Xinnidy

The presence was leaving, but there were still scum to deal with. The situation on the east still seemed dire, but without the presence, the team would have a chance... It still didn't look good. They could use his help. Üllr's north was dangerous still as well, he could see that armored man with a pure weapon, and a mass of bulk that didn't seem too unfamiliar... By any logic, he should follow the group, but still... Captain and the others got it, I'm not backing down. Üllr to (16,18), equip his chakram, apply the vulnerary some more.

"Grr..." It was time to take care of his wounds, they were mounting. Seeing his group focusing on engaging that monster in the distance on top of that made Üllr frustrated at his limits. He knew what that man did to Versaris and the others. Could he even land a hit. Damn it... There was no time to try to get stronger, though, he had to find a way to help now, and he could think about it after his wounds were taken care of. Luthier was out of his league, but surely... Üllr to (17,14), apply a vulnerary on himself.

A trio of burly fighters were coming their way with weapons that made Üllr's skin crawl. Pure weapons, again. This underground was filled with nothing short of deadly weapons for people like him, making the reality of their operation sink further into his mind. Üllr could tell his wounds were mounting, enough to feel pain in old scars, he couldn't take the trio at once... but maybe he could draw them in a better position. Going in was just madness at this point... besides, the rest of the group Üllr joined in this entrance had a bigger yet issue to handle. Üllr could hear that threat... that man's aura, he grit his teeth. "...Strike first." Muttering under his breath, he shifted position and went after one lanceman that positioned themselves in between the group, deciding it'd be best to stay closer to them by now. Üllr to (19,11), strike soldier 1 with his knuckles.

"Ghhr!" With an animalistic grunt as he was shocked, Üllr flinched at the pain and took a moment to gather his bearings again. He was getting tag teamed, but one of the combatants was notably more inconvenient to him. "...!" Trying to flank away from the mercenary, Üllr focused his punches on the mage next. Üllr to (19,6), punch mage 2 with his knuckles.

And resistance was already mounting. There was little time to think things through, Üllr honed in on one of the sellswords, weighing a dangerous weapon. He couldn't let him hit anyone with that --least of all himself. It'd leave him exposed, but he could worry about that later. Üllr rushes to (20,4), attacks Merc 2 with his knuckles.

"Mmm..." Bonner felt a bit sidestepped, perhaps he'd just chosen a poor time to speak up. "Is there anything else to discuss, Captain, XO? From the look of things, that's all the intel we'll get until we can contact Callisto proper." Unfortunate, but something they'd have to make do with. "I'd be interested to hear what the diplomats on board think, if possible." "And to answer Lieutenant Park's query... you don't get to my age without accepting sad truths in the battlefield." Turning to Louise, Bonner gave a soft, knowing smile. "Rest assured." "Hah..." For Esther, it was an amusing sight to see Louise all deflated like that. "Don't worry, Lieutenant Park. You're still the genius." Leaning forward and crossing her arms, Esther smirked as she traded quick glances between Louise and Sia. So they're on first name basis already huh? Hmph... Somebody is working fast. Perhaps a bit incensed from her failings in the simulation, and mockery at the hand of a certain shut in, Esther could burn a hole in Louise's skull with her jealous glare.

Finally, they'd arrived close to the kidnapper's headquarters. Impressive that such a building could be well hidden like that, but it made sense in the terrain that was here. Üllr was almost restless, pacing a bit as they waited for the right moment, as the sun started to set. Taking a page from their assailant's book was one thing, but Üllr couldn't help but wonder if they'd be spotted. Surely not... As the time arrived, the Tigers started their breaching, arriving in both entrances as planned, and with gauntlets drawn, Üllr was eager to get his chance at fighting after that night. Üllr to (23,4).

Üllr... really wasn't one for talking, sticking with the pack as they talked to Cassandra, and then to this Kieran... it took a moment before Üllr picked up that the man knowing about Syndra meant he was the mole, but he didn't need ro worry much with everybody else slinging threats and harsh words at the man. There wasn't much more for the wolf boy to add, so he simply spared a frown. "We can chase them, then? We have to try, yeah?" A chance to make things right after last night was enough to fire him up.

It figured they had little knowledge of the full scope of their mission, but that was no new situation for Bonner. "If I may," He spoke up, leaning proper as he turned towards the Captain. "Like you pointed out, Captain, the odds of escalation are within the CEN's predictions, with the HEXes and armaments provided to us." He paused for a moment, seeming to hesitate his next words, "But from our pilot volume, I believe we're expected to be used as intimidation first and foremost, as well and ensuring diplomat safety. It might be worth planning around them first." It seemed like the most likely CEN goal, thinking back to their modus operandi, but that also painted the CEN's view of the resistance as quite violent. Bonner still struggled with a few questions in his mind, it seemed. Esther got to her seat and tried to keep a low profile as discussions started, hoping her late arrival would get out of people's minds quicker this way. Still, with Louise's warning prompting a reply, she found it in herself to speak up. "I've been training all this time to be able to point a massive gun at others. If I need to kill, I will." Simple in her resolve, Esther turned a gaze to Iskra, who seemed rather opposite. "If you were so easily replaceable, they wouldn't be training me at my age. Try not to die, I know I don't plan to myself."

Unceremoniously, Esther stepped in the room, a little short of breath, and finding herself to be dead last, a bit annoying and embarrassing at the same time. "F-G-good... day..." This was already bad, Esther was making lax impressions. She moved quickly to a leftover seat --beggars were never choosers here-- and hoped mobody would pry on her reasons to being late. Haaah... stupid... get a hold of yourself. With a palm to the face, Esther hoped this briefing would end sooner than later. It was also a great time to actually be told the mission's purpose... as vague as it had been to that point.

Edson took a few minutes of his time before the briefing to converse to review machine specifications with the hangar crew, unfortunately, it made his journey to the meeting room a bit longer, resulting in his arrival coming after a few other faces. "Good afternoon." With a simple greeting, he took to his seat. I wonder how much information they feel is fitting to give today. More answers would be nice, especially with this kind of group. With a short sigh, he did what he could to contain his impatience. Esther was definitely going to be late. After simulation practice, she returned to the dorms leisurely, wasting time with a virtual game until Kazue made some noise running for the meeting. It was only after opening her door and starting at the passing vista in confusion that Esther decided to check her messages. Oh. Fuck. Not as desperate as her athletic counterpart, Esther returned to her room to wear her uniform proper, before running out the dorms. I'm definitely last at this rate fuckfuckfuck--

"Ah, that should work." Üllr wasn't expecting Versaris' idea, but quickly agreed on its effectiveness. More ground covered at a quicker pace, and he trusted in his instincts as a wolf to help. Following a quick nod, Üllr looked at the man he'd search him. It was the same guy that was there back when he struggled against his captors. They might have not talked, but Üllr was inclined to trust him a fair deal. "Right, let's go, Iris." Üllr followed after Ferid's sprint making it through the courtyard.

"It's fine, Iris. You just couldn't. Too strong." Üllr kept Iris close as she leaned against him, reaching a hand to pat her head. "Sorry... I couldn't help." The guilt still weighed him, leaving one thing sure in his mind: Üllr just couldn't leave people to chase after the assailants alone. "I'll go help find them... do you want to go too?" It made sense she'd want to stick with her sister and him, after all. He wouldn't stop her. Üllr carefully lifted himself, helping Iris up on the way. Versaris and Tio were discussing, and he intended to approach. He'd heard enough while jumbling his thoughts. "Versaris. Take me too. I wasn't hurt, I should help too."

"Hmm." A few members were quick to point out the outlying soldier --or rather, civilian turned pilot. Bonner figured the message was sent, and nodded as Alrenne continued. For the old pilot, the XO and Captain's conclusions were acceptable, and he seemed further in thought after hearing that the group was indeed chosen. "We faced no damning casualties and ended the simulation quickly. The rest can be solved further. If the group needs practice in different strategies, I will be free to teach during our downtime." A simple offer, but enough to get that discussion going. "For now, a full schedule of our mission would be all I'd request." Esther had her jacket on, leaning back against her chair, with a disinterested affect. In truth, her performance is still what was mainly in her mind. Only after the XO's speech did she break out of her thoughts to look at the others. "Mm." She didn't really want to say anything more, really. Her mind remained on the simulation, but she at least acknowledged her peers, lingering her gaze a bit longer on Louise, before lowering it in her pensive frustrations.

"Iris! Listen to me!" That was scary. Even despite all his talking and restraining, Iris was like a beast beyond what they usually were. Üllr was distressed as it kept going, but still held strong, until Iris finally stopped. She finally came to some sense, and... started crying... looking at her sibling and Versaris. Üllr bit his tongue, holding her closer. "They're there. Alive." He held her shoulder tight, running a thumb in a soft carress, trying to calm her down. I couldn't help... at all. His mind came to a dark thought, cursing his lack of preparedness. He held Iris tighter.

"Hn!" It was daunting to see another light and Alriana just get flung like that. Damn it! Üllr tried to catch her, but she was already down on the ground... and Laniva and Syta both joined into dealing with this giant man... and then Marigold. Feeling appropriate to divert his attention, Üllr turned to Iris, who was taking things just as well as he imagined. "Iris!" Rushing to her side alongside a newcomer Jesse, Üllr held her arm. "No, too dangerous. Let's help the others, your sister needs it too."

"Iris!" And there she went after Versaris, he could barely keep track. Alriana, on the other hand, had just kept going, staying in the way of the massive man. And then the blinding light happened. "Ughh!" Üllr flinched, turning to see Versaris on the floor, and Alriana zooming through the courtyard, forgetting all about the kidnapper... understandably, with Versaris condition. There was no way he'd have a chance, not against that searing light. Ugh... Cursing his own shortcomings, Üllr stood there, the only block between the burly man taking Syndra away and freedom, as it were. Surely, surely he could do something. He felt so powerless... "Let her go." Üllr knew the man had made a threat, he knew the size difference was staggering. Still, maybe he could help someone, maybe... He didn't know what to expect from the man, readying a bracing stance.

"I... maybe we sho-" It all escalated so fast, too fast. That man managed a hostage, Mikoto was threathened, and pushed back? Üllr looked at Iris, who had failed to stop him with her eyes. "Bad, we can't fight that magic... where are the mage women?" If Mikoto was struggling at this level, then they'd need to bring the Evokers or the Captain to the fray. At least, that was the first thought that came to Üllr. "That magic is too strong." Sticking to crawling at a safe distance, Üllr kept his ears up and his nose sharp. "Smoke too... not good." Readying to sprint, Üllr sprinted east, following familiar scents and the smell of blood. Though the veil of night, he was still able to make out Alriana from a decent distance, and as he closed in, Üllr spotted Versaris going a different direction. "W-what is going on..." He continued east, trying to catch up to Alriana, and spotting an unfamiliar man leaving one of the rooms, very much not alone. "Gh!"

"Hhr? Oh..." Leaving the room was enough to make Üllr realize he should mind his noise. Despite the explosion, things were sparse, people acting under the veil of night. He'd need to be careful, along with Iris. "Careful, I don't know who that is." Noting the presence on the south himself, as well as the body beside the familiar group, Üllr followed Iris and crawled closer, trying to hear anything of worth while being mindful of his presence. Doesn't seem good...

Esther ended the simulation slumped forward, face buried in the controls. She couldn't get a good showing, and it frustrated her to no end. "Ugh..." She slowly removed herself from the cockpit, donning her jacket once more before leaving. It was time to go to the ready room and learn what else she'd have to beat herself over... And there went Louise with all the joy in the world (and a very hasty Kazue as well). "Tch." Esther couldn't quite feel their vibe. "Haah..." Bonner wasn't too displeased with his own performance, in contrast to others. Nobody left to prove but himself, and he'd done a fine job as it were. "That civilian is going to be a headache." Wiping the sweat off his brow, he took his time leaving the cockpit. Off what I recall, most others followed rank, but Sia might have more thorough data. The team wasn't unworkable, but definitely green to the concept of working as an unit. All things considered, Bonner handled worse. Still beats me why this group was chosen for the mission. Thinking back to his talk with Daeran, Bonner couldn't help speculating as he took a casual pace towards the ready room.

"Ah... don't worry. It's not your job, right?" To Üllr, Koba seemed too apologetic... whatever his reasons, Üllr didn't mind his lack of action before then. "This is nice though, thanks..." A chill breeze really would stave things off... "Mmmrr... hnn...?" Grumbling and slow to open his eyes, Üllr was roused from his sleep by Iris, whom he could quickly tell was agitate over something. "What, happened?" His hearing was pretty good, but not enough to disturb his sleep (blame finally seeing the benefit of matresses), leaving him oblivious to the previous noise. "What bad?" Still instilled by Iris' concern, Üllr quickly slid himself off of bed, subsequently greeted by the sound of a shattered window and an eplosion. It didn't take much at all to get him in fight mode, with that. "Fight?! Let's... careful, let's go." What a time...

"Huh... well, okay. Thank you." Magic sounded progressively more handy as it was explained to Üllr, who sat and nodded as Koba shower the tome. "Do you have to read it?" Further piqued by the concept, Üllr relaxed and leaned against the wagon as wind started flowing. "Ah... nice." It was really welcome at that point, to stave off the warmth. "Did not know, magic could do that..." For all it was worth, he only knew the combat and hyperspecific uses.

"Hmm..." Things could have gone much worse than they did, at least, so Bonner suppressed his thoughts for then. He was getting a little fatigued, cursing his rust and age mentally. With a thrust of the controls, he charged towards the simulated colony, taking the advantageous spot previously taken by the Diverter, and aimed a quick hit at the remaining opposition. Bonner to (6,13), use Arrestor Cable on Diver #1. "Tch, damn it..." She was frustrated, and out of range. Biting her anger, Esther figured combat was pretty much done, and focused on repairing her machine. Terrible showing. Esther to (14,11), enter ship.

"Mrrr...?" Lifting his gaze, Üllr was met with Koba, one of the newest additions to the group, a winged clouded. "Wind? That, sounds nice." Adjusting himself, Üllr relaxed his stance, looking at Koba expectantly. "T... thank you. It's not tiring, is it?" It was a welcome act of kindness amount those in the group, which Üllr admittedly struggled to connect overall, still, the young wolf felt some responsibility over burdening another, should that be the case. "I, don't know how magic works." He tilted his head.

"Haaah..." Bonner was getting tired, but at least the pace of battle was dwindling. "Almost, there..." Fatigue got to him easier, but his experience still meant he was overqualified... as much as a certain pilot was wont to ignore formation... Bonner to (11, 13), autorifle Lightning 2 if still alive, Diverter otherwise. "Grr...!" Cursing her weapon loadout, Esther could only follow formation while bracing for impact. All she needed was to hit one mark, one point... Esther to (12,12).