The mission, like so many others before it, had actually started out relatively calm. Derrick had arrived in time with the others to join in on the obligatory 'sizing up' of his new squad. The majority of them, he noted, carried the same scars, outwardly or otherwise, that any gear did. It was a fact of war. Going over his equipment mentally as some banter bounced back and forth, he took a seat near the rear of the Raven and popped over his personal demolitions kit.<br/><br/>Usually one to join in with jokes or quips, Derrick found himself remaining quiet for once. Something was wrong somehow...or maybe he'd just gotten a bit jumpy. But either way, he'd made sure all of his equipment was prepped...just in case.<br/><br/>Grinning wide from the post-takeoff adrenaline rush all the way through the start of the introductions, he managed to talk himself down, ignoring the feeling just enough to stop keeping a sharp eye on everything. The Raven was in great working order, all things considered, and the pilot was fun, if not a little crazy. And if this squad was half as competent as they were fun...well things would definitely be just fine.<br/><br/>Of course...that's when it all went to hell.<br/><br/>As the crew scrambled into positions to shoot down the incoming bogeys, Derrick strapped himself in and began working hurriedly, his focus narrowed in on his demo kit.<b><span style="color: SlateGray"><i>"If I hurry, maybe I can whip up something to keep us from..." </i></span></b>His thoughts were interrupted as the Raven shook violently. "Oh shit..." Working to quickly strap himself in, Derrick shifted gears. Assuming they lived through the landing, they'd need some kind of cover while they regrouped.<br/><br/>The last thing he did as he watched ground came rushing up to meet them through the bay door was snap the demo kit closed while trying to brace himself.<br/><br/>Peering from behind his helmet, the blue glow of his visor only served to make his headache worse. Scratch that..his entire body ached. Casting a slow, sweeping look around, he could tell that for the most part, everyone was up and around. Judging from the yelling, they were in at least decent shape too. Suspended partially due to his straps, Derrick's arms waved idly through the air for a few moments before, with a groan, he began trying to free himself. Due to his smaller size even while armored, it wasn't incredibly difficult, but painful. He was sure he had some bruising all over, but it definitely could've been worse.<br/><br/>Gathering up his kit, Derrick checked his lancer and nodded, hearing someone else's chainsaw roar to life. Stepping out of what was left of the Raven, the gear tapped his helm, noting thankfully that his helmet was still largely working. Noting that several of his group were already assessing the wounded, he took up a position, using the Raven and the remnants of the building as cover to try and see what else might be coming their way.<br/><br/><b><span style="color: SlateGray">"Frost here. I'm up and around, in one beat up piece."</span></b><div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>