Mission #14 - The Iron Eye

[lucetimods]

Who:
Doctors: Yamanaka Ino, Trafalgar Law, Elizabeth (Bioshock)
Investigators: Luke Skywalker, Natasha Romanoff, Asch, Itachi Uchiha, Maron Kusukabe, Selphie Tilmitt
Diplomats: Freyjadour Falenas, Marita Covarrubias, Gai Tsutsugami, Jade Curtiss, Ororo Munroe, Temari, Peggy Carter
Quartermasters: Haruhi Suzumiya, Akimichi Chouji, Eleytheria, Rudy Roughnight, Vash, Elizabeth (Persona)
Guards: Clove, Karla, Vegeta, Suki, Steve Rogers, Yuffie Kisaragi
What: Mission #14: The Iron Eye
When: September 7th - September 11th
Where: The Desert of Region Nine
Summary: Volunteers are sent to check in one the Iron Eye, a group of mercenaries who have convened in the desert for unknown reasons.
Rating: J for Just Deserts


Departure

As you may recall from the mission briefing, selected volunteers are headed to the desert in Region Nine. Before the nitty-gritty mechanics of this mission are revealed, characters must first try and gather as much intelligence as possible from the NPCs made available to them. The nature of their presence in the desert, the context of the vote you will have to make, as well as the larger picture concerning the existence of the Iron Eye all depend upon solid investigation and shrewd interrogation. Or, perhaps, dumb luck.

Diplomat/Negotiator characters will be permitted to tag as many NPCs as the player wishes. All other characters will have to choose just one of the NPCs to tag -- choose wisely! You’re likely still going to uncover some sort of intel. (Do note, each NPC is played by a different mod. So if you see one NPC getting more hits than the other, consider hitting up a different one to help spread it out.)

Investigator characters will have a thread purpose-built to allow those players in particular to ask the mods particular (and pointed) questions about what can be observed. Please note that these questions should be direct and specific rather than vague. For example, ’are any of the Iron Eye members looking particularly upset?’ is a valid question. What is the group’s general mood?’ is not. Remember, these inquiries aren’t going to be done out of character. There will be an In Character thread to reply to, meaning that any move you commit to has consequences and could draw attention to your character. So be careful!

Doctor characters will not only look after their own, but they’ll get a chance to help the Iron Eye deal with their own wounded. Without any special powers, they’ll have to rely on good old fashioned know how. However, there may be some insight to be found in just what ails these mercenaries.

Quartermaster characters are primarily responsible for their own - other volunteers. The trucks they arrived on should be packed with necessary supplies to keep them healthy, but they may have to borrow from the MSF if any of the group turns out to be thirstier than the Malnosso anticipated.

Guard characters have the unenviable position of guarding the small convoy the volunteers arrived in, while also facing extra scrutiny from the Iron Eye. However, even with all the mercenaries around, there’s still things out in the desert to worry about. Lone Shift Hunters often hunt at night, where their dark skin and silent steps can make them incredibly stealthy, especially without special powers to aid in anticipating them.

The camp they’ll be heading to is large and staffed by the Iron Eye. They are at least five thousand strong with men and have their own supply of trucks, jeeps, tanks, and even a few helicopters. Although not nearly so uniform as the MSF, it’s clear that this is a group that means business. Their numbers are composed of men and women of many species, some with large wings and some with small. Throughout the mission, they’ll have their own people coming and going from different directions. Beyond their camp is all desert where brutal Shifts make powers unreliable and have been known to have sometimes lethal effects. Although the Iron Eye camp has set up a small amount of protection against these Shifts, it’s nowhere near as secure as what you’d find in a proper enclosure.

Playing in this mission means you guys have to figure out exactly what the Iron Eye are up to. On the tenth, a post will appear on lucetiooc for you to vote on whether your character will assist the Iron Eye or sabotage their efforts, regardless if they are fully aware of what they’re up to. Or they can, of course, just do nothing and not vote.

--

The volunteers were transported to the outskirts of the desert courtesy of a cargo plane. Given the variety of participants, the pilot would only feel secure after turning the power cap on to one hundred percent, even though his co-pilot insisted they had nothing to worry about. After all, he said, Lucetians almost never try to escape. All the same, power cap it was, and the long flight set in. When they landed at the airstrip in Region Nine, it was revealed to be little more than just that. A paved area to land, a few buildings, and then a caravan of trucks that were to be handed over to the volunteers to make use of.

Several miles into the trip, it became obvious when they arrived in Iron Eye territory. Scouts from the mercenary crew spotted them even miles before they had arrived and cautiously followed them into the encampment. The soldiers greeted them with suspicion and weapons raised, but called off their attack. After all, the leader of this particular outfit was already well-acquainted with these new arrivals. Hoi Hidekan had dealt with them before now. Many of the other members of the Iron Eye likewise recognized Lucetians. Many of them weren’t so happy to see familiar faces, having been slain by Lucetians in the battle at Depot 8. Hidekan himself was on edge. He didn’t like where this seemed to be going, but it was with gritted teeth he allowed the Lucetians entered. Immediately, he assigned a guard to watch over them. He watched Trafalgar Law carefully in particular, but said nothing. For the moment, at least.

It wasn’t until a particularly jovial and blue man arrived that things eased up. Sir Catherine, known to the organization as Bilirubin, wore a wide grin as he came to meet the Lucetians. He greeted them warmly despite the situation.

“Ah, what are the chances of meeting out here in this place? I do hope the organization hasn’t sent you out here to arrest me. I imagine by now you may have heard about that eensy problem I ran into regarding my little plan to eliminate Count Zompano. Ahaha, well, I think we can all agree that absolutely went dreadfully. Who would have thought he’d join up with the cultists? In any case, I’m afraid I won’t let you do that. I’ve hired the Iron Eye, you see. I shan’t be turned over to the organization. Not when there’s work to do. In any case, I look forward to speaking to you all individually. Please, relax! Pitch a tent. Have some of our water. Enjoy the sights. The nights are rather bland, given the lack of stars, but the sand dunes to the west are rather splendid to look at once you’re good and properly dehydrated. In any case, off I go!”

And just like, Bilirubin popped back into one of the tents, but he’d be out and about again before long. Hidekan was less pleased and followed the blue man, leaving the Lucetians to figure out how they were going to make do for the next four days. Sticking close to Hidekan was a young woman, another former member of the MSF. But only one of the group would recognize her as Aka Furuka. After all, Gai had been involved in the same mission that involved putting a stop to her and the people she was working with. It was clear that she didn’t relish the idea of being recognized. Nobody would. The incident at the hospital was messy business.

With that settled, the volunteers were left to set up camp, figure out their supplies, and make themselves ready to investigate the surroundings, deal with any creatures that bump in the night, and tend to any other difficulties that would arise in their four days.

--

Any other questions and/or plotting can be handled at the Announcement post here.


PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOTE HERE - other plotting and IC discussion is on this post as well.

Comments

NPC Threads

[lucetimods]

Random Comments

[lucetimods]

NPC Comments - if your character interacts with just random NPCs (not the three main ones), these are the sort of things they might overhear.

“I can’t believe Hidekan let you guys in after what you did at Depot Eight. Guess that’s what we get for thinking a bunch of bubble-lovers would ever want to change anything.”

“From president to bumming around with us. Most of us would strangle old man Bil if he wasn’t so damn useful. If it weren’t for his calculations, well... ... ... What do we need him for? Hah. You’ll see.”

“Not all of us are former MSF. Some of us came out of enclosures and refused to work with the Malnosso or become crazy-ass Sparties. Only two ways to end up in this world? Fuck that. The Iron Eye make their own way.”

“So the word is, that bastard in charge of MARS turned on Count Zompano and then pinned it all on Bilirubin. Ya know, I used to work under Specialist Davis, but I never figured he’d throw in with a creep like him.”

“You think the Malnosso saved Pagoda? They didn’t have anyone nearby to dig those poor bastards out. It was all us. Okay, sure, maybe the Sheriff from the Depot helped, but it’s not like she had the manpower to take on the Sparties. All she did was let us in.”

“The Commandant is a fool. She fights the cultists like they haven’t changed an ounce. That old fashioned kind of fighting may have worked for the Hero, but it won’t cut it now. The old Count is smart. Well, we’re smarter. We’ll show ‘em something no one’s seen in this world since he was still sucking on his momma’s teat.”

“We ran the Sparties off from Pagoda, but they regrouped. So don’t get too comfy in your nice little tents. They’re still out there, just spoiling for a rematch.”

“One of the new recruits is from that mess at the Desset hospital. Hidekan won’t say who, but if I find out who it is, I plan to give that asshole a kick in the teeth. The Iron Eye used to have standards. Letting in some cultist wannabe? To hell with that. My gramps was in that hospital.”

“I’m really starting to miss the stars. I know they’re fake, but these blank night skies are driving me crazy. If that ain’t enough, it doesn’t even get overcast out here. You’d think the Mallies could stand to put some up for our sake. Then maybe their big damn spaceship wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb up there in the sky. Yeah, we get it, you’re watching us. We’re real scared down here.”

“I dunno how the hell Shift Hunters pop up out here. We keep killing them and rooting out their dens. But then a new one just pops up out of the blue. Sometimes a bunch at once. Creeps me out.”

“What, the FTSA? Those assholes couldn’t afford to keep us after that mess at the Depot. They’re back to protesting TV shows and locking themselves in cages. After losing all their cash on one failure, their heart just wasn’t into it anymore.”

“You ever notice how us soldiers kind of all sound the same? It’s weird, isn’t it? I’ve got to work on diversifying my vocabulary. Hey, what’s a really fancy way of telling someone to piss off?”

“I hate this damn desert. If you’re not being burned by the sun, you’re being burned by Shifts or radiation or some other shit.”

“Let me count the ways I don’t give a damn about your questions.” The mercenary flips up his middle finger. “One.”

Bilirubin

[biliruben]

The eccentric scientist was simply not built for this kind of terrain. He had his own tent and spent most of his time inside. When he went outside, he did so with a floppy fisherman’s hat on and a generous layer of sunscreen applied to his blue skin. The exact science of how sunburns affected blue skin was not fully explored, but Bil insisted that it wouldn’t take long for him to turn purple from exposure. He felt fortunate, at least, that he was far younger now. Not only did he look more fashionable in a pair of sunglasses, but he stood a much better chance of not dying from the heat.

When he wasn’t traipsing around the camp, moving from one tent to temporary structure to another, he had managed to find himself a small gazebo to look out at the dunes in the evening. It wasn’t a proper gazebo - just an open canvas to block the sun and a few foldable chairs. But with a large bottle of iced water, he almost felt like he wasn’t completely dying under the brutal sun. However, unlike at TERRACE, he could not manage an entourage of guards from the Iron Eye to follow him around. Oh, certainly, there were mercenaries everywhere. But most of them paid no attention to him until he asked them to. It was very difficult for him to get so little attention

He wasn’t avoiding the volunteers, precisely, but he did not make any extra effort to go find them past the initial greeting. Aside from watching the sunsets at his little gazebo, he spent the rest of the day seemingly caught up in busy work. Anyone who caught him moving from one place to another would catch him mumbling mathematic equations with a deeply intent expression on his face. Whatever he was working on in this desert, it was complicated and his body wasn’t the only thing overheating, his brain seemed to be getting quite a workout as well.

Hoi Hidekan

[malnosso]

A tumbleweed rolled past a pair of utilitarian boots. Boots which lead up a self-assured sort of man -- the kind of man who did not impose himself upon the scenery, but who fit into it regardless of where he is. This was Hoi Hidekan -- and for the moment, his face was practically unreadable. But perhaps that was because it was half-hidden under the wide brim of a dark hat. The man had clearly taken a beating or two since last scene at Depot 8, but he wore his battle scars in the way of one who’d gladly suffered his injuries either for ideology or else for pride. Little about him was frivolous, and much approached a zen-like composure which tensed only upon the approach of a Lucetian volunteer.

He could be found most often stalking the edges and lesser-known pathways of his camp -- on a makeshift patrol, as if he could supplement his guards simply by being near. But a fortunate soul might also catch him at the mess table at any of the daily meals, for he was never above eating across from anyone else -- be they friend or foe or wary stranger. In a similar show of dubious courtesy, he would speak with anyone who chose to speak to him...even if he might often allow his suspicion (or his distaste) bleed unmistakably into his words.

Aka Furuka

[malnosso]

Aka Furuka was new. She knew it, everyone in the Iron Eye knew it, and the new arrivals probably knew it, too. Suspicious eyes had been on her since she joined the mercenaries, and their skepticism was well-placed. Rumors had circulated. They knew someone who had been at the Desset hospital mess was now involved with the Iron Eye. It wasn't a memory she much relished to think about herself. But that was the past, and this was now - this was the path she had chosen.

Though she spent plenty of time on the heels of Hidekan like a faithful puppy, eager to prove her usefulness, when she was alone she kept to the fringes, watching. Watching other mercenaries work, watching the Lucetians about their investigation. She wouldn't seek them out to speak with them, but she could be spoken to. Avoiding them would only arouse their suspicions, and she had already had enough of that.

It would be nice to be trusted, for a change. Ah, well. Maybe when this was all over, she would finally earn her place.

Investigations thread

[lucetimods]

If your character is listed as an Investigator, this is where you can have them start snooping around. Just ask your questions here and we'll reply with what the situation is. Then rinse and repeat! Please keep one thread for each character, so it can all be in one continuous order.

[selphie_t]

These kind of missions were nothing new to Selphie. In fact, she felt right at home in a camp of mercenaries. It didn't really matter to her whether or not they liked her or her fellow Lucetians. They all had a job to do and regardless of the fact that she didn't remember any of the past missions or drafts she's been part of, she wanders the camp freely. Many might be wondering what a fresh faced looking teenager was doing in the heart of the Iron Eye but nobody seemed to concerned.

Being a mercenary herself, she knows how they think and waits for them to get over their initial aversion before the perky brunette begins poking around the camp. With her nunchaku in tow, Selphie settles herself at a table of her fellows. If need be, she'll prove that she can run with the punches just as well as any of those seated around her but for now, it's time to get to work.

She waits a good twenty minutes for them to hopefully forget that she's seated herself with them before asking any questions. "So, what're you guys doing out here in the desert? What's The Iron Eye all about?"

[yourhatred]

Itachi made his way to the outskirts of the camp. There was nothing stealthy about his movements just then. He wanted to be seen, and he wanted to be seen as non-threatening. He stopped near the edge, tilting his head up as though taking in the area's protection, then began walking along the perimeter.

He didn't prod at anything, didn't make any other movements aside from slow, careful strides. Any guards that might have been on patrol there weren't avoided, just walked by. In fact, he was rather hoping that one might stop him to question his actions.

[thefinaljedi]

With the information available, Luke isn't terribly sure where to start. But skulking around and spying are definitely not the way to go about things at first. So, instead of doing anything like that, he starts to just wander the camp. He's been among mercenaries before, of course. Bounty hunters, people pretending to be Mandalorians, even genuine soldier of fortune types. It's not hard to emulate that attitude, walking with a slouch and a hint of confidence. He lets his world weariness show, repressing the inner idealist to give himself the look of a man hardened by years of war. He knows he's a good actor, so he tries to simply move among the Iron Eye camp without drawing too much attention to himself.

In part, he wants to see just how closely he'll be watched. And in part, he's looking for an opportunity.

And that comes in the form of a group setting up a new tent. They seem to be having a bit of difficulty, as they're short-staffed for the task so he just runs up and grabs hold of a rope that's about to come loose.

"I got it fellas, just get that side set and I'll hold it for you."

[dissonates]

It's good to get out of the village, despite the circumstances. so Asch is in a surprisingly good mood. Or, alright, a decent mood. A less-angry-than-usual mood. Which is good in his book. Given the role of investigator, he's in full-blown stealth mode, and shortly after they're established in the area, his first goal is to stake out one of the Iron Eye tents.

He watches for comings and goings, waiting for the opportune moment to sneak into one. The end-goal is disguise and thus a proper infiltration, in order to overhear anything useful, but even with plenty of watching, he's not sure what to expect. He won't be fully entering the structure until he's certain that it's clear.

[goldenglasses]

Vash spends most of the trip out here quiet. He's dressed a bit more like his old self, donning his old red jacket and boots once more. They were good for keeping the sand and sun off the skin. Before they take off he will be offering advice to those not dressed for sand about tucking their pant legs into their shoes at the very least. No one likes itchy sand stuck in their clothes.

His hair is still long and tied back in a short pony tail to keep it out of his face. As soon as they come close to landing he slips on a pair of golden sunglasses on his face to make scanning the desert easier. All old habits he slips into easily and he's not exactly thrilled to be back in a desert setting.

Still, he knows what he's doing and is taking his task of quartermaster very seriously. While he won't outright deny anyone water should they ask him for some he's doing his best to ration it. He doesn't exactly trust that should something unforeseen happen of getting more. Should anyone be watching his actions any it's clear that he himself isn't drinking too much. Enough to get by, but he's attempting to give his share to the people who may not be as use to this climate then he was.

Vash is doing his best to be friendly with the members of the Iron Eye around. Ignoring any jeers he gets from them and happily striking up a conversation with whoever is willing enough to talk to him.

He's right at home in this setting really. Out in the desert; surrounded by people who don't particularly care for him. Come find him if you need a break of talking to the Iron Eye or just need to quench your thirst.

[misterbrief]

"Vash." He heads up to the man, resting next to him. "Give me some of that water." Despite his Saiyan stomach, he does know how to eat and drink in moderation.

[godbent]

"I should trade someone for a pair of goggles."

She laments this as she just... sinks back against a truck here, the both of them having been doing quartermaster duties and she's eyeing his shades for the not first time in a while. It's a drawn out, frivolous complaint.

[deathsdoctor]

Law, like his partner, is unused to planes. Only being on one prior flight to Rataneran Keep before had already left him with a particular dislike of takeoff and turbulence, and it didn't look like this go around would be any different. Grim faced, the co-pilot's words still echoing in his ears, he eventually tries to strike up discussion to share information about the Iron Eye from those that had been at Depot 8.

The face is only partly because of the plane, really. He already knows who he'll find. Knows it in his bones even while there's no way of really knowing.

Once there, most might wonder why Hoi Hidekan watches Law the most closely of all. Some already know. Law's own expression suggests they have history. Which they do. Depot 8. The Tyr's Revenge.

Law has a different expression for Bil, though. An arched eyebrow - hand caught in the cookie jar so to speak? Dear, dear. There's history there too. The mission to Rataneran Keep. TERRACE. Being Bil's primary physician in Luceti, his caretaker, and the one beside him as he died.

The pirate wonders if Bil and Hidekan realize what they share in common when it comes to him.

The days are full of wounded soldiers (when he isn't dealing with their own) and the nights are cold and the starless sky is damning. He listens, learns what he can, and is always open to talk to the next person.

[voidseeing]

Their ragtag little party has barely been in camp for an hour when Gai sees something that sets off alarm bells in his head. Not that he lets this on to anyone else, of course, but as soon as he gets his own things set up, he's off in search of the doctor with the intent of having A Conversation.

Law likely knows him well enough by now to recognize the look on Gai's face when he walks up-- it's his "I have something we need to discuss right now" face, though to anyone else it would just appear as his usual stern expression. He's not going to waste words, not until he's sure they're in a place where no one can overhear them.

This is not a subject he wants getting loose for several reasons.

[materiathief]

The ride here wasn't the most pleasent experience Yuffie had. She had to work through the motion sickness, and then deal with the fact that they she was going to be stuck in the desert for too long. Then when the ride was over, and she could get out, she finds the closest shaded area she can find (Even if it's a persons shadow) to get herself back together.

Once she got over that, she got up, and looked around, having one weapon on her back, and holding the other in her hand. She's hoping to find someone she knows. She mostly knows what she's supposed to do, but finding a friend is nice when one is on their first mission, and the people she's never seen before, don't look all that friendly.

[ex_tessen852]

It made Suki a bit nervous to be out on a mission. She was so used to doing things with the Kyoshi Warriors that doing something without them felt out of place, even after all this time away from them. However, it eased her nerves to see people she knew on this mission with her.

Once they landed, Suki walked up to Yuffie, someone whom she hadn't spoken to in awhile, and gave her a warm smile.

"It's been awhile, but I'm glad that there's at least one person I know who's here. How are you doing?"

[winds_voice]

The ride to the desert was strange enough for Eley. He'd never seen any of these strange machines before... metal things with wings that could soar through the air and big boxes on wheels that could move without being pulled. The Spirit didn't particularly like being stuck in enclosed spaces as it was, let alone in contraptions he was unfamiliar with.

He couldn't let it get to him though. No, he had to focus on the task he had been given, one he knew he would be fine with. If he found himself gripped by more worrying thoughts, he tried to remind himself why exactly he was doing this. It wasn't hard... given that another of the volunteers was behind that reason.

Once they were there and things had been put into motion, Eley was on hand with the other quartermasters to keep everyone hydrated. He didn't take any for himself, assuming he would be fine as a Spirit, but others might notice it starting to take a toll on the human body he had been given since arriving in this world. It seemed that this desert heat was too much for even him to tolerate without drinking something.

Most of the time however, he can be found around camp keeping an eye on people, Lucetian and Iron Eye alike. He might not be part of the investigation team but it was in his nature to observe and he couldn't help but ponder over the comments he heard in passing. It seemed there was a lot more out here that he didn't understand...

Passersby should feel free to talk to him. Even when not distributing supplies, he'll try to keep himself open to anyone who needs to chat or vent their feelings. He brought a harmonica with him too if they want some rather... poor entertainment.

No matter where Eley was though, he couldn't help but feel terribly... vulnerable out here. It bothered him more than he likely let on.

[calmbeforethe]

At some point, Ororo walks over to where Eley sits. She holds out a canteen to him, smiling kindly.

"It's important to keep yourself hydrated out here."

[tearmeanewone]

The cargo plane was familiar enough, even if it was terribly loud and lurched a great deal on take-off. Elizabeth preferred airships, hands down, and the entire journey she spent holding Gai's hand and keeping her head on his shoulder. No talking, she felt a little sick from the motion.

The greeting the team received (drawn weapons) put Elizabeth on edge, but even then she couldn't feel a single tear anywhere. It was as though someone had thrown a blanket over her head, and she could barely see through it or hear anything outside of it. This must have been what the message had been talking about concerning 'abilities' being unreliable, but the camp was huge and Elizabeth was very well versed in... borrowing things to use as supplies.

But really, what were three doctors supposed to do for a camp of nearly five-thousand people? Elizabeth felt they were incredibly understaffed should something bigger happen, but what could she do? Not much aside from walk through the camp with her medical bag displayed very prominently. Even so, it seemed like people were staring at her and muttering things even when she was working. At the very least, there was less need for emergency-based medicine. She had time to work instead of quickly pull the patient back to life.

The work was tiring, but after the first day she had adjusted a bit more. Smiling, making whatever conversation she could with her patients, generally trying to make the best of the very tense situation. She kept herself close to the medical tents, but occasionally took breaks to read, have tea, or re-pin her hair up in a sheer white ribbon. It was almost obsessive, how careful she was about keeping her hair back and out of her eyes.

And the heat... She and the heat were not getting along at all. How could anyone volunteer to camp and live in such heat? She hadn't packed for this at all, of course, and rolled her stockings down and her sleeves up in a desperate attempt to stay cool.

Her corset? She abandoned five hours after landing. If she hadn't been working at something she felt good about doing, she would have been absolutely miserable.

[thefinaljedi]

Maybe it wasn't the role Luke had been assigned, but he could tell when someone was suffering in the heat. And he happened to like Elizabeth and her enthusiasm, which meant that he felt more than a little obligation to make sure she didn't wind up sick with heat-stroke. During one of her breaks, the Jedi approached with a satchel in hand. He'd brought along a few extra sets of Tatooinian attire, figuring that someone was going to need them.

"Elizabeth, how're you holding up?"

[godbent]

The flight over here wasn't pleasant, but it was also something that the young woman stomached - she resolved to go through something unpleasant to come here, after all, and there's no way comparatively minor setbacks will deter her. Bil's speech was offputting, the guns were more offputting, but both of those are things that she can try to ignore. She's actually more than a little scared, but fear will do them no good - in fact, from her that might make things much worse.

As such...

Haruhi went about her job diligently. That is, being a quartermaster. It's hot here and it's actually more than a little miserable. Haruhi focuses on two things to make up for that: her job of making sure people were fed and have water and listening in on people's conversations. Her sleeves are rolled up and a bandanna is wrapped up around her hair, having bartered it off a mercenary. When she isn't managing distribution of supplies, helping with meal schedules, assisting with tents and getting people sleeping bags, or forcing people to haul crates out of the trucks, she's... talking with the mercenaries. Or at least trying to.

It's vain, but maybe she's trying to get people who want to take Brigade pin badges. Not that she has a lot of time, but sue her.

[yourfononsarewhack]

Jade was on a break, so he could afford the distraction. He held up the badge with a mix of uncertainty and amusement. "And what, pray tell, is this?"

[neversurrender]

[Steve has never had a problem with flying. During the war it had been one of many ways of transport from base to base. In this case, it's not so different from then. There's a certain tension hanging in the air, or maybe it's anticipation. It's the sort of tension anyone would have even entering possibly hostile territory. He made sure to keep an eye on the pilots as much as possible until they finally touched ground again.

One they're left to settle in Steve will first turn his attention towards setting up camp and getting the lay of the land. He keeps his weapons near him at all times, keeping a close eye on surrounding mercenaries. Once settled in Steve will seek familiar faces and exchange familiar faces. He leaves most of the investigation work to the investigators, but that doesn't mean he won't be keeping his ears open.]

[calmbeforethe]

Captain. [ Ororo raises a hand in greeting. They hadn't spoken much since they'd arrived, but she's made it a point to seek him out when she has a moment of free time. ]

[swordprincess]

[Karla had no idea what she was getting into when she signed up for this. It was just another thing to try out, and it would likely involve fighting, the one thing she was good at. Flying was a new an interesting experience for her, though she was visibly nervous throughout the ride. At the site, she was merely pacing back and forth as she stood guard. The heat was beginning to get to her, though. She'd been to many areas in Elibe throughout her journey, but the climate had been mild for the most part. She hasn't been to the areas like Ilia or Nabata, however. She swayed as she paced, wiping sweat from her forehead. If only she had something to do, she could take her mind off the fatigue, even if the heat would kill her afterwards. Or some water would be welcome.]

[16autumnroad]

[While making a quick round of the camp to check in with everyone he's supposed to be looking after, Chouji catches sight of one of the guards faltering slightly. It isn't obvious at first glance, but once he takes a closer look, it's clear that the heat is affecting her.

He catches her eye and waves before coming closer, no desire to approach a guard unannounced. Chouji didn't catch her name earlier, but he did make sure he'd recognize others from Luceti on sight.]

Hey! I'm Chouji, one of the people in charge of supplies for the mission. Are you doing alright?

[elevatoravatar]

Elizabeth had awoken and been confused, and was offered the chance to fulfill some of her older, more familiar roles which would give her time to think while she felt so weak. So she moved to the supplies and began taking note of everything, memorizing how much they had and how much people were entitled to. While this wasn't a subjugation quest she understood there were goals and mortals needed these things to keep going so she looked over everything very seriously.

"Hrm, perhaps this is meant to be an experiment in only using what one needs over what one wants."

[ex_tessen852]

Suki couldn't help but notice the other girl. Though she looked alright, there was still something off about her. It was part of Suki's job description to protect the people here, and she was going to take that job seriously, even if she was only worrying about the small things.

"Hey." Suki approached, hoping she didn't surprise the girl. "You didn't need any help, did you?"

[16autumnroad]

The plane ride is unfamiliar and a little unsettling, but at this point Chouji is just grateful their minds aren't being toyed with. He can manage the altitude and the unfamiliarity. As for the mission itself, he's happy with his assigned role in it. Chouji doesn't even want to think about trying to manage diplomacy or investigation, not when he doesn't have Shikamaru along or much knowledge at all of the factions involved.

He keeps his eyes and ears open, receptive to any errant news or bits of conversation, but Chouji's primary focus is on everyone else from the enclosure. He may not be as used to desert conditions as some, but he is used to signs of exhaustion and keeping tabs on supplies. Food is important and valued by Chouji even when not on a mission. He'll hardly protest making sure it's available, and stays available, to those around him.

Sticking fairly close to their supplies most of the time, Chouji does make a point of checking in with fellow quartermasters or others from Luceti as he sees them.

[floralogy]

Ino didn't like the plane ride in particular either, but she can at least charge it to experience. When they arrived in the camp, she made a mental note to see how Chouji's doing. It really didn't take her long to know where he is given the task he was assigned to do.

"Hey," Ino begins with a smile. "Guess it's just the two of us from Konoha then."

[selphie_t]

Selphie hadn't gotten off on the right foot with the mercenaries in the Iron Eye and as a result, her questions were ignored. She understood their being tight lipped about the purpose but she could tell that they were up to something. What that something was though, she hadn't had any luck figuring out. She'd stuck close the tents with her eyes scanning the people, filing away important tidbits of information to jot down later on. It was clear that they had the wrong idea about her but she wasn't about to change their minds.

It was pretty much an actions spoke louder than words for her now but she didn't like this group at all. A lot of their actions didn't sit well with her, reminding her more of the Galbadian Army than a group of mercenaries. She was surprised she hadn't encountered people in their group who reminded her of Biggs and Wedge. She did her job quietly, helping where she could but only overhearing the general gossip as most of the Iron Eye shied away from her.

Regardless, she could gather information in this way without much problem anyway.

[ex_tessen852]

Even though it wasn't Suki's job, she did try to listen into anything she could. She wanted to know what exactly was going on. Sure, she was only there to guard people, but that didn't mean she couldn't do some investigating on her own. She just didn't go in as deep as the others would. Suki just stay around people and try to over hear their conversations.

Sadly it didn't work too well for her. Her Kyoshi Warrior gear made her stick out like a sore thumb, which was slightly annoying.

"How you holding up?" Suki asked as she spotted the familiar face. "Not getting yourself into trouble, are you?"

[yourfononsarewhack]

Jade Curtiss complied with the travel arrangements respectfully. During the ride, his spear was carried on his person rather than within his arm, as he did not want to risk whatever effect that power shift would have on him. His experiences were now colored by the file he had found of himself. It didn't prevent him from dealing with the Malnosso, but now he was being more cautious - and seeing what opportunity existed in the outside world.

Upon arrival, Jade made an unusual sight for the desert scene. He was garbed in his full military regalia, yet he showed little to no sign of the heat getting to him. He even had a scent that oddly seemed to be cologne. How he manages to keep cool is a mystery, but regardless he makes his way around, looking for people to talk up and doing some careful examinations of his surroundings for himself. He's ready to find some answers for himself.

[ofwesternwinds]

[The ride is nothing new for Rudy, nor is the desert's scorching heat. Being a drifter meant being able to quickly adapt to any environment, and truthfully, it actually reminded him a bit of home--although not exactly in the best way.

Naturally, being experienced with desert conditions means he's pretty good at spotting others not so great with it. Water needs to be rationed very carefully, but that won't mean he won't shoot a few concerned looks to anyone who looks like they need it. And of course, he'll be doing his best to keep an eye out for anyone not looking so hot--especially those he knows.

But that's not to say he isn't without his own concerns. With the fact he's still having ongoing problems with his right arm and the fact he recognizes the Iron Eye--Hidekan--from the last mission he was on--Rudy was feeling a little on edge himself, a fact reflected in his tense expression as he helps set up camp. As he does his tasks, if one observes closely they'll notice he tends to favor his left hand more than his right, despite showing some signs of clumsiness while using it.]

[elevatoravatar]

Elizabeth looks over at the other quartermaster, mostly she has been taking stock of the goods available but she also has been watching the people and noticing things like clumsy moving of resources. She walks over and peers at the blue haired man.

"I do not believe that medical supplies are something we are lacking in, perhaps you should go to a doctor and get whatever injury you have treated? Or do you simply favor your less agile hand?"