Aberrant: Infinite Earth - Cosmos Nova - [CN DSA Plot] Operation Valiant Shield [Complete]

[SeaEagle]

Timeframe

The Events of this story take place one week after Underdark

Disclaimer

Due to events that will play out, it is a reminder to all that this is a work of fiction. Any similarities to RL are either coincidental or used as "dressing" for this thread. The Macguffins are entirely possible. As such I need to remind everyone that NO, I don't know how such a thing could be put into action and even if it did, I don't have the resources to pull it off anyways nor have the reason to if I did. This is a game that uses much of RL in it's timeline. A game where we play the guys that stop the bad guys (hopefully). Now that this is out of the way, let's have some fun.

-TG

Morning
0800 Hours
60 NM from Pearl Harbor

Kei walked about the flight deck of the USS George Washington, observing the waves and watching the Naval Aircraft that were being set up for take-off after refueling. Most of them Naval aircraft still on deck that needed to be transferred to some other ship, and a couple were emergency landings due to failed mid-air refueling.

She stayed on deck wearing her flight suit that has become one-part costume, and one part safety equipment, with her cormorant vest on, making her look like another pilot, but with the design of the Devilion, it looked like she should be flying something that Connor would be acting in.

She adjusted the vest, and looked up. She was expecting Karrie to arrive soon with the F-35N that was requisitioned for her use on this. She also wasn't used to not having May, her operator, present for the mission, as she was away in Japan working with her counterparts on later joint-exchange programs. That and May was doing leg-work on this mission on the ground, since the subject of the coming briefing was in regards to a Japanese cargo ship being Hijacked and Pirated from.

She paced near the island, waiting for Karrie's arrival.

The odd mix of blue jump-suited DSA crews prepping for KArrie's arrival intermixed with Navy crews in their gear was a jarring sight. But, Kei wagered that this would be the only way she would have ever been able to experience Navy life on a carrier or have a chance to be an aviator in the Navy. After all someone as short as her would be disqualified from most duties, or perhaps even be passed up for enlistment.

She stretched out, and stepped back to watch a F-18 that was refueled take off on the catapult, the last aircraft to leave before the deck was cleared. Then it comes in over a loud speaker.

"Attention Deck, F-35N #5 on approach, prepare for inbound VTOL..."

Kei looked up and flew to the top of the island, and watched Karrie arrive. She had faith that she knew how to operate a high-performance aircraft for a Vertical Take-Off and Landing.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie throttled back the speed of the Dragon as the USS George Washington came into view. “Gee-Dub, this is F-35N #5, inbound to you,” she reported over the radio. Even as she waited for a response, her keen mind was studying the pre-nova carrier, analyzing it for improvements that could be made. It was an old ship and really outdated – not that Karrie would point that out to anyone. If she did, they’d start her repairing it immediately. They should just let me design the next carrier. Of course, if they did that, they’d end up with something like the Valiant. Karrie didn’t see the issue, but Horst seemed horrified by the idea of an airborne aircraft carrier.

“F-35N #5, we read you. Deck is clear for you to land.” To this point, the radio man had been professional but with his next words, Karrie could hear his smile. “Ya’at’eeh, Coyote. Welcome to the Washington.”

“Ya’at’eeh yourself!” Karrie laughed. “That’s the best welcome I’ve gotten outside of the Rez! What’s your name, sailor?”

“Harry Twobear.”

“Should have known that no white man would speak Navajo that well.” Karrie was still grinning as she angled the Dragon around for a landing.

“Actually, I’m for Anglo.” Twobear chuckled. “But raised on the Rez.”

“Me too. What part?”

Twobear’s voice was excited when he answered. “White Mesa. You?”

“Near Chinle. Come find me later and we’ll chat. Right now I have to land a bloody big plane.”

“Roger that, Coyote.” Twobear was professional again. “Let me know if you need an assist.”

“Will do.” Karrie eased the bird over the desired spot to land. The controls fed her information about the ship’s speed and the countering wind speed. Karrie shifted her thrusters down and began to cut the thrust. The Dragon eased downward, sliding slightly sideways to maintain position with the ship. Focusing intently, Karrie put all her concentration into landing like a professional instead of an idiot. She wanted to make a good impression.

The only mark of her landing was a firm thump that reverberated through the plane; when she killed the thrusters, the shuddering of the motors dropped to a soft whine and then into silence. Karrie leaned forward and pulled the helmet off her head, even as the ground crew dashed forward and hooked on the outer ladder. “Thanks,” she said, passing over her helmet, then standing up. “Man, I have got to pee.”

“Head’s that way, ma’am.” The crewman was trying not to stare. It wasn’t just that she was a nova; it was that he’d never seen anyone flying a jet while wearing a leather coat with a flintlock pistol stuck in her belt. Also, she was cute, and he was a sailor. He’d been at sea long enough to appreciate a woman who wasn’t that particular breed of masculine that the Navy seemed to breed. As she trotted off to the bathroom, he thought, Nice ass.

[SeaEagle]

Kei hovered down and patted the Dragon on it's airframe. "Good girl."

She walks into the island after nodding to Petty Officer Twobear. "Keep an eye on the Dragon, Sailor. She... she's special."

He nods and salutes out of respect. Kei secretly wished she was onboard for real... but someone of her stature would be passed up for enlistment.

"Airman Nakano!" Kei hears a man's voice behind her. She snaps around and at first seeing the shine of the Captain's pins on his lapels immediately sent her into a stance of being at attention. "Sir!" She had been practicing proper protocol... and that and wanting to be on-board a ship as grand as this was an honor. But when she saw his face...

"Dad?!? How..."

He grinned. "Come here my little pilot!" He said walking over and hugging her.

"How did you make captain?"

"Hard work, some sacrifice... lots of long hours. That and the captain of the last ship I was on pulled a string or two."

"Con... congratulations."

"Yeah... I don't like the fact it's you on this mission though. Well..."

"Dad... you can't have any conflict when you give us this mission... this is your first real test of command, isn't it?"

He nods. This only makes Kei straighten out after leaving his embrace.

"We should get to the briefing then, Captain."

He nods and they walk to the restroom. The Captain leans on a bulkhead. "So... Kei... what's life in the DSA?" He says with a smile.

"Well Dad... it's... it's complicated."

"I read the report on Operation Buccaneer Breaker. You did good but... I never thought..."

"I don't wanna talk about it... I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I killed them."

"Right." He says, sighing. "I hope that won't be necessary in this mission if it can be avoided. But... well... I'll give you and Dinah the lowdown once she's taken care of her needs. I wonder... how do you take care of..."

"Carefully, Dad. That and a strategically placed pair of Depends and taking care of solids before embarking."

"You're wearing..."

"Hey... sacrifices have to be made when you serve your country, Dad. Right?"

He clears his throat.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Jesus. I’ve met suitcases with more room inside than this bathroom. Karrie struggled back into her coat in the tiny head, electing to leave it open and stick The Flintlock! into the front of her jeans. That done, she headed back into the hallway, stumbling a little as she tried to navigate on legs that were asleep from the long flight. Fuck planes. I need a teleporter.

It was a short walk back to the deck, where she was met at the door by a sailor who had her duffel. “Thanks.” Taking possession of her things, Karrie scanned the area, her eyes falling on the tiny form of Kei. Yep. Still looks like a little kid hanging around the adults. “Kei!” When the woman turned, Karrie waved before trotting over to join her and the man she was speaking with. “All right, I’m here. What’s up? Horst didn’t give me too much information.”

[SeaEagle]

"I like being semi informal when I deal with DSA. So I'll be doing it here... this isn't even classified enough." The captain said, with a sigh.

"3 days ago around 1800 hours, a cargo ship from Yokohama was en route to San Diego when it was lost on navigation satellites in the middle of the Pacific, about 300 miles south of Midway Island. That got into the news... trust me, CNN had it. When a search party found the ship, it's upper deck was ransacked like someone went over each hold with a fine-toothed comb. It's not like those container ships you normally think of for cargo, more like those sips with the deep cargo-holds for stuff like grain and such."

"Well it was also carrying some tech from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and several other tech firms. A lot of it was stolen. It left the entire crew dead."

"There is another ship heading near that area. It'll be your jobs to fly escort."

"Well.. part of your jobs. The other half involves Dinah here. She will be checking in on some evidence we found on what was stolen. The DSA's tactical think-tank thinks the parts stolen could make a WMD. A Nuclear Suitcase if you will. I highly hope not... thing is this doesn't match Al-Qaeda activity at all. This is... not fitting any normal terrorist or pirate pattern. It's in the middle of nowhere, practically."

He hands the list of what was stolen, and a manifest of the ship Kei and Karrie will be heading over to guard to Karrie. "Look that over for a bit and let me know what you think."

[SeaEagle]

Kei looks over to Karrie, wondering what exactly goes through her mind when looking at something like this. After all, Kei was smart, but not Coyote smart. She could barely stay caught on when Karrie made her suit and vest. She sort of liked that actually.

Then her train of thought caught the rails. "Wait... you said WMD?"

Kei's dad nodded.

Kei then let off a long "ffffffff" sound like a leaking life raft. "Not good."

"What's the prognosis there, Karrie?"

What I'll need for a roll...

Since the evidence is in your hands I won't need a Investigation check, but I will need a Intelligence + Your choice of Science, Engineering, Computers, or Advanced Tech. In fact roll each for me. Oh and Megas do count in this check.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Huh.” Karrie took the sheet of supplies and ran her eyes over it. Tipping back in the chair, she allowed her massive brain to ponder the list before her. She broke down the items in her head, picturing them perfectly. They danced in her mind’s eye, fitting themselves together in different ways and breaking apart again to try new couplings. It was like a ballet of machines, each trying to find their matches.

The ballet resolved itself into a puzzle as more and more pieces fit, narrowing the possibilities. Suitcase nukes were quickly eliminated as a possibility; they just didn’t work. Finally, the options narrowed to one.

After several minutes of silence, with others watching the genius work, Coyote set down the sheet of paper. “EMP bomb. Set it off at 18 miles up and you’ll have a hell of a disaster on your hands.”

“How bad?” Captain Nakano asked.

“Bad. Set this off over Kansas, and every electronic in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa will be fried. And northern Texas. And when I say fried,” Karrie elaborated, “I mean you’ll lose computers systems, life support machines and even RDIF chips in your credit cards. Basically, anything that isn’t shielded – and most things aren’t, will be fried. Total blackout.”

[Coyote] 7:32 pm: Computers + Int

[Coyote] 7:33 pm: Last 5 mega

Coyote *rolls* 15d10: 6+6+7+4+9+8+2+10+6+6+5+7+10+3+4: 93

[Coyote] 7:33 pm: 9 sux?

[Asarasa] 7:34 pm: That's what I count, Coyote

[Kamiko] 7:34 pm: Not bad on computers. You can do checks for the skills mentioned. All of them. You got time.

[Coyote] 7:34 pm: Does Creative apply here?

[jameson] 7:34 pm: anybody need me at all tonight

[Kamiko] 7:34 pm: Coyote: HELL YES.

Coyote *rolls* 2d10: 10+1: 11

[Coyote] 7:35 pm: 10 sux.

[Coyote] 7:38 pm: Engineering + Int, Last 5 Mega, Creative quanlity

Coyote *rolls* 15d10: 10+5+6+5+1+8+9+3+4+10+3+1+8+10+7: 90

Coyote *rolls* 3d10: 6+9+10: 25

Coyote *rolls* 1d10: 8: 8

[Jeremy] 7:41 pm: so 1 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 2 +3 = 14

[Coyote] 7:42 pm: Science + Int, Last 5 Mega, Creative quality

Coyote *rolls* 15d10: 1+4+6+10+1+4+10+7+1+5+6+10+6+9+6: 86

Coyote *rolls* 3d10: 2+9+10: 21

Coyote *rolls* 1d10: 8: 8

[Jeremy] 7:43 pm: 14 sux

[Coyote] 7:45 pm: Advanced Tech + Int, Last 5 Mega, Creative quality

Coyote *rolls* 15d10: 6+3+6+3+10+1+9+6+1+7+2+4+10+8+7: 83

Coyote *rolls* 2d10: 1+4: 5

[Coyote] 7:46 pm: 10 there.

[SeaEagle]

Kei cursed in Japanese, and the Captain chided her in English. "Kei... stop using profanity in front of your colleague. It's unprofessional."

"Sorry... Just that such a weapon and such a method, there are actually quite a few ways that can be pulled off, one I am... intimately aware of how it could work."

She adjusts her Devilion suit and walks over to Karrie. "But we've not lost yet, haven't we? That's why we're here. To protect this payload... or perhaps bait this group out so we can get more information... one or the two..."

The Captain nodded. "Then what are you prepared to do, Sea Eagle?"

"Well... where is the rendevous point?"

"It's quite far, west of Midway actually. You'll be leaving shortly and there will be air-tankers that will get you to the destination."

She turned to Karrie. "Thanks for bringing the Dragon then, Karrie, I will take care of the flying for this leg. We should take her there so we don't burn off our energies getting there. I'd rather face this with a full tank."

The Captain interjected, "And by the way, Department 0 of Japan has prepped the cargo ship for your arrival. You'll see what they prepared when you get there."

"Well... those guys are always full of surprises..."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Let’s hope they are good surprises.” Karrie narrowed her eyes slightly. “I could still fly. I’m not at all tired.” It was better for her to be at the controls of the plane than someone else flying it. At least then if something fucked up, it was probably Karrie’s fault. That was ultimately better for Karrie’s brain than for her to deal with someone else fucking up.

“If you want.” Kei smiled as if this weren’t a problem, for which Karrie was grateful. Together, the two women trooped back out to the plane. As she walked, Karrie radioed, *Twobear, you there?*

“Roger that.”

*Drinks will have to wait. I’m shipping out. I’ll catch you on the return though.* Karrie smiled at the thought of getting to share a drink with a fellow Navajo.

“Sure thing. You be safe out there.” He sounded a touch disappointed; to be fair, Karrie was too. That taken care of, Karrie handed her bag back to the sailor near the Dragon. As he reloaded the satchel into the tiny luggage compartment, Karrie scurried up the ladder to take the pilot’s seat. Grumbling a little, she situated herself and the Leatherness into a comfortable position.

[SeaEagle]

Kei hopped into the seat after climbing in... seems Kei's feedback when Karrie designed Kei's gear paid off. She smiled as She put her helmet on and dormed down to her human state. "By the way, Karrie, that was some brilliant control on the VTOL. We can skip a Catapult take off."

She straps in and adjusts the straps on her Helmet. Then puts her flight mask on. "Just remember, you can throttle forward fast once we get clear of anything on the deck."

She smiles as she sees a AWACS aircraft with it's large dish on the top of the fuselage take off. "Looks like they're changing the guard too... getting eyes in the sky again."

She tightens her seat restraints. With her body size that's to the maximum it can tighten. Although they designed the seats to accommodate her or a normal-height pilot. Something about variable cushions, and other incorporated features in the ejection seats... "I always wondered... can you fly... like... not with an aircraft?"

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie grinned broadly. “Only if I flap my arms really hard.” With that, she checked to be sure that the plane was clear and started the engines. Immediately, the roar of the plane filled their audio perception; Karrie turned on the radio in her helmet so that they could continue talking.

“Tower to F-35N-5, you are clear.” Again, it was Twobears’ voice. “Hágoónee', Coyote.”

“Hágoónee', Twobear.” With that, Karrie pressed the throttle and eased the bird up off of the tarmac. The Washington fall away below them as the Dragon took to the clouds. Karrie got her bearing and nosed the bird around, then changed from upward thrust to the forward thrust. Slowly, the bird gained speed, heading toward their next stop. “So, Kei, what are we going to talk about for the next several hours? Got a topic in mind?”

[SeaEagle]

"Well... first I have to say... I apologize to how we started off. The gaffe at Connor's party and the faux-pas at the investigation. I'm... not very tactful, as May keeps reminding me."

"But beyond that, well, we got about 2 hours before we do the mid-air refuel and another 2 to the ship... perhaps I should start by asking... Are you as bad of a Nerd as I? Really? After I lost the nerd-off I was... a bit disappointed."

She smiled although that wasn't visible under the flight mask. She checked the airline to the valve leading to the air-bladders for the g-suit additions to the flight suit Karrie made. "Oh, I got that d20 you liked in one of my pockets. Either that or in my belongings I was taking with me that I had pre-loaded in the Dragon by the DSA before you left Pearl. I flew on ahead to watch the planes."

She giggled. "What do you nerd-out over?"

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie laughed softly. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m rather tact-impaired. So no worries. I’d rather people say what they mean, even if they’re ‘mean’ about it.” She checked her bearings again and made sure they were still on course, even as she continued, “I’m an anime nerd mostly, but I find many things that I like. For example, Rob’s introduced me to some stuff like Firefly and Buffy. I didn’t care for the last, but he has suggested some good things.”

“What was wrong with Buffy?”

“Are you kidding? It should have been called Coyote and starred me. Buffy was a moron and none of her friends, even the so-called ‘smart’ ones, were any better.” Karrie huffed in irritation at the mere thought of that show. “Willow? Idiot. Zander? Don’t get me started. That guy thought with his cock more than any guy I’ve ever seen in real life. Giles was the only one with a brain, and half the time he was fettered by the idiocy around him.”

“So… tell me how you really feel,” Kei laughed.

“Yeah, yeah… nerd-rage. You know the drill. What about you? What do you love and hate?”

[SeaEagle]

"Well, the first obvious thing are the short jokes. And at first I did find them endearing but... once I understood some were just doing it because they were dicks I sort of changed my tune. It's going to be annoying when I finally turn 21. Gonna get carded at EVERY night club. You'd think people were size-ist or something."

Kei sighed as she watched her radar. "I really only like flying. Oddly enough it's not with my own powers, it's with this bird... and all the others I've flown. I don't know what it is, maybe it's like hitching a saddle to raw power and telling it to obey your command. I love flying about on my own, yeah, but here... in the seat... I feel more alive than anything."

She un-dorms to take off her air-mask. "Ah hell... who am I fooling, this is the only chance I get to actually be in one of these bad-boys. If I tried to join the military I would have been laughed at. 4'11" and loose change for weight."

She starts watching the map on her tablet that was strapped to her leg. "I'm surprised you're flying with that outfit on... Thought you would have at that devlion suit on at least under the coat. Would make being strapped in more comfy."

She giggled. "I have to be honest, you feel like a big sister. I'm a big sister to my little sister. She's... special."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie had been asking about Kei’s likes and dislikes in nerdery, but she shifted gears easily. To be fair, that was something that Karrie was good at: switching thoughts rapidly. It was even something of a gift for her. “Eh, the military has a rather dim view of anything that doesn’t meet their idea of perfect. It’s a weakness and a strength that they can’t conform to anything outside their standards.

“If you really wanted to fly these things, you’ll just need to request one of the DSA. They let us use them all the time.” She paused and reconsidered her words, “Well, all the time if you qualify to drive one. I don’t think Rob ever qualified, not that he needs to, the flying asshole.” The name she called him was still an endearment; Kei could hear that in her tone.

“Trust me, the Sexah Leatherness is way more comfortable than a Devilion.” Karrie grinned a little. “I built the Leatherness to my specifications, the Devilion not so much. I could make myself my own Devilion, but I’m more of a Cowboy Bebop style than a Rei style. Never mind that I love me some giant robots.

“So tell me about your sister?” It seemed the best way to keep talking without making some uncomfortable statements to Kei.

[SeaEagle]

"Well... I think my family line has a few glitches in the genes. She's a bit whimsical in the head." Kei says as she clicks a few buttons and makes sure everything was online. "She's mildly autistic. Talks to things that aren't there, so I think it might be some sort of psychosis. Started happening after my eruption in 2007." She sighed. "Some of her behavior fits the autism spectrum, but some suggests something more."

"Then again since my family line is 100% Japanese, we might have gotten in touch with some lingering blood from another family that's closely tied to ours. I'm a Gosei... 5th generation Japanese American. Thing is our family is made up of pure Japanese lines up to my generation. Being so exclusive with such a narrow genetic line can be trouble. At... least that's what the doctors have said in regards to Koyuki."

"To be honest... I don't think either of us girls in the family will be able to continue the trend. Koyuki is too mentally ill and deficient to be a parent, and I am well... I don't know who or what I want yet... Other than Nate... he's... Yeah."

She checked her radar further, giggling nervously, then she awkwardly changes the subject. "I get to fly this bird a lot... went through all the training and everything. I just love doing it. Living the dream, you know. Although I would regret getting into a dogfight with her... I'm good... but inexperienced."

"Not that I'll have to dogfight a pirate, right?"

[Dawn OOC]

....

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie simply listened to Kei talk, in part because she wasn’t sure what to say. Mental retardation of any kind unnerved Karrie, to the point where she avoided those suffering from it. She was frankly glad when Kei kept talking, going right to the point about boys and then not needing to dogfight a pirate. “If you can dream it, someone’s done it,” Karrie said idly, grinning a little. “Seriously, Buffalo Bill, in Silence of the Lambs? I read somewhere that there was a case that predated the movie, that the author didn’t know about, that had someone trying to make a human skin-suit.” Karrie shook her head a little. “If you can dream it, someone’s done it.”

There was a moment’s pause, and then Karrie suddenly asked, “Wait, you and Nate? I thought you guys were friends.”

[SeaEagle]

"Well... he's..."

She giggles. "He's just cute. Something about him looks for... I don't know... something normal. Well, something normal for our way of life."

"I guess I like the people picking up the pieces more than the perfect types. I guess... I like helping people. Seems to be in my nature I guess. I've discovered that I dislike fighting. I take no joy in it."

"People die every day. But they shouldn't by my hand."

She flips a couple switches on radar. "There's our tanker. Should start getting ready. I'll guide you through the process if you wish. We got enough fuel for a few misses of the drogue."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“There’s nothing wrong with the perfect types.” Karrie didn’t mean to sound defensive but it definitely came out that way. “I mean, Connor… who wouldn’t want to date him. He’s sexy and funny and… just perfect.”

“Hmm…” Kei’s tone was that classic tone that women around the world understood immediately. It said someone has a crush.

“I mean… if you like that.” Karrie was flushing brightly. “I won’t miss the drogue.” It was a good way for her to change the subject, especially when she added, “But you can’t distract me! I have to have silence to concentrate.”

“Uh-huh.” Kei sounded bemused but she fell silent and the only chatter was from their flying. Her focus paid off; the drogue connected on the first try and the needle on the gas gauge went the other direction.

“So,” Karrie said once they’d disconnected and the tanker plane had banked off, “am I awesome or what?”

[SeaEagle]

"You've earned a call-sign for yourself, Karrie... First try, windscreen is still dry! You've definitely have some talent for this. Good to know I got another dependable RIO and copilot that is on my level."

She smiles and sits back. "You know, I know that the Air Force wrecks some older models of Jets for scrap. I know they have a couple working ones that haven't been stripped yet... we could fly them for one last rodeo... I don't think the DSA would allow us to actually shoot each other with live weapons, but training lasers and receivers will work. If one of us gets shot down, you punch and give the jet a Viking burial lawn-dart style. Of course I'll do the same afterward... they are junking the birds... better to let them die fighting one more time."

"You can take a quick acceleration on your tailbone, no?"

She grins. She's in fact tested a few ejection seats in her day. Had to, they had to design a way to adapt to her height. "I've actually ejected 30 times so far. Testing. And I can take it. It's what they have to do when they have to build to my body type. Well actually they usually use test dummies, but I'm naturally tough so I volunteered. I knew I was safe, I assure you. Besides, I also gave them lots and lots of feedback they actually use in the latest models. That and your ride is more comfortable as well thanks to my input. You know they managed to install a spare parachute in these? A larger raft too... two-person. Great in case one doesn't deploy. I think they keep the same amount or rations and other survival gear they normally use."

She does a quick salute to the pilot of the tanker modified C-130 as they peel off.

"Dragon 5, This is Mother, Safe Flight."

"Roger that, keep safe and clear skies."

"Will do, Sea Eagle. Mother out."

She leans forward to Karrie. "Well, a little ways more to go. What'cha wanna talk about?"

Kei sounded very Minnesotan with that comment.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“You know, instead of dogfighting in those old birds, I’d rather refit them and make them fly again.” Karrie smiled a little as she said, “My dad bought an old German tank not long after I erupted and left it in the yard. For Father’s Day next year, I refit it and got it running again. I even made it better.” Dad had been taken aback by the laser-cannon, but he’d still loved it. “I mean, I could reservice the birds to be better than they were.

“There’s something awesome about taking a machine that everyone else said was broken or useless and making it valuable again.” Karrie laughed softly. “My dad’s a bit of a packrat, which is probably where I get my desire to reclaim old things and make them new again.”

Another chuckle filled Kei earphones, though this one was a bit mischievous. “Of course, I like making things go boom in awesome ways, too. Choices, choices!”

[SeaEagle]

"Hmm... remodeling... I actually like that. You know they got a old F-14... just arrived... feel like saving her, together? I know a lot about avionics and stuff, and would be a useful assistant. It'd probably be something we could both have fun doing. No mission, just keeping a old bird flying. I love Tomcats and I felt sad when they were retired."

She sat back.

"I think I agree... then again with all the parts I wager you could build a custom design. Something to be remembered."

"I would be happy to be your test pilot for that."

"Hmm... think it would be possible to develop a reflex reader? Where a plane could be operated by brain impulses instead of a joystick?"

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Sure it’s possible.” Karrie’s voice said that as matter-as-factly as could be. To her, it was not only possible, it was an average day on the job for her. “It wouldn’t be too hard to sync up electrical impulses. I might even be able to do it without cutting a hole in someone’s skull.”

“Huh?” There was an almost audible gulp.

“But yeah, I love refitting old things and making them new.” Karrie didn’t seem to have heard the question. “Though… the paint job is honestly the most fun part. I gave my dad’s tank a tribal thing and painted her name on it in Navajo. ‘Big Wheeled Lady’.” Karrie giggled. “My mom was not amused, especially when he started calling it Bertha for shirt.”

[SeaEagle]

"Well if it is in your capability... without giving me a trepanning, I was thinking..."

She pulls up an image on her tablet that was strapped to her right leg. She pulls it from it's pocket and shows Karrie. "Something like this..."

What she shows Karrie

"That is a fictional, futuristic aircraft, of course, but with the advancements in making aircraft that look like our F-35 fly with computer guidance, this shouldn't be that hard to put together. This concept design is definitely the hallmark of a 6th generation aircraft, since we would have to build upon the concepts our F-35N has as a 5th generation fighter. The Biofeedback System would be the ultimate coup. A aircraft controlled on reflex. The person would literally be the aircraft."

She smiled as she withdrew the tablet. "I am very much a test pilot at heart. I wanna fly the best."

"Just let me know if you're interested in doing something crazy... if you need a test pilot, I'm your girl."

She sits back, realizing how boring May's job usually is.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Bah, trepanning has a bad rap,” Karrie grumped. Kei couldn’t see her playful grin as she changed course slightly. “It almost doesn’t hurt and the chance of infection is very small!”

“Pass, thanks.”

Karrie took the tablet and glanced at it. “I’d rather make you something special. Instead of improving what’s already made, starting over with something completely new.” Karrie passed it back. “Lemme mull over it. I’d already wanted to reinvent the plane anyway. This will give me the perfect chance to do so.”

[SeaEagle]

Kei smiled. "Well... I actually like hearing that."

She looks to her 3 o'clock and sees the cargo ship coming up. Odd it was a enclosed cargo space design, unusual for this type of ship, but it was small and designed for multiple uses. She noticed a helicopter pad on the most forward cargo hold's position and what looked like hired security readying fuel lines and what not. Kei using her sight zoomed in and saw Department 0 logos on the shoulders of their tactical uniforms.

Kei activates her radio with the frequency she was given on her flight plan.

"Osaka Maru, this is Dragon 5 requesting permission to land, 1 pax. Over."

"Roger that, Dragon 5, you are cleared to land. Once secured, the helipad will lower."

"Thanks. I and Karrie will wish to see the captain." Kei says in Japanese.

"Understood, I will be out there meeting you when you've landed and disembarked."

"Okay, the captain will be down to meet us after we've landed. That helipad looks like the D0 officers installed it before setting sail. Cool stuff if you ask me, Karrie." Naomi said. "By the way, I only asked the person on the radio if we could speak with the captain. He was on the radio. I think we should ask what they are doing to prepare. Of course any further questions I'll actually let you handle first."

Karrie approaches the ship. "Okay... good luck on the VTOL Landing!"

Kei smiled, it was like watching a prodigy at work.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“I hope we aren’t expected to chat in Japanese.” Karrie’s voice was distracted as she brought the craft in closer to the Osaka Maru. “I had enough of that with Naomi.”

“She wasn’t bad.”

“No, she wasn’t. Just a bad habit of lapsing into different languages.” Karrie chuckled. “Someday, I’m going to show you guys how it feels like conversing with Rob in Navajo.”

“I thought he wasn’t allowed to know Navajo,” Kei replied, eying the landing. “A bit left maybe?”

The prodigy wasn’t quite so prodigious this time; the plane came down and then bounced roughly. Karrie throttled back the engines and killed the plane as she added, “Doesn’t mean I don’t talk to him in it.” She popped the cockpit as crewmembers swarmed the bird, tending to both the pilots and plane. “Gah, these damned things are cramped. I feel like a little old lady after every flight.”

Karrie [flying the Dragon] Dex+Flight landing check: 1 sux

Carver *rolls* 7d10: 4+6+5+7+3+1+3: 29

Witnessed by Kamiko

[SeaEagle]

Kei grinned. "Well, for you it is... me it seems just right."

She was stating the obvious, at her seemingly scrawny 4'11" frame, she was indeed more comfortable.

"At least you know how to fly one of these birds. Enough to keep us from crashing at least."

"And no, we won't be speaking in Japanese. From what I remember of looking at Department Zero regs, they require all their Meta-human agents to speak 2 languages other than Japanese. One of them required to be English. I guess that's why there's so few. I only know Japanese and that's from my Dad who learned it from his Dad."

Kei sighed. "That and May's riding me a little to learn a language or two after this mission. She keeps on demanding I know German, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese... Seesh, I can't help it May's a walking universal translator."

She hopped out, allowing her own flight to make her landing graceful. She was a bit sad the suit she was wearing was May's suit, since her old suit got trashed fighting squids. Even with the memory polymers she had to use ties to bind up the suit at the joints. She flies over to a storage bin behind the cockpit and starts grabbing Her own and Karrie's personal effects.

"Okay... gonna get out of this gear and into something more comfortable. I promised May I'd get this suit back to her in one piece, so I'm going to change into my old flight gear if I gotta fly again. Once we've spoke to the Captain."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Yeah, Captain first.” Karrie wouldn’t have minded a break, but it was hard to complain about not getting one when she could go for hours without rest. Mostly she wanted something to eat and drink. She was sure if she asked she’d get something, but she was afraid it’d be all Japanese-y and Asian. “Don’t suppose,” she drawled casually as she ambled gracefully out of the cockpit, “we’ll get some soda and chips, will we?”

Karrie was acutely aware that she was being gawked at by the sailors. Casually, she waved to them; one waved back and was rebuked by another sailor. “Well… alright then. So. Lead the way, my pixie-friend.”

[SeaEagle]

Kei had grown used to Karrie's quips about her height. She actually took it all in stride. Kei being an insufferable professional at times also sort of held back her true, almost vindictive side.

"Well, let's see what they got after... Ah!"

She sees the captain, he looked a bit disheveled and dismayed at the situation. "So! Is there a reason why my cargo ship had to get a third of it's cargo removed to be converted into a damn aircraft carrier for that bird?" He shouted in solid American English as he walked up."

After Karrie and Kei step clear, the Dragon starts getting withdrawn into the hull. "Well, Captain... This is a trap for whoever is trying to build something that could knock an entire fourth of a continent." Kei said, walking up, offering a hand. "Kei Nakano, Sea Eagle."

"Oh... OH! You're Umiwashi! You saved my little brother a few months ago, last year!"

"He was the captain of one of those cargo ships?"

"Yes! If I would have known this Broadway production was for you and... What's her name?"

"Karrie Dinah, Research and Development Division."

"Oh! Well a friend of my Brother's is a friend of mine! We got all sorts of stuff I think will fit your pallets in the crew mess."

"Thanks. Oh and what are those D0 Guys doing?" She asks, as ocean camoed looking commandos that seem to have stepped out of the latest "Call of Duty" game were setting up orange boxes near the rails at various locations at the rails.

"Oh, they're setting up our defenses, namely the majority are either weapons lockers or deployable Kevlar cushion walls. Pretty much providing cover against a few shots. Some new tech from D0's R&D."

Kei was now curious. Tactical stuff always got her attention.

"Well, Karrie would like to take notes I wager."

The Captain nods and offers his hand to Karrie. "Akira Midoriyama. Pleased to meet you." He says, not missing a beat with his english.

NPC Note

Akira Midoriyama is a man in his late 40s, but looks quite in shape, and still looking in the prime of his life. He does have signs he's been through some rough in his life with some wrinkles here and there around the eyes and mouth from squinting and frowning. He seems to also have rough skin spending years in the salty winds of the sea. He's wearing a gray jumpsuit like the regular crew of the ship does, and a orange life vest for working on deck with "Captain" then underneath "Osaka Maru" stenciled on the back like the other crew members life vests.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Pleasure’s mine.” Karrie lied, though to be fair, social lies weren’t the same thing as lies-lies. She wasn’t too pleased to be here, but she was willing to play nice with their international allies. Or at least this time she was. “Shall we get down to the debrief?”

“Right this way.” The Captain turned and hustled away, leaving them to follow. As he walked away, Karrie muttered to Kei, “Akira is a real Japanese name?”

[SeaEagle]

"It means Bright or Clear, depending on translation." Kei said, smiling, happy to for once play translator. "You know, I'd be willing to start tutoring you in Japanese. I was literally raised in it as well as English equally."

"Nooooo, no, no, thanks. No interest, to be honest." Karrie smiled slightly.

Kei pouted as they went into the "Island" where the bridge and much of the crew quarters were.

The Captain spoke as they made their way towards the Mess Hall. He cleared his throat and spoke in English again. "A week ago, my colleague, Captain Ai Mikamura, was severely wounded during a pirate raid on her ship... and the technology stolen was indeed briefed to the two of you?"

Kei and Karrie nodded.

"Right... so, I was approached by Department Zero to handle what's becoming you two's mission."

"The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force lent some of it's best anti-piracy teams to set up the defenses of our ship. Miss Dinah, I will have at the ready some arms if you need them."

Kei just grinned. "Just let me get to the Dragon."

The Captain scratched his head. "Although you could handle them all on your own, Kei?"

Kei sighed. "I could, but there is better chances for survivors with my aircraft's cannon."

She adjusts her suit as they step into the Mess Hall.

"Well, nice and empty." The captain mused as she showed Karrie and Kei to their seats. "Now, we will be heading into the area where the pirates were encountered.

He takes his seat once Karrie and Kei sit down. "That will be tomorrow. We will be steaming right through at maximum speed as well... something in one of the reports of one of the few survivors of the Midori Maru." He slides forward his IPad with a image of what looked like a Jet streaking past the person taking the picture.

Kei grunted with dismay. "Damn. How is a aircraft like that heading out there."

She looks at the image and in her head there is only one possibility. "A SU-24... A Russian built aircraft, but many nations now own them. I don't see any red stars or any Russian markings, so that suggests a mercenary hired by the pirates... or perhaps the pirates are far more organized than I thought."

"What I heard is that the pilot of that aircraft was a master of their art. She put the Midori Maru out of commission. In fact she finally just sank as you guys arrived. I was surprised the old girl stayed afloat with the damage she took not too long ago."

Kei leaned back and looked up. "I shouldn't have said anything."

"Huh?" Karrie asked.

"When I said I'd like to get into an actual dogfight... looks like I'm about to eat those words potentially."

"Come on, you'll not get hurt with that armor you call up."

"That's not the point. I have to stop that pilot and their aircraft. The people's lives on this ship including yours, Karrie, are in my hands. And the F-35N represents over 3 years of American tax dollars being put into an already formidable aircraft to make it the most lethal bird out there."

"Having doubts, Umiwashi-chan?" Captain Midoriyama asked.

"No... No Sir!" Kei says. "This is what I've been trained for."

The captain laughed. "Kid... you're no soldier."

Kei blushed as the Captain continued.

"In a way I'm glad you brought your aircraft with you. Until that mystery plane shows up you can provide added fire support. Was surprised to see that thing land. That's an F-35, right?"

"Yeah, the F-35N in fact. Custom configured for Superhuman piloting."

"Hmm... How good of a pilot are you?"

He pulls up a video. "I wasn't sure if this would be considered classified, but that picture was a still."

He shows the SU-27 maneuvering like a demon possessed. This made Kei's eyes widen.

"Something caught your eye?" Karrie asked.

"Some of those maneuvers the Human body cannot withstand I recognize three moves there that would have pulled 13Gs of force. Also, that body seems different from other SU-27s I have seen at airshows. It's a bit bulkier, probably for re-enforcing the airframe. We may be dealing with a Superhuman Mercenary as a pilot."

"But I did spot an important note..."

She stops the video and points at the tail. "It has a tailhook."

"Meaning?" The Captain asked.

"Meaning this aircraft is built for carrier landings. And I've been thinking of something that would make it easy for someone to have a aircraft carrier of their own. All it requires is owning one of those huge cargo ships, and the resources to add a runway on it. But that would suggest a big... no huge budget."

Kei begins to turn pale.

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“So we have a modified carrier to find.” Karrie sounded much less concerned about the situation than Kei did. “And a hotdog pilot to remove. Kei, don’t look so down, we’ll wrap this up in no time.” Whether she was really that confident or just refusing to show a lack of confidence in front of Kei was hard to say. But Karrie was grimly eager to get this issue taken care of, and sooner rather than later.

“We have a couple of issues I can help with. First, give me all the sightings of the bird and let’s see if we can establish a rough area of operation. The carrier will likely be in that area. Next, with this kind of money, there’ll be a trail. You don’t just buy a carrier, or retrofit a cargo ship without making some fiscal waves. Not to mention that you’ll need to crew it, and with a lot of people. Someone’s going to talk, so we just have to see if any rumors have floated into our allies’ ears.”

She looked at the Captain. “I assume that this information won’t be hard to get, if you don’t have it already?”

[SeaEagle]

Kei nodded. "Good thinking. I've also memorized the blue livery on that Jet. Should be useful in identifying who originally purchased that thing. Then again, the paint job may have changed between purchase and actual flight. Since the Russian government only has any actual sale on record, but no actual name to VIN as it were, at least knowing might be a start." She adjusts her suit. It was uncomfortable to be sitting in a suit that was slightly baggier than she was used to.

"I've not gotten reports of any odd jets flying in the area, outside of the occasional US aircraft on routine training." Captain Midoriyama says, adjusting his overalls. "There have been only two sightings of that particular bird, both you have paid witness to. But there has been another sighting..."

Kei blanches as the Captain puts down a photograph. "Seems this one though isn't as adept as the blue jet."

Kei snickers. "That has to be photoshop... Pink?"

"Yeah, I took this picture on a return trip to Yokohama last week. It just flew about, curious as to what I was doing. She didn't seem as cocksure as the Blue jet."

"Hmm... Has this one been spotted on the attack?"

"Negative, Sea Eagle. My assumption is she's used as a scout for the other mercenary."

Kei nodded. "To be honest, I'd rather not face that one... I'd hate my first tally be a complete novice."

The Captain looked over to Karrie.

"As Captain, and with assistance of Department Zero, I am authorizing you complete access to our satellite internet onboard the ship, costs paid by D0. Do whatever research you need to do. D0 will provide the security clearances. In fact they will assist you on practically everything if need be. They are... quite concerned that this might be a form of terrorism brewing against Japan. Our country is recovering and economically we're a basket case. The only thing that keeps us afloat right now are all the exports we still send. But that is dwindling slowly because of international competition. We have to make sure our shipping lanes stay secure. If we have to become an import nation from producers like the US, South Korea, or China we have to make sure their investments in cargo ships and aircraft are able to arrive unmolested. To have faith in our ability to secure ourselves lost on the international stage may cause us more trouble, and derail what recovery we've had."

He sighed and then he stood up and bowed. "Thank you both for coming. I appreciate your efforts."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“Not a problem,” Karrie assured him, even as her mind was working over all that would need to be done. “I’m also going to need some kind of liquid sugar, protein and solid sugar.”

“Soda… and steaks?”

“More like Mountain Dew, beef jerky and candy. That is the fuel which runs the Karrie-brain.” As if to illustrate, Karrie tapped her head. “Where’s my workstation? I’ll get set up.”

[SeaEagle]

Kei scratched her head. "If it's all alright with you, Captain, I'm going to go over the Dragon and make sure she's ready for a fast deploy."

The captain nods and turns back to Karrie. "Head up to the bridge, Department Zero set up a computer rig there for you to work with, they have a couple technicians that will guide you through the process." He hands her a seurity tag. "They'll swipe this through the security terminal to unlock it for your use."

He turns back to Kei. "Take note the doors to the makeshift hangar to the landing pad are designed to look like a normal cargo hold, although the doors are also designed with explosive bolts and SRB boosters for emergency launches."

Kei blinked. "Cooool... some James Bond shit, I like!"

"Also, we got what you need for meals, Karrie, What do you prefer, Kei?"

Kei rocked back and forth. "I usually just go for my MREs on a mission. I wouldn't want to be a bother."

The captain nodded. "Alright. The crew has dinner usually at 1900 hours Tokyo time. That's about 4 hours from now. Your option to be there, since you two will be plenty busy, that is for sure."

Kei nodded in agreement. "I'm going to check on the Dragon then, make sure she's fueled up. Karrie, I'll probably skip the dinner and enjoy some air out on the bow and share the watch overnight."

She adjusts her suit. "Also... might take the opportunity for a shower. You do have facilities for that, Captain?"

The captain nods. "Our resources are at your disposal, ladies. Now, if you excuse me I have a ship to run. Good luck you two."

The captain returns to his feet and walks off.

After a few moments, Kei turns to Karrie. "So... what you think?"

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

“I think I need to get to work. Well, as soon as they bring me brain-fuel that is.” Karrie did a fairly convincing bout of shadow-boxing for a couple of swings. “Then I’m ready to take them down.” She stopped and shrugged. “Then I need a computer.”

It took a few minutes, but they got her set up. By the time the soda and junk food had been delivered, Karrie had changed all the settings, started her favorite internet rock-n-roll station and had set her chair properly. “Ah, arigoto,” she said in the worst Japanese ever as she claimed her food. “Nommin’ time!” And with that, she set to work.

[SeaEagle]

Kei sat at the bow of the ship, relaxing and generally being as unobtrusive as possible. Her dark navy blue flghtsuit she borrowed from May actually started to feel comfortable. She kept a sharp look out, better than the crew could ever dream of. As they went past a tsunami bouy, well it was 3 nautical miles out but perfectly visible to her, Kei had an idea...

She runs back up to the bridge to where Karrie was at. "Karrie! I just thought of something! I know the bingo fuel range of those jets by heart, and I think I know how to pick up on where that converted cargo ship could be."

She smiled. "Outside of anything you needed to do, of course. But I was thinking, we could interface with those Tsunami bouys out here. Anything as big as this ship will cause some movement through displacement. Since we also got security clearances I can get you access to the US Navy's surveillance network. If we play our cards right I might be able to tell when we'll be in any danger."

She stretched out. "thought I'd run that by."

She pulls out a MRE from a messenger bag she had over a shoulder, marked on the front "Kei's stash, keep out or die!"...

She starts setting it up as she sat at a side chair overlooking the cargo deck. "Spaghetti and Meatballs, this one. I got a spare one if interested..."

= 2500 km away... =

"Alright, my children, these are your orders.

Alexander, you will stay on board the Minsk for now, we will send Anastasia to do a reconnaisance of the area and gain an initial assessment of the ship in question."

A woman dressed in a grey business suit and her hair done up in a high-class coiff smoked a cigarette on a sattelite screen on what looked like in every way a Aircraft Carrier's bridge.

"What would that assessment entail, Mother?" A girl, no older than 14 asked the woman in the blurry video feed, wearing a sky-blue suit that looked more for the space program than for flying,

"Use everything at your disposal. It is time we started getting more of my investment!"

"Will I... have to kill?"

"That would be the point, Anastasia." Alexander, a older boy, 19 years old says, staring at the girl. Wearing a typical flight suit. "Our mother's goals in the future rest on your shoulders now."

She sighed. "When will I be launching?"

"12 hours from now. It will be a night mission when you engage."

She nodded. "Very well..."

Secretly, she wished she didn't have to do this. She loved flying, and as a blip with a natural reflex and talent for flying, it was even more fun. But she wasn't as tough as the young man she called "Brother" only in code. She was no more related to him as she was to the "Mother" on screen. But, she was a homless street-urchin in Moscow, fighting for every scrap she got. Now she got to live her dream.

She adjusted the suit, specifically designed for her fragile nature since she couldn't adapt to sudden G-Forces. Something a Nova of greater intellect could achieve.

"Remember, The Russian will be sending her forces at the ship to retrieve the last of what I need. More than likely there will be high-level Novas onboard. If we can strike quickly, there may be a chance."

Anastasia just nodded. "I must prepare for my flight."

She walked out of the bridge, as her "Brother" chimed in out of her earshot.

"I don't think her heart is in it, Mother."

"It is. She knows what is important."

Alexander on the other hand was cocksure in his mission. He was tough, unnaturally so, and loved to prove it. He also respected "Mother" and her goals.

"I'm not so sure, Mother... I will take my station."

"Don't dissapoint me, Alexander."

[z-Coyote-Mad Scientist]

Karrie listened to Kei, nodding as appropriate, but when offered the MRE, her brow furrowed sharply. “I have real food coming, thanks,” the super-genius said with a hint of contempt in her voice. It was for the food, not the woman sitting next to her. That settled, she turned back the issue at hand.

“I can get that information for you. But remember, we’ll be getting the displacements from a lot of things, so we’re not going to pinpoint exactly. Any big ship’ll do it. But! Good idea, I’ll work up an algorithm for that.” Karrie jabbed a stick of beef jerky into her mouth and resumed typing.

Computers + Intelligence to make a program to make the satellites her little bitch: 12 sux

[Carver-working] 4:10 pm: Intelligence + Computers, last 5 mega

Carver-working *rolls* 15d10: 10+8+9+9+5+8+2+7+8+8+8+3+9+1+4: 99

[Carver-working] 4:11 pm: 11 sux?

[Jeremy] 4:11 pm: 12, I count

Computers + Intelligence to make a program to make the tsunami buoys her little bitch: 6 sux

[Carver-working] 4:14 pm: Intelligence + Computers, last 5 mega

Carver-working *rolls* 15d10: 8+6+6+10+5+7+4+4+1+10+3+6+8+1+2: 81

[Carver-working] 4:14 pm: 6 sux?

[Jeremy] 4:14 pm: 6 I count

Six hours later, she stopped, rubbing her tired fingers. Someday, Karrie vowed, I’m gonna make a neural interface. Even as she thought it, she knew that probably wasn’t true. Karrie loved to touch her creations; she loved that hands-on feel, and the only way to get that with a computer was to type it in herself.

Leaning over to the intercom, she triggered the switch and said, “Captain, Kei, we’re live down here with the satellites and buoys both.”