Blades

First you need to work out which fleet you wanna join. Take a look at the fleet FAQ and then the various fleet websites. Once you've determined your prefered choice, approach that fleets recruitment officer, or failing that, fleet commander or other high ranking or vocal person. Im sure they will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and leed you to the fleet database where you may officially sign up. And while Im here, I may as well recomend the Orion Fleet as an excellent choice, and remind you and other potential recruits that Orion Fleets two European Battle Groups (Tsunami and Deathbringer)could use an influx of capable and determined players. Should you need further education as to the ways of the game, the forum and anything related, please feel free to introduce yourself to Alec Nova, who has become the communities self styled 'Welcome Waggon'. Oh, I almost forgot ... ... Welcome to the war.

It does work. Quit whining. Anyhow Mr $ilk, you really need to check your mail more often, cos theres a mail there for you that I have been waiting forever to get an answer for. Hop to it young man.

Im sure I saw an ex of mine in there ... I mean, an ex of a friend of mine ... ahem.

You cant resist, can you Captain Blowhorn? [ 07-31-2001: Message edited by: Blades ]

Hmm. A quote like that makes him sound crazy. I like crazy. Be seein ya ...

Originally that was the case, Chav. Then Gallion posted.

Just got it, just been playin it. Love it. A tad easy, but intuitive and helps bring out the 'Neo' in all of us.

Powercow dude! Where have you been? Good to see you back here after all this time, even if you do still insist on running with that Insurgent rabble.

Thanks for that Gallion. [RP] Gallion left without ceremony. Savage watched him go, then looked down at Chavik, across to Rattler and then back to the mass of confused looking faces seated below him. Not MY charges, Corsair ... im just a wittness and an officer doing my duty. I didnt pull the damn trigger. You made your own bed ... it's way out of my hands now ... "Well," started Savage. "I guess that concludes the briefing. You have sixty minutes to get yourselves psyched and down to sickbay for your chem treatments. In exactly 70 minutes, I expect to see you all in the transporter room. We'll beam down en-mass the second the McKendrick is in position." He paused there, and once again looked over the faces assembled below him. Some of them he knew as friends, some of them he knew as enemies. But for today, they were all comrades, about to embark on probably the most dangerous (Perhaps foolhardy) mission of their lives, with the fate of an entire civilisation ballancing precariously on their shoulders. Failure was not an option. Whatever the cost - they had to succede. "Good luck to you all," said Savage. "and may the fates smile down on you this day. Dismissed." Golgotha awaited. [/RP] You know the drill by now ladies. Im going to assume everyone gets down to sickbay for their jabs and then onto the transporter room unless you post otherwise. Please, dont make things confusing for me now unless you can help it. Almost there now. Onwards!

Sweet. Aramike, the mouthpiece of the Insurgency calls vultures. Well, better that than poachers, which is one of the things the Insurgency is most notorious for. Still, thats an entirely different discussion (And one we tend to have at least once a month ) to whats going on here. You potential newbies have a choice. It's with an existing fleet, or you go the indie way. If you're gonna go with the fleets, make sure you pick the right one to go for. For instance, dont join any of the Insurgent Fleets if you dont take to humiliation too well. Dont go with Orion if you have a problem taking orders and grinning smugly as you devestate all your enemies. Dont be an indie unless you enjoy looking over your shoulder all the time, wondering if that 'contractor' of yours is here to pay your fee, or stick a vagrant up your tailpipe. But in all seriousness, you really need to work out by yourselves exactly where you want to fit into this universe. I get the impression that if a lot of you are used to working together and have some sort of chain of command established, which would make the transition from being 'Top Dog' to a lowly cadet (At least initially) a bit hard to stomach. If thats the case, go indie. If not, well, look around gents, theres a lot of material for you to sift through. Just make sure that at the end of the day, you go where you feel you can be most effective. And in case you havent already noticed, Orion and the Insurgency enjoy a special relationship that we are going to take full advantage of as soon as MP is here. Cant wait.

So ghostie, are you the spokesperson for your entire group, or just one of several influential members? Either way, let me know and we'll talk. [ 07-28-2001: Message edited by: Blades ]

[RP] Savage looked down from the podium to the man he recognized as Nova and gave him a wry smile. "By the time we have beamed down, made contact with our people on the surface and geared up for the op, we will have a grand total of two hours to hit the barracks, breach the tunnel, take control of security, deactivate the transport inhibitors, assemble the mobile transporter, recover Akira and beam back to the pick up point. The McKendrick will already be on it's way back to us when we strike the barracks, and when she passes overhead, we have to be at the extraction zone. That answer your question?" Savage paused a moment then added "Providing we take security and block outside communications, we wont have to worry too much about external forces comming from behind. However, if we dont block off reinforcements from the base itself immediately after we take security, it's going to get messy." Savage looked around the briefing room once again and then checked his chrono. "Right, we have time for one final question. Any takers?" [/RP]

[RP] Savage shook his head at the Insurgent commander before he had even finished his speech. "We are not deviating from the plan. You might not like what we've got, but it's what we have prepped for. We have people in position who have risked their lives to get us the sort of intel we need to even have a shot at pulling this off. The present plan stays, and Im pretty sure you will find Rattler is in full agreement with me." On cue, Wold averted his glare from Savage and regarded his CIC. Rattler simply stared back from behind those mirrored glasses of his and said nothing. I really hope he's still in agreement with this plan, thought Savage. We really dont need any more complications at this point. "... and now we have that cleared up, are there any last minute operational questions?" Savage stood back and awaited the next, and perhaps last question. [/RP]

We did a pole about 18 months ago that determined the average age of the community members was around 26-30, but we've recently been flooded by a lot of teens. I think the youngest is about 15 at the moment, although it could be lower than that. Anyway, Im getting ever closer to pushing 30, but I still prefer to think of myself as one of the average aged members. For now. Heh.

... uh 0h, looks like he picked the wrong team. No matter. A new enemy is as entertaining as a new ally.

Poor Gallion. He only says that (Like all the other Insurgent bunnies) cos he fears us. And with just cause. Dont join Orion if you think you have somthing to proove, or if that wise ass attitude of yours cant be honed into somthing productive. We're a working fleet, which means everyone does their share in game and out. We're also a strong role playing fleet, so if that takes your fancy, feel free to stop by the Fleet Database and submit your application - Just be sure you dont mind being a lowly cadet for a period first. As you were newbie.

Check your dates Caine, we're already at war with the Gams. [RP] "Two reasons why we dont use that sort of ordinance, Mr Wold. One point was adequately covered by, ah, it's Caine, right?" Caine nodded to the affirmative, and the fleet commander continued. "Caine. Good. The second reason is even simpler :- We're not here to murder everyone. We go in, hit them hard and fast, but we try to keep casualties at a minimum. Those poor bastards at the tunnel entrance and in security cant be helped, but unless we're forced to do so, we are not to shed blood needlessly. We're human, not Gammulan butchers. Remember that." It only took a moment for another Insurgent, Savage couldnt recall his name, to point out that if they are positively identified by survivors it could come back to haunt them another day. Optormistic of you, thought Savage. We're still probably going to die down there. Why worry about that now? Savage answered quickly. "Providing we all do our jobs quickly, we'll be able to shut out reinforcements and prevent them from IDing us. Also, once we have control of security, we have full access to every security terminal and data storage device linked to those systems. We can purge the entire system before we leave. It's by no means complete, but it's better than nothing." Savage paused and awaited further questions. [/RP]

Go read Backwards, the follow up to Red Dwarf By Grant/Naylor. Some of whats described in the backwards reality is groin clenchingly nauseating. Brilliant stuff.

I dunno ... theres somthing about the thought of a reverse orgasm that scares the sh!t outta me.

You probably already read my comments about it. Trust me on what I said. You'll love this game. It will consume your every waking moment until BCM gets the gold treatment. It's vast. It's gripping. You feel bad when your hick buddies dont come back from patrol and when your heart of gold squad leader buys it during the Everon evac. *sniff* The mission I described before was about the sixth one in, and I've gone about eight or so more since that point. As far as I can tell, im still in the early stages of Operation Flashpoint, and the character/career jumping (which can be a little annoying after you get attached to your jar head alter ego) means you got at least three games in one - even more with the addition of an intuitive but simple individual and squad based command system. Only real gripe is that it is processor intensive, and not to be played on anything less than a P3 if you have the muscle for it. Im running it on a P2 450 and it runs poorly even with most of the graphical detail turned off. True, I've only got a GeForce 2MX backing it up, but it's still a hog. It's not an easy game by any means. Although having said that, upon replaying some of the earlier scenarios I walked through (Well, more or less) I found it nigh on impossible to finish them second time round. And dont be planning on rakin up them kills. Weapons fire is innacurate unless you are at near point blank range, and even with a steady aim the zoom function and scope doesnt help all that much. Sure, you dont need to be all that accurate if you are lying prone with an M60 laying down supression fire at a squad of ruskies intent on showing you the real meaning of Glasnost (sp) but if you dont keep your head low and be prepared to move every few seconds, some Spetnaz is gonna take notice and put a cap in your ass real quick. What else can I say? I love this game. To coin a phrase, 'nuff said.

Ok, I cant hold back anymore. Operation Flashpoint is a MUST have game. If you're a fan of Soldier Sims, this is the one you simply must own. I got this a few weeks back, and even though my system crawls along with it, I cant get enough of it's Cold War hotting up campaign action. You play as a bog standard grunt, a special ops ass kicker, a tank commander, pilot, gunner - whatever. Different missions in a campaign that utilises some of the most fluid (If a little ugly) character animations I've ever seen. Not only that, but the scope is vast. The maps could litterally take hours to cross. If theres a vehicle on the map, you can get in it, drive around, bail out - pretty much anything you like. Best thing, the missions can be very tough - not to mention intense. One mission I played was an evac from an aborted raid on a Russian held town. My suad pulled out, climbed into the back of a truck and drove like hell to get out of the engagement area. Next thing I know, my buddies and I are in the middle of an ambush at night, bullets flying everywhere. The driver up front is hit in the head and goes down. The truck crashes to a halt. Frantically we're trying to throw ourselves out of the truck, watching our buddies to the left and the right being cut down by MG fire from outside. I tell you, It's disconcerting in FP mode looking to the side at your buddy and then seeing a red mush appear where his head used to be. Even worse when you look around and almost your entire squad has been cut in half by concentrated weapons fire. Intense. Operation Flashpoint hasnt been released in the states yet, but it's one well worth waiting for. This game sets a new standard in FPS/Soldier Sims - and with a kick ass mission editor that allows you to custome create your own epic campaigns for you and your buddies, I reckon it's gonna reign supreme for a long time to come. Get it get it get it.

I've had this game for over a year. I fired it up briefly and then forgot about it. So I blew the dust off on friday night and began putting it through it's paces. On the whole, I like it. Havent tried X-Tension just yet, but I'm gonna pick it up ASAP and download the v2 upgrade cos it sounds kinda nifty. Initially it appeals to the Elite player in me, but it's not got the same sort of scale that I enjoyed in any of the Elites. By the same token, it doesnt grab me the way BC did, nor Wing Commander or Privateer titles. Still, it's enjoyable enough to waste a weekend on, but I know it's only a matter of time before I tire of it again (Rare for space-sims) and it goes back to gathering dust. At least, thats what will happen if X-Tension doesnt grab me by the short n curlies nice n quick.

Try having a loot at http://www.dynamicdrive.com/ for some decent dhtml and java scripts.

If you havent read the last post in ACT 4, go read it now. Team one is being led by Savage and is responsible for taking and holding security. Team two is beind led by Chavik, and is responsible for locating Akira. At the start of the assignment, both teams will be together. Everyone will post in this thread. When the teams seperate, they post in their own threads. These two 'Team' threads have not been created yet. They wont be until the teams divide AFTER security has been taken. Make sense? As for activities outside of the landing parties, use this thread as well. I dunno what the Leo is going to do. I dont know what those who remain on the McKendrick are going to do. Thats up to you guys.

This thread is to be posted in by both teams when they are both together. When the teams are seperated, use the appropriate threads. Heres the briefing you have been waiting for. [/RP] Briefing Room GCV-McKendrick Operation Golgotha T - 2 hours Savage entered the McKendricks briefing room amidst the chatter of assembled mercs, Insurgent and GalCom officers. A cursary glance indicated that everyone, bar those that Chavik had selected for his team were present. He noticed Rattler sitting quietly at one end of the briefing table, looking over the assembled officers from behind those damned glasses of his. Savage wondered what it was the old warrior was thinking. They hadnt spoken properly since before the evacuation from the Vulture. Things had (as they so often do) got in the way, always another emergency that took him away from much needed discussions with his ally. But he wondered why Rattler hadnt approached him himself. Why so quiet, old man? wondered Savage as he took his place on the podium. Whats goin on in that brain of yours? He didnt have time to further ponder this issue. In time, he was sure he would have an answer, but for now, it was time for the briefing. Stay cool ... "Gentelmen and ladies, thank you for comming. We are two hours from Earth orbit, and are on schedule for the assignment. From this point forward, there is to be no further speculation or discussion regarding the mission. If you have any questions regarding the mission details, they will be addressed at the end of the briefing." Savage paused a moment, and looked over the room. Unlike before on the Vulture, there was no signs of open hostility between any of those assembled. Perhaps the shared experiences on the Vulture, and to a lesser extent the immediate chaos surrounding their presence on the McKendrick had bonded them somehow together. Maybe they just realised finally that there was somthing more at stake than pride and predudice. Maybe, despite all the differences, they had come together in fellowship - even if it was only tempoary. Whatever it was, for the first time since leaving Orion HQ, Savage felt safe. "Team one is charged with breaching the Earthcom Facility, codenamed Golgotha, and securing the outlying security station. Team one is also charged with locating and destroying the transport inhibitor facility located nearby to allow team two to beam deep into Golgotha and locate Akira. Once the TI's have been deactivated, team one is to hold security until team two has accomplished it's objective and returned to the extraction point. In principle, simple." "Now," started Savage, stepping to the left of the podium and thumbing a datapad. "this is Golgothas layout as detailed by one of our operatives on the surface." The display unit behind the fleet commander lit up with schematic details of the outer facility. It indicated a small mobile infantry barracks on the surface, guarding a tunnel enterance that led into the main underground facility. The display was updating in realtime, and as Savage zoomed closer into the top down image, individual lifeforms could be soon going about their everyday business. "As you can see, there are between twelve and twenty troops on station at any one time. They have to be eliminated before we can gain enterance to the facility access tunnel. Team two will neutralise them quickly, and quietly thanks to Commander Chaviks box of toys. For those who havent been paying attention to the rumor mill, Im talking about several stealth suits that team two will be using in the operation. The strike on the barracks has been timed to occure immediately after a scheduled security update from the main security centre inside Golgotha. The timing here is critical. Team two will have 5 minutes to neutralise the guards, take control of the barracks security monitoring devices and reconfigure them to fool the centre below that everything on the surface is peachy. Our surface operative has access to a rather clever piece of software that once intergrated, should keep the security centre below ignorant of what has transpired on the surface - at least long enough for us to get below." Savage thumbed the datapad once again, and the facility map changed to a side view of the access tunnel. "Now then, once the barracks has been taken, both teams will board a mag carriage just inside the tunnel and use it to gain enterance to the inner facility. The tunnel itself is 15 kays long, and descends almost four kays into the earth." This revelation produced several gasps from everyone in the briefing room. Hushed discussions began to break out, and it was only with Rattlers melodic shushing that finally quelled the noise. "Like I said," began Savage, looking over at Rattler and nodding thanks his way. "we will descend almost four kays into the earths surface to penetrate the inner facility. When we arrive, we will be in the main hangar portion of the facility. The tunnel itself is large enough to allow access to both mounted mag carriages and AG mobile units. In short, it's big. The tunnels enterance itself is big enough to allow a small naval destroyer to pass through. Inside the hangar, we'll probably find an assortment of surface and air capable craft. We dont know for sure." "As soon as we start our little jaunt down the tunnel, their systems are going to light up like a christmas tree. Mag carriage travel up and down the tunnel is tightly controlled for security reasons, so we're expecting to be queried at some point on the trip. We'll try and fool them with a cock and bull story of some sort, but I doubt they will buy it. Be ready for a hot exit. As for numbers, we have no idea. Our best guess puts enemy troops at the security facility to be anything from five to thirty in number. Whatever the numbers, we have to take control of this facility fast and lock down their access to reinforcements. If we dont, we'll be over run and this mission will be over." Savage thumbed the datapad once again and brought up another image. "This," he started, "is the transport inhibitor facility. We know it is somwhere close to the security centre, but not a lot else. There are six seperate access tunnels to other sections from the hangar/security centre, and all of these will hopefull be locked down the second we take security. You'll need to establish exactly where the TI facility is and take it out quickly. Every second is vital here people, so now screw ups and no picking wrong doors. We dont need any surprises here." "Once the TI facility has been neutralised, a mobile transporter will be patched into the power systems of the base and team two will be transported from the security centre deep into the inner facility where we believe Akira is being held. From that point on, team one needs only hold the security centre and prevent Earthcom reinforcements from breaching. Now, since all outside communication in this facility has to go through the security centre, they cant put a call out for help in the conventional way. However, if theres one thing we know about Earthcom, it's that they usually have somthing up their sleeves to throw a wrench in the works. Expect trouble." "With any luck, team two will locate Akira quickly and be transported back to the security centre. Providing it's timed right, the McKendrick will be in position just out of Earth orbit and will be able to snatch us all back at once." Savage paused at this point and combed back his hair with his his hand. Time to be honest. "I know what you're all thinking. You think it's crazy, ill concieved and probably suicidal. You're probably right. Sadly, we didnt have the time to put together a better, more functional plan. If our estimates are correct, Akira wont be able to hold out much longer. We need to do this now, or not at all. If we dont do it - well, you know whats likely to happen. If we go ahead as described here, at best we have a 50/50 chance of pulling it off. Im not going to lie to you, some of us are not going to make it back. Surrender is not an option. We cannot offored to be taken captive. If it comes to it, you know what you have to do." "Once this briefing is concluded, everyone is to head to sickbay for several anti-tox injections. We happen to know for a fact that they have access to chem and bio weapons down there, and are not afraid to use them. The injections will also make it harder for them to break you under interrogation if you are captured, which gives you more time to find a way to terminate yourselves." Savage allowed them a few moments to contemplate what he had said, then broke the hushed discussions one last time. "We beam down in two hours. We strike Golgotha in six. If there are any last minute questions, nows the time." [/RP] So there you have it.