NationStates

It's apparent from the go that Sergeant Pitt knows more, it's not surprising considering she's longer with TFA than with them.

"Alright, squad, listens up. Once we go inside, or at least before we go inside, we have to access the internal network of the facility so that we can use our drone to maximum capacity, in order to use it to assess the situation inside. There may be security system inside that activates automatically if its compromised or under emergency lockdown. But I'm sure we can solve it. And," said Nikolas to Elisa and Hana, as both watched him. Elisa looked more relaxed, but not very relaxed and has serious moments, it's to be expected from someone who have been involved longer before. Hana, on the other hand, is quite looked like she's nervous.

"Watch each others' backs. While I'm sure we will see enemies inside, I am more concerned with...," as he turned an eye to the others before looking back to Elisa and Hana, "...the others. We know we're not going to espionage the facility, but the others? I don't know."

"Anyway, set up the watches and radio frequencies. Prepare the weapon and be ready for anything."

"Yes, Lieutenant!" exclaimed Hana.

"Yes, Sir!" exclaimed Elisa.

Point made, no one said anything from the Rynagrian team, having no quarrel whatsoever about the Froxian taking command of the Atlas group.

They all did they what they were told and synced up their watches, finally tuning all their frequencies to the same one as everyone. However, they kept their weapons on safe and stayed close to the Nasairan SF Team. "Oso, if anything goes wrong with the team on the front when we enter, I want you to rush over and help out. I think we're the only team that brought a belt-fed support weapon here."

"Understood, AckAck." Was the short response given by the Master Sergeant.

"Sir, what about the other teams?" Inquired Lin.

"What about them? It's best to think them all as trustworthy and that they'll do their jobs properly, for now..... If it's one thing I don't want starting the very beginning of the mission, it distrust towards all of those around you. At that point, a mission becomes less predictable than it already is and we don't need that. Keep with that assumption until it's evident that they're not." Replied AckAck, lowering his voice so most wouldn't here it except his team.

"Now, be prepared for anything and watch your sectors, now come on. Let's do this."

The Yuktobanians were quiet, for the most part. Seargeant Pitt obviously knew more than the Yuktobanians in the workings of TFA, and was probably a veteran of TFA operations.

The Yuktobanians synced up their watches and radio frequencies with everyone else. They checked if all their guns were loaded up and such. Beachmaster especially had to load up the RPO-32 with the incinderary warhead. He had left his Thermobaric warheads due to the risk of collateral damage.

"Alright, Ruzainav, if you could please refrain from using your AGS too much. That also runs the risk of friendly damage." Merkava ordered.

"Da, I know. I'll be using my trusty LMG more." Ruzainav added.

"Alright. SLAM ready."

Grey Mountain Research Facility |Main Surface Entrance

The crisp mountain air blew gently against the stern figures who stood like statues against the mountains snow covered exterior, as they waited patiently to make entry into the silent facility and face the unknown. These men and women from around the world, were considered by many to be some of, if not, the best that modern man had ever produced in terms of a true modern soldier. They had been brought here at great length by the Dominion to uncover the mystery of one of it's most highly guarded Dark Sites suddenly going off grid, and bring the facility back under Dominion control.

With a little luck, that's exactly what would happen.

"Orders sir?"

Breckenridge stared coldly at the line of soldiers as they faced the unpolished and weathered exterior doors of the facility, barely registering the question being asked of him by some nameless grunt. With a gently breath, he blew warm air into his gloved hands and slowly tried to rub some form of life back into them in this blasted environment.

"Break the seal...." He said, never lifting his gaze from the foreign team.

From exterior speakers mounted along various points around the doors, a horn sounded briefly before being quickly followed by cascading orange strobes, indicating that the doors were about to be opened. With a groan reminiscent of a dying dragon, the steel doors strained under their own volume as they were pushed outward by massive hydraulic rams running parallel to them along the massive steel frame. After a few intense moments, the doors reached their full extended position and locked into place with a loud click, as several locking pins were engaged.

"Detachment, you are cleared for entry!" Yelled Breckenridge from his position as his frosted breath misted in front of him. "God speed!"

The members of Task Force Atlas took one last look around them, and proceeded into the unknown, weapons at the ready.

As the rearguard crossed the threshold into the facility, the horn sounded again and the process of the doors opening reversed in sequence as the doors were quickly brought to a close behind them. With a thunderous whump that sent drifts of snow sprawling across the ground, the doors sealed shut and locked behind them, cutting the team off from the outside world and ensuring containment protocol until the all clear was received.

Breckenridge turned on his heel and quickly strode his was back to the surface control room that his TOC has been established in, already impatient for the first SITREP to be called in from the entry team.
Hopefully, the wait wouldn't be long.....



Being cut off physically from the outside world, the members of TFA now found themselves inside the unknown facility in a large concrete room that clearly was intended for use as a transitional loading dock for various supplies and personnel intended for use by the facility.

Palatalized loads of every shape and size were neatly stacked in various stages of processing across the immediate area, much in the same way one might expect a long haul trucking warehouse to look during a busy holiday season. The room was well light by overhead LED panels that ran the length of the room, and power was stable at the current time. Against the far wall, a large security station that could accommodate several guards sat against the back wall, restricting access to a tram system that lead off deeper into the complex. From where the team currently stood, they could see several monorails partially recessed into the floor, and one unloaded tram still in it's mooring at the dock.

With a static crackle, an overhead speaker came to life suddenly

"Attention! This station is experiencing longer then expected shuttle run times." Said the female voice, which echoed through the room despite it being as full as it was with stock. "The next incoming shuttle is expected to arrive in...... unknown... number of minutes. Please, stand clear of the third rail."

And as suddenly as it appeared, the voice again disappeared, sending the room back into uncomfortable silence.

Sergeant Pitt was put-off, to say the least.

"No radio frequency to make contact...no hourly check-in time...no nothing...fuck." She murmured to herself. Well if this was SOP for them, it was no wonder they lost contact with the QRF. Still, she didn't jump so such wistful conclusions. As they approached the railway station, she looked back at the team. "Alright! High ranks, fall-in on me and someone get me a headcount! And one of you see if we can get that thing moving!" She ordered.

The logical thing to do was to see where the train went, and note if there were more than just a few stops along the way. With the size of the team, they'd have to split up. She needed to assign team leaders and play mix and match with a few of them. For now, she took her face mask and put it under her chin. Her tail wriggled itself out from underneath her jacket where she tucked it to keep it warm. She slung the AK-5c over her shoulder and cocked her hip, looking around at everything.

All four of them looked around the loading terminal, with Ren and Lin looking at the tram tunnel, wondering how far and where it lead to. Lin noticed this and cleared her throat to get her partner's attention. Whispering, the former Ranger whispered, "Ren, it probably leads deeper into the facility, though I can't say how far or long this thing goes."

Surprised, Ren faced away quickly from it, as she found it stupid to hear out loud. "Shut up, Lin." Muttered McAvoy silently. Then, the quiet was broken by Sergeant Pitt's call.

"Muholland."

It was the Master Sergeant, who placed a hand on his left shoulder after lowering his weapon to get his attention. Muholland thanked him, before going ahead and walked over to Sergeant Pitt, letting his R555A2 Carbine hang to his side via the single point sling. Once again looking over the TFA veteran member, speaking right after doing so. "What can I do for you, Sergeant?" He asked, while he waited for the others to come over.

All three of them looked into the terminal. Judging from the announcement, there may be no incoming shuttle to be expected, but according to Major earlier, the initial docking hub at the end of the tunnel has the access to internal network that can be use to provides radio signal for their drone. It also means that they have to rely on themselves, this time. The technologies they have may not work inside.

Sergeant Pitt barked order for the high ranks to fall in. Lieutenant Nikolas walked to Sergeant Pitt, while both Corporal Hana and Elisa watched around the loading terminal, seeing if there's any indication on where the tunnel leads to. His Pindad SS2-V4 slung on his back, "What can I do for you, Sergeant Pitt?" asked Nikolas to Sergeant Pitt.

The platform looked very casual as what a normal person would see at any warehouse, The members of SOG stood in close proximity to each other watching as the other members of Task Force Atlas gathered around to prepare for entry into the facility. It was obvious that the facility was state of the art and from looking at the loading platform. Captain Lombay gave the hand signal for his team to form up on him. Once everyone had gathered around the Captain spoke to his men.

"So here we are boys, first thing i want is for you Smith to take a look at these palates and see what some of the contents are and if you see anything useful then.... seize it."

Sgt. Smith acknowledged the orders and began looking through the palates of supplies on the loading dock. While Smith was conducting his search of the area Captain Lombay gave more orders to his men.

"Next i want an assessment for the tram system and how far the racks lead into the facility."

SSgt Fortait quickly spoke up and offered his services for that assignment, his main skills were in electronics and communications. With haste he made his way to the tram tracks and began assessing them and their operational use.

While the men of SOG spread out and began the tasks that was assigned to them a voice rang out ordering all ranking officials to mustering with the unknown member of task force atlas. 1st SGT Church turned to look at the captain and with a low raspy voice "sounds like you're being summoned sir."

Captain Lombay couldn't hide the annoyance on his voice and it even manifested in his voice when he replied to 1SGT Church. " I'm sure that's what she would like but while they stand there and play with each other that reduces the chances of use finding any possible survivors."

The 1SGT nodded in acknowledgment with the captain. "But sir we have to play nice, our team is the new kids on the block so to speak."

Before the captain could respond both of his men had returned with reports of their findings.

Sergeant Pitt's Observations:

The good Sergeant upon glancing around the room from her currently position, was able to pretty clearly take stock of her immediate surroundings.

The palatalized loads were separated into three main storage areas around the facility in areas clearly market "Unsorted New Arrivals", "Pre Screening", and "Post Screening", with the last being behind the security checkpoint. Various types of containers were being used to store various items, from metal barrels to wooden crates, all bulk sized and secured with metal bands with shipping labels attached to the front of every container.

The Security checkpoint from her current position looked like something someone might expect for a place like this. Built from reinforced materials and recessed into the wall itself, a mirrored windowed room that nobody could look inside overlooked the main processing area, which housed what appeared to be a X-Ray system of some sort as well as a biological and chemical sniffer. Surprising though, was even from her position she could see the tale tail blue hue of a massive UV light glowing, meaning that some form of sterilization process was also being conducted as well at this checkpoint. A key card locked steel door marked "Security Station - Initial Entry" was the only visible access point to her.

The tram line and station were mostly obscured to her at this time.

Ren and Lin's, SSgt Fortait along with Altito Asmoro's Observation:

Terminal:
The various members of these teams upon scouring the terminal soon discovered that the Tram was in an "un powered" state and that it was currently security locked into it's dock. The tram itself was a fully automated metal trolly, with shatter resistant windows on the front and back wall, as well as running the length down both sides. It was painted a light blue color, and had the words "Grey Mountain Transit Authority - A Line" printed on both sides.

The docking area that it was currently looked pretty much like a standard subway station, with generic workplace related posters and reminders neatly laminated along the concrete walls. Bench style seating, as well as a free vending machine vending a selection of coffee, juice, or flavored sodas also stood vigilant in the area as well.

Tunnel:

Not much could be seen, as the tunnel itself was pitch black, with visibility dropping off about one hundred feet down it. The faint echo of water dripping onto concrete could be faintly heard in the distance. Overhead, a massive steel blast door stood ready to drop into place at a moments notice. A lone metal sign could be seen pinned next to the tunnel opening that read:

Warning! Restricted Area!
Unauthorized Personnel Only Beyond This Point!
Automated Security In Place!
STAY OUT STAY ALIVE!

Sgt. Smith's Observations:

The task at hand was daunting, to say the least. Weeks worth of goods ranging from basic consumables such as TP, canned goods, and clothing to Hazmat in 55 gallon drums or lead lined boxes on shielded pallets. Pretty much anything a facility such as this would need to run on on a day to day basis. Without a master shipping and receiving itinerary, it would take hours if not days to go though everything currently stashed around the dock.

While searching the pallets, a portable folding table was discovered set up behind a large stack of solid boxes. Resting on it's OD surface, a portable digital radio base station and transmitter was discovered, with the hand mic dangling off it's rest and swaying gently back and forth in the slight breeze. A half eaten field ration was also scattered about the desktop, with the main course splattered across a overstuffed file containing RFID Badges.

Though now abandoned, this was clearly left behind by The Dominion ADVON at one point, as it was all general issue equipment.

(OOC: I saw that, Ryn)

Sergeant Pitt looked at Captain Muholland a bit oddly. "Freudian slip?" She thought to herself. She let it go and looked to the Lieutenant. Well...that was two. Her hearing, though, picked up a lot more than normal human hearing. That included the SOG Captain's off-color remark and requisition for a seizure on useful materials. She took note of that and held her tongue for that matter, leaving it for later, but she was still not going to let the cold shoulder go by.

"Captain, Lieutenant," She started to the two in front of her. "I don't need to tell you that this place is going to be really huge and an absolute pain to search, so we'll have to split the teams up. Sounds like the squad over there isn't too keen on listening to the whole "don't steal stuff while we're here" premise, so if we can split them up as well things will go smoother for us, allowing troops to keep an eye on them. I don't buy this honor system stuff, so expect a full inspection before we RTB to Fort Bragg for everyone. We're here to make Task Force Atlas look good, not like a bunch of thieves."

The Sergeant noted that the rear echelon squad of the Yuktobanian's hadn't made a move yet much either, but the SOG seemed more sly. She stepped to the side.

"Am I boring you, Captain?! Would you like a transfer, sir?!" She asked him loudly, calling him out to the others before looking to the other two officers. "See if you can't get that door open for us, would you please?" She thumbed to the security checkpoint door while she waited to hear the response from Captain Lombay.

(OOC: And that was completely unintentional, Mon. I guess I'll go along with it.)

"Understood, Sergeant. And while this might not reassure you, but we have no intention of onsite procurement." Replied Muholland, as he silently cursed himself for that slip of the tongue. Shaking his head on the thought, he reeled himself back in and made eye contact with the Master Sergeant and the former Rangers. "Oso, Lin, Ren! Try to open the Security Checkpoint, see if there's anyway to get the tram online from there. If not, maybe some sort of map to help us with navigating the facility."

A resounding "Got it." came from the three, as they made a beeline for the Security Checkpoint. To the Rangers, since there was no dedicated tech specialist in the fireteam, they would be mostly looking for a map or something of that sort. Upon getting there, Oso carefully placed his Minimi about ten steps away from the door, instead drawing his High Power from its holster. Meanwhile, Lin examined the key card lock and Ren on the other hand, tried to peer into the checkpoint, but was unable to see anything.

Lin's Observation:

Upon examining the key card lock on the security checkpoint, Lin quickly discovered that the exterior panel for the device had been removed, exposing a mess of wires and circuitry. A length of wire had been stripped of it's plastic protective covering rather crudely, as if done with a field knife instead of a precision wire stripper, thus exposing the bare copper wire itself for splicing. Looking over at the door itself, she noticed a thin beam of light running the length of it's right side, indicating that the door was slightly ajar and thus open.

Someone had already beaten them to the punch.

Rynagria wrote:(OOC: And that was completely unintentional, Mon. I guess I'll go along with it.)

"Understood, Sergeant. And while this might not reassure you, but we have no intention of onsite procurement." Replied Muholland, as he silently cursed himself for that slip of the tongue. Shaking his head on the thought, he reeled himself back in and made eye contact with the Master Sergeant and the former Rangers. "Oso, Lin, Ren! Try to open the Security Checkpoint, see if there's anyway to get the tram online from there. If not, maybe some sort of map to help us with navigating the facility."

A resounding "Got it." came from the three, as they made a beeline for the Security Checkpoint. To the Rangers, since there was no dedicated tech specialist in the fireteam, they would be mostly looking for a map or something of that sort. Upon getting there, Oso carefully placed his Minimi about ten steps away from the door, instead drawing his High Power from its holster. Meanwhile, Lin examined the key card lock and Ren on the other hand, tried to peer into the checkpoint, but was unable to see anything.

As Nikolas still converging with the other team leaders, Hana took a moment to explored the surrounding area. While Elisa looked down on the tram and the terminal, looking for possible method of going down there, Hana went to the Security Checkpoint. There are already Lin and Ren there, so she approached both of them. From quick glance, looks like the panel of the device had been removed. Perhaps something can be done?

"H-Hi there, Sergeant Lin...I mean, Lin." said Hana, stuttered and nervously approached Lin. "I-It seems the device for accessing has been remove, yes? Do you mind if I take closer look? I-I have tools, you know..." asked nervously to Lin, by Hana.

Meanwhile, Nikolas, after returned from the converging ("Yes, Sergeant Pitt, we'll get on it!") also approached the Security Checkpoint and looked down to whatever small armory they have. It is a security checkpoint, after all, so there maybe few evidences left from the armory or what remains inside their small armory.

Lin called over Ren, who in turn signaled Master Sergeant Lucas to come closer. Activating her radio, Lin reported in. "Initial Entry door to the Checkpoint is open, proceeding to let Ren and Oso to enter the room and clearing it."

"Sure." Replied Lin, backing away from the key card lock, with Ren coming over with the Master Sergeant. Lin looked over the Asmorian operator, as she prepared to open the door. "Although, I don't see much of looking into other than gathering clues, from the looks of it, someone already opened the door for us. See here."

Lin points to the wire with the covering stripped off.

In the meantime, the Master Sergeant and Ren walked over to the door. Ren then opened the door, followed by putting the stock of her weapon on her right shoulder, right eye looking through the Aimpoint Comp2 Sight and left eye open to provide better view of the surrounding. Oso was behind her, doing the same with his pistol.

Capitan Lombay looked at SGT. Pitt with annoyance at the tone of her vice and the manner in which she spoke to him. "SGT. Pitt in the future you may just ask if you want something after all we are on the same side here." Captain Lombay's voice was full of sarcasm as he spoke to SGT. Pitt hoping to get a response from her.

" Fortait, Smith, please go and see if you can get this tram going so that we may proceed and not have to endure each others company longer then we have too." Captain Lombay gave his orders and the men preceded to carry out the instructions as ordered. Smith and Fortait went to the security check point that already had a couple of individuals around looking at the small box attached to the wall.

As Fortait and Smith got closer some operators already made entry into the security checkpoint. "Hey Fortait look at this." Smith pointed to panel that had exposed wires hanging from it. "What do you make of this? This stuff is your specialty isn't it?" hinting at Fortait's master degree in electronics.

"Yea this is my main field and by the looks of it however did this was either in a hurry or didn't know what they were doing, amateur shit. anyway lets get this tram going."

The two SOG operators made entry and followed behind the others, looking around they spotted a control panel that had several instruments on it. Hoping that the controls to the tram were there the two men walked over to investigate.

Sergeant Pitt cocked her hip to the other side and folder her arms in front of her.

"I seem to remember asking just a little bit ago for the team leaders to form on me. Your response was, as you so politely put it, was "while we stand around and play with each other it keeps us from finding people". Well, Captain, I appreciate your mind being on the right track but you, like all of us, should know that charging headlong into unfamiliar territory would be the same thing in line with falling on your own sword. Need I go on, sir?"

She wasn't pleased with the first impression of the Nasairan SOG. For Special Forces, their Captain seemed to border on the glory hound or lone wolf type, which wasn't going to cut it around here. She looked behind her and then looked forward.

"Tell you what. Why don't we mix the teams up since we have to split up anyway. Sound good?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Great. Two of your men can stay at the tram, some guys from the other units can go with them, and the rest of us can see where the checkpoint leads us."