"Fort Rust, home of the Vultures. They're known mostly for their acts as bandits through out the mid-west, attacking food caravans, robbing towns and ambushes outside of Ethus depots. If there is anyone guilty to holding back civilization it is the Vultures and they need to be put down. Tomorrow night the whole gang will be meeting at Fort Rust for a big ol' party. My contacts tell me that the lesser gang members will be the ones on watch while the best pilots and bosses get to relax and get drunk. Now this is their main strong hold and even though they are leaving out the rookies and flunkies doesn't mean they'll be easy to walk through, there's at least a dozen that'll be watchin' for us."

But we've got the element of surprise on our side, long as we do this quiet at first. That's why I messaged you fly boys. You're first objective will be to neutralize as many of the guards as you can in 5 minutes, once they know they're under attack it'll be when I am crashing through the gate. From there we stick to two objectives: eliminate every pilot and keep as many vulture frames from leaving the scene. Gourai, Ghost and Stinger will be on the Second Objective, the rest of us will tear apart Fort Rust completing the first. Any questions?" Sean looked up from his plans to take a look at the collected pilots, each renowned for their skills with a CVF...

Jack honestly felt unsure in this situation. First this had been his first time outside the GOLEM meeting with other pilots. Sure he had tortured bandits for information before but they never survived to tell the tale. They would beg and yell at him and he would still just leave them to die in the Wastes. Other bandits would usually kill them for him. He rarely had to do the killing outside of a mech. Inside a mech he would kill with no problem. Most people who knew him were a but scared of the murderer who just so happened to still be a teenager. Jack's sources had told him that a Vulture party was not a family affair. It was just the kind of scum he would enjoy killing.

He looked at Sean wondering what had drove on the most well known European bandits to this? He had done his research on the guy and could only find he had been a bandit. That was all. Records from Europe were not great and his contacts were iffy at best. "So no mercy?" He asked simply. He was a simple guy honestly.

"I have two questions". Lev's voice resonated from one of the corners of the room, only the slightest hint of an accent marked his words. He had been standing perfectly straight and still, neat and tidy in his three piece suit as always, with his arms crossed and his back to the walls, never to the men. It wasn't that he didn't trust his associates, at least not when it came to whatever happened in that room, but better safe than sorry. "Why this and why now? The Vultures are scum and they deserve whatever happens to them, but you are hardly one for charity, mister Red Brother. I've been to Europe, I know of you and so did my father. There is something at stake here, beyond the pay you're offering these gentlemen, you would not have contacted a group like this otherwise."

Josh took this opportunity to chime in as he too stepped closer to the group and away from the wall. "I agree with the suit." he said, shocked that he would agree with someone so pretentious. "What's your angle on this Sean?" he asked, hoping to get an answer but not truly expecting one. Josh didn't know them well enough to see the underlying goal here but his gut told him there was one. He knew Jaufre personally but the others, only bits of information by digging up dirt on them. A Merc who knows the game and it's players is far more deadly than any Merc with a gun. "I'm all for getting paid and dropping hell on their worthless asses." he added, wanting to share his true intentions. Josh would be the farthest away from the action either way so if this operation went wrong, he wouldn't likely get caught.

Shaun Dean

Clad in a sleeveless white shirt and a pair of camouflage pants, Dee sat comfortably in his seat with both feet up on the table; showing off his polished combat boots. His gaze under the shades stealthily scanned over the faces of those present while inhaling the cigarette from between his lips before he casually blew the smoke towards the ceiling. His posture clearly emphasized experienced and arrogant if not confident. Since the time he'd stepped into the room, he'd only been observing and listening while mentally taking down mission-related notes.

M.E.T.T. - T.C.

That's what mattered most for the middle aged veteran on the field. M, mission. What's important? The objectives. The client had covered that part; which was to eliminate all OPFOR (opposition force). E, enemy. Who're the targets? Again, the mysterious stranger had filled them in with that information; a group of bandits known as the Vulture. T, time. When will they commence the operation? For the mission to be successful, they would want all members of the infamous gang to gather and according to the client's contact, it'll be late at night. T, terrain. What's the condition of the battlefield? How can they use it to their advantage? What do they need to be aware of? And judging by the look of the plan, as well as at the name given, Fort Rust, it's most likely urban. T, troops available. How many operatives will they be dealing with? Once more, according to Intel, there'll be at least a minimum of twelve units on watch. Which also means, there could be more on standby. And last but not least, C, collateral damage. It's the only thing the client haven't touched on.

"I don't give a damn about our client's cause!" Dee started, removing his feet from the desk and leaning slightly forward before looking away from those who'd spoken. "What I want to know is.." he paused, taking in another lungful of smoke as he addressed Sean. ".. when will the transaction be made? Half now, half upon completion?" he smirked, exhaling then sank back into his seat and turned towards the rest. "What's at stake you ask? What angle? Are you asking for deeper pockets? For more zeroes on the cheque? If so, just ask directly.. Or are you saying you won't do it if this operation would place our client in the wall of fame?" Dee asked without expecting any reply. "Frankly, I think I won't have much contract to go with if I was to share your concern.. Besides, you said it yourself.." he gestured to Joshua. ".. we're all for getting paid.. So as long as the money's good, who cares what's in it for him, right?"

Dee doubted the men still have any sort of family-ties for them to worry about accidentally destroying their own homes or killing off their loved ones. Especially when they'd decided to undertake such a dangerous career. So he couldn't quite relate as to why the stake -if there's any- would matter. They're just hired killers after all. Much like soldiers. Just fools taking orders for the rewards and at what they secretly or otherwise, enjoyed doing. Furthermore, wouldn't it be better for them if this feud were to lead into another similar confrontation or to persist? It'll definitely spell more contract for the mercenaries, wouldn't it?

"Oh, but do I have to worry about some civilian kid taking revenge years later for killing his or her innocent bystander parents?" Dee addressed Sean once more, indirectly asking if there's reports on any civilian living at Fort Rust.

Not that it would be a problem for him though. It's just that killing off civilians would leave a bad impression on his resume for his future clients.

"You want to know what he's after? Then why don't you get out and look around while the rest of us get paid?" Jaufre shook his head as he looked up from the watch he was tinkering with in his corner of the room. "We aren't here to question each other's morals or agendas, we're here to get paid and move on with our lives." After a moment more he let out an exasperated sigh and tossed the watch over his shoulder.

He didn't really move from his spot, but he did turn in place to crush the timepiece under his boot and grind it into the floor for good measure. "All I really need to know is when we roll out." The gloves that normally adorned his hands swayed at his belt with each movement, and as he slowly made his way around the room to size up all of his 'allies' he slid his hands into them, pulling them off of his belt. His gaze kept shifting to Dee as he moved. Something about him, the way he held himself or the tone with which he spoke threw Jaufre off. Eventually he came to a rest near Josh to listen to what everyone else had to say.

Lev turned to stare at Dee. "Please, you insult me. Money is the least of my worries and only a fool rushes in without knowing all the details, fueled by greed. After all, what good is money to a corpse?" Lev did not move an inch, nor did he change his posture besides a slight turn of the neck. He disliked this cadre, seemingly driven by greed and bloodlust alone, but at least one of them had the foresight to ask his same question. Better than he could've hoped. "I'm not taking any money for this and would do it on my own if need be, you can split my paycheck between yourselves if you'd like. The why is simply as important here as the who, when and how. A bandit does not eliminate other bandits out of the goodness of his heart and he certainly doesn't pay for it unless there's something important at stake. I would prefer knowing what."

"You dig like that all the time there and you'll ruin all the best surprises. But if you insist I can't keep it secret." Sean clicked his module, replacing the digital lay out of Fort Rust with the 3d render of an aircraft. "Some of you may still remember these from way back, The Titan Air-Carriers. The Vultures managed to build Fort Rust right on top of one of these things and they just got it running and able to carry a dozen CVF's across the country in a half a day. If these raiders get that into active duty we can bet on seeing plenty of heavy frames bearing down on settlements before a call for help can go out. But we don't want to destroy it if we can take it." He looked past the image of the massive aircraft at Lev and Jack, the biggest nay-sayers in the room at the moment, if he could please them than he could please the rest.

He thought on some the other questions while he waited for a response, readying hit many witty replies.

As Sean revealed the hidden agenda, Josh was relieved. Mostly because it didn't appear to be some sinister plan to get them all killed or arrested but in fact, a legit operation that if they failed, would support far more devious acts. All Josh wanted to do was make sure they weren't walking into a trap, as so many people tend to hire Merc's for jobs that are intended to fail and get them busted or turned to ash. "So you want to snatch up this Titan Air-Carrier, well that's something I can get behind." he said, unfolding his arms and taking a closer look at the 3d model. He wasn't all that familiar with them but if they could do what Sean claimed, than it really was important that they get their hands on it, or at least keep it out of the Vultures. "So, when do we start?" he asked inquisitively.

Anthony just sat in silence as the others carried on their conversation. He normally wasn't one to keep to himself, but all questions he had were asked and dutifully answered. "Thank god." He thought to himself as he drug the chair he was sitting in backwards closer to the table to view the carrier blueprints. He did remember them. "My question is now that you finally revealed this to us how did you not expect this big ass thing not to get hit by my artillery? I mean im far from saying im a bad shot, but there is that chance an escape route might need a good HESH round. You know the kinda holes them make." Anthony said with a small bit of concern on his face. If they wanted to take the carrier it needed to not be on the colateral damage list of all things.

"First off, the fort will be hosting a number of civilians who are attending this big bash, but to my knowledge only the slaves lack ties to a criminal past. So my recommendation is try to avoid stepping on the ragged. Second, the Titan will be out of the way for a predicted majority of the mission as they have hidden it in the hangar beneath the base. If they plan to use it for an escape then you can bet it won't be inconspicuous. Lastly, as I have said before the event is being held tomorrow night and we want to get there at dusk meaning we have about an hour before we need to leave so you all have time to make sure you are tuned and ready to get on the move." He scanned the faces of each pilot, making sure they were ready for this. "Are there any doubts left gentlemen?"

Jaufre stared at the image as Sean brought it up, only slightly unamazed. Stepping closer to the display, he leaned in, studying the finer points of detail. "My God, it's beautiful. I've only seen one of these before. When I was a kid my parents were hired to repair then engines on one of these things by some family with more money than brains. Started with a 'C' I think?" He shook his head. "Anyway, these things are monsters, and aren't easy to fix. If you guys bust this thing up Sean here'll be giving me your paychecks. Not that I'd mind too badly."

After taking another moment to look over the screen, he stood straight and turned to face Sean. "Why are we taking this thing? I get that they're bad guys and they shouldn't have access to it, but if anything I've heard about the "Red Brother" is true, you shouldn't have this thing either."

Jack sat there listening to the group. Might as well let them ignore the kid in the group. Again he felt sort of glad none of them had batted an eyelash at the 17 year old Frame pilot who had little to no qualms with murder. It took years of abuse to make him this way. He had stayed silent for most of it. It was against his training to talk but he knew Sean was trying to convince him and maybe the suit, Lev. They were most likely the strongest to not work with him. Bandits and Jack were never pals. He had no idea about Lev's story but he liked the guy. Smarter by leaps and bounds than your average guy he met . They would get along swimmingly.

"If the Vultures use that thing the whole area would destabilize even more. We are talking a massive shift in the balance of power to the Vulture's favor. On the the other hand, he who so ever holds it would be extremely power. Therein likes the reason I imagine you want to take it, Red Brother. You want that power. I respect that. Count me in. I'm always for killing bandits for a good cause. " He said nodding his head. The Titan might suit his needs too.

Shaun Dean

There's always a reason as to why a commander had not filled their troops with mission details. Shaun knew exactly what a few of them might be. Thus, he'd not asked what a couple of them have questioned. It wasn't necessary. He wasn't interested in becoming a leader nor was he there to show the others that he's on equal ground with the client. It wasn't the time to do so yet. He'd not proven anything to them. He'd not gained their trust. And neither have these bunch of contractors, despite of the stories he'd heard about them. So what gave them the right to clamor the one in-charge for this information.

Seriously? Insulted? From which hole in this world did you crawl out of, homey? Must have been all peaceful and colorful there.. Dee, having grown up in a harsh and violent upbringing, thought with a frown, but said nothing. Sometimes, knowing too much that you become blind to the obvious is more foolish than the one who rushes in with little details..

When Sean laid it out in the open without the slightest of hesitation, Dee shook his head and sat back. This was exactly what he'd feared. The given information have caused HIS mission priority to change. From eliminating all enemy troops to causing as little damage to Fort Rust as possible while doing so. It'll mess up their judgement, restricting them from using their full potential. Dee inhaled another lungful of smoke, half worried that some of them might be affected, especially those who relied on their high firepower in the battlefield. He wasn't sure how deep under this thing would be and there's no guarantee it wouldn't be damaged once all hell broke loose. On top of that, the window and motive for a possible betrayal among them have just opened. He'd not trusted any of these men and he'd been on his guard -although it wasn't that obvious- but he'll have to take it a notch higher now.

"If you'd paid more attention to this briefing from the very start, you'll see that all the answers have been laid out in the open.." Dee said without looking at anybody in particular. "Our client did say he's turning into a new leaf. That he no longer wants to be a bandit. And the Vulture have been holding back civilization.. He simply wanted to put an end to it," Dee then faced Sean. "My price for this job have not changed.. And I'm sure you'll need a team to use and run this thing," he gestured to the three-dimensional diagram. "..I'm willing to offer you my services as one of its crew member but that'll be at a different cost, which we could discuss on further after this mission.. Other than that, I've no more question nor do I require further clarification.."

"Ah, so the cat is out of the bag, as they say. Wasn't so hard now was it?" Lev gave took a good long look at the Titan's schematics, cupping his chin on his hand. Certainly a monstruous aircraft, too dangerous to be allowed to remain in bandits' hands, whether they claimed to be reformed or not. Perhaps too dangerous in anyone's hands, but only time would tell. For now, he was somewhat content with the information provided. He'd just have to watch, well...everyone in the room, something he was rather used to by this point. At least they were fairly predictable, these mercenary types, rarely ever thinking beyond the next fat paycheck, which meant he'd just buy them out if it came down to it and turn them into loyal followers in time.

This Shawn or Shaun person, however, was clearly the densest out of the whole group despite his aspirations to the contrary. Perhaps the thickest man Lev had ever met, which had to be some kind of achievement. There was nothing to show for it, he remained as stone faced and immobile as before, but he was irritated and he knew he'd end up killing the man sooner or later, too much of a liability that one. "Yes, our employer made his change of heart clear as you say, it is quite admirable of you to take his word for it. Perhaps I too should be less suspicious of others". There wasn't a single hint of sarcasm in Lev's voice. "Whatever the case, we certainly can't allow such a thing to remain under the Vultures' control. I am ready when you are".

"That's not what i meant, but you did cover another question of mine. So if you think the hangers deep enough below then im all for going all out on these bastards. As long as there are bandits like these vultures around im fine with clipping their wings if it means protecting others from undue harm." Anthony said as he stood from his chair and zipped up his pilot's vest. "As for being ready. Im as ready as a coon dog on a fresh trail." Anthony turned and left the briefing without another word with an 'enough has been said' kind of look on his face. He was the kind of man who knew there were times for words and times for action. He leaned more towards the latter in moments like this.

Josh slowly made his way back to the wall again, leaning on it while listening to everyone go back and forth. The truth about this mission didn't really change anything for him, other than his perception of it being a trap to get him busted or killed. If this was a valiant effort for mankind or a selfish act of a lying son of a bitch, he didn't care. The mission paid well, his role hasn't changed. The facts were clear. All he could think about was how many of their men could he take down before they realized what was going in. "1, 2, maybe 3." he thought to himself. Now looking to see Anthony leaving, he considered leaving as well. There was nothing left to discuss. Josh's life would be completely unchanged by the results of this mission, except his pockets would be a little deeper. "Well folks, that's a wrap." he said before leaving and heading to get something to eat.

Argile was relieved he didn't need to tell them everything just yet, while the Titan was a big portion of his attacking the Vultures it wasn't everything. And if they knew everything then they wouldn't want to be anywhere near that Fort.

"I'll see you all at the rendezvous point on the hillside opposite the Fort." Sean shut down the holoprojector and began to pack up, thinking on how the pilots questioned his motives.

He had wanted to tear them apart telling them he wasn't that monster anymore, that he would never go back to it after what he had done to his kin, and that he would die trying to repent for all of crimes by bathing in the blood of scum and villainy. But that wouldn't make him sound like any less of a monster... if he wanted to prove to them that he was a better man, it would be done with actions not words. Sean's mind lingered to his last brother, Angus The Black Brother, the one who left him for dead. He wondered if he would have to kill him too, now that he planned on becoming a bandit killer. And Angus was more than just a bandit back home; he was a god damn warlord. Argile shook the thought as he didn't want to think of that, let alone going home just yet.

All of them had been accounted for from the lowest ranking thug in a Frame to Warlord Big Bird himself. Hopefully they will think this is just one more party that'll go undisturbed. Sean loosened the tarp covering Red, it was too dark to see him unless they already knew where he was or were close enough to distinguish color in the dark. So far none of the others had arrived and none of them had decided to switch sides and join the party so Argile wasn't sure how to feel at this point.

The Red Brother had arrived and so from the darkness rose Svyatogor, the knight called Sacred Mountain once sealed in stone, clad in plate black as the night. Only the golden decorations of its armor, dulled from the passage of time and the rigors of combat so they did not shine bright, and the ivory of its weapons were visible in the dark, and then only if you were close by. It was a graceful Frame, sleek and limber, and it strode towards its current comrade not like a lumbering giant crushing the ground underneath itself but with the practiced fluidity of a trained fencer or perhaps a dancer. The machine's poise was almost a reflection of the man within the machine, and they both now hailed their would-be leader with a simple gesture, sword in scabbard held out in the left hand and grasped by the blade right under the hilt. "You have my sword" they said, wordlessly. Despite his misgivings about the group, their employer and his intended target, Lev would go through with the mission as instructed. It was a good chance of ridding the world of parasites like the Vultures.