Mission Briefing: Investigate Anaconda

"Lord above..."

This whole thing seemed like an absolute disaster waiting to happen. Then again, maybe that just made it better that she'd be on this trip, since Reida wasn't actually sure if anyone else she knew in the Vandenreich would be able to get something like this handled. She knew Alastair, of course, but that didn't mean she knew if he was cut out for this kind of job.

"Well, other'n the fact that this sounds like a one way trip to the meat grinder, I guess I ain't got anything to say. I'd rather handle breaching. Figure I probably know urban combat better'n most people in the Vandenreich, think it'd just make the most sense."

Then again, she'd probably also be just as helpful in handling the Hollow Bait. Either way, this was sounding like it might be a real bad time wherever she wasn't. Wasn't that reassuring?

Only two hours from the green light. This was not going to end well.

"We know the main building is going to be protected, if not fortified. But there is a chance this cache of Hollow Bait might just be a waste pile, even though I suppose that is just the optimistic choice. "

Alastair's brow furrowed, a hand massaging his temple as he tried to consider the options they had in such a dire situation as this. Understaffed, underequipped, uninformed. It was just like Jefferson come again. Still, that was why he was here - to save innocent lives - so he would offer up his own life willingly. He counted on Reida and Kokuto to do the same, Vivyan was untested. This was going to be hard on her either way, but there was no time for hand-holding so it would be a trial by fire.

"I think it is unwise to put both Coordinators on the same detail, to spread out our experience, but I also volunteer to lead the breaching. I am equally capable in close quarters encounters given the nature of my spirit weapon, carried out urban operations across America during the war too. Make the call, Miss Kleinmund, we do not have the time to waste."

Vee remained vigilant and yearning to write as Kleinmund divulged further on the information in regards to the mission. However, the more was given, the less was really known about these strange perps, and the more she noticed her comrade's reactions. She'd be crazy to not be a little wary towards what they were heading into, it sounded like they were going in practically blind. No idea who these guys are, or what their aim is.. Well, if there was mysteries at hand, then she just had to keep in mind what they didn't know. With a silent yet determined look, she'd write down a few pressing questions in her notes, particularly in what sounded to be the inevitable event of her being placed on securing duty, considering any combat situation with her current abilities would likely end in someone becoming a popsicle, in a mission where they should be capturing people. Not a great outcome.

Especially, why the old, terribly made uniforms for this strange movement? And the hollow bait? What were they trying to do? It sounded less and less like a bunch of low stakes jerks pulling pranks as it went on.

Ohh, though, she was hoping to get paired with Coordinator Eisfluch, but she'd probably have to settle with Coordinator Copeland, whom she didn't really have a chance to get acquainted with yet, or Kokuto, who she found kind of strange but, was alright she supposed - wasn't like she was afraid of him doing anything stupid and making her look bad or something. This wasn't the place to be up on fave pairings, it was a mission, she'd be placed with whoever worked the best, and she just had to deal with it.

"I think it'd be better for me to be on hollow bait duty," She'd accidentally raise her hand again, before awkwardly and gently pulling it back down, "Though uh, whoever I get paired with should be able to back me up if there's any fight since... Don't want to freeze anybody by mistake, and normal weapons can only get me so far."

She'd chuckle nervously, but silently kick herself over that fact. She just had to remember what Giselle taught her, and the more important lessons she held so far - Carefulness, yet confidence in herself.

He found a bit of relief that he was being paired with Alastair, someone he knew a bit more than others. Even still, there was cause for concern. Four people was not ideal for something that required a delicate touch like this. But, even still, he had his skills. If shit hit the fan, he'd use every last bit of them to try and make sure that everyone got out of there ok, at the very least, and keep the potential casualties of the Vandenreich and the civilians nearby to a minimum.

Christ, this was grim.

Yeah, it was something to take seriously, and the lack of information made it a challenge, but everyone seemed to be treating this entire thing like it was basically a death sentence. Maybe he was just being optimistic. Nevertheless, Kokuto took a deep breath, sighing softly as he leaned forward in his seat, lifting an arm and lightly shaking it as the chain on the shackle jangled quietly as he spoke.

"I can handle both close and long range, but I can restrain people too. I can extend these and use them to hold people down."

He paused for a moment, before turning to look at the others in the room.

"We'll get outta this alive. I'll use every last bit o' my power and ability to make sure of it."

As he paused, only one thought raced through his mind, again and again as if on replay:

'I'll show them that I'm not a monster.'

His attention turned to Ehefra, pointing at the little drone hovering nearby.

"A question for you, though. If you can make stuff like that, do ya got anythin' that could be used for recon? Could have one of those little guys scan the building and at least confirm or deny a few of our questions. Could even use it to distract people and give us an openin' to restrain 'em."

Another pause, scanning the room again.

"Even if we're low on numbers, info, resources, and time, we can still make the most of what we've got. Hope ain't lost just yet, or, at least, I sure as hell don't think so."

He took a deep breath as he finished, holding his tongue on the last thing he wanted to speak on -- refraining because he knew that they didn't have much time until the green light hit. He wanted to figure out what kind of powers they were working with, to see if there was anything he could think of that he could suggest to aid them in this mission. Regardless, he said his piece -- whether or not people agreed was another story entirely.

Coding BY: [THEFROST]

Alastair was hardly thrilled with the decision, about much as Ehefra was, but it was the best one given the circumstances. His request had been approved, the breaching was his and Kokuto's to handle whilst the others took care of the Hollow Bait area. A blessing and a curse both, but there was no time to further lament the situation. They had some precious few minutes to prepare, and nothing to be wasted.

"It might be wiser to be cautious with the usage of your powers, if we are to keep collateral to a minimum, Kokuto. These people have not yet demonstrated themselves to be a deadly threat, subduing them will remain our priority until that knowledge changes."

He knew the demon meant well, which was in itself a somewhat surprising concept to him, but it was better to lay the land clear now than have it come around to bite him once they were in the field. The last thing they needed was for the whole building to go up in smoke or worse set the whole town alight because they got overzealous.

"We have a map of the town, correct? So we should prioritise planning the evacuation of civilians in the nearby buildings before we go to breach, if they are already expecting us then the element of surprise is hardly ours to lose. They need only be directed to the far side of town, away from both operation zones, perhaps there is a feasible building to direct them to? Additionally, it might be wise to sweep the local area first anyway. There might be members of this group already outside rather than gathered neatly in the main building, we know they are in the business of raiding other houses after all."