XCOM
Location: Coruscant, polar orbit
Having finished what scans they could and having little more than the other ships to show for it, the Commander decided to move the Avenger into a low polar orbit over the planet to make it easier to deploy via Skyranger when called. XCOM did not have to wait long.
This time it wasn't Carter on the horn though. "Folding ourselves into their command was a genius idea. I've had the privilege of witnessing some of your council meetings and had to manage the resistance factions before we got you back. I don't envy Carter having to manage all of the multiversal dignitaries." Bradford grunted.
"Hear, hear. Let's see what got filtered through the grapevine. Patch me through... Hammond, Avenger actual. Roger that. AO and objectives, over?" The Commander inquired.
"We have a strategy gor dealing with the target as a whole, however it is critical that we hit as many of them at once, as the enemy may build immunity over multiple exposures to the weapon. Likewise, we will need to confirm the location of the enemy command element, the humanform known as 'sixth'. It was last seen within the Jedi twmple that is the epicenter of the infection. Major Hailey advised that your unit is uniquely equipped and qualified for deployment in high risk areas. Be advised, we may deploy the weapon as soon as you confirm the objective's presence. The blast will take the form of an EM Pulse, sending the waveform specification now. Plan accordingly. Over."
"Understood, Hammond. We'll have a mission update in ten. Avenger out." As the channel clicked off in her ear, the commander turned to her senior staff that has already gathered around the hologlobe. "What have we got?"
Lily took the word first. "The squad will be deploying into a heavily infested area. From the Hammond's records, if they had enough time to replicate, even the floor may be composed of the angry legos. The Major noted that our magnetic weapons will likely have great effect on the block based replicators, although she noted the limited ammunition as a significant issue. I would recommend deploying with autoreloaders. Makes you wish we pursued the grenadier development."
"Wasn't too useful against the enemy at the time. We may want to investigate that now, but that will not affect this mission." Bradford noted, "Likewise, frag grenades are probably better choice than the plasma ones. We still have old stocks form the original war on board, might as well finally get a use out of them. Given that this is a recon mission, I would suggest deploying only a small squad. Outrider is best to take the lead on this one. Given the potential EMP strike, Julian should probably sit this one out."
"For that matter, the Gremlins of our specialists will also need to shut down to survive it. They are hardened, but not to such degree to survive the hit while operational." Shen frowned.
Bradford nodded, "Given the ammo situation, we should also deploy using rifles only. Shotguns and sniper rifles are not going to be of much use, and I would save the psions for a rainy day. Is the Hammond going to deploy the squad via their transporter?"
"I would suggest deploying via Skyranger." Tygan added to the discussion, "As we know from Hammond's brief, the replicators are attracted to two things: Advanced technology and highly energetic events. The transported technology has been known to attract their attention, whereas the Skyranger is relatively primitive in comparison with the other technologies available on the planet. Unless this humanform intervenes directly, the Skyranger could deploy our squad virtually undetected."
"Don't let Firebrand hear you say the words Skyranger and Primitive in one sentence, doctor. Very well. Tell Dragunova, Starke and Trask to suit up. Warden armor, mag rifles and frag grenades only. I'll brief the squad en-route." the commander decided, "Central, let Hammond know when we're ready, I'll get on the horn to request clear path for the Skyranger."