Episode 1 - Operation Netherstorm: Voice Acting by Patrick Stewart

Mission Briefing - Operation Netherstorm
Director Odin

"Greetings operatives. As I'm sure you're all aware, our operation is a delicate one. So when a bunch of monsters show up and start terrorizing some middle of nowhere old folks town, you can bet your right hand we're gonna go help them, and we're sending our A-team for it too!

Well, by A-team I mean B-team. A dimensional rift has opened in the town of New York, Oklahoma. Why there's a New York in Oklahoma is beside the point - the REAL point is that creatures have spewed out and we have reports that a fair amount of the population may already be dead. It's gonna be a hell of a cover story but hey, I'm not paying you to think about that. Your job is to get in, find out how to close the rift, and get out. Simple really.

We've got the United States military enforcing a quarantine zone around the town and I haven't bothered telling them why. Time is of the essence here gentlemen. In the packet in front of you, you will find a map of the area as well as a list of available equipment should you choose to requisition it. I need not remind you that we have a budget though gentlemen. Tread carefully.

Taco and Hugh, you are both going to act as fire team leaders on this team. Ghost is assigned to you Taco-san, while Roach will follow Hugh. They'll be your battle buddies throughout this mission. I'd still highly recommend sticking together, but there you go.

Oh, and good luck."

The map shows a fairly generic image of a rural town in Oklahoma. It features a small sports stadium, rather large Church building in the middle, and a small business park. Residential neighborhoods litter the town, but the houses get sparser the farther you get from the center of town. The drop zone is Southwest of the church, in a small neighborhood near the outskirts of town. A wide red line depicts the quarantine line, far enough that whatever is happening can't be seen by your average G.I. Joe.

The equipment list is as follows:

- Burn Gel (2 maximum) - can be used to treat up to medium burns
- Military Rations (up to three beyond the standard SPERTS issue)
- 9mm Baretta pistol, should you choose to use it (along with two extra clips)

There is also a picture of a lolcat in the packet, but you aren't sure who put it there.

--

RP begins in Herbert, SPERTS other pride and joy aircraft. Unlike Martha, Herbert doesn't feature drop pods. The cloaking generator works just fine though.

Commander Ramirez woke with a start from his nap. It was only a two hour journey to their destination and he remembered suddenly that he needed to give these people some info.

Switching on the loudspeaker, he said, "Good afternoon gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. We're about fifteen minutes out from the drop zone and closing fast. If you look out your window I'm sure you'll notice the lovely orange smoke rising from the sports stadium. A sure sign of lovely fun mission if ever I've seen one. I'll be standing by in the air if you require any assistance - not that there is any. You're going to be essentially on your own, and we're trusting you to get in and get this rift closed before anything else happens.

Just radio the cockpit when you're ready for a landing! Almost reminds me of the time..." The commander lapses into a lengthy story of when he supposedly lost a leg in Afghanistan. Eventually the story comes to an end, and the loudspeaker clicks off. Feel free to RP however you see fit. Note in your post when you are ready for landing.

Taku traced his fingers slowly along the white silk thread on the hilt of his katana, Hoseki. A rift in time? The armies of America unwilling to fight? He would show them the power of honor and discipline. And perhaps, if he fought well, he would earn for himself a good death.

He was ready.

Heh, guns. Clumsy and random, one's highly trained body is way better and more elegant as a weapon. Although knives could help. Checking his gear, Hui made the ready sign with his free hand.

Ramirez was dozing off, so when he noticed the sign in his cabin-view mirror from Hui, he went ahead and assumed Taku was ready anyway. He hit a few controls on Herbert and the craft came in for a swift landing in a residential neighborhood.

Ghost and Roach immediately exited the vehicle and took point on either side of the disembarkation ramp. They exchanged a glance at each other after verifying the area was clear. If one were talented in reading expressions, it probably would have said something like, "Great, now we're both stuck with a couple of nutjobs bringing fists and swords to a gun fight."

The immediate area was clear. Just a bunch of houses shrouded in the gloom of night. Something was definitely off though. Not only was the street completely deserted, but the lights were out, and nothing could be heard. Even in what was obvious a kind of downtown center, where night activity was likely, no noise could be heard. An eerie silence seemed to permeate the whole town.

Before he left the Herbert, Hui asked for as much rations as he can get. Then he stepped out and signs Roach to approach the nearest house and provide overwatch while he closes in

Taku half-drew his katana and stayed behind and to the right of Hui, eyes open for any sign of danger.

Hui and Taku approached the house while the rookies provided overwatch (Ghost just assumed that's what he was supposed to do). As the two fighters neared the porch, a scream echoed through the night from a house about 3 down from where they were currently standing. It was immediately drowned out by the sound of Ramirez taking Herbert back into the sky to provide a mobile command point.

Take drew his sword and advanced down the road. "Good," he whispered. "Finally, I have danger."

--

Ready action to draw the katana.

Signaling roach to cover the side, Hui rushed to the front door of the house

-----
Hui Move to the front door of the house

As Hui and Taku rushed down the street, trailed by their dutiful companion soldiers, a strange muffled voice could be heard as they neared the house. There was nothing earthly about the voice. It was harsh, unnatural, sounding almost as if a demon had found its way into the world.

"Where is he?!" it rasped, a metallic tone underlying the strange question. "We know you are hiding him!" A bark could be heard as well, but it also was strange. Whatever was in the house, it was nothing the operatives were familiar.

--

Nothing can be seen through the windows of the house. The voice seems to be carrying more than an ordinary voice, but you are fairly confident it is coming from somewhere in the house. If you wish to approach the door without being noticed, make a stealth check and note in your post how you wish to approach the house.

Taku approached the window nearest the door and peaked in, hoping his light armor and flashing blade wouldn't give him away just yet.

--

He has no stealth training, so he uses DX-5, or 7. Roll is 11.

Reminding Roach to provide cover once again, Hui tried to open the door and make as little sound as possible.

---
With no stealth training, Hui uses DX-5 , or 8 for his. Roll gets 9

Suddenly the voice inside stopped speaking. An eery silence could be heard, as even the dog like creature seemed to realize something was up. The party had two options: go in guns (swords) blazing, or try to find an alternate way into the building.

Taku sprinted toward the door and kicked it open, shouting: "BANZAIIII!"

Good, there's the distraction, Hui thought as he storms into the house from the front door, Roach following him.

OOC: Will need Roach's character sheet