Calonic Wars, Chapter 1-The First Steps (IC)

[Charmera]

Catherine awoke with a start, sweating, breathing in and out rapidly and in shallow breaths. She looked around, trying to find whatever might have awoken her and determine how to make it pay for doing so. Her eyes scanned the flat from her couch, finding nothing. Then the memories of her dream came flooding back. She dreamt vivid, violent dreams. Sometimes she dreamed about her missions with the Red Cross, sometimes about her previous military career... this time though, she dreamt the worst of the lot.

She dreamt about the Gharr and the hellish three years she spent with them... She always hated those dreams.

She sighed, getting dressed in her usual uniform and looking out the window, carton of milk in her hand. She noticed the transports, downed what was left of the milk and tossed the carton in the bin as she moved out. Thankfully she was on one of the lower floors, so a mere half a minute later and she was out of the building. She proceeded inside the correct APC, nodding to the others as she entered.

"Good to see you guys again." She said, moving in. "So, whats this Nanosuit thing? Another one of those "revolutionary" weapons the R&D boys keep talking about?"

Ulrica looked over at Catherine, "Nanosuits are powerful and extremely versatile sets of tactical-combat armor. The muscle fibers can be programmed for a variety of purposes like hardening, muscle augmentation or even active camouflage." She explained, "This leads to drastically enhanced combat and physical performance, allowing the operator to execute superhuman feats. This is permitted through the suits' ability to adapt and absorb energy in a myriad of forms ranging from heat, solar, radiation, static, kinetic, and even carbon. These suits are the pinnacle, and most technologically advanced piece of hardware for an infantry unit." She continued, praising the nanosuit from her past combat experiences.

Catherine turned to face the Ulv. She always had a healthy respect for the squad sniper, both for her value in the squad and her timely sniper intervention sometimes saving most of their lives. "I know what Nanosuits are, it's just I've been hearing about these special "gamechanging" Nanosuits that we're going to be using, but not a lot about what they actually do." She replied. "Not that I mind getting new tech, I just rather not have it hamper combat effectiveness... like those EMP suits..."

She gave a curt nod to Aetena as she walked in. She had no real problems with the Anubite, and she was a useful member of the squad and her pragmatism was sometimes useful.

"Morning." Kaneth replied, as if not willing to admit it was a good morning. A quick thought to his Reaper "Maiden" and Eidolon flashed through his mind. He had been assured they were safe, but any mech pilot worth a damn had problems with being separated from their mech. Especially as he had heard some Calonnau were being recruited. Kaneth usually didn't mind them, but he knew the majority of them didn't even know what a computer was. One of them touching Maiden... or worse, using their powers on ei... the thought almost made the pilots fists tighten.

He looked to the newcomer, a cyborg. Another Mech pilot, as this was the APC for them after all. He had seen him a couple of times. Levy... thats his name. "So you must be our EW specialist?" Kaneth asked.

Levy looked up at the man. "Apparently, yes. It is my specialty." He extended his hand towards x-neth. "I'm Louis Sinclair, but mostly everyone calls me Levy, for some reason." Actually, he knew why that was, but this post's author hasn't come up withthe backstory was somewhat embarrassing. "You might as well do the same, Mr. ... Karric, I think? I'm afraid I can't recall your first name."

He then looked around the APC a bit: he had seen such vehicles before, in fact he knew how to pilot them, but any mode of transportation that wasn't Eddie left him uncomfortable. He nodded to the Axon and the dwarf, noting that while the former was a fascinating piece of technology, the latter reeked of alcohol to high heavens. Levy didn't mind dwarfs drinking alcohol: they required the stuff. However, there was such a thing as hygiene. I'm going to have to put up with it for a while, though. No sense in getting hung up about this much. He spoke up to the general assembly: "I assume we're all mech pilots here, then? Or an equivalent." The Axon probably didn't need a mech.

"Indeed. Reaper Model with a Skullcracker add-on and a Familiar mark targeting system." Kaneth replied, almost smiling. The one thing he enjoyed talking about was mechs, especially Maiden, and he was in a transport full of people who either were mechs or who piloted mechs.

Kaneth then sniffed the air. Sighing as her immediately glared at the source of the smell. He would have asked the dwarf to stop drinking if alcohol wasn't almost like oxygen to their race. The least he could do is cover up the smell somehow...

[Northern Arcadian Empire]

Aetana smiled at the young mercenary. "Hi Chris. I would guess they are taking us to HQ, I have a feeling what this is about." she winced. In the harsh light of day her oath hang over her like an ill omen. "I am Aetana, one of the 'Old Guard'." Let's see how much longer...

Her sour mood evaporated when the first of her old comrades entered the vehicle.
"Hi Killy!" she greeted tailwagging. "Any chance we will get one of your projects to try out?"

Overhearing the conversation between Ulrica and Katherine, she grinned. "Looks like it."

It was fascinating what those her ancestors once called heretics had reached in their ways. They had abandoned Mother Ignaris and created a new type of magic.

"Oh, so what are you.....mech, nano, norm? I'm kinda new to the merc business, I recently out of the military" he said to Aetana.

[Blackwing Coast]

"Oh, so what are you.....mech, nano, norm? I'm kinda new to the merc business, I recently out of the military" he said to Aetana.

"Nano, I hope. From what I heard the 'Old Guard' are the first to test it. Let's just hope it works better than the EMP suits." she chuckled.
"I was lucky to just carry an EMP backpack, the full suit users were stuck in the things. Still, it fries modern air defenses long enough for the heavy support to drop in."

"Aside from that I am a Calonnau. Recon or Necromancer, what the mission requires. Sometimes also a bit of psychological warfare." She summoned a small apparition in her hand.
"I know a bit of pyromancy and biomancy, too. Not as good as the primals, but I can grow a leg back in about a week."


"And what is your specialization?" the anubite asked curiously.

[Northern Arcadian Empire]

"I'm a norm" he said pointing to his armor "Mostly I'm a rifle man, but dab in alittle recon and medical training, always got to be prepared...." He said trailing off "Anyway I'm a human, and part of a long line of Warriors, so that's why I joined the military." Chris chuckled "They didn't pay well"

[Blackwing Coast]

"Can't say I have such a prestigious family line." Aetana sighed. "Mainly farmers and carpenters. My cousin is an engineer. And the ususal here and there.
My aunt is good with biomancy and herbology, I learned most of it from her. My younger brother is in line for the family necromancer. Not the only one, mind you.
It's a prestigious position, being the foremost speaker to the ancestors. But he does have a chance. Maybe it distracts from the disgrace that I am..."

[Northern Arcadian Empire]

"Can't say I have such a prestigious family line." Aetana sighed. "Mainly farmers and carpenters. My cousin is an engineer. And the ususal here and there.
My aunt is good with biomancy and herbology, I learned most of it from her. My younger brother is in line for the family necromancer. Not the only one, mind you.
It's a prestigious position, being the foremost speaker to the ancestors. But he does have a chance. Maybe it distracts from the disgrace that I am..."

"Mm, I see.......so you deal with the arts of the dead.....interesting" said Chris "I seem alot of weird things in my line as a solider, but never a Nercomancer. So what do you do?"

[Ulvenes]

"Well I've learned that if you don't push the nanosuit constantly they don't to work better." Ulrica teased and pulled out a pair of headphonesfrom under her dress shirt and placed them over her ears. She then held out her arm and pulled her sleeve back to reveal a watch-like device and kept the volume low so she could listen to anybody who wanted to talk and listen to her music at the same time. She turned her music on and started on the song Requiem by Avenged Sevenfold. She slowly nodded her head to the sound of the drums and bass.

[Isle of Lithonia]

"The last patient went into cardiac arrest almost instantaneously. These constant failures are setting 'Bleeding Cross' back monetarily in a significant way. I suppose I could execute one of the replaceable assistants. That ought to get the point across that time is of the essence," Heila Mon thought to herself. Currently she was glued to the research notes before her that she almost didn't notice her superior as she entered the vehicle.

"It's good to see you Captain. It's always refreshing the escape the research department once and a while, but the scientists always seem to need some kind of 'incentive' to continue their work," Heila commented with a hint of mischief on the 'incentive' part. It wasn't any secret what happened to scientists who failed to produce what they promised with the money given. Money that could of been put into supplies, and other necessities. When Heila 'visited' certain scientists, those men tended to be replaced the following day. Disposed of cleanly.

"Of course it's up to someone else to deal with those eggheads now," she finished. Heila crossed one leg over the other, and unlike her superior she wasn't dressed in any military uniform that identified her, but instead was merely donning her usual clothing.

Kiersten knew all too well what Heila was getting at. And she pitied the poor fools in the research department that worked under her. Hell, they were lucky to have come out alive.

And it humored Jessica a little. To think that Kiersten was able to keep the Daemon from absolutely massacring her whole unit was quite a feat in her mind. Not that she had anything against the woman, they did have a good relationship after all. Rather, she believed it was her duty to maintain unity and good relations amongst the unit as a whole, and that duty entailed preventing her subordinates from killing each other.

But her Aide's violent tendencies... No, that's not quote right. Her Aide's violent personality (much better) was quite a useful tool, especially against those who for one reason or another absolutely refused to submit to her rightful authority. Thankfully, only one person had been foolish enough to be a continual ass with the Captain, and his rebellion disappeared once Heila got involved. (Or did he disappear? Hard to remember...)

Kilian was waiting for the APC patiently. He was going to be a nanosuit pilot.... The APC rolled up and he got inside to see the familiar faces. "What's going on my friends?"

The Captain nodded at the man in greeting. "Good morning Kilian."

Irkahn nodded at Jessica as she entered, having already greeted Heila beforehand when he'd been picked up. "And the same to you, Captain...."

"Quite a diverse group of people we have here." He noted. "I don't suppose command briefed either of you on anything other than the suits? I did get something vague about a squad too, but no real details beside."

Jessica pondered for a moment whether to keep things confidential until everyone arrived at the base, or just spare them the wait. Well, it wouldn't harm them to know.

"Well, as Ulrica mentioned, these suits are basically high-end militarized nanosuits. They've got most of the basics: heavier armor; muscle augmentation; the latest ATA (OOC: Advanced Tactical Awareness) technology, with a battle HUD, assisted targeting systems, live-feed tactical information on targets, and so on; and personal healing capabilities. I'm not too certain about cloaking capabilities for these suits specifically, and I have my reasons for believing this."

She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She rested her hands on her forehead, and continued, seemingly disinterested. "Really, they are not too amazing. To answer Catherine's question, I have no idea why these are seen to be the "gamechangers". Hell, there isn't anything special about them. It's not like they can tap into Calonic energy and wield its abilities, or some fancy shit like that. Obviously, that is impossible. And if it were possible, our humble team wouldn't be chosen to use such powerful pieces of technology.

"Nah, we'll probably get EMP-weaponized nanosuits."

A small, playful smirk crept across her face. As if none of that gave anything away...

[Mnar Secundus]

"Affirmative." Rezz sat back in his seat and crossed his arms. "How much longer is this trip? I would have arrived yesterday if they simply told me the location."

"Flonders isn't very far-off," answered Levy, cracking his finger articulations absentmindedly. "We should arrive shortly, unless we have several more people to pick up." He was looking forward to the arrival, too.

"Indeed. Reaper Model with a Skullcracker add-on and a Familiar mark targeting system." Kaneth replied, almost smiling. The one thing he enjoyed talking about was mechs, especially Maiden, and he was in a transport full of people who either were mechs or who piloted mechs.

Levy perked up somewhat. "Oh, a Reaper? Good machine, isn't it? And it's interesting that you've added a Skullcracker. Good idea at that, especially with that targeting system. My own mech is largely customized, I call him - it Eddie. It's based on an Umibozu frame, but I've remade all the software and most of the informatic components." In Levy's experience, all mech pilots liked talking about their machines, and he was himself no exception to that rule.

[Charmera]

Jessica pondered for a moment whether to keep things confidential until everyone arrived at the base, or just spare them the wait. Well, it wouldn't harm them to know.

"Well, as Ulrica mentioned, these suits are basically high-end militarized nanosuits. They've got most of the basics: heavier armor; muscle augmentation; the latest ATA (OOC: Advanced Tactical Awareness) technology, with a battle HUD, assisted targeting systems, live-feed tactical information on targets, and so on; and personal healing capabilities. I'm not too certain about cloaking capabilities for these suits specifically, and I have my reasons for believing this."

She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She rested her hands on her forehead, and continued, seemingly disinterested. "Really, they are not too amazing. To answer Catherine's question, I have no idea why these are seen to be the "gamechangers". Hell, there isn't anything special about them. It's not like they can tap into Calonic energy and wield its abilities, or some fancy shit like that. Obviously, that is impossible. And if it were possible, our humble team wouldn't be chosen to use such powerful pieces of technology.

"Nah, we'll probably get EMP-weaponized nanosuits."

A small, playful smirk crept across her face. As if none of that gave anything away...

Katherine gave her commander an odd look, a mix of confusion and distrust. She knew Jessica was hiding something and it annoyed her immensely. She hated being jerked around by her superiors, it was part of the reason her military career ended before she joined the Red Cross. However in the end it really mattered little as they would find out eventually. Instead, she did a mental head count, then realised who they were likely to pick up next...

Jun...

"Well our team is about to get far less humble..." she muttered with a scowl "The "Princess" is likely to board next..."

[Eaglleia]

"Well, that'll probably going to be another EMP-caused failure...." Irkahn trailed off, responding to Jessica's comment at the end. For the rest of it, though he mulled that over in his head, a thoughtful look coming over his face as he did so. 'A suit that enables Calonnic powers? Now that is a breakthrough. It certainly was a game-changer, as they claimed. 'My, I can only imagine how the old fools back in the Hierarchy's command would salivate over that.' Then again, they might just declare it worthless or something. He scoffed. Well, whatever, they didn't matter now. In any case, these suits would definitely be more interesting that some EMP charged failure that probably killed more of it's users than its enemies when it stopped working in crucial moments. That didn't clear up why some people who most likely weren't going to be using nanosuits were here, though it was most likely that a squad of some sorts was being put together. 'Should be interesting.'

"Morning Killian." Irkahn repeated the Captains greeting, and leaned back in his seat some more. He noted Katherines comment about Xia Jun. There had always been some tension there, hadn't there? Granted, Juns attitude hadn't helped much in that regard. Though he supposed he oughtn't talk about that, there had been quite some tension between him and others early on in his time in the Bleeding Cross. 'No matter, I suppose, as long as it doesn't get in the way when they have to work together.' "So, then." Irkahn moved away from the discussion of the reformed (or, well, in part, new) team. "How have you been?" He had been speaking to the Captain, though that question was addressed more in general, he supposed they had some time to use and may as well use it to catch up while they traveled to Flonders. Or, well, to pick up the others and then travel to Flonders. This would probably take a while.

[The Templar High Council]

"Affirmative." Rezz sat back in his seat and crossed his arms. "How much longer is this trip? I would have arrived yesterday if they simply told me the location."

"Flonders isn't very far-off," answered Levy, cracking his finger articulations absentmindedly. "We should arrive shortly, unless we have several more people to pick up." He was looking forward to the arrival, too.

"Indeed. Reaper Model with a Skullcracker add-on and a Familiar mark targeting system." Kaneth replied, almost smiling. The one thing he enjoyed talking about was mechs, especially Maiden, and he was in a transport full of people who either were mechs or who piloted mechs.

Levy perked up somewhat. "Oh, a Reaper? Good machine, isn't it? And it's interesting that you've added a Skullcracker. Good idea at that, especially with that targeting system. My own mech is largely customized, I call him - it Eddie. It's based on an Umibozu frame, but I've remade all the software and most of the informatic components." In Levy's experience, all mech pilots liked talking about their machines, and he was himself no exception to that rule.

"It is regardless whether it is near or far, it would have taken less time if they had told me." Rezz spoke, annoyance obvious. "It is unknown whether there are more members. One can assume that there would be more for a specialized force of soldiers."

Rezz felt no need to disclose his body's secrets. These fleshlings were speaking of the machines they owned. Rezz would be talking about the machine he was. The difference is marginal in conversation, but vital in personal protection. If others knew of his modifications, it would be easier for them to fight him. Therefore: he kept silent on his specifications.

[Charmera]

"Indeed. Reaper Model with a Skullcracker add-on and a Familiar mark targeting system." Kaneth replied, almost smiling. The one thing he enjoyed talking about was mechs, especially Maiden, and he was in a transport full of people who either were mechs or who piloted mechs.

Levy perked up somewhat. "Oh, a Reaper? Good machine, isn't it? And it's interesting that you've added a Skullcracker. Good idea at that, especially with that targeting system. My own mech is largely customized, I call him - it Eddie. It's based on an Umibozu frame, but I've remade all the software and most of the informatic components." In Levy's experience, all mech pilots liked talking about their machines, and he was himself no exception to that rule.

"It is quite nice. Older model, yet still able to dish out a large amount of punishment. " Kaneth responded. "Umibozu, that model is quite manoeuvrable should be able to help against infantry. Remaking the software must have been a lot of work. How did you get over the whole durability problem of the original." He then smiled a little at his reference to his mech as a "he". Kaneth smiling was strange to say the least. The smile didn't seem to suit the dark and brooding Kaneth, making him look even more creepy.

Jessica pondered for a moment whether to keep things confidential until everyone arrived at the base, or just spare them the wait. Well, it wouldn't harm them to know.

"Well, as Ulrica mentioned, these suits are basically high-end militarized nanosuits. They've got most of the basics: heavier armor; muscle augmentation; the latest ATA (OOC: Advanced Tactical Awareness) technology, with a battle HUD, assisted targeting systems, live-feed tactical information on targets, and so on; and personal healing capabilities. I'm not too certain about cloaking capabilities for these suits specifically, and I have my reasons for believing this."

She leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She rested her hands on her forehead, and continued, seemingly disinterested. "Really, they are not too amazing. To answer Catherine's question, I have no idea why these are seen to be the "gamechangers". Hell, there isn't anything special about them. It's not like they can tap into Calonic energy and wield its abilities, or some fancy shit like that. Obviously, that is impossible. And if it were possible, our humble team wouldn't be chosen to use such powerful pieces of technology.

"Nah, we'll probably get EMP-weaponized nanosuits."

A small, playful smirk crept across her face. As if none of that gave anything away...

Katherine gave her commander an odd look, a mix of confusion and distrust. She knew Jessica was hiding something and it annoyed her immensely. She hated being jerked around by her superiors, it was part of the reason her military career ended before she joined the Red Cross. However in the end it really mattered little as they would find out eventually. Instead, she did a mental head count, then realised who they were likely to pick up next...

Jun...

"Well our team is about to get far less humble..." she muttered with a scowl "The "Princess" is likely to board next..."

"Well, that'll probably going to be another EMP-caused failure...." Irkahn trailed off, responding to Jessica's comment at the end. For the rest of it, though he mulled that over in his head, a thoughtful look coming over his face as he did so. 'A suit that enables Calonnic powers? Now that is a breakthrough. It certainly was a game-changer, as they claimed. 'My, I can only imagine how the old fools back in the Hierarchy's command would salivate over that.' Then again, they might just declare it worthless or something. He scoffed. Well, whatever, they didn't matter now. In any case, these suits would definitely be more interesting that some EMP charged failure that probably killed more of it's users than its enemies when it stopped working in crucial moments. That didn't clear up why some people who most likely weren't going to be using nanosuits were here, though it was most likely that a squad of some sorts was being put together. 'Should be interesting.'

"Morning Killian." Irkahn repeated the Captains greeting, and leaned back in his seat some more. He noted Katherines comment about Xia Jun. There had always been some tension there, hadn't there? Granted, Juns attitude hadn't helped much in that regard. Though he supposed he oughtn't talk about that, there had been quite some tension between him and others early on in his time in the Bleeding Cross. 'No matter, I suppose, as long as it doesn't get in the way when they have to work together.' "So, then." Irkahn moved away from the discussion of the reformed (or, well, in part, new) team. "How have you been?" He had been speaking to the Captain, though that question was addressed more in general, he supposed they had some time to use and may as well use it to catch up while they traveled to Flonders. Or, well, to pick up the others and then travel to Flonders. This would probably take a while.

As if on cue after Irkahn had thought about the Ex Princess, she seemed to stride into the APC. The Princess had nothing but her finest ceremonial uniform. An old Yu uniform adorn with more pompous gold inlay with an arrogant cap on her head, just barely practical for walking. She paused just after the entrance as if she expected fanfare, but she seemed to be welcomed by nothing but silence. This did nothing for her mood.

"I have arrived, my commander." She said, hiding her annoyance and stepping back and bowing before she entered with her arrogant and condescending smile. "I hope you all didn't miss me too much... "

Katherine had to stop herself from punching the Yu right in the face. (Though, due to Jun jade skin, it would have likely hurt Katherine too) "No, we haven't missed your pompous ass too much. Now sit down so we can get a move on..."

"I see you haven't learnt the correct way to address royalty since we last met." The arrogant Jun sat, still with a smile on her face. Perhaps I should teach her at some point...

"Ex Royalty "Princess"." Katherine replied, not hesitating to use that barb.

Jun went silent, her smile disappearing instantly simply looking at Katherine with a half glare, her eyes narrowing, more with contempt than anger.

[Bentus]

Ribul stared suspiciously at the Kobold for a few seconds, his question hanging in the air. The small creature was very different, and was the last thing he’d been expecting after signing up to a group named ‘Bleeding Cross’. Realising he wasn’t going to be getting a response anytime soon, he slowly turned his attention away to the rest of the passengers in the transport. It didn’t seem like any of them were particularly talkative, but the silence was even starting to get to him. Clearing his throat, Ribul tried to interrupt the monotonous whine of the engine.

“So, what’s all your stories? Any righteous warriors seeking to end the bloodiest conflict we’ve ever seen? I’m going to go out on a limb and say none of us are part of the Bleeding Cross veteran-employee club.”

He didn't really direct the question to anyone in particular, just threw it out there to break the silence. Ribul had to admit though, he was at least partly curious. The PMC had got a hell of a diverse group together - only considering the Calonnau. Interesting stories was something at least that they'd have in spades.

[Mnar Secundus]

"It is quite nice. Older model, yet still able to dish out a large amount of punishment. " Kaneth responded. "Umibozu, that model is quite manoeuvrable should be able to help against infantry. Remaking the software must have been a lot of work. How did you get over the whole durability problem of the original." He then smiled a little at his reference to his mech as a "he". Kaneth smiling was strange to say the least. The smile didn't seem to suit the dark and brooding Kaneth, making him look even more creepy.

"I replaced much of the steel frame with carbon allotropes, so I could make the whole plating more efficient while retaining the same agility," answered Levy with a vague gesture indicating that he would have liked a computer to show the blueprints - he didn't actually have blueprints on any computer, obviously, that would have been far too risky, but he did like to support his explanations with alternative media. "It's weaker than your average same-sized mech in terms of raw power, though, since I had to lighten the internal mechanisms somewhat. As for the software, it was labor-intensive, but I rather enjoy that kind of work, so ..." He was starting to understand the Axon's impatience: talking mechs with Kaneth was nice, but actually having one's mech was better.

[Blackwing Coast]

"Mm, I see.......so you deal with the arts of the dead.....interesting" said Chris "I seem alot of weird things in my line as a solider, but never a Nercomancer. So what do you do?"

"Mainly spirit summoning and resurrections." Aetana grinned "And our death curses have many uses, too. Purifying water, purging infections, hunting down criminals if they leave so much as a drop of blood. The last one is classified. Then there are the Deeper Mysteries like Spirit Gate, Spirit Form and creating various types of undead. We -my people- have access to mysteries only the primals know, and we paid the price in blood."
And in losing access to the deeper mysteries of most other lores, the anubite omitted.

"True resurrection requires both the lores of life and death, and while we still know most secrets -Thank the Ancestors-, we no longer have the power to quicken growth and healing as much as we once could - unless an entire council of mages pools their powers, then we can accomplish almost anything.
Luckily, some forms of undeath are reversible, so I can still turn you into a zombie as an intermediate. So long as you keep a good diet of calon and life energy -the best source for the latter is fresh meat- and make sure your cells don't die, we can revive you." Aetana smiled.

Then her look turned serious. "Just do not run afoul of Heila. I am the good cop, she is the bad one. And she is charge of combat morale."

[Northern Arcadian Empire]

"Mm, I see.......so you deal with the arts of the dead.....interesting" said Chris "I seem alot of weird things in my line as a solider, but never a Nercomancer. So what do you do?"

"Mainly spirit summoning and resurrections." Aetana grinned "And our death curses have many uses, too. Purifying water, purging infections, hunting down criminals if they leave so much as a drop of blood. The last one is classified. Then there are the Deeper Mysteries like Spirit Gate, Spirit Form and creating various types of undead. We -my people- have access to mysteries only the primals know, and we paid the price in blood."
And in losing access to the deeper mysteries of most other lores, the anubite omitted.

"True resurrection requires both the lores of life and death, and while we still know most secrets -Thank the Ancestors-, we no longer have the power to quicken growth and healing as much as we once could - unless an entire council of mages pools their powers, then we can accomplish almost anything.
Luckily, some forms of undeath are reversible, so I can still turn you into a zombie as an intermediate. So long as you keep a good diet of calon and life energy -the best source for the latter is fresh meat- and make sure your cells don't die, we can revive you." Aetana smiled.

Then her look turned serious. "Just do not run afoul of Heila. I am the good cop, she is the bad one. And she is charge of combat morale."

Chris raised a eyebrow is surprise "Ok I will not to upset her.....that's quite interesting set of magic you got there remind me not to piss you off in the future" he said sitting back in his seat

[Isle of Lithonia]

As if on cue after Irkahn had thought about the Ex Princess, she seemed to stride into the APC. The Princess had nothing but her finest ceremonial uniform. An old Yu uniform adorn with more pompous gold inlay with an arrogant cap on her head, just barely practical for walking. She paused just after the entrance as if she expected fanfare, but she seemed to be welcomed by nothing but silence. This did nothing for her mood.

"I have arrived, my commander." She said, hiding her annoyance and stepping back and bowing before she entered with her arrogant and condescending smile. "I hope you all didn't miss me too much... "

Katherine had to stop herself from punching the Yu right in the face. (Though, due to Jun jade skin, it would have likely hurt Katherine too) "No, we haven't missed your pompous ass too much. Now sit down so we can get a move on..."

"I see you haven't learnt the correct way to address royalty since we last met." The arrogant Jun sat, still with a smile on her face. Perhaps I should teach her at some point...

"Ex Royalty "Princess"." Katherine replied, not hesitating to use that barb.

Jun went silent, her smile disappearing instantly simply looking at Katherine with a half glare, her eyes narrowing, more with contempt than anger.

Kiersten sat up, face dark. "Enough you two! Our unit just got back together, and I am not about to have you both tear our Espirit De Corps to shreds with your bullcrap. If neither of you can get along, I'll have you both scrub the laboratory's men's restroom down with nothing but a cup of bleach water and a used toothbrush!"

And she truly meant it. To her, if you can't get along with your squadmates off the field, you can't be trusted to watch their backs when the shit hits the fan. So, infighting was never tolerated by her, and was quickly and harshly punished.

She leaned back again and closed her eyes, waiting for the APC to pick up their last soldier: Karolina.

[Aelarus]

MARKUS DALTON
SPECIALIST LAC, JAY'S ISLANDS - 0740

The LAC bumped slightly as it crested a ridge, falling back into rhythm. Buildings passed by, their cold faces illuminated by the morning sun, spotlighted in fleeting glances as the car zoomed on after the others. The mech pilots behind him seemed to be talking animatedly to each other about each other's mechs. Faint roaring could be heard as a jet flew overhead, carrying passengers to some resort, spa, or other vacation place.

Markus turned around, "You know, to me, a mech is nothing more than a bigger target. There's a reason the HDF (Human Defense Force) still uses hovertanks."

[Charmera]

As if on cue after Irkahn had thought about the Ex Princess, she seemed to stride into the APC. The Princess had nothing but her finest ceremonial uniform. An old Yu uniform adorn with more pompous gold inlay with an arrogant cap on her head, just barely practical for walking. She paused just after the entrance as if she expected fanfare, but she seemed to be welcomed by nothing but silence. This did nothing for her mood.

"I have arrived, my commander." She said, hiding her annoyance and stepping back and bowing before she entered with her arrogant and condescending smile. "I hope you all didn't miss me too much... "

Katherine had to stop herself from punching the Yu right in the face. (Though, due to Jun jade skin, it would have likely hurt Katherine too) "No, we haven't missed your pompous ass too much. Now sit down so we can get a move on..."

"I see you haven't learnt the correct way to address royalty since we last met." The arrogant Jun sat, still with a smile on her face. Perhaps I should teach her at some point...

"Ex Royalty "Princess"." Katherine replied, not hesitating to use that barb.

Jun went silent, her smile disappearing instantly simply looking at Katherine with a half glare, her eyes narrowing, more with contempt than anger.

Kiersten sat up, face dark. "Enough you two! Our unit just got back together, and I am not about to have you both tear our Espirit De Corps to shreds with your bullcrap. If neither of you can get along, I'll have you both scrub the laboratory's men's restroom down with nothing but a cup of bleach water and a used toothbrush!"

And she truly meant it. To her, if you can't get along with your squadmates off the field, you can't be trusted to watch their backs when the shit hits the fan. So, infighting was never tolerated by her, and was quickly and harshly punished.

She leaned back again and closed her eyes, waiting for the APC to pick up their last soldier: Karolina.

Jun sighed. "Apologies Commander." She replied, annoyed with herself for allowing Katherine to get to her. The Xia heir knew the human well enough to know she tended to like to pick arguments or fights when she was in a bad mood, though she wasn't quite sure why she did so yet.

It wasn't as bad as before the two of them got to know each other decently. They used to clash like fire and ice...

Katherine nodded. She held no real grudge against Jun, she simply found her pompous attitude incredibly irritating. Normally she would limit herself to harmless banter with her. Whipping out the barb about her previous royalty was a low blow, Katherine had to admit. She needed combat, it was the only way she had to get rid of her pent up rage. I need to fight... Vent this anger in the battlefield. Or in a sparing bout, anywhere... "Sorry Khan." She referred to Kiersten as "Khan" both out of habit and out of respect for her experience and rank. "Won't happen again."

[Nekronia]

Karolina Sigurdurdottir
Karo woke up with a start to the sound of the alarm clock, and groggily rolled over to smack it off. In her haze, she forgot that she was already near the edge and fell off the edge of the bed, but managed to instinctively catch herself, accidentally crushing a few of the empty beer cans lying around with her robotic arm when she landed on her hands. She got off the floor, turned off the alarm, and rubbed her eyes. The Ulv stretched a bit and cooked up a quick and basic breakfast while having her morning smoke. Meeeaaaat.

After finishing up her morning routine then putting on her uniform and ghetto eyepatch, the APC convoy arrived. She grabbed her sword, put out her cigarette, then left and locked up the place, and calmly entered the vehicle with her former comrades. Her cold, grey arm made a clank as it felt (prosthetics sure have come a long way) and grabbed the outside to help her into the transport. Karo waved at everyone as she calmly strode over to an open seat, laying her sword and sheathe in her lap. She nonchalantly began speaking her greeting, somewhere between being friendly and bored. "Heya guys, hope I didn't take too long. I see everyone's peachy as ever! How's everyone been since 5-0-3?"

[Blackwing Coast]

After finishing up her morning routine then putting on her uniform and ghetto eyepatch, the APC convoy arrived. She grabbed her sword, put out her cigarette, then left and locked up the place, and calmly entered the vehicle with her former comrades. Her cold, grey arm made a clank as it felt (prosthetics sure have come a long way) and grabbed the outside to help her into the transport. Karo waved at everyone as she calmly strode over to an open seat, laying her sword and sheathe in her lap. She nonchalantly began speaking her greeting, somewhere between being friendly and bored. "Heya guys, hope I didn't take too long. I see everyone's peachy as ever! How's everyone been since 5-0-3?"

"Hey! The one-eyed bandit is back! Glad to see you again!" Aetana grinned.
"I have been doing great! Practicing unlicensed medicine and holding seances. I settled two inheritances and caused a knife fight!"

"And how have you been doing? Been freelance monster hunting again?"

[Nekronia]

"Hey! The one-eyed bandit is back! Glad to see you again!" Aetana grinned.
"I have been doing great! Practicing unlicensed medicine and holding seances. I settled two inheritances and caused a knife fight!"

"And how have you been doing? Been freelance monster hunting again?"

The girl smiled politely and responded in her usual casual speak. "Nah, I stuck with working with BC. I owe it to them for saving my life and all that shit. Pay doesn't hurt, either. Kinda miss monsterhunting, though." She patted the sheathed sword in her lap, remembering 'the good ol' days'. She continued, "Well, at least I get cooler stuff when I'm working here."

[Isle of Lithonia]

Karolina Sigurdurdottir
Karo woke up with a start to the sound of the alarm clock, and groggily rolled over to smack it off. In her haze, she forgot that she was already near the edge and fell off the edge of the bed, but managed to instinctively catch herself, accidentally crushing a few of the empty beer cans lying around with her robotic arm when she landed on her hands. She got off the floor, turned off the alarm, and rubbed her eyes. The Ulv stretched a bit and cooked up a quick and basic breakfast while having her morning smoke. Meeeaaaat.

After finishing up her morning routine then putting on her uniform and ghetto eyepatch, the APC convoy arrived. She grabbed her sword, put out her cigarette, then left and locked up the place, and calmly entered the vehicle with her former comrades. Her cold, grey arm made a clank as it felt (prosthetics sure have come a long way) and grabbed the outside to help her into the transport. Karo waved at everyone as she calmly strode over to an open seat, laying her sword and sheathe in her lap. She nonchalantly began speaking her greeting, somewhere between being friendly and bored. "Heya guys, hope I didn't take too long. I see everyone's peachy as ever! How's everyone been since 5-0-3?"

When Karo got on, Kiersten (somewhat lazily) greeted her, then continued her pseudo napping.

Having picked up all the passengers, the vehicles took off on the most direct route to Flonders.

After maybe an hour of driving, the base came into view. It was a rather large, sprawling thing, with barracks, more normal housing, an airstrip, warehouses for mechs and tanks, a large armory. But most importantly, there lay in the center the heart of the whole base: the McCarthy Technology Complex. And that was where they were all heading.

The APCs headed through the main gates, moving towards the Complex. Bleeding Cross mercenaries walked along the roadway, doing whatever it was they were told; guards sat around, smoking and chatting; green-bloods marched in formation, stern-faced officers barking out orders.

And then they arrived. Kiersten, as CO of the squad, stepped out first and stretched her muscles. As she did so, the doors to the complex opened, and a tall, slender woman strode out, her heels clicking on the concrete. She stopped a few feet from Kiersten, and saluted smartly. Kiersten returned the salute, with a smile. "Good morning, Sergeant Liestra."

"Good morning, Kiersten. The Commander told me to escort you all to his lab."

"Very well. Alright all. We don't have all the time in the world."

Alright, I gotta head to sleep. Work and shit. So. I'll have more up later.

[Ulvenes]

Since Ulrica was among the last to board the Nanosuit infantry APC, she was among the first to exit. She took off her headphones and stowed them inside her jacket then exited the vehicle without making anymore sound than her boot heels making contact with the metal running board steps and the concrete ground. She walked up behind Kiersten and stood at attention in a salute, only to move and follow her and another woman to the Commander's lab.