riverviewlogs | [Closed] Mission Fertile Ground Follow up

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[Closed] Mission Fertile Ground Follow up

who: Steve Rogers (616), Cassandra Anders, Damien Wayne, Peter Hale, and Will Graham
what: Fertile Ground Mission Follow-up
when: Post AU shennanigans
where: Northeast of the fence
warnings: Derps, derping? Possible violence against alien hogs? Will update if anything gets too rough.

Will had an office and the Perimeter Guard Compound but as that space was on the small side, even for five people, when he'd sent out the mission briefing time he'd given directions to the classroom he'd been assigned at the Compound. It was roomier and at least would allow everybody to sit down.

Damien was reminded to bring the fresh doughnuts and Anderson was on coffee detail.

As he often had at the Academy he leaned against the lectern, leaving the desk free to serve as doughnut central. Though he didn't have traditional visual aids, he had dragged a board in from somewhere and set it up against the wall behind him. On it was drawn a crude map, indicating areas of forest, open spaces and a rudimentary idea of changes in terrain.

Thank you James.

As the other's trickled in, Will greeted them but mainly he gave everybody time to grab their sugar and caffeine fix. Graham made off with something resembling a powdered doughnut and a cup of coffee himself, enjoying the doughnut and then spending ten minutes getting powdered sugar out of his scruff.

Eventually, once everybody was nice and hyper, he called the meeting together to run through the briefing. Walking to where each one had grabbed a seat, he handed out a small packet of papers. It wasn't much, just a run down of the highlights from the previous mission; including a rough map of the area, details on the monsters and the result of the soil sample. Retreating to his lectern, he shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned against it.

"Alright, I'm going to assume all that murmuring I heard was you introducing yourselves to one another so I'm not going to put us through the painful exercise of public introductions." More like he wasn't putting himself through that painful exercise. As he spoke, his eyes jumped from brief glances at their faces, to points at the back of the room, down to his papers and also back over his shoulder to the larger map he'd put up.

"If you flip to page two, this is a run down of what we know from the first team. I had an opportunity to speak with Ronan Lynch, the leader of that team and just followed up on some of these points, if any of you were curious.

Mr. Lynch confirmed most of what you're reading there. These monsters are aggressive and territorial with a bullet-proof hide. They are massive, with tusks that are approximately the size of a human limb and it appears they attack as a group, which suggests coordination and a hierarchy.

If we get into a situation were we have to shoot, aim for the eyes and whoever appears to be the leader, but again my hope is to avoid conflict. Usually when an animal is aggressive and territorial, there is a reason for it. We may be disturbing their nursery, a vital food source or something about this area is important enough for them to defend aggressively.

As you can see from the results of the soil sample, we know what we need from this area, our job is to determine why these creatures are so protective of it for themselves. If we can identify that element, then we can off advice on options for dealing with these particular monsters."

Whether that be try to move them or eradicate them, he was going to let someone else make that final call. Reaching up to push his glasses back up his face -only to have them slide back down- he glanced at his notes and then continued.

"Mr. Lynch's report also identified that these monsters are resistant to creatures of a magical nature." He paused and looked around the room. "I don't recall any of you mentioning you used magic, but if you do ... keep that in mind."

He flicked through the pages, glancing over his own personal notes.

"The report also mentioned that they took a vehicle that the Perimeter Guard lent them." Will looked at Steve as he said that. "I'm thinking, we'd be wise to take similar transportation, at least part of the way."

In case they too had to haul ass back to cover at some point.

Giving the papers one last glance, he tapped his fingers against them and then looked out at the group.

"Also, to keep in mind, there may be other monsters in the area. So ... any questions?"

More like 'anyone feeling the self-preservation desire to withdraw now?'

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[ To be used for any casual interactions you guys might like to play out. Or just sitting around nomming doughnuts. ]

There really wasn't much to note about Will Graham, from the perspective of a physical specimen. He looked very much the part of an academic, with a button down flannel shirt and non-descript trousers, atop serviceable boots. About the only thing to draw the eye might be the standard issue Glock style handgun that was set at his hip.

Matters weren't helped by the fact that aside from a quick glance up to note someone's arrival, Will kept his eyes down on his papers, shuffling them about to pretend to be busy. He did, eventually break out of this pattern when the doughnuts arrived. The lure of powdered sugar was strong!

Otherwise, he could be found by his lectern, looking awkward as hell and -depending upon when he was disturbed- potentially covered in powdered sugar.

Damian had arrived promptly with a variety of fresh donuts and a bag that contained the entirety of his Robin uniform. Once everything was finished, he'd taken the time to inventory all of his gear and ensure it was prepared before neatly packing it all away. Then, he turned his attention on the others.

He studied each of them for a moment before his attention settled finally on Will. He took note of how awkward the man was in person, not the mention the way he'd shuffled through his papers as if they seemed more fascinating than the rest of the group. Something to ask about later, if they had time. But his attention was drawn to the sprinkle of powdered sugar on the man's clothes as he approached.

"You're a professor?" He prompted after a moment, as if seeing the man in person suddenly made that hard to picture. He seemed too awkward, too uncomfortable in the face of others to have such a career. The way one dark brow rose said he found it hard to believe, even if the green eyes were still nothing, if not focused and serious.

"Instructor, technically." Will clarified, flicking a glance towards Damien's face and then away as he suddenly became fascinating with getting the powdered sugar off his shirt.

After about a week of wearing civvies and her officer's uniform during her shadowing period, it's something of a relief to be back in her Judge's armor, methodically checking through her equipment to verify it's all there and with the safeties on.

The effect is probably somewhat ruined by having half a doughnut in her mouth as she does this. Once done, Anderson reaches up to grab it with gloved fingers and finish chewing, leaving powdered sugar smeared across the black leather which she belatedly dusts off.

She is liable to introduce herself to each person in turn, though, just to try to get things off on the right foot.

The team Will has gathered certainly strikes Steve as interesting. He mostly hangs back at first, gauging the group of people in turns without speaking up. Anderson catches his eye with the obvious armor that seems to dominate the compound. He moves over as she finishes her doughnut, a light smirk touching his lips as she wipes away the powdered sugar.

"That looks difficult to get into. How strong is it?"

She shoots him a quick, assessing glance of her own but answers readily as she pours herself some coffee.

"It won't stop armor-piercing rounds, but it does a decent job with conventional ammo. Like a flak jacket." It's actually incredibly easy to get in and out of, too, thanks to a zipper straight down the front hidden between the padding, but she's not about to add that one to someone she just met.

He nods, taking her look like he does when anyone does what Steve has come to know as the mental rating. He picks up a doughnut casually and nods, letting her decide what to make of him without meeting her gaze, because that tends to put people even more on edge.

"Is that standard where you're from?" Getting to know about different worlds is always a benefit, and Steve likes to be aware of details like that.

She just hasn't met him before, and she wanted to get a sense of everyone's capabilities before leaving.

"It is for Judges." Equipment check done, she takes a step closer and offers out a hand to shake. "I'm Anderson. I'm working with the police here."

Steve takes her hand, shaking firmly. He levels his gaze on her so that they can both feel each other out and assess who they are going to be working with.

"Steve Rogers. I'm with the Perimeter Guard, Search and Rescue. Before this, I was working with a peacekeeping group on assignments."

[ They had a large truck like vehicle.

Will was not going to be the first to volunteer to drive, in case someone else was feeling the overwhelming desire to get behind the wheel?

...

Maybe, not Damien. ]

[ Given Will's conspicuous lack of volunteering and Damian's age, Anderson ends up glancing at Peter and Steve in a quick conference. ]

I can if no one else wants to.

[ Part of her training is stunt driving, although admittedly on a motorcycle rather than in an all-terrain Jeep. But it's more than enough to make her confident in offering. ]

[ Steve would certainly not be happy to have Damian driving the Jeep, and since Anderson seems to volunteer, he shrugs and looks toward Peter to get his thoughts. ]

Go for it. We can take turns so one person doesn't have to do all the driving.

[ Peter looks back at Anderson, raising an eyebrow. ]

I can drive. [ Can Damien even see over the wheel? ] If we run into trouble, it'll be to our advantage to have whoever's most combat ready with their hands free.

[ She shrugs one shoulder. She can't deny that she's essentially combat ready at all times. ]

Fine with me. If you want a break, let me know. [ She turns to climb into the Jeep-slash-truck, hopping up into the back without pause. Anderson doesn't mind taking the low-value seat, so she elects to cut that discussion short. ]

I can also drive.

( Damian interjected from where he was inspecting the vehicle itself. He'd driven much more tactical vehicles, not to mention both the batmobile and the batwing. A vehicle like this was nothing in comparison. It would hardly be a challenge. But what Peter said made sense. Whoever was most combat ready should be available if they took a turn for the worst. And Damian Wayne was always ready.

He spared the other men a quick look before he moved to follow Anderson into the truck, moving quickly and silently despite the length of the dark cape that trailed behind him. Without asking, he planted himself into the passenger's seat, folding his arms across his chest and looking expectantly out the window at the others. )

Let's go.

[ Hands full of his notes, Will listened to the different exchanges without contributing much. He noted the interplay between Anderson and Rogers, identified the way Hale slid in with a diplomatic compromise that made good logical sense and also settled the matter.

He watched Wayne with a ... cape?

Okay that earned the youngest member of their team an eyebrow, but Will purposefully reminded himself what he'd heard from Tim on the subject. Still, when Wayne made himself at home in the passenger seat, the profiler almost said something.

Instead, he told himself that perhaps it made sense to have one of their combat ready folks up front, screw navigation. However, he dug into his pocket and withdrew a bottle of aspirin. Dry swallowing a couple, he shoved the bottle back in his pocket and made to climb into the back-seat behind Hale.

He could navigate from there if necessary. ]

Most of the terrain is going to be trees and forest. When we start to come up on clearings, we should park the jeep and proceed from there on foot.

[ For what it's worth, Peter wasn't about to drive off and ditch everyone in the wilds. And there was the bonus perk of him being able to take a hit in the event that something wicked came their way. (Also, he had his sincere doubts about whether or not Damian could reach the gas pedals, but he kept that to himself. No doubt everybody was thinking it anyway.)

He slid into the driver's seat, making the necessary adjustments and buckling himself in. Glanced over his shoulder to check that everybody was present and accounted for, before directing his attention to Will. ]

All right. If anything happens to catch your eye along the way, let me know and I'll stop.

[ The engine roared to life. ]

Everybody ready?

[ Steve has to raise an eyebrow at the younger man also asserting he can drive, but he doesn't actually question him. Everyone seems to be settled anyway, so he stays quiet for the time being. It's a matter he is willing to wait out, even if he doesn't think Damian should take a turn driving.

Instead he climbs in back and waits while everyone else gets settled. ]

Sounds like this will be an interesting ride already.

[ Which means he's ready. As ready as he can be. ]

( Satisfied when the others finally loaded into the vehicle, Damian turned his attention away from them in favor of peering out and into the area around them. It wasn't the same as patrolling a city, but this wasn't the first time Damian had ever been in this kind of environment.

He turned his head to the other passengers at the question of whether they were ready, eyes sweeping the three in the back from behind his domino as he buckled himself in. Satisfied they were all seated, he turned his gaze expectantly to Peter. He nodded firmly before turning his attention back out of the window.

Quickly, he reached for one of the compartments on his utility belt, pulling out a folded device to expand it and fiddle knowingly with a few of the buttons on its surface. He lifted the object - a pair of binoculars - to peer through them to test them before nodding to himself and continuing a careful sweep of the area. )

For now, it looks clear.

[ Seeing as she ends up with Steve in back with her, she offers him a commiserating look in greeting and a quirked eyebrow at his comment, silently agreeing with him. She's a bit amused beneath her impenetrable professional veneer.

Anderson twists around in her seat briefly to see what Damian's looking through, and makes a mental note before turning back again, keeping an eye on their tail. ]

I feel like I'm going on a camping trip. [ Which she's never been on, because wildlife just does not exist this way where she's from. ]

[ For the majority of the drive, Will was quiet, except for giving Hale the occasional change in course to keep them moving in the right direction. As it had been for the first team, the drive out was not the problem and passed fairly quietly. There may have been some brief sightings of smaller creatures, but no doubt the sound of the truck crashing through the underbrush sent the majority of animals skittering away.

At least that was what Will was going to tell himself, rather than wonder if the lack of smaller animals was an indication that larger threats were in the area.

The travel time wasn't inordinately long, after all it wouldn't have made sense to be surveying an area for food production that was an inadvisable distance from the safety of the fence. Glancing from his notes to the windscreen and back, Will eventually shoved his arm over Peter's shoulder (sorry Peter!) and pointed. ]

Over there. That clearing, with the forest line on three sides? That's where the original team took their samples. Probably a good place to start.

[ The original mission report made note of weird trees and quite honestly, now that they were up closer to them, Will had to admit that they looked; odd. Odd in that creepy sort of way that something, which should be recognizable, is just slightly off. Not enough to trigger the mind to label it as a obvious threat, and respond accordingly, but enough to send a chill of awareness down the spine. ]

[ The air here was fundamentally different from home, which was to be expected, of course— it's almost a shame that he didn't have time to stop and take a good look around. But he had plenty of visuals watching where they were going, and every so often, his senses picked up on a whiff of this and that. If there was anything bigger around, he couldn't hear it over the sound of the engine.

He looked at Will's arm, and then at the direction he was pointing in. ] Yes, I see it.

[ It's a short drive from where they were to the clearing, the truck pulling to a stop in the clearing, Peter cutting the engine. Upon disembarking, he wandered closer to the trees. Took a look without touching them, and frowned. It was rare to see a clearing in nature this perfectly formed.

Without the truck rumbling in the background, he could hear plenty. Peter made a vague noise in the back of his throat. ] You should collect the samples sooner rather than later. Something big is close by.

[ Will was leaning on the back of the seat -sorry Peter!- and trying to peer out the windows closest to him.

At Peter's observation, his lips twitched in a wry sort of smile and he began to nudge, obviously wanting to head out into whatever was waiting. ]

Unfortunately our job is the 'something big'.

[ He said ruefully. ]

( His hearing was nowhere near as sharp as Peter's, but still, Damian was able to pick up on a hint of... something in the distance after they'd gotten out of the vehicle and the engine was turned off. He tilted his head slightly, as if he were trying to hear it better. Whatever it was seemed to be moving closer, but he wasn't able to get much of an indication of what it was. He'd have to put some sort of faith in Peter's assessment. )

I'll check it out.

( If there were any objections, they were ignored.

Damian sprang easily onto the hood of the jeep, flipping gracefully onto the top, and then leaping to grab onto a branch nearby. He swung easily around it, landing in a graceful perch after a series of quiet motions. He reached from where he'd tucked his binoculars away a few moments ago in favor of peering around and through the trees. Eyes narrowing, he was able to catch sight of something large moving in the direction. Not far behind was another creature of a similar size, perhaps a bit smaller, but it was hard to tell from the angle. )

There are two creatures moving in our direction. ( He offered in his normal voice. He wasn't going to risk being too loud in case it roused something further, and he was confident at least one of them would hear him below. )

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[Closed] Mission Fertile Ground Follow up

Briefing, Mingle

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Actually Outside the Fence Mission Time

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