Lore/Operation S.T.W.

***December 4th, 2015 - 20:00***
***Medici Airspace***
Geoff grabs the mic and speaks, “This is your captain Geoffrey Kensinger speaking. We have entered Medici airspace. Gear up boys, we’ll be over dropzone Alpha in five.”

*The Renegades’ Bering emerges from the clouds, and everyone sees the moonlight over Medici.*

The beauty only lasts a few seconds as the plane comes into heavy anti-air fire.

Oliver runs to the back and screams, “Looks like they threw us a welcoming party! Suit up, we’ll have to deploy early!” As everyone hustles, David asks, “McQueen, we need to land!” Oliver responds, “Once we gain enough altitude, we’ll eject you, so be ready!” David scratches his head and puts his beret on to say, “Uh, alright sure. Whatever that means.”

*Nate is the first to jump, performing a perfect HALO drop. Geoff and Oliver gain altitude, pushing the Bering until the metal parts begin to rattle. Once high enough, the anti-air fire ceases just as the engine stalls. Geoff flips a switch and a hatch opens directly under the K-24. While it free-falls, David cuts the ignition on and stabilizes his K-24. Next, Dexter and Quinn jump out, carefully parachuting onto a mountain near the Compound.*

David screams through his radio, “Fuck sake McQueen! Give me a warning next time dammit!” Alexov laughs as he says, “Not gonna lie, that was pretty funny. Anyways, I think we’re up, Oliver.”

*Oliver pats Efe’s back, then walks towards the back. Before the anti-air fire begins again as the Bering descends, Alexov hands Oliver his specialized rifle. They both jump out and fall in a head-down formation, dodging all the flak explosions. Once they open their parachutes, enemy troops begin to move in on their position.*

Oliver says, “Nate, really hope you got us a ride. We’re gonna need it soon.” While he pulls an innocent civilian out of his car, Nate responds, “Yeah, mate, I don’t know where you are. Pop a flare or something, you can’t be that far.”

*Alexov shoots a flare into the sky, alerting the nearby troops along with Nate of their position. Quinn parachutes down to his designated spot while Dexter begins rappelling down the mountain. As enemy troops begin to close in on their position, Alexov and Oliver spot Nate driving up to them. Nate opens one of the doors and shoots out the other as he drifts the car around Alexov and Oliver, who immediately hop in. Driving away, Nate flips the troops off.*

*Efe jumps out to secure the landing zone while Geoff begins to land the Bering on a high plateau overlooking the ocean. Once in the clear, Nate pulls over to assess the damage.*

They all get out and Oliver says, “Perfect timing.” Nate gives him a fist-bump and Alexov asks, “Alright, what’s next? Do we just go in, grab her, then split?” Dexter inquires through his radio, “Quinn and I are in position, what’s the sit-rep down there?” Oliver responds, “Nate will get a fresh set of wheels while Alexov and I make our way towards the Compound. Dexter and Quinn, you’re my eyes up there. Intel suggests that Billie West should be in that Compound, confirm it for me. Efe, keep the rendezvous area secure and Geoff safe. Geoff, see if you can hack their frequencies and listen in, I need to know what they’re talking about. David, sit tight and keep that engine warm.”

*Alexov and Oliver move swiftly through the farms, from minimal cover to cover. Geoff begins setting up the rest of their comms equipment while Efe secures the area outside their Bering.*

***December 5th - 0:00***
***The Compound, Medici***
*After a few hours of scouting, Dexter spots Billie West getting out of a jeep, escorted by two bodyguards and a peculiar person. Quinn zooms in to confirm it’s Billie West and gets a good look at the third man.*

Dexter says on his radio, “Target has arrived at the Compound.” Quinn adds, “I can confirm that. Two bodyguards and uh, that mystery man.” Oliver sighs and says, “Fantastic, I hate surprises.” Alexov asks, “What’re they packing?” David interjects, “I bet it’s cold, hard, and shoots blanks.” Nate laughs while Oliver replies, “Focus guys, we need as much intel as possible.” Quinn says, “Nothing special, just the typical the AK-system.” Dexter responds, “Confirmed. I see four snipers on top of the Temple, and from my angle only five on the Compound roof.” Oliver reminds them, “Don’t engage yet. Alexov and I are almost there. Nate and Efe, sit-rep?” Efe says, “Rendezvous and landing zones secure,” while Nate responds, “Mate, I’m good to go. Let’s get this show on the road.”

*Alexov and Oliver finally make it to the Compound. Dexter and Quinn mark their targets on the roofs while David stands-by on top of the mountain. Geoff intercepts a rebel frequency and listens in on their chatter.*

Alexov and Oliver approach the west side of the Compound as Oliver commands, “Dexter, Quinn, west side. Take care of those snipers and we’ll move in.” Dexter responds, “Roger. Quinn, you got the left one. On my mark: three, two, one, mark.” In unison, Dexter and Quinn take out the snipers on the roof and Quinn replies, “Like clockwork. You two are good to go, good luck.”

*Alexov and Oliver take cover on each side of the entrance. Oliver nods, and Alexov moves in and quickly gets behind cover. Oliver follows soon after, and the pair efficiently make their way into the mansion.*

“Oliver, nine-o-clock. Three guys.” whispers Alexov. Oliver responds, “Wait. This is their main comms hub, listen.”

> Temple Patrol to all Checkpoint Alpha troops, be advised: Leader West has very important plans tonight - she should not be disturbed. If you see any of the General’s men, terminate with extreme prejudice. Over and out.
>
>

Geoff says, “Uh, Oliver, we may have a problem.” Alexov says, “Yup, we just heard it too.” Nate asks, “What’s going on now?” Alexov says, “Nate, if you get caught, they will shoot first and never ask questions.”

Oliver thinks for a moment and states, “Change of plans. Billie West isn’t our only priority now. We grab her *after* we figure out what she’s gotten herself into. I have a feeling all these men aren’t here to protect her.” Dexter asks, “What do you have in mind then?” Oliver says, “First, we take out their comms hub.”

*Alexov and Oliver sneak into their communications room and take out two of the three men. The last one, surprised, runs for the alarm. Just as the man reaches out, Quinn performs a well-aimed sniper shot. Alexov works on disabling their communications setup while Oliver uses the security camera feed to search the mansion.*

Alexov says, “Nice shot. Make sure nobody heard the window breaking though.” Dexter looks through his scope to see a panicked sniper hastily talking into his radio and says, “Well shit, we may have a prob-” The alarm sound cuts Dexter off and Efe states, “That’s it, I’m moving in. You two get out of there now.” Oliver explains, “Negative, Efe stay with Geoff. Nate, stand-by on the east side of the mountain.”

*Scrolling through the camera feed, Oliver catches Billie West and the mystery man wrapping up a meeting, shaking hands with a man in a sharp, black suit.*

Oliver says, “We stick to the plan. Dex and Quinn, your jobs got a lot harder. Take out everyone that gets in our way!”

*Geoff listens intently to the rebel outcries:*

> Temple Patrol to Rebel HQ, the Compound is under attack! An alarm has been triggered. Requesting dispatch of ground and Air-Support units immediately!
>
>

Geoff warns them, “Oliver, you got some major heat comin’ your way. David, I’d advise you get that bird in the air, they’re gonna need your help soon.” David puts on his golden beret and says, “Don’t worry, I got this.”

*Nate sees multiple trucks full of hostile troops making their way towards the Compound. He quickly gets out of his jeep and finds a box full of nails in the back. After spreading them out onto the road, he shoots the tires of his jeep and waits. The first few trucks blowout their tires when they pass, so the last one stops.*

Nate explains, “Yeah, happened to mine too! Can ya believe it mate? Some prick must’ve dropped a box full of nails or something. Anyways, can I hitch a ride?” As most of them run down the road to find another vehicle, one of the rebels asks, “So, this happened to you too huh?” The rebel signals his men to look around Nate’s jeep as Nate responds, “Absolutely mate, tough luck I guess. What’s going on anyways, the rest of your men seemed in a bit of a hurry?”

*The rebel raises an eyebrow as he studies Nate. Nate sees the suspicion and casually moves towards that rebel. Looking at the reflection from that rebel’s sunglasses hanging from his shirt, Nate sees those men find an empty box with **NAILS** written on it. Just as that rebel raises his gun, Nate swiftly disarms him and snaps his neck. He slides under the jeep, kicks down one of the rebels and uses his body as cover while the other one shoots out of reflex. Luckily, the rebel’s gun jams and Nate takes him out. He gets into the last truck and drives off to his new position.*

***December 5th - 2:00***
***Medici Airspace***
*Multiple rebel A/S units are dispatched and fly towards the Compound. David holds his position high, using the passing clouds as cover before getting the drop on them.*

David announces, “Lookout guys, you got three heavy helicopter A/S heading towards you. I can take out at least tw-” Geoff states, “Wait, there’s more. I’ve managed to intercept the General’s troops’ radio transmissions, and they too have dispatched A/S.” Quinn says, “Well shit, they must think the rebels are planning an attack.” Efe adds, “Yeah, and we’re caught in the middle of it.” Oliver says, “Doesn’t matter, we have our objective. Dexter and Quinn, assist David. David, make sure those A/S units don’t get here.” David responds, “I’ll do what I can. Just get Billie West and get the hell out of there.”

*David stays high until one of their advanced fixed-wing spots David on his radar and begins to engage him. Dexter and Quinn begin coordinating shots, sniping out the pilots of the slower moving helicopters. Eventually, one of the hostile fixed-wing notices the sniper shots and calls their positions in. Soon, multiple troops begin dropping down near Dexter and Quinn’s positions.*

Quinn looks through his scope to Dexter, who is surrounded by multiple hostiles and on his knees with his hands behind his head. Just as Quinn bolts his rifle, Dexter swiftly delivers a barrage of throwing knives, efficiently dropping one hostile after another. Before the last one can raise his gun, Quinn snipes him out. While Dexter gives him a thankful nod, Quinn hears twigs snapping as a rebel attempts to sneak up on him. Unsheathing his katana, he squints at the rebel, who takes out a machete. Strike after strike, the rebel seems to hold his ground as the two duel. Anticlimactically, Dexter snipes out the rebel.

“I had him, you know.” explains Quinn. Dexter responds, “Well, here’s your chance to redeem yourself, look up.”

*Multiple rebels drop on Quinn’s position and he grips his katana tightly. Ripping through hostile after hostile, Quinn rapidly takes out most of the them, while Dexter picks off the rest. Back inside the Compound, Oliver and Alexov get hammered by waves of rebels, barely surviving and beginning to run low on ammo.*

An out-of-breath Alexov says, “Oliver… Even for us, this is too much.” David responds, “Damn I wish we had a G9 right now!” Oliver sees all the chaos around them and their seemingly inevitable loss, so he presses a button on his radio and says, “Alright boys, you’re up. Just like old times, give ‘em hell!” With a confused look, Alexov asks, “Wait, who did you just call in?” Oliver looks at Alexov, smirks, and replies, “The backup plan.”

*Two Reaper Leopards sweep down from the sky, raining their destruction onto the unsuspecting A/S and ground units. Once freed up, David flies to assist Dexter and Quinn, who are still being attacked by more hostiles. Once switched onto their radio frequency, the Leopard Pilots communicate with everyone.*

“Thought you could have a party without me?” asks Dante. Tim says, “SKYFALL assisting the K-24, welcome back David Cage!” David responds, “I’m not back, dammit! This is a one-off.” Quinn interjects, “We can have a reunion later, help on the mountains!” Dante says, “Roger, K-24 assist them in the mountains. PHANTOM bombing, SKYFALL follow!”

***December 3rd - 20:00***
***Reaper HQ***
*Oliver flies to Reaper HQ and meets with Dante Knox and Tim Ground.*

Oliver looks around and says in a low voice, “You two sure you want to help? You could get in a lot of trouble.” Tim says, “Pls, Commander Jane loves me. Now when do I get to fly Leo?” Oliver looks at him and begins, “Uh, how do you kno- er, nevermind. You two will be my team’s back-up plan, in case things go south.” Dante replies, “About damn time, Oliver. I was beginning to worry you had forgotten about me.”

*As Oliver scratches his head about what Dante meant, the pair proceed to steal two Reaper Leopards.*

***December 5th - 2:00***
***Medici Airspace***
Quinn exclaims, “Holy shit that was close, appreciate it boys! Dex, you good?” Dexter responds, “I am now. Ground, Knox. I’m on the southern mountain. Bait them towards me and I’ll snipe out their engines. Quinn, you focus on covering Oliver and Alexov. David, take out the incoming ground troops and keep them off Quinn.” Alexov says to Oliver, “Looks like he’s calling the shots now.” Oliver responds to him, “Just like old times…”

*Tim coordinates with Dante and Dexter, and baits the enemy fixed-wings. As he flies over Dexter, the enemy follows. Dexter snipes out one of his engines and it catches on fire. Dante flies in and demolishes what’s left, just as the pilot ejects. Holding his position, Nate lets the big squads pass and reports them to David, all the while stealthily taking out the stragglers. David darts around, destroying the trucks full of hostiles approaching the Compound as well as the ones trying to flank Quinn. Quinn efficiently snipes out multiple targets near Alexov and Oliver, who quickly move through the Compound trying to find Billie West. As he waits on them at the rendezvous point, Efe assists some of the local villagers while Geoff ReaPairs the Bering.*

***December 5th - 3:00***
***Mountain Temple, Medici***
*After clearing out the Compound, Alexov and Oliver head towards the Temple embedded within the mountain.*

“Oliver, look out!” warns Alexov as he tackles Oliver to cover. Billie West’s bodyguards defend the Temple entrance, to which Oliver expresses, “Can’t this job just be easy for once?” Alexov chuckles and replies, “Heh, if it was easy, anyone would do it.” Oliver nods and says, “You distract, I’ll flank.”

*Alexov begins blind-firing from behind his cover as Oliver sneaks up the right-flank. He shoots one of the bodyguards but runs out of ammo. The other one drop-kicks Oliver in the chest and knocks him against the mountain wall. Just as the bodyguard attempts to stab Oliver, Quinn performs another impressive shot. Getting a thumbs up from Oliver and a notion to come down from Alexov, Quinn parachutes down to their position.*

Quinn says to Dexter, “You should come down too, I think we got Billie West cornered.” Dexter responds, “Alright. Cage, Ground, Knox. You should clear out.” Dante responds, “Roger, PHANTOM pulling back, SKYFALL fall in.” Tim claims, “Pls, my leo my rules. But I low on gas so I go.” David adds, “That’s the best damn idea I’ve heard in a while. Yo Geoff, my baby is gonna need some of your famous ReaPairs…”

*Dexter meets up with Alexov, Oliver, and Quinn at the mouth of the Temple. The four move in as a unit, clearing all the worship-rooms. Alexov and Quinn remark how similar the Temple’s design is to Ular temples. As they move about, they notice stashes of drugs and money. Finally, the group get to the last room, a giant sanctuary, where Billie West awaits.*

Billie West announces, “I knew my past would eventually come to hunt me down,” she turns, giving them a grave look, and continues, “but I didn’t think it would be you, Oliver McQueen.” Oliver explains, “We’re not here to harm you, Commander. We’re here to bust you out.” Oliver looks around at the others and continues, “We know you’re being held against your will. Come with us and we can go back to Panau - back to your home, the Reapers.” Billie West responds, “Oliver, you have no idea what you are doing. You all need to leave, you don’t belong here.”

*Oliver sends his exact coordinates and altitude to Nate, who shoots a zip-line into the side of the mountain using Oliver’s data. Alexov and Quinn place C4s against the back wall of the Temple. As Oliver approaches Billie West, the mystery man jumps down and pins Dexter on the ground at gunpoint.*

“They say I’m the best,” says the man. Oliver and the rest reach for their guns but the man says, “and they don’t say it for no reason. Put your guns down or he bites the bullet.” They all lower their guns and Oliver inquires, “Who are you and what do you want with Billie West?” “*Sheesh*, the name’s Rico Rodriguez. Perhaps you’ve read *books* about all I’ve done.” Quinn raises an eyebrow as Alexov explains, “Erm, no, afraid we haven’t. How about,” Dexter looks at Oliver and gestures towards a bow and some arrows resting against one of the pews as Alexov continues, “you let us go peacefully and we’ll return Billie West. No need for violence in such a holy place.”

*While Oliver distracts Rico, Alexov detonates the C4. As soon as the C4 goes off, Oliver dives towards the bow and arrows, draws the bow back, and shoots Rico’s hand holding his signature gun. Dexter knocks Rico off and runs toward the hole in the mountain made by the C4. Billie West is the first to zip-line down, followed by Quinn, Alexov, and Dexter. Just as Oliver begins to move towards the zip-line, Rico manages to stand up.*

“Son of a *miha*,” says Rico as he pulls the arrow out of his grapple-hook mechanism, “that was one hell of a move. Oliver uh, McClean, was it?” Oliver turns around and folds his arms as he asks, “Why are you here? I’ve heard all the tales about your wreckless work in Panau. You scream collateral damage. You thrive off of *chaos*.” Rico angrily shoots the zip-line, barely missing Oliver, and responds, “Panau was business. Medici is… personal.” Oliver attaches some hooks on his jumpsuit together and says, “Just make sure it doesn’t become pleasure.” Rico laughs and replies, “Either way, it’ll be worth every minute.” Oliver states, “McQueen. The name’s Oliver McQueen.”

*Immediately turning and jumping out of the mountain, he swings his arms open and the wingsuit catches air. Oliver looks down and sees Nate’s truck full of the guys as he glides toward the rendezvous point. Unknowingly to them, Rico was following Oliver through the air in his own wingsuit. As they all arrive at the Bering, Efe and David greet Billie West. As Oliver is parachuting to the ground, jeeps full of rebel troops pull up near the Bering and begin attacking the group.*

Seeing the multitudes of hostiles, Oliver orders over his radio, “Geoff, start the engines and begin to take off, there’s too many hostiles!” Dexter responds, “Not without you Oliver. Everyone, hold your ground. Geoff, keep the engine warm though.”

*The group barely hold back the initial wave of hostiles, and Oliver and Rico both land on the ground. Without hesitation, Rico pulls out his signature gun and shoots Billie West in the leg. Efe and Alexov carry Billie West into the Bering while Quinn helps Geoff prep for take-off. Moving swiftly, Dexter disarms Rico while Oliver and Nate engage in hand-to-hand combat against Rico. To their surprise, Rico manages to thwart all of them individually.*

“I hate ninjas.” says Rico.

*Eventually, Rico manages to pick up his signature gun and begins firing towards the three. They take cover but he lands a hit on Nate, though Nate’s body-armor takes most of it.*

Nate screams, “Ah! Son-ova-bitch!” Oliver tells Dexter, “Rico won’t stop. Take Nate back to the Bering, I’ll cover you two.” Dexter responds, “You’re in over your head kid.” With a stern look, Oliver says, “I’ll be right behind you, just go!”

*As Oliver lays down covering fire, Dexter grabs Nate and gets into the Bering. A few more rebels on motorcycles arrive to back-up Rico and slowly begin moving in on Oliver’s position. Oliver tells Geoff to take off and flanks around the motorcycles. As the Bering begins to take off, Oliver hops on one of the motorcycles and books it. Rico consequently races after Oliver on another motorcycle while Geoff lowers the back-ramp of the Bering.*

Geoff states, “Oliver, you’re running out of room here. Catch up.” While dodging gunshots, Oliver responds, “Yeah yeah, working on it! Geoff, drop off the end of the runway.” Geoff says, “Roger roger, everyone strap in. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

*Instead of taking off, Geoff lets the Bering fall over the end of the runway, letting it glide towards the ocean. Oliver speeds up his bike and drives off the edge. Using his wingsuit, he flies toward the back of the Bering. Rico stops at the edge and aims at Oliver with his signature gun. Exhaling, Rico shoots and lands a direct hit in Oliver’s upper-chest just as he enters the Bering.*