Five Weeks Later 1435
Off the Coast of Somalia
Bridge aboard Pedro del Valle

Things had gone to hell in a hand basket. As the CO of a guided missile destroyer, he didn't get the luxury of cursing or slamming a clenched fist into the bulkhead. The Oliver Perry had lost one of her RHIBs, but he had to remain calm, cool, and in control. He had to maintain his laser focus, even as something was lurking under the water, hunting them. The only thing worse than seeing a submarine on sonar? Knowing one was out there and not seeing it – the exact position Everett found himself in. The submarine was a destroyer's natural enemy, but Everett had no intention of going quietly. The Pedro del Valle, like the other Arleigh Burke's, had the equipment necessary to fight back. As the seconds ticked by, Everett called back down to the CIC on their open line. This was taking too long. By the time Victoria found them, it was going to be too late: torpedoes could be slicing through the hull of any ship in the fleet. "TAO, find me that sub NOW. I need fish in the water."

Ships didn't just disappear, but a submarine could make itself harder to find, especially if they had switched to passive sonar. The enemy commander would have to know they'd be continuing to use active sonar to try and find them. The submarine would stay silent until they were ready to make their next kill. Everett needed an edge—and that meant making use of all of his assets. "Ensign Pierce, raise the RHIBs. They were the ones taking fire. See if they can at least give us a general direction. Colonel Maxwell, get down to the hangar bay. Help get the birds prepped. I want them in the air ASAP to assist with search and rescue."

---

Five Weeks Later 1435
Off the Coast of Somalia
Combat Information Center aboard Pedro del Valle

Madison didn't waste time apologizing. Captain McKinley had given the order—she would follow it out, whether Colonel Reagan was on the line with them already or not. Because, when it came to the safety of this ship and fleet, Captain McKinley's orders trumped hers. If the Colonel had a problem with that, she could file a formal complaint later. Madison kicked Stephanie off the radio. "Chimera One, Chimera Two, this is Pedro del Valle. Do you have a solution on where the enemy's fire came from? Over."

---

Five Weeks Later 1435
Off the Coast of Somalia
Combat Information Center aboard Pedro del Valle

Cameron had taken a back seat, standing well out of the way of the Navy personnel trying to do their jobs. Stephanie wasn't taking the loss of the RHIB well, exploding with language that would put even the worst sailors to shame. Part of what made her such a good commander is how much she cared about her subordinates. Since protecting Stephanie from a submarine was something he couldn't do, Cameron let her pace the length of the CIC. She wouldn't take his assurances well anyway.

Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood ,Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell ,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery ,Sgt. Jay Halstead ,Petty Officer Matthew Cole ,Lt. Meghan Harris ,

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera One

@lucas ’s eyes glazed over. “Gunny, we have company.” Lucas could see the other RHIB on the water, one that didn’t belong to them stuff down in the water. Lucas did the whole jumping out of planes thing. Water wasn’t exactly his favorite. Not that he hadn’t been trained, the training though seemed like forever and a day ago as he collected himself and tried to get things moving. He could hear the jets launching from the USS Grant. Whatever was in the water was going to be toast soon.

The earlier explosion had him on edge. He had a feeling Meg would be airborne soon and that made his stomach want to do flip. Focus Lucas he chided himself as he returning fire at the enemy RIB. “I think that boat ran over a water mine….” He pointed at the boats in the water. This was going to get sticky. Though the water mines were going to be too deep for a RHIB to trip, they were aimed at the fleet.

---

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera Three

Lt Cmd Aiden Campbell ’s hands were full, the other RHIB had exploded too close to them and debris had come flying he’d put his hand up to deflect it, a natural instinct. It ended up catching him along the clavicle. There were worse wounds but this one certain hurt and had a long trail of blood to go along with it. More of a surface wound but he was going to need a few stitches. “Son of a….” He hissed. Grabbing a hold of the radio he waited until he had a chance, “Sub… ask the Emerson for location.” He had no idea if the Pedro was aware it was there but the only ship who might have an angle was the Emerson. Suddenly worry set in.

Adrenaline was all Aiden had right now. Not only was the entire ship in harm’s way so were people that weren’t supposed to be, including his girlfriend. Damn it, he was going to have to deal with her with this arm injury wasn’t he? Not something he wanted to deal with.

---

Command Information Center
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Right around the time that Aiden was getting through to communications Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood heard Captain yelling at her to find the submarine. “Captain, we need eyes in the air. That submarine is on the surface. It could stay close enough to not be visible on radar.” She was speaking from years of experience and this wasn’t a wild goose chase. It was waiting on something or someone. Victoria got up and let the person working the sonar back to their stations. That’s when the submarine appeared back on sonar. “Cazzo” she cursed again harshly.

“Sub located. Fish are on their way Captain.” There wasn’t any room for error. All she could do was hope they got things moving fast enough. Tension was already high on board. The CO of the JTF had taken to pacing and Victoria really couldn’t blame her for it. The woman had to just sit and listen to things in motion.

---

Command Information Center
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Col. Stephanie Huntley was glad she couldn’t see much of anything unless she looked at the video screen. She set her hands on the table listening to what was going on. Her unit was in trouble and there was absolutely nothing she could do. She had to trust someone she didn’t even know. Anyone who knew her, knew it was hard for her. Then she heard search and rescue, those words were so much more optimistic than recovery. But one ship down meant it still could have been some of her people.

She’d not heard Chimera Three radio in, then again she wasn’t familiar with the XO’s radio voice either. Not that she’d heard it yet. Stephanie had to stay out of her own head and focus. Though she had nothing TO focus on. Her fist clenched as she paced faster. Eyes landed back on the TAO.

---

Engine Room
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Chief Vanessa Wilson was pacing, but working. As people arrived into the engine room she made sure they knew where they were going. She paired some of the more seasoned with some of the newer ones. There wasn’t room for error, but she wasn’t going to push anyone out of the way so to speak. Things needed to be executed and quickly. Getting Mark and the kids out of her head was easier said than done as she checked the engine pressure and temperature. She just kept telling herself that this would all be over at some point in time.

Exit until needed

---

Flight deck
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Normally Cpt. Zachary Amberson was quiet and didn’t say much, other times he would joke around with Meg and things would be fine. But his temper was short today. When she started saying something about missing something was his breaking point. “We aren’t missing ANYTHING, Lieutenant. Do I make myself clear?” No, he wouldn’t endanger her or himself or anyone else like that. They did things and they did it right. He hooked up to the fuel line, that was going to be the worst part. Waiting for the fuel to refill. They’d landed with only half a tank but he knew better than to leave it that way. It wasn’t like he could know how long they were going to be airborne for this time around.

Not only that, he was awaiting orders to get into the air. It wasn’t until he had those in hand that he would even think about taking off. Right now, he just wanted everything in its place. Sighing he jumped up and started doing his prop checks to make sure that there was no debris that would cause them to delay a lift. So much to do and so little time. Stress level managed. He kind of wished he had Madison to calm him down, Egghead ‘sister’ was sort of failing on keeping him calm.

Tag: Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell ,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery ,Sgt. Jay Halstead ,Petty Officer Matthew Cole ,Lt. Meghan Harris ,Cpt. Everett McKinley

Off the Coast of Somalia
Bridge aboard Pedro del Valle

"...Colonel Maxwell, get down to the hangar bay. Help get the birds prepped. I want them in the air ASAP to assist with search and rescue."

He had been chomping on the bit until those magical words had been said. Their comrades and potentially their own were in serious trouble, Max knew that. The submersible knew that. That was why they needed to act swiftly as Maxwell turned on his heel and began to make a b-line straight for the hangar. Time was not on their side, and certainly they had been caught on the back foot.

The fact that they were on a ship had been nullified by the effect of adrenaline coursing through his body as he got down to the hangar. He was running down everything they needed to do and that the pilots needed to perform one of their fastest pre-flight checks. Max went around, making sure each pilot knew what they were doing.

*

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera One

Julien had been on the look out, having seen the debris that Cole had pointed out earlier before firing off a couple of rounds as an enemy RIB came into view. His attention had been snagged by Murphy as it was redirected over to the RIB that lay in the water. The answer? Water mines. One more thing they had to look out for, even if it was not directed at them - they were certainly going to be directed to doing harm to the fleet.

Not something he wanted on his watch.

"Chimera One, Chimera Two, this is Pedro del Valle. Do you have a solution on where the enemy's fire came from? Over."

"This is Chimera One Actual, currently engaged with enemy RIB. Water mines in the water. Repeat. Water mines in the water." Julien relayed. His tone loud but spoken with clarity as he continued to fire in bursts, to prevent the enemy from straying too close to them.

"Cole, Jackson. Take out the engine block, once done, they're sitting ducks--" Julien continued. "Shit! Contact left!"

They had been joined by another enemy RIB heading in from the other direction, bullets whizzing narrowly ahead. Julien continued to fire as they moved through the water. If they kept moving, they would be harder to hit. Though the faint roar of jets taking off from the Grant had eased his worry, there would not be much point if the RIBs were in for a suicide run.

*

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera Two

Gustav had been listening to the radio chatter - from what he could make out, things were not going well. Certainly not when he had started hearing gunfire. Sherman had been looking around, having only glanced backwards for a moment before seeing something coming up on their six.

"Gustav, we've got a RIB up our six!" Sherman shouted.

He gritted his teeth. They could potentially continue on going back to the Pedro, but it would not get rid of their problems. "We're going to have to turn this RIB around. Can't lead them over to the Pedro. Sullivan, Dovev, Halstead, stay sharp and stay with me now." His heart was pounding, knowing that this was one maneuver that depended on timing and had heightened the risk tenfold.

Five Weeks Later 1435
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle
Medical Bay

Savannah was familiarising herself with the medical bay when she heard the radio’s, the chatter that went along with it and the disaster that seemed to be unfolding outside the steel walls of the ship. The alarm was blaring and she set about reading beds for the various things she thought they might be dealing with in a while. The trays were set out, the sterile gowns and gloves were put on as they made up the beds with military efficiency.

This was one of those times when the Army had its appeal. She might have seen this on land but at least she would have a visual of what was incoming, this was like waiting until it was in front of her but it made little difference. The smaller jobs were taken care of as she paced waiting for any sign as her mind wondered to Aiden, he was out there somewhere and this sounded bad.

All she could think was to focus on work before her mind terrified her as to the state of the people she cared about. Savannah set about making sure they had things to hand for any injured there might be. Some days you were the bird and sometimes you were the statue was all she could think of, her mind trying not to run away with itself. For all she knew this could just be a very realistic exercise and people would come wondering in with fake injuries. She voted for that option as she rocked on her feet listening to the radio.

------------

Five Weeks Later 1435
Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera Two

The exercise had been great fun and freedom from the ship. He had never been more excited in his life to get into a RIB and just get out onto the open sea where he knew there were less cramped conditions. Strange given the small space shared by all on board but Malachi hardly cared about that, it was far freer than the Pedro Del Valle. “Crap.” It was the only word that fell from his lips as he saw the entire day go to hell in a matter of seconds.

The thought of getting back to the ship that had been a bad one was suddenly fantastic as kept his face as blank as possible. Sure he had worked with a few of the guys before but Malachi had never really been an emotional person. Calm and quiet won the day for him, it wasn’t that he felt nothing far from it but emotions clouded judgements and yes if there was a touch choice to make he would make it without hesitation.

Listening to the radio it seemed like the world was about to end and in such he was glad that he was with other guys he knew were special forces and not some screaming sailors who had no idea. Malachi checked his weapon again, scanning the surface of the water as he listened to Gustav. His breathing was steady as he partially smiled and nodded. “Just another day at the office right.” He mumbled glancing at the faces, “With you all the way sir.”

Malachi was set in his ways and following orders, he was good at that. Sure he wasn’t always used to working as a team but his time in the US if anything had showed him exactly what he had missed in a team for years. Was he mad to think it was a certain kind of fun and far more interesting than the actual exercise, maybe but his head was glad that they had a job to do now rather than another hour on a boat that tested motion sickness on a whole new level.

Cpt. Everett McKinley , Cpt. Zachary Amberson , Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland , Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood , Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell , Sgt. Jay Halstead , Petty Officer Matthew Cole , Lt. Meghan Harris

Flight deck
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle


Funny thing about working with someone who you would sometimes consider the sibling you never had (not that she was lacking siblings), was that you were able to push their buttons more than most. But this time Meghan did not mean to do such a thing, there was a time and a place and their current situation was not the ideal time. So when the usually quiet Cpt. Amberson quickly snapped back, Meg knew he had something else on his mind. “We aren’t missing ANYTHING, Lieutenant. Do I make myself clear?” Meg kept working and just nodded, "Yes Captain, very clear not missing anything." she replied. Last thing she needed was for Zach to be mad, especially at her, they needed to work together, not be at odds with one another. 

Meg glanced down at her watch as Zach hooked up the fuel line, as much as she wanted to go as soon as the refueling was done, they had to wait for orders. Patience Meg, she told herself. She did not like the fact that Lucas was probably somewhere out on the water, with the enemy around them and she was busy waiting for the gas tank to finish filling before she could go and provide him with more protection, but again...orders...and the damn gas tank. 

TAG: Cpt. Zachary Amberson

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera One

The general consensus was that a water mine had caused the explosion, Great! One more obstacle the team had to contend with as they found themselves coming under attack from an approaching enemy RHIB.

"Cole, Jackson. Take out the engine block, once done, they're sitting ducks--"

Matt was quick to follow the command and open fire on the enemy vessel, but as quickly as the men set the RHIB in their targets a second RHIB approached them from another angle with bullets flying in their direction.

He continued targeting the RHIBs and keep his weapon as steady as he could as they jetted over the waves. He landed a couple of shots into the engine block of one of the RHIBs, only to have a bullets from the other RHIB whiz by and graze him in his shoulder, knocking his upper body round and causing him to grimace momentarily. "Son of a bitch!" He muttered. Though he didn't miss a beat.

Matt maintained fire along with his comrades, but something told him that things were just getting started and that things were going to get heated pretty quickly.

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera Two

Petty Officer Second Class Vazquez ignored the order. Turning away from the safety of the fleet was certain suicide. Shaking his head, Vazquez kept his grip tight on the wheel. God, did these people think a destroyer was a cruise ship? It had far more offensive capability than they did. "I don't take my orders from you. Captain said to bring this RHIB in." Just because there was a hostile RHIB closing in didn't mean they were screwed – that they should panic. There were benefits to having a destroyer provide support. Something the land lovers had yet to learn. "Radio Pedro del Valle. Request a danger close fire mission to kill target with guns. A 5-inch round will wreck their day."

---

Off the Coast of Somalia
Combat Information Center aboard Pedro del Valle

Madison kept on the frequency, reporting directly to their acting second-in-command. With Commander Campbell in the field, Lieutenant Kirkwood was serving two roles. Not that she couldn't handle it, but Madison wouldn't want to be in her shoes. "Acknowledged, Chimera One. TAO, RHIBs reporting mines in the water. At least two hostile contacts in pursuit!"

---

Off the Coast of Somalia
Bridge aboard Pedro del Valle

Sitting in the Captain's chair, Everett looked out over the ocean stretching out in front of his window. His wasn't the only ship on scene, but he had overhead the rapid back-and-forth between Ensign Pierce and Chimera One. No, mines were unlikely. They wouldn't risk it with their own ships operating in such close vicinity – and a RHIB would run too shallow to trigger the detonation. He picked up the phone to the CIC. "Get me a kill track on the closest hostile RHIB." He couldn't hide a grim smile from creeping across his face. The United States Navy: offering superior firepower since 1775.

Pedro del Valle, on the other hand, had been neutered when she had traded out her two Seahawks for the AH-1Z Viper. The MH-60R offered an extensive multi-mission platform, capable of search and rescue, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare. The Seahawks aboard Ulysses S. Grant would have to be enough. "Understood. TAO, coordinate with our pilots. Repurpose them from search and rescue."

Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood ,Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland ,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery ,Lt. Meghan Harris ,Petty Officer Matthew Cole ,Sgt. Jay Halstead

Off the Coast of Somalia

Jay wasn't sure about this. Too many things felt wrong with this mission, but hey, it wasn't like he could actually say this. No, he was just going to shut up and do his job. His feelings had been wrong before and this would probably be the same thing. Besides, he was probably just feeling jumpy because of the last mission. Yeah, that was entirely plausible.

the next thing he knew, all Hell had broken loose. Seriously? he huffed to himself.
"Getting too old for this s-t," he muttered to himself. Now he knew how Roger Murtaugh felt every time Martin Riggs got them into something new. And yes, he had just referenced Lethal Weapon. Okay, he had to focus on what he could do here...

OOC
I really don't know which ship he was supposed to be on and I suck at writing military stuff. Sorry.

Command Information Center
Aboard the USS Pedro del Valle

Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood was stressed. With the USS Oliver Perry having technical issues with their weaponry, The USS Georgetown being dry docked for repairs, the only thing between the USS Grant and the hostiles was the USS Pedro Del Valle and the USS Emerson. Not that the grant couldn’t take care of itself, but that wasn’t the carrier’s job. Whose bright idea was it to put the XO out in the field? Victoria was really wishing that wasn’t a thing right now.

“Acquiring coordinates.” That would only take a matter of seconds but she wanted him to know she’d heard and was complying. “If it’s not ours. Light it up.” She called down the command center. With that settled she called down to the flight deck to get a hold of JTF’s XO. She didn’t see the JTF CO anymore. Where did she go?

“Target confirmed Captain. Direct hit.” She told Everett after the confirmation came in that she had been waiting for from the torpedoes that had been launched earlier.

---

Command Information Center -> RHIB Extraction Point
Aboard the USS Pedro del Valle

Col. Stephanie Huntley had decided that sitting around and doing nothing wasn’t going to fly with her. “Pierce” she whispered as she dragged him by the arm out the door. She checked to make sure that everything was in place. She could always be an extra hand to help provide aid if needed. She was useless in the command center and she knew it. But until she had time to think, that was where she had been better off.

“I’m going to make sure everyone makes it to where they need to go once they get off those RHIBs.” She knew some would refuse medical treatment and some have their nerves going a million miles an hour. Stephanie knew right now she had to be leader and someone they had there for them. So help her if anyone tried to stop her.

---

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera One

@lucas

When Cole hissed, Lucas covered him. “Damn it where did they come from?” He chastised himself for not seeing it earlier. They’d been trained for this but Lucas much preferred jumping out of flying things. When one of the RHIB behind them exploded he realized the Pedro del Valle was paying attention. Not that he didn’t trust them, but with everything going on it seemed like it was too late. “Stop the bleeding on that arm Cole, I’ve got this.” He gave him a glare almost daring him to cross the instructions as he focused his firepower on the other RHIB.

Lucas knew as well as anyone even with a bullet graze a gun could get heavy and blood loss… no he wasn’t even going to go there. He knew it happened in the line of duty but that wasn’t the point. The point was everyone needed to focus, Lucas was making no exception.

---

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera Three

Lt Cmd Aiden Campbell ducked when debris went flying on the tail end of the RHIB. His clavicle hurt but it only hurt worse when he felt himself hit the water. Now he was having to tread water and… no wait someone was dragging him. Damn Marine. There was a Staff Sgt too floating around somewhere. What had actually happened? Aiden reached for his radio only to have it whisked out his hand.

Though Aiden couldn’t blame her this was really painful and she was the only thing keeping him above water with his clavicle right now. He was in no state to argue. He listened to Alyssa over the radio. He was bleeding heavily. Though Alyssa seemed to have that under control too at least for right now.

---

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera Three

Cpl. Alyssa Zorin didn’t waste anytime. She pushed cross overboard and then dragged Aiden off the RHIB when the back of the boat got hit. The other VBSS personnel on the ship she just screamed “jump” as she dove into the water. “Chimera Three to Pedro del Valle. We’ve been hit. In need of medical assistance.” She dropped Aiden’s radio after giving them coordinates and tried to keep a look out. They were sitting ducks in the water. She held onto Aiden as securely as possible. Water worked for her and also against her. Each wave she had to focus on making sure she kept the wound covered. Alyssa ignored his hissing at her.

---

Flight deck
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Cpt. Zachary Amberson was still waiting on orders to come down. They weren’t moving fast enough. He saw the other helos already in motion from the USS Grant, the USS Emerson, and even the USS Perry. What was taking them so long. Finally he heard the instructions coming down from the Navy personnel. The Vipers were being sent to go attack the ship. That was all that Zach needed to know. He was ready to go as the navy started disconnecting his fuel line. Soon he was suited up and ready to go. He could hear Madison’s voice over the comms. He knew she had to be stressed.

---

Flight deck on board USS Emerson
Aboard Roc Two

SA Olivia Gauthier was already aboard the jayhawk and it hit her that this was happening. No, she had to focus. She was already on board and gearing up looking across at her mentor. She took a breath and just prepared herself, waiting for take off. “Ready to go Lieutenant.” Calling up front to her dad, she leaned against the side of the helo. This was olivia’s first deployment and it was supposed to have been just training exercises. Now she was in the thick of it.


Tag: Cpt. Everett McKinley,Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery,Lt. Meghan Harris,Petty Officer Matthew Cole

OOC: Some new people have been added. You can always check your assignments HERE

Chimera One

Julien cursed under his breath upon the hiss that Cole had let out. Things were turning sour real quick, and if he was not careful, a bullet graze would be the least of his concern. Right now, he was going to head for the fleet but, in all honesty, he was not sure how many unidentified enemy RHIBs there were out there - all honing in on the fleet's position. It seemed that people were paying attention - the RHIB behind them blew. Right now, his focus was getting back to the ship and getting Cole medical attention. He was not losing people, not on his watch.

Alex heard bullets whizzing around him, some close enough that he could hear the impact in the water as they charged through - making their way back to the safety of the ship. His eyes glanced at Foxwell, before they moved over to the injured form of a fellow SEAL, filled with concern. Of course, Cole was of a higher rank than him, but they were a brotherhood.

He fired off a couple more shots, making for adequate cover and a couple seconds of ceasefire from the enemy.

---

Hangar > CIC

Maxwell had seen the helos off, making sure that the pilots were cleared and knew what they were doing. He had longed to be back on a helo - though this was a completely new type of SAR; water-based rather than land. Once he had done as such, Max moved with haste to the CIC as he was requested.

"You called, Lieutenant?" He said.

---

Chimera Two

Gustav had partially forgotten about the fact that they had deployed from a larger fleet, that he mentally chastised himself for being caught guard-down. The Norwegian bit down any sense of a reply - glancing at Dovev in some form of 'well, looks like orders were orders' look. Besides, it had been iterated that they were guests on board the Pedro - but he wondered at what point rules would be bent.

"Keep watch - I don't think we're in the clear yet."

He was not particularly happy about having to turn around. Gus had to focus, not allow the pressure to get to him - the fact was, they had helicopters and plenty of firepower behind them. "How you holding up, everyone?" Though his question was intended for everyone, but his eyes and focus was held for a split second longer on Halstead.

Sherman on the other hand, being closest to the driver, had heard the radio call that Chimera Three had been hit. A distinct chill had gone down his spine, freezing him for a moment on the spot.

William Cross was on that RHIB. His best friend.

His hand curled tighter around the grip of his rifle, shaking his head to clear himself of any intrusive thoughts that harked back to the incident. He couldn't let that get to him - not yet and certainly not now. Of course, he had talked briefly with Major Kellerman but it was a work in progress.

"Blyad'." He cursed.

---

Flight deck on board USS Emerson
Aboard Roc Two

Victor and his co-pilot had jumped on board their bird as soon as the call had gone out that shit had indeed hit the fan. He knew that his daughter was accompanying him on this particular flight, that this was her first ever assignment. Victor also knew what he was going to go up against if Isabella ever caught wind that they had been in a firefight - that it would be double what it was before Olivia had came into his life.

Initial flight checks done and confirmation from his daughter that they were ready, they set for the air.

From the comms chatter, he was not looking forward to what awaited them.

Vic knew that the ships were letting loose with the firepower and the fact that the Vipers were going to be deployed from the USS Pedro Del Valle. But, this was what was to be expected - probably with a little less chaos. Vic knew that they were fighting against the clock and against enemies in RHIBs.

It was quite apparent to him, quite quickly that things were getting heated up. RHIBs were strewn in pieces in the water, people splashed in the water underneath them. His co-pilot was relaying information to him about anything else that lay there as he slowly scanned the surface of the water and back to the Emerson, as he slowly lowered the helicopter above the wreckage. They had been sent out to one of the RHIBs that had exploded earlier, sending the crew of it waterborne.

"Looks like we've got four down there. Good luck down there." He twisted slightly in his seat to attempt to look at his daughter, though with all his gear on, it was made slightly more difficult.

Five Weeks Later 1435
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle
Medical Bay

Savannah was becoming more and more frustrated as each moment passed. She could hear on the radio chatter that there were casualties but if this had been an army unit. Savannah would have moved heaven and earth to get to them, a two hundred meter dash was no problem for her at all. On water it just made everything that much more annoying. As of yet she had to learn to walk on water and right at that moment the sea sickness was making her wish she could at least stand of a dock of some kind.

She looked around at the ships usual medical staff as she just nodded to them. “Gowns and gloves or this just get’s messy.” Savannah stated taking a breath, “Blood is a nightmare to get out of combat gear.” Well that wasn’t exactly true, a good wash and it was mostly gone after a second time around but it wasn’t like they had that luxury in the middle of all hell breaking lose outside of the ship. The more voices she heard the more it sounded like this wasn’t a training exercise at all.

Savannah could feel that sinking feel that had little to do with any seasickness. People she cared about were out there and she was waiting with a patch up team to try and fix what they could. Sometimes she seriously wondered why she did this job at all, it was heartbreaking as much as it was rewarding. She simply had to trust that everyone else knew their parts in this though looking around the med bay she wondered about the space. It wasn’t her first over packed medical area but at least on land she could feel a little more stable.

It was like poking people with things while the world was moving, sure flights here, there and everywhere were interesting but a none moving surface might be great. She could tell Aiden later that he needed to make sure the ship stayed still, one of the many things she wanted to tell him if he was in any shape to do so. No, he was XO, leaving the ship no he would be there somewhere she told herself though she knew it was entirely rubbish. She needed focus and her practiced stare was it as she gazed at the far wall wondering when that would stay still.

------

1435
Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera Two

Malachi saw Gustav’s glance as he couldnt help but grin slightly, “All due respect sir, orders can stink.” He muttered glancing back at the path he figured they would take to meet the enemy head on. Sure looking at the fleet, it was great for cover and help but then he was a land army and this whole boat thing wasn’t really an experience he wanted to have again. Guests or not, land guys knew just as much as those who chose to stay out at sea and only stare into the blue of an ocean or the blue of a sky.

He was happy enough getting his feet on dry land as he nodded hearing Gustav. Malachi kept his gun trained glancing over the water which had gone from fairly calm to a big problems faster than he had figured it would. He almost wanted to plead to get back out there but orders were orders and if anything he followed them like the law. He just hoped his wife wasnt hearing about any of this, maybe he could just glance over it all when he got back. Happy grin, happy days, all was well. Yeah it was his wife she would know all.

Malachi’s attention was taken by Sherman, there was something on the radio but the noise mainly drowned it out for him as he heard a curse though he wasn’t entire sure what language that was. He didn’t need the specifics to see the man was going through something and it seemed like Halstead was too. Malachi just nodded to Gusev when he asked the question about holding up, if anything Malachi was more relaxed now the training had stopped and the real deal was now happening.

Still he glanced at the Staff Sergeant and undid the magazine on his gun, sure it was risky but he knew he could shove things back into place fast enough. Distraction was the best idea he figured for the guy as he tapped the half used magazine against his gun. Sure his other magazines were behind his back out of sight, for the sake of helping a guy out he could be called incompetent for ‘forgetting’ to bring more ammo with him.

“Staff Sergeant, got another one I borrow, this the magazine is damage, ammo not loading right.” Malachi asked deciding that if he could distract Sherman without getting him hurt then it might help with whatever was going on.

Tag: Cpt. Everett McKinley,Cpt. Zachary Amberson,Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland,Lt. Meghan Harris,Petty Officer Matthew Cole,Sgt. Jay Halstead,Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood,Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell,

Off the Coast of Somalia
Chimera One

Matt's instincts were to keep targeting the RHIBs and defend his comrades as they took on fire from a growing number of enemies, but as Lucas shot him a glare insisting he tend to himself Matt knew it would be quicker and more practical not to argue over the issue. Besides he knew if it was one of them that had been clipped instead of himself he would be the first one telling them to patch up the wound while he put down cover fire, so he really couldn't argue.

Crouching down Matt grabbed a couple of aid supplies from his kit, "It's just a scratch." He said, glancing at Alex as he assuring his fellow comrades. It wasn't deep and more importantly it hadn't nicked any arteries. Honestly, they all seemed much more concerned than they needed to be. Right now they needed to be concerned with the stream of bullets splashing the watter around them.

"Damn it." He muttered to himself under his breath with a level of genuine annoyance. This was just meant to be a training exercise. He was supposed do his training then go home to his wife before she drops. Now things had hit the fan and chaos was breaking out around them at lightning speed. RHIBs where exploding, bullets were whizzing past their ears, people were in the water and right now they didn't even know where the enemy was and what their numbers were. He had been on countless missions and gotten in less hot water than this.

Once he had done a quick patch job on himself Matt grabbed his weapon and resumed firing, determined not to let their RHIB be taken down.

Cpt. Everett McKinley,Cpt. Zachary Amberson,Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery,Lt. Meghan Harris,Sgt. Jay Halstead,Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood,Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell.

Flight deck
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Everything was fine, it had been when they landed and she knew things where going to be fine when they started the second pre-flight. They had plenty of ordnance, the gas tank was about full, the props, gauges, screws, windows, anything else you might worry about was fine. Yet they had to check, because you never know the one day you assume everything was fine, it wouldn't be and you would probably end up dead. Meg finished up her half of the pre-flight, "Captain, my end is done anything else you need?" she called to Zach as she got herself situated in her seat ready to go. Whoever was shooting at their guys had had their fun for long enough, now it was time to show them what happened when you kicked a hornet nest. 

TAG: Cpt. Zachary Amberson

Bullets were flying all over. That was pretty much the only thing that Jay was aware of. Why the hell do I always end up getting shot at? he wondered to himself. If this was a movie, he'd be that character that people wondered how the hell he ended up surviving. Okay, yeah, he needed to focus. And then he needed a damn vacation. Yeah, like that was going to happen any time soon. This was just supposed to be a training exercise and then the next thing he knew, they're in the middle of a Die Hard movie. What...the...f-g...hell? Seriously?

"Anyone know what the hell is going on?" he called to the others in a hushed voice. "And why the hell I'm the one getting shot at the most?" Yes, he was pissed and he didn't care who knew about it. This was just ridiculous and he wanted a chance for this kind of crap to just stop.

OOC
Grumpy. Jay is now grumpy.

Command Information Center
Aboard the USS Pedro del Valle

Lt Cmd Victoria Kirkwood shot a glare at Maxwell. “Lieutenant Colonel. Why is there a helo still on Pedro’s flight deck? I rang to speak with you. I don’t remember anyone asking you to report directly here.” Oh if it wasn't one thing it was another. Fine, she’d do things herself. She relayed down to her own flight crew. “Why is Roc One still on board the Pedro?” She demanded answers from them since the JTF XO seemed clueless. Things were really getting under her skin.

“Finishing up a refueling ma’am we are just now clearing them for departure.”

“That should have been done yesterday. Get them off my flight deck and in the air now!”

“Yes Ma’am moving now.”

Victoria hung up on the line with the flight line. There was a lot to do. Weapons systems were in full swing and helos were in the air. The submarine was no longer a threat but that didn’t mean the Pedro del Valle was in the clear.

Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell. Go join the flight commander and keep your mouth shut."

---

RHIB Extraction Point
Aboard the USS Pedro del Valle

Col. Stephanie Huntley set up cover fire alongside the side. Not that it was immediately needed with all of the armament that the Pedro provided, but it was always good to be better safe than sorry. Getting caught unaware of anything was not on Stephanie’s to do list. She still had to debrief her unit while the Navy assumed control of the mess. Stephanie was certain someone saw something enroute to the RHIBs or something of the like. Right now, all she could do was wait for the RHIBs to get back on the Pedro.

---

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera One

Chimera One was the first to reach the Pedro del Valle. @lucas took a position to guard against anymore incoming enemy RHIBs. Cole would be the first one out of the RHIB since he was injured. “Get him down to med bay.” Lucas wasn’t even thinking about anything as he scanned the water. He wanted nothing more than to get off the RHIB. The nice thing about it was they unloaded by rank. Injured parties getting off first before anyone. Matt was injured and fighting going to med bay wasn’t going to be an option.

Lucas looked towards Julien. He knew one of his teammates had gone down with Chimera Three so he was checking on the MARSOC XO as best he could. Shot were ready to pop out of Lucas’ weapon at any moment. Between those on board Chimera One, they didn’t have anyone else following them. Now, to get off this death trap.

---

Off the coast of Somalia
Chimera Three

Lt Cmd Aiden Campbell was one of four survivors from the RHIB that had been on board Chimera Three. Though all he could feel was the pain in his collarbone as the waves rocked. He could hear Alyssa talking to the diver in the water. “Pretty sure his collarbone is broken.” She was trying to explain. “And he’s losing a lot of blood.” Alyssa let the divers do their job as she waited in the water. Though she could tell that Aiden was in and out of consciousness. No doubt from the pain. “He needs to get back on the Pedro del Valle."

---

Flight deck
Aboard the Pedro Del Valle

Cpt. Zachary Amberson heard the flight crew personnel snapping at him to get a move on. He hated being rushed, you could only do flight checks so quickly. “Nope. Let's get a move on before Captain gets a bug up his ass too.” Zach shoved his helmet on as she jumped into the helo. They had some things to go blow up. Well that was a minor way of putting it.

Once he made sure that Meg was also in position he started his take off. “Let’s go join the party. Better late than never.” He pointed out. Though Zach knew how any of them felt about being late. It just wasn’t done.

---

In Flight over Chimera Three
Aboard Roc Two


Hearing her dad’s instructions, SA Olivia Gauthier moved to the edge of the helo and gave an uneasy look towards the ice cold water before plunging into the water below with one almost effortless dive. To say that Olivia wasn’t nervous with all the gunfire and people who were hurting was a little of an understatement. She was very nervous. Though it wasn’t something Ollie was willing to admit.

Her hands shook as she emerged from the water just in time to see that one of the men was injured. He’d have to go up first. As they lowered the stretcher all Ollie could do was listen to Alyssa explain what condition everyone was in. The teenager got lost somewhere between collarbone and gunfire when the Marine was talking. Right, she should probably pay attention to that too.

Tag: Cpt. Everett McKinley,Lt. Col Maxwell Strickland,Lt. Col. Savannah Caffery,Lt. Meghan Harris,Petty Officer Matthew Cole,Sgt. Jay Halstead,Gy Sgt. Julien Foxwell