Gamma Strike, The New Generation

[Legion]

The dissolution of 01 in 2026 did not result in a spike in worldwide ascendant crime and terrorism as many observers feared. Indeed, in the five years of the first all-ascendant crisis response force's activity, other national governments, NGO's, and private individuals followed the UN's example, and by the end of 01's service there were many similar groups ready to step in. In the decade that followed, however, there was no truly international ascendant law enforcement group, something which would ultimately prove to be a mistake. Under pressure by several members of the Security Council's "Big Nine", the United Nations redirected its resources away from combating so-called rogue ascendancy toward ascendancy research under the direction of the United Nations International Scientific Collaboration Initiative (UNISCI) throughout the late twenties and early thirties, leaving problems of "unconventional crime and terrorism" to national governments.

Flush with new funding, UNISCI embarked on an ambitious ascendancy research initiative in 2027 nicknamed the Skygate Project: a plan to construct a world centre for ascendancy research with a stated mission of assistance and education for ascendants at risk of slipping into "rogue" ascendancy due to social factors, or those with abilities deemed dangerous to society. With a projected long-term cost in the hundreds of billions, UNISCI faced many challenges in the General Council, but the project was fortunate to find a strong advocate in then-Captain Gregory Barrow, aka. Legion of 01, whose influence with leaders of the "Big Nine" nations was enough to push its budgetary resolutions through.

As the ground was being broken for the Skygate Institute in Anglia, Massachusetts, it was quickly becoming apparent that the military and paramilitary groups who followed 01 were insufficient to combat a growing tide of next-generation ascendant crime and terrorism. Non-governmental teams were classified as civilian contractors and had to adhere to the regulations and treaties entailed, while those sponsored by a national government - usually military in nature - had to contend with issues of international jurisdiction. The new threat of rogue ascendancy, typified by groups like the mysterious Scorched Earth, had a decidedly international character and through connections with various corporations and states, was increasingly found to have access to hardware and logistical support that rivaled or even exceeded that of the national and NGO forces sent to stop them.

An international problem called for an international solution: concurrent with the research program of the Skygate Institute, the UN Security Council mandated the formation of a new multilateral ascendant crisis response force to be assembled and trained by Major Gregory Barrow. When the Skygate Institute opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2036, Barrow selected the three most talented individuals from the first wave of residents to move in. These young men and woman formed the core of 01's spiritual successor: Gamma Strike.

[Legion]

Game Notes

In the Limelight: Unlike their predecessor, 01, Gamma Strike is not simply a pseudo-police force, but a symbol for the public as well. The world has changed dramatically since 01 was formed some fifteen years ago. Ascendancy is both more common and more accepted, and with the global population of ascendants rising more sharply every year. With these facts in mind, it was decided that Gamma Strike should be integrated into the public consciousness rather than shrouded in secrecy as 01 was, to set an example for greater inclusion of ascendants in human society as a whole. For this reason, the identities of all Gamma Strike members are fully accessible to the public; UNISCI does not exactly parade the team in front of the media, but it does not hide them, either. Therefore, the names, appearances, and general information of the team's members are increasingly common knowledge, as well as the fact that they are all residents of the Skygate Institute - although most people actually think they are based at a military airfield on the outskirts of Anglia.

Some people have argued that this puts the family and friends of Gamma Strike members at risk. So far, the reality has proven to be just the opposite: few rogue ascendant groups or individuals are brazen enough to attack Gamma Strike's friends and loved ones, knowing that they would almost certainly be caught out in the act. To do so would be like robbing a bank in broad daylight.

Joining: One thing about Gamma Strike that is not known is how the team's members are selected or what kind of training they undergo - and this is something the UN and operatives of the team itself are strictly tight-lipped about. Potential candidates do not "sign up" for the team, but are rather selected based on several criteria, including capabilities, power control, intelligence, and the ability to work under pressure. Any current member of Gamma Strike can make a recommendation, but all candidates must be unanimously approved by the team's field leader (Oleksander Choroshko), combat instructor/mission observer (Major Gregory Barrow), and the director of the Skygate Institute (Doctor Thomas Newton) before they can be approached with an offer to join the team.

New recruits into Gamma Strike then gain access to the top-secret levels of the Skygate Institute located below ground level, where they undergo rigorous training under the team's unforgiving combat instructor. No matter the nature of their ascendancy, all members of Gamma Strike must be proficient in close-quarters combat, weapon usage, and on-site medical aid before they can be approved for field work, with additional training available on request. Even if an ascendant never expects to use one or more of those three skills on missions (an ability that heals others would make learning combat medicine redundant), the requirements are the same - Major Barrow takes no chances.

Note - The first step to getting a character into Gamma Strike is sending a PM to Legion stating your intention.

Trivia
-Nick Friedman, aka. Brute, has the distinction of being the only member of both Gamma Strike and 01, despite being around the same age as the rest of his current teammates. It is exactly how it looks: during his time with 01, Nick was only 12 years of age, which accounts for why he was strictly kept out of the public eye. The rest of Gamma Strike has yet to learn any of this, of course.

[Legion]

Team Roster

Oleksander Choroshko - Maestro
Field Leader

Gabriel Lewis - Seraph
Tactical Combat

Kuro Ikeda - Raiden
Infiltration/Reconnaissance

Nicholas Friedman - Brute
Heavy Combat (Meatshield)