General Hawks face is quivering with anger. Mourning is for later, right now there's a can o' whoopass to open. "Fan out, look for anything out of the ordinary, and check for survivors. Lifeline.... take care of her, we'll get her home." He cocks his M-16, and heads further into the complex, heat waves forming in front of his eyes from the sheer rage he is currently experiencing.
[G.I. Joe] Dial Tone says gently, "May God in Heaven grant her a warm embrace...We'll find them."
"Yes sir." Lifeline takes particular care with rolling Bianca over, then he picks her up and thankfully it's been a short enough time since her death that he doesn't have too much trouble putting her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and walking back to the transport.
Moving forward, weapons up, and with blood on fire, the Joes start to clear the base. Safe rooms are found, and the senior Joes know the access codes. Contained in the panic rooms, several of the people within are unarmed, data processors, and a few Greenshirts. One of them explains, "We heard the gunfire, and were moving to the armory, when someone shouted out for us to shelter in place!" With their service pistols, they were ready to protect the civilians within as best they could. On another hallway, a similar group is discovered. Twenty three among the civvies and greenshirts.
As Scarlett moves towards the furthest reaches, down where the air is chill, there's a fallen Greenshirt, facedown. The servers themselves...are wired to blow. C-4 and det cord is strung up across the main room, as a visual countdown denotes how much time is left before the detonation. If the Joes want to learn more about who this foe is, or more about them at least, the security data is a necessity.
But that's not all. A weak voice is heard from the darkened side near the server. "----b...b....bomb.......bomb...." Labored breathing follows...
PV2 Nakamea has connected.
Gravely wounded, Pvt Nakamea, lays on the ground not too far away...
Shana says softly, "Oh crap...." She than radio's her location, and adds, "I need Tunnel Rat to come take care of a bomb....wait...." She moves to the Nakema, and kneels down next to him, and checks him over. She again radios, "EOD and I need Lifeline. I found an injured Greenshirt.... I think it is Nakema...." Softly she asks Nakema, "I have Lifeline coming, stay still and calm...." She waits a moment, and than softly asks, "Who did this?"
Back at the transport, Lifeline's placed Bianca on a flat surface off of the floor. He stares at her for a long moment, then says quietly, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to save you." He pulls a body bag out of his kit, then zips her into it -- but his radio goes off about halfway through this task. "Give me like, 3 minutes to get there, I'm back at the transport." He finishes zipping Bianca up into the body bag, then grabs his kit and begins sprinting back to the base.
Kamakura continues to do a sweep, looking for anything out of place, such as tripwires, bombs and the like. Whoever did this may have left a nasty surprise.
From Wisp's Lightning II, Wisp sighs very softly in her cockpit, drooping just a little bit even as she watches the monitors and radar. She shakes her head softly and sighs, a tear falling from her own eye as well, as she frowns and and keeps watching, checking her weapon loadout and making sure everything is ready to fire at an instant's notice.
General Hawk frowns at the bomb. "Damn it... " he keys his radio, "<<Dial Tone, if we get an outside link working here, can you get in and download what data is left?>>" he says, as he kneels down next to Nakamea. "Just lie still for now. Can you tell us what happened?"
Tunnel Rat keeps his head up and stays alert for trouble, cleaving close to the right-side wall as he moves ahead. When he sees the setup around the servers, everything else leaves his mind. Before he's taken another breath he's already analyzing the wiring, untangling it mentally. Without being bidden he moves toward it. "Lemme handle this, General," he says, his voice uncommonly calm and serious.
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the first step of the disarming process. It's going to take handy technical analysis to do this... He makes some progress on disarming the bomb but more work is needed.
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "They've cut hardlines. Sending heavily encrypted data over the airwaves is a bit tougher, I'm doing what I can, as much as I can. I just need time."
Kamakura curses under his breath. "Bomb. Gonna make sure everyone's cleared out." He goes to make sure everyone made it out alive, hoping hes not caught in the explosions.
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Copy that. We're attempting to disarm their little surprise, but work as fast as you can."
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "Only the last 48 hours of data will need transferred at least. Everything else is backed up. I just can't focus on the security systems though."
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "Understood."
Kamakura checks and clears the rest of the rooms. Its a mostly spartan base. The clearinghouse itself is very old-school, lots of papers and notes, files to be scanned in from physical reports, and databased. The room looks untouched, with this last room, the base is cleared.
Civilians and Greenshirts are evacuating, clearing the entire base, and into the hills beyond, but there's no natural rise in the area for the best shelter.
PVT. Nakamea slowly tilts her head. Her dark skin doesn't show the paleness she probably has, but there's a hint of blue to her lips. She's been cut open badly. Her head tilts to look towards the servers. "B...bomb..." She repeats, blood on her lips as she coughs.
Shana looks at Hawk, and says softly, "General.... Clear out. I'll stay with Nakamea, and Nicky... You've got to go, Sir." She than glances quickly at Tunnel Rat, to see what progress he has made, and than takes a deep breath, and reaches for a first aid kit in one of her pouches. She is capable of Battlefield First Aid, so she begins checking the Private over, to see what wounds the poor girl has.
Lifeline sprints from the transport area all the way back through the base, carrying his medical kit. When he spots Nakamea being tended to by Scarlett, he crouches beside Nakamea to assess her condition. "Easy, we've got you," he says gently.
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Nakamea's going to need an medivac as soon as possible. She has a deep puncture to her midsection with organ involvement and is going into shock, respiratory distress. More than we can handle in the field."
General Hawk shakes his head. "I'll wait until the last possible moment. Get her to the chopper ASAP, when we're down to the last possible seconds we'll evac, but we need to take a chance on that security data or we won't know whose ass we need to kick clear up between their shoulder blades."
Tunnel Rat's nimble fingers dance through the inner workings of the explosives setup, his face the picture of calm concentration. He hears his name and says, "I got this, sirs."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Fluttershy and I are not in location, Sir. I do not believe Fluttershy would be able to handle this mission."
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the first step of the disarming process. It's going to take handy technical analysis to do this... He successfully completes the first step of the disarming process! A Green Light turns on.
A 'yessss' escapes Nicky as one green light flicks on.
Lifeline sends a radio transmission.
PV2 Nakamea just lays there, breathing shallow. Scarlett's kit has a breather to assist, but she's in a bad way. Compressing the bag helps push oxygen into her system, relieving the ragged breath a little, but time is short...
Shana just looks at Hawk, than softly says, "Yes Sir..." She looks at Lifeline, "Is she is ready to move, let's get her back to the transport... And than I'll come back to pull people out, if I have to."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "I checked in. Fluttershy says she is not ready for this kind of operation."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Ive got this boo"
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Area's secure, no others around."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Thanks, Moonbreeze. I'll put on the kettle for when you get home."
"Okay." Lifeline looks at Scarlett. "Keep on the breather for Nakamea...there's a chance she might code on the way back, if she does, I'll handle it, I've got epi in the medkit." He very carefully picks Nakamea up, and only moves as fast as Scarlett can walk alongside and operate the breather apparatus. As he picks Nakamea up, he feels a warm drench on his uniform. "She's losing a lot of blood."
From Wisp's Lightning II, Wisp maintains her hover there, again watching as she sees civilians evacuating away from potential explosion danger, and frowning slightly, watching for potential problems still.
General Hawk nods. "Do what you can, Lifeline, we've got to get her out of here soon." he says, looking over to Tunnel Rat. "Green I'd say is good, how's it looking on a total disarm?"
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the second step of the disarming process. It's going to take steady nerves... He tries to disarm the bomb but it resists their efforts. A red light appears on the bomb
"Piece o'cake, General," Nicky says, beaming as he continues to work. "Will let you know, but right now, sir ... ah shit." Fingers hesitate, a single bead of sweat forms on his temple. "Need t'concentrate right now, sir. I got this." He sounds as if he believes it...
Kamakura continues checking down the halls for survivors and any sign of who may have done this. He's in full scan mode, looking for anything that needs to get out fast.
As Scarlett and Lifeline carry the private as best they can, desperate to not exacerbate the abdominal wound, Tunnel Rat attempts to disarm the bomb, which is tense enough. Dial-Tone calls over comms <<15 percent transferred. Keep it up.>> Kamakura does a second sweep of the entire facility, throwing open lockers until he's certain everyone but the brass and the rat are out.
PV2 Nakamea has left.
From the Joe Transport, PV2 Nakamea has arrived.
Lifeline has left.
From the Joe Transport, Lifeline has arrived.
The Chinook's blades start to spin up as Lifeline and Scarlett approach with their critical patient.
As soon as Shana helps Lifeline get Nakamea on the transport, she turns back for base. She is going to go back in, and make sure that the General is gotten out, even if she has to carry him out herself.
From the Joe Transport, Lifeline sends a radio transmission.
General Hawk gets prepped to get the hell out, but watches Tunnel Rat work
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the second step of the disarming process. It's going to take steady nerves... He spends some time with the wire cutters but isn't confident enough in their steadiness.
Tunnel Rat refocuses on the bomb, doing his best to shut out everything else in his environment.
From the Joe Transport, The Chinook takes flight with Lifeline and Ahndi. She lays on a stretcher and suddenly flails. Her eyes wide, she tears the oxygen from her face. "B..bomb...bomb." She struggles to stand, despite the injuries.
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the second step of the disarming process. It's going to take steady nerves... He tries to disarm the bomb but it resists their efforts. A red light appears on the bomb
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Hawk, Nakamea is being lifted out now. I am on my way back in to ensure you leave before the bomb explodes."
More beads of sweat appear on Nicky's brow and his jaw clenches. "C'mon, Nicky," he mumbles under his breath, "everybody's countin' on ya."
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "Twenty Three Percent..."
The bomb beeps closer to oblivion...
From the Joe Transport, Lifeline very gently presses her back into the cot, knowing Nakamea isn't acting out in her right mind, but she's probably restless from the blood loss. "Yes, we got it, we know the bomb's there, you did very well to tell us...you know Nicky, right? Tunnel Rat? He's the bomb expert, he's going to diffuse that bomb for us. It's OK. Just breathe..."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "If you have an EMP, you might be able to disarm the bomb unless it is properly shielded."
From the Joe Transport, >> PV2 Nakamea succeeds with her generic combat roll on Lifeline. <<
General Hawk frowns. "That's not looking good... I'd rather that thing not blow but if there's a chance we need to pull out, now."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "And than we also blow out the computers we are trying to access data from... It's a no win either way. But Tunnel Rat will disarm the bomb, so there is really no need to worry."
From the Joe Transport, PV2 Nakamea pushes Lifeline as the chopper keeps increasing altitude, and resists. Her eyes open wild, she looks around. "T....there's...another...." She steps back warily towards the open side of the transport.
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the second step of the disarming process. It's going to take steady nerves... He successfully completes the second step of the disarming process! A second Green Light turns on.
A nervous, vaguely hysterical chuckle escapes Nicky at the radio chatter he can hear in his earpiece. "From your lips to-- oh thank god."
By this time, Shana is about halfway back to Hawk and Nicky. She calls out over the Radio, "Sean, get clear of the base, just in case. That is an order."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Think smaller with the EMP then. It's simple."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Liquid nitrogen as well."
From the Joe Transport, Dr. Steen's not about to lose two patients in one day, not if he can possibly help it. He moves quickly over to put himself between Nakamea and the open door. "What?? Wait, another one? Where??"
Kamakura hears the command "Roger that, so far its clear." He moves to rendezvous with Hawk and Tunnel Rat, running at top speed. "You're not coming /back/ are you? I got this." He says a bit uncertainly.
From the Joe Transport, PV2 Nakamea just stares at Lifeline. Somber, worried....she folds her arms over her chest....and falls backwards, just like in dive training...
From the Joe Transport, PV2 Nakamea has left.
>> PV2 Nakamea attacks G.I. Joe Troop Transport with Self-Destruction, striking G.I. Joe Troop Transport and herself. <<
G.I. Joe Troop Transport is overcome by injuries, losing consciousness.
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "We're talking basic high school science and myth busters, Scarlett. You're acting like the EMP can't be a radius of like 5 feet. Think small."
A shattering explosion comes from the sky!
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Nakamea says there's a second bomb. She's being pretty insistent about it."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Right, going bomb hunting!"
Immediately the Transport starts to spin out wildly, alarms blaring, as one of its blades are shredded off.
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Can you guys -not- blow things up while I'm trying to stop things from blowing up?"
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "What the hell is going on out there???"
PV2 Nakamea is no more.
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the final step of the disarming process... He has studied the last part of the bomb but hesitates on making a final choice.
Flames and fire run through the transport as it deafens Lifeline temporarily, and while he is spared the explosion, the spinning transport is going down quickly!
Tunnel Rat carefully examines the bomb and identifies the final step of the disarming process... He successfully completes the final step of the disarming process! A third Green Light appears as the bomb powers down.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Sean, I'll assist you in looking, and Concealer.... Tunnel Rat is the Bomb Expert. It is his call."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Copy, Shana. .... was that the transport? Transport do you copy?"
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Lifeline, come in, report your status!"
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Bomb inside is disarmed, I need a sitrep, stat!"
"YES!" comes Nicky's victorious cry as the final green light lights up. "Who's the man? That's right, I'm the man!"
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "so we know where the second bomb was. I'm heading towards the crash zone. I'm sure we'll be needed shortly."
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "...The second bomb was...implanted in Nakamea. She jumped from the transport and detonated."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Army engineers do have bomb training, Ma'am. I am know how to not blow up or blow my cover."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Hang on, Joes. We'll get you out of there. Meggan now isn't the time!"
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Waitaminute, second bomb?! Inside a person? That's cold, man, seriously."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Concealer, zip it please. We've already lost two people tonight, and I do not need you in my ear, quarterbacking from halfway around the world."
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "DAMN IT TO HELL. NOBODY messes with my Joes, and lives to tell about it. I want all data we can muster and find out who the hell these bastards are, and they are moving to our most wanted list."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "Lifeline, eleborate. The bomb was planted in one of our own?"
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "Sir. We will not rest, we will not sleep until we know."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Transport, can you get a soft landing?"
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "I disarmed the bomb on the server so you guys can get whatever data, right?"
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "Squeeze every last byte out of that data, Dial Tone, and download all of it if you have to, the clock is no longer ticking. Transport, can you get down safely? Find a soft spot, we're coming."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "Good going, Tunnel Rat."
Finally, the transport hits the side of a small ridge, thankfully not near the nearby city or the civilians and greenshirts. Fire blooms from it, as it skids about, tumbling, shaking the doctor inside as he's bounced around. But ultimately, it was a safer landing than it could've been.
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Affirmative. I was assessing her, and she got up and said there was a second bomb. Then she jumped out of the transport before I could stop her, the bomb detonated, and we took some damage, but I think Nakamea was trying to spare us the worst. I just wish I had seen it sooner."
Tunnel Rat gets up from where he was crouching working on the bomb. "Where to, General?"
[G.I. Joe] Dial-Tone says, "Understood General. I'll have the security tapes for you within the hour."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Alright, got the Landing Zone. They're coming in hard! I'm on my way."
"Out, the chopper is down, we need to check on the crew." Hawk says, sprinting for the exit.
Shana emerges from the base, just in time to see the transport chopper go down. If she wasn't hearing his voice over the radio, Shana would now be worried that more of her friends might have died.
Tunnel Rat follows on Hawk's heels at a sprint, his shorter legs still enabling him to keep pace.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "I saw the crash. I am heading there now. Edwin, you and the crew all right?"
Kamakura is in full rescue mode. He runs towards the chopper. "Got it, lets get them away from the chopper in case it blows."
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Physically, yes. I'm assessing the crew, everyone's just shaken so far. No injuries. Minor damage to the transport."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "alright. Is it still able to fly?"
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Yes, it's operational."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "If you need assistance, Lifeline. Let us know as soon as possible."
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Can we go home now?"
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Lifers, the Pit Medbay is all set from earlier. You should be good for whatever awaits you."
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Thank you."
Kamakura nods "Alright. Looks like the ship came down easy. Thank God." He says, slowing down for the first time since the bombs started ticking.
[G.I. Joe] Lieutenant General Hawk says, "We go home, take care of our own, and then we start the process of finding and crucifying the slime that hurt our teammates. Someone picked the wrong team to mess with, and I have a gut feeling who... we just need proof."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Such a cluster----"
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Just say the word, General."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "They're gonna pay, General."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Agreed, Hawk. I will get everything set up. I expect to have our Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence teams report on how we didn't even have a whisper of this."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "I will get Limelight with me to catch up on this."
Shana comes to a stop. For the second time since this mission began, emotion shows on her face. There is anger, but it is overshadowed by grief. She did not know Nakamea well, but Battleaxe, she knew her well. She hangs her head, and stands on the Tarmac staring at the ground. Her fists are clenched, hard enough that soon, her fingernails might draw blood. She speaks softly, coldly into her radio.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says softly, coldly, "Whatever needs to be done, Hawk..." Her voice is that of an Angel of Death, and only needs a target.
From the Joe Transport, Lifeline has left.
Lifeline has arrived.
Kamakura moves to Shana's side, and offers a hand. He lowers his head stoically, however the young Arashikage's shoulders are tense in anger as well as grief. He's keeping it together until everyone's out and safe.
Nicky didn't know the two lost Joes, but a blow to one is a blow to all. Sensing the heavy emotion between the other members of the team, he stays quiet the entire trip back to base. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.
From Wisp's Lightning II, Wisp stays quiet in her cockpit, head bowed but still watching the radar and horizon. She just shakes her head softly.
Shana just glances at Kamakura, and shares a look with him. The look says enough. It says, 'Someone is going to die for this.' She than takes a few deep breaths, but her fists do not unclench. Her facial expression goes back to as neutral as she can make it, but those that know her best will probably easily notice the emotion that are hidden. Anger and grief.
Lifeline busies himself near the transport...picking up whatever pieces he can find of Nakamea, and placing them into a body bag. He's covered in blood and has a 10,000-yard stare going to keep himself relatively sane while performing this grim task.
Kamakura meets Shana's gaze and gives her a nod. He knows that hidden anger and grief well, his are right under the surface. He gives her a nod of agreement, then looks out to Lifeline. Poor Edwin at the center of it all. Now is the time to gather, soon will be the time for recovery. And revenge.
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "I am going to stay in country, and see what I can find out. See if any of the locals saw anything, or can give me a clue as to who is responsible."
Scarlett whispers softly to Sean, "Go to Edwin, help him.... I am staying here. I'll track these bastards down, if I can."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "I'm headin back with the others. Edwin, you alright?"
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just checking to make sure we got everything."
Scarlett rips off the G.I. Joe patch from her uniform, and hands Sean her dog tags, "See that these get back to base...."
F-35 Lightning II #639 <Wisp> has left.
Kamakura has left.
From the Joe Transport, Scarlett has left.
Scarlett watches the transport take off. Her eyes watch the transport until it is out of sight, and than she goes back inside the base, to ensure every piece of material evidence has been looked at, and collected. This takes her many hours, and she does continue radio contact with the rest of the team. Eventually, she is forced to admit that she will learn nothing else at the base, and she moves towards the nearby city, to see if she can pick up anything from the locals.
[G.I. Joe] Lifeline says, "When...I'm thinking more clearly, my first duty as Pit Chaplain will be to have a memorial service in honor of Battleaxe and Pv2 Nakamea. Arrangements to be announced."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "You need company?"
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Let me know when they will be.... I'll be sure to return in time for them."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Make them pay, Shana. I'll keep this safe."
[G.I. Joe] SSG Tunnel Rat says, "Get you some rest, Lifeline. Physician heal thyself, right?"
[G.I. Joe] lil Wisp says, "And if it's too big, send the location and I'll bring the bomber, ma'am."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Not to worry Kamakura.... If I find them, I will kill them all, and than the team will know of their bosses, and we can all go get our payback."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "kill em, bring them in for questioning. I don't care. As long as they pay."
[G.I. Joe] Concealer says, "Lifeline, I will pick up your shift tomorrow so you can rest. If there is something out of my training, I will let you know. Also, I think we were requested for a tea meeting soon."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "We're going to need to scramble assets. One for this group. The other for dealing with Russian scientists."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Duke... I was handling the paperwork for Battleaxe, while she was on leave... can you find someone to take that over, until I get back?"
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "I believe Wraith is still on light duty until cleared."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "We also have Wyvern. I believe he is still acting on duty."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Whatever you think best, Duke."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "I think Red Spot or Ozone might be heading back from Nebulos."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "If I can't find anything in the next 48 hours, I'll head back to base... After that time, all real trail of them will be lost, I think."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "Then assemble your team to help you, Scarlett. You are just one person. Lady Jaye and others will gladly help you if you assigned them to be part of that team."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "Alright. I'll ..do what I can back here. If there's anything to do. I'm on standby if needed."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "I will be on standby as well. I am going to visit Bianca's family to let them know."
[G.I. Joe] Kamakura says, "She died saving others. A true Joe."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "Send me Airborne, Low-Light, Lady Jaye and... Stalker, if they are available. I'll send coordinates, once I find a place to use as a base of Operations, I will send the location."
[G.I. Joe] CSM Duke says, "I'd recommend getting heavy hitters with your best people who can get information. Inhale and exhale, Scarlett. You need to think through this."
[G.I. Joe] Scarlett says, "All right Duke, I've thought it through... Lowlight, Sniper. Lady Jaye for the Intel. Rock'n Roll for Heavy Machine Guns... Stalker, because he is almost as sneaky as I am... One more... Take your pick and send them."
- Scarlett remained in Turkey, to try and track down the culprits of the attack.
By this time, Shana has reached the nearby city, and is sticking to back alleys. She has located a set of clothing that will allow her to blend in, and cover her hair. She begins to look for a place to hole up, and than remembers a DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) safehouse. She calls her contact at the DIA, and gets herself access to the safehouse. When she arrives it is empty.
Shana checks the place over, carefully, ensuring there is no one there, that there are no traps waiting for her, and there are no listening devices. Once she is sure she will not be able to seen or heard, she moves into the master bedroom, and strips off her weapons, her radio, and she sits down on the bed. She can finally let her control waver.
Shana begins to rock herself on the bed, as tears flow down her cheeks. It is not the pretty cry that some woman seem capable, it is a very ugly looking set of tears, filled with sobbing, and words that are unintelligible. Finally she stands up, still crying, and she starts punching one of the concrete walls, repeatedly. Her knuckles begin to bleed, and they just leave bloody prints on the wall. With one last punch, perhaps with the sound of a cracking of one of the bones in her hand, she lets out a long, primal scream of anger.
Finally, after taking some time to just collapse back to the ground, and to finish her crying, she slowly stands up, and goes to stand under the shower, where she will no longer be able to notice the tears that still fall from her cheeks.