EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
Shep pitches his voice into the clipped, no-nonsense cadence of a high-ranking officer. “Negative. I am not stepping out—my patient is in critical condition, and moving her could kill her. I’ve stabilized her as best I can in the field, but she needs surgical care at Camp Wilson immediately.”
He shifts just enough for the spotlights to catch the stretcher. “You will identify yourselves—name, rank, and commanding officer—now. Then you will either assist in transporting her to the medical center or stand down and clear a path. I will not waste another second while she’s dying.”
The SAMAS directly in front of him lowers his rail gun, stiffens to attention, salutes and answers, "You are speaking to Sargeant Lance Reynolds. I report to Lieutenant Niko Mikado." He maintains his salute.
The other SAMAS circles and stands less at attention, "I'm Lieutenant Niko Mikado. Please identify yourself likewise. I don't recognise your suit, emblems or unit number." He eases the rail gun but doesn't disengage like Sgt. Reynolds did.
He shifts just enough for the spotlights to catch the stretcher. “You will identify yourselves—name, rank, and commanding officer—now. Then you will either assist in transporting her to the medical center or stand down and clear a path. I will not waste another second while she’s dying.”
The SAMAS directly in front of him lowers his rail gun, stiffens to attention, salutes and answers, "You are speaking to Sargeant Lance Reynolds. I report to Lieutenant Niko Mikado." He maintains his salute.
The other SAMAS circles and stands less at attention, "I'm Lieutenant Niko Mikado. Please identify yourself likewise. I don't recognise your suit, emblems or unit number." He eases the rail gun but doesn't disengage like Sgt. Reynolds did.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
OOC: What does Shep know about the Coalition. Specifically I'm thinking Lt. Colonel or Major, some sort of special opps with enough additional details to make it seem plausible that they've never heard of his unit or seen his type of SAMAS before.
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
OOC: From what little he still remembers from his father, who served in the Coalition before going AWOL, very little. However, he's learned enough of unit numbers to know that the SAMAS units in front of him aren't standard. Likely Special forces themselves.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
Shep straightens the Silver Eagle’s posture just enough to project command presence and switches to his external audio using a crisp, clipped officer’s tone.
“Lieutenant Mikado, Sergeant Reynolds—Lt. Colonel Daniels, Special Operations Division, Norther Expeditionary Reconnaissance Command.” He doesn’t give them time to analyze the name before continuing. “My unit has been tracking reports of necrotic activity creeping south through this region. I deployed to Camp Wilson covertly two days ago to establish a forward surgical post while I assessed the threat. My radio and transponder shorted out or I'd have let you know I was entering your airspace earlier so we could have avoided this little episode.”
He tilts the armor’s upper body slightly so they get an unobstructed view of Nova on the stretcher. “As you can see, the situation escalated sooner than expected, but I can still save her. Can you?”
Then, sharply but not hostile: “Lieutenant, holster that pea shooter. We’re on the same side, and I don’t have the luxury of standing around comparing insignia while this girl bleeds out. Either you plan to shoot a wounded civilian and a senior officer”—slight pause for that to sink in—“or you let me complete my mission and get her to the surgical bay alive.”
He doesn’t waver, doesn’t give them space to doubt. “Your call, Lieutenant.”
“Lieutenant Mikado, Sergeant Reynolds—Lt. Colonel Daniels, Special Operations Division, Norther Expeditionary Reconnaissance Command.” He doesn’t give them time to analyze the name before continuing. “My unit has been tracking reports of necrotic activity creeping south through this region. I deployed to Camp Wilson covertly two days ago to establish a forward surgical post while I assessed the threat. My radio and transponder shorted out or I'd have let you know I was entering your airspace earlier so we could have avoided this little episode.”
He tilts the armor’s upper body slightly so they get an unobstructed view of Nova on the stretcher. “As you can see, the situation escalated sooner than expected, but I can still save her. Can you?”
Then, sharply but not hostile: “Lieutenant, holster that pea shooter. We’re on the same side, and I don’t have the luxury of standing around comparing insignia while this girl bleeds out. Either you plan to shoot a wounded civilian and a senior officer”—slight pause for that to sink in—“or you let me complete my mission and get her to the surgical bay alive.”
He doesn’t waver, doesn’t give them space to doubt. “Your call, Lieutenant.”
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
Shep straightens the Silver Eagle’s posture just enough to project command presence and switches to his external audio using a crisp, clipped officer’s tone.
“Lieutenant Mikado, Sergeant Reynolds—Lt. Colonel Daniels, Special Operations Division, Northern Expeditionary Reconnaissance Command.” He doesn’t give them time to analyze the name before continuing. “My unit has been tracking reports of necrotic activity creeping south through this region. I deployed to Camp Wilson covertly two days ago to establish a forward surgical post while I assessed the threat. My radio and transponder shorted out or I'd have let you know I was entering your airspace earlier so we could have avoided this little episode.”
He tilts the armor’s upper body slightly so they get an unobstructed view of Nova on the stretcher. “As you can see, the situation escalated sooner than expected, but I can still save her. Can you?”
Then, sharply but not hostile: “Lieutenant, holster that peashooter. We’re on the same side, and I don’t have the luxury of standing around comparing insignia while this girl bleeds out. Either you plan to shoot a wounded civilian and a senior officer”—slight pause for that to sink in—“or you let me complete my mission and get her to the surgical bay alive.”
He doesn’t waver, doesn’t give them space to doubt. “Your call, Lieutenant.”
"Very well, sir." Mikado lowers his rail gun, "We weren't informed of any other unit this far out." There's a slight pause, "Reynolds and I will accompany you by each taking an end of your stretcher and hovering to Camp Wilson while you lead the way. It's against protocol to be out alone and I believe that we could be of assistance... and a break from our recent monotony. Afterwards, I'd like to take you out for a drink."
Nova is showing more signs of discomfort, barely conscious.
“Lieutenant Mikado, Sergeant Reynolds—Lt. Colonel Daniels, Special Operations Division, Northern Expeditionary Reconnaissance Command.” He doesn’t give them time to analyze the name before continuing. “My unit has been tracking reports of necrotic activity creeping south through this region. I deployed to Camp Wilson covertly two days ago to establish a forward surgical post while I assessed the threat. My radio and transponder shorted out or I'd have let you know I was entering your airspace earlier so we could have avoided this little episode.”
He tilts the armor’s upper body slightly so they get an unobstructed view of Nova on the stretcher. “As you can see, the situation escalated sooner than expected, but I can still save her. Can you?”
Then, sharply but not hostile: “Lieutenant, holster that peashooter. We’re on the same side, and I don’t have the luxury of standing around comparing insignia while this girl bleeds out. Either you plan to shoot a wounded civilian and a senior officer”—slight pause for that to sink in—“or you let me complete my mission and get her to the surgical bay alive.”
He doesn’t waver, doesn’t give them space to doubt. “Your call, Lieutenant.”
"Very well, sir." Mikado lowers his rail gun, "We weren't informed of any other unit this far out." There's a slight pause, "Reynolds and I will accompany you by each taking an end of your stretcher and hovering to Camp Wilson while you lead the way. It's against protocol to be out alone and I believe that we could be of assistance... and a break from our recent monotony. Afterwards, I'd like to take you out for a drink."
Nova is showing more signs of discomfort, barely conscious.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
“Negative, Lieutenant. Your offer’s noted, but unnecessary. The situation in Camp Wilson is contained enough for me to manage, and splitting your patrol weakens coverage of this corridor.” He angles the Silver Eagle just slightly toward Lake Crenshaw. “This vector is the real risk. I’ve already confirmed necrotic activity near Camp Wilson. What I haven’t confirmed is how many may slip through. If whatever hit Camp Wilson spreads up the road toward Crenshaw, you two are their early warning and first line of defense.”
A beat. Authority in every word. “I’m not your CO, Lieutenant, so I won’t issue orders—but I am advising operational protocol: no uninspected travelers enter this zone without a clear visual and behavioral sweep for necrotic symptoms. Anyone showing confusion, discoloration, or coordination issues gets held for observation. Anyone clean, you wave through.”
He gestures to the stretcher in his arms. “My priority is keeping this civilian alive and saving as many at Camp Wilson as I can. Yours is making sure this doesn’t jump towns. The best support you can give this mission is holding this line and keeping Crenshaw safe.”
Then, decisively: “I’m moving out. When this is over, maybe I'll take you up on that beer.” And he turns, making it clear the conversation is over—because for someone with a Lt. Colonel’s bearing, it is.
In the back of his mind, he hopes he didn't just heap problems on Reggie and the others as as gently as he can, he spreads his wings and makes ready to take flight in a straight line to Camp Wilson.
A beat. Authority in every word. “I’m not your CO, Lieutenant, so I won’t issue orders—but I am advising operational protocol: no uninspected travelers enter this zone without a clear visual and behavioral sweep for necrotic symptoms. Anyone showing confusion, discoloration, or coordination issues gets held for observation. Anyone clean, you wave through.”
He gestures to the stretcher in his arms. “My priority is keeping this civilian alive and saving as many at Camp Wilson as I can. Yours is making sure this doesn’t jump towns. The best support you can give this mission is holding this line and keeping Crenshaw safe.”
Then, decisively: “I’m moving out. When this is over, maybe I'll take you up on that beer.” And he turns, making it clear the conversation is over—because for someone with a Lt. Colonel’s bearing, it is.
In the back of his mind, he hopes he didn't just heap problems on Reggie and the others as as gently as he can, he spreads his wings and makes ready to take flight in a straight line to Camp Wilson.
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
“Negative, Lieutenant. Your offer’s noted, but unnecessary. The situation in Camp Wilson is contained enough for me to manage, and splitting your patrol weakens coverage of this corridor.” He angles the Silver Eagle just slightly toward Lake Crenshaw. “This vector is the real risk. I’ve already confirmed necrotic activity near Camp Wilson. What I haven’t confirmed is how many may slip through. If whatever hit Camp Wilson spreads up the road toward Crenshaw, you two are their early warning and first line of defense.”
Lt. Mikado nods. "Reynolds, head back to the guard post and let them know the situation." Sgt. Reynolds salutes, turns and engages his thrusters and flies back north, as instructed.
A beat. Authority in every word. “I’m not your CO, Lieutenant, so I won’t issue orders—but I am advising operational protocol: no uninspected travelers enter this zone without a clear visual and behavioral sweep for necrotic symptoms. Anyone showing confusion, discoloration, or coordination issues gets held for observation. Anyone clean, you wave through.”
He gestures to the stretcher in his arms. “My priority is keeping this civilian alive and saving as many at Camp Wilson as I can. Yours is making sure this doesn’t jump towns. The best support you can give this mission is holding this line and keeping Crenshaw safe.”
Then, decisively; “I’m moving out. When this is over, maybe I'll take you up on that beer.” And he turns, making it clear the conversation is over—because for someone with a Lt. Colonel’s bearing, it is. In the back of his mind, he hopes he didn't just heap problems on Reggie and the others as as gently as he can, he spreads his wings and makes ready to take flight in a straight line to Camp Wilson.
Shep then remembers that carrying the stretcher in flight is extremely hazardous for Nova, meaning walking would be a slow, tedious process as Carl reminds him, "As to your earlier question; at this speed, you'll reach Camp Wilson in just over thirty minutes. Every tiny bump is going to be excruciating for her."
Lt. Mikado hasn't left yet. He observes Shep trying to carefully move Nova. After several steps and readjustments, to keep her comfortable, he booms over the loudspeaker, "Sir, are you sure you don't want my help? Reynolds has the guardpost as backup and you have no current backup. At your present rate, a necrotic outbreak could be stemmed by swift action." He begins walking forward, regardless of Shep's orders, "I'll leave as soon as we get her to safety. I understand that your mission is likely confidential. We can leave it at that. Sir!"
Lt. Mikado nods. "Reynolds, head back to the guard post and let them know the situation." Sgt. Reynolds salutes, turns and engages his thrusters and flies back north, as instructed.
A beat. Authority in every word. “I’m not your CO, Lieutenant, so I won’t issue orders—but I am advising operational protocol: no uninspected travelers enter this zone without a clear visual and behavioral sweep for necrotic symptoms. Anyone showing confusion, discoloration, or coordination issues gets held for observation. Anyone clean, you wave through.”
He gestures to the stretcher in his arms. “My priority is keeping this civilian alive and saving as many at Camp Wilson as I can. Yours is making sure this doesn’t jump towns. The best support you can give this mission is holding this line and keeping Crenshaw safe.”
Then, decisively; “I’m moving out. When this is over, maybe I'll take you up on that beer.” And he turns, making it clear the conversation is over—because for someone with a Lt. Colonel’s bearing, it is. In the back of his mind, he hopes he didn't just heap problems on Reggie and the others as as gently as he can, he spreads his wings and makes ready to take flight in a straight line to Camp Wilson.
Shep then remembers that carrying the stretcher in flight is extremely hazardous for Nova, meaning walking would be a slow, tedious process as Carl reminds him, "As to your earlier question; at this speed, you'll reach Camp Wilson in just over thirty minutes. Every tiny bump is going to be excruciating for her."
Lt. Mikado hasn't left yet. He observes Shep trying to carefully move Nova. After several steps and readjustments, to keep her comfortable, he booms over the loudspeaker, "Sir, are you sure you don't want my help? Reynolds has the guardpost as backup and you have no current backup. At your present rate, a necrotic outbreak could be stemmed by swift action." He begins walking forward, regardless of Shep's orders, "I'll leave as soon as we get her to safety. I understand that your mission is likely confidential. We can leave it at that. Sir!"
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
"Very well, Lieutenant. I appreciate the help. I did my best to fashion a litter from branches and scraps of clothing, but it’s hardly a proper evac pod. Every bump or jolt risks further injury to her." Working together, with Carl’s guidance as well, Shep adjusts their pace and movements to minimize any additional harm. Before they depart, he performs a quick assessment of her current condition, checking for anything else he can do to stabilize her before reaching Camp Wilson.
OOC: He’s careful not to give the Lieutenant any reason to suspect he’s consulting with an AI.
OOC: He’s careful not to give the Lieutenant any reason to suspect he’s consulting with an AI.
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
"Very well, Lieutenant. I appreciate the help. I did my best to fashion a litter from branches and scraps of clothing, but it’s hardly a proper evac pod. Every bump or jolt risks further injury to her." Working together, with Carl’s guidance as well, Shep adjusts their pace and movements to minimize any additional harm. Before they depart, he performs a quick assessment of her current condition, checking for anything else he can do to stabilize her before reaching Camp Wilson.
At that moment, the Lieutenant's SAMAS opens up, steam hissing out as the contained environment refreshes itself, as a younger raven haired officer steps out. Nico accesses his storage compartment to produce a six foot by three foot cloth and several aluminum bars that neatly snap together by sliding into the canvas loops. He quickly assembles a standard issue stretcher and then produces three canvas straps.
He moves over to Nova as he slides the stretcher next to her. He seems to take a long hard look at Nova's face as she looks back at him, noticing that he's handsome. He then cradles the back of her neck and back as he careful slides her onto the new stretcher. His shakes his hands, that are now bloodied from moving her. He carefully moves her legs and straps her in. "We're going to get you taken care of," he gently explains. Nova only yelps in pain a few times.
He then climbs back into his SAMAS. His loudspeaker crackles, "It's best if we fly carrying her lengthwise, side by side. Ready when you are, sir." He leans down and grabs the stretcher near the legs and waits for Shep to copy.
"Shep, I believe that he may suspect something is amiss. What are you thinking?" Carl asks.
At that moment, the Lieutenant's SAMAS opens up, steam hissing out as the contained environment refreshes itself, as a younger raven haired officer steps out. Nico accesses his storage compartment to produce a six foot by three foot cloth and several aluminum bars that neatly snap together by sliding into the canvas loops. He quickly assembles a standard issue stretcher and then produces three canvas straps.
He moves over to Nova as he slides the stretcher next to her. He seems to take a long hard look at Nova's face as she looks back at him, noticing that he's handsome. He then cradles the back of her neck and back as he careful slides her onto the new stretcher. His shakes his hands, that are now bloodied from moving her. He carefully moves her legs and straps her in. "We're going to get you taken care of," he gently explains. Nova only yelps in pain a few times.
He then climbs back into his SAMAS. His loudspeaker crackles, "It's best if we fly carrying her lengthwise, side by side. Ready when you are, sir." He leans down and grabs the stretcher near the legs and waits for Shep to copy.
"Shep, I believe that he may suspect something is amiss. What are you thinking?" Carl asks.
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: The Living Nightmare - Shep
“Yeah… you may be right, Carl.” As they lift the stretcher into position, Shep speaks over the external channel—matter-of-fact, calm, like a man giving a field report. “Lieutenant, in case you’re trying to make sense of what you saw—she’s classified as a PCZ, pic-zee. Partial-Conversion Zombie. Not full necro. In rare cases the higher functions can still re-surface if you catch it early enough.”
He adjusts his grip as they prepare to take flight. “I didn’t realize that at first contact. Some of the trauma you see is on me. I’ll carry that. But as soon as I saw the human part pushing back, I changed approach.” He angles slightly toward Niko so the man can hear the sincerity without it becoming melodramatic. “My read? She’s fighting to stay on the right side of this. And I intend to give her that chance.”
He adjusts his grip as they prepare to take flight. “I didn’t realize that at first contact. Some of the trauma you see is on me. I’ll carry that. But as soon as I saw the human part pushing back, I changed approach.” He angles slightly toward Niko so the man can hear the sincerity without it becoming melodramatic. “My read? She’s fighting to stay on the right side of this. And I intend to give her that chance.”