The Regal Rper
Mad Scientist
- Group
Matt | Arc 1: Abandoned Ant Nest
The answer to Rav’s earlier question on the team plan was to merely focus on exterminating all the ants and rescuing who they could.
Like the other team leads he had taken one of the pheromone containers that had been given to them, keeping it latched onto a compartment on his side.
Jumper Ants, he told the team, were a venomous species of ants. They moved generally quickly, and could jump long distances. The key idea was to either not let them get the chance to pounce or to dodge them completely when they did.
The most important thing was also to avoid getting stung. At their sizes now, a single sting would be lethal if not fatal. He could heal and protect against toxins but he couldn't provide absolute immunity.
It was hitting the wall of foul odor that had Matt changing the subject and issuing a command. “Masks on,” before they moved forward again.
“There's pheromones in this that will cover our scent.” Nudging Esther as he removed the container. “Use it in an emergency so we can escape if I don't give a signal.” Putting it directly into her hand.
Then they were officially off.
Seeing through the gas even with lights to assist was practically like walking through the moisture of fog. The fact he could hear combat up ahead made Matt alert to the others that they needed to move faster but remain alert. The ants here would pick up their scents and if they got cut off before they could reach the other party it would get ugly. The gas here made sight limited to only a couple feet ahead of you.
It wasn't hard to see who had survived though.
The shadows illuminated by light made it easier to see just who was still moving.
The voice was unmistakable.
As Karina evaded the ant and blindly fired at her enemy, Matt followed the ant’s shadowy figure to fire a shot of projectile slime at it that held acidic properties. The hissing in the distance was unmistakable as the gas up ahead also slightly thickened.
Not waiting to let any new surprises catch them off guard, Matt called out: “I know that voice.” Using his light to shine it in the darkness where Karina's silhouette shifted to display her gear colors. The cheer was probably more welcoming than anything else she had been experiencing in who knew how many minutes. “I'm damn sure that's Sawyers own Fatal Cutie!”
Even as he approached Matt still made it clear to his team in few words and gestures to keep themselves spread, in sight of each other, and alert on any movements.
“You can put yourself a bit more at ease F.C. Your backup has arrived.” If tossing that old nickname did anything, it may have at least reminded her of who specifically had bestowed that moniker years back when they'd been a bit younger. It had stuck as a joke, even if it had seen less use after he left.
And as he appeared in Karina's line of sight, guns ready but relaxed, mask in her direction, the Tinman looked her over.
A huff, coming out clearly behind the mask in a breathy sound of amusement. “Just as fine as I remember, that's for sure.”An unnecessary comment perhaps, but one he expected at least Karina to take in stride if she recognized him at all. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't have been doing any of this, but he knew Fatal Cutie.
Even if whatever intimacy they had was years ago, looking at her certainly made it clear some things hadn't totally changed. “What's the situation with the Merchant?”
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