Futuristic ParaCom: Adversary Uncertain

[ARSENIC]

"DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!"


Soon after landing Roderick was already binging beverages with the highest alcohol content he could find, well on his way to showing everyone how a true Scotsman partied, much to the dismay of the wallet of the man who decided to pay for drinks for a Scot and a Russian. Of course, rather than wonder who in their right mind would commit such financial suicide, Roderick decided to take full advantage of the fact, and drink to his heart's content, until it became so much of a mantra for him that he'd squeeze a boob and tell the flustered, angry woman to "put it on Jacob's tab". Drinking Leon and Timmy under the table would have been a breeze. Doing the same to Alina, though, was a difficult task indeed.


But then, Roderick was never the kind of man to shy away from a challenge.

 

[Derpestein]

Tim downed drink after drink, replaying what happened in the mission over and over until he couldn't think anymore. What happened was shameful, but for now, he didn't care.


He was fuckin drunk.


He started to sing once he gained his balance and stood up, and the song...Was more of a flurry of cuss words said in a tune than an actual song. "ROEEED EHHH REKKKK, PASS MEH MESSEG TO ALEEENE FOR MEEEH."


He collapsed back onto his seat.


"Tell her," Timothy said, "that I realli laik hur fur Savin me ass back therrr. Hic." He hiccuped, then proceeded to drink even more beer.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Alina was already glad to have so much done. "I hope our friend doesn't become bankrupt. Ha ha ha!" She was already toasting Roderick. Alina then acknowledged Timothy with, "You're welcome." It was apparent that somebody couldn't hold the liquor.


Back in the science lab, Dr. Semyonov was analyzing the crossbow. From what was gathered from the ghoul, the crossbow was semi-automatic in firing rate and was able to be fired with one hand. The blue bolts in particular were able to penetrate conventional armor quite easily, going through like a hot knife through butter. It was apparent that the engineering team now has to find ways to improve armor. The superalloys in particular were also analyzed, present in the weaponry fragments. He then referred to Dr. Quincy for application of the findings


Dr. Quincy then got to work. Finding that the superalloys were between five to ten times stronger than steel, she would design powered armor for troops. Conventional armor was deemed practically useless to the paranormal forces. Conventional weapons were going to be dubious for the later enemies, Dr. Quincy predicted. A new form of weaponry and armor would be created. Electronic weapons and armor were in production after application. Railguns, vibroblades, and the aforementioned powered armor.


What was left to analyze was Cosmodium. Further analysis meant further applications.


 
One day later, Center called up the following names: Hagan Okoye, Falk Nickolaus Irmingard, Ryan Shrake, Jacob Wings, and Mei Ying-tai. "Now that we've gotten reports of Paranormal activity in California, we will get you there as quickly as possible. I'm sure that there won't be anything too bad. Just ghouls from what has been reported. This is a search and destroy, so take no quarter."


Large Cloud, the spare pilot, readied a drop ship for the small group. Why Center didn't call up the previous group? It was time to give them a break for taking down a dragon. The group of five will be putting down in a beach where they will fight the paranormal ghouls.

 

[Bazmund]

As Jacob left for the mission, he was grinning. He'd drunk nothing but 7-up mixed with apple juice the whole time, in a cleverly concocted scheme to make the others think he could hold more liquor than he actually could - also because he didn't want to be caught unawares if he was called up for something.


In addition to that, Jacob had scored himself a stunning discount on the drinks in the pub - partially because he was a doctor, and the owner, a strikingly good looking woman, oddly enough had a bit of a medical fetish, in that she watched far too much scrubs, and when he showed her a picture of him graduating med school with a stethoscope around his neck (and Arabella at his side) she went weak in the knees.


The other reason he had that discount was because he was part of the ParaCom initiative, of course. Little did the others know, the entire town surrounding the ParaCom base had willingly gone ahead with providing a discount to their saving graces, the operatives, purely because they knew that their presence made that city the safest place on earth.


All in all?


His bill at the end of the evening was no more than 150£, which was stunningly good for the amount of stupid drinking everyone did.


I mean, he was probably going to have to sleep with the publican, but that wasn't so bad at all.

 

[TyranntX]

Back at the lab, Dr. Sinngfreed slowly walked in and let out a yawn. He was just returning from a break he took as he was working for 3 days straight. "Greetings colleagues, it's to my understanding that we are getting a dragon to examine." He said with some enthusiasm in his voice. He then looked to Dr. Semyonov as he noticed the cross now they were holding. "Don't tell me, that's a new weapon that's in the enemies arsenal Isn't it?" He said looking intrigued.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Dr. Semyonov replied, "That is. Now we need a hand on studying what the paranormal forces call Cosmodium. It could be a weapon or fuel. Please help us study the sample we got. I just had this ghoul interrogated and the autopsies performed." It was evident that Dr. Semyonov had some energy drained from interrogating the ghoul. He may not look like it, but the good doctor was the paranormal's worst nightmare!


Cosmodium was a bit of a conundrum thanks to safety hazards. It could be radioactive for all it is known. Now that is the challenge: studying it safely. The lab would be briefly mobilized for study of radioactive elements. It was also certain that Dr. Semyonov does not want to take risks for too long.

 

[TyranntX]

"Tell you what Doctor, you go get some sleep and I'll see what I can do." Said Dr. Sinngfreed as he stepped forward putting on the proper safety equipment. "I'm going to do a geological scan on this... Anything you want to tell me before I do say it now." He said calmly. This was new territory for him, he has never really worked with Inorganic matter before. Especially types that are not on the human periodic table.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"I still have some energy. It's just that I was perfecting some interrogation techniques on the ghoul. Now the Cosmodium should not be as dynamic as the ghoul. Let us see what we can find out."


Dr. Semyonov was moving right along. When it came to science, he was a jack of all trades. Coordination and leadership among the scientists also helped. Last but certainly not least, he acted as a guide with his experiences.

 

[TyranntX]

"In that case let's find some one who can keep an eye on it, so we can see what our little rock is hiding from us" said Dr. Sinngfreed with a grin. He seemed confident as usual, in fact he was a bit anxious to see what the scanner will turn up. "I have a feeling that this element has some value to them... Maybe used in weapon craft, or it could be a fuel source like yours said." He said holding the sample. He then thought of something... That being the reason he came in the first place. "Say... Is it true the soldiers took down and brought us a dragon?" He asked.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"News travels fast. Did the stench of the dead give it away? If you have to ask, yes. But we have already done the research on it. If you want to see the credits, refer to our terminals. I can't wait to be done for the time."


Dr. Semyonov got to work on the Cosmodium sample. Though similar to nuclear elements, it was surprisingly stable! Must be part of the Island of Stability theory. The good doctor was indeed surprised by how stable the element was. "Mendeleev will be astounded by this. Mark it in the history books. We might have found a candidate for the Island of Stability."


It was then placed under an atomic microscope designed to be an improvement over conventional electron microscopes. It was able to see from individual atoms to even individual sub-atomic particles with real time and clarity! It was designed to reach from nanometers to the smallest of small: yoctometers. If it was an Earth element, it might have corresponded to element 120, which has been theorized to be the center of the aforementioned theory. "I know for sure that we cannot manufacture Cosmodium. We'll have to scavenge and steal from the enemy. I hope our friends at engineering will use it wisely!"

 

[TyranntX]

"Steal nuclear substances from the enemy, good rule of thumb." Dr. Sinngfreed replied as he took a look for him self. Despite excelling in biological studies, he too couldn't help but be some what amazed. "It's definitely not from earth, but it dose have quite a bit of similarities." He then paused for a moment. And then looked at Dr. Semyonov apwith a face of confusion "what do suppose they do with this stuff for? They don't seem like the kind of.... Creatures... Who know how to make explosives of any kind" he said.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"The dragon we took down was a scout. This Cosmodium amount may not be enough to manufacture anyway. Reports indicate that the ghouls were the cannon fodder for the paranormal. That implies that they were just a scouting party preparing to make a base on Earth. The good news is that we possibly averted that plan. It is also safe to assume that the real deals know how to make explosives. They are possibly too confident to build one. I come to wonder what is their motivation. Do they want to enslave us? Take our resources? I believe there's a pattern that we have not found yet."


Dr. Semyonov was the type to theorize and ruminate. Dr. Quincy often joked that the head scientist loves to hear himself talk. This instance may be the case. It also helped that there was plenty of room for theory and speculation.

 

[TyranntX]

"Well it's safe to assume they don't want to be friends with us, otherwise they wouldn't be so aggressive." said Dr. Sinngfreed with a smug look on his face and took off his safety gear. He then started to walk away "if going to see if I can snatch a pice of what's left of that dragon. I would like to do a bit of my own research if you don't mind" he stopped at the door to ask one more question " do you know where I can find the remains?" He said.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Remains are everywhere. Humor aside, you'll have to get them from the quartermaster. Needless to say, we all hate the stench. Also, there is one problem. As head scientist, I have to oversee the project. Because we at ParaCom don't want any rogue elements. Protocols after an incident."


Semyonov had a feeling that Sinngfreed might significantly deviate from the project. Who knows if the new scientist was a sleeper agent for the paranormal. It was a paranoia that the doctor had a right to have after a rogue element sabotaged lab equipment.

 

[TyranntX]

"Very well, you can supervise. All I'm doing is continuing the work I did back when I worked for BioCorp. But I don't need to tell you what we did. You read my files after all" said Dr. Sinngfreed, he seemed sad almost. Isac doesn't like to think about the incident or the fall of BioCorp. The study of biology and genetics was his speciality, and not once has he had the chance to do any research on one... Even in his days at BioCorp. "As for the smell... Well there's probably nothing I can do unless I get a look at it." He said cheering up a bit.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"That's acceptable. I'm aware of that. Anyway, if it'll enhance our war effort, then I'm all for it. Don't worry, I got my sleep already."


Dr. Semyonov wasn't terribly against it. The only concern is that the side project may turn out to be essentially useless. The engineers and officers wanted results not theory. The fate of humanity rested upon the hands of Dr. Semyonov, Dr. Quincy, and Center all together at once.

 

[TyranntX]

"That's great, I could use an assistant for what I'm going to do. First we need to get the body to an operating table. Then I want to get a few blood samples for later study. After that is like to take a look at the dragon's organs, if we can learn the anatomy of a dragon then we will have an easier time bringing down another in the future" Dr. Sinngfreed then rambled on about other procedures that would leave nothing left of the body but a heap of flesh. Disgusting yes, but necessary in his eyes. After all, this could lead to a big breakthrough for science.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"I'm no mere assistant. Besides, I've been with the ParaCom project since its foundation. Plus, we already have detailed physiology of the dragons now, as well as anatomy. Besides, it was already on the operating table."


Dr. Semyonov felt that this new scientist would be a liability rather than an asset. With the project underway, Dr. Sinngfreed should not see this as a play time, but opportunity to save the human race. Lives were at stake and he is becoming distracting.


Meanwhile, the engineering department was diligently designing weaponry and armor. "Our heroes that took down the dragon will test them out. Testing shows and promises success." Dr. Quincy has designed and manufactured a handful of railguns, vibroblades, and powered armor.


Three days later:


March 4th, 2022 - Center received a call from the United Nations. "Hello Center. We are calling because we have a task for your team to perform. Gather your best operatives for this one. We'll have a behind enemy lines mission and it will require not just elimination of enemies, but also sabotage of their equipment. This may be the lions' den for them, but keep in mind what happens when a pawn reaches the other side of the board. The United Nations looks forward to seeing your progress."


Center called up the operatives. "You all know what to do. Board up and get ready. We have some fancy new equipment in the armory!"

 

[Splat]

Chade sighed, leaning back in his rolling chair as he gets the announcement about the deployment. He'd just finished the designs for a new arm for Roderick the night before, so hopefully they've had enough time to get it finished so he can attach it on the way to their next mission. So many things had been thrown at him since the dragon, he felt like a completely different person. He wasn't alone, of course, but he'd come of with the majority of the designs for new Viroblades, some prototype Railguns that he could put on a ship. He was currently working on designs for a hand-held railgun, like a more powerful version of the Ghoul's crossbows. The designs weren't anywhere close to completion. Another month, maybe, and he could get prototypes running.


Thankfully, after Chade realized the Avenger wasn't going to be accomplished for some time, he managed to get some help with the other engineers to make a temporary craft ParaCom could use until it was ready. Tapping into his earpiece, he radioed out to the others, getting ready. "Alright lads, with the Little Lady happily retired, I've got her temporary replacement waiting for you in hangar six." The craft had been equipped with a prototype railgun, a couple missile launchers with a couple miniguns that used the new ammunition they'd been able to create since the previous mission. There were also two prototype exoskeleton suits on board that Chade called, "Ant Shells". While giving a strength boost to the soldier of up to fifty times their base strength, it also wraps them in a shield-like metal that theoretically could protect them from the club of giant troll, or a poorly aimed ghoul's crossbow.


He radioed in to the group again before making his way to the craft. "Let me know what you guys think when you see her. She's nameless, and it's bad luck to go out without a name on your ship."

 

[Bazmund]

Already in the hangar, sipping gingerly at a piping hot cup of tea - as the British are always doing, when not sipping gingerly at a pint of beer - Jacob looked up at the new craft.


It looked cool.


But other than that, he had no idea what it was going to be like. He wasn't an engineer, after all. In fact, he hadn't the foggiest idea of how it worked. He was there to suture, stitch, sew, and triage. Sparing his doctor's bag a glance, he drank more tea. No milk nor sugar. Just tea.


He was nervous about the powered armour suits. He knew he wasn't going to be wearing one - and was glad of that - but what about when the people who were wearing them got injured? It was almost inevitable, and how was he going to get to the soft, fleshy bits inside the armour, to make sure that it could still support life? Exoskeletons, by all means, but these were exoskeletons which just so happened to cover everything he needed to reach up.


He'd let very few people who could be saved die under his watch, in his time in the British Army. Very few indeed. He was one of the best doctors in the armed forces, worldwide- it was why he was now part of ParaCom.


But he had never dealt with this kind of armour.

 

[Fletchr]

(My bad for being a bit late for the Diving Pelican reaction. Had internet connection problems for the past few days )


Faulk lets out a grunt, pulling his equipment from his personal locker - quickly donning the armor in a matter of minutes, it having been something easily practiced in the past few months. Once done he simply grabbed his assault rifle, shifting over towards the hangar and into the awaiting transport. His eyes wandering across the other soldiers within as he dropped his rear-end into a seat, securing himself within the safety harness moments later.

 

[DerUbermensch]

Alina and Mei Ying-Tai were ready. Both were bolting to the new, nameless ship. The two women would fill in the ranks as needed. Functionally speaking, they were able to support others of their role rather than supplant.


"Alina, reporting for duty." "Likewise." Both women were ready for the new mission. Conventional weaponry was still the mainstay until railguns were produced further. The engineering team was trying their best to produce as much as possible, but with emerging technologies, it became slower due to expenses.

 

[ARSENIC]

Three days was a long time in ParaCom. Much longer than in the Royal Armed Forces. Long enough for him to get approval for a gorgeous new toy he'd been requesting for some time now: An arm-fastened grappling hook. It seemed with his recent successes, the higher-ups were finally sufficiently impressed to approve it, and within the day Roderick had engineers drilling their merry way into his cyber-arm for the fitting. There was nothing high-tech about it, but it was still a thing of beauty. A reinforced titanium expanding spear-hook fitted with bilateral, ladder-crossed steel cables and a piston-fire launch mechanism. It was gorgeous, rust-proof, temperature-resistant, and could probably carry Big Bertha without snapping. He loved it.


Perhaps the only saddening thing was having to leave the crossbow in the labs: The weapon he had landed the killing blow on the dragon with. The saving grace, of course, was the promise that within the week he'd have the same rail technology fitted into his shotgun. Now that would be badass. It kept him going as the call came, and he answered, finding Alina standing beside a Chinese woman, as he gave the familiar heavy weapons girl a wave, before taking his spot beside Jacob.


"Well if it isn't tha great philanthr'piss 'imself! 'ow ye doin', lad?" Roderick laughed, giving the man a strong, cheery pat on the back.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"It's good to think we didn't break wallets, ha ha!" Alina remembered fondly how she and Roderick drank the time away. She also acknowledged the arm. "Upgrade? I heard we're getting powered armor and railguns. Our most basic weapons will kill their biggest monsters soon!"


The Chinese sniper was relatively stoic, not wanting to rain on Alina's parade. "Quick in...quick out. That's all I say now." Mei Ying-tai was ready to perform surgically. Ghouls were found out to be nothing more than cannon fodder. Who knows what beasts and monsters would be next?

 

[Bazmund]

"What can I say? It's good to get the first round in - but I reckon one of you should buy tonight. Don't worry, the owner has a thing for three things - doctors, military men (and women, I think, can't be sure) and people who can hold their liquor. Play your cards right, and you won't have to pay too much at all." Jacob grinned right back at the scot.


He could understand him when he talked now.