[They aren’t returning with the amount of supplies he would have liked, but something is better than nothing. What’s important is that they got the signal out, and that the Marie Antoinette is coming for them. 76 will think about the implications of a ship being named that, later. For now, there’s regrouping—taking stock of what they did manage to bring back,

Suffice to say, he seems a little uncomfortable being welcomed back with any kind of fanfare, such as it is. He tries not to be hostile, but it’s easy to see him shrugging off physical contact from other soldiers, too occupied with what comes next to celebrate.

So it’s easier to focus on business. If he has to interact with the other soldiers, it’s huddled around a map explaining the plan to them. He’s too old to be here, really, but all that means is that the ANZAC boys defer to him, thinking he’s some kind of authority.

Even on the way out, however, he doesn’t want to get caught in that lie. He’s quick to wave over the first COST recruit he sees (that’s you), and his facial expression indicates that you do not have a choice. You get to hear about the plan now, whether you like it or not.]

Any questions?

[All the missions 76 has been on so far have taken place on his Earth—or some version of it, anyway. It has him treading carefully, not wanting to give himself away as a COST member or change something that might alter things down the road. He doesn’t know much about time travel, but he imagines that even the slightest interference can spread out like ripples on a pond.

Here on this beach, however, the gloves seem to be off. If the Regency is going to fight in the open, then so will he.

The problem is that he’s still equipped with the technology of the time—but at least this means he can be less cautious about his enhancements. It’s not hard to find him hauling two or three injured with substantially less effort than it should take someone of his age. Then, he’ll head back onto the beach and do it again. He’s already taken down one agent, and he’s almost as strong and fast as they are. Almost.

He is not, however, so proud that he doesn’t take advantage of potential backup in the chaos, nor does he miss a chance to arm someone who looks like they could use a gun (scrounging one up isn’t difficult, given the circumstances), even if he’s in the middle of trying not to get shot himself.]

Catch!

[Hopefully you know what to do with it.]

[76 has been on this mission from the very start, since they landed on the beach they just escaped from. To say it’s a relief to leave would be an understatement, but there are still too many unknowns. The very fact that some of their number were taken by the Regency doesn’t bode well at all if they want to keep their identities a secret, and their cell can’t even be sure that the particular soldiers they set out to save made it. Even one casualty is too many. It always is.

What is a relief is that the funerals are over quickly. This isn’t his war, no matter how much time he’s spent here, but he’s silent and respectful as the rites go on. He owes everyone here that much.

This time, when offered a drink, he doesn’t refuse, though it’s clear he’s not sure what to do with the attention on him. He tries his best to stay on the fringes of activity, but he knows a quiet moment to himself won’t be found for some time. 76 offers a shrug to whoever might be next to him, as if trying to downplay the fact that it’s hard not to be shaken by the last few weeks.]

It’s better than the rum.

[But that’s not saying much. He sounds tired, more than anything.]

[I will do whatever you want. Hit me up on plurk at whitticus.]