[T] CANDY-POP DEATHCULT IC (duh)

[Imp]

https://i.imgur.com/IY2zqMH.gif

Location: CPDC Really High Cosmos Central Command and Observatory... the HQ

Orbiting above the lovely pearl of a planet that is Gustatus, the CPDC HQ once held great influence over the planet, maintaining stability between the many flavorful factions that all had a tumultuous relation at some point. Sadly, such tension is rising yet again, and the CPDC, while still managing a massive military force, lacks popular opinion. As of now, most members of the CPDC remain on the station, either honing skills in the over-elaborate holodeck training areas, lounging around, or studying the political and social matters so that they can act quickly to any distress and keep the planet from crumbling into an unsavory, chaotic mess.

Decisions...

As of now, the largest concern is over the Salties and Bitters as they were often the cause of brewing conflicts and strife overall. The planet had already suffered a world war, and it was up to the CPDC to avoid another. As to how they go about it, will be the question that everyone on Gustatus asks with grave concern.

Meanwhile, throughout the space station, the intercom crackled to life and was heard by all.
"This is Commander Sharp, all agents must report to the war room immediately for an update on current events and missions. Those who refuse will be admonished. Sharp out."

[Storm]

As Kandy sits in her recliner, feet propped up on one of her admirers while she paints her finger nail. She kicks her admirer "Cha, like my foot, you know, is like, not high enough. Do I like need to find another peon to rest my pretty feet on?"

As the intercom crackles to life she screams "Someone change the channel already, wait, silly me, that is the intercom."

As the message comes through, she looks to her peon "Look, why don't you be a good boy and scamper down to that lil ole war'ie room. Nawww, Commander poopie pants might unsubscribe me to Starbucks flavor of the month chocolate. Oh well, alas, I suppose I should like get up or something." as she waits for a moment. She looks at her wrist watch, an annoying look comes across her face before screaming
"Will someone play that damn dramatic music already?!"

Dramatic music plays in the background as Kandy gets up mumbling "I really have to talk to my agent about this stuff, stupid Musician's union really screwed the pooch on this one." as she walks to her door, the dramatic music plays as the door opens, as she steps out of her room, continues as she starts stepping down the hall before she stops rolling her eyes
"Okay smart ass, enough with the music already."

Kandy starts down toward the war room. Once outside the door, she looks around with a pouty look "Do I have to open this door MYSELF? As If, I just did my nails."

She finally opens the door "My agent is really going to hear about this..." as she mosies into the war room looking around, taking time to look to see if her nail polish has scuffed. With the knowledge that polish is killer cute, she skips over to a table plopping in the oversized recliner, well, it might not have been a recliner a moment ago, but she redrew it. As she sits, she opens a KitKat bar and waits for Commander poopie pants to say what is up.

[Kortaga]

The library…it was the perfect place to be alone and ponder the world. Here no one pushed you to move quickly or act without thinking. He hated those that were energetic and did not think before speaking…thinking on it though…maybe he was just being bitter. The book had been with him for over three hours now and he was only fifteen pages in. He took in and digested everything. Anything he looked over he could remember…it just took him an incredibly long amount of time to get through it. Extremely slow photographic memory was extremely useless on the field…it did make him a decent scholar.

He heard a loud noise blare through the library. It broke the perfect silence of this place…not only that but it made a comment about how those who were not there asap would be reprimanded. “Uuuuuggggghhhhhh…” The long drawn out sigh of someone who felt no urgency in anything slowly thought it over. If he did not get up, he could remain in this place for another hour or more in peace…however he might then but stuck in other areas. Despite being slow outside his mind was very quick. He would not be able to handle staying in his room alone for long periods of time without going crazy.

As was customary to himself he took five minutes to make sure his course of action was confirmed. He would go to this meeting…he would not be reprimanded, and he could continue with his life. Yes a perfect plan with no loopholes or problems. As such he suddenly found he had taken ten whole minutes to even get up.

He figured he would do what he always did. Now that a plan and an action was decided he would move swiftly. He ran, very quickly to the meeting room. He figured it would only take him two minutes at a sprint. But to show up twelve minutes after an announcement…this was a problem. As he made it to the door he could hear someone inside. A sweat drop started to form out of his blue hair. He pulled up his black trench coat to cover his mouth. The less he showed maybe the less he would be noticed. They were polo opposites…and they would be alone in a room.

This was…problematic…at best…

He closed his eyes…shoot…fourteen minutes. Time flies when you are wanting to avoid someone. He pushed through the door…sat down and said nothing. He simply look straight ahead. If I do not make eye contact…I’ll be…safe?

[Storm]

Kandy had already rummaged through the refreshments and selected a crystal glass and had poured some tea inside. She was back at her recliner which she had redrawn several times to get just right when Nigai entered. She batted her chocolate brown eyes at him thinking that blue hair boy with the black trench coat oh so was mysterious.

As Nigia sat at his chair, Kandy giggles "I likie, so mysterious" while looking to her tea. Moving her head side to side looking at the tea, giggles "this just isn't going to do..." as her chocolate brown eyes turn white, she moves her finger over the glass before touching the top of the liquid ever so quickly. The top of the tea crackles as several cubes of ice form within the tea. Her eyes return chocolaty brown as she admires her tea now iced "Oh much better if I do say so myself..." giggles "...gee, I did say so myself, didn't I, I just crack myself up sometimes."

She looks over toward Nigia waving, her tone sweet "Oh, such a rude girl you must take me for, name's Kandy, you can call me … anytime" winking "..really though, Kandy is just fine, what should I call you mysterious man of mystery?"

[Kortaga]

He had…already failed…the girl noticed him slip in as if he strutted his stuff. He knew he should have worked harder on sneaking but it just never occurred to him…why hide if you never need to get close. He felt uncomfortable, not only was she noticing him…she was actively looking at him. Why there were not more people in this room…quickly someone…anyone…alas…his prayers were rarely answered.

He watched as the girl summoned ice that made its way into her drink. It was a warm drink so he supposed she must have been lazy and wanted to cool it off. He never believed magic should never be used for convenience. In fact he almost never used magic himself. Only in desperation…as a secret. It was better used a trump card then something to flaunt.

She waved to him which caused a bead of sweat to roll down the side of his face. Thankfully the side that was covered by his hair. No…no no no no no no no no…she introduced herself…doom was about to befall him. An introduction only ever meant one thing. She would desire for him to reveal his own name. Panic…his gloves felt a little sweaty. He felt as if his throat was going thick. He would rather shoot her…or just simply run away.

Kandy…that was her name and when she asked for his he screamed mentally. Why would she do this to me…

WAIT!

I can just ignore her. Yes that should be simple enough. Just pretend he was deaf. What can she do about someone who is deaf? It was at this point that the delicious bitter sight of flat straight tea caught his attention. Uggghhhhh…I want it.

He had no choice, with nothing to write on he had to communicate. He bolstered up his courage. Three words that is all he would need.

He took a small breath in, “Nigai…” Euphoria! He would almost cry.

Not yet though. “Tea…please…” Whew…he was getting tired. He could not stop yet though. He needed just a bit more. Just a little sugar on it to make sure she was willing to give him some. “Thank you…Kandy…”

He was exhausted. He sat heavy in the chair. Hopefully that would be all he would need to say.

[Storm]

As Nigia spoke, Kandy listened, the cute guy wants tea? She sets her own glass down next to her recliner and skips back to where the refreshments are.

"Okie dokie, one tea coming on it's lil old way."

She removes another glass from the cabinet setting the empty glass on a serving tray. She pours tea in the glass and ponders for a moment what the cute guy takes in his tea.

She takes sugar setting 10 cubes on the tray before taking a small bottle of honey also setting it on serving tray.

Does this boy like warm or cold tea?

She takes a small ice bucket and tongs, dropping several dozen ice cubes in the bucket. She smiles all happy to the serving tray. Yet it does not seem complete. 'Sheesh, I'm such a silly girl, he might want lemon' runs through her mind.

She steps behind the counter looking at a basket of lemons. "There you are..." she giggles as she takes a lemon setting it on the counter.
"Gee, you are not going to fit in the glass at all are you?" while looking around. She reaches under the counter and removed a knife. Oh what a pretty knife it is too. Holding the knife, she looks at the blade, such a pretty blade, so sharp, such a lovely knife indeed.

Holding the knife, with a beaming smile, she walks around the counter standing in front of the lemon. A giggle under her breath, she sets her hand atop the lemon, excitement dancing in her eyes as she brings her oh so pretty knife, setting the blade on the lemon skin. Excitedly she inhales as she slides the pretty blade across the skin, slowly, deeper the blade slides, wet juice on the blade, dripping to the counter. Though it is not red and sticky, she loves how the lemon bleeds. As the lemon separates on two, she grabs her pretty knife handle and is ready to stab the lemon. Panting she giggles "such a pretty pretty blade."

She continues to quarter the halves and sets them on the serving tray. She lays the knife on the counter before smiling sweetly picking up the tray.

She walks over to Nigia setting the tray next to him, in a sweet tone "tea sweetie, didn't know what how you drink it, think I covered anything you might want in it." still with an excited glisten in her eyes.

[bluemoon]

Whisper awoke with a start, the name Sharp on her tongue as she cursed the interruption of her sleep. Her pale blue eyes squinted at the fluorescent light as with the grace of a cat, she slipped from her bed and padded over to the mirror. Pale skin like poured milk graced her in the reflection, one slender arm rising to smooth down the wispy ivory hair.

"Ah," she sighed, continuing to work the pale strands into some semblance of control. "I shall surely be late..late...late." With practiced fingers she began to paint her face...pink...blue...yellow...orange...each color placed in such a way as to accent her features--a mosaic of beauty. 'Finishing touches," she thought as she opened her wardrobe, picking a glossy shirt of pink, a maxi skirt of orange, and a flowing robe of both. With a final glance at her visage, 'such a pretty girl', she left her room to join the others.

It was like a queen that she walked the halls, head held high and eyes focused front. First a right, then a left, tap...tap...tap...as her heels struck the floor. The war room before her, she placed her palm against the metal grain and pushed, a waft of cool air meeting her. She entered, a nod given first to Nigia, then to Kandy. "Sugar will rot your teeth," she said to no one in particular, then approached the drink counter. Ice, a splash of water, and a tall glass--the perfect drink--was all she required and with it in her hand, she found her place and sat, her attention on the room.

[Kortaga]

Kandy moved and skipped over to where the tea was. Ahh…he thought to himself, so that is where it was. If he had not asked then he might not have a found it until after the meeting started. Then everyone would once again be asking him things. He could not afford to have to speak in front of so many people again. No this planned worked out great. There was no way that this would all fall apart on him. Brilliant work if he so did say himself.

It was taking her quite a bit of time to pour his tea. On another note…was he early to something? How had he managed such a thing? He was on time or late to practically everything in his life. He glanced over in Kandy’s direction and happen to notice her looking at a knife. She seemed to be cutting it very precisely and when she did, she seemed to be quite happy with her work. Nigai could appreciate someone who took their time and enjoyed well-handled work.

He gave Kandy a nod as she came over to him and he flashed a very small satisfied smile. He had already thanked her so he did not feel a need to handle that twice. Too much talking.

As he looked to the spread though his eyes glazed over…what am I supposed to do with all this? He could not deny it was nice but there was just…so much. The sugar would be rejected…bitter was his life and his way. He did however decide to squeeze some lemon into his tea. He figured it would be safe enough to use two of them.

As he was finishing with the preparation of his perfect tea another lady entered. She mentioned how sugar will rot our teeth…yes…I suppose…it seemed like a weird concept to throw out. Then again he did have ten cubes of sugar in front of him. She nodded to him which he returned to her. This he could get behind. Not her attire, this lady was a walking rainbow of obnoxious…it had its uses but if he had to pick…Kandy seemed the more amicable. Then again he did not even remember these two…though he felt like he should.

He sipped his tea and gave a small happy hum. Nothing else needed to be done. He moved the tray slightly so if another wanted tea, lemon, sugar, or ice they could take from it.

[Cfavano]

Soundtrack


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlr90NLDp-0

Chanting played over the his speaker, as the person sat, rather, kneed in prostrated form. Heady, spied incense burned in a censer. His tense muscles, covered in sweat from the heat and the length meditation, Castor remained there, quietly, barely moving, deep in prayer. Closed to the world, deep in his own mind. He emptied himself of all wants, needs, desires and thoughts. He was at peace.

And then that peace was broken by the announcement. Opening his eyes and getting up, he sighed. Turning off the chanting and snuffing out the censer, he dried himself and got dressed in his uniform, making sure everything was perfect. Checking himself in the mirror once more, he took a short plug from his bottle of pepper wine and making sure his mustache was perfect, set off for the war room.

Arriving there, with quite a sour face, or he did not like being interrupted, he took his seat quietly.

[Imp]

Once everyone had made their way into the large room, a cyan-like hue holographic projection was displayed above a Smart table with Commander Sharp swiping through images and various documents related to the missions at hand. The projection just looked like their solar system with nothing much else displayed yet.

"Alright. Get a load of this." Sharp made her presence known among the group of agents. A smirk started to grow on her face as she continued. "We've got some interesting missions that recently sprung up related to the relations of the various factions on our world." The projection took the shape of text and images of their missions were displayed.

"Our first distress was sent by Princess Sweetums' parents, the royal family of the Sweets. Seems the teenager is infatuated with a member of an influential family from the Spicies. We're still gathering intel on him, but seems that he's promiscuous, a drug dealer, and a raver. Seems he seduced her into an eventual one night stand and hasn't returned her calls for roughly... two months. She is obsessed with him and still has hopes that he'll come back to her. She even has a wedding dress picked out... and is likely hooked on drugs and needs mental help."

The visuals of the hologram flickered before displaying the princess and the target (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXSAVT8EjUo).

"Her parents want us to locate this Spicy stud and knock some sense into him, figuratively speaking... unless you can talk him into a duel. Then you can justifiably kick him around. In the end, just get him to call her back and renounce any interest in being with her so that she may finally snap out of it. Unsurprisingly, this isn't her first time. If we don't fix this, the Royal Sweetums will bring political hell to the Spicies. This objective has been codenamed 'The Fix'."

"The second objective originates from a now-derelict Umami vessel off the coast of a tropical island. After several Umami security teams were dispatched, all communication was lost shortly after arrival. There is not much more intel that we can offer as the Umami government refuses to give much information, stating they know nothing. We'll just have to scout the vessel ourselves. This has been code named 'Savory Surprise'.

The holographic projection continued to display images from both objectives as Commander Sharp finished up. "We thankfully have time to spare, and so you will all be working together on one objective before starting the next.

"So, which objective do you wish to take on first? I have an advisor ready depending on the mission you pick. Agent Sahvri is one of the Umami's finest while the Sweetums royal family has appointed Agent Swisher. One will be called in once you have made a decision." Commander Sharp remained present if any questions needed to be answered, and also had no better plans for the moment unless she wanted to grind her teeth in frustration looking over repetitive reports.

[bluemoon]

Wisp listened closely as Sharp spoke, letting the commander's words sink deeply into her mind as she went over the possibilities of each mission. She could see either work out well and to their advantage, but knocking some sense into a Spicy did have its own special attractions and she was sure she could coerce the bad boy into a) telling the princess he was so over her, or b) having him fall head over heels for the lovely lass, perhaps figuratively or actual, and confessing his love. She allowed herself a small smile at that one...picturing the poor boy falling face first into a pile of confectioner's candy. So sweet the revenge...and the cavities! But no, she was not about the sugar, salt was her flavor and she would have to rethink things.

Her painted face scrunched in thought, her lips pulling into a tight line as she considered the abandoned vessel off the tropical island. She feared for her pale skin in such bright light, but there was also the salt water to contemplate. She could swim, with a generous layer of sun screen to protect her, plus get some much needed quiet time. After all, how much activity would there be on a derelict ship. Yes, perhaps option two would be best.

Wisp looked to the other agents and as none of them were speaking up, she stood to address Sharp. "I would like to suggest "Savory Surprise" as our first objective if there are no arguments. I think our combined flavors will mix well aboard the Umami vessel and perhaps as a team we can discover her secrets."

[Imp]

"I would like to suggest "Savory Surprise"
Sharp looked over to the agent who had spoken up. She was glad someone came to a conclusion. "Alright, works for me, Wisp. We'll gather all intel and have it sent to each of your PDA's as you prepare for the drop down to the planet. For now, gather your gear. Agent Sahvri will be with you shortly once he's done hitting on the ladies. Oh Xenu, what an awkward flirt he is."

Commander Sharp quickly excused herself as she left for the cafeteria. Not having eaten a thing all day, she was damn well starving, and close to being hangry due to the tasteless menu the mix of chefs put together.

[Imp]

SAVORY SURPRISE

After everyone equipped themselves for the operation. they were directed to the warp room. It was a large, circular room with a tall ceiling. In the middle, a floating metallic sphere. The device was made of some alien liquid alloy and beyond comprehension for the sake of not getting further into trivial details. There, they assembled for a quick recap with Agent Sahvri. He was a smooth talker with a Spanish accent, whatever that would be in this universe... anyway, He was of average build, clean shaven, and with glorious long, thick black hair. He was your cliche long, tan, and handsome type.

"Hola, agents. I have been appointed to your team to help figure what has been going on with this ghost ship. As stated, we are not sure of what happened, but the Umami government declines anything happened, or that there is even a ship in the first place. Ay, chihuahua. This is muy strange. They are obviously up to something. Thankfully, they hired a security force to keep tabs on the ship from their coastal camp. The vessel is surrounded by an energy shield that we must disable if we are to board it. That said, get ready for covert-combat on these mercenary bastards. Try not to raise any alarms, or just kill them quick before they can dial home, comprende?"

After that, everyone circled around the sphere and one by one, were teleported into the hot jungle. The humidity hit them quickly and the stale odor of the space station had left. Bugs, birds, and baddies (the mercenaries) created a maelstrom of sound. The glow of the sphere then vanished once everyone appeared. Anything that was in their way was burned away, including half of a cuddly critter. Poor thing...

The enemy camp was partially visible via a smoke trail from a bonfire. Beyond that was the ship.
"Shhhh... they will not be aware of our presence. Once we get close, choose your target and kill swiftly." Sahvri checked his assault rifle before cautiously making his way through the thick foliage.

[It will take 1 Turn before the team makes it to the enemy camp. You can't attack until Turn 2.]

[bluemoon]

Wisp had never liked the teleporter...not ever...such a nasty machine that did unknown things to her body's particles. When she materialized on the island, she patted herself down, making sure all the parts were there...and where they were supposed to be. She waved at the air, clearing the flies--another thing she did not take a particular liking to. And dare she mention the humidity--how was her face paint going to stand up to that? She sighed, ignoring the halved critter and the noise and focused on the smoke.

Not far from their position was an encampment with men sitting around a fire or standing in groups. Men...and lots of them...at least compared to the number of agents that had just arrived with her. She watched them closely as she pulled her pale hair into a pony tail, securing it with a tan band. She had dressed for the adventure, not in her typical bright colors, but in drab tans and greens, hoping to blend into the jungle. Even her face was painted in the style of camouflage--she definitely was not a beauty to behold.

When the handsome and oh so salty (or was that just sweat?) Sahvri moved into the foliage she followed behind him, admiring his backside. She double checked her pockets, feeling the smoke crystals inside one and the toxic paint tube in the other. She then re-familiarized herself with the location of each weapon...rope in hand...peanut gun across her back...whip at her waist....and her words, which were in her mouth, of course. She giggled softly. She was all set and ready to rumble.

[Storm]

As Agent Sahvri made an appearance, Kandy spoke up “Just yummy if I do say.. Wow, I just did say that, didn’t I … I just crack myself up.” with a giggle. She watches the rather cute guy that just arrived with an ever so cute smile.

As he explains the details of the mission the main point she picks up is to Kill em. She offers the yummy man a cute salute and wink moving her hand up to her ear with her fingers looking like she is on the phone mouthing out ‘Call me’ before looking toward the others as they were ready to circle the sphere.

Her bright smile and sparkling personality quickly faded as she raises her hands atop her head lowering them along her body. Her blue outfit transforming into her purple loose fitting attire, her Katana to her side, the Tanto tightly against her back, crossbow slung across her back as well as her throwing stars in various areas of concealment. As there were people to kill, she was not going to wait on the others, she stepped up to the sphere reaching out being teleported. As she materializes on the other end, the hot humid conditions that surround her are interesting. Her eyes narrow while removing her crossbow, a fragmenting tipped arrow loaded, designed to fragment once entering a body spreading a fast acting toxin to the recipient of her precious little toy removing life quickly. A slight frown forms as there does not seem to be anyone to deliver her arrow to.

As the others start materializing and cutie pants starts to brief everyone, she remains quiet, eyes transforming from chocolate brown to white. As the order is given to chose targets and kill swiftly, she turns toward the smoke from the enemy camp bonfire replacing her crossbow along her back before sliding her Katana from the sheath looking to it a brief moment whispering
“I shall feed you lives this day.” as she begins a near silent pace in the direction of her upcoming victims, her features cold and emotionless.

[Kortaga]

A uniformed man came into the room as well. He was a dignified fellow, one whom seemed steeped in rule and regulations. He seemed uptight though that was just from an initial impression. The projection screen came up and they were quickly given the details of their missions and a choice in what it is they wanted to do. That was new to him…

At the mentioning of the sweets he could feel his face pale slightly. A talking mission made him sick to his stomach. He figured the others would be carrying him during that one. He was basically useless when it came to these. The second objective however seemed much more up his alley and as such it would be the one that he personally would vote for. Umami was part of his heritage and he could give a small smirk when Sharp mentioned that they were not giving out much information. Yes indeed we are a…unsavory lot.

The painted lady suggested the mission that he was most comfortable with and thankfully he was quite happy about this. He had no objections and only a small time played out while waiting for a response from anyone. With that they all vacated the room to get ready for their mission.

He never cared for teleporters, but considering their line of work it was a must. Lost are the days he could at least enjoy a comfortable flight to his next mission. As the man spoke he made a bunch of unnecessary comments and it start to piss him off. This man even looked like he could talk around a crowd…what a loser…

Looking around the now humid land he suddenly felt very tired. Yes…this would be lovely. I could waste away quite a bit of time here. He noticed the painted lady was now painted…for the mission. Instead of his last thoughts on her looks this time he thought she was…well smart. He mentally apologized to her. Thankfully he was wearing mostly blacks and dark blues but that only mean the heat really was going to be worse on him than anyone else.

He saw Mr. Talky pull out an assault rifle and Fumi began to start opening his trench coat and started to assemble his own rifle. Distance was his friend and he would be sure to abuse this fact. They had mentioned stealth was a big deal so he made sure to equip a silencer. He usually always did except for rare emergencies.

Even the sweet girl was different. Now he started to understand…they were just eccentric…ahh yes… it all made sense to him now. He wondered how these people had joined in the first place. Only the General man and he seemed really fit for this. Looking at the girl now though…he was wrong to doubt them. He would not make that mistake again. He apologized to Kandy as well in his mind. Thankfully they would never know, which the sweet bliss of not talking was.

[Imp]

"Here we go." Sahvri whispered while making his way towards two mercs on a smoke break. He moved swiftly through the brush, generating minimal sound that was barely audible over the two chatting about trivial matters. With each puff they took, he took a careful step closer. Once in position for the strike and hiding among the foliage still, Sahvri exhaled softly, his nostrils flaring and concentration rising as he unsheathed his cliche knife in only the most common of ways.

He then picked up a stone and tossed it to a nearby tree to distract them. After a successful throw, the two mercs looked over in confusion. Seeing nothing, but hearing something sharply. "What was that?" asked the one merc stepping away from his partner. In that moment, Sahvri struck the closest target, Covering the man's mouth to muffle any possible sounds while slitting his throat. As quickly as a tropical breeze passes, Sahvri dropped the first merc and quickly grappled the second and snapped his neck without much conflict. The stealthy agent then vanished back into the foliage, dragging the bodies with him before proceeding to move closer into the camp. He had hoped that his new crew would do just as well if not hopefully better...

[bluemoon]

Wisp continued to follow behind Sahvri, her mind finally on the mission instead of his cute behind, veering from his path only after she saw him moving in to deal with the first of the mercs. She decided to follow his lead and use stealth to sneak up on the unsuspecting man she had chosen, readying her rope by winding the loose ends around both of her hands, making the center taut. She approached her first victim quietly, thinking she was being very careful until she heard the snap of a twig below her poorly placed foot. Her head went up...and so did that of the merc she had set her eyes on.

The next few seconds were chaos, Wisp rushing in and wrapping her rope around the man's neck as he fought to stop her. She pulled the rope ends together, then twisted, managing to wrap her legs around the man's legs to keep him immobile. He thrashed and fell, landing hard upon her. There was little she could do other than attempt to accomplish her goal. She pulled tighter.

As the body of the first man finally went limp, Wisp allowed him to slip from her grasp and stood, trying to decide on her next move. It was made for her... From the other side of the bushes from where she was waiting, she heard another man calling. She readied herself, once again preparing her rope for attack. But she had already been seen and her position was compromised. Before she could move again, she was knocked to the ground, the merc trying to wrestle her rope from her. She was fortunate to be smaller and quicker than her opponent, finally managing to get her trusty cord into position and winding it around the beefy neck.

It was at that moment that she realized stealth was not her forte and she should have tried using magic to get the upper hand. Lesson learned, but too late to help her with this situation. She was so busy thinking about how she could have improved on her attack, that she missed noticing that the man in her grips was preparing to strike out at her. An elbow was thrust into her ribs, her grip faltering, resulting in her losing her hold. After a moment to catch her breath, she leapt at him, managing to grab his ankles, but his strength proved too much for her and once again he was free.

The words that came out of her mouth were not pretty, neither was the face she made in her disgust. One lousy kill...and now the enemy knew she was here!

[Storm]

Kandy watches as Sahvri stalks off to dispatch life forms which will not be life forms much longer followed by the painted woman. Kandy closes her eyes for a brief moment, upon opening them, they are pure white. With the humidity of the jungle, she is in her perfect element as she draws upon the elements surrounding her locating an unnatural heat signature, her first target.

With near silent precision, Kandy steps toward two Mercs as they patrol the area. Still too far for either of the men to see or hear her, she focuses on the closest of the two as he moves a branch from his path, sweat dripping from his forehead, weapon always at the ready.

In Kandy’s eyes, the man is lit up like a christmas tree, heat signature fills his form with rich colors through the spectrum. As the two grow ever closer, she reaches out to the first man, manipulating his cellular structure, the man stops near in his tracks as his body starts to crackle while it reaches absolute zero in a matter of seconds. The man has a pained expression on his face yet has not the time to scream nor have words come out. There is simply a glistening over the man’s skin.

As the second man reaches the first, in a mere whisper he inquires
“What ya see Juan? Come on man, we gotta keep movin, this heat is a killer today.”

As Marquis taps Juan on the shoulder, Juan fragments into powdered ice crystals onto the ground of the humid jungle. Marquis gasps as he starts to reach for the radio
“What the fff....” is all he manages to get out.

Kandy already has concentrated on Marquis as his body reaches absolute zero before he has a chance to reach his radio transmit button. Kandy silently seems to float to him, her footsteps near silent, once along Marquis, she thrusts a palm against the man’s chest shattering him into fine crystalized ice powder allowing his remains to eventually thaw and absorbed into the natural environment.

As Kandy looks for her next heat signature, she takes note of the painted woman and the heat signature separating from her. She does not have time to concentrate on this new signature as her eyes change back to chocolate brown, Kandy quietly starts in a run coming up behind the man who is separating from Wisp.

It is obvious that the man is not completely coherent having just barely survived Wisp’s attack, Kandy already has her tanto out as she slides it from the sheath ... she thrusts the blade into the man’s back so as to rupture his heart, a lifetime of practice making this effortless.

As the man staggers forward collapsing to the ground, Kandy quickly straddles the man grabbing his shoulder to lay him on his back. She holds her hand over his mouth, not that he could scream out, as the man’s eyes glass over, his breathing decreasing, she moves her lips close to his and as she senses his last breath of life escape his mouth, she places her lips to his inhaling his last breath of life to rob him of his natural escape. A look of exhilaration on her face as she has consumed the life force of this man to her own. She rolls the corpse over along some vegetation for the animals that inhabit the jungle to feed on as she stands offering a soft smile toward Wisp before her eyes go back pure white, reaching out to try and detect her next Merc, so many life forms within this jungle, yes, the air and ground will be well fed this day.

[Kortaga]

Everyone was moving with the swiftness of kittens. They treaded softly and moved through the forest as if they owned it. Soon they would. He took his time, not feeling the need to stealth since he was keeping his distance. He double checked his gun to ensure the silencer was on. Those people were always so focused on the few that went forward that he rarely needed to watch out for them. He just needed to keep his melee people together and he would never mind it. Plus if anyone did attack him…he would end them.

His first focus was the alarm…last thing they needed was someone getting away and alerting everyone. When it came too ranged combat funneling and surprise were the most two lethal things one could do to your adversaries. With a calm but simple shot he aimed and damaged the alarm systems. While it was not something permanent it should get the job done.

Now to help preen the hedges…he followed if only a long while after and decided that any mercs that were out of range for his squad mates but close enough to hurt them should be eliminated first. Plus they could hide the bodies as he picked them off.

As he watched his target he took in a breath and waited till the perfect moment. He exhaled his breath and pulled the trigger. He watched and waited but he did not fall over. He blinked once…then twice…had he waited too long? He forgot he needed to be quick and efficient. He was always so slow that he was often told he was lagging. Maybe I will speed this up.

Another shot and he pulled to quickly…or maybe it was because he heard a commotion. Yes that was probably it he was moving differently than before that was why he had missed. As he took his time reloading he wondered how his teammates were doing. Feeling calm about the whole situation this time he took aim, expecting the man he was aiming at to move the new way he did and…one…two…

He was unsure if whomever he shot at was dead but that was not his problem. He took out two more bullets and loaded some more. He would handle weakening and picking off survivors. They would take over this establishment like the deserving people they were.

[Imp]

ROUND 2 - 7 Mercs remain

The warm, tropical island immediately erupted into bloodshed as the Candy agents attempted an infiltration, killing eight of the fifteen mercs. Once aware of the slaughter, the mercs fired back at whoever they could see through the thick foliage. Spraying and praying, the men unloaded their weapons and managed to draw blood from their targets. Both Nigai and Kandy were hit. The mercs hastily reload and prepare themselves for the counter attack.

The scene intensified, and so did Sahvri as he ran out from the bushes with his combat knife in hand. Catching the enemy unaware, the smooth agent slashed away at those closest to him. Some tried their luck and charged at him as he busied himself with the first target. Sahvri tackled the merc to the ground before plunging the knife into enemy's heart. Both rage and skill fueled him in this dance of death as he then rolled away from the corpse as another merc closed in, ready to attack Sahvri with the stock of his rifle. The man was most unfortunate as he felt the furry of Sahvri's blade after having his legs and stomach shredded. Among the melee maelstrom, Sahvri managed to miss one of the combatants as they blade only cut the breeze, However, like the breeze, the knife followed through into another nearby body. Specifically into the poor foe's left eye socket.

Without knife in hand, Sahvri jumped at another merc who was charging his flank with bayonet at the ready. Sahvri struggled with the soldier of fortune over the weapon before finally disarming him. Sahvri turned the rifle around and pierced his target's abdomen with the bayonet several times in quick succession. Four bodies had dropped in a matter of fifteen seconds. There was no time for pun-ishing jokes after each kill, no. He was in a state of madness at that very moment, but recovered from it and fell back into reality as he placed his boot on the head that held his knife, then proceeded to extract the blade and clean it on the corpse's coat.

[bluemoon]

With a nod to Kandy for her assistance, Wisp moved out again, the mercs now starting to retaliate, their remaining forces starting to fire their weapons at the agents. Sahvri was already working his way through their ranks, and she followed him into the fray, her rope in hand.

The mercs were spread thin, the Deathcult leader clearing a path for her to follow. She decided against stealth and ran head on, diving into the first man's chest with greater force than would be expected from a woman her size. Together they fell, Wisp wrapping her rope around his wrists as they struggled. She took a brightly colored tube from her pocket, applying a generous amount of a toxin to the side of his neck before jumping up, waving to him in a lady-like fashion and walking away.


The second merc was easier, his attention on one of her comrades when she approached him from behind. She didn't play fair, merely snapping his neck before he was even aware of her presence. She waited for his body to drop to the ground in a crumpled heap before she moved on.


One left she saw, and a scrawny one at that. She wasn't the best with long range weapons so she ignored the rifle at her feet and ran to close the gap, this time not able to use surprise to conquer her foe. She dove at the last minute, going into a roll, then jumping to her feet. A kick to the chest knocked the man back, and before he could regain his footing she was on him again. A body slam, his shirt front now in her hands as her right foot swept out and took his feet from under him. A final shove forced him to the ground. She pounced, using the flat of her palm to smash his nose. Her hands then went around his throat, her eyes narrowing as she choked the life from him.

As Wisp stood, she wiped her hands together to remove the dirt, scanning the area for any other danger but finding it clear. She stopped at the body of the man she had poisoned, retrieving her rope from his hands now that his struggle was over and made her way off the beach.

[Kortaga]

Nigai never hid from his opponents being the gunslinger that he was. Further confirmation that the alarm was taken out he noticed that several of the men pointed their guns at him. His face unmoved as he watched how their guns were pointed. He was a master of masters when it came to ranged combat. He walked forward and every time a shot came out he moved in a way that did not make sense to his attackers. Walking backwards, side to side, jumping periodically. Four bullets easily avoided though the last one he felt graze the left side of his rib cage. He looked down in annoyance. Failure! Me! No he simply refused to be the one who failed. This was supposed to be flawless. It must be the others fault, yes what person could dodge five shot other than him. He grinned to himself. Yes I am not at fault at all.

As he looked he noticed Kandy…the perky one with ice and stuff. The one who made good tea…she took two shots to her body. She would not be feeling well…

Niagi folded his larger rifle up and slide it onto his back. Once again with a clear and easy choice direction he walked without stealth or tact straight to Kandy. As he made it to her he wondered if he should use his magic to heal her. She was a magician herself and he wondered…well he figured with her ice trick that she might be able to heal herself. He needed to return the favor though…or maybe…he wanted to be honest…who knew.

He walked up to her and held out his hand palm facing her and allowed Green healing magic to pour out. He was unsure where her damage was and as he watched he noticed the other girl and the guide man going forward. Were they separating the parties into two teams? Also what happened to the bigger man…he was unsure. As he looked at kandy he wanted to say a number of things but all that came out was. “Healed?” He then stopped pouring out magic figuring that if she needed anymore assistance she could take care of herself. “Come…leaving…”

He felt his sweat leaking off of his forehead, not from combat but just from speaking three words to the woman. He stepped fluidly through the trees keeping his hand near his twin pistols in case things got messy.

[Imp]

Aboard the Umami vessel...

All patched up, and have taken what they needed from the corpses and camp, the team made their way aboard the large, grey vessel via a barge from a nearby dock. "This is the only of its kind. We're not sure what the Umami made it for, but now is the time to find out. Thankfully the Umami have terrible security, so they haven't a clue that we are here. Plus, this place is apparently derelict for a reason." Sahvri informed during the boarding process. The group had scaled the side via netting and grappling devices. It was a large ship, reminiscent of a small-scale oil tanker. They stood on the starboard side closest to the bridge a few decks above from their position.

"We can get a beautiful view up above and likely gather valuable intel from there. Or go below deck and see just what lies beneath. Or we can split up. I'll leave the decision to you" Sahvri then went on to check his gear and what valuables he collected.

[bluemoon]

Wisp boarded the ship after Sahvri, slightly winded from the climb up the netting. She brushed at her damp clothing, the spray from the water clinging to her camo pants. It was ghostly quiet, the waves against the side the only sound other than themselves. As Sahvri spoke, she stared up at the bridge he had indicated, agreeing that the view from that height would be outstanding.

She looked at the other members of her team when the options were presented to them. They were good together, would they be as productive if they split their talents? She for one thought not and she said as much, opening the conversation to anyone else who had a different viewpoint. While the floor was open for discussion, she began wiping at the paint on her face. The fight on land and her sweat had bled the colors together and she removed as much of it as she could while she stood there.

Once again she glanced up, counting three levels over their heads to the bridge. She liked the number three--it had always seemed lucky to her. "I think I would like to start up there," she said, pointing to the bridge. "I prefer the open air and up always seems better than down." There was no reasoning to it, just a gut feeling, but she was open to having her mind changed. "Does anyone else have another opinion?"

[Kortaga]

Nigai struggled to climb the side of the ship…he refused to ask for help but anyone who was keenly watching him would notice that he preferred to use tools which he had not brought…to help him with these sorts of things. Eventually making it to the top almost out of breath he saw the colorful lady also looked tired and hoped that he just fit in amongst the others. ‘Non-need know my terrible secrets…they should die with me to the grave…

Sexy guy spoke to them and Nigai felt irritation. Was this guy not the guide and the person leading this mission? Did we not actually have a leader? It made sense to get a bird’s eye view except for the fact the Nigai felt like anything of value would be inside the ship and thus making it a moot point. There is no way they would leave anything on top where a passing ship or plane could see what they were doing. No…they would just get caught climbing high…

The colorful lady began to remove her paint and he thought he was catching glimpses of her real skin color…something he felt dirty about. For her color was clothing…why was she stripping in front of us…Nigai felt uncomfortable he reached into his pack and pulled out a mask to cover his face. The mask itself was just a mirror so whomever looked at it they would simply see themselves before they died…how…psychological of him. How enlightened of him…how artistic of him…he expected praise but so rarely got it. Such was the struggling artist.

When the color-less lady started to speak Nigai face betrayed his thoughts. Thank goodness he wore the mask. She thought the exact opposite of him, he panicked…what would she think?

“Oh Nigai how stupid of you…how cute you think you are right…”
“Yea isn’t he stupid…girls know better…see the sexy guy knows…he lets us decide…”
“Go die Nigai…”

But…but…but I healed you…
The betrayal began to set in…what would everyone think of him? He would get back and suddenly find the looks…oh god the looks…mentally he screamed no to himself.

He could recover though. All he had to do was suggest something smart. He wanted to stick together.
“Tea lady…Nigai doesn’t trust us to split up…”
“Color lady…maybe he is just perverted…or maybe he worries about being alone with the sexy guy…yea maybe he is homophobic…”
He mentally screamed again. Why were these two so cruel to him? What did he do wrong?

All this transpired in the brief few seconds of decision making. As he looked to the color-lady he said, “…”

He paused for moment…wait that was not what he wanted to say… “…!” Really Nigai say something it’s been seven seconds they are going to look at you weird…

“Up…together…” He was mentally ready for the backlash. What would they say or do…would he have to go down alone? He fought well they would not ditch him so easily…right?

[Storm]

As the barge was along the grey vessel, Kandy watched as the team scampered up the netting. She then hopped upon the net and easily made her way up the side of the ship as she so often did while training on climbing ropes to reach unfortunates she wanted to remove from the role of living being. As she reached the deck, she listened to the cute commander guy give his briefing.

Her soft smile did not betray the sigh she wanted as the commander did not seem to have this thing well planned out. Sure, it would be simply marvy to run up into the control tower and sight see at things topside. It would be soooo normal for bad guys to keep their secrets laid out topside for anyone with two eyes, well, one eye if she jabbed her tanto in one of them, that brought out a slight giggle.

As the other cute guy slips on a mask, she smiles softly to him, after all, he did heal her after those such rude boys put a couple holes on her clothes. As Wisp speaks up mentioning the desire to explore topside in the open air, her only response is a soft smile. Both are viable options where the cute guy in the pretty mask also says 'up … together'. She glances quickly to him momentarily thinking just how useful that mask is, she could see her reflection perfectly in it, she would not need a mirror to do her eye shadow, lipstick application would be a breeze, but she drifts. Back to the matter at hand, in a upbeat and chipper tone she chimes in

"That is super marvy then, all settled, up and about to see what all can be found and seen from way up high..."

she removes her katana sheath holding it in her left hand

"...and while you sweeties are checking the way open stuff, think I am going to wander below to see what goodies these peeps have in their hidey holes. And pay no attention to muffled screams you might hear, we do take out anyone that might be wandering this lil shippie, don't we?" swaying back and forth in anticipation to get looking for goodies to report on and baddies to chill or slice.

[Imp]

Sahvri just chuckled to his comrades, each having their own unique characteristic. He would miss them once the mission was over as he'd likely be assigned elsewhere... if they returned back to base alive. "Alright, if you come across anything, of interest or danger, report it immediately. I'm not sure what we're in for, but once the bridge is secured, I'll access what intel I can and see about backup, if needed." Sahvri then equipped his rifle so as to not be caught off guard, if anything was even around. Things seemed dead quiet, with emphasis on the dead bit...

Heading inside to the stairs, it went from day and into night. Seemed the power was either off or on standby since nothing was illuminated. It was the way they'd all likely have to take since the stairway led up to the bridge and below deck. Sahvri was forced to switch on his flashlight attachment on his assault rifle and proceed with caution. All that could be heard, aside from the hard rubber boots on the barely audible with every step on metal, were the sounds of the ship only slightly shifting as it gently rocked due to the waves. He also picked up on a strong odor emanating from below deck. Something fetid, similar to fish, but worse. While he was happy he was going up, he figured he'd soon enough have to head down to see just what is going on, if a security terminal in the bridge didn't...

'Note to self, find a gasmask, if possible.'

Taking the lead, Sahvri continued up, keeping an ear out for anything out of the norm and with sights raised, clearing every inch in front as he ascended the stairs. One could never know what to expect on a derelict ship in a kooky world such as this.

[bluemoon]

A bit disappointed, Wisp looked at Kandy and Nigai as her and Sahvri started up the stairs. She had really hoped they would be sticking together. With a sigh of resignation, she turned her back on her teammates and began the ascent, the flashlight Sahvri held their only illumination. She walked a few steps behind him, keeping her eyes trained below her by moving sideways up the steps. For the longest time she was silent, a slight puff from her elevated breathing the only noise to reach her ears other than their foot falls.

"Do you really think it is safe for us to be divided?" she asked, unable to stop worrying. "If they encounter whatever is creating that smell, they may be in over their heads." Of course, she was assuming the 'whatever' was alive. If the smell was coming from death, the risk was minimal. "Maybe we should turn around?" She paused a moment, her indecision driving her crazy. She didn't like to question the directive...and if Sahvri said to keep moving up, she would follow his lead.

Still feeling uncertain, she took out the tubes of paint in her pocket and began applying a new mask, not needing light or a mirror to create an intricate design. She had been painting her face for so long that the skill came naturally. Although to others the paint was toxic, she was immune to its effects, feeling nothing but a slight tingle as it was applied. In no time she was decorated again, this time in tones of pale yellow, dark green, and black. Hopefully the right hues to blend into the ship's drab interior.

Straining her ears just a bit, she could now hear the sounds of descent below her and she let out a held breath. Chewing on her lip with nervous tension, she noticed she was falling behind and quickly closed the gap while she waited on the decision to continue with their ascent...or descend and join their friends.

[Storm]

As Kandy stepped over to a ladder leading below deck, an unpleasant odor emanated from below deck. Her eyes transitioned to pure white as she lowered herself into the darkness. Pondering if the quiet cutie was going to follow her, her vision looked into the darkened space she has entered. It seems musty which will work right into her favor is something needs to be changed into a popsicle. A cute smile graces her lips as she thinks more like a 'mercsicle' if she runs into any more of those rude boys that tore holes in her favorite kimono.

As her footing takes hold of the flooring, she removes her katana while letting her night vision take hold.