Chapter Six: All Hands on Deck

[Sherwood]

"Yes! Where is Iris? We need her here now!" Mario suddenly has a ray of hope, one that he is clutching at with all his strength.

 

[Purr]

Sam and Samantha moved the moment Toph requested of them. In moments, they held Shirley - not that she knew or understood what was going on. Inside the hurricane hell-wrath of the Brain-burn, it seemed to the Wild Cards that she was oblivious of everything going on outside of her mind.

In other words, if it wasn't agony... Shirley couldn't even notice it.

Spoiler: Mood Music

"I Don't Wanna Be Me" by Type O Negative


Partial lyrics (Chorus)
I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be me
I don't wanna be
be anymore

As ordered, the Wild Cards helped Shirley get to the Super Stealth Logan Cera had prepped. Cera carefully removed herself from the cockpit, the Ura-Meltrandi's face without expression except for her laser-like stare that remained focused on the face of her human leader. Behind it, one of the Sams was prepping the second Logan for takeoff. The Wild Cards, if they chose to be (and I can't imagine otherwise), were with Shirley every step of the way. Shirley's oropharyngeal airway remained in her mouth for her own safety. She was picked up (for she had no hope of walking), placed carefully in the co-pilot seat of the waiting Stealth Logan (where Sam sat in the pilot chair and strapped her in), and continued to be a curled-up ball of tortured pain. Shirley could not speak, could not think. She could only cry and shudder in that seat.

"Yes! Where is Iris? We need her here now!" Mario suddenly has a ray of hope, one that he is clutching at with all his strength.

Cera replied over the nexus without taking her eyes off Leader Mack. "Iris is onboard the Broadsword where we left her."

Hitomi came over the nexus. "Iris? That's... Unit One, right? Your Scrath friend?"

Cera replied. "Affirmative."

"How do we request her help?"

"You approach her and ask. She will likely open a nexus with you. Join it. Otherwise, she will not be able to communicate with you beyond insectoid pantomiming." Cera did not mean to come across rudely, but her straightforwardness made it hard to tell that.

"Got it. Arigato!"

Cera did not reply as the Zentraedi really did not have a reply to gratitude nor did they express that particular emotion often. If at all.

By this time Toph, the closest Wild Card to Shirley's trembling side, noticed that the Californian was finally showing signs of slowing down. Toph could reasonably assess that the morphine was taking effect and Shirley was probably just plain getting exhausted. Toph, per her combat training, pinned the empty morphine (pain killer) and promethazine (morphine booster and sedative) containers to Shirley's lapel to show the next medical officer that she had administered it. Toph knew in wars past (Vietnam) there had been soldiers lost to morphine overdose as medics administered without realizing it had been done and pinning the containers was one of the surest ways to prevent Shirley from joining them.

The Wild Cards saw Shirley tremble a bit less in the seat.

Then she covered her eyes and ears with her hands while she continued to shake and weep uncontrollably. There was a new pain now. Toph recognized this immediately for what it was - sensory overload. Something clicked inside of Toph's half-alien brain - her fellow Wild Card was now suffering from the Brain-burn and now everything she heard and saw and probably felt, tasted, and smelled. It was a side effect some people had during migraines. This was confirmed as Sam touched Shirley's wrist and Shirley suddenly jerked her hand back. There was nothing Toph could do about Shirley's now-oversensitive sense of touch, but Toph knew she had gauze in her Unit One Pack. Gauze could safely enter her ears and, if Shirley didn't struggle too much, Toph could create a neat and effective blindfold of sorts with the help of some medical tape.

Spoiler: Psychie

These actions are the results of Toph's successful Medical Doctor roll combined with her excellent use of an Action Point (rolled 6 which translates to a 30% bonus; the maximum). The white percentile rolled 84% which would have failed due to the hideous negative applied by Toph's lack of knowledge concerning how to treat Brain-burn and the Brain-burn itself. In other words, good call on the Action Point! Toph's roll would have failed without it! =)

In moments, Shirley's ears were reasonably-stuffed with gauze and her eyes covered. Sam seemed to be having some trouble keeping Shirley's hands from flailing as it seemed Shirley could not tell at all what was going on outside of her or why she could not move her arms. This might interfere with Sam's flight. So, with some creative use of her kit, Toph found a way to bind Shirley's wrists together so she would not flail. As this was going on, Toph saw the blood.

Shirley's Brain-burn was so terrible, Shirley's nails had dug into her palms to the point of cutting into them. Shirley was now bleeding. Once again, Toph (preferably with the help of another Wild Card) pried Shirley's fingers open and out came two small battle dressings to prevent Shirley from further harming herself. Toph felt herself sweating despite her CVR-3 mega-suit's attempts to cool her. Sure, Toph had worked in hospitals as part of her training, but as a first-year Field Medic, this was damned hard work!

After what seemed like an eternity, Shirley's sorry weeping began to slow along with her breathing.

"What is happening?" Cera asked quietly.

Toph reasoned that the promethazine (sedative) had finally kicked in. Shirley was slowly drifting off into something resembling sleep. This, Toph knew without a doubt, was the best time to get Shirley on her way to the Broadsword and into Hitomi and Iris's care.

Both Sams in their Logans gave the "O.K." sign and lowered their cockpit canopies. The Wild Cards knew better than to stick around a pair of screaming veritechs about to take off into the air, so they moved back to a safe distance. Once there, you watched as the Super Stealth Logans transformed into Guardian mode (which was only possible when you had qualified Logan pilots like the Sams evidently were). With beastly roars that were somehow not as loud as they should have been, the Stealth Logans lifted up vertically into the bright blue Mexican sky, turned in a northeasterly direction, and floated away from Outpost #5.

You watched as they transformed back into Jet mode in mid-air. You watched until the two small "Flying Cats" slowly disappeared into the northern sky.

Then you heard a gruff man's voice come over a loudspeaker. It was Sgt. Murphy using the Super Tomahawk's loudspeakers. "Well, whaddya know? There's more in that head of yers than all that pink cotton candy hair stickin' on top of it!" Murphy grinned from behind his bushy moustache. "Listen up! I done recorded that whole scene and if ya remind me, I can show it to yer momma when it's her turn ta wake up, ya hear? Ya done yer best, Muppet. Ain't no more you can do. So don't none a you Greenhorns worry about it. The rest is up ta Mack and God."

Trouble waved a friendly paw in the direction of the Logans. His meowing carried over the wind. "Byyyye! Get better sooooooon!"

With a long sigh, Cera turned to all of you. "Should we not alert the Broadsword that they are on their way?"

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Hercules wasted neither breath nor motion once he left The Blue World. The moment the airway went into Shirley's mouth, he scooped her up in his arms, pinning her limbs against his chest and sprinted to the mecha as if someone had just hit the 'Air Raid' siren. With practiced care, he slipped her into the cockpit seat and helped with the tasks Toph was performing, fastening seatbelts, holding gauze, gently unfurling fingers from nail-savaged palms and anything else necessary to preserve the life of his friend and CO.

With the immediate risk at an end, he stepped back and watched as the Logans lifted off and streaked across the sky.
"Fight hard, Lieutenant Mac. You still need to give me my jacket back.", he said to this two distant specks in the sky.

 

[Psychie]

Once the Logans are airborne and flying away, Toph takes a deep breath and tries to decompress after the hectic rush to treat Mack. She also does her best to keep from firing off a nasty glare at Mario, knowing that the man is already feeling bad enough about what has happened to Mack.

"Mario, please contact the Broadsword and give them an update, so they can make sure that Iris is in position to assist with Mack's treatment upon arrival, and inform them that we are moving on with the mission."

After taking her moment, she looks over at the rest of the team. "Lets do this. Ready when you are, Elinor."

 

[Purr]

Since Toph used the polyphonic nexus to communicate, she suddenly heard this in her mind from a charming and familiar voice.

"Hey, Wild Cards! Hitomi here. Broadsword copies. We're in Hangar Bay Bravo and standing by to receive." A moment later, Hitomi added, "Muppet, I'm looking forward to seeing your work!" Then, with an unmistakable seriousness, she slipped in, "What should I know, Muppet?" By this, Toph knew precisely what her fellow doctor was asking. "What condition is the patient in? What should I expect to treat as far as you know?"

 

[Psychie]

Falling back on her medical training, Toph gives HItomi a detailed description of Mack's physical condition, along with her vitals and what was done to treat her so far. "She's in bad shape, and I did what I could for her in the field. I've just never had to treat anyone with these symptoms before. I just hope that Iris and the Broadsword can do more for her."

 

[Purr]

Hitomi listened without interrupting and at the end of Toph's list, asked a few brief and slightly strange questions that only someone in her field might have direct experience with ("Any sign of brain swelling?"). She added with a further touch of approval, this one personal. "Remember - almost no one has treated Brain-burn - you may be one of the first ever to treat it in the field, Muppet! As your Jeet Kune Do instructor, I think you should take a bow."

Hearing this, Toph felt something smack against her ankle. Looking down, there was golden-eyed MechaKitten on his back legs using her leg to support his clawed feet as he stared up into her face. He had the silliest pride-filled grin on his face. "We waz great! We helpded Leader Mack! This makes us awesome Wild Cards!"

"That you did," said Professor Stein with a hint of admiration in his voice. The large bearded fellow came casually strolling up from behind the Wild Cards and their motorcycle Cyclones.

Hearing an unannounced male, Cera whirled, then took on a look of relief. "Professor!"

"That you helped in saving Miss Mackenzie from one of the most painful ends imaginable is not debatable. And ask yourselves, Wild Cards - could she be in better hands?" Sternly, he pointed his finger at each of you. "Now before you all go gallivanting across the universe again, let us bring our action-packed Traversing class to a close, shall we? Allow me share with you what Hitomi and I have gathered... about the important facts of Brain-burn. You heard me mention to Miss Hitomi that Shirley is in the Category 5 state? There are only 6." Professor Stein looked you each in the eye as he let that sink in.

Spoiler: Wild Cards

See a certain Conversation for details you'll want to know concerning Brain-burn.

Then he put a hand on Mario and Toph's shoulders and spoke warmly. "I think all of you might be making the important mistake of allowing your life as soldiers pollute your lives as Traversers. The military prepared you for war and told you you must be competent in your duty. But what has prepared you for a life of technopathic strangeness, hmm? Face facts, Wild Cards. You are going to make mistakes, here and in the Blue World. Hard lessons like today's! Learn from them! Together! Your togetherness is perhaps your greatest advantage against the forces that wish to deliver destruction upon you."

"Now ask your questions of me now while Murphy and I are still here. For once you ride off and enter the under-highway toward the Chessel Corporation machinery, all bets are off. Time is still on our side since the recovery team is trapped but not yet threatened."

 

[Psychie]

Toph looks to the Professor and says, "Professor, is there any Technopathy path that I can start to learn to be able to treat Brain Burn the way that Iris did for Mario? I feel very helpless with what has transpired here, wishing that I could have done something more for Mack."

 

[Purr]

Professor Stein smiled warmly. "Yes, my dear Muppet. The Cultivator role extends along that route."

 

[Sherwood]

Mario says, "When I was in the Blue World, one of the Cores fired something that looked like an energy weapon at me. Is there any way to fight back against such an attack?"

 

[Kaerri]

Elinor had basic first aid training, but nothing that could cover this even so far as to help Toph. She decided the best thing to do was stay out of the way and let the professional work. Hercules had transportation to the Logan covered (and was best suited in any case), and Sam and Samantha would take it from there. Elinor had the deepest faith in those two (and, by extension, all the rest of the Sams, Samanthas, and Broadsword itself) and knew they would get Shirley there as soon as possible. Still, she found herself asking for help from someone else she had the deepest faith in. While Toph, Hercules, and the Sams got Shirley settled and strapped in, Elinor bowed her head and closed her eyes. Dear Lord, watch over Shirley and over all of us. Don't let her come out of this too badly off, please!

Hearing an unannounced male, Cera whirled, then took on a look of relief. "Professor!"

Elinor was equally startled and equally relieved to see their mentor appear. She moved up to join the group as he spoke of making mistakes and using their togetherness as a strength. That was something she hadn't consciously thought of, but knew in her bones it was true. Wasn't that the heart of how her family ran the farm? Everyone pitched in, and it made them closer as a family. She now realized that her profession had, oddly enough, made her more of a loner than she'd realized, but now that she was part of a team, she had to be part of a team, not just say she was. She looked around at each of her friends' faces, planting them in her heart and soul as her family away from home.

She nodded at Toph's and Mario's questions, the latter especially. "I'd like to know how to defend against that too, and against what got Mack. Sooner or later we'll get ourselves into a spot where running isn't an option and I want to know what the other options are."

 

[Purr]

(Part 1 of 2)

Mario says, "When I was in the Blue World, one of the Cores fired something that looked like an energy weapon at me. Is there any way to fight back against such an attack?"

The technopathic professor sighed. He gave a look to Mario and Elinor of disappointment mixed with fierce resolve.

"And here we reach one of the walls of my experience. If there is a way to combat the Cores, I have not yet found it. We are the masters of this world and the Cores of the masters of theirs. But... each Traverser brings their own way to the Blue World, and with it, new possibilities.

"Furthermore, I think it is important for all of you to understand that what you see in the Blue World is your own perception of it. Those 'energy weapons' Mario evaded? They were in fact bolts of Brain-burn, and had they found their mark, Muppet very well may have had two patients instead of one."

 

[Purr]

(Part 2 of 2)

Trouble meandered around the Wild Cards. He paused now and then, to look up to each of your faces with a hopeful look in his own. "Um, I waz good kitty, right? I kin haz pettins?"

Cera watched the Mega-damage closely as she realized his request included her.
Cera asked with a distateful expression. "And so a warrior must flee every time there is confrontation? Ridiculous! There must be a way."

"In a way, there is," Professor Stein replied. "My dear, I have learned to fight fire with fire. I recommend you request friendly Cores fight your enemies for you."

"Cores battle?"

"Oh, yes! Whenever their protocols conflict."

Cera frowned. She felt this was a part of her training that must have been lost prior to her completion. In some ways, she was the most knowledgeable of the Wild Cards when it came to technopathy. But in other ways, she felt as green to the Blue World as they.

Trouble must have sensed her unease, for he approached her next with a querying meow.

"You again."

Cera did not move, uncertain how to respond. Several times, her attention alternated from the metallic kitten to Elinor. She was firmly confident that Elinor knew more about this subject she did, and the longer she looked at Trouble, the more Trouble's anticipation grew.

Kaerri

"Dentella," the Ura-Meltrandi asked hesitantly, "what is the proper way... to provide... 'pettin'?"

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Hercules strode over, nodding to the Professor as he scooped up Trouble and settled the diminutive mecha on his shoulder, absently giving scritches to the back of his neck as the burly Greek looked over the equipment that was his.
"'Pettin' is important for this one.", his mind's voice spoke up, "Just as we congratulate and support each other verbally, so do we do so with Trouble. Only he prefers his congratulations and support physically."
He stopped scritching as he employed both hands in the task of familiarizing himself with the weapon he had been issued. It looked like an early 20th Century rotary machine gun, a so-called Minigun, but the addition of a sizeable power pack and the absence of an ammunition hopper, drum, belt feed or ejection port showed its technological advancement. A laser-type weapon. He hefted it two-handed, then held it out one-handed, as if it weighed little more than a sub-machine gun or heavy pistol. He nodded, a small grin on his face.
"Brother Booty,", he spoke quietly, "I feel you would have had a field day in the Broadsword's armory."
"Professor, I cannot say I know quite what you are all talking about, but right now, I think we need to get mission effective. Lieutenant Mac's incapacitation has left us short and, while I'm deeply worried for her, we need to finish what we came here to do. Sooner we're done, sooner you all can catch me up on what I've missed while I was napping. Right now I have a burning need to take the hurt to someone."

 

[Kaerri]

"Furthermore, I think it is important for all of you to understand that what you see in the Blue World is your own perception of it.

Elinor considered that. "So, if we think we're being fired on, we can dodge as if we were? Or use something we 'see' to block it or hide behind?" She smiled wryly. "I feel kind of like the 'little engine that could,' thinking about it that way."

"Oh, yes! Whenever their protocols conflict."

That perked Elinor right up. "Well, that should be easy enough to arrange on this trip. The Cyclones' protocol is to help us, and the facility here's protocol is to get in our way."

"Dentella," the Ura-Meltrandi asked hesitantly, "what is the proper way... to provide... 'pettin'?"

Elinor grinned. "Well, there's several proper ways, and a couple improper ones, depending on the cat in question. I've found the best way, with a cat you don't know, is to start by letting them sniff your hand to get acquainted -- which we already are here -- and then do this." She reached up to the mecha-kitten now on Hercules' shoulder, turned her hand palm-up under his little face, and used her fingertips to scratch under his chin.

 

[Purr]

Two Wild Cards giving him scratchies, then Cera approaching and experimentally doing as Elinor did?MechaKitten just about lost his little kitty mind! "I haz got be good moar often!!" he squeaked in glee.

As your squadron strolled toward the Cyclones, Cera listened. "There is an odd sound coming from his throat.
What is wrong with him?"

"I have been asking that very question since I met him," Professor Stein muttered and grinned.

Cera did not seem taken aback when Hercules had hefted they little guy up onto his shoulder. In fact, the Ura-Meltrandi had watched Hercules with a combination of distant curiosity and only mild suspicion.

As you reached the Cyclones, Professor Stein raised his finger. "I have two more little tidbits before you race off into whatever is down there. Colonel Sharp wanted me to inform you that promotions he had put in for your exemplary service to humanity and the deaths you suffered were approved. Hitomi tells me your ASC gravestones are etched with these new ranks.

"Mario and Hercules? You are now Sergeants. Ladies? Besides Cera of course, you are now 1st Lieutenants with the exception of Shirley who has just made ASC Captain. Congratulations!"

He applauded and watched your reactions with a smile. You felt Sgt. Murphy watching too.

"As for the second, well, Hitomi and I have an important offer we would like all of you to consider. You will recall that we are United Earth Government representatives under Project Eternity?" He stroked his beard proudly. "That project as of yesterday has come to an end. We have been reverted back to our original status in United Earth Expeditionary Force's clandestine operations awaiting a new project with new goals.

"For people like Hitomi and me, this new project is the chance of a lifetime. I will lead it. And because of my lofty position in the UEG, I am in a place to offer all of you a place in that project.

"In other words, would you to consider joining a secret operations task force as soldiers of the UEEF?"

He let the question hang there for a moment. "I am not asking for any decisions from you now. I will be honored if you would simply consider joining us. Oh, and that includes Cera, Iris, and Trouble too."

Professor Stein gave you all a knowing grin that only wizards can give.

 

[Sherwood]

Mario blinks a couple of times at the news that he's been bumped up to the rank of Sergeant, albeit a dead one. Then, there is the news that the Professor gives them, offering them a place in the UEEF Secret Operations Task Force - whatever that is. On one hand, he's honored to be offered this, but on the other, Mario is wondering if he is even qualified to accept this, considering his colossal fuck-up with getting Mack hurt.

"Uh, thank you for the news, Professor Stein. I must be honest with you, my mind set is a bit off, considering what has happened to Mack. I will need to think about this offer of the UEEF membership, probably until after we get back to the Broadsword and have time to think it over."

 

[Psychie]

Toph nods, then says, "The promotion sounds nice, but as far as I am aware, we're still listed as KIA against the Assault Scout. I wouldn't mind the perks of the new rank, but in order to collect on them, it kinda puts our whole 'we're still alive and thumbing our noses at the General' thing to ruin. I am interested in the idea of working formally with the UEEF, especially with my mother on board the ship. I don't need much time to think things over: Count me in!"

 

[Purr]

"Again, take your time to think it over," Professor Stein nodded though he seemed to like what he was hearing, especially from Toph. "Perhaps talk about it together as a squadron after Captain Mackenzie recovers? I would not dream of extending this offer to you while excluding her. I want all of you in this." The elder Traverser gave Mario a stern look. "All of you. But then again, I am greedy like that when it comes to these things."

Cera did not answer but immediately turned to her fellow Wild Cards, Elinor especially. Trouble, on the other hand, kept frolicking from Hercules's shoulder as if he had no idea what was going on.

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Hercules considered it carefully that only once considered dead was he worthy of promotion in the General’s eyes. And even then, a dark side of his brain piped in, only because it’s a matter of military propriety to posthumously promote combat casualties, rather than in acknowledgement of our actual contribution to the defense of Earth.
”I have little to nothing to say on the first matter.” Hercules’ voice boomed out, “And I will take your advice and consider your offer on the second. I would know more of the role I would play and I would know whether or not we will be subjects of more ‘tests’ like we were on the first project we all entered.”

 

[Kaerri]

As your squadron strolled toward the Cyclones, Cera listened. "There is an odd sound coming from his throat. What is wrong with him?"

Elinor grinned. "That's called a purr. It means you're doing it right! Purrs are happy-cat sounds."

"Mario and Hercules? You are now Sergeants. Ladies? Besides Cera of course, you are now 1st Lieutenants with the exception of Shirley who has just made ASC Captain. Congratulations!"

"Congrats to us!" Elinor smiled, but like the others, it was with mixed emotions. "I guess that'll be some kind of comfort to our families... Well, when and if we do come 'back from the dead,' they can't take it back, right? So we'll get to continue from our posthumous ranks. That's something, at least." If and when... whenever it was safe for Broadsword and her crew, that was...

"In other words, would you to consider joining a secret operations task force as soldiers of the UEEF?"

"Y'know, we kinda already are. So secret even the government doesn't know about it! Today's government, anyway." Elinor looked at the professor, clearly considering it. "It sounds good, but I want to know more too. Like why you're asking us, for one thing, with all the world to choose from."

 

[Purr]

Hercules’ voice boomed out, “And I will take your advice and consider your offer on the second. I would know more of the role I would play and I would know whether or not we will be subjects of more ‘tests’ like we were on the first project we all entered.”

Professor Stein's old eyes lit with a fire when Hercules brought that particular subject up. "You have my word of honor that I will treat you like people instead of damned subjects in a deadly military laboratory like the one General Steele is running." He frowned deeply and lion-like. After a long sigh, he added, "As for your roles, well, if I can wing it, put basically, I want just about everyone we have collected to join the UEEF crew of the Broadsword. Officially. You would take on UEEF training, have UEEF ranking, and follow my orders into clandestine locations and secret missions the rest of humanity probably won't know much about. Captain Piper appears to like the notion as does Colonel Sharp, but I do not mean to bend you one way or another by dropping names. I would much rather you discuss it as a team, preferably behind closed doors, decide as a team, and then give me your answer."

"Y'know, we kinda already are. So secret even the government doesn't know about it! Today's government, anyway." Elinor looked at the professor, clearly considering it. "It sounds good, but I want to know more too. Like why you're asking us, for one thing, with all the world to choose from."

This brought a belly-chuckle from the old Traverser. "Why, Miss Hall! Why am I asking you? Do you know of another all-Traverser team of military-trained patriots who would rather die than see this world enslaved by The Enemy?" He looked at her CVR-3 mega-suit and kept on chuckling. "Are you hiding on your person another such team that has my dear Hitomi's blessing? Or MechaKitten's for that matter? I would have thought my reasoning would be quite clear - I do not believe anyone else out there has what your team has. And... I trust you with what I am asking." He cocked his head and grinned at her in a grandfatherly fashion. "Why indeed!? Ho ho ho!"

"Come now. You should get to your Cyclones. I have addled your brains enough with all of my Technopathy talk and offers. Class dismissed!" He sharply clapped his hands twice. "Go on and save the Broadsword's recovery team!"

It was Toph alone who saw the thing. Psychie

Spoiler: For Psychie

It was about the size of a basketball, roundly-shaped, and rolling along with brown and white markings. It rolled up from inside the under-highway and stopped all by itself. Then it seemed to turn this way and that with little electronic eyes built into its smooth, dirty surface. It was a robot. That much was clear. But it seemed "surprised".

It appeared to see the burning SAM sites and the anti-aircraft guns. It saw your mecha and your Cyclones too. You were but 60 feet away or so from them, but Toph did not think the little robot had spotted your team out in the open just yet. But it certainly would and soon. Very soon.

What does Toph do?

 

[Psychie]

Toph quickly sends out the thought, "Target! A small robot just came rolling up out of the underground highway! I don't think it has spotted us, but it looks like its already spotted our mecha!"

How far away from us is the robot?

 

[Purr]

The small robot is about 150 feet away (90 feet away from your Cyclones which are between you and it).

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Hercules reacted instantly, bringing the Thundercracker up to his shoulder.
"Range and bearing.", his mind sent across the nexus, even as his head went on a swivel and he sought the potential threat.