OOC: Absolutely fantastic idea, Wraith, and this should definitely make for an interesting RP. I'm definitely going to be involved in this, sounds really interesting. ^^

Let me get something clear though, the Government army is a mixture of Mobians and Overlanders, one Rebel group is purely Overlanders, and another Rebel group is purely Mobian, right? Do the rebel groups have specific names? They might not come into play often seeing as it looks like its going to mostly be the Government agents after this jet, but I was just wondering.

Bio:

Name: Hermes Carrion

Age: 29

Species: Overlander

Occupation: A mercenary who works for the highest bidder. Because of his skills and his ability to sense the location of various things he has been hired by the government, despite his low racial disagreement with Mobians.

Description: Carrion looks a pyscho from the state in which he dresses, but he is far from one. His look is that of a wild, beast, and is done so intentionally in order to strike fear into his victims and even allies. As such, his clothing is of standard black trousers that are normally ripped and ruined, a white (and hence often dirtied) trench coat, and no vest or undershirt so that his bare chest is open and visible, as is the wide scar across his body. His hair is blonde and mangled and unchecked, for he often doesnt have the time or care to sort it.

Personality: Carrion is quite an intelligent and calculating figure, and isn't entirely quick to anger, and will respond to such situations at a same rate as others. Carrion has a low level of hatred towards Mobians however but is able to put up with them, much to his dislike. His dislike of them stems from his past and unfavourable dealings with them before.

Powers and Abilities: Carrion carries a scythe with him and has grown to be quite proficient with it, but not to the degree he would like. He is constantly growing more and more efficient with it, but as it is, he is extremely inexperienced in using it. Carrion can also be quite a fighter when he needs to be. Since the tragic event in his past he has been aiming to be as strong as possible to complete his mission, and since the majority of Mobians exhibit powerful abilities, he needs to be as capable as possible in order to defeat them. But, alike his weapon training, he is still growing and learning and isnt a master, but quite skilled. Carrion also has an uncanny ability when fighting within his psychopathic and insane state of mind to not feel pain, however, when out of this berserker mode either during in the fight or after one, he feels the full effects of the wounds and the exertion he puts himself through often leaves him extremely tired and wounded. Carrion can also run at a fair pace overly average of a normal human/Overlander, but this is generally because of his determination, and weariness can catch up quite quickly.

However, by far Carrions most important and useful ability which makes him an extremely dangerous opponent is his sensory awareness. Once he can concentrate well enough (and usually when closing his eyes) he can see the world in another way from what it usually is in its state of energy. In this he can feel the energy of each molecule of the wind, every blade of grass and because of this, he can see the outlines of people and their aura, specifically the energy they give off. This allows him to see people who move quicker then the naked eye can quite see, and also to see through other objects, such as trees and buildings. This allows him to be an extremely efficient and effective tracker, able to deduce a person or object from their unique energy and shape of outline.

Weaknesses and Flaws: It might be argued that someone like Carrion doesnt have flaws, but this is far from the truth. Carrions ability at fighting, is for the most part, not entirely brilliant and its mostly his own will and determination which makes him continue to fight, whilst his skill arent quite completely mastery. Carrion also often overexerts himself, as when he runs and tracks an opponent and victim he normally wears himself out and this can be dangerous for later. Carrions ability of self awareness and to be able to sense others is also extremely draining, it takes a lot of concentration, and the further Carrion broadens his sense on the landscape, the more concentration and effort it takes. Still, with more practice and training the effort to do this wears out.

History: The reason or origin of how Carrion managed to acquire his sensory abilities or mastery of it is generally unknown. Although Carrion knows perfectly well how he himself managed to acqurie it, he prefers not to tell anyone of it in case they are also able to learn and master the ability. For all his life that he has known, he has been a loner and because of his abilities he takes a profession as a mercenary to support himself. In the case of Project Speedbird, he considers it nothing more then a job.

OoC: Let's try Bridget Loranski in a position of responsibiity... As for the Rebels...

BiC:
A short Mobian Cat waddled to her feet. She was heavily pregnant, in her third trimester even. An ex-rebel herself, she had become a spokeswoman for the Mobian Rebels known as the Crimson Blade, one of the more co-operative terrorist groups.

"Before anything bad happens, General?" said Bridget Loranski, "I should think that with an unpredictable packet full of bombs flying loose, something bad already has happened. If the wrong persons acquired control of it... well, I'm sure your imagination is sufficient to fill in the gaps."

There was mumbling from around the table, and she continued, "My first suggestion is that we warn the more dangerous rebel alliances that it's on the loose. That way, if it targets any of them, we won't automatically have a war on our paws, and they can look out for it also."

She didn't sit down; it wasn't worth the effort if she was just going to have to stand up again.

"A distinctively bad idea even telling them or the public about this. Hence why it's top secret." Hermes spoke. Although he was simply a hired mercenary most probably called in for his tracking abilities, his calculating mind was being used even now.

"You tell the public, and it'll only cause a panic and fear among them. Same could go for the rebel forces as well... heck, the most probable outcome of telling any rebel forces is that they'd go after it themselves for their own uses, against this government." Hermes explained.

"Speaking of which, how in the heck did a spokeswoman for a rebel group even get herself in this room?!" Hermes said, his tone harsh and distinctly untrusting.

"Because I've got more contacts than any other member of this conference, no doubt," said Bridget, "And because I was woken up in the middle of the night by the General's secretary telling me to come here. How, might I ask, would a hired gun get into the main chambers?"

"Obviously you haven't read my profile, then." Hermes said in response. "My exceptional gifts will no doubt lend a hand in being able to locate this 'mysterious plane', and on the off-chance their is danger... I'm capable. Plus I've been around the world and specifically this city, working around... so I've got experiences on how others might handle this situation, if they find themselves involved."

Hermes quickly looked away as if in disgust, but mainly turning to look back to the commander in case any more information would be given.

(OOC: Still here, just waiting for a few more to join. Sorry for the delay.^^)

IC:
Runier shook his head. "The question of the Speedbird being captured is not a problem. The AI on that thing is so complex it can even re-write it's own programming to keep hackers out. Besides, they'd have to confine it before they could hack it, and that would be extremely difficult.

"However on the point of informing the gangs, that is not an option. As I said, this is a top secret project and must be kept such. The Millitery believes that if the rebels were to hear about this it would cause them to increase their violent activities."

Hermes didn't speak up or reply to this, instead he just turned slightly so that Bridget could see the side of his face, where he had a wide grin on it and had his arms folded in a smug manner, as if only to say I told you so.

"Then if capture is impossible, we have to destroy it before it can endanger lives," said Bridget, "Any suggestions?" she asked the two men, mild venom in her voice.

"Destruction is a last resort ONLY." replied Runier grimly. "As I said, this machine represents one of the biggest investments the army has ever made! We cannot afford to lose it unless we have absolutley no other choice!"

"And the fact that they did say it had a nuke upon it as well. If destruction has to occur, it'll have to be done in an area completely away from any life. We don't want to have to destroy it to prevent others using it for evil such as killing people, and yet end up wiping out many of them anyway." Hermes continued to explain.

"Well, I'm all out of ideas," said Bridget, irritably, "What was the point of calling us here if it can't be destroyed and it can't be captured? Why don't we just bend over and start calling it the winner already?"

(OOC: EDIT: Welcome Shadow Lady^^ There's still room for a few more if anyone else wants to join Hopefully we'll get one or two more charaters)

IC:
Runier looked exasperated. "I said capture by the Rebels was almost impossible! We have considerably more resources than the rebel groups, and we have all of you here, with your experience and your powers. I don't pretend to know HOW you will manage to capture it, but I have no doubt that you will find a way."

OOC: I say just wait a little bit longer. This RP hasn't been up that long and the amount of replies so far might put off some people into thinking this RP has already properly started. Give it a few more days maybe and then see if anyone else wants to join.

OOC: Hmm....very interesting. I think I'll join; I have just the right character! ^^

IC:

The Aussie vixen pursed her lips, her calculating eyes moving from Bridget to Runier to Hermes and back again. One part of her mind wanted to agree with what Bridget had said, and call the crazy plane the winner. But of course...that's not what she had been called here for. No, to Karya Mitsuki, traveling all this way just to give up would be for nothing. And she wouldn't give up when she had hardly even tried at all.

The mercenary shifted in her seat, so she could face Runier. "Would it not be possible, mate, ta hack this thing? Get into its systems?" Her accent was thick, making it known where she was from. Kari pulled the cape over her shoulders more firmly, making sure it covered her metallic left arm as the rest of the room's inhabitants turned to stare at her.

"If not..." She continued, "I'd believe this ta be somewhat pointless." She used her organic arm to move one of her teal strands of hair out of her face.

OOC: I'll get a pic of Kari up soon.

"Our scientists should be able to get into it's neural net, but they could only do that with a direct link, which means we must capture and restrain the Speedbird while we work on it." said Runier gruffly. "Once we have it here at the base, we can shut it down no problem. It's getting it here that we need to figure out."

"Obviously, ya mistook my words, general." Karya blinked, closing her eyes calmly. "I'm well aware that ya scientists could very well get into that bushel a' bomb's mind, no problem. What I'm sayin' is...is there a way to hack it and disa'm it? That would make it easia for capture."

Unknown to everyone in the room, a young woman had disguised herself as one of the guards, and as she listened in on the conversation, she smiled to herself. She wasn't at all impressed that any could get the job done but she would bide her time...

OOC: Profile shall come later...

"And what I'm saying," retorted Runier sharply, "is that in order to do that we have to capture it! It's systems are shielded, there's no way to hack into it without a direct line, and there's no way to get a line until we have it here on the base!"

(OOC: Welcome Torn^^ Yey looks like we may be getting enough players after all still a little more room if anyone else wants to join )

"Sounds like a intune mission to test our skills." a newer, more emotionless voice spoke. The group turned to a figure tugged in a dark black trenchcoat, pants, and boots. A cloak strewn around the persons head to hide its specie.
"But we face confusion. You say it cannot be captured, destroyed, or hacked on the spot." he added. "Best thing to do is blow the location of where it is located." the new one added again as he joined the group.

"Names Hunter."

Sitting in his seat at the back, Swift flicked his ears in irritation,
"How fast does this thing move?" he asked still seated, a few people turned to look at the fox, red furred with black tipped ears and tail. His intense blue eys focused on the commander.
"And can we communicate with it."

"The fact is..."Hunter"...that we don't know where it's located. This plane is designed to operate under complete stealth...not even our own systems can track it!"

Runier looked across at the other figure who had spoken. "And in answer to your questions: It's the fastest jet we've ever built, custom made from scratch. We haven't been able to run tests thanks to this happening, but we estimate it capable of speeds approaching a rocket's escape velocity! Needless to say it would rarely if ever reach these speeds, but our simulations sugest it would be possible! As for communicating with it, as I said it is refusing to aknowledge our signals. We assume that it is recieving them, but it seems it's AI has evolved beond the inabillity to disobey orders when it sees fit."

The General leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk. He let out a long sigh. "I realise that all this seems impossible. I can imagine what you all must be thinking...this project was designed to be the ultimate weapon, but maybe we designed it to be TOO good!" He looked around, making eye contact with each of them in turn. "The fact is, though, that you are our very last hope. We are powerless, lost. I know it seems like an impossible assignment, but considering what's at stake, with the rebel groups and all, all of you are, quite litteraly, the entire planet's last hope! If you fail, it could spark a war that would result in complete chaos, destruction of society as we know it, mass civillian casualties..." The General's voice sounded desperate. "I know it's a mammoth task, but if you fail, the consequences could be catastrophic." he finished quietly.

(OOC: Welcome everyone^^ Wow, I didn't expect an influx like that! Cool Good quality posts from everyone so far as well! Well done!)

"Like all machine, planes run out of fuel. And then they need to land to refuel. That my plan is. Get to refueling station, or better yet find where that is. Sneak on the plane and hide in the less guarded spot on the plane and commence mission. Set some bombs on the plane - for backup. And see with it after that." the emotionless voice said.

"It sounds like a foolproof plan, but there are always unexpected obstacles and flaws that can occur. So the plan is not perfect - but I think it is the best way to go."

Hunter nodded as he tapped his wrists for a momment.

Riku couldn't help but smile. The general was horribly antsy and looked ready to burst a vessel. She checked her weapon and wiped her brow. These clothes were making her uncomfortable and she began to look for a way out. She slipped out a little device and attached it to the wall, small enough to not be noticable and she slipped away.

Swift sighed and drummed his fingers on the table, it always helped him think.
"How does this stealth technology work?"

Riku found a bathroom and noticed several cameras in the bathroom. "Wonderful spot to install some cameras, right in the woman's bathrooms," She said. She pulled back her sleeve to reveal a small watch. She pressed a button, firing an electromagnetic field to disable the cameras. She locked the door to the bathroom and ran over to one of the stalls. She slammed the seat down and stood on it to move one of the ceiling panels. She pulled down a small bag and slipped out of the soldiers' clothes. She pulled out a business suit to make herself appear professional. She untied her black hair and let it fall to her shoulders. She put on some makeup and washed her face. While she was doing this, she looked in the mirror and groaned. "I can't wait until I can undie my hair. I hate this awful black color. Whoever thought gothic style was hot should have been taken behind the shed and beaten senseless," She said. She stuffed the soldier outfit in the bag and put it back in the ceiling and put the panel back. She climbed down and unlocked the bathroom and exited. She leaned against the wall in the hallway and pulled out a small headset and put it over her ears, eager to hear the conversation. She slipped on some glasses and pretended to look occupied.

OOC: Sooooooooo cliche it hurts...

"The surface is a special shape and made from a special alloy to deflect and refract radar beams, and it has an audio dampening system that cuts engine noise down to almost nothing. It's also equipped with holographic imaging cells around it's superstructure that allows it to change the color of it's surface like a chamelion, although that system hasn't been activated yet."

(OOC: A thought, if anyone's getting bored of discussion feel free to get down to some action^^ The reason I haven't moved it along is in case anyone has questions they want to know so they can play the story better, but if everyone's got all the info they need don't feel we have to stay cooped up in the meeting for all the RP^^)

============================================================

Meanwhile elsewhere...

Co-ordinates: 327-104-53-279
Location: Eastern Desert
Altitude: 7000 feet

The Speedbird rocketed across the sky, sunlight gleaming off it's metal hull. It hadn't activated full stealth mode yet. There was no need.

It's jets left a long trail of vapour across the cloudless blue sky, which rapidly evaporated in the heat of the sun.

Distance: 15 miles and closing.
Stealth mode activate.
Descend to 1000 feet.
Scanners on standby.

Massive blast shutters swung down over the plane's two afterburners, leaving just a small gap for the heat to escape. The special minerals in the metal sheets refused to viabrate to even the most powerful of forces, stopping sound from passing through the substance.

The plane's sleek, streamlined outline suddenly blurred slightly as it's surface suddenly filled with hundreds of small hexagonal shapes, translucent like frosted glass. The hexagons melded together into a skin-tight translucent bubble around the craft, making it look like it was made from glass. Suddenly the shield faded into a blue colour, the same shade as the sky, and the plane's outline completely dissapeared! It had found how to activate the holographic imaging system itself.

It went into a sharp roll as it began to descend, an added precaution to throw off any scanning beams that might somehow have locked on...not that any could. The vapour trail behind it had ceased, all the liquid being completely evaporated in the compressed thrust from the afterburners. Speedbird continued to drop until it reached 1000 feet, then leveled off and activated it's scanners. Up ahead were a series of caves in a large rocky outcrop, believed to be the base of operations for one of the rebel groups.

The plane overflew the area slowly, scanning constantly. Simply an information gathering mission for now. It could consider attack strategies once it knew the lay of the land...

"Although you don't neccessarily know where it is," Hermes spoke up after sighing at the prospect that this mission seemed virtually impossible from the intel given to them so far about locating and capturing it, plus the danger it posed. "do you have any ideas or suggestions as to where it might actually be? A highly advanced jet takes off, but where do you suppose it's going to take a stroll around?" Hermes sighed inwardly again. For his ability to work he'd need a rough guide of an estimation of where it could be, he couldn't simply scan the entire world... that was way too far out of his capabilities. He hoped that they'd have an educated guess at least.

"Our analysts have sugested it may make for one of the rebel bases, but which is a tough question. Maybe the nearest, which would be in the eastern desert, or the biggest, believed to be Mobians For Freedom in the mountains to the north." Runier replied.

"That thought about capturing it while it refuels is a good idea. It has large fuel tanks, but it does still need to re-supply every so often. The hard part will be predicting where it would come in to refuel, but this base is the only airstrip in the world as yet to have automated refueling systams. Unless it somehow thinks it can convince people at other airstrips to refuel it, it'll likely be headed back here at some point..."

"Then perhaps it would be a wise idea to send us out in two groups. One, a very small one including me going to that rebel base... but only small so as not to incite them or allow them to detect us, and another ready here in case of anything while it refuels. It might also be an idea to post several other groups across all the airfields if possible, but those two main ones might be best." Hermes explained.

Riku smiled, highly amused at their so called plan to curtail and capture the rogue jet. She still found the idea of a jet with intelligence idiotic but she decided to suspend disbelief. "Such a capture of a plane might be worty of a fine reward. But from what I can tell, I may be better off...hmmm," She said to herself and a smile spread across her face. She wondered which group she should stay with and frowned. A young reporter, who was standing off to the side, waiting for the group to come out of the room, noticed her and walked over. She rolled his eyes as he came over, he appeared pretty young and a little overeager. "If he asks me for a date..." She thought. He leaned up against the wall next to her and smiled. "Hey."

She ignored him and kept her attention on the headset in her ears but he tapped her shoulder and she sighed. She looked at him. "What do you want?" She asked. She wanted to show him but with all the people in the room, she wasn't eager to cause a big mess. "And leave me alone, I'm busy."

(OOC: Torn, a thought. Due to the sensitive nature of the problem the army has kept all details absolutely top secret, and this includes keeping absolutely all information from the media. If you have plans for the reporter (ie. He looks like one but he actually isn't) then that's ok, but if he really IS from the press, plz could you at some point include a bit about how he got wind of the situation? Thx.

That could be interesting...somehow info leaks to the public and starts off a riot or something...*is lost in thought for a moment* Anyway I'll leave that up to you Torn.)

IC:
"We could deal with the other airfields in the area." replied Runier, his face thoughtful. "We could despatch undercover operatives to watch them and report to us. As for the mission into the rebel base...it's dangerous, but it sounds like our best bet."

He stood up from his chair and looked round. "I'll go make the nessecary araingements right away. I'll let you decide between yourselves who is doing what. As I said before all the army's rescources are at your desposal. If you need anything, weapons, equipment, veichles, just ask."

He saluted smartly and moved over to the door...

Kari made a low growl deep in her throat at Runier's reply, but turned to focus her attention on the new speakers. She flicked her tail in agitation, arousing her companion, who was seated beneath her. His ears flickered back and forth listening to the conversation being carried around the table. Sitting up, he made his presence known, startling some people.

Eckli's cool blue eyes gazed at Runier, the large canine's expression unreadable. As he studied the man, he was aware of the growing tension amongst some of the room's inhabitants, and could tell by their smells that they were slightly confused as to what to do. Surely there was a weakness in the plane's defense system? The black and white wolf kneaded the floor with his paws, pondering what had been said.

Karya ignored her friend and rubbed her forehead. "He might as well just've sent us off sayin' we need ta bring an untouchable plane back ta the military. This little chat didn't help me one bit," She muttered.

Eckli turned to her, an amused look in his eyes, "Finding this job too hard, Kari?"

She glared. "No! I just would've liked more information, that's all."

"Sure."

OoC: I'm leaving this RP. Ignore Breech. She no longer exists here.

The lilac echidna squirmed in her seat. The more deeper the discussion became, the more she wished she had left with the others.

Shayna-Li, this was a baaaad move she thought to herself.
She stood up slowly, and paused as all eyes trained on her.
"Err, need to use the toilet" she said sheepishly, and edged her way out of the room.

She walked into the bathroom and ran into a cubicle, sitting on the toilet seat.
"Jeeze, what the hell have I let myself into?" She whispered.

Some discolouring caught her eye. She looked up to see a small slit between two panels in the ceiling. She was surprised; she didn't know the ceiling was so unstable.
She reached to pull the panel back, when her furred fingers brushed against something.

(PHEW!! my FIRST EVER rp!! How did I do?)

(OOC: Doing fine Abi^^ Keep it up, and welcome^^

I'm beginning to think I may owe some people an appology...It's beginning to look like people are thinking this RP is impossible and maybe losing interest. I'm sorry if you feel like that...All I'm trying to achive is to make it realistic, and, through that realism, exciting. I've also let the first scene run on a bit...I didn't want to rush anyone and make them miss any details, but that was a mistake.

I'll intro my own charater into the story to try and help it along a bit (Runier will eventually become an NPC). I do have ideas ready to implement that will make it considerably easier, but in order to keep the story running smoothly I'll have to implement them when the time comes. I'm sorry if it's not quite what you were expecting, but please feel free to make any sugestions yourselves as well.)

IC:
Another figure leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. He was a Weasel, with light brown fur, a long, thin body, and alert brown eyes. He was always full of energy and had been figeting in his seat all through the descussion.

"What's everyone thinking about?" he asked curiously. "It's easy to figure! All we have to do to beat this thing is to think like it! It's a robot, with no emotions. It's actions will be quite predictable!"

Everyone turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. "Hunter was doing it before!" continued the Weasel, smiling. "It'll need fuel and supplies, so it'll have to find them somewhere. We guard everywhere that it can get them...we get the plane."

"And just how do you propose we capture it?" asked one of the others sarcasticly.

The Weasel shrugged. "That's the army's job. Maybe we could block it in so it can't take off, or damage it's engines so it can't get up to speed or something. If it does evade our traps we can have some fighters on standby and blow it out of the sky!"

He sat back in his chair. "This thing works on pure logic...no emotions to get in the way, so it'll always do the most logical thing...ie: predictable."

He stood up and grinned at the others widely. "Runier's gone to set up this plan! I think we sould probably do the same!" With that he set off out of the room at a jog.

OOC: Bio.
NAME: Lian Flameswood
APPEARENCE: See above. For clothing he wears army style shirt and cargo pants.
ABILLITIES: He is world renowned as as the greatest jet fighter pilot ever, and can fly anything from a hot air baloon to a jumbo jet. Has won many medals in various missions, and also has some electronics skills. Personal abillities include fast reactions and reasonable running speed.
PERSONALLITY: As a Weasel he is full of energy and always on the go. This can get annoying for many as he has a very in-your-face personallity and a high streak of bravado. A practical joker to the extreme, he doesn't just care about getting things done, he also cares about looking good while doing them!

============================================================

It's scans were complete. It's systems had already started analizing the data, factoring it into it's simulations.

It banked round and roared off once again across the desert. It's fuel was still high, but it would need to top it up for the next journey. Once out of range of the rebel base it dropped it's stealth and slowed to crusing speed.

It's course was set for home...

OOC: I can change it so that it's just another guard or something...

"Think like it, 'ey?" Karya mused quietly, watching as the weasel disappeared out the door. With a small smile, she stood and headed for the door as well, arousing curious looks from the rest of the room's inhabitants.

She turned to them, shrugging, "S'worth a try, mates."

Eckli bounded off after his companion, grinning as only a wolf could, his tail swishing back and forth. The two caught up with the weasel, kind of jogging alongside him when Kari held out her hand, smirking.

"Name's Karya (car-eye-uh), and this here's ma' pal Eckli." The black and white wolf murmured a quiet "hello".

Kari continued, "S'nice to see someone 'sides that Hunta give semi-helpful suggestions!"

"Flameswood. Lian Flameswood." grinned the Weasel, shaking her hand. "And yeah, I think it'd work. No reason I can see that it wouldn't. Runier seemed to think so too."

His forehead dipped into a thoughtful look. "I just hope the others do too. I think it'd work, but the more backup we have the safer it'd be."

============================================================

Runier was in the bases command center with the heads of departments.

"...so that's the plan. I've already sent out teams to all the airstrips in the area, but we believe it'll be most likely to head for this one. When it arrives we're going to trap it in the hangar while we hack it's neural net and de-activate it."

He turned to a bald man in a long white lab coat. "You're sure you can shut this thing down no problem Doctor?"

Doctor Ewan Smith, Mechanical Neural Intelligence expert, nodded. "It has in-built protocols to stop anyone trying to hack it, but I have passwords that can get past them. What we have to remember General is that the Speedbird is not mallicious or angry here...it's just decided that the best way it can complete it's orders is to go off on it's own. It isn't suddenly going to turn on us or anything, like in movies."

Runier nodded slowly. "I hope you're right Doctor." he muttered.

"I designed the system myself." replied Smith. "It isn't advanced enough for emotional simulation. It's simply following orders to figure out tactical ways of beating the rebels. It probably just decided it needed more information."

"Then why is it not responding to our orders telling it to come back?" demanded Runier.

"It's all a question of potentiallities." said the Doctor, apparently unintimidated by the General. "When I programmed in it's primary mission, find a way to defeat the rebels, I was told to make it central to the programming, which I did. Unfortunately it's possible that this mission was programmed in so deeply that it outweighed the programming telling it to obey orders, so when the two programs were weighed against each other, the stronger one won out."

Runier turned and looked out the large panaramic windows of the control tower. The base was large, and situated at the edge of the desert. Large rock pillars stood tall against the horizon, and the concrete and metal patchwork of the bases buildings and roads stood out against the red sand like a boat on the sea.

"Okay. You have your orders. Dismissed."

The group of Humans and Mobians moved en-masse out the door.

Suddenly there was a bleeping noise from one of the many control stations around the room. The person manning the station pressed some buttons, then stared at the screen in suprise!

"Sir, we're getting a response from the Speedbird!"

Runier spun round and strode across the room. "What???"

"Look sir!" replied the man, pointing at the screen. "A message from the plane!"

Runier leaned over and stared at the screen...

SPEEDBIRD REPORTING
SUB-MISSION STAGE ONE COMPLETE
SUB-MISSION STATUS: 100% SUCCESS
PROCEEDING WITH MISSION A-1 TOP PRIORITY
REFUEL REQUIRED
CURRENT POSITION: 185-563-222-9 ALT: 5000FT
REQUESTING LANDING CLEARENCE MILLITERY REASERCH BASE ALPHA-FOUR

"The fool of a..." muttered Runier. "All this time ignoring us, then this!" He stepped backwards and straightened his cap. "Give it permission! We'll stop it immeadeately!"

He turned and strode from the room.

Hermes Carrion stood up from his seat and proceeded to walk towards the exit of the room, aiming to fulfill his own idea of that the plane would most probably be at the nearest rebel base, and then to use his sensory abilities to locate and detect the plane amongst it. However, his idea stopped completely short as when he exited the room he noticed a squad of guards running immediately down the corridor.

"Wait a second," Hermes spoke out and grabbed the shoulder of one of the guards, stopping him short and suddenly. "Hey!" The guard shouted and tried to free himself but the other man's grip was too strong. "All I want to know is what's going on?" Hermes asked.

"Ugh! The plane is coming back in for refueling!" The soldier replied.

Hermes was abit stunned by this, and after another second let his grip release and let the soldier manage to run off again, after giving a strange glance at Hermes one final time.

"That's it?" Carrion murmured to himself. "It's over already? Damn military getting worked up so damn early. They beteer intend to still pay me..." Carrion then began to walk in the direction of where the officials were and specifically where Ruiner was, using his sensory powers to determine where's the man's location was.

Kari stopped as she saw some soldiers and scientists jog by. She and Lian stopped for a moment, observing this until the vixen grabbed a scientist and questioned him.

"Look here, what's all the hubub about?" She asked.

The scientist fidgeted a little, then replied, "Speedbird is coming in for a refueling!" And with that, he hurried off.

Eckli's ears twitched. "Does that mean...it's over?"

Karya turned to him and glanced at Lian, giving the weasel a doubtful look. "Somehow...I don' think so Eck....but maybe we sould observe..?"

Hunter would of smirked as he followed this Flamebeard or whatever his name was. He then retrieved a silver and black rifle. With dark grey handles. It was loaded with a round clip, and it looked like a good stealthy gun. Hunter quickily checked to see if it was jammed and it wasn't and with that he holstered it on his belt.

"Very smug of you." he said emotionless to him.

(OOC: Hehehe...don't worry everyone...it isn't over. It's only just beginning...)

IC:
Suddenly an announcement echoed down the long corridors. "ATTENTION ALL MERCINERIES, PLEASE REPORT TO AIRCRAFT HANGER ZERO-ONE IMMEADEATELY. ALL MERCINARIES TO AIR HANGER ONE."

"That'd be you!" exclaimed Lian, grinning. Before he could say any more though, another announcement filled the air. "ALL KESTREL WING PILOTS TO THE AIR. REPEAT, KESTREL WING IMMEADEATE TAKEOFF."

"And that would be me!" continued Lian, raising his eyebrows. "I'll catch you later Karya!" He turned and sprinted down the corridor.

============================================================

Runier was in the hangar overseeing preperations. Doctor Smith had said weapons were unnessecary since the Speedbird wasn't going to attack them, but the General wanted to be prepared for every eventuallity. He looked on through his steel-grey eyes as several rocket-soldiers took up positions at various points around the hangar. The mercinaries they had hired should be able to handle things if anything went wrong, and the soldiers could give them backup.

From the co-ordinates given the Speedbird should be arriving within five minutes. Those mercineries had better be quick!

(don't worry- I'm still alive ^^)

Shayna-Li skipped out of the female toilets. She had heard the calling, and decided to leave the bag where it was. She could think about this weird revelation later- once all the doohickey was out of the way; she would have to hurry if she wanted to get to air hangar one in time.

But she still wasn't sure about this. It seemed like messy business to her. Why would there be so much commotion about finding Speedbird when it was just going to give them a message in the first place? It didn't seem to make any sense.

But Shay was no fool- she decided to keep her eyes peeled open anyway.

Kari raised her eyebrows as well, before sprinting off in another direction and stopping at an elevator. She waited for it to stop and open its doors, giving her a ride to the aircraft hanger. Within two minutes wasted waiting for the darn thing, the mrecenary turned on her heel and flung open the door to the stairway and raced upward as fast as her legs would carry her. Eckli sighed and shrugged, bounding after his companion. After another minute of climbing, the vixen threw back her cape and revealed a gleaming metal arm, panting the the appendage shifted into that of a grappling hook.

She aimed and fired onto the railing of the very top set of stairs and climbed nimbly up the cord. Eckli grabbed it in his teeth, while the Aussie recoiled the material, automatically hoisting the canine up. In seconds they had burst through the other door and were charging down the hall. The two nosed their way through the door that lead to the pre-hanger room, where scientists were staged, tapping consoles and readying the place for Speedbird's arrival. A clear pane of bulletproof glass separated the bustling room from the large, spacious hanger.

A scientist approached Karya, handing her what looked to be a high-tech, dark green army jumpsuit and a goggles to match. "Hurry, hurry...put these on! Hurry! There isn't much time!"

Kari did as she was told, putting the suit on over her usual attire, tying her hair in a ponytail and letting the goggles lay around her neck. The woman scientist then ushered her through the door with 30 seconds to spare before touchdown. She breathed a sigh of relief. Eckli almost plopped himself down, nearly winded. They had made it.

(OOC: I'll leave it to the rest of y'all as to how your characters got to the hanger or whatnot )

Although Karya and Eckli had made their way through the nearby stairway, Hermes had instead progressed through the elevator they had left a moment before. In fact, if they had waited but two seconds more they could have used the elevator instead, but it no longer mattered. Instead, the elevator stopped at the point which they were at and left a confused Hermes as to why there was no one there, but this lasted a second more as the elevator continued its lift upwards, where it reached the point it needed to within moments. He stood out, and spotted Ruiner it was he who he was interested in talking to for if he would still be paid considering that he had to actually do nothing. In fact, it all just seemed like a waste of time.

He spotted the aussie who he had saw in the briefing room wearing a dark green army outfit like the rest of the techies around them, and one even ushered him to wear one, but Hermes flat out refused. He preferred his individuality and if anything happened these people would be able to know who exactly he was.

Hmp, He muttered slightly, as he closed his eyes, his vision turning to the darkness that greeted him. In a second though, all this changed, as his visionary perceptive transformed into something unimagined before, something no one else was able to envision as he could at all. He could spot it all and see everything for a large distance around them he could see every single Techinician in the room, feeling their own auras and personal energy, he could feel the ground itself, see what was in the next rooms in fact he could even feel each and every electrical wire within Karyas metallic arm. He could see the sky, passing birds, and more importantly, the nearing Speedbird. It was just as he assumed, already over, as the plane came closer and closer to the military base.

"Kestral Wing, come in!" came Runier's gravely voice over the radio.

"This is Kestral Wing reading you clearly General." replied Lian as his plane raced down the runway. "We're in the air and awaiting your orders."

"According to the message Speedbird is coming in from the east." replied Runier. "Since our scanners can't catch it we need visual confirmation, repeat, visual confirmation."

"Understood General. On our way now." Lian replied. He swung the nose of his plane around to the east before calling on the radio again. "Kestral Wing, this is Kestral Alpha. Kestrals 2, 3 and 4 come with me. 5 and 6 circle the base and stand by."

The other pilots confirmed the orders and the four planes set off eastward.

Lian was scanning the horizon with his eyes, looking for any sign of the rennagade plane. "Kestral to Base, I don't see anything out here..."

There was a snarl of fraustration from the other end, followed by a muttered sentance that sounded something like: "If this think is playing with us I'm gonna..."

Suddenly a metallic gleam caught Lian's eye. "Kestral to Base, we have it. Visual contact confirmed, repeat, we have visual!"

"Good!" retorted Runier. "Now escort it in, in case it gets any ideas about running again!"

"Roger General. Kestrals, flanking positions, 2 with me, 3 and 4 on the left."

The planes arced round behind the stealth jet, taking up formation slightly behind it, two planes on either side. "Okay baby." muttered Lian. "No funny buisness now."

============================================================

Runier put down the radio and turned to face the group of mercinaries stood behind him. They weren't all there yet, but time was of the essence.

"Okay listen up! Doctor Smith, the inventor of the Speedbird's AI, believes he can shut this thing down no problem, but we aren't taking any chances. You will be the first line of defence if anything should go wrong. We also have rocket troops to back you up." He indicated the soldiers hiding behind various pieces of machinery around the hangar.

"Hopefully everything will run smoothly, but we have a backup plan just in case." He held up a small metal box in his hand as he said this, but before he could elaborate a shout came from outside the hangar door.

"They're coming!"

Runier spun round. Sure enough, clearly visable against the bright blue sky, were the four Kestral jets...

...and in between them, their prize...

The Speedbird was already dropping down for a landing...

IC:
Swift had missed the elavator and so ran for the stairs, pelting as fast as he could he reachedthe top in time to see the plane coming in. Fortunately he'd heard what Ruineir was saying from the stairs, but he was still annoyed with himself for being late. Slightly out of breathe he watched the plane coming in for a landing, his hands itched to control it imagining briefly the speed it would fly at and the manouverability. But he snapped himself out of his reverie and conscentrated instead on its decent. He just hoped the thing wouldn't be difficult. Just in case something happened, he got closer to where it would land.

Runier watched as the Speedbird touched down and began to taxi over to the hangar. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife, and the only sound was the wind, and the roar of Kestral Wing's engines up above.

"Kestrals stay in the air." the General muttered into the radio. "Stay alert."

"Rodger General." came Lian's reply.

Runier watched as the large plane slowly approached. He began turning the small metal box in his hand, rotating it with his fingers in a nervous manner. Hopefully they wouldn't need it.

Speedbird's sleek metal form slowly slid into the hangar.

Technitions moved forward to activate the re-fueling systems, but stepped back in suprise as the machines whirred into operation themselves!

A group of soldiers wheeled a small gantry into position alongside the fighter. Stood on top of the gantry was the white-coated figure of Doctor Smith.

"Come along my pet." he murmured as he stepped down onto the Speedbird's back and pressed a button. "Let's put you to sleep for a while." A large hatch slid back into the plane's body, revealing a mass of wires and circuitry underneath. Smith quickly connected his laptop to the system and sat down, typing away on the keyboard.

Everyone was on a knifedge! A couple of the soldiers hidden around the room shifted their positions nervously. Runier glanced at the small group of mercinaries, who were examining the craft curiously. He wondered how they were taking it...

There was a bleeping from somewhere inside the Speedbird. Smith glanced down at the massive ship, before fixing his eyes back on the screen.

Very slowly...almost uncertainly...the plane began to move...

Karya bit her lip, shifting uneasily on the metal floor of the hangar. Through the blood roaring in her ears, she fidgeted with the goggles around her neck. Could it be this easy? Really and truly...this easy? The vixen glanced down to see her companion staring intently at the plane. One look at his big blue eyes told her that Eckli was every bit as suspicious and on edge as she was. His muscles twitched under his black and white coat, and Kari could tell he was ready to leap into action on the slightest whim. Looking around at the other mercenaries and soldiers, she knew they all were as well.

Eckli tensed as he saw the plane shift slightly, and he crouched lower to the ground, almost laying on the cold surface. Every hair in his pelt seemed to be screaming the same thing. Too easy! Hurry, trap it! But Karya's companion only braced himself, not wanting to blow their cover if the machine really was willing to cooperate.

"Kari..." He whispered, not taking his eyes off Speedbird.

Karya bent down, kneeling next to him to let him know he had her full attention, all the while watching the machine herself.

Eckli continued, "Look at it. I don't trust it."

She nodded. "Granted...this is far easier that I would've imagined."

"Keep an eye on it....."

Kari nodded once again.