Soren Rassky
Paul Langerhans
Nayto
Ferris the Drabby Jester
N1ghTMAre_1
Gore didn't answer, only took a deep breath. Richard, what have you done...
The guy thought about explaining the situation, but as soon as he scrolled through the phrase "my body was taken over by an evil spirit, which I usually use as my own magical thug", he himself chuckled at how ridiculous it sounds, so he just silently followed everyone to the ship, thinking about what would happen next and where the robot had gone.
After some time, the three-eyed man approached the large computer and pressed several buttons on the display. It was evident that he was worried, but kept himself in control. A large detailed map of the Galaxy popped up on the computer.
Time is running out, I'll be brief. he announced loudly to everyone present, cutting off further conversations. “Some time ago, an unknown enemy attacked the territory of the Chrioculan civilization. We wouldn't raise the alarm, but the attack was on all the border worlds at the same time.
He pressed another button and a video recording popped up. It showed soldiers fighting robots that looked exactly like the robot that attacked the outpost, only there were many more of them. They fought mercilessly, razing buildings to the ground.
“According to our intelligence reports,†the three-eyed man continued. - similar attacks were made on several other civilizations. Gentlemen, someone has declared war on us. Troops are mobilizing, but we need all available military resources, so we're turning to you, the mercenary force, for help. To everyone who survives, the Chryokulan state promises a generous reward. Any questions?
"That's someone who knows how to cheer up," Horus thought, examining the repeated recording.
Richard
Vern listened with horror to what the three-eyed man was saying.
Soren's usually smiling face immediately turned to stone, with a cruel, cold look. He began to be tormented by thoughts about where the robots could reach. Or were they not robots at all?
Before the eyes of the Marasian, all the slaughter he had experienced in the war surfaced. He imagined how aliens break into his house, with his family, and begin to shoot everyone in their path, sparing no one and not pitying: No children, no old people.
"If I love my family... How will I look them in the eye if I can't protect them? And if I don't have time to do it? I have to rush to the front." flashed through his mind.
This prompted Rassky to immediately stand up, at attention, looking at the three-eyed man.
“There are questions,†the Marasian replied gloomily, but at the same time firmly, immediately continuing, “I’m interested in how long we will get to the galactic front line, will we be given equipment, and how difficult is the situation in the combat zone?
Richard
Paul wanted to say something else, but at that moment the briefing began, and everyone abruptly fell silent, attentively listening to the speech of the three-eyed. After his speech, Paul visibly frowned, and said:
- I'm just an ordinary doctor, although I gained quite good combat experience while working for the grox ... - he said, - But I would like to know how I can help. I never acquired the skills of a military doctor, I'm still a psychiatrist, whatever one may say. But I think ... Let's see, offer your options for how I can help in this mission, but I'm ready to take up arms on occasion.
After that, he fell silent and frowned, after which he reached for the flask in his pocket, taking it out, he shook it in his hooves, but it was already empty. Putting it back in chagrin, he quietly said to himself:
“When I get another chance to fill it up…
But after that, he again began to closely follow the three-eyed man, who continued his briefing.
Soren Rassky
Paul Langerhans
Three-Eyes turned to Soren.
“Let's go to the front line as soon as possible. Our goal is to defend the planet Ilen-5 in the Beltavis star system. - the three-eyed man pressed a button on the computer and a dot was displayed on the map, indicating the desired system. The planet was just beyond the border line of the three-eyed state. – We believe that the enemy will attack this planet in the near future. Your first priority will be defense and, if possible, counterattack.
“Reports tell us,†he continued, and pressed the button again, after which a three-dimensional model of the robot was displayed instead of a map. - that a synthetic form of life is fighting with us, in other words, robots. Try to capture at least one intact so that we can take it apart and see whose hand it was. I will give the order that you can get all the necessary equipment from the quartermaster, but I have to upset you right away - the paramount task is to equip our own soldiers, you will have to choose from what remains. – the three-eyed man pursed his lips a little, as if he was dissatisfied with the distribution of military ammunition to someone who does not serve in their army, after which he turned to Paul. “We need all combat-ready units that are capable of holding weapons in their hands. If you have even minimal medical knowledge, even better. I can't force you to fight, but I promise you, the Chrioculan State will not forget your dedication. If you have any more questions, please ask. If not, so much the better, let's get ready, meeting in 30 minutes in the hangar.
Richard
“I have a question,†Naito suddenly interjected, having previously been behind everyone else and listening carefully, frowning in displeasure and rubbing his fingers. - Security agent of the 7th rank with the call sign "Credo". We were on an operation with my detachment, where we saw our enemies, what they are capable of and who, presumably, was involved in what happened, â€he said coldly and directly, coming to the fore. "I can't risk my squad and information, and since a sortie is inevitable for none of us, I want to request "second chance" modules, or UA* of the second series for each of my subordinates, as well as a more detailed briefing, taking into account the deployment of troops, roles, and goals of each battalion that will be associated with my people in any way. I also want to request a reserve in the weapons depot, which has no tactical value in this operation, to give them access to my subordinates under my responsibility. I also ask you to give three grox spheres** as a reserve, and I will personally take care of the further preparation of my detachment,†Naito’s determined look seemed to be pressing on the three-eyed one opposite, and considering that one of the eyes is a permanently unemotionally looking prosthesis, one can be frightened at all, but knowing him well enough, one can understand that he is only worried about those whom he does not intend to lose.
*UA - a small device attached to armor or a suit that reads the indicators of the body and the state of the wearer's armor. If one or another is damaged, it teleports the carrier to a predetermined point, where he will be provided with urgent assistance. The technology is not at all ubiquitous, it is not given to the rank and file, only to ship captains and commanders.
**Grox Sphere is a small orange ball that can create a protective, durable field around itself that can repel most types of attacks and keep the officer safe for a long time. The field will glow orange, built using grox technology. It is not such a rarity among the military and agents, but everyone also does not trust the rank and file.
Nayto
Richard
Soren Rassky
Ferris the Drabby Jester
Soon, one of the three-eyed generals approached Agent Credo and said:
- And now I'll ask for silence, gentlemen. - he said, after everything was quiet, he added, - So, as we know, it would be suicidal to go to the planet without a plan, so I want to say that we have to take risks. Very high risk.
The general was silent for a while, assessing the mood of the audience, after which he began to walk back and forth and began again:
“Therefore, before starting, we should supply you with the same Grox Orbs, unlike our soldiers, we cannot send foreign mercenaries without proper equipment and training to the front. This may cause a scandal. I would also like to add that according to the map of the area, which was provided to us by intelligence, all the key places were occupied by our enemy. Therefore, we should land behind enemy lines and penetrate key points without much loss, which will be very difficult.
- Excuse me, General, - said Paul, who was sitting, - May I contact you?
- Yes, of course, what do you want?
- How will the shipment take place?
- We'll drop you off.
-- Where?
"Where do you want to go," the general said dryly, "don't worry, you'll be protected, and you're kind of like a doctor, as I heard?"
- Yes, a doctor, - said Paul, - But he had no experience of a military doctor.
- Okay, we will solve this issue.
Aubrey listened to the briefing, dressed in the first uniform that the Three-Eyes could get her to dress up. Somewhere it was tight, somewhere it was too wide, in general, Aubrey's irritation began to grow, given that, in addition to inappropriate clothing, her attempts to convince her comrades that she urgently needed to satisfy her hunger had ended in nothing for several times. So now there is also a briefing, which turned out to be not even a "briefing" at all, but took quite a long time, with unnecessary insertions and discussions in between.
- Or maybe we'll just go where we already need to, and we won't ask unnecessary questions, and try to beg something from the authorities there? And there we will already figure out how, but what. Somehow it took too long. - insolently inserted the elf
Richard
Ferris the Drabby Jester
Soren nodded confidently to the three-eyed one who gave him information about the battlefield, and then, with indignation, looked at Aubrey.
“Perhaps you don’t care about your life, and you have nothing to lose. I understand you, and I'm not going to change your mind. But you are not the same as everyone else. Do you want to rush there, headlong, without understanding or recognizing anything? You are welcome. But take me off the list. I have long lost my youthful adventurism, and I do not want to climb to certain death for no reason. If something is bothering you - tell one of us about it as soon as we finish negotiations, - he issued a speech. The words flew as if pieces were being cut from a tree with a sharp axe.
- And how will you pay for the equipment? in kind? Or is she no longer? the Ocharian blurted out.
— VERN! - Turning sharply, the Marasian literally growled at the lizard, baring his teeth, to which he clenched, such a feeling, trying to hide inside the furniture on which he sat, covering himself with his hands.
Soren cleared his throat and sat back, waiting for further action from the team, or their "commanders".
Soren Rassky
- What all the serious nonce - muttered Aubrey, lounging imposingly on an armchair and closing her eyes in the absence of interest in what is happening. - No one wants to risk their lives, but how do they know the strategy for dealing with something that no one knows where it came from and what weaknesses it has. Speculation will not help us much, it will only take time, but a couple more "test" skirmishes with them would give us more information about the enemy ... - Aubrey added at the end, glancing at the Marasian as annoyed as he answered her angry.
Ferris the Drabby Jester
Soren was about to say something to Aubrey, but his attempt to start a sentence was immediately interrupted by Vern.
- She just sucks. You yourself see this Terran face. She just wants everyone to fall away from her, and you yourself are furious that someone does not agree with you, including me, because of which you are now tearing and tossing. Let Aubrey think in her own way. Not everyone can understand the situation with the mind, and even more so with the ass, especially if it is instead of the mind.
The Marasian sighed, reluctantly agreeing with the Ocharian in his eyes, and looked down at the wall, lost in his thoughts.
Ferris the Drabby Jester
Soren Rassky
Paul Langerhans
Richard
Naito, listening to all this, only painfully clutched his head and muttered something about Aubrey, not at all delighted with what he sees and hears.
Suddenly, a familiar face comes up to them, dressed at first glance in very light armor, on the wrist of his left hand he had an unknown yet unknown gadget resembling a metal handcuff protruding from the wrist, and in his right hand he held a lightweight plasma rifle of a new generation, painted in white with blue symbols in Chritsocular. It was Varri.
“It’s time to equip our mercenaries, the main troops are already ready, and the Spartans are already on the surface of the planet, organizing a landing for us without losses,†he reported to the general who was there, and then turned to the team. - You are not entitled to anything other than basic weapons, but you have access to the warehouse, you can pick up equipment and weapons for yourself. Just feel free to ask which is which. And that is there ... Useless specimens that look cool, but in fact are very situational. As if you will often use the cryo-gun,†the three-eyed man grinned.
Nayto
- Well, personally, I think that the "cryogun" will be quite effective against robots, - Soren moved forward again, - the question is different: Do you have weapons or hand grenades built on the principle of displacing an electromagnetic pulse into space in order to at least briefly be able to stun the enemy?
- Five in physics was, so you're being clever? - sour Okhari.
“Marasi has a 14-point grading system in schools and higher educational institutions,†the Marasian corrected.
Soren Rassky
- EMP grenades are basic equipment. They began to be produced in large quantities, as their effectiveness was revealed,†Vhaerion assured. - You blow up and finish off until you come to your senses, everything is simple. The only thing left to remember is that they are not infinite. Well done for thinking about it,†he casually praised him. - More questions?
- Yes, I have! Vern began at once.
“Little child…†Soren rolled his eyes, to whom Varri’s praise was definitely pleasant, “can’t you stand it?â€
"I'm living on one instant noodles right now, camelina," O'Gell snapped roughly.
"I'd give you a rhyme..." Rassky scowled in response.
Nayto
Paul listened attentively to the briefing, after which he said:
- I have weapons and ammunition with me, but I will not refuse to replenish your supplies. - he said, after which he turned to Kat and asked her, - Darling, are you going to take some weapons from them in the warehouse, or will we manage like that?
Soren Rassky
Paul Langerhans
- You will have lunch! I will treat you to the best coffee in our buffet and excellent stew! - he said with enthusiasm, and then sarcastically, obviously on purpose, he added. - If you survive.
"Varry!... Don't scare the newbie," Naito intervened, wanting to calm his friend's ardent desire to joke in black, to which he himself was accustomed, but in response he heard only the sarcastic laughter of his comrade.
And in the next moment he calmed down his laughter and became calm, like a boa constrictor basking on the stones.
- Take the cartridges from our warehouse. We are not greedy on this issue ... Anyway, apart from batteries, no one needs anything else.
Kat did not ignore Paul's question and, after a short thought, gave the answer with obvious curiosity in her eyes.
Why not take a look at what's on offer? she turned to Paul with a sly smile. - Let's find something. And so - I have everything.
Nayto
- I have no weapons, no ammunition, no experience in owning weapons, at least firearms. But I would like to find something easy to use, but effective, for beginners - put in Aubrey.
- Once there was an experience with a blaster, but close to the target and under conditions where my life depended on pulling the trigger - Aubrey remembered the first thing that hit her when she arrived on Phenom.
“Ah yes, also,†Aubrey added, “you’ll excuse me, but I can’t wait to leave this briefing because of my illness and the need for a certain thing that I can’t get my hands on from the very departure from that damn planet, and this is taking its toll on my state, why did I blurt out stupidity before, so, there, let people smarter than me - Aubrey shook her head towards Soren - let them give productive suggestions ....
Found! - Asked Aubrey - I urgently need to get to your ship!
Nayto
-- Then let's go with them and see if they have something interesting. Paul said.
Ferris the Drabby Jester
Naito just shrugged.
- A little patience. Now I can't help you! - quietly, but clearly irritated, repeated the three-eyed Aubrey. "Let's land - I'll run for the product ... And I'll give you an additional set of protective fields," he added condescendingly at the end.
"I'll give you a double-barreled wrist blaster." Small, small-caliber, but fast-firing,†suggested Vhaerion Aubrey. - Questions? If not, then follow the guide. He will take you to the warehouse. And be good, - he pointed to the three-eyes, who had just come to them and stood behind Varri, uncertainly surveying the team.
- And will it be possible to keep souvenirs from the battlefield for yourself, or just look, not touch? Kara clarified, still lounging on the comfortable couch.
“No, return everything to the warehouse,†Varri told her.
Nayto
- Well, why get so worked up, I should at least take a medical certificate that I have such a condition. Okay, and thanks for that. That would be a protective field from ultraviolet radiation, - Aubrey sighed, starting to nervously impulsively scratch, grab her earlobe, crunch her bones, she began to become completely unbearable