Mykhailo Martinez

Mykhailo, after seeing Wolf, sought out Aurelié and asked bluntly, "So, we have a few hours to kill; want to go around town having a good time? Just the two of us, of course..."

He then gave a slight smile and added, "By the way, thanks for letting me win in that simulated fight."

Aurélie had just been to the galley to fill her thermos with coffee - there was an Italian commis in the kitchen brigade, who had a good hand with a Bialetti and a soft spot for a winsome smile. It pained both of them to abuse fine espresso by tipping it into a thermos, but "c'est la vie in the military".

Aurélie's charm was just another tool in her toolbox, of course, but the good thing about people from civilised cultures was that they understood the game - flirting was part of it, the exchange of gifts material and immaterial, and nothing too serious to come of it. One was here for a little space of time, and then one was not; best to live well while you could. And just as life was too short to tolerate bad wine or bad food, it was also too short to waste on bad relationships. You made each other happy for a while, and then you left while you still desired more - a little unsatisfied, but that gave spice to the waiting, rather than being so replete that you could not face the next good thing that came along.

So when Mykhailo came bouncing up to her, all but wagging his tail, and propositioned her with an approach so blunt he could have used it as a rolling pin, her moue was entirely genuine. "C'est à moi que to parles? Bonjour, s'il vous plaît? Pardon, but our squadron has, how you say, fucked up on this mission, so my idée of a good time for tonight is to take this - " she held up the thermos, " - and put in a few centiliters of cognac, and then to write up my after action reports so that we do not repeat this utter shitshow, n'est-ce pas?"

And with that she snapped around on her heel with the precision and firmness of an airbrake deploying. As she strode away, she left him with a final thought. "And do not mistake mentoring for affection."

Kat's Hospital Room
Matter Dei Hospital, Msida
A Few Hours Ago

"Well consider your mission accomplished. From what I hear, that thing's a wreck destined for the junk heap."

"Speaking of scars, I've got an insensitive question. Do you ever feel your eye? Rather, do you feel it hurt even though it's gone?"

Kat gestured for Fuka to take a seat on one of the chairs beside the bed, smiling at the other woman as she did so. As she mentioned her missing eye and the sensation of it, her fingers moved up to the patch that covered it, almost reflexively.
"Sometimes," she answered without much hesitation; there wasn't any real reason to hide her answer. "Sometimes I'll even wake up in the morning, and have forgot in the first few moments, wondering why I can't see properly. Most of the time, I don't even notice. I've been told over and over I compensate expertly for it, that my reactions are all in the top marks and all that. On the professional level, I couldn't be more relieved about those results. But on a personal level, it's... not the same". She gave a slight nod of her chin towards Fuka's hi-tech prosthesis. "And unfortunately, no one makes replacement eyes that have any function to them - yet, anyway".

“Sorry to interrupt. I thought I would come down and check up on you, see how you’re holding up. Save you from the box of boredom.” She motioned at the T.V.

Kat paused as Freyja arrived, surprising her to see a second visitor even more than Fuka's arrival already head.
"Two visitors? And both lovely ladies as well; the skipper's going to be very jealous. Well, more the merrier I suppose. It's nice to actually get to talk to my wingmates. We haven't really had a chance yet. And thank you," she said with a smile toward Valkyrie and a nod at the T.V. up on it's wall mount. "I was about ready to settle on something I wasn't sure was either a soap opera or a comedy before you two showed up".
She gestured to Peacenik beside her. "We were just discussing our missing body parts... Unless you've got something hidden, I guess you're not part of the club. Although, I don't think either of us would recommend it". A grin crept onto her face and she sniggered at the thought that came into her head, hating the words before she said them, but completely unable to resist the terrible joke.
"...Membership costs an arm and a leg".



Malta International Airport
Maintenance Headquarters Building
Back in the Present

At the front of the building, Ximena's suppressive fire had the intended effect; fire aimed out of the front windows slackened off, the hostiles inside unwilling to put their heads out against the firepower of the light machine-gun, backed up with Calico's snap-shooting further discouraging anyone trying to be brave.
Yuna backing him up, Scott pressed on into the building, cutting down one of the hostiles who blundered out of a side door into the main corridor. He cut right, entering the first large room, and popping another couple of short bursts off before one of the assailants could open fire with their mini-uzi against him. Another lunged forward, pistol in hand, but Scott's training kicked in, and in flurry of swift movements, the SMG still in hand and utilized in the close-quarter dance of blocks, jabs and strikes, he had them disarmed and on the ground; but the room to the left of the main corridor still held enemy personnel, lurking in wait.

To the rear of the building, Fuka's team kept the hostiles contained, or tagged them as they attempted to escape or move out. Accurate, quick fire from Fuka's M110 had tagged two, and Valkyrie's suppressive fire with her AK5c pinned down others shooting from the windows, giving Mykhailo a chance to pick his targets freely.
The moment almost seemed to turn as a pair of shooters opened up from the rooftop, pouring more fire onto them from a high angle.

Aurelie's object of interest had revealed itself, however; much of the equipment from the airport's more peace-time role was also parked or stored nearby, and a portable lighting tower was placed nearby. Not turned on currently, the light themselves had been left in the upright position, and it would take only a few switches flipped and angling of the lights to potentially make use of the brilliant lighting in the aid of the attackers.

@Smike, @Finetales, @Damo021, @Kensai, @Letter Bee, @Theyra

Yuna smiled when Ximena rolled up and started raining lead with her LMG. While Yuna still had some targets to shoot at, the overwhelming suppressive fire from the big gun certainly made an impression on their adversaries, and it didn't take long for Yuna's targets to dry up as Scott pushed in. Not one to shy away from a tactical opportunity to have even more fun, the petite Singaporean shifted her focus. Partially to announce her intentions and partially to give her shell-shocked right ear a moment of reprieve, Yuna ducked back behind the container, reloaded her MP5, and flicked the fire selector to full auto. She turned to face Ximena, yelling over the gunfire pretty much directly in Jefe's ear in order to be heard: "Seems like you got this on lock! I'll leave ya to it!"

It didn't take long for Yuna to find a break in the dwindling enemy fire coming out of the windows, and she took the opportunity to sprint to the front entrance. She slowed up just behind Scott, who had just cleared the main corridor. Heartbreak cut right and seemed to be having no trouble, so Calico cut left to cover his six. She noted that unlike Scott's new friends, nobody was coming out to greet her. She allowed herself a split second to feign a pouty face before focusing up. Maybe there was nobody in there...but maybe they were just waiting. Time to have some fun, she thought, and crept slowly to the door with her left eye trained down her MP5's iron sights. If there were people in there, the slackers hadn't even opened the door, which Yuna mentally scoffed at. How are you going to toss grenades out of a closed door?? No matter; they would learn the error of their ways.

Yuna reached the door and heard muffled voices behind it. She smiled and forcefully kicked the door in, squeezing the trigger of her MP5 at the same moment. The door gave way with little effort, which allowed Yuna to see who was inside waiting for her immediately. Not that she was waiting for visual contact; the rounds had started flying out of the MP5's barrel before the door had even finished swinging out of the way. Yuna sprayed in a quick arc across the visible room before quickly ducking out of the door frame and back behind a wall. She had caught them by surprise - even though they had been lying in wait, the sudden door kick startled them and they reacted too slowly. She knew she had tagged at least two of them, but she hadn't reached the third one before ducking out of the way before he could get a shot off. She had no time to wait around now; she knew the remaining assailant would give chase and she needed to reload.

Yuna sprinted further down the corridor and rounded a corner, letting her MP5 fall and be held at her chest by its sling while drawing her sidearm. When she peeked out of the corner, the remaining assailant was already out of the room and running at her. "Shit!" Her training and fighter pilot reaction time came in clutch as she reflexively rattled off three quick shots with her P226. The first got the assailant in the leg just as he pulled the trigger, causing him to buckle and his rounds to fly everywhere. The second and third shots got him center mass, and down he went - but not before Yuna was almost hit by the stray bullets as she frantically ducked back behind the wall. Yuna breathed a sigh of relief, muttering "Jesus..." Thankfully, Yuna didn't hear anyone else running at her, so she quickly reloaded both of her weapons and drew her MP5 once more, pushing back up to the room. This time she saddled up to the door frame and then whirled around with her MP5 pointed into the room in an instant. She had no opposition this time; the two men she had tagged were down and out and there were no further targets inside. Yuna cased the room completely, ensuring no further danger, and yelled out "CLEAR!" in Scott's direction.

With imminent danger to her and Scott eliminated, Yuna took up a defensive position in the room behind a large desk the assailants had conveniently already pushed on its side to use as cover. Either more targets would come to Yuna like moths to a flame, or her C/O would have new orders for her. In the meantime, she had found an H&K G36 assault rifle lying next to one of the bodies and decided that she wanted to take it for herself. This engagement had taught her that while her MP5 was perfect for CQC, this squadron apparently saw enough ground action that it would benefit her to improve her mid-range capability, just in case. She was all too happy to accomplish that goal with a gun she liked, taken from an enemy she killed, with no money spent. It was even on a sling, so she slung it on her back, leaving room for her MP5 slung the opposite way in front. More weight? Yes. Worth it? Even more yes.

@Rhona W @Smike

Fuka Nakano
Matter Dei Hospital, Msida

Perhaps it wasn't her place to ask such a question, or maybe she should have approached it with more tact, but Fuka felt entitled to an answer. She was one of the few people who could understand Kat, after all. How many people had list an integral part of themselves like they had, and of that select group how many had lost it in battle? They were maimed not by a car crash or a freak accident but through violence, wounded warriors who kept fighting because it was their purpose.

"I know just how you feel." she said, taking the offered seat. "I'm left-handed, and I still try to brush my teeth before attaching my arm. I suppose I should be grateful that I'm able to fly. They told me that everyone adjusts differently, that I might not function as well as I would like. I guess we're just better than most."

Fuka glanced towards Freyja as she entered, giving her a nod.

"From what I hear the people on those boats owe you big time." she said. "Good going."

Who would have thought that the big bad Valkryie, the bad bitch who sent N/UN sailors to watery graves, would find herself on humanitarian missions? Probably not even Freyja herself. Fuka wondered whether her change in allegiance had been due to morals or simple expediency, but that question went unasked.

"Hey, if you haven't paid dues already we can take care of it here. Ask the doctors for a bonesaw and in five minutes we can slice off a body part of your choosing."

Ximena Huang
Tarxien, Malta

"You're probably right." Ximena chuckled. "I guess we'll find out."
+++
Ximena had always loved going fast. Ever since she was a girl she had craved speed, whether it be horses on her family's ranch or the Ural motorcycle her father had bought secondhand. Unsurprisingly, as she got older she got more advanced, slaloming sports cars, speedboats, and eventually, planes. Hurtling forward at hundreds or thousands of miles an hour gave her a high unmatched by anything on Earth; the fine control she had to exert contrasted against the terrifying knowledge that one wrong move would turn her into a red stain. Her hands wanted to shake but she couldn't let them, the blood pounding in her ears deafened the roar of the engines, her survival instinct begged her to slow down but she always told it to shut the fuck up and enjoy the ride.

The scooter she was toodling about on wasn't enough to force her into that state of primal excitement, not even close. The little Euro-bike was pushing 150 ccs if that, but what she expected? The rental place dealt with college kids on vacation, not adrenaline junkies fiending for their next high. It was good enough to get from points A to B, and pretty cheap to boot. Jefe pulled up alongside her new buddy, eyeing the bar.

"Pretoria, like South Africa? Interesting."

Perhaps some Afrikaners had gotten out when the ANC came to power and wanted to remind themselves of home. Whatever, a bar was a bar.

"Sounds good to me."

Ximena killed the engine and lowered the kickstand, stepping into the bar. It looked like more of a spot for locals than a visitor's joint which was nice, the gathered crowd looking more like staff from the various tourist traps than guests. It was clean without being sanitized, the floor recently swept but still stained from years of things being dropped on it. She already knew what the food would taste like, if the place bothered serving any: entirely satisfactory and still tasting of the freezer, not overpriced, trendy crap designed for social media.

It was the sort of joint Ximena could feel comfortable drinking- or at least as comfortable as she ever did. You didn't walk around with a knife in your boot and a hand cannon hidden in a specially made pocket because you were at peace with the universe.

"Hey there." she addressed the woman behind the bar breezily. "Can we get something local?"

Two bottles of Cisk lager were presented, Jefe taking one as she slid onto a stool.

"So Calico, how long have you been with Shattered?"


Fuka Nakano

She liked being a fighter jock, but Fuka had to admit she missed being shot at on the ground. Rounds flew overhead and ricocheted somewhere behind her as she switched from target to target, knocking them down like she were plinking soda cans. Moving with her crew was almost like being in the Rangers again; Valk covering her in a classic bounding maneuver. She took note of the pair the Swede had pointed out and reacted. One man had an old-school Ruger rifle but no idea how to use it, aiming much low considering his angle. Fuka put one in his chest before switching targets, shooting his pal in the gut.

Whatever breathing room she had bought was quickly spent by the appearance of another pair on the roof, Peacenink having to duck for cover as they opened up. She could see them only by the light of their muzzle flash, indistinct figures disappearing back into the darkness. Looking around to take account of the team's circumstances she spotted Aurelie heading for the light stack.

"Valk, Myk! Cover her! New girl, stick with me!"

Ximena Huang

The sabotuers didn't seem interested in taking their offer, which was a shame indeed. Jefe, always eager to please, opened up again with her machine gun. Her drinking buddy seemed bored now that all the targets were ducking out of the way, Ximena noting how she flicked her MP5 from 'for your eyes only' to 'to whom this may concern'.

"Have fun." she shouted back. "I'll follow behind you guys in a bit!"

She laid down fire as Calico dashed for the door, one genius sticking his arm up to blindfire just as bullets swept his window. It was hard to tell at that distance, but Ximena was pretty sure she had torn his arm off at the wrist.

Whoops.

She snickered cruelly, keeping the carnage coming. She could see a hint of movement as someone crouchwalked from one window to another, the very top of their head bobbing in and out of view. Ximena didn't bother aiming for such a tiny target, instead letting a burst of .300 Blackout chew through the thin wall and whichever mechanic was behind it.

"Come and get some you fucking traitors, I'm right here! I'll do this shit all night!

It was probably karma for her to be fighting 'traitors' since she herself was one, but that was a problem for the future. In the meantime she had good, solid cover in the form of a concrete barrier and a thick lightpost base and about fifty rounds in her current belt. It was a recipe for a fun time, but not exactly what she had signed up for when she defected.

@Rhona W @Finetales @Letter Bee @Damo021

"Hey there." she addressed the woman behind the bar breezily. "Can we get something local?" Two bottles of Cisk lager were presented, Jefe taking one as she slid onto a stool.

Yuna lazily plopped herself down on the barstool next to Ximena as the Sinomexicana ordered for them both. As promised, Yuna presented her card to the bartender before Ximena had a chance to, saying "keep it open" as she did so.

Yuna was pleased to see a Cisk Lager placed in front of her. "Ahh, Malta's finest," she said, spinning the bottle around to inspect it. "I've never had it myself." She took a sip, then a longer sip, and then a loooooonger "sip". "Mmm. Just what the doctor ordered," she said contentedly.

"So Calico, how long have you been with Shattered?"

Yuna turned to face Ximena. "Not long at all. I pretty much signed the contract and then got sent out here. Didn't even have time to unpack." She looked around the bar, before taking another sip of her beer. "Not a bad first deployment though, gotta say."

Looking back at Ximena, Yuna continued. "What about you?"

Ximena Huang
Tarxien, Malta

"Hmm, about two years now I think? But I would have to check for an exact date."

Had it really been that long since her life had turned to ash? Ximena sipped her beer as she ruminated, letting the taste play across her tongue. It was sweeter than she preferred, never having gotten into lagers, but when in Malta do as the Maltese do.

"Admittedly, I've not done much since joining. Patrols mostly, training pilots for different countries, that sort of thing. It'll be nice to see some real action again."

Shattered had been wasting a top pilot on teaching rookies how to joust, probably because they didn't trust her. She couldn't blame them, but nevertheless she was glad they got their heads out of their asses.

"I heard that our new team is already down two planes and one pilot, so hopefully Malta turns out to be more exciting than it looks right now."

@Finetales

Mahkam simply waved his hand to the group and took a spot near the back. While he would have been more welcoming to his new teammates, the fact everyone was requested to bring their weapons with them and the serious tone of the meeting. He knew that pleasantries and a proper introduction would have to wait for later. So, with a calm face, he waited to see what this business was about.

Traitors, that is what this is about. Mahkam had heard about the dead pilots, and that was the reason why he was coming in to replace them. But learning that it was intentional sabotage by their own mechanics was eye-opening. His mind started to think as to why they would do this and if they were perhaps working for another PMC or Corp or something. Someone who wanted to see them fail and die. But it seemed like his new commander, Scott, had a plan. But a plan that he was not expecting. Since security is stretched thin, it looks like the pilots will be the ones who will be dealing with the traitors.

He had to admit, he was unsure about this. Sending them to deal with the problem and not actually security. But Mahkam knew that this could not continue, and this had to be dealt with. Plus, he is no coward despite thinking of his family. Mahkam blankly looked down at his gun, a Russian submachine gun. He knew its rounds would be useful at penetrating body armor, or at least Russian body armor. So, with a deep breath, Mahkam readied himself for a firefight. It would be the first time he actually had to use his gun before, but he was trained on how to use it, even if that training was years old.

Still, Mahkam followed Scott out the door with his gun at the ready. He followed his orders and ended up staying with his group when it became time to split up. He was at the back of the group that was hugging the wall to the maintenance building when gunfire erupted. Uttering a single swear in his native tongue before following Scott.



Mahkam entered into the building after Scott and the rest of his group. Trying to ignore the loud sound of Ximena's suppressive fire. He had yet to shoot his gun since both Scott, Yuna, and Ximena made it so that any targets were already dead or hiding for their lives by the time Mahkam had a chance to shoot. Still, he was ready and willing to end this and protect his new team.

So, after looking around and seeing how things were clear at the moment. Mahkam chose to take cover at a large desk that Yuna was taking cover at. Weapon at the ready if more traitors show up, "This is some first day with the team." He said in a surprised and hushed tone as he peered over the desk, seeing if more people would come to them. "Definitely not what I was expecting," as he waited for either a reply from her, more traitors, or new orders from Scott. It has certainly been an interesting day and time to see how more interesting it will be.

@Rhona W@Finetales