Cataclysm Advent - IC

[Snax]

Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Briefing Room 4

Lieutenant R. J. Summers stepped into the briefing room, his face set. Inside were the five new commissioned Terras, a motley bunch at best. It was honestly funny that the future of humanity rested in the hands of these freaks, but this was the only way to regain humanity's standing upon their home planet. Normal weapons and munitions were running low, and even if they weren't low on resources, many of the mutants on the Earth were either nigh impossible to hurt with mere guns or outright too powerful.

He scanned the area, looking at each of his new 'soldiers'. Three males, two females. They all had a different kind of 'air' compared to regular soldiers...especially the Lacroix girl, who felt more like a monster than any of the others.

"Hrm. So you're all here. OK then, lets get on with the briefing. Before we do though, please keep in mind we're working on a tight schedule and on a tight budget, so I won't be able to provide you with all the information or equipment you might need. However, the success of your missions will bring us up in terms of capabilities, so I wish you good luck."

Clearing his throat, Summers opened his notepad.

"Before all the briefings though, I shall announce a few positional assignments. Ms. McMillian, the higher-ups have assigned you as squad leader. Ms. Lacroix, you have been assigned as 2nd in command. That is all."

Considering each of their abilities, this team was one of the stronger groups individually. However, without proper teamwork, that wouldn't work...thus, the higher-ups decided to put the most mellow personality as the team leader, and the scarier one as her second. Even though they were both Terra, it was actually funny how nobody was too scared about the McMillian girl, while it was quite the other way around for Lacroix...

"With that out of the way, here is your mission."

Pulling up a world map upon the large screen, the 3D map zoomed in on a certain location. It was an area overrun with greenery, with the occasional mutated rabbits (which were humongous) running around eating as they pleased.

"Former Boston. Most of the mutated mammals there aren't too much of a threat, especially the herbivores. Watch out for mutated dogs that run around in packs, they are considered one of the most dangerous in the area. The second most dangerous group of enemies are probably the insects, but I'm sure Mr. Brand's abilities will come in handy there."

Pointing to the map with his pointer, he zoomed in yet again to triangulate the location.

"On the outskirts of the city around the Newton area, there has been a small shower of meteors, which we suspect to hold asterite. Your job will be to secure most of the perimeter around the said area, over on the east side. 3 other Terra teams will be working in different areas, namely the north, south, west. If needed, you will be able to contact them with your comms."

Turning the map projector off, he turned around and looked at his team. Personal feelings aside, they were indeed the last hope of humanity.

"Well then, here is what we could provide."

Clapping his hands, four soldiers walked in with a number of earpieces.

"Each of you will receive one of these earpiece-mic devices for comms. These work as your main communication system, and you will be able to contact mission command with them as well, despite their small wiring."

Throwing one to each of the Terra, he then moved back.

"Apart from your comms, the Science team will provide you with some additional tools after the briefing is done and you move downwards to the Teleporter. Well then. Any questions?"

[Elyrin]

Morgan Lacroix
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Briefing Room 4

​Tap, tap, tap, tap...

That was probably annoying someone, but I never could just sit still with nothing to do. Every minute spent sitting down was a minute wasted, and every minute wasted just meant more catching up to do later. Whatever happened to military speed and efficiency, anyway? Was it that hard for the officer in charge to be ready for the briefing?

Finally, the man in question decided to make his appearance. Probably not even late, but I still have to keep myself from sighing. I swear, I get more and more hyperactive with every passing day, no matter how hard I work myself the day before. Maybe it's the mutation, maybe it's just how I tick. Who knows?

If the officer has any opinion of our disorganized little squad, he doesn't show it. Maybe a hint of worry when he looks over me, but I could be imagining things. People have been really nervous around me recently, and mild panic has almost become normal. Not sure quite why, really. I'm a Terra, sure, and we pretty much all get weird looks in public, but it always seems worse with me. My abilities get pretty scary, but basically no one even know what they do, never mind what the effects actually look like. Maybe some grunt got wind of it, or a doctor blabbed to family or friends somewhere. No one can ever keep a damn secret.

Well, that's probably enough speculation, now that the briefing is about to start. It could be something else entirely, and it'd be pretty bad to sit here jumping to conclusions when I'm supposed to be listening to the Lieutenant. We're the newbie squad here, but there's always the chance they give us something big. We are Terra, after all, and they need to know what we're capable of.



Just... a bunch of dogs, huh? Dogs and giant bugs? Well, it had been five years since the evacuation, and there were some freaky monsters back then. Hopefully things will be more interesting in reality than they sound like on paper. Maybe there's even something else no one has seen yet, that could be interesting. Well, if the LT was asking for questions...

"Yeah, here." Pretty sure he'd know who was asking, but my hand went up anyway. Courtesy, I guess. "Just how dangerous are the herbivores? Should we be dealing with them, just to be safe, or are we good to ignore them for the most part?"

You could never be ready for anything, but it was best to get as much relevant information as possible. Having a casualty due to sudden violent rabbit attack would not do good things for the squad's reputation.

[Kuroyuki]

Alice McMillian
Defender
October 15th, 005 AE
Briefing Room 4

When the Lieutenant suddenly arrived in the room, I nearly dropped the katana I was cleaning. Au... I meant to place this away before he arrived here but I accidentally forgot to check on the time. After a quick panic jump and mid-air grab, I quickly sheathed it before he started talking. Normally I wouldn't start cleaning Kusanagi when I was meeting someone, but I wouldn't have been to sit perfectly still for fifteen minutes. It would have killed me to stay still, and cleaning Kusanagi is certainly a better alternative than looking around the briefing room like a curious schoolgirl after all.

After the Lieutenant got into the room properly, he did a quick scan of my fellow Terra. He passed over everyone quickly but he stopped briefly on the other girl in the room. I wonder why he stopped on her specifically? Maybe he thinks she's cute? I quit thinking about why he briefly glanced at her after I noticed the Lieutenant make himself comfortable in the room. He then started the briefing.

"Hrm. So you're all here. OK then, lets get on with the briefing. Before we do though, please keep in mind we're working on a tight schedule and on a tight budget, so I won't be able to provide you with all the information or equipment you might need. However, the success of your missions will bring us up in terms of capabilities, so I wish you good luck."

Huh, I thought the remaining military would've given us a proper military briefing. It seems they're a lot more informal than they are depicted in fiction. As I was musing over this small tidbit of information, the Lieutenant flipped his notepad and said.

"Before all the briefings though, I shall announce a few positional assignments. Ms. McMillian, the higher-ups have assigned you as squad leader. Ms. Lacroix, you have been assigned as 2nd in command. That is all."

Positional assignments?!? They're not going to assign a more senior Terra to order us for the time being? I mean I have led some of my old shelter's missions, but I don't personally think I'm good at leading. Even if I doubt my leadership ability, I will do my best! The fate of everyone on Earth and in the Defender rests on how well we do our missions.

The Lieutenant gives us the important details on our mission such as the location, expected enemies, potential reinforcements, and mission objectives before asking us if we had any questions. I took the earpiece and placed it on. I tried tinkering with it for a little bit but I couldn't figure anything out... I was going to continue my tinkering before I remembered that it would be faster if I just asked him how to use it.

"Exc-"

"Yeah, here."

The person who I nearly cut off was my newly promoted second in command, Lacroix? I looked over to see her raising her hand politely. Maybe I should've done that first after all it is unbecoming of me to interrupt someone else.

"Just how dangerous are the herbivores? Should we be dealing with them, just to be safe, or are we good to ignore them for the most part?"

... I was so concerned about this earpiece that I forgot about the herbivores that also lived in the region. Lacroix will probably slap me out of my tunnel vision if this trend continues. After she's done, I raise my hand and ask my own questions.

"After we secure the meteorite's location, are we to defend some specialist while he grabs them? How long would it take for a Terra team to make it to our perimeter? And umm... can you show me how to use this earpiece?"

I smile embarrassingly at my last question. Hopefully, they don't laugh at me for asking such a dumb question...

[Snax]

Morgan Lacroix
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Briefing Room 4

In accord to the two questions, the Lieutenant flipped through his dossier.

"The herbivores haven't changed much in genetics apart from their size and shape. For example, cows these days are at least as twice as big as they used to be, and have become quite more aggressive than they used to be in the past. However, it's been noted that they continue to be quite friendly to humans apart from those who try to hurt them. Some specialists have tried milking them - although we do not think anyone will be drinking that anytime soon - with success."

Flipping through the dossier, he then points out a single note.

"It is noted though that the mutated rabbits pack quite a wallop though, so be careful. Some seem to be the size of a large human male and with kicks that match their size. Mutated horses, on the other hand, seem to have grown more legs instead of gaining in size, but are still friendly."

Putting aside the dossier for a bit, he picked up another file.

"Basically, you are not to agitate the herbivores if possible, but the omnivores or carnivores spell trouble so get rid of any in sight. The science team has been working on a eyeglass that allows you to check out the species you have contact with, but it's not done yet. For now you'll have to rely on a tablet which the Developers will provide once you get down to the Teleporter, which is linked to the database of known mutated species."

He then turned to the McMillian.

"No, as long as you clear out the territory we can send out recon teams that will take care of the meteorites, so no worrying about any specialists. For your second question, each team will be working its way around the area and there is little chance of you meeting unless one team is in a serious situation. You may, however, arrive at an area the other teams have already pacified, which is per the operation plan."

Lastly, he takes up a spare microphone.

"Easily. Let me show you.

He slips the looped part of the earpiece behind is left ear.

"The mic automatically pics up voice from its closest source, so no worrying. It also works on renewable electricity with almost no risk of running out."

He then taps a blue button on the side of the earpiece, which activated the piece of machinery. He speaks a few phrases while you listen into your own.

"Well then, it seems that's it for our briefing time. Good luck. Private Hanson, show them down to the Teleporter."

A nervous looking man with red hair and glasses, who looks about the age of 21 salutes his officer, who salutes back and leaves the room.

"Uh...ok then, if you would follow me please."

----------------

You move down to the flights of elevators down to where the teleporter is located. It's a rather simple place, with science teams moving around busily while sending in the other Terra teams.

"Team 4, here!!"

A lazy looking scientist calls over to the group. The private hurriedly rushes towards the platform with the team following him.

"Ok, here are 5 small containers and 5 small packs. You can contain about 5 kg of asterite in these containers. One each."

He lazily throws the containers at your group, and you all catch one each, strapping them to your backs. You also pick up a pack each. The private, on the sidelines, comments that there are around 5 days worth of food and water in the packs. It seems additional food, however, will have to be scavenged or found on Earth, such as hunting the herbivores/beasts or such...

"And here are some extra pieces of equipment. Here - "

The scientist puts a box on a side table and opens it.

"Five flash grenades, two smoke grenades, two tents, 5 sleeping bags, and lastly a large machete made out of 30% asterite and 70% steel."

[Soldat der Trauer]

Forest Summer
Defender
005 AE, October 15^th
Teleporter


Back in the day, namely in that vague distant time when your body wasn't quite so much of an enemy, you tried to find solace in the daily grind that was normal civilian life with a simple philosophy. 'Learn something everyday'. Didn't even need to be anything new, necessarily. Devil's in the details.


Today's lesson: you could only go one hour and 47 minutes over your limit when it came to skipping the usual dose of medication. Seriously, was the “added alertness” of starting the day cold turkey really worth the fucking gut rumbling? It's like someone turned on a damn drying machine in there.


And don't even think about the headache. FUCK that.


You'd had enough trouble keeping what passed for chow around these parts down during the briefing, and that'd OF COURSE cost you the chance to ask about the state of the remaining infrastructure. A sort of left-field query, maybe, but you'd heard enough case stories to at least consider squatters a possibility. That wouldn't go over well.


The literally gut-wrenching trudge to the teleporters had been the final straw. You palmed your damned meds and swallowed dry, silently ignoring the involuntary gag reflex at trying to take so many at once. And yes, you've still got your hoodie up; the others might have already pegged you for an edgy sunbitch, but screw them. As soon as capsule relief hits your bloodstream, you ain't gonna care, anyway, so why start now?


You're more than used to the looks that come with your...condition. Heh. A regular Frankenstein's Monster.


Like your brother.


Whatever. Your body's on autopilot, your brain a mean old ghost in a machine of skin and bones. Like all these other meatbags, and the ones down on dear ol' Earth so blue. You have got to try finding a Sleipnir down there, at least once--


Focus, dammit. See, this is why you don't like the meds, they turn you into a loopy motherfucker. Can't even think straight. Or sensibly, at least.


Think. Okay. Breathe. C'mon, man. BREATHE, and sit on the damn attitude.


Kit. Kit kitkitkit. You only need a few things. Your strength isn't physical, and you ain't gonna be very, ahh, active when it's time to move out. Maybe a flasher or two, and the sleeping roll. That's it.


Scarcity. Everyone these days knows a thing or two about making do.


“If it's all the same—” Damn, you sound scratchy. Like chalk or something. Clear your throat, loser. Yeah, like that helps.


“I'm likely gonna need the least on me. Maybe two grenades. And I ain't pack mule material, sorry.”


Hopefully one of these spacers won't ask you to explain yourself, because that's gonna mean the hood and patches gotta come off, and really, an object lesson this early? Fucking really? No. No nonono, no thanks.

[Kuroyuki]

Alice McMillian
Defender
October 15th, 005 AE
Teleporter Room

Before we left the briefing room, the Lieutenant explained why we could leave the herbivores alone. Cows and horses are friendly unless provoked. One noted herbivore to avoid is the rabbit which apparently packs a mean punch. Omnivores and carnivores are to be killed on sight. To help distinguish between the mutated animals, we'll be receiving tablets linked to a database.

My chief worry of having to guard a specialist was thankfully not happening. I don't know if I can guard them properly in a hostile environment for prolonged periods of time. I probably would've aborted the mission if it came down to it especially since reinforcements seem to be unlikely. We can always reattempt a mission but we can't replace a person.

Also to my embarrassment, the ear piece was easy to use. All I had to do press the button and speak into it... My embarrassment was short-lived thanks to red-haired soldier telling the Lieutenant that our briefing was over.

------

When I arrived to the Teleporter room, I saw scientists running all over. Their tasks varied widely as some of them were running the teleporter and others were just bringing the Terra their equipment.

"Team 4, here!!"

The second we enter, a scientist called us over to him. The private practically jogs over while I walk energetically to keep up. The scientist briefly looks us over and hands us a container to hold asterium, backpacks, and some optional gear. I rummage through my pack to discover that it already comes with some rations. The private then offhandedly says that we have about five days worth currently stored.

After a quick inspection of my pack, I take a look at the optional gear. Five flash grenades, two smoke grenades, two tents, 5 sleeping bags, and an Asterlite machete. I was going to pick up a tent, flashbang, smoke and my bedroll but someone made a vaguely swallowing gesture. I looked at him and took detail of him. From the way he was swallowing, it was probably medicine. He wore his hood up and seemed to have several patches on his body. After he was finished swallowing, he picked up a bedroll and two flashbangs.

“If it's all the same—”

The voice, he used was what I would describe as chalky or rough. Kind of like a person who hasn't drank any kind of liquid recently.

“I'm likely gonna need the least on me. Maybe two grenades. And I ain't pack mule material, sorry.”

From his response, I can guess he's the other kind of Terra. A R-Terra. Whereas, other P-Terras and I became faster and stronger while receiving some ESP power. R-Terras became smarter and their ESP power... It's typically awe-inspiring.

I finally went to the table and picked up a tent, one flashbang, one smoke, and my bedroll.

"It's fine. I think I could carry this whole table if worst came worst. However, I think we should divide up the remaining items evenly though. However, be careful to not over-encumber yourself okay?"

[Elyrin]

Morgan Lacroix
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Briefing Room 4

Horses are fine, cows are probably fine, rabbits are not to be fucked with. Glad I asked. No need to worry about protecting the cleanup crew, either, just clear the area right the first time. More good news. No more questions from anyone else, though. Guess it's a quiet bunch? Quiet's fine, I guess, as long as it's not part of a serious problem. We don't need a dysfunctional squad from day one.


Teleporter Room

Damn elevators. For whatever reason, they're always slower than just taking the stairs, and there's almost always that lurch when you start and stop, but everyone insists on taking them anyway. They're good for saving space on the Defender instead of having stairs everywhere, sure. But one of the guys is pretty wheezy after walking down a couple of hallways. Sick, I hope, and not out of shape, but is it really that easy for a Terra to get sick? Hell, I don't even know. Maybe it's something chronic.

Well, I can bug him about it later. For now, equipment. Bags and food for everyone, a few grenades, tents and sleeping bags, and one very nice-looking machete. Pretty minimal, but I guess only the best small arms are worth a damn against the real mutants. Too bad I never did get my hunting rifle fixed. That was an effective weapon if there ever was one, and definitely not something I'd want to keep hanging on my wall for years to come.

If it's all the same— I'm likely gonna need the least on me. Maybe two grenades. And I ain't pack mule material, sorry.

Well, he doesn't sound any better than he did along the way. Only two grenades, though? That doesn't sound right.

"That's... a pretty light load for a normal person, never mind a Terra. You don't sound like someone ready for this mission, either." I turn to look over at the source of the voice, but he's got a hood pulled up. Can't see a thing. "If you're injured or sick in some way that could affect our mission, now is the time to say, while we're still somewhere safe. If something serious is holding you back, the rest of us need to know how to compensate."

I mean, I could carry his load no problem if it comes to that, but a Terra barely able to carry supplies this light? Even if he's R-type, he can't just be thin or out of shape. And he does have a beat-up sort of feel around him, now that I'm paying attention. And now that I'm thinking about it, what about everyone else? I don't think anyone here has details on anyone else's powers or other skills.

"The same goes for everyone else, now that we're on the topic. We should have gone over this on the way here, but we probably all had other things on our minds. Ability specifics, fighting style, other details, anything that we'll need to know in the field, even if you think we'd already know. McMillian and I will have to know what we can expect."

Maybe I was getting a little ahead of myself here, but no one else said anything. Even if McMillian's the boss and not me, I can't just let something this important slip by.

[Soldat der Trauer]

Forest Summer
Defender
005 AE, October 15^th
Teleporter

You stand and think for a minute, absently nodding to the McMillian girl for her concern. Well, less than a minute, but who's count-- Shut up. Okay. So, you still don't want to share certain tidbits of what's your problem. Fine. But being HERE, right now, means that you'd already come to terms that you'd have to expose some details. Lacroix's made her point.

It's fine. Totally fine.

"Hrrrn. The mule comment had to do with the side-effects of my ability; I'm simply not gonna be active enough to really need more gear when someone else could make better use of it all. Especially when there's just this much to divvy up." 'And yet still no fucking rebreather,' you can't help but hiss; if the eggheads hear, FINE, you've fucking followed procedure and put in the request before. But nooooooooooo. "But fair enough. And I don't think the brass upped my classified materials rating lately...?"

Yeah, pause and check if any of the eggheads or personnel have a word to the contrary. Just in case. Yours isn't the only patience that can be tested so long.

"No one? Okay. Artillery support. Sniper and counter-sniper. Area dominance and scorched earth tactics. My ability is purely anti-material; there's not much even aboard here that can hold out, so it's among the hardest hitters on record. The bad news is that I'm effectively a...a cripple in the meantime." Heh, yeah, what an understatement.

"Unless someone's gonna put me in a sling or stretcher, I've got to be holed up somewhere. Reconnaissance is doable. At offense, hit-n-run razing is preferable; I don't like being...like that."

Yuuuuuuuup. Brain death - all day, everyday. SHUT UP.

"Since I missed the chance earlier: if we can, we should try for a fire station. They ought to have blueprints for the surrounding buildings and infrastructure. I can work with those if we need to tunnel through the area without being exposed topside."

Then again, not everyone's able to deal with mucking about in filth. But you... *shrug* What's left to get sick over, when you're already well acquainted with rot?

"Just an idea."

[Zagrin]

Ren Yoshida
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Teleporter Room

Haaah, it looks like I got put in a group with a bunch of...well weird people. I mean I know that people that have become Terras aren't exactly normal, but I thought that was just referring to their abilities, but it looks like I was wrong. I mean there was a guy entirely covered up, hood and everything and the feeling he gave off wasn't exactly normal, he was kind of creepy actually and then there was our second of command, I dunno why but for some reason I felt kind of scared when I looked at her? Honestly the only one that seemed to be normal, well as normal as a Terra gets was our squad leader, although she did come off as kind of meek so maybe that was her thing in being different from the rest.

Also there was one more guy! I almost forgot about him! It didn't help the way he seemed to be keeping to himself the entire time up till now, as though he didn't have any interest in dealing with us, hah man, it's a team effort, you can't be acting like that!

Well whatever the case was with them, we were now comrades! Down on Earth I'd have to watch their back and them mine if we were to get through whatever was waiting for us down there!

The scientists explaining their thing really wasn't for me and soon I began reminiscing about how I got here, after all it was only a couple days since I was told that I'd be shipping off to Earth. Honestly I didn't expect that they would actually send me down this soon, but then I suppose I had worked hard since they initially tested me and my power. Well not like it mattered, now I'd be able to play my part in taking back Earth for humanity and more importantly...

"The same goes for everyone else, now that we're on the topic. We should have gone over this on the way here, but we probably all had other things on our minds. Ability specifics, fighting style, other details, anything that we'll need to know in the field, even if you think we'd already know. McMillian and I will have to know what we can expect."

The second in command's words snap me out of my mind, although their really wasn't much to explain on what I could do.

"Ah right! I'm Ren Yoshida, it's a pleasure to meet you all! I'm well...really good at punching things I suppose? Oh and I can take a punch too! Uhh my Terra ability helps me do those two things better than I normally can and I guess that's about it? Also I could carry most of that stuff if you want, it shouldn't be a problem compared to what I'm used to!"

I give that explanation while rubbing the back of my neck, perhaps it wasn't as impressive as what creepy guy said, but that was mostly what I was good at! Honest!

[Dranes]

Leon Brand
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Teleporter Room

What a pain.

First thing that happens after I 'graduate': they sign me up with a bunch of jackasses.

With a shake of my head, I took another look at the people that I was supposed to be 'teammates' with. None of them looked too impressive, though the guy with the hood stood out as being the weirdest and considering we were all Terra I guess that was saying something. Hopefully they'd be able to watch their own backs at least, being dragged down wasn't exactly something I wanted to have to deal with. As I continued keeping to myself, the second-in-command began asking the usual questions, what was our abilities, how we fight, that sort of stuff.

Well, not like there was anything too special on my end to it.

"I burn stuff and I work best alone. Nothing much else to it."

With that I look to the gear itself. An assortment of weapons and two tents, considering how I was I wouldn't be needing the grenades that's for sure.

"Ah right! I'm Ren Yoshida, it's a pleasure to meet you all! I'm well...really good at punching things I suppose? Oh and I can take a punch too! Uhh my Terra ability helps me do those two things better than I normally can and I guess that's about it? Also I could carry most of that stuff if you want, it shouldn't be a problem compared to what I'm used to!"

"You have fun with that."

If he wanted to be the pack mule, by all means. In any case, did they really have to waste time with this talk. After all if they were going to get themselves killed in the first few minutes that we're down there, there wasn't much point in knowing their names to begin with.

"We ready to get moving then?"

Wise up!

Name: Leon Brand

Statistics:

STR: ?
CON: ?
AGI: ?
DEX: ?
INT: ?
RES: ?

ESP

Eternal Flame
It has something to do with fire.

[Snax]

Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Teleporter Room

The scientist checks his watch as you pick up your items. As Yoshida picked up everything left, the private ushers you all above the teleporter device platform.

"Ok, time to go. Good luck, don't die. Also, if you find any mutated chicken, be sure to catch them because their meat is a good source of protein in this era of food shortage."

With a cheery wave, he goes to the control pad and starts working on the coordinates.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4 - Team 4 dropsite

As you are beamed down, you find yourself in an area near a former train station, covered by shrubbery and overgrown plants. A jumble of trains and iron poles litter the background while you get your bearings, fighting the nauseating aftereffects of molecular transportation. More efficient than taking space shuttles for every single move, but still nauseating.

"Bzzt...Team 4, Squad Leader. This is Master Sergeant Lieu from Mission Command. I will be your support from up here, so moving on to business."

There are sounds of clicking and computer usage.

"Mhm. First, that area is a safe zone that was secured before, so no worries for right now. There are two danger zones you have to clear out nearby though, so they will be your first priorities. You are currently at what was formerly Auburndale station. To your southeast are the ruins of Lasell College, and to your northwest is the Charles River and Auburndale Park. Now you guys need to move northeast...basically, the two danger zones are Auburndale Park and the Former Dolan Pond - now Dolan Lake - area."

As you listen in, the earpiece beeps, projecting a small map midair. It shows your current location as well as distance to next location.

"The asterite meteors fell around the Park, so you'd have to go there first. Good luck, and keep the line on."

With that, you begin your mission.

[Kuroyuki]

Alice McMillian
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Teleporter Room

"If you're injured or sick in some way that could affect our mission, now is the time to say, while we're still somewhere safe. If something serious is holding you back, the rest of us need to know how to compensate."

Ms. Leroux might as well be the team leader because all I've done so far is ask dumb questions and not lead the team at all. I assumed that everyone was at least fit to do the mission. As far as I know, Terra are super rare. One out of one hundred people if I recall correctly. So the military should send teams only on missions they know we can handle.

"The same goes for everyone else, now that we're on the topic. We should have gone over this on the way here, but we probably all had other things on our minds. Ability specifics, fighting style, other details, anything that we'll need to know in the field, even if you think we'd already know. McMillian and I will have to know what we can expect."

Well I was planning on asking everyone to use their powers briefly on the ground to find out the power, utility, and their limits, but I guess I can get a rough estimation of their abilities this way too. First up to describe their powers is the shady hooded guy.

"No one? Okay. Artillery support. Sniper and counter-sniper. Area dominance and scorched earth tactics. My ability is purely anti-material; there's not much even aboard here that can hold out, so it's among the hardest hitters on record. The bad news is that I'm effectively a...a cripple in the meantime."

An anti-material power huh. He didn't give any specifics on how he can use his power though. However, I need to know what we can handle so I can properly "order" this squad. I dislike prying but I would rather worry about insulting their feelings then deal with them getting injured.

"How fast can you fire your power? How many can you fire at the same time? Does it take time to get through harder substances such as steel, concrete, or even Asterlite?”

The next person to speak was the complete opposite of the first. Healthy, open, and excited.

"Ah right! I'm Ren Yoshida, it's a pleasure to meet you all! I'm well...really good at punching things I suppose? Oh and I can take a punch too! Uhh my Terra ability helps me do those two things better than I normally can and I guess that's about it? Also I could carry most of that stuff if you want, it shouldn't be a problem compared to what I'm used to!"

Judging by his ability and his assessment of his physical abilities, he’s a P-Terra too. I would ask about his ability more but it seems to be a simple physical boost like mine.

The third speaker was our last member. He was silently standing there with a frown. You could clearly tell he didn’t like Lacroix’s question.

"I burn stuff and I work best alone. Nothing much else to it."

Someone used to independent action… Both a blessing and a curse. I can probably rely on him to scout perfectly fine. Downside, he doesn’t seem to care to be the type to hold his attack back if an ally got in his way.

I was going to reveal my ability as well but after Yoshida picked up everything else. The private then motioned for us to get onto the teleporter. Before leaving the scientist said we should attempt to catch a mutated chicken.

----

Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4 - Team 4 dropsite

Soon after we get beamed down, I hear the earpiece activate and a voice started to speak to me.

"Bzzt...Team 4, Squad Leader. This is Master Sergeant Lieu from Mission Command. I will be your support from up here, so moving on to business."

“This is Team 4. I hear you loud and clear Command.”

"Mhm. First, that area is a safe zone that was secured before, so no worries for right now. There are two danger zones you have to clear out nearby though, so they will be your first priorities. You are currently at what was formerly Auburndale station. To your southeast are the ruins of Lasell College, and to your northwest is the Charles River and Auburndale Park. Now you guys need to move northeast...basically, the two danger zones are Auburndale Park and the Former Dolan Pond - now Dolan Lake - area."

After he said which areas we needed to clear, my earpiece started to glow until it formed a map of Boston. It showed our current location then the Asterium meteorites location which is…

"The asterite meteors fell around the Park, so you'd have to go there first. Good luck, and keep the line on."

“Roger Command. Team 4 will head to Auburndale Park then to Dolan Lake.”

I turn to the rest of my team and look them over. I start to tap my foot before I started to speak to them.

“Before we start the mission, there’s one thing I want everyone to do. I want you to introduce yourself. I’m sure all of you didn’t expected my first order to be for you to introduce yourself, but there’s a reason why I want you to. Because we’ll be fighting with each other. We need to trust each other to watch each other’s backs. The best way to start So I’ll start. My name is Alice McMillian. My ability is to simply boost your physical abilities. Hopefully, we’ll get along.”

I listened to everyone’s self-introduction and tried to remember their names. My second-in-command is Morgan Lacroix. Hooded guy is Forest Summer. Ren Yoshida already introduced yourself. The loner is Leon Brand. Now that I have everyone’s names and ability, I can create a rough battle formation.

“Brand can you scout about fifty meters in front of the group until we reach the park? Do not engage anything until we catch up or it’s unavoidable. Summer, could you be our rearguard? I want you to prioritize long range threats over giving us support. Everyone else spread out and keep your eyes open for any potential ambushes. So any questions?”

[Elyrin]

Morgan Lacroix
Defender
005 AE, October 15th
Teleporter Room

Well, Summer technically answered my questions, I guess. But he didn't actually tell me anything I wanted to know. Probably intentional, which couldn't be a good sign. It was hard to tell if McMillian would be ready to lead, and rounding out the team was a dark-haired ditz and a white-haired loner. Guess all the better disciplined Terra are already in service. Well, whatever we lack will just have to be smoothed over with good performance elsewhere. Seems like we have a pure power team going, besides me, but McMillian hasn't spilled yet, so...

...wait, really? Are we that late, or is the schedule that tight around here? One minute to spare would have been more than enough, but we get interrupted anyway. Well, fine. It's not like the trip down takes any real amount of time. McMillian and I can go over our stuff in a few minutes.


Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone


Okay, fine, I take it back. No more complaining about elevators as long as that transporter exists. I mean, it's a teleporter, and it's pretty amazing that it even exists in the first place, but those first few seconds after landing suck.

Well, our mission is about to start, so that's probably enough whining for the day. First up, orders from Command. After that, might have to bug McMillian about her powers. Then, start praying everyone works together without too many problems. Friendly negotiation is not one of my strong points.

Before we start the mission, there’s one thing I want everyone to do...

Oh, that works. Thank you, McMillian.

"Morgan Lacroix, hunter and martial artist. I can handle any range, but my good rifle is out of commission, so I'm stuck with melee for the time being. As for my power..." Dropping my pack and jacket carefully to the ground, I set about unraveling the cloth bandages around my right arm. They'd be clean with a hot water rinse, in case someone could need them. "...this rotten old thing."

Well, okay, not rotten. But it looked pretty bad, lacking flesh pretty much entirely and dried out to the point of mummification. I have good reasons for keeping that arm covered up. "I eat things, basically, and use them as weapons and armor. Organics stick, at least for a while, inorganics itch like crazy and start to burn after a few minutes."

[Snax]

Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4

As you discuss your powers and options, you move forward to the first operation area. Brand takes the front, scouting along as he walks. For about 30 minutes, nothing important happens apart from the occasional mutated butterfly, which was humongous but otherwise harmless, or the mutated horses, which now seemed to have six to ten legs apiece rather than 4, which just looked at your team once and then trotted away.

As your team drew near to the Park, however, the number of mutated plants and animals multiplied. As you reached the entrance, you spied several red flowers dropping around what were originally the gates of the park, overhanging the entrances. They looked like roses, but they were opening and closing their flower buds ever so slowly. You spied several trails of blood underneath the flowers, but you couldn't tell why.

[Come in, Team 4. Those flowers are a new strain bred between roses and carnivorous plants. They have no real name, but the forces dub them the 'Maneaters'. Approach with caution. Walking underneath them seems to cause them to move..also, burning them accomplishes nothing. They grow back too fast for that. Cutting or breaking them doesn't accomplish much either, the regeneration is too fast and breaking the plant into pieces merely spreads the strain.]

As the man in your earpiece goes on about the plant, you take a look around. The plant seems to be growing all over the steel fence and gates, but for some reason it is not connected to the soil at all. In fact, the roots seem to be stuck within the steel. Another good look reveals that the plants seem to have some kind of teeth within their buds....

While you study the plant from afar, a large mutated deer about the size of a truck walks through the gates - or attempts to. The roses open wide and swoop upon the unsuspecting critter, ripping it apart but not missing a single piece of flesh. In the span of 30 seconds, the rose finishes its snack. No meat or bones are left - all that is left is a trace of blood.

How will you get through this? This is the only open entrance that was accessible to the team, after all...

[Kuroyuki]

Alice McMillian
Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE

Thankfully, no sudden surprise attacks occurred when we walking to the park. We came across a few mutated butterflies and horses, but thankfully they simply moved away as we got closer. When we arrived at the park, we were greeted with a large amount of plants coating the former Auburndale Park's gate and steel fence. I thought about going closer and smelling the roses until I noticed something odd about the ground beneath them. That beneath each rose was blood. Some of the blood was extremely dry while other spots were more fresh. Obviously something was off about this entrance.

[Come in, Team 4. Those flowers are a new strain bred between roses and carnivorous plants. They have no real name, but the forces dub them the 'Maneaters'. Approach with caution. Walking underneath them seems to cause them to move..also, burning them accomplishes nothing. They grow back too fast for that. Cutting or breaking them doesn't accomplish much either, the regeneration is too fast and breaking the plant into pieces merely spreads the strain.]

"Roger Command. We'll proceed with caution."

Brand's power would be useless against these plants. I don't want Leroux and Yoshida to get close to those things. Kusanagi may be special but it seems that cutting attacks are useless against them. That leaves Summer's anti-material ability.

"Summer, do you think you can fully erase the Maneater plants surrounding the park's entrance? Also if any of you have an idea, go ahead and say it."

[Zagrin]

Ren Yoshida
Former Boston Area, Newton-Aurburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE

Haaah the first obstacle in our very first mission is a carnivorous rose bush. Sure it looks dangerous, but it feels kind of disappointing considering about all the dangerous creatures that I've heard about roaming around on Earth. Also I think command may have made a slight mistake when naming this thing...or well what it's a combination of, what it did just now reminds me more of a piranha rather than any carnivorous plant I've heard of. Yeah, calling those things piranha plants would be far more appropriate than maneaters!

Still this thing is in the way and we kinda gotta get around it one way or another...well I doubt there's anyway way to get around and going through looked like suicide. Maybe...we could go up and over? Well not sure about my teammates, but I could probably do it no problem.

"Hmm Alice, right? I think we could just jump over this thing? At least I think most Terra that specialize in physical combat should be capable of practically flying over that fence, landing someplace probably a good ways away from that fence and the plants connected to it."

Course there's the chance something else even bigger and badder was waiting on the other side, but what was life without a little risk, right? Right?

[Elyrin]

Morgan Lacroix
Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE

So, the first obstacle in our path is a bunch of hungry flowers, huh? And they could shrug off most types of damage, to boot. Too bad. Would be interesting to see what I could do with those, but staying alive and conscious is kind of a priority..

Summer, do you think you can fully erase the Maneater plants surrounding the park's entrance? Also if any of you have an idea, go ahead and say it.

Well, it's not like going through is an option. I'm useless, Yoshida and McMillian are useless, Brand is useless. Maybe whatever Summer could do would carve us a path, but he wasn't really eager to share earlier and doesn't seem to have changed. Or, even worse, Maybe it would work at first, but the vines would regenerate as we walk through the gate. That wouldn't be pretty. So, what all was left? Through and around aren't going to work, so the next logical step is going over. Can everyone here clear that fence? Knowing how far above and past the vines was 'clear' might be helpful, but there doesn't seem to be any safe way to figure that out. Maybe Summer would be willing to volunteer as the first one over, hmm...

...and before I'm even done thinking, Yoshida brings up pretty much the same plan. Dammit, I need to work on this talking with the squad thing. Will have to leave out the more dangerous bits, though.

"Jumping is probably the easiest choice we have, rather than wasting time and energy blasting that might not even work out. Question is, can everyone both clear the fence and land a good distance past the vines? If not, we might have to start throwing people over."

[Soldat der Trauer]

Forest Summer
Former Boston Area, Newton-Aurburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE


You mull over the leader's request, even as another member speaks up. You likely could eliminate the Maneaters, regardless of their odd choice of base. Buuuuuut to be honest...

"...Up and over is probably the simplest way to go, then. There'd be too much risk of collateral, and there's no telling what might be attracted to the area afterwords. Although--"

Annnnd of course you must turn to Lacroix. Typical, heh. I know what you're thinking~

"Ms. Lacroix: how much do you need to consume for an armor enhancement?"

[Kuroyuki]

Alice McMillian
Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE

While I was waiting for Summer to use his ability. Yoshida came up with an idea with Lacroix and Summer supporting it.

"Hmm Alice, right? I think we could just jump over this thing? At least I think most Terra that specialize in physical combat should be capable of practically flying over that fence, landing someplace probably a good ways away from that fence and the plants connected to it."

"Jumping is probably the easiest choice we have, rather than wasting time and energy blasting that might not even work out. Question is, can everyone both clear the fence and land a good distance past the vines? If not, we might have to start throwing people over."

"...Up and over is probably the simplest way to go, then. There'd be too much risk of collateral, and there's no telling what might be attracted to the area afterwords. Although--"

I asked for their opinions and they answered. I'm a little wary of the idea of jumping or tossing anyone over the fence but it seems viable. Okay we'll follow through with this plan. Hopefully we don't attract the attention of something because we're jumping right in.

"Okay we'll be jumping in. Ren, I want you to toss Brand over. Morgan, I want you to toss Summer. We'll jump in after them. The plan is for the two R-Tera to use their abilities to clear the landing zone of any hazards. Do any of you have questions about the new plan?"

[Dranes]

Leon Brand
Former Boston Area, Newton-Auburndale Zone
OZ 4
October 15th, 005 AE

We're being held up by a plant, a plant that apparently couldn't be burnt because it's regenerative properties were too fast. Somehow I get the feel I'm being underestimated by Command when it comes to this but regardless of that these guys are still throwing ideas around. If they were so scared of the damn thing they could just go around it right? Not like we were in any apparent rush with their discussion and if it was so 'unkillable' why not right? I could only keep to myself as they kept going on and on about this damn situation.

Seriously, I need to kill some ti-

"Okay we'll be jumping in. Ren, I want you to toss Brand over. Morgan, I want you to toss Summer. We'll jump in after them. The plan is for the two R-Tera to use their abilities to clear the landing zone of any hazards. Do any of you have questions about the new plan?"

The hell kind of plan is this!?

"I can't believe this..."

I won't be humiliated like this.

"Get out of my way!"

Pushing in front of the rest of them, the temperature around me begins to rise. Partially from just how dumb their grand plan seemed to be and partially because I was tired of sitting around. Flames begin coursing around my right hand, dancing and flickering as I raise it up and clearing pointing my open palm at the damn thing that's been giving us so much trouble and that was about to get me tossed by one of these jackasses. Taking a look at my target again, it really was just another damn weed.

"Lets see how quick that regeneration really is."

With those words I released a stream of flame at the overgrown vegetation. This was my ability: Eternal Flame, it was not flashy nor was it unique in some way, it was the simple control and generation of fire but I'd be damned if it wasn't destructive. This was nothing compared to what I did years back...but still, this would be enough to take this thing down, if it would grow back then I'd just have to burn it to its roots and turn it all to ash.

Leon/ESP

Name: Leon Brand
Age: 21
Type: R-Terra

HP: ??
MP: 445/450

STR: ??
CON: ??
AGI: ??
DEX: C+
INT: A
RES: ??

Eternal Flame
The ability granted to Leon by the bacteria is by no means extraordinary in terms of appearance, quite the opposite in fact. Leon can manifest flames, controlling them freely in turn and the appearance of the flames coming from anywhere off his body. The flames themselves can be used as defense or to increase his attack strength, having both the characteristics of fire and if willed: to be solid. He is of course immune to his own fire.

3. Can shoot fire for 5 mana per shot.