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Post by blackpapermoon on Aug 9, 2012 1:29:05 GMT -5
((RP reserved for Karc))
The Mercenary base in the forgotten city of Limansk was active and busy, with training excises and regular patrols. Many of the stalkers here where not of a Slavic background but rather brought in from more western PMC s and countries. Despite the merc HQ being nearly as active as Rostok it was still hidden from the vast majority of the zone populace, outsiders to the faction were almost never allowed in. Which was why it was so peculiar that the bandit Shade had received a personal invite to the elusive faction’s base.
Shade sat near the mercenary mechanic’s work space, drinking and waiting for his suit to be repaired and his weapons upgraded. The absents of his gear saved him a few glances from the passing mercs as they when about their day. After his return from the escort mission in the north he found a merc waiting for him in Dark Valley with a contract. The bandit did not find that all too surprising as he was well known in his field of work and the mercenaries had their fingers in every pot in the zone. Needless to say his arrival into the zone would have been well known to the leader of this faction.
He had yet to accept the contract with the mercs; but they had peeked his interest early on, with the job paying 50,000 rubles and the assurance that that target himself had other items worth even more. However that the lack of information given to him, told him that this was not going to be a walk in the park. So far he knew that his target was named Jurgen and was a deserter. One that had been in hiding for well over six months apparently in some kind of underground complex that had only recently been discovered. Beside that he would be working alongside a merc on this job, although he was assured that he has already met this merc.
It would not be the first time that the assassin would have to work with another on a hit, sometimes a target required an extra set of hands to eliminate. Preferring to work alone the bandit always looked forward to the end of such jobs where he and his partner would part ways and disappear into the underworld. Even then you had to be careful, should the other person get caught they might leak information on you to the authorities. However the zone was much different ,working with another tended to be safer, so long as you didn’t fight about payment.
The bandit knew he could not be too picky about jobs given his predicament, but he still wanted to know just what more was there to this before he made his choice. He also admitted a slight curiosity to who was his partner in this, but for now all he could do is wait until the merc arrived then he would see the full picture.
Upgrades
Modernized Inertial Compensators – M16a3 Pneumatic Accelerators - Colt M1911 (both)
Shade loses 4,000 RU Remaining RU 21,000
CHECK
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Post by Karcentric on Aug 9, 2012 6:53:16 GMT -5
Karc was making his way to Limansk when a call went to him over his PDA requesting his presence from the Commander's 2IC. Not wanting to keep the man waiting he picked up his pace jogging the last kilometer, waiting as the drawbridge was lowered for him and quickly picked his way through the old city.
Looking over the message again he saw it told him to meet someone first. Almost laughing when he saw the picture of who it was. "Fancy that." Karc said, grinning to himself. Making his way to the beacon on his map he removed his modified helmet said with a welcoming tone to Shade who was sitting quietly near the faction's mechanic.
"We meet in the most unusual of places." He said offering a hand out to pull Shade to his feet. "I take it were working together? If it's what I think it is than we'll be set for life if we pull this off."
Motioning for the Bandit to follow him into the main command building. "Your gear will be safe with the mechanic for now." Karc said quickly before Shade could ask.
Walking into the building it was bustling with activity, pushing through the crowds they made to the a door guarded by two burly, exoskeleton clad mercs.
Flashing a medal that high level mercs were given, one banged the door twice and it slide open, revealing a two more equally heavily armed and armored mercs, the rest of the room however was far more serene, carpets and polished furniture. Even a few painting that had been scavenged.
Looking to a man sitting in a rather comfortable manner, Karc saluted the man who returned the salute, if a little too casual.
"Reporting sir, you had an assignment for us?" Karc said.
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Post by blackpapermoon on Aug 10, 2012 17:02:18 GMT -5
“It’s a small zone,” said the bandit with a shrug before following Karc, “I’ve been set for life four times over but my line of work doesn’t have a retirement plan.”
Shade took a glance back at the faction’s mechanic who was still at work on his gear, the assassin was clearly not comfortable with just his knife and no kind of body armor. He still wasn’t sure if this meeting wasn’t a trap and that he’d be slapped in handcuff then handed off to Interpol. However he had come this far and had to see the offer.
As they entered the command building the bandit noted the increased number of mercs, he had known that Mercenaries where a very extensive faction but was surprised at the numbers they boasted. Passing the exoskeleton clad guards, and entering the office of the merc leader.
The mercenary leader sat behind a polished desk, with art hung on the walls. If one could ignore the two guards at the door you’d forget that you where deep in the zone. Shade had to often guard over the bandit leader in the dark valley and even he did not have a space as nice. Expensive furniture and lavish rugs adored the room, wealth that most stalkers would never see in their whole life. The leader himself seemed almost too casual, clearly Karc and the older merc had a friendly relationship.
“Come take a seat,” the leader gestured them to sit, once they both where seated he pulled a file out from the desk.
“An old friend of yours Karc, Jurgen age 35. He has been in hiding for half a year. We’ve finally found him; he has been squatting in an old soviet bucker. “
“Our intel on the bucker states that the installation was never meant to sustain more than ten people, however when we entered we’ve found that the bucker had been modified since the Chernobyl disaster.”
“Tunnels twist and turn seemingly without end, that complex could now cover the whole damn zone for all we know,” said the leader in an irritated tone, “we believe that the tunnels connect to the many X labs scatter about the zone.”
“Jurgen has trapped the bucker, making it nearly impossible to explore. That’s where you two come in; this traitor needs to be put down. Root him out and kill him, collect any data that he has collected.”
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Post by Karcentric on Aug 12, 2012 11:22:40 GMT -5
Karc remained passive and quiet throughout the meeting, he'd had a chance to take out Jurgen once before but had been distracted.
“Jurgen has trapped the bunker, making it nearly impossible to explore. That’s where you two come in; this traitor needs to be put down. Root him out and kill him, collect any data that he has collected.” The leader said
"I assume data collection is a secondary object, there could be tomes of information within a complex such as this. It's layout is reminiscent of a R&D facility." Karc commented.
"Jurgen is your priority. Chances are he'll have lists of other turncoats, but we'll worry about that when we have solid information, for now find and execute Jurgen." The leader said, his normal cheery posture gave way, showing a look of determination, before swiveling in his chair and turning his attention to other matters.
Looking over the dossier that was offered. It would be a slow process finding the wanted man in a maze like complex Karc noted. But that sort of pay wasn't offered often.
"We'll begin as soon as Shade's gear is ready." Karc said standing and saluting.
Once they were out of the Mercenay HQ Karc lead Shade back to the mechanic how was putting the finishing touches on Shade's gear.
"While I have experience with underground facilities I suspect this one is going to a challenge." Karc said looking over a detailed blueprint of the area, it was clearly not up to date, but it was better than nothing.
"This complex has similarities to X-16." Karc pointed out, "See, it has a large chamber only this on is missing it's central hub, with corridors running off of it on at least 5 different levels by the looks of this layout. It'll take days to explore all of these, maybe even weeks. Maybe there's a way of flooding the bottom floors?" Karc thought aloud.
Neatly filing the pages away and tucking the folder into his pack. He set the location in his PDA before the two walked to the mechanic who had waved them over.
"You ready?" Karc asked as he put his helmet on.
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Post by blackpapermoon on Aug 12, 2012 15:09:48 GMT -5
“X-16, Yantar’s infamous zombie lab,” said Shade as he donned his SEVA suit, “if the complex is anything like Yantar’s or Dark valley’s laboratories, then we should expect there to be mutants present.”
The assassin pulled on the bulletproof vest and armor plating of his suit, feeling much more relaxed now that he had his body armor equipped. Picking up his pistols he reloaded them and looked over the mechanic’s work. The craftsmanship was superior, as one would expect from a zone gunsmith well worth the cost to upgrade. The bandit holstered his pistols and adorned his long coat. The black leather coat was nothing more than deception, tricking his enemies’ into thinking he was nothing more than some puffed up petty bandit, hardly worth the time or effort to go after.
Finally he removed his rifle from the table after reloading and inspecting it he slung the weapon over his shoulder.
"You ready?" the merc asked as he fixed his elaborate helm on to his head.
“Yes,” the bandit replied, “lead the way.”
The two then left Limansk, making their way towards the area marked on their PDA’s as the entrance. They arrived just before night fall, at first not seeing the entrance to the bucker. The concrete and metal door had been covered with vegetation to camouflage it to passerby.
“This looks like the place,” the bandit said pushing aside the brush yet still being mindful of any traps that could have been set up. His inspection did turn up a tripwire.
“Watch where you step, he’s bound to have more set up around here,” said the assassin pulling out his knife and disabling the trap.
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Post by Karcentric on Aug 17, 2012 8:31:03 GMT -5
"Good job." Karc said knocking on the door to test it's weight, no echo sounded.
Clutching the handle he lifted it with a heave before pulling the heavy door open with no small effort. Once open enough he stepped to side of it and pushed it open some more.
Judging by the weight of this thing it's safe to assume this place started life as a bomb shelter." Karc said, "Best shut the door once we're in, you know no need to advertise our location to mutants."
Looking down along the solid concrete pad nothing seemed out of the ordinary, as it was completely bare.
"You get the feeling this place should have something in it?" Karc asked as Shade was looking into the room too.
Inspecting the doorway revealed nothing so Karc shrugged and took a step into the facility. Turning on his torch he looked around, the room had been completely emptied, leaving the floor exposed. Crouching he put his light on the ground moving it back and forth, several parts of the floor were minutely raised.
"See that?" Karc asked pointing to one of raised bits on the floor, "You think it's a pressure plate?" Drawing a knife he edge his way over to it, running his hands around the edge of the plate before prying the slab up, revealing a complex spring trap.
"Shit, look at this," Karc exclaimed with surprise holding the slab up for Shade to inspect. "let's hope the traps aren't this extensive through out the complex or we'll be moving very slowly."
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Post by blackpapermoon on Aug 18, 2012 23:19:13 GMT -5
“I won’t be too surprised, he had the time,” said the bandit as he closed the blast door behind them, “hopefully we will be able to get out once the deed is done.”
The dim yellow of the bunker’s light gave off an eerily unsettling presents, if the complex was as large as the merc leader claimed, the bandit suspected that it might have its own power station maybe even a small reactor depending on what the propose of the bunker.
“The target might have created some kind of failsafe,” Shade said as his eyes adjusted to the light level, “and if this complex is run by a nuclear reactor like I fear, he might have rigged to go into meltdown upon death.”
Clearly this was not the assassins first time dealing with a target that hid behind traps. Like one time he was contracted to kill a banker that had stole money from the mob, he had tracked the target to an old abandon prison in Siberia. The mark had, like this Jurgen had trapped everything, even going as for to hide underground as well. This hit was nothing more a zone twist on an old story.
“If that is true we should disable any traps and mark our way,” said the bandit pulling out a can of spray paint from his pack, “we might need to make a quick escape.”
The two carefully and slowly began to move deeper into the complex, disabling any traps they found along the way. The entrance was very well trapped but the deeper they moved in the less there where. Finally after twenty or more minutes of looking for traps they came upon a body of a loner just before the hallway split left and right.
“Clearly the work of a bloodsucker, look at the claw marks,”
Shade said turning the body over and pulling out the dead man’s PDA, “let’s see what you have for us.”
The bandit smiled as the device lit up, “Our friend here has an extensive map of the underground, and I’ll just upload it to our PDAs.”
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Post by Karcentric on Aug 24, 2012 11:24:27 GMT -5
Studying the updated map for several moments noting several areas that looked like they could support life,
"These areas here, here, here and here all look like they could be suitable living spaces, but that's only a possibility." Karc said, before continuing while looking down at the unfortunate stalker, "I wonder how this guy got in here without triggering any of the traps?"
The silence of the facility was eerie, it seemed forced somehow, as if they were being watched.
"A failsafe," Karc said as they walked, "It's certainly possible, but if that's the case, he'd be better off being sure, a meltdown in this area could decimate most of the zone, making it inhabitable again."
"And if he does have such a device, we're going to have to interrogate him on how it can be shut off, you cool with that?" Karc asked, "Cause it won't be pretty."
Somewhere deep in the facility a loud bang and a thud echoed through the halls. Stopping for half a step Karc glanced around, seeing as the explosion sound like it was behind them.
"Must be that bloodsucker?" Karc said doubtfully as they came to another t-junction, "Which way now?"
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Post by blackpapermoon on Sept 9, 2012 22:40:22 GMT -5
“One bloodsucker or even ten is nothing we can’t handle,” the bandit remarked pocketing his device, “and I have no issues with interrogation, as any failsafe must be disabled before completion of the contract.”
“The left passage looks promising,” Shade marked the wall with the paint, “it seems to be the shortest route to some kind of central corridor.”
The mercenary and the bandit continued on for twenty-five more meters, when Shade noticed yet another tripwire. However closer inspection, showed that the trap was more complex and intricate then before. The wire lead to the ceiling and right into a network of pulleys that crisscrossed along the hall.
“I’m going to try to disarm this,” the assassin said, “better if you stay back if I have a mishap.”
Slowly Shade disabled the trap one pulley at a time, eight-teen minutes in he had only four more to go, but then the wire snapped setting off the trap. The bandit despite his agility and cat like grace, barely managed to spring out of the way as a net tried to engulf him. At least now he saw how it worked, the pulleys would have thrown him against the wall so fast and hard that the impact would have been enough to knock him out.”
“Nasty contraction,” the bandit commented picking himself up, “it’s strange these traps don’t seem to be crafted to kill but rather capture. “
continued for another ten meter before turning south into another long hallway. The bandit carefully tested the door and found it to be locked.
“I’ve done my share of breaking and entering,” said the assassin, “I can get this door open or would you rather travel onward?”
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Post by Karcentric on Sept 10, 2012 3:39:59 GMT -5
"Well wehn I'm done asking question's he'll be in many pieces." Karc said darkly, "Not something I ;ilke doing but if it's necessary than it's okay by me."
"Nasty contraction," the bandit commented picking himself up, "it’s strange these traps don’t seem to be crafted to kill but rather capture."
"Capture?" Karc said in confusion, "So he'd either doing a little interrogating of his own, or maybe he..." Karc stopped himself from saying it. "Maybe he's eating them? After all supplies would be limited and with no way to leave and get more, well you get the picture."
As they came to the door, Karc put his should to the door but it didn't budge.
"Let's open it, I'm not giving this bastard any chance of escape, I'll keep an eye on the area if anything major comes I'll let you know." Karc said, walking around glancing to keep an eye out for Shade, hearing a solid click, he went back to where Shade was waiting.
"Okay, comer me as I enter." Karc said half as an order half as a suggestion, his armor was more suited to light gunfire and elemental anomalies. "Ready?"
Turning the handle he pushed the door open.
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Post by blackpapermoon on Sept 11, 2012 0:11:29 GMT -5
“-Perhaps, but either way that does not change why we are here,” the assassin commented, yet slightly taken back by Karc’s suggestion of cannibalism.
Door slid open with easy, to reveal small storage room boxes of ammo where neatly stack along one shelf below the ammo was another neat stack of eight scientific med kits along with food stocks. On the other side two suit, one a SSP-99 Ecologist Suit and the other Duty Armor 'PZS-9d Universal Protection sit fold up next to a SA Vz.61 and AS VAL.
“Nice little stash we found here,” Said Shade peering in, searching for traps and found none, “I’m being to think that maybe this is some kind of game for the target.”
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Post by Karcentric on Sept 14, 2012 4:28:41 GMT -5
Looking over the room Karc picked up the Skorpion and flicked the stock into place and glanced along the iron sights, before placing it back on the shelf and doing the same with AS VAL, an assumed grin covered his face. Clicking out the magazine to check if the weapon was loaded, finding it wasn't placed back on the shelf also.
"Game or not this is going to be a good trip, we'll have to make sure this place isn't destroyed." Karc said, thinking about what sort of game it was Shade meant, "When you say game, you mean he's toying with us, for sport or something?"
"If we find a F2000, I'm claiming that by the way." Karc said. "Better grab those medikits." Karc said splitting the pile in half handing four to Shade and loading the other four into his own pack.
Leaving the room Karc peered into the gloom again, deciding to lead the way for a bit, turning the corner he continued down corridor stopping to check for a trap to his amazement, he spotted one a couple of meters ahead. Holding up his fist than pointing at the trap.
"Another trap. You're better at disarming them than me." Karc said. "Looks a bit like the last one."
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Post by blackpapermoon on Sept 15, 2012 0:43:19 GMT -5
“He left a room of goodies behind a simple locked door,” the bandit unzip his bag and put his share of the medkits away, “It was like he was rewarding us for betting that trap.”
“I don’t like being the one to take all the risks,” said the bandit, “the traps might be nonlethal now but who knows what we will find down the road.”
Shade approached the trap, the mercenary was right the pulley system was just like the other but the triggering mechanism was much simpler than the last. It only took him two minutes to disable the trap. Five meters after the trap in the middle of room lay the charred remains of a bloodsucker. If the remains in the room where not any indication than the heat was, that there was a fire anomaly a head.
“Looks like we found the bloodsucker,” Shade said as he spotted four-teen fireballs, two crystals and four droplets scatter about the room,“why don’t you take over from here.”
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Post by Karcentric on Sept 15, 2012 7:22:53 GMT -5
Looking over the charred remains, Karc pulled on the dead creatures arm, pulling the scorched limb from the body he tossed it across the room passing through several of the anomalies, waiting until they faded back down.
"Okay, they stay active for 30 seconds, average temperature in excess of 1000 degrees centigrade I'd say, interesting pattern." Karc said crouching and pulling out the four droplets he'd picked up before and gathering two more that were nearby.
Standing he carefully lobbed on of the artifacts into where the closest anomaly was, setting it off and continuing to keep it ignited.
"Just as I thought, these artifacts won't turn to char when exposed to the flames." Karc said edging forward lobbing the next artifact into place. The temperature of the room was increasing, making it harder for Karc to breathe.
"Need to hurry, the air is becoming un-breathable for me." Karc said drawing in another breath of hot air and holding his breath and surging forward lobbing each artifact into the shimmering air, igniting the anomalies. Kicking a fireball into another before snatching up a crystal he spotted.
Reaching the door to the next corridor, Karc kicked it open and stepped through, taking a deep breath of the cool, musty air.
"Those suits must have been a clue of what to expect." Karc said, taking a quick drink of water and wiping his brow before replacing his helmet and mask.
"Okay, I'm ready." Karc said standing and shrugging his pack into a comfortable position.
Karc loses: 4 droplets.
Karc gains: 1 crystal
CHECK
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Post by blackpapermoon on Sept 18, 2012 11:56:22 GMT -5
Shade followed Karc’s path through the anomaly, not caring to pick up any of the artifacts, he had enough radiation resistance from his suit and did not want to deal with the fatigue caused by the heat they gave off. Exiting the room they came to a t shaped hallway, part way to the side of the corridor heading to the south sat a dim green glowing object.
Carefully the bandit crept up to inspect the light source; it was a round spikey artifact. However when held the spins did not stick into the assassin’s hand. Like all artifacts, this one pulsed with a strange energy. It took a moment for the bandit to identify, it was a Kolobok. He had heard about the rare artifact but until now he had never laid eyes on one. He put the artifact on his belt; he would keep it as his prize.
However a low growl like moan from down the hall put the bandit on edge. A few minor explosions rooked the tunnels as two Snorks bounded down the hall setting off tripwires as they ran. Bullets where the zone’s currency and in that respect Shade was a miser. He pulled out his knife as one of the mutants jumped at him, strafing to the left the best only clawed air. The Snork rolled passed then quickly got back on all fours, trying to kick and claw at the bandit who effortlessly avoided the attacks. Shade waited for it to jump at him again, when it did instead of strafing he swiped his knife at its neck. The blade cut deep into the throat, getting half into the bone. The beast hissed once before it bleed out and died.
Shade gains Kolobok
CHECK
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