EOTC: The Living Nightmare

[Chaser1]

“Shep,” he says, offering a short nod. “Don’t remember if I mentioned that before.” His voice stays steady, the same tone he’d use to calm a skittish horse.

Turning to Reggie, he adds quietly, “Why don’t you take a break? Check on the others and grab what food and first-aid supplies we can spare. Looks like they could use it more than we can right now.” He gives Reggie a small, approving nod before turning back to his work, shovel biting into the packed dirt once more.

OOC: Pushing this forward.

Reggie places the shovel against the machinery and heads for the door. Cal follows, stating, "I'll lend a hand. I'd like to see what we have, if you don't mind."

Reggie heads outside as Mazur and Jack glance over, on the ready. Mazur sighs, "So, what is it?" referring to the great ancient weapon that his dad had them come find.

Meanwhile, back in the warehouse, Shep has dug about four feet down when he hears a metallic scrape. He sets the shovel aside, next to Reggie's, kneels down and begins to brush away fine gravel and dirt. Eventually, a lid to some metallic box is revealed. Upon opening it, an LED screen flickers to life and rotates up to face Shep as a button, with ambient light, alternating occasionally between green and red, also rises.

The screen flips to the splash art of 'Northern Eagle Military Alliance.' Then flickers to a login prompt. "Please verify your identification. Place your thumb on the biometric scanner."

[Norgarth]

OOC) Ugh, why do I only remember to post when I'm no where near the computer. -_-'

IC)
Reggie had calmed somewhat as the digging went on and the people around them mostly relaxed. As the pair continued to dig, Reggie idly pondered how far down they would need to go. At least they hadn't needed the pick axe yet.

He'd worked up a fair sweat when Shep told him to check on the others and get the payment for the locals.

He nodded and said, "Yes sir," before putting down the shovel and headed back to the horses, taking a swig from his water bottle on the way.

Getting back to Mazur and Jack, he greets them. "Nothing but dirt so far." He then checks the saddlebags, trying to decide what they need and what they can spare.

[jawildey]

Shep studies the display as it flickers to life, the shifting light casting faint reflections across the packed dirt around him. The name on the screen sounds vaguely familiar, and the military styling gives him pause. He tries to recall what he knows about the Northern Eagle Military Alliance. [OOC: Knowledge check, please. If he remembers anything significant that would change his approach, pause before the next paragraph; otherwise, proceed as written.]

He examines the box’s surface, taking in the button and the biometric scanner. It doesn’t look dangerous—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe either. Wiping the grit from his hand on his pant leg, he clears the sweat from his eyes, then slowly presses his thumb to the scanner, keeping his weight shifted back in case anything reacts unexpectedly.

[Chaser1]

Reggie has calmed as the digging goes on and the people around them have mostly relaxed. As the pair continues to dig, Reggie idly ponders how far down they need to go. At least they haven't needed the pick axe yet.

He's worked up a fair sweat when Shep tells him to check on the others and get the payment for the locals.

He nods, "Yes sir," before putting down the shovel and heading back to the horses, he takes a swig from his water bottle.

Upon reaching Mazur and Jack, he greets them. "Nothing but dirt so far." He checks the saddlebags, trying to decide what they need and what they can spare.

Mazur smirks, "I do hope that we haven't been sent on a snipe hunt."

Looking through the saddlebags, Reggie finds enough food for two days for four people and two medical kits. He also spots a spare two pound bag of trail mix.

"How much are we giving them?" Jack asks, "Probably should give them all of it."

**********************

Meanwhile, inside the warehouse:

Shep studies the display as it flickers to life, the shifting light casting faint reflections across the packed dirt around him. The name on the screen sounds vaguely familiar, and the military styling gives him pause. He tries to recall what he knows about the Northern Eagle Military Alliance.

He remembers his grandfather talking of his grandfather mentioning his glory days of serving in NEMA and how things were so different back then. Carl Wilson was his name. He had a brother named Andy who also served. Other than that, not much more was said. From the historical records, Carl Wilson was a hard, but fair man. He was strategic and was said to not be a man to trifle with. He spent his days securing Camp Wilson and Lake Crenshaw. He'd gone on several months long expeditions to help surrounding communities and even far off ones. One day, he left on one of those missions, never to return. His son, Colt, and wife and daughter never got over his disappearance.

Shep examines the box’s well preserved aluminum surface, taking in the button and the biometric scanner. It doesn’t look dangerous—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe either. Wiping the grit from his hand on his pant leg, he clears the sweat from his eyes, then slowly presses his thumb to the scanner, keeping his weight shifted back in case anything reacts unexpectedly.

The unexpected does happen. As he depresses the button, further and further down, the button turns more red. Without warning, needles from either side poke into his thumb. The button turns green as the display shows, "Analysing..."

Eventually, the display flashes green as well, stating, "Welcome Captain Wilson or descendent. Please enter cautiously, while facing the other direction." As the ground begins to tremble, dancing pebbles and loose dirt. The gravel and dirt begins to push upwards as what looks like an elevator rises slowly from the ground, revealing an eight foot tall chrome armor with the middle opened up to climb into. It looks as though it could have wings.

A female voice calls from the inside, "Captain Wilson, please climb inside, secure the safety harness and state your readiness."

[jawildey]

Overcoming the shock of what was buried under this building, he finally looks around to make sure everyone else stays. Turning to back into the armor, as per instructions, he says "It'll take me a minutes to get through diagnostics. I would suggest you vacate the building just to be on the safe side. This armor hasn't been used in a long time." He fails to mention that he's never been in one of these before, but he recognizes its design as one of the SAMAS style power armors.

Finishing his climb inside, he straps into place. Hoping that its AI can understand basic verbal commands, he tells the onboard computer to first run a full self diagnostic, especially armament payload and power status. Once diagnostics is complete he instructs it to power up in training mode.

[Chaser1]

Overcoming the shock of what was buried under this building, he finally looks around to make sure everyone else stays. Turning to back into the armor, as per instructions, he says "It'll take me a few minutes to get through diagnostics. I would suggest you vacate the building just to be on the safe side. This armor hasn't been used in a long time." He fails to mention that he's never been in one of these before, but he recognizes its design as one of the SAMAS style power armors.

The inhabitants of the warehouse begin gathering around in awe. "How did we not notice that this was here?" One of them adds.

Finishing his climb inside, he straps into place. Hoping that its AI can understand basic verbal commands, he tells the onboard computer to first run a full self diagnostic, especially armament payload and power status. Once diagnostics is complete he instructs it to power up in training mode.

The diagnostics show a full rail gun payload, no missiles and only 25% power left in its nuclear reactor. The armor closes around him as the diagnostics are displayed on the heads-up-display. He hears the helmet speaker crackle to life, static begins to shake out of the wires as a voice begins addressing Shep, "Welcome to the final stand against the evil and demonic forces that threaten our planet, and more specifically, Fort Hâmer, Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho and their brothers in arms down south, Camp Wilson and Lake Crenshaw, Arizona. Who knows how long this USA Silver Eagle Talon battlesuit has sat buried, but if you've managed to get in, then you are a descendent of mine and something incredibly dire has happened in one of these places. Dire enough to risk the entire community and military installation.

"If history has been lost to you, then let me explain this. Our planet was peaceful, thriving, surviving several millennia of war and oppression. The apocalypse was our punishment for becoming too complacent. My brother and I have the last two known Talon class battle armors and I fear his journey north will end in disaster. Our towns are protected by magic, but not forever.

"We realized that magic and the use of burgeoning new and somewhat fringe abilities in certain people doesn't make them bad, but slowly corrupts them with the evils that spawned these powers. Before that could happen, we discovered a way to repel the supernatural and nightmarish forces from ever reaching our citizens. Unfortunately, we know that this magic may not last forever. Many died to achieve this. The same group of finger wigglers and mind rapists traveled north to do the same to Fort Hâmer, before anything terrible infests that community.

"Well, son, grandson, or whoever you are to me. Just know that I loved my wife and my children very much and am likely going to die for them. This would make them either your mother, father, grandparent or great whatevers. I just hope that my love carried on through the generations with you.

"I've installed an AI chip and hard drive in conjunction with the CPU of this suit, making it a one of a kind. Andy may have done the same to his. The AI protocol is to be the virtual embodiment of me and my charming personality and its primary directive is to protect you."

Shep sees the HUD display a man whom he's never seen before, but he does have a similar nose and eyes as his father. He's fairly young and wears an official black uniform with the NEMA patch on his arm, along with a red white and blue striped flag; the flag of the United States. He has a pleasant, yet fun loving demeanor and seems to take personal hygiene very seriously.

"To operate this vehicle at the most basic function, once it's powered on, you simply just move around like you would normally do. If you need to fire the railgun, put your finger into the trigger guard and depress the trigger while aiming at whatever you need to hit. It's not a toy. This gun is capable of dropping massive buildings with just a few rounds, let alone a few huts in the desert. Sorry for expending most of the ammunition. Hopefully there are ways to replenish it for you.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye. From here on out, the person talking to you will be the computer. It has a very close copy of my personality, but once you get used to it, it'll grow on you. If you still don't like me, then I'd love to smack you upside the head and tell you that it's just too bad, but I can't. You should be able to access the personality settings and adjust. This is the best I could do to be there with you. Godspeed and may He have mercy on your soul."

The image of his great great grandfather fades out, then blinks back, "Welcome, oh descendent of mine, please don't be an idiot like my brother. What is your name?" AI Carl asks.

OOC: Since I have a feeling you'll be racing back to Camp Wilson, we'll keep posting in this thread. Once Shep leaves, we'll need to create a new thread.

[jawildey]

Shep takes a few seconds to process everything before deciding he’ll have to dig deeper into it later—if there is a later. He glances around, checking whether everyone has cleared out of the building. Seeing instead that they’ve drifted closer, he switches on the suit’s external speakers.

“Please move outside,” his voice echoes, firm but measured. “Reggie should have your supplies up there. If you stay here, I can’t guarantee your safety while I maneuver through the exit.”

He takes a cautious step forward, then another, testing how the armor responds. He flexes his fingers, arms, and legs, checking for stiffness or malfunction after so long underground. He glances behind him, confirming that the absence of the armor hasn’t left the occupants in an unsafe situation. Once satisfied that everything responds properly, he studies the stairway’s construction and weight-bearing supports before carefully beginning his descent—moving only if it appears capable of supporting the combined weight of armor and pilot, over 500 pounds.

[Chaser1]

Shep takes a few seconds to process everything before deciding he’ll have to dig deeper into it later — if there is a later. He glances around, checking whether everyone has cleared out of the building. Seeing instead that they’ve drifted closer, he switches on the suit’s external speakers. “Please move outside,” his voice echoes, firm but measured. “Reggie should have your supplies up there. If you stay here, I can’t guarantee your safety while I maneuver through the exit.”

Everyone complies and heads outside.

He takes a cautious step forward, then another, testing how the armor responds. He flexes his fingers, arms, and legs, checking for stiffness or malfunction after so long underground. Dirt showers down from the armor with each movement. Shep finds it easy to move normally, although clunky, it's response time is almost pre-emptive. Eventually, the joints and swivels move freely, unobstructed by debris. He walks for the door, it feels natural. His feet stand on the inside of the power armor's leg and he can feel it press up against his feet with each step, as though actually walking, but with much less effort. It makes him feel young again.

He glances behind him, confirming that the absence of the armor hasn’t left the occupants in an unsafe situation. Just a twelve foot deep hole, with a giant metal elevator filling all but four feet of it, where it was extracted from. He studies the stairway’s construction and weight-bearing supports before carefully beginning his descent—moving only if it appears capable of supporting the combined weight of armor and pilot, over 500 pounds.

Each step creaks in protest to the weight of the armor. Cal's mouth drops open in awe as Shep finally crunches down onto poorly maintained asphalt. Mazur and Jack, who're helping Reggie hand Cal the supplies, stop what they're doing and stare and seem prepared to gallop away.

"Shep?" Mazur asks, "Please tell me that's you."

Cal snaps out of his awestruck stupor, "So, could you spare a few more supplies for that thing?"

Jack nudges Reggie, "Your dad knew about this?"

[jawildey]

“My apologies, Cal,” Shep says carefully. “If you feel I misled you, I’m sorry. Even I didn’t know what was down there—I wouldn’t have guessed in a thousand years my dad left me this.” The suit’s arm gestures awkwardly at its own torso.

He faces the boys. “Leave them everything but enough food to get you back, and a few emergency first-aid supplies. I can get back faster than you. Catch up when you can, but be safe — the closer you get to town, the more likely you are to run into trouble.”

Forestalling any further argument, Shep turns and walks a few steps away. He asks the suit’s AI to scan local radio frequencies for military chatter and to identify any forces operating in the area — he wants to know if he needs to announce his intent before entering the airspace. [OOC: Not sure if Shep knows anything about the specific political or military climate that might help him not get blasted or cause a delay. Trying to decide if Shep is just going to make a run for it or if he needs to be more proactive.]

[Chaser1]

“My apologies, Cal,” Shep says carefully. “If you feel I misled you, I’m sorry. Even I didn’t know what was down there—I wouldn’t have guessed in a thousand years my dad left me this.” The suit’s arm gestures awkwardly at its own torso.

He faces the boys. “Leave them everything but enough food to get you back, and a few emergency first-aid supplies. I can get back faster than you. Catch up when you can, but be safe — the closer you get to town, the more likely you are to run into trouble.”

Forestalling any further argument, Shep turns and walks a few steps away. He asks the suit’s AI to scan local radio frequencies for military chatter and to identify any forces operating in the area — he wants to know if he needs to announce his intent before entering the airspace.

"Sorry," Carl replies, "But my former self has disabled the radio for security purposes. Upon checking the statistics of Lake Crenshaw, NEMA forces should be actively defending the city. Just state that you are me, Captain Carlson Wilson.

"Before you do that, how long have I been powered down? This may be significant as political structures may have broken down."

With that, Shep remembers a glimpse of something, but only for an instant. Walking around in this armor seems so familiar. Visions of his proud father wearing a black uniform, smiling proudly at him, stating, "Tomorrow, I'll show you how to fly this thing..." which confuses him, he's never climbed into one of these ever... or anyone else... for at least 150 years.

"Shep, what the hell, man," Jack calls out. "Will you show us how that thing works? How do you know how to use that thing?"

"Well, I'll be... Dad wasn't lying," Mazur clearly mutters.

OOC: Not sure if Shep knows anything about the specific political or military climate that might help him not get blasted or cause a delay. Trying to decide if Shep is just going to make a run for it or if he needs to be more proactive.

OOC2: The coalition occasionally visit Lake Crenshaw, maybe twice a year. They have a minor outpost, manned by a small squad, but they only seem to observe. They rarely get involved with the town's social atmosphere or politics. So, to see SAMAS suits flying around... that's suspicious.