[D20 Modern] Steel Titans [FULL]

[Vorastrix]

((prolly should have asked about this earlier, but is there a ranking system here? an if so are we officers or enlisted? or does that even apply))  

[raozspaz]

[You guys are currently outside of the normal ranking system. There will be a personal ranking system for the Guardian organization and your team. But for now, you have no ranks of importance]  

[Anatarei Crimsonthrone]

Tress wasn't really paying attention to the whole trip. She had a field manual chock full of data on a new chemical compound that she'd had her nose stuck in since before she'd even gotten into the bus, and she wanted to keep reading. She'd pretty much ignored everyone else - for some reason, she'd been told to get on the bus with the humans and that other neko who just kind of seemed like he might be a bit of trouble, and she was far more comfortable, overall, with reading. Speaking with people wasn't really her strong suit. She was hoping that they'd move her to a new mechanical facility, perhaps. Something this far out in the cold would likely be a good place for weapons development, and she could really go for a chance to actually show off her talents, rather than being an unappreciated lab assistant. Her ears twitched when the man who smelled like tar started talking, but she didn't really know what to say to his odd question, so she just pulled her book up a bit more in front of her face.  

[jennibert]

Madge sits at attention, even though she very badly wants to inspect her new uniform. She hadn't had an opportunity to view the arctic camouflage before, and it was very intriguing, but it would be inappropriate to do so. She must show her best side to these people she doesn't know, particularly the two neko. Lazy creatures in her experience, and these two had done nothing to improve her opinion of them.

Not that any of that showed on her face. Her expression remained relaxed but not aloof. When the man with the cigarette began to speak, she answered precisely. "Yes, sir. I am indeed up to date on the situation." After all, she'd had lunch with her grandfather just the day before, and he'd told her things that she probably shouldn't have been privy to.

{Have permission from the DM to go ahead and jump in. And here's Madeline "Madge" Walker.}  

[raozspaz]

The man with the cigarette stood up and walked into the aisle of the bus and began to walk to a point where he was closer to the group but still in easy sight of all of them. "That is good to hear. At least you all know somewhat of the situation both of our nations are going through. So that means most of you also know about this road, the Trail of Hope. The only supply line left between the two nations. If it wasn't for this mountain range, Lieraden probably would've attacked even it right after we seized it, but this range is too difficult to make attacks on." The man took a few more puffs from his cigarette and then put it out on the floor of the bus. Picking up the butt of the cigarette, he put it in a small iron container and pocketed it. "But, now with that information out of the way, I believe it is about time I start to tell each of you exactly why you are here." As the man spoke these words, the bus drove through a large curved outcropping through the mountain's edge and down at the end of the road was a massive facility. One that had not existed two months ago and only the people involved with the project would know about. In other words, only the people who were at the building these last two months would know anything about it. "You see, you few have been selected to test a prototype version of a new weapon that will be used against Lieraden. We call it a 'Guardian' and you will learn why later. Before we actually get to that point though, we would like to test all of your skills and put you through a live action simulator and see just how well each of you can do out on the field. Once we are done with that, you will be introduced to your 'Guardians'." The man smiled after finishing his sentence and looked over his shoulder for a few moments before returning his gaze to the group. "Any questions?"

Up ahead, the facility was massive, partially into large cavities of the mountain that were either blown out or carved out. It was hard to tell due to all the structuring that now fills the void created. The building in and of itself is primarily a white color, cloaking it into the mountain range and making it mildly difficult to be seen even to the group inside the bus. No amount of smoke comes from the place and even the road leading to it has been cloaked white for quite a while now, though the passengers most likely are unaware of that due to how the bus is built and how small the road is.  

[Vorastrix]

"about a dozen actually" Toby replied "but most may be answered by my first. How exactly were we selected?" he asked glancing around the bus. The main reason for his asking was to learn what traits of his he should accentuate in the coming tests.  

[raozspaz]

"You all were picked because it was believed that your variance in skills would be the most appropiate in working as a group towards a common goal. That is all I am allowed to tell you and also pretty much all I know about the selection process. Hopefully, you can learn more later on when you meet your support pilot and the chief of this entire project."

The bus driver laughed a bit and then turned his head slightly to where he was looking in the mirror to see the group but could still clearly make out where the road was. "And hopefully you can also overcome the racial differences between us." The man smiled and then lifted off his cap. The man was a Neko but seemed to be a bit more calm working amongst humans than the average kind of his race.

"We will be able to find that out later. Now face the road and drive." Though for the most part it was hidden, anyone who was good enough could tell the slight aggravation in his voice.  

[Vorastrix]

seeing it might be a problem Toby decided to voice his opinion. "Racism is pointless, and it only displays your ignorance." as if that decided things, he said to the man, "next question: who are you? are you our commander, or just the tour guide?"  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Jack listened halfheartedly, leaning on his hand as he studied the surrounding area. Where would the best place for an ambush be if he was an enemy. The mountain road they were on had enough twists and turns that an enemy force could set up almost anywhere if they were able to get here. That was before even picking out potential sniper spots.

Looking back towards the cigar smoking man, he sized him up. He looked strong and tough, but he was drawing attention to himself. Out of anyone here, they'd figure that he was the guy in charge and target him first, well, after the driver. Take out the driver and you'd probably kill the whole busload on this road.  

[Disciple of Sakura]

Of course the bus was going so slow, Bridgitte thought to herself as the neko took his hat off and revealed himself. The cats may be quick on their feet, but she'd been outdriving them for years, and they just sucked behind the wheel in general.  

[Dallas Moonrain]

Vorastrix

"Racism is pointless, and it only displays your ignorance."

That's something I can agree with. Granted, he'd never applied the term between humans and neko before--the gangs he'd grown up in had applied their racism to different colors within the neko race. That was one belief Gavin had happily shed while earning his biology degree.

He looks up, tucking a stray strand of his long black hair back towards his ponytail. "Can you tell us anything about these Guardians? I mean, if you've got a sim, I guess they're some sort of vehicle, but what kind?"

{I remember that you prefer we not quote, but since a few other people posted since him, I wanted to be sure everyone knew for sure what Gavin was reacting to.}  

[raozspaz]

[Quoting like you did doesn't bother me as much]

The man looked around at the group again and then shook his head. "No. I am not your commander. I am just the associate that was hired to make sure this group came together smoothly." He looked back through the front window of the bus as it pulled through two sets of massive gates, ending up deep inside the mountain. The man exited the bus and waited for everyone to get off before answering the next question that was asked of him. "The 'Guardian' is our newest prototype weapon system. That is all 'I' am allowed to tell you. You shall learn more about them later." When everyone finally finished exiting the bus, it pulled away and did a U - turn before its white paint quickly cloaked with the snow as it drove into the distance. "Follow me and we shall go meet your support pilot."  

[Raganui Minamoto]

Exiting the bus, he looked around. An interesting place. Built into a mountain, it'd be hard to assault and easier to conceal. Still, when the man mentioned a support pilot, Jack barely kept in a sigh of contempt. Did they mess up? He wasn't a pilot at all and didn't know the first thing to using an aircraft.  

[Anatarei Crimsonthrone]

Tress's ears perked up when the officer's discussion came to new information about some sort of weapon. She wasn't a soldier, though - she was military science. They were going to be putting her towards maintenance, right? She didn't really know a whole lot about fighting, when one got down to it. She understood explosives well enough, but that was about it. She didn't feel like asking any questions, though. So, when the bus stopped and they tried to herd everyone out, she reluctantly got up, folded down the corner of her book, and stepped out into the cold mountain air, instinctively sniffing.

Commander Cigarrette

Follow me and we shall go meet your support pilot.

"P..pp...ppp.p.p... PILOT?!?! Tress stammered out in a panic.  

[raozspaz]

"Calm down, calm down. Sheesh. I don't know how you got picked. Anyways, you will not be piloting any aircraft. Only your support pilot will be flying." The man turned around and began to lead them to a large double door. As he approached, he again began to speak. "By the way. I will tell you though that I am the one that runs the armory around here so I will be handling firearm appointment. The name is Marcus. It'll be a pleasure to work with you all later on." The man laughed again and the two guards standing near the doors opened them to let the group inside. The room was massive, huge, and any other form of the word. Right in front of the group about ten feet or so stood another very well dressed man and a slightly young neko woman stood next to him.

"Hello. I am Command Terrins. I am the commanding officer of this facility so anything I say inside here goes. Is that clear? Now that you know that, this is your support pilot Lavinia. She will be piloting the aircraft that will be providing high altitude air support for you all. You, as the comms specialist will be working with her quite often so get to know each other well." The man pointed at Tress and smiled ever so slightly. "Now then, are there any more questions before I introduce you to the 'Guardians'?"