Iron Stars - kaleb

Kaleb awakens, to harsh light and the hiss of venting air, as the glass canopy on his cryo capsule is open.

Kaleb, disoriented from the Cold Sleep, shivers uncontrollably as his senses start to kick in. With the light still blinding, he tries to hear what is going on.

"how do you feel Kaleb? You were frozen for far longer than intended"

Kaleb attempts to move his limbs. "I feel...stiff...and disoriented." Kaleb thinks about what was just asked to him. "Who are you? How much time has it been?"

9:07 PM

Kaleb also attempts to focus his gaze on who addressed him.

“It’s been a year and two months. A bit beyond the recommended time for awakening but you’re lucky you did.

“Well I’m up now. Whats the current status of the colony?”

"Recovering. We are close, in comfort, to where things should have been. Your kind, psi I mean, did not fare well, something happened to the psychics . most of you who were awaken when we landed didnt make it"

“Something...but you don’t know exactly what?” Kaleb is a little troubled of the idea of most psychics not surviving. “I have many questions, but for now, how can I be of service? I’m ready to get to work.” Kaleb will have to figure out things as he goes, but as of now wants to fill useful to the colony, his original purpose for coming here in the first place

"It was a disaster, they're calling it the scream, something happened tot hose of you that can use MES"the nurse says, rinsing out the nutrient tubes and getting your personal belongings together for you. "Luckily for you, some survived, the academy opened recently"

Kaleb thinks to himself: this scream sounds like a widespread burst of Psionic energy that was too much for conscious psychics to handle. But, what could of caused such a blast? And how widespread was this scream? Returning from his thoughts, “An Academy huh? That sounds like I’ll be most useful there.” As soon as Kaleb is ready, he’ll head to the Academy

The academy is a new building, clean and of spacious design. It looks like a true campus one would expect to see on a world of civilized tech level. In the main foyer, a pale looking woman with raven colored hair is sweeping the front portico.

Kaleb walks up to the woman sweeping. “Hello miss, my name is Kaleb and I just woke up from Cold Sleep. I’m here to offer my services to The Academy. Would you be able to point me in the right direction?”

3:02 PM

(Just as a reminder, Kaleb is a metapsion and can see anyone using psychic powers. He would be on the lookout for people using powers on him)

"My name is Crane" she smiles "I run the academy when the founder is off world, as he is right now. You're here to offer services? what services exactly?|

“Nice to meet you Crane” I smile back. “I’m a metapsion. I just mastered the basics of being able to see psychic energy before coming on this voyage, but I’m learning on how to teach others in psychic energy. In addition, you could say I was a spiritual leader of faith. I know multiple languages and specialize in bringing people together.”

3:09 PM

“In addition, I have some knowledge of psychics that my master passed down to me, which I’m willing to share with the Academy”

"I'm a telepath myself" Crane smiles "It sounds like someone of your skill is certainly needed here. "

"Well i'll be happy to help out wherever I can." Kaleb pauses for a moment. "I know I just woke up, but the nurse that was taking care of me explained that something called the Scream affected a lot of psychics. This is probably common knowledge to you now, but could you explain the current situation with psychics for me?"

"We aren't really sure what caused the disaster just yet. That is something being looked into, as much as we can for right now at least. Anyone in cold sleep like yourself, or otherwise disconnected from MES at the time seems like they've ridden it out alright so far. Most psi users were killed outright when it happened. the most powerful survived, but have gone feral, with just a fraction of their former power and nothing like the control they once had"

5:03 PM

"A fair number of you have ridden it out it seems|

"I see. That is...troubling. I'll be happy to help look into it when we have time. For now, is there anything I can assist with? Sweeping? Sorting archive documents? Anyone in need of counseling?"

"Well, actually there is something. We are hosting three psychic residents on campus right now, rescued from a nearby industrial world called Rawhani. The people there hate people like us. THey've been tortured, extensively, and though we have been able to help the body, they may need some help with the mind portion of all of this

5:21 PM

"Silvano was called away to fight in a battle a few quadrants over. He will be back soon, but i am sure the jump start would be appreciated"

"I see. I'll be happy to talk to them. I'm used to the hate against psychics. Point me in the right direction and I'll see what I can do."

"Its an attitude that seems only to have been made worse with the disaster. Psy affected who lost control caused damage on an untold number of worlds. We know little of how things look outside the clutch of planets around us.

“So, psy prejudice only got worse since the Scream outside of here. How did the Colony come to embrace psys, even allowing the Academy to be built?”

“We hid at first but we had many challenges on this planet so far. Psi users went out of their way to help and even show the stability of their gifts”

“Well I’m glad attitudes here towards us are peaceful. How many metapsions do you have that can teach newly awakened psychics?”

“Silvano. And doona. Both off world right now”

“At least you have some here. If this scream did end up killing off most psychics, newly awakened ones will need all the help they can get. Especially if attitudes towards psychics overall that bad.”

“It’s not pretty out there. We are at war with a group persecuting them now. When you’re ready head upstairs. I believe their meditation will be done soon

“Anything you can tell me about the 3 refugees? How old they are? How long they were suffering for? How long they have been here for?”

“They’re all about mid thirties. They’ve been tortured for a little over a year but their work conditions even before the disaster weren’t glamorous. They’ve been here just over three weeks”

“Okay, I’m curious how they survived the scream. I’ll go talk to them. See if I can help them find some peace. Thank you for your time miss Crane. I look forward to working with you.” Unless Crane says something else, Kaleb will head upstairs

Crane goes back to sweeping, humming a sad sounding song

Kaleb takes note of the sad song and will go to see the refugees

The three are huddled in a conference room upstairs holding a conversation. Two dusky looking men and a woman are seated far apart from one another

Before walking over, Kaleb takes a moment to observe their state and wellbeing. He wants to know if they seem anxious, lost, angry, etc. It will help him know how to approach them

They seem lost more than anything else.

Kaleb walks up to them. “Hey, do you mind if I join you?”

One of them telekinetically slides a chair out from the table. “Peace be upon you brother. We were just talking about life here”

“Peace be upon you as well” As Kaleb sits down with them. “My name is Kaleb. I was recently woken from cold sleep. What are your names?”

"Barry fox, I am a teleporter, the others are Hilda Caldwell, and Irving owen, both of them are telekinetics. We are at your service"

1:03 PM

"We didn't see you at the grand opening, were you around?"

“Actually, I was just woken from Cold Sleep. I’m a metapsion. It’s nice to meet you Barry, Hilda, and Irving. I was on the Colony ship, and my goal is to become a psychic teacher.”

"You've come to the right place. We are staying here for now until we find some work"

1:08 PM

"A lot of people seemed interested in what we do at the opening, we are hoping that turns into some contracts"

“Forgive me for asking, but what kind of work are you looking for? Are you planning on staying with the Colony?”

"We came from Rawhani, and the world is very hateful towards psi users. We were on the verge of execution before Silvano rescued us. I don't think any of us are in a hurry to go back and try to make a life there anytime soon"

“That’s must of been a painful experience. How have you been coping since your rescue?”

" It's been a few weeks, most of it has been us being hospitalized. The academy opening was our first day of freedom, which was a few days ago. We haven't had a whole lot of time yet to truly reflect on our freedom. I'm worried when it does come, things will get strange"

“Well I can see your predicament. You’ve spent your whole life in fear and in hiding. Now that you are free, truly free, you may not know what to do with yourself. Does that sound accurately?”

2:42 PM

Accurate*

"That sums it up entirely" says Hilda, her voice is smoky and ravaged sounding, despite bioscopic healing treatments

“So, I know the definition of freedom, but what does freedom mean to you”

4:34 PM

Kaleb heavily emphasized the “you”

Barry: "For me, freedom is the ability to decide the best path for my own life, within reason. Society gives many advantages, but you have to contribute to benefit from it. I don't expect to just use my newfound time to be a loaf" Hilda: "Freedom means the ability to move. To travel, to not be held in one place unless I have some reason to stay" Irving: "Freedom for me is mental freedom, being able to live without fear, and to be accepted for the gift of MES I have been given"

“All of those are good answers. And now you all have the freedom to pursue your own paths.” Kaleb looks towards Barry, “So when you talk about your own path, do you have a destination in mind? Or is that still a mystery?”

"You know, it's funny. I can teleport, so I have the freedom to go anywhere, but I think I have almost too much choice. I want to help however I can"

“I see.” Kaleb then turns to Hilda, “For you, the freedom to move around sounds great, but where do you want to go? I know I just woke from Cold Sleep, but it sounds like The Scream has made attitudes more hostile towards psychics.”

"I'd never really seen plants before I came to this world. Now that I'm here I want to see everything"

“I haven’t had a chance to see the plants myself. Perhaps one day we can see them together.” Kaleb then turns to Irving, “What does mental freedom mean to you? You have your own thoughts. Are you not free to think of what you want?”

"We were viewed with mistrust even before the scream on Rawhani. THe board of company directors was paranoid about us giving away secrets, and we were routinely interrogated or threatened. Many people tried to hide their gifts, seeing it as a curse when they began manifesting|

Kaleb pauses for a moment. “It’s funny, how we have these great gifts, but are feared as a result. We live in constant turmoil of violence and distain, when we can benefit the world. I view freedom as peace and acceptance. Peace for all people to accept us for who we are. Peace to make every world a better place. Peace to bring on prosperity for our generation, and every generation after us. Acceptance of psychics being trusted and good people, who are friends, not enemies. This academy brings me hope that our freedom is still possible. Here, we can at least be free, at peace, and are accepted. We have a war to fight for our freedom. But that war will bring the freedom for all.” Kaleb looks at each psychic sitting, “Freedom to go where we want, freedom to see what we want, freedom to be who we want.”

7:31 PM

“Do each of you believe that our freedom is here and now, and in the future?”

Barry, who seems to be their spokesman so far, answers. "If this colony survives the coming war, I believe we have the best chance to put things back how they were, from here. Probably more than we would anywhere else. "

“Would you be willing to fight for the Colony? I’m not talking about in the front lines. To fight simply means to help wherever we can. We have unique gifts that can make us assets to this Colony. We can give this Colony the edge to secure our freedom.”

"We were told once we were cleared we could help, in the ways you mentioned. That happened a few days ago|

"What do you need to be cleared for?"

“We had to be medically cleared before we could work or do anything else. We were the day the academy opened. That was a few days ago. Been here ever since

“So once you are medically cleared, you would be ready to start?”

8:12 PM

“Ready and willing to start”*

“Yes. Absolutely”

“Tell you what, I met Crane a little bit ago. Let me talk to her and see if I can help”

“Thank you. The academy is nice but when it’s the only place in town welcoming you, the surroundings get a bit old

"I can imagine." Kaleb gets up from his seat. "As soon as I get some information, I'll come find you."

8:23 PM

Kaleb heads to Crane

Crane has finished sweeping by time you come back down and has busied herself pulling paper notices from a box outside the academy. She has a few in hand

"Hello Crane! I talked to Barry, Hilda, and Irving." Kaleb notices the paper notices. "Do you need help with that? I can talk and do work at the same time."

"I'm just going over the few requests for services we have been given so far. there arent many. What's going on with them today?|

"Well we happened to talk about freedom and life. They were very friendly. They seem eager to get out of the academy and do some work."

8:56 PM

"Overall, they seem glad to be here, they are waiting to be medically cleared."

"Alright, I'll have to put a word in to the hospital, to get someone out here. It was supposed to have been done on the academy opening day. We had some mixups with transportation"

"I see. Since you seem to have your hands full," as Kaleb gestures towards the papers in her hand, "I'll be happy to head there and talk to someone. Maybe the nurse that woke me from Cold Sleep would be willing to help."

9:09 PM

"It's just someone needed to state that they are healthy, correct?"

"Exactly that. Someone needs to check on them and just certify they're safe to work. Someone to check their powers wouldnt be bad either, ensure they're not torched in any way|

"Well I can help with both. For now, I'll get someone to medically clear them physically. As for the torching, I am a metapsion. If I can witness their powers in action, I may be able to pick up if any torching has been done. Just from my first impression, they all seem fine."

9:26 PM

"Would that work with you, Miss Crane?"

“That’s perfect. Anything you can do would be appreciated. I know they’re all anxious to get to work. I love it here at the academy but I wouldn’t want to not leave for my own home at night” she smiles

“Is it dangerous at night here in the Colony?”

8:32 AM

(Also what time is it at the Colony)

“Not really. Just don’t go much beyond the built up areas at night. Some of the wild life gets a little hands on.” (It’s late morning)

“Good to know. Well I’ll be off to the hospital. I’m sure I can find someone who can help. Thanks Lady Crane.” Kaleb heads off to the hospital, specifically to look for the nurse who woke me up

Your information is taken down and it’s a few moments before she’s fetched for you. “Everything alright? You’re not cryosick are you?”

“Hi Nurse. Yeah everything is fine. I actually am here on behalf of the psi academy. We have some refugees who are ready to work, but they need to be medically cleared before they can. As of now, they are stuck in the Academy feeling pretty trapped. They were suppose to be checked out a few days ago, but I guess there was some mix up with the Academy opening.”

“Oh my. That does sound bad. Yes let’s head down there”. She begins packing a bag full of supplies that she will need for her medical examinations

Kaleb thinks to himself that was easier than I thought it was going to be. This Colony is much nicer than where I grew up. “Thank you nurse...you know i never got your name.”

“Evelyn. I forgot to introduce myself when you were woken up. Most people are so overwhelmed by the changes when they wake that it’s sort of irrelevant”

“Fair enough. Well Evelyn, you are a true angel” Kaleb flashes a grin at her. “Well, whenever your ready we can head over there together. I appreciate your willingness to help complete strangers.”

She grabs her jacket and her bag. “I’ll be back in a couple hours” she says to the head nurse, Manning the desk. Outside, the breeze is cool and refreshing on your way back to the academy. Crane is putting some mail in various boxes for the new psychics. You can see drying paint with your name over one of them

“Hi Crane. I’m back and I brought with me Nurse Evelyn. She can check out Barry, Hilda, and Irving. Do you happen to know where they are?”

“Still upstairs. I told them to stay put since you were working on their situation. You didn’t need a scavenger hunt today”

"Ha, well I appreciate it. We'll head right up there. I'm sure they are just as eager to get this over with."

10:59 AM

I'll bring Eveyln upstarts to meet up with the refugees

They’re in the conference room but step out into the main hallway area when they see you arriving. “Thanks Kaleb. Awake for a day and a hero already”

11:19 AM

Evelyn takes Barry into the conference room first and shuts the blinds for privacy

"Ah don't worry about it. I just like to be useful. So once you guys are all done your psychical examinations, Crane asked me to make sure you haven't experienced any signs of torching.

11:20 AM

It's a pretty easy test, just perform your powers in front of me for long enough to make sure you're fine."

Barry exits the room smiling. Catching the back end of your statement he teleports from the doorway to a chair in the corner of the room

12:06 PM

You sense a small amount of damage, not enough to signify he had taken the brunt of the scream, if any of it

12:06 PM

And more importantly not enough to make him a danger to anyone aside from some personal health consequences down the road

"Okay Barry, there's a little damage, but overall you are find and go to go"

12:23 PM

"Just make sure to avoid torching yourself unless your life depends on it."

Kaleb will wait for the next refugee for psychic testing

Hilda is next. Barry has fallen asleep in the chair after a moment, seemingly finally at some level of relaxation.

1:08 PM

Hilda, when she emerges from testing shows no sign of torching at all

1:09 PM

Finally , Irving enters the room. They physical examination is long, nearly an hour. When it concludes, he uses telekinesis to gently pull a blanket from a nearby couch over Barry. Irving shows a moderate level of torching but the wounds are ol

1:09 PM

Old

"Okay, Hilda, you are find, I do not see any signs of torching on you." Kaleb then turns to Irving, "You have some torching wounds, but they are old. Do you recall how that happened?"

1:12 PM

(also, would Kaleb know if Irving at risk to himself or others with his powers?)

(Yeah. Irving is not a risk with how he is now but he’s certainly on the danger line)

1:39 PM

“A few years ago before the scream I was working on a reactor prototype for the company I was working with. There was an accident and they tried to seal us in, willing to accept the deaths of all of us rather than risk the property. We had it under control. I used my telekinesis to keep the doors open, fighting the hydraulics trying to close it. It took a few minutes for everyone to get out. I never felt the same after that”

"Well, the good news is that you are still find to use your telekinetic powers and still not be in danger. However, you are very close to that point. Probably by accident, but you ended up torching yourself pretty badly by holding the doors for longer than your body could handle at the time. If you were to push yourself that hard again, you may not survive. I do not want to scare you, but as your friend, I need to make sure you are aware of the risks."

1:45 PM

"I know I told Barry to avoid torching unless his life depends on it, but you need to avoid torching even if your life is on the line. You are risking death or even going feral."

“None of us have been checked for the health of our powers before. I’m glad we ran into you. They didn’t offer anything like this where we were before. They were very much hands off even when we were contributing”

"Well I'm glad I could help. Even among psychics, metapsions are pretty rare. The good news is that now you are here at the academy, you can strengthen your psychic powers at will, without straining or torching yourself. Your telekinesis, for example, will get stronger over time with more practice, as well as how much effort you will be able to put into your psychic powers."

2:09 PM

"I'm going to tell Crane the good news. I'm sure you are just dying to get out of here."

2:11 PM

Before heading down, Kaleb turns towards Eveyln, "Thank you so much for your help, Eveyln. I would like to offer you my Comm ID, in case you ever need me for anything."

“Sure. Likewise. Cryosickness is provably past if it’s going to happen by now but it’ll be good to check in after a few days to be sure”

Kaleb takes this opportunity to flirt a little, "well I'll be happy to stop by and see you anytime, but I mean, you don't need an excuse or reason to see me", as Kaleb winks

She seems to respond well to it and finishes packing her bag. “Alright everyone I’ll give crane the paperwork. You’re free to go. I think literally eh?” And with that she heads down the stairs

2:45 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Level up! Sweet)

(I'll have to wait until I get home to proceed, currently at work)

nvm it's slow at work. Here are the results of my level up: HP: rolled a 6, which equals my current HP. So I raise my HP by 1 and now it is 7. For Skills: 2 points in Metapsionics to bring it to level 1. This brings my max focus to 4 (1 to start. 1 for metapsionics 1. 1 for +1 wisdom. 1 for core ability of metapsionics) 1 point in administration, bringing it to level 0 1 point in notice, bring it to level 0 For my next foci, I choose Diplomat 2

And for getting to Level 1 Metapsionics, I chose Mindtracing as my ability

Sounds good. Just update the sheet when you have a minute but looks good

Sheet is updated

4:37 PM

I have some downtime at my job today lol

So I'm ready to continue whenever you are

By time evelyn leaves and the three psychics finally get clearance to settle into their own homes, you realize you have not yet seen your own. A pair of keys were given to you as part of your belongings being returned, and the number 1018 is engraved on each one

(was I told where I was staying at?)

A pin on your compad, placed on a map of the colony, shows you where youll be living

7:15 PM

(if you didnt take one, one would be issued to you upon waking)

(Kaleb has one)

7:18 PM

Kaleb decides after a good first hard day of work, he will go to the location on his compad and go to his quarters

The quarters are the middle floor of a three story hab unit, with a kitchen, bedroom, living area, and work area. There is some modest furniture provided, and the pantry is filled with a week worth of rations to get you started. Pamphlets for the local marketplace are on the table, along with the compad numbers for colonial services like trash and fire

(Is this unit all to Kaleb, or is he sharing this space?)

(you get a whole floor to yourself)

"Not use to having this much space to myself" (Kaleb grew up in poverty, and then became more of a wanderer while training with his master)

7:24 PM

Kaleb will turn on the tv/radio (whatever is in the room) to get a fill of what is going on with the Colony

There is a story on right now about a Remnant sergeant in custody attempted to break out of the colony lockup today, killing two police officers before he was subdued back into custody

7:47 PM

There is also a story about the exploration expedition to the south, ending in a few death as well, but uncovering new resources for the colony to use,.

(would I have gotten Crane's data ID to contact her?)

(yep!)

I would send a message to Crane. "Hey, how much do you know about the Remnant? That's the group that very anti-psychic, right?"

"Organized faction of the Tenebrian Empire, not sure who their central figure or figures are, but we are at odds with them. We captured a scout team of theirs a couple weeks ago"

“Yeah I just saw the news that the scout attempted to escape. Has anyone from the psi academy attempted to talk or interrogate the scout?”

"Saul, and Sil. We got a decent amount of information from him, I don't know the specifics as to what but they both blasted out of here with the contractors in a hurry afterward"

“I know the main founder is currently gone, but how would you feel if I talked to him. Not about getting information, for I’m not a telepath. Just in terms of talking about peace and acceptance.”

"If you're still willing to risk it I can't stop you. Half his squad was captured too, conscripted from other worlds. They weren't given much of a choice in the matter, they surrendered pretty quickly and have done their best to remain compliant in custody|

“Okay, I’ll have to see if I’ll be aloud to even talk to any of the captives first. I just don’t want to go behind anyone’s back. In the meantime, let me know if you or the Academy needs my help.” Kaleb looks up the directions to where they are keeping the scout and will head over.

They're keeping everyone in the colonial lockup, right now attached to the police station

Kaleb heads to the police station

The police station is a three floor building, with a larger lockup built next door, adjoining it. Several police cars and grav cycles are parked out front, and a few officers stand gy

8:40 PM

guard outside

Kaleb will walk up to one of the officers. “Hello officer, is this the location where you are keeping the Rement scout?”

"whats your interest in it?" \

8:44 PM

he seems at ease still, but his eyes narrow

“My name is Kaleb. I work with the psychic academy, but my interest and goals here are personal. I use to be a leader of faith before coming to this Colony. I wish to talk to the scout. I know what happened on the news. I am a metapsion, as in my powers only work for or against other psychics. I cannot do anything but talk to him. I wish to understand why the Remnant hate our kind. I am aware of the Scream, but hatred brings ignorance, and the attitude against those with MES existed before the scream.”

8:49 PM

“So to answer your question, I simply wish to talk to him, if possible.”

"Let me bring you inside, you can speak with the desk sergeant first. You'll probably have to sign some kind of a waiver

“Of course, whatever you deem necessary for everyone’s safety.”

8:50 PM

Kaleb follows the guard inside

Kaleb is taken inside. There are several officers looking at a duty board, a few are talking with citizens privately in side offices. A grim looking desk sergeant looks up from something he is writing to face you

“Hello, I wish to speak to the Remnant scout.” Kaleb tells the desk sergeant the same thing he told the guard.

“Sign at the bottom here, and I just need your initials on those three pages behind it. This is a secure facility. In the unlikely event you’re taken hostage we will not negotiate for your release in exchange for the release of a prisoner

“Understood.” I sign and initial as needed

They take the forms from you, stamp a few things on them, and take you do the holding level. A cell is cleared and the sergeant is brought in, and manacled by the ankles and wrists to the floor.

9:55 PM

His face is quite bloodied.

“Hi there. My name is Kaleb. What’s yours?”

He sits, eyes hooded and silent. His breathing is labored

“I’m not here to interrogate you. Just to talk. I’m a psychic, and want to see why you are so against people like me.”

“I’ve seen firsthand what your kind can do, sorcerer. It’s your kinds fault we are in this mess. Tampering with things you don’t understand. “

"Do you understand the different kinds of powers that we have?"

“I understand enough”

"Do you know what a metapsion is?"

He shakes his head that he does not.

8:27 AM

“I have seen the healing arts and moving things with your mind here but what I saw during the disaster was far more destructive”

"That's fair. The Scream was a terrible event. I'm still trying to figure out what happened. As for what a metapsion is, a metapsion can help control and manipulate the powers of MES. As in, their powers only affect other psychics. I'm a restricted psychic, whose only powers are metapsionics. So my powers cannot do anything to you or anyone who doesn't have MES. I'm telling you this because I want to make it clear that although I'm a psychic, I cannot do anything to you that a normal human can't. I can't read your mind. I can't affect probability and fate. I can't teleport or move things with my mind. I can't heal people with my mind either. I can only amplify, subdue, or otherwise see and manipulate other psychics. Does that make sense?"

“It does. I have a question of my own then. Have you ever heard of being able to throw fire. Or shoot lighting. Or make ghosts attack people with those powers”

"I have heard of them, but those are superstitions of psychic powers. Or, I should better clarify, rumors. I listed the 6 disciplines of psychic powers, and what you describe is not the ability of psychics. Science can allow people to throw fire and shoot lightning. As far as ghosts go, psychics cannot communicate with the dead. Actually, I need to clarify my answer about fire. Some Telekinetics have been known to manipulate friction to create fire, but very few know how, and it's not as easy as 'throwing' it. If you are describing what happened during The Scream, well I don't have any answers, although I wish I did. To be honest, most psychics died during The Scream as well, and I'm trying to find out what happened, so i can help prevent something like that happening again. Does that answer your question?" (edited)

“It does. So that’s not something that happens all the time then...”

9:44 AM

He seems to be considering this new information

"The Scream is the only time something like that happened, and us psychics are just as concerned about it as anyone else, if not more so. I understand you fear our power, and I'm not telling you that you shouldn't be concerned. There are bad people with psychic powers who will use their talents for evil. There are also good people with psychic powers, like many at the Academy here, who want to do good. Psychics don't make someone good or evil. People have been 'good' or 'evil' for a long enough time way before MES was discovered and the scream."

9:47 AM

(If Kaleb has been talking for 30 seconds, his Diplomat 2 should of kicked in, and the scout's attitude should of moved one step closer to friendly)

(That’s why he’s not spitting blood at you or calling you a witch anymore like he did with the others)

(nice!)

“Your efforts are wasted on me traveler, I’m certainly facing a noose for the escape attempt. Im not sorry about it. Like you said, there are good and bad of all types of people. Of your kind I think you are one of the better, but with what I’ve seen I could never trust or work around someone of that persuasion”

"You may be getting the noose, or you may get traded as a prisoner of war. I do not know, I'm just a civilian. Before I came here on the Colony Ship, I use to be a leader of faith, comforting souls where I can. One thing I have done many times is to provide comfort in times of need. You are a stranger, but I do see you as a human. I do not ask that you feel sorry for something you believe is right, for we all choose are path. If this is the last time we talk, and your time is running short, I would like to offer you the chance of sharing with me anything you feel shame, guilt, or resentment for. I do believe that when our souls part, we should part in peace, and I will be willing to take your burden. It doesn't have to be anything related to the work your in. Anything you are willing to share, I'll take from you."

9:59 AM

(If I need to, I can use my Authority 1 to see if I can push him to talk more)

“The things I’ve done I thought have been the right ideas at the time. I did what seemed right and I don’t have any regrets”

"Are you ready to die?"

“I am. I’d rather die than spend my remaining time in a cell. I’m scared but I’m a combat veteran. This is going to be just another battle. I’m always scared before battle”

"I understand, well I hope you find peace in the afterlife." Kaleb gets up and heads to the door. "If you wish to speak to me again, just ask for Kaleb from the Psychic Academy. It was a pleasure getting to know you, stranger."

He doesn’t reply but the lack of an insult or threats to have your face eaten is a marked difference from how the captive has been treating colonists lately

Kaleb will take what he can get, and head back to the psychic academy. Since he doesn't know too many people yet, he will find Crane, and tell her about the experience.

(to speed things up, I'll tell her everything if she is interested)

(I’m doing this around work during the day so if you’re the last one to talk I haven’t made it back to my phone yet) Crane listens in with interest. “You’ve made it further than anyone did as far as getting some manners out of him. Those folk from upstairs you helped yesterday were. going to be executed for something similar. Lot of ignorance as far as what we are actually capable of”

11:34 AM

“And it’s both sides fault. Academies to my understanding were largely kept secure and out of public view. Nobody knew what went on in them and the people who came out seemed super human. People fear what they can’t understand”

(don't worry about work, whenever you get to these conversations is fine) "Yes, I am aware of how the academies were before coming here. I was raised by a rogue psychic, but he taught us to be peaceful and open with others to be truly free with others. I am aware that my opinions on being peaceful with our enemies is rare to say the least, but just the lack of information of how psychic powers actually work, to be called sorcerers and witches, is the result of us psychics being secluded as is. For what is worth, I'm just glad he didn't call me any names. it's a sign that we can still make a difference with peace. Although I'm not ignorant that this war is also necessary for our survival and lives will be sacrificed."

“People fear cabal. That was part of the reason our opening was so transparent. From the outside I’d have unflattering opinions too if there was a shadowy group of superpeople on a mountaintop somewhere nobody has ever seen”.

"I wish I could of seen the opening of this Academy, but I'm glad I can be a part of it. As time goes on, more people will develop MES, and they will need a safe place to go to."

“It’s become something of s personal mission for some to rescue as many as we can from the surrounding worlds too. What we have here is lucky, and by lucky I mean we are treated with caution rather than fear”

"People have a hard enough time to trust others before MES was even a thing. I'm sure it didn't help when people learned they had 'supernatural' powers'. I am glad that we aren't feared. Earning trust is a long-term project, which we must all be a part of in order to succeed. But yes, although people being cautious of us isn't the most ideal, at least we can perform our work here freely and transparently."

“It’s that transparency that I think is going to make the difference. I’m amazed we even got requests in for help.

"That's great news! Anything I can do?"

“Well none of these are worth your time and a few are things we don’t even do, but there’s been one development while you were not with us yet that you may be able to help with. Your powers let you detect other psi users or other psi sensitive things correct?”

"Yes. My powers are still developing, but I can see psychic energy when someone is using their MES. I also have the ability to trace a psychic power back to the user, and even briefly get a sense of their surroundings.. I know that with more training, I will be able to look at people and tell if they have MES, but I haven't learned that technique yet."

“Last question, and then I promise I’ll tie this all together. Are you familiar with how Argus webs work?”

"No, not at all"

“It’s a series of cameras and microphones worn on the body. Allows the sensor network to see and hear 360 degrees around you, and you can replay the footage at a later time. Someone’s walking around the colony with one that can somehow hear mental conversations

1:12 PM

“We don’t know where it comes from or how they got it, but I thought maybe with your discipline and sensitivities we might be able to track this down finally”

"I should be able to. This sounds like some Telepathy Psitech. I've never actually seen psitech in person, but a person that has MES can transmit energy into effects, a.k.a, the different disciplines of psychics. Psitech should work on the same principle. The Argus Web would be using the same psy energy waves as a MES human would. So, to answer your question, in theory, if I see the person, or at least the equipment in use, I should be able to help. What do you know about our target?"

“Just that they have the device and were at the opening of the academy. It overheard some psychic conversations happening around there that day. I know the army had a few drones keeping an eye on things. Maybe they picked something up?”

"Well I can only be in one spot at one time. Outside of the Academy, who else knows about this?"

“Franz at admin, and general kellevan since it’s a security risk. And naturally as you said, the people here”

“If I find this person, what do you want me to do. I know a small amount of hand-to-hand self-defense, but outside of that violence is not really my thing.”

“We just need to know who they are. We have public safety officers for the rest. You seem like you’ve got a pretty sharp wit. Bet you could even get them talking”

"Probably, but lets take it one step at a time. Where can I find Franz and General Kellevan?"

“Kellevan is on the military base near the airport. If you like I can send Franz a cable you’re heading over there. He will probably relish the chance to get away from his desk for a little bit. That way you don’t have to walk all over”

"If you think Franz would be glad to do so, then yeah let's do that."

3:03 PM

(btw are both of these people NPCs?)

3:05 PM

Kaleb will wait for Franz to pick him up

(Yeah both npcs)

3:06 PM

(Former PCs )

(thanks, so yeah, I'll wait for Franz if that's an option. Otherwise, Kaleb will walk to the military base)

Franz is happy to leave the office and a half hour later a buggy like vehicle pulls up

6:44 PM

Franz is a mustached man of about 35. He has a woodsman like appearance that time behind a desk has not smoothed out

6:44 PM

He waves for you to get in

Kaleb waves back at Franz and hops in. “Hi Franz, it’s nice to meet you. I appreciate your help!”

“Nice to meet you too. I read the report on those psychics you helped get connected with services. Someone in my office missed that. I appreciate the help

“Word travels fast. And it was my pleasure, I’m just trying to help. Did Crane tell you where I’m going?”

“Yes. I’m going to be in on that meeting too. Protecting the psi users should be something concerning us all. The protection of everyone truly”

“Well psi users and others alike. Any telepath, or someone using technology as such, can be dangerous. I’m just glad many on this Colony value psychics as people too.”

"We're all people first. One day my job at admin will end. and I'll be just Franz again, when that day comes I certainly hope to be considered a person. We'll be at the base in a few minutes but did you have any questions about the colony on the way?"

“Yeah. This place seems pretty relaxed for being at war. I mean, I just interviewed the Remnant scout that is being held. All I had to do was sign some waivers. I feel like back on my homeworld, they wouldn’t just let anyone do that. My question is how well staffed is this Colony in terms of manpower?”

"They let you in because of your gift, and signing the waiver means you understand your rights. Had he not been willing to speak with you, or if he did something violent, the police wouldnt have stepped in to help, aside from putting the both of you down if needed. As you can see, there are about ten flak towers being put up right now. There are plans for more, and we have ships at sea with surface to space torpedoes. The greenbriar home defense fleet and our orbital platform is also now online. If the war comes down here, we already lost"

“I see. How long has the war been going on for? And how did it officially start?”

"There hasn't been an official causes belli yet, but we each have some blood on our hands. They shot and killed a young man from Cass Mcelroys squad on an exploration mission last month, and they sent the scouts here now, to which we responded in kind. Word is reaching us now that we have had our first major naval engagement against them. To answer your first question though, officially, just a few days ago"

“I see. Do you think this person using the telepathy psi tech is related to the Remnant?”

"Maybe. We don't know too many of our interstellar neighbors, and we don't really know too many of our terrestrial ones either. That is something I hope finding this person will answer"

“Well I’m glad my gifts will be able to help out. If I see this person using the equipment, then I can point them out. Maybe I can also talk to them as well, but I don’t wish to overstep my boundaries here.”

“We are taking you on in this as an investigator of sorts. The academy has a desire to protect its own, and we have an obligation to you too as you are greenbriar citizens.” The small buggy pulls up outside the barracks and the gate opens allowing you into the fortified compound. General kellevan is waiting out front with a small detail of soldiers

Kaleb walks up to General Kellevan, "Hello General, my name is Kaleb. It's a pleausre to meet you." Kaleb reaches out to shake Kellevan's hand.

7:46 AM

(I'm sick today so I'll be on my computer all day lol)

“It’s nice to meet you. Call me sam. You’re not military” he smiles. “Franz, also good to see you. So I assume kaleb is up to speed about the issue itself?” Franz nods “I know we are asking you to find a needle in a haystack” sam continues. “But we think we may have a general area. And a new development”

"Well the good news is that if I have a general area, I should be able to see the Web in use, as well as trace it to it's origin. What area do you believe the suspect is located, as well as this new development?"

“Some information that was recorded with the device, was played on a broadcast we are trying to track down. Someone calling themselves resistance radio. You find them, you find the device. The broadcasts are all public. They want people to listen”

"Is the person releasing these recordings only targeting known psychics, or others as well?"

“Inciting violence against psychics”

"Fair enough, so where are we heading?"

“Well. We have a man on the case now, named Desmond. He’s going to be listening to some of the broadcasts tonight to try to pinpoint where it is. we are going to be flying some drones to help you keep an eye on the wider area from above” (Desmond is a pc, figured it’s time for you to meet some people)

(Great, looking forward to it) "Great, well you tell me where to go and I'll keep my eyes open. I'll be happy to meet Desmond as well."

“Desmond is one of the new colonial Marshals. They’ve an office over by the police station and I’d be happy to drive you if you’d like. (We can hop in his channel when you’re ready)

(Yeah let's go) "Alright Sam, lead the way."

9:50 AM

(Let me know which channel)

(Since you’re breaking off from Desmond for a bit). The ride to the hospital is quiet and fairly smooth. There’s little to be done for the passenger, his head destroyed in such a way that even a bioscopic wouldn’t have enough to put together. Perhaps that was the intention, the other EMT muses. Lights and siren off they pull off to the side of the Hospital where a mortuary attending takes the body

(Actually, is it reasonable he would of gotten Val's and Kelbore's compad frequency from Sil?)

(Yeah)

(okay, so small correction). Kaleb will follow the body and contact both Val and Kelbore (in individual messages) "Hello, this is Kaleb. I recieved your frequency from Silvano. I wanted to inform you that Desmond and I have retrieved the Argus Web, and I'm with the body at the morgue. The mortuaries will have to remove the web from the body before I can transport it or be ready for pick up."

Val is especially interested in the web, and Kelbore will forward to his psi ops department after she has a chance to look at it. Once the web is removed she requests you come to Rebirth with it

Kaleb will do as asked, wait for the web to be removed, and go to Rebirth with it

The coroner takes the body into care and invites you back into the room to observe the process. This has become a criminal investigation and a clear chain of custody for all evidence must be observed. The Morgue is empty but for one other body, it’s personal belongings and flight suit folded up neatly next to it. “Shame about the head. Bioscop coulda fixed” he tutts

"Clearly the sniper intended to kill with no chance of that. It's unfortunate, I believe I could of talked to him and learned a lot. I believe that is why he got shot"

“Alright hold the arm out for me...”. Over the next several hours you dutifully help the coroner remove the complex Argus web cyberware. The array of tiny cameras and microphones are improeeeice.

12:50 PM

Impressive

Kaleb does his best to follow instructions as well as 'fanboy' over the impressive tech. Kaleb also looks to see if there is a power source for the web.

There is a very small battery pack worn over the small of the back. It’s good for 24 hours of charge. The pieces are inventoried and placed into a bag. It sealed with evidence tape

Kaleb thanks the mortuary team and heads to Rebirth. (What time would it be?)

(Very late at night)

1:42 PM

A special VTOL flight is arranged as you’re on a criminal investigation currently and it can have you there by morning

Kaleb gets on the flight. (Whats VTOL?)

(Vertical Take Off and Landing. So when the term 'VTOL' is used, it means an aircraft with that capability.)

(Thanks @Masacio )

The sun is coming up as the walls of the alien cryo facility come into cure

7:00 PM

View

7:03 PM

The helicopter like craft sets down In the main courtyard and a small group of scientists come out to meet you. In their lead is a woman with short black hair and tan skin. Her face is heavily tattooed. She is lean and carries a compact energy pistol on her hip

Kaleb walks up to the lead scientist. “Hello, I believe you are expecting this.” Kaleb holds out the Argus Web

“Thank you. I’m val. It’s nice to meet you mr...”

“Just Kaleb, long story, but I don’t have a last name. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Valeria Perez. Sil told me you are a scientist and psychic.”

"I am indeed both, and it is good to see another practitioner of the art. We owe you a debt of thanks recovering that argus web. The psi-engineers here will be happy to have something else to study. Would you like to meet them?"

“Absolutely! To be honest, I’ve always had interest in psi-tech, but never had the opportunity to see it in person.”

A diminutive Japanese gentleman steps forward, from the group of assembled scientists. "My name is Rin-Xi, I lead what we jokingly call the Coven, but in reality we are a group of researchers working to rebuild our understanding of psitech, and hopefully even expand it|

“Nice to meet you Rin-Xi! I would love to help and assist if you ever need it. Are all of you psychics as well?”

"None of us actually, part of the Empire's efforts to keep Psi powers from growing unchecked. We couldnt test anything we made without a Psi present, and conversely they were prevented from learning mechanical skills."

“So you need a metapsion to be able to test. I see Val is also a scientist who helps out, but do you have room for more? I’m a metapsion so I could always help out with that.”

“Another hand is always helpful. Cmon in. The lab here is much bigger than the one we had been working in”

Kaleb follows Rin-Xi with a grin. If he knew what Christmas was he would be feeling like a kid on that holiday.

The interior of the building is cavernous, and there are empty racks where thousands of Slyth cryopods once stood. It took the better part of the year to burn the bodies and sanitize the area. The lab is based around a central round production floor where modules and equipment are brought up from secure storage below

5:15 AM

A handful of techs are discussing plans for a new model of psimech currently but failing to come to any sort of agreement

Kaleb wants to listen to the psimech conversation

They’ve been experimenting with a jump coil , and they can’t seem to get it working. One group thinks the conductive metals used is of a wrong mixture or impurity, the other thinks a more powerful psychic might be needed and that they should change to a different focus until the asleif fleet returns

Kaleb will walk up to the techs. "Hello, I hear you are having an issue with the Jump Coil. I could help. I'm a metapsion, so I can see how the MES energy is flowing. Maybe that can help you identify the problem?"

“That could help. Barry fox here” the point to a middle aged man wearing a brown overcoat and fedora similar to Desmond’s but more tattered, “he teleports. He’s been helping us test this and things just aren’t working”

"I suppose it's best to start with the basics of what is suppose to happen, and what is actually happening."

“Sure. A jump coil fitting is supposed to allow a psi mech to teleport a small squad of friendly mechs with it, as long as the pilot is a teleport focused psi user, like Barry here. We aren’t sure if not enough energy is making it through the coil or if we aren’t charging it enough or what the interference might be but essentially we can’t harness enough power to complete the full teleport”

"Okay, the best place for me to start is the power source of MES for the mech."

“Which would be me” says barry (edited)

"Okay, so then the next thing would be to see you teleport with the mech. Just the mech, not using the jump coil. I would need to see how the mech teleports on its own first as a basis of understanding how the psionic flows." (edited)

Barry nods and climbs up the ladder, into the suit. There is a yellow taped off box on the floor as the teleport target. He thinks for a moment and blinks to the box. The entire suit and entire barry has materialized in the space

Kaleb was observing the psionic energy during the teleportation. Did anything look off to Kaleb? (I'm assuming the teleportation itself was fine since both Barry and the Mech teleported)

The flow of energy between Barry and the mech looked normal as far as you can tell

"Okay, everything seems fine with the Mech itself. Now let's see the mech using the Jump Coil. Just to confirm, you have the ability to transport others with you normally, correct?"

“Yes if they’re on foot I’ve never had a problem before”

"Okay. I know that seemed like an obvious question, but I figure I check. So let me see you attempt to transport yourself and another mech."

“I need the jump coil to be able to move more than myself and whatever suit I’m strapped into. That’s the problem”

"Oh, I must of misunderstood. I thought the Jump Coil was attached to the mech. Where is the Jump Coil currently?"

“We removed it for servicing, we can’t seem to get it to store enough energy”

"Okay, can you take me to the jump coil then?"

Barry begins heading out into the production bay to where a metal stand and metal coil are propped up

1:27 PM

“I can’t seem to make the whole thing come with me. It’s almost like it’s blocking my power somehow”

"I see. Can you attempt to teleport with the Coil itself now?"

1:33 PM

(how big is the coil?)

(It’s about 5 feet tall and 3 wide. Would be worn between the shoulder blades of a mech going down the back like a spine almost)

(thanks. Kaleb will observe Barry attempting to teleport with the coil) (edited)

Barry reaches out to touch the coil and behind channeling energy into it. Usually this process takes seconds or even split seconds but now, it seems like something is resisting his efforts to imbue the coil with MES

2:29 PM

You get the image of a log jam on a river

Kaleb would like to commit effort to attempt to use his Mindtrace ability to see if he can find out what is causing the "Jam". (This isn't normally how the power is used, but I'm trying to be creative in solution.)

(Creative is what I want!)

(let me know how it goes, I have 4 effort and that's the only ability I have right now that uses it) (edited)

The energy is flowing from Barry to the coil fine, but it seems like the coil isn’t absorbing it. Some metals and crystals transmit energy better than others, much like with electricity, and whatever this is made from is not facilitating the process

Kaleb would like to roll Know with Int to see if he has an idea of what would make good material

2:45 PM

For psionic energy in general

(Kaleb rolls a 4, so probably doesn't know what would work anyway)

(Not with a 4 at least but you’ve identified the problem which is more than they knew already)

2:57 PM

(3xp. 5000 credits)

"So, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that the coil itself is not suitable for MES energy. Unfortunetly, I'm not sure what makes a good conduit for the psionic energy"

3:02 PM

(and sweet!)

3:06 PM

(Since I was prepared for the next level up, rolled an 8 for health, Metapsionics is now level 2 and learned the Psychic Static Ability, And Fix is now 0. The Fix is representative of learning more about psi-tech)

(Works for me!). Barry hurries back to report your findings. He didn’t feel any resistance so without your own observations there’s no way they could have caught the issue

Kaleb things to himself, "I'm glad I could be of assistance." Kaleb then looks around. Is there anyone near him now since Barry ran off?"

You’re alone in the main room, as Barry has excitedly ran off

Kaleb takes a look around and observe any other pieces of technology here

The jump coil is the main focus right now, and the Argus web which val is currently taking apart

Kaleb will walk up to Val. "Hey, is there anything you need assistance with? I helped the other team with knowing that the material for the Jump Coil isn't a suitable conduit for psionic energy."

“ I heard just now. Barry was in here a minute ago. I’m glad you stopped in”

“Are you a full psychic, miss Val?”

“I am. Telekinetic and bioscopic are my specialties”

“I see. Good to know. Would you mind telling me more about this place and what you do here exactly?”

"This place used to be an alien cryogenics lab. They froze themselves here, hoping one day a cure for the virus plaguing them could be found, and it was, by me. One of the bodies had not succumbed to power failure or the other issues with cryosleep for that long, and I was able to cure him. You may have seen the Slyth around the colony once or twice, hes hard to miss, being half snake and all. Now with the building cleared out, its going to be our new secure research facility

“Actually, I have not seen any half snake creatures. I woke up from cold sleep about 24 hours ago (I think that’s accurate). So what type of research do you perform here?”

(24 ish, youve had a busy day)

(Must he feeling pretty tired)

"Little bit of everything really, depending on what the colony needs, right now focused mainly on advancing psitech to try to match what we lost"

“Why the focus in psi tech? I admit that I’m interested, but why would the Colony be interested?”

"THey've been welcoming to use so far as you have probably already seen, and its an advantage we have over the foe we are in conflict with right now. They abhor us, despite, and maybe because of, the power we wield."

“I see. Well i personally need to get some sleep. But if you have any work for me, please let me know. As a metapsion, I’m sure I can help with any psitech research.”

"you;ve already proven invaluable. I'm sure we will call on you again. You're welcome to sleep here in the on-call room, or on the flight back. Up to you|

Feeling the weight of fatigue now settling in after such a long day, “you know, I will take you up on the offer to sleep here.” Kaleb then yawns, “I’ve been so busy today I haven’t realized how tired I was.”

"If all your days are as productive as the one you had today, i think we are in good hands"

“I live to serve, but something about this Colony makes it easy. Perhaps is because there is so much work to be done.”

She nods and seems to think about this for a few long moments as you leave

Kaleb will find the bed and lie down. Kaleb thinks about the events of the day before quickly passing out as his body starts to feel very heavy after a long day.

You wake up mid morning to find the psitech coven at breakfast. A spot has been laid out for you

I join them. "Good morning everyone." As Kaleb starts to stuff his face. (How's the food?)

It’s fresh and the bread is still warm. They get a bit better rations then everyone else right now due to the demanding nature of their work. Rebirth has its own fields now, new additions this year, so shipments of rations from the colony are no longer necessary

"Hmm, this is delicious! Much better than what I grew up with."

“The same can be said for a lot of us. I’m glad back home in central they take our work seriously”

"What did you guys do before the colony?"

Val was a weapons researcher who hated what she was doing and joined this expedition to provide a better life for herself doing more ethical work. She’s not lost on the fact that she’s found herself doing weapons research yet again. Rin xi has a second lease on life. His cold sleep pod failed as his module hit the ground, jettisoned from the wreck. He spent several months in darkness, and was blinded by the sun when the door opened. He recently was given new eyes

10:25 AM

The rest of the coven have similar tales, working for various pursuits, regarded with respect yet fear for what they could do

10:25 AM

And all leaving to find new liberty on the frontier

Kaleb tells his story. "I was born in poverty with only a mother. I was a trouble maker and got into fights often. Then, one day, my MES came and I started to see colors. My head was spinning, nose started to bleed, and then I fainted. My mentor came to be then, and helped me from not torching myself. Then, he took me under his wing to train in my Metapsionics. Now, I inspire to be like him, and teach other psychics how to use their MES for good."

“Did you do a lot of that before joining up here?

"Pretty much. I spent my life as a wanderer, assisting my master as I was learning. My master was rather spiritual, and taught me his ways. As a result, I inadvertently became a leader in faith, helping anyone, but especially psychics due to my gift. My master believed that teaching could help lead to peace, and it is what I live by now."

10:50 AM

"When I finally got the mastery of basic metapsionics, my master encouraged me to go on my own way and spread our teachings. After a few years of helping where I could, I found this opportunity of the Colony."

10:50 AM

"Little did I know that the Scream would come, and my work would be more important than ever."

Your departure from your former life by far seems the friendliest. Most had less than pleasant separations from their previous employers

After talking to them some more, Kaleb will add, "Don't get me wrong, life was hard at times. I suppose the difference was with my faith, I found peace even in the most troubling of times. I found peace with those around me and those that I helped. So even when things went to shit, and it did, I was still happy. To me, it's all a matter of perspective."

11:01 AM

"Like right now, our colony is at war and are just getting on our feet, yet in one day I know I already made a difference. I believe the difference I make now can generate peace, true peace, in years to come"

“War was coming here because the colony chose to work with people like us and throw off negative stereotypes. They made a conscious decision to trust us, and we have to do right by them now too. If we lose, everything gets erased. This paradise world for our mind vanishes and who knows what path humanity will take under Remnant control

"If only they understood that MES is not genetic, it could happen to anyone, including their loved ones. I know the Scream killed many psychics, but new ones will emerge, and I will do everything I can to teach them how to live with good principles. I am glad I woke to a Colony that accepts us for who we are. And yes, I will do everything I can to help those who will help us as well"

“I think thats the biggest tragedy of it all” val says sadly. “None of this really needed to happen”

"I agree. Even if we win this war, many will still hate or blame psychics for their troubles. Peace will be artificial, only held as long as the winner holds the military strength to maintain it, and it will always be challenged. True peace comes when people lose the hatred that drives them to fight out of ignorance. It's a dream, but a dream worth fighting for." (edited)

“So you’re an enlightenment spreader then” she smiles

"I do my best. Just getting the Argus Web alone, I had to deal with those who didn't approve of psychics. One of them, I still believe I can help shed light on her ignorance. My position as a metapsion, with only the power to affect other psychics, does give me some strength. I represent what they fear, but in truth, my only power can help or hurt the very same people she was afraid of. Psychics are just people. There are good ones and bad ones. I will help anyone who is good and protect them from the bad ones." (edited)

"You sound like Sil. I've head him say the same thing a few different times. Have you two connected already?"|

“Only yesterday through comms. He must of been back briefly from a mission while I was tracking the Argus Web. Once he gets back, I’m sure we will connect. I do look forward to meeting him.”

"We are going to spend some time working on the argus web, to figure out how it can hear thoughts. You're welcome to stay here and help with that, or return to your other duties."

“I am free to serve, plus I already confirmed that I can see the psionic energy when it’s on.”

"Sounds like that sums it up then. We are going to be beginning tests this afternoon. I'd take some air while you can, spacious as this place is we might be stuck in here for a while"

“I’ll take your word on it. Am I free to walk around anywhere outside or is it restricted due to safety?”

"I wouldn't go far beyond down here, the wilderness is pretty dangerous still, but you've absolutely got run of the town here. "

“Thank you. I won’t go far then.” Kaleb decides to reach out to Crane. “Hello Crane. Hope all is well. I just wanted to inform you that Desmond and I did find the Argus Web and I’ll be helping Val with some testing today. Desmond will be following up on the anti-psychic threat. I already sent a message to Sil, but figure I check in with you. How are things at the Academy?”

“Quiet today. Just a few smaller requests for service that I can handle with the staff here. Most of them have regular day jobs. Definitely complicates things”

“How complicated is it exactly?”

“It’s just finding the time. Almost everyone here has another career. Psi work didn’t pay really until this place opened”

"I suppose I don't understand the financial situation the Psi Acadamy is in or what help it is receiving. Maybe talking through our compads isn't the best to get into detail about it, but I would love to sit down and maybe brainstorm some ideas of what could help."

“We will talk once you’re back from rebirth then. I’m sure you’ll figure it out”

"Alright, take care Lady Crane." Kaleb will then walk around Rebirth, examining every area he's aloud to to get a feel for the space.

The alien facility is the focal point of the settlement, it’s tall perimeter walls keeping the settlement in shadow for large sections of the day. There is a silver mine in town and outside it a handful of Smiths work to refine the ore and get it into trade sized bars

Kaleb is examining the architecture. He's not used to alien societies

The architecture is smooth and sloping, the curves are perfect. The large gates of the installation itself are a thick metal, carved with meters tall images of slyth warriors, scholars and workers all coming together in reverence of a sun

9:03 AM

The door is beautifully worked and when the light hits it the sun shines brilliantly even aged all this time

Kaleb, in awe of the beauty, decides to mediate in the area, focusing on his metapsionic ability. Then, return inside to help with the study of the Argus Web

The Argus web has been held telekinetically in the air by Val when you enter, hovering at an easy work level. “As much as it pains me I think we are going to have to take the whole thing apart”

“Why take it apart?”

meanwhile, Kaleb wants to use is Metapsionc Psychic Refinement 2 ability to examine the web, and detect the source of MES. (It normally works on examining people, but i figure it can work on any source of detecting dormant psychic energy)

The mes seems to be coming from the microphones rather than the cameras. It’s coming from each one

"interesting. I see the MES is from each microphone. I don't think you need to take it apart."

She smiles “you’re saving me time already. The microphones then huh. Alright let’s start with that. Are you handy at all?”

"Handy enough (Fix-0), but I know enough to assist. You tell me what you need and I'll do it."

“That’s a good start. Alright. I’m going to keep this as level as I can. There’s a screw at the base of each microphone. Pick whichever one you want, and slowly turn it. The cover should lift off. Inside, you’ll see some wires...” (fix/int)

(Rolled a 7)

The cover comes off easily and there are a number of wires. You sense a strong pull of mes coming from a white one, striped with blue

Not touching everything yet as Kaleb does not want break anything, Kaleb will inform Val of the white wire stripped with blue and see how she wants to proceed. (edited)

“Let’s try to open another covering and see if the same thing is there”

2:10 PM

She nods for you to proceed

I proceed. (Another roll?)

(Not now that you’ve done it once)

2:12 PM

The covering pops off and the same wire is inside. Strong mes comes from whatever it’s connected to

"It's the same thing with this one. I believe in every mic, this white with blue stripes wire is what we should follow for the source of this telepathic power." (edited)

2:14 PM

(Compared to seeing a psychic use a power, specifically telepathic power, does this MES feel any different from a human psychic's?)

(Whatever is connected to it is using mes energy. I suppose assuming it can be tied to emotions you aren’t sensing any of that here)

(got it)

2:19 PM

(I suppose more like if the energy waves seemed organic or alive at all, compared to a human. I believe your answer is the same though) "How do you want to proceed? Should we trace one of these wires and see what it connects too?"

(You said it better but we were thinking the same thing)

2:21 PM

“Yes. It’s the same so let’s see where this goes. There’s a set of separators on the table there. Gently cut along the cable insulation as far as the wire will take you (Another fix roll for this / with int)

(Kaleb rolls at 12)

The length of cable parts smoothly, tracing back to a tiny black matte rectangle,situated right above the type a energy cell that lets the web function for a day

“This box is the source of the MES. I believe this is what we really need to examine.”

“Alright. Let’s isolate that and pop it open” She holds the vest in her telekinetic grip a little tighter as you pry off the small mes transmitter (last fix roll)

(Kaleb rolls an 8)

The box pops open (tied it!) a small chip made from a white veined substance is inside. It’s solid like a metal and is cool to the touch

As Kaleb looks at the chip, he examines it with his psychic refinement

It’s exuding mes energy, enhancing the device

3:13 PM

By wearing it, even those not sensitive to mes can read nearby thoughts through the Argus web

Kaleb touches it. Without activating the web, does it cause any enhancement or effect?

You can hear Val’s thoughts

3:17 PM

She is horrified at the technological advancement the manufacturer of this device seems to have mastered

"Val, I..." he takes his hand off of the chip, "...please touch the chip. It won't hurt you, but I need to confirm my theory if it works the same for you."

She lets the telekinetic grip go, and deftly snatches the chip. “I can hear your thoughts”

(Remember, Val already had telepathy. Unless you retconned that. So it would be curious to see how the chip affects someone already with telepathy.)

(She has it but it’s the next disciple level up from where it was, which is where we were heading after some roleplay)

4:47 PM

(It’s boosting her

(thanks for clarification. I'll continue to roleplay since Kaleb doesn't know)

4:48 PM

"Val, I know you are a full psychic, but how much telepathy do you know? I never had the ability to use telepahy, and yet I heard your thoughts when I touched it"

4:55 PM

(Btw, Kaleb would of been thinking a mixture of awe, wonder, and fear of what this discovery could cause, as well as thinking about who could be trusted with such knowledge, based off the fact that there is already a war going on)

"I....I didn't mean to pry into your memories like that....I saw what happened, what you talked about at breakfast..when you found out your first had powers...."

7:18 PM

"I feel like I've unforgivably invaded your privacy"

7:19 PM

(So for Kaleb, it gave him a taste of what telepathy is like, for Val it boosted her from lvl 3 to lvl 4)

7:19 PM

(so she got to see your memory and got a nuanced understanding of the topic)

(Okay, she would of also gotten an idea that Kaleb seems to really like Val then lol)

7:21 PM

“It’s okay Val. I told you to touch the chip, full well knowing what may of happened.”

(I'd like to make another note about telepathy. If telepath uses telepathy on someone it's generally undetected, unless that person is also a telepath, or a metapsi. That's for normal telepathy at least. With this artificial telepathy, we don't know, since Sil didn't detect it when it was used on him. I just want to bring up the distinction. It's something I think Kaleb would already know.)

(the not requiring a save when its being used here is deliberate)

7:23 PM

(I dont know if that answers what youre saying)

(I think Sil’s point was on detection of the power. So my question is did Kaleb see Val use her telepathy as it was coming? It is good to note that there was no save though)

7:27 PM

Going back to the roleplay: “So Val, I think we both know this chip somehow gives or enhances Telepathy. Clearly, the person who built this device was able to turn it into psitech that someone else could use. Do you have any idea what this chip is, or where it could of even came from?”

(Kaleb would not have sensed it, no)

7:29 PM

(I think her detailed and thorough picking of your memories would have been a shock, as i intended it to be)

(Kaleb is shocked, since he did not expect a deep probe, but reacted in a way to not visibly panic in front of Val)

(Yes, I meant about detection. Ok.) (edited)

"I don't. I'm working with some resonant crystals we found from an alien hive on planet that have similar properties. These share some similarities, but they're...so much more refined, so alien. I don't even think they're the same material"

“This discovery is exciting, but the implications that result...are quite terrifying to be frank. I couldn’t even detect, nor stop you from your telepathy with the chip. There is a part of me that wants to just destroy it, but with how refined this chip is, there’s probably more likes these.”

7:41 PM

Kaleb would also like to perform Mindtrace on the chip, just because

Nothing returns from the crystal at the application of mindtrace

Next, Kaleb will attempt an application of psychic static

You seem to sense the chip as inert, now that you're blocking its power

While the power is being blocked, I want to examine the chip in hand now that Kaleb is not being distracted by telepathy

The chip is smooth, a perfect square of a white material polished to a highly reflective sheen. It is veined with black threads, which may be wiring. There is a strange inner light to the crystal, almost like looking at a soft light bulb through an opaque light cover

Kaleb puts the chip down. “Now what?”

“Now, we store this, securely, and I compile a report for admin. I don’t know where to even begin. This is so unfamiliar. It doesn’t behave like anything we have dealt with even before the disaster”

9:23 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

"Well, I can always help you with the report. You stated you have something else that is similar to, but not quite like this chip?"

“Ah the crystals. We found them growing in the hives of the underhill Queens on this planet. They were incredibly powerful telepathic hive minds, the crystals act like Mes batteries. I can charge them with a technique and anyone can draw from it later”

"I see, so they also only work with Telepathic MES?"

“They’ve been able to work with every technique that humans possess. I’ve been trying to figure out why they’re sensitive and what exactly the limitations are. The research has been slow and other projects are piling up”

9:42 AM

(Every school is what I should say. They’ve been able to get up to lvl 2 core techniques in them but not individual powers yet )

(good to know). "Is this something you would like me to take a look at now, or is there something else that would be more beneficial?"

“We are going to keep working on those couple projects for now. It’ll be a few days before the metallurgists pour a new coil for us”

"Alright, well I believe I am off then." Kaleb turns, then stops, then turns back to Val, "Hey Val, if you ever need to talk to someone, especially about the work you are involved in, let me know."

“I...I’ll probably take you up on that”. She smiles but there is a tired woman behind it, and you can tell.

Kaleb will let Val get to her work. He will call for a vehicle to get back to the Colony. His destination is the psychic academy, to catch up with Crane

The helicopter brings you back to the colony that afternoon and crane is sweeping the front steps. Papers and other litter have a habit of getting picked up by the wind and caught near the building

"Every time I see you, you're sweeping. I often feel like a precog." Kaleb smiles

“They worked really hard to make this place beautiful for us. I want to try to keep it that way if I can. It’s nice to see you back!0

"Good to be back. Would you like some help cleaning?"

“Ah it’s fine, but thank you. So how did things go out there?”

"Well, I secured the Argus Web and we learned how it works. However, there are some serious implications on both the power source and who created the web from it."

“So there’s someone out there making psitech?”

"There is someone out there who knows how to. It's not clear if this was created before or after The Scream. By the design of the web, I believe the intentions of who created it aren't good."

“I trust you and our security staff to unravel that” she smiles. “So what brings you back, here specifically”

"Well, I feel like helping out the Academy. Specifically, you hinted at some potential work or financial problems."

“It’s not a problem with the academy itself. The academy isn’t taxed, and we can get what we need to keep the lights on. The issue is that these service requests aren’t attended to timely since everyone has a day job too. There just aren’t enough of us to go around”

"Do these service requests pay enough for a psychic to live off of them?"

“Not really. Only because they’re not consistent enough”

"Would the Academy have enough resources to support the cost of living and food for a psychic if they agreed to our service requests full time?"

“That’s the other half of the problem. Almost all of them have a career they find fulfilling outside of work here. I know a few of them at least would be loathe to give that up. I’m truly at a loss. The academy’s reputation suffers if we don’t get these done timely but how can we say we support our members if we try to control their careers”

"That's fair. They shouldn't have to work with us. We just need psychics who want to find fulfillment with us. Do you know anyone psis who would be interested?"

“Well, here’s a manifest of everyone we know with powers” (you should be able to see the psi student handout)

(got it) "Thank you. So, how much is the cost of living on the Colony?"

“The normal unskilled labor makes about ten credits a day. That’s with a lot of their needs being met by the colony. The economy is still getting off the ground”

“Well, I will be willing to pay a good amount of my own credits to get this off the ground. So I can get an idea, how many credits are these requests we get offering?”

“Also, which disciplines are getting the most requests?”

"strangely enough telepathy, but a lot of the requests are in a bit of a grey area at best. Mostly just reading someones emotions, to see if theres a love connection, or for someone to get advantage over someone else they're negotiating with for something or another. There are some small bioscopic house call requests, in my experience not wanting to go to the hospital because they've caught something embarassing. I think third place would be precognition, but a lot of these requests I've had to send back, people seem a bit misdirected about the traceries of fate"

“I see. I don’t feel so confident with the requests for Telepathy and Precognition to start off with. If the Academy is to be transparent, we need to focus on doing jobs with a good cause. I feel like this problem can be broken down into two parts. The first is finding psychics to work. I can work on that now. The second would be correctly explaining to the public the type of jobs we can offer. Biopsionics and Telekinesis are easy. Health and physical labor would both do nicely with those type of jobs. Teleportation can also be useful for currier like jobs. Telepathy and Precog will be more difficult. Finding legitimate uses for them will require creativity. Finally, metapsionics will have little use outside of the Academy. Outside of helping other psychics here, which I’m sure there will be plenty of use of, they would only be able to help other people know that psychos aren’t trying to steal their thoughts. I believe we will want to recruit all psychics no matter what, but for now I believe we should start with psychics that are Bioscionics, Telekinetic, and Teleporters. What are your thoughts?”

“The no matter what might be a bit far but of what we have. Yes. Those three”

“Okay, I see where you are coming from on recruiting all psychics. For now, let me take a look at the list and see if I can get some students to be full-time employees of the Academy for work.” (I’m not on my computer right now, but Kaleb will take a look at the list and start with a psychic that is strong in either Telekinesis, Teleportation, or Biopsionics.”

Renda is the foremost telekinetic aside from val , she works on the colony construction crew. Sil is offworld and an academy member already, leaving Barry next, though his work with the psi coven may interfere. Siegfried is the chief of surgery at the hospital as a bioscopic

“I see. It’s going to be hard to convince them to dedicate their time to the Academy”

9:35 AM

“I’ll talk to each of them, to see their thoughts on it.” Kaleb will head towards the hospital and talk to Siegfried

Siegfrieds assistant has you waiting for about an hour before he gets out of a meeting. Several dour looking doctors file out of the conference room before him. He towers over them all by at least a head. “Kaleb...of the psi academy. I think you’re my next appointment today”

“Hello Dr. Siegfried. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”

“Please come in and sit down. WHat can I do for you?”

“I can tell you are busy so I’ll be blunt. I’m here to talk to you about working for the Academy full time as a bioscipic, and I wanted to know what objections you would have.”

"Well, leaving the hospital. Right now out of the biosci here, I'm the only one that can purge disease that is on planet full time. Me leaving would take away a level of care for the colony citizens"

“I see. And that’s important. I don’t want you to take a position that would jeopardize the health of many others. I do not know your schedule, but would there be a way of helping the Academy more often while also tending to those at the hospital for purging diseases?”

"I'm not sure how effective I'd be by day end. Every day here is different even with keeping the same hours. Some nights i am home, not having employed that power or only doing it a couple times. Other days I am perilously close to torching. I've stopped a few different flu/cold strains in a day before. "

10:56 AM

"Point is, I can never be very accurate about how much I have left in me to then give to the academy. "

“I see. What you do is very important. Not just for you, but also for the Colony. It’s also very time consuming and even taxing, is that correct?”

"Taxing as far as my physical level of energy. Using this power wears you down, as does the employment of anything else. I've been working out, trying to make myself stronger mentally and physically to try to extend myself more, but building strength is a long process"

“Well, as a metapsion, I would have the power to help train you. But you would need to find the time as well. In the meantime, I have an alternative solution to you helping the Academy, and inadvertently, yourself. How would you feel being a bioscionic teacher for the Academy. You wouldn’t have to do anything different, except agree to have a few pupils learn from you. They can learn and then help others in the same way you can. That way, you would be helping others through them. How does that sound?”

"Are there any new students? Last I'd heard those we rescued had already been trained previously. Truthfully, I'm speaking with a lot more authority than I actually feel I have. Not long ago I was a student myself. before we even had an academy, and I've only reached this position becauseof what I can do. I'm actually not entirely sure how training someone in these arts works"

“I’ll try to explain. So I am not sure how many new student are at the Academy at this very second, but there WILL be moving forward. In the mean time, the students who are there can always learn to improve. The best way for training is to keep using their powers, to expand their mental capabilities with their MES. However, having a teacher, such as yourself, can help guide that process. You simply showing other Bioscionics what they COULD do will allow them to know what they are capable of. In short, the power grows overtime, but having a teacher show what is possible, as well as just explaining your experience, can help others with their learning process. And of course, we at the Academy will help support you in anyway possible. We are figuring out the numbers now, but are eager to grow. What we need to know is who can contribute and in what way.”

"I wasn;t aware that is how it all worked. Well, I think the commitment to teach rather than do is something i can more firmly be consistent with"

“Okay, then let me do this. I follow up with the other Bioscionics in the Colony. If everyone is willing to learn, you would be okay to take time to teach them?”

"I can do that. I look forward to hearing more from you"

“I look forward to working with you.” Kaleb then attempts to find Renda, the Telekinetic.

Renda is working with the main construction crew, right now using her telekinetic abilities to load a train car full of rails for a proposed extension

When she is done using her ability, Kaleb will walk up to her. “Excuse me Renda, my name is Kaleb from the psi academy. Do you have a moment to talk?”

She brushes back her short yet greasy hair and takes a long pull from a canteen. “Yeah I’m all for a break. What’s going on? Something break over there?”

“No, nothing is broken.” Kaleb smiles. “I just wanted a moment to talk to you about your thoughts working for the Academy directly.”

I worked hard to build it. I’d work for it if there was less dire need around the colony to expand. Many of the outlying settlements are next on my list. They just don’t have the comforts we do here”

“I see. So you believe that you would be more useful to the people through your work in construction?”

“Until the standard we enjoy here is everywhere. The port and rebirth are both so far behind us in development. They have power and water. But no conveniences or even reliable transport aside from the trains0

“I understand. How would you feel about teaching other telekinetics then? They could learn from you, and even help the colony develop at a faster rate than with just you alone.”

“It would depend. I’m not always in the colony and I don’t want to be bound here. How often would you want me to come in?”

“That would depend on how you want to do it. Doing training once a week would work, or, we could have psychics follow you while you are working here. They could even give you a hand. The best way to learn is through physical application. They wouldn’t be as strong as you, but they would be willing to learn.”

“Alright. Yeah some assistants might be kind of cool.” She smiles and right now her teeth are the cleanest thing on her.

2:08 PM

“Well. When they’re ready send for me. I’m not sure where I’ll be”

“I’ll message you when you are ready.” Kaleb will then want to reach out to Barry the teleporter. (Is he still at rebirth?)

(Yeah he is)

Kaleb will send a message to Barry, "Hey Barry, it's Kaleb. I was wondering if you had a moment to talk about either working for the Psi Academy, or helping teach other psychics."

“I can talk electronically. What’s going on?”

“Just trying to get some psychics to either help out with doing jobs for the Academy, or at least teach others so they could do jobs. I wanted to know more about how much time your current career takes.”

"Once the jump coil is complete I don't think my time will be as in demand"

“How would you feel doing courier services through the academy once the jump coil is complete?”

“How much work is there? I want to be busy and feel like I’m contributing”

“As of now, not that much. I’m working on getting psychics ready for work, as well as getting contracts for the Academy as well. By the time the jump coil is ready, I should have some consistent work for you.”

"If that's the case, when the time comes, I'd gladly spend some extra time at the academy"

“Thanks Barry. I’ll keep you posted.” Kaleb will then go back to Crane and explain the conversations he had with the other psychics

Crane is for a change not sweeping, and eagerly awaits your report

"Hello Crane, so I've talked with everyone. Siefgried and Renda will not be able to assist us on jobs directly. However, they have agreed to help teach any psychics with their powers, and in turn, those who train would be able to help us with jobs directly. Barry is currently busy working on a jump coil at Rebirth, but he would agree to help the psi academy with any jobs, as long as we have consistent work for him. The best plan I have now is to have Hilda and Irving train under Renda, so they can be stronger Telekinetics. Then put them to work after their training is done. What are your thoughts?"

"It's a start. Doing something is better than nothing, having some extra help and being able to get a handful of these contracts serviced should help us take the next steps, and cement a dependable repuation

"I agree. With our current setup with the psychics we have, we wouldn't even be able to complete most contracts even if the others were available right now. Instead, I feel the best win-win approach is long-term. Training current psychics so they can be more useful in the future. The current needs of the colony that Siegfried and Renda are helping out with are honestly more important than having them work directly for us. Yet having them help with training, especially since they don't need to do anything different, is a more useful approach. I suppose it will be up to Sil to find new psychics out there for refuge here at the Academy, and then we can find good work and a new life for them here."

"That's been his mission thus far, though with only one person looking, its a lot of needles in a lot of very far apart haystacks. I don't mean to tell you what to do, but you could always take to the stars as well|

"Perhaps I will. That may be the best option if there are no psychics to currently train. I would need to train on self-defense more though, and I would definitely need others who could help for protection. Would the Colony help with such a mission? To seek and find psychics?"

"They have before. I can arrange a meeting with General Kellevan and President Kincaid if you'd like to see what can be done in a more official capacity"

"Whichever capacity is necessary. To have this academy, we will need more psychics. And I don't have the ability to train newly awakened psychics yet. Feel free to arrange a meeting with Kellevan and Kincaid. I should meet them anyway."

"I'll schedule some meetings. Kellevan...he is free now. Kincaid wont be until tomorrow. Up to you"

“I don’t think I need to be anywhere else. I’ll go meet Kellevan now. I’m assuming you have his frequency?”

"I do. I can send it to the conference room, that way you dont have to travel all the way to the base"

“Sounds good.” Kaleb will head to conference room

The large viewscreen turns on, showing the immaculately dressed General Kellevan behind a desk. His uniform is pressed and his chest of medals, each actually deserved, are polished. his face however, is not stern, but actually quite friendly.

12:28 PM

"Hello there, it is nice to see you again Kaleb"

“Hello Sam (I think that was his name that he told me to go by). It’s nice to see you again as well, and thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

(it was) "How can I help? is the academy under threat again?"|

“Haha no. We are good here. I wanted to talk to you about getting help with recruiting psychics from other planets. Right now, the Academy has stabilized as far as threats go, and my metapsionic ability can not provide any current use as of now. Crane thought of having me go off world to find others. This way, with more psychic refugees, we would be able to offer more services for the Colony. With our current number, we are fairly limited.”

"I think the rescue mission goes beyond just psi, we have people across the outlying words we know of all running afoul of the remnant, or problems on their own worlds. Offering them a safe haven here helps everyone|

"Well, I would like to assist with the rescue mission, in anyway possible."

"Right now, psychics are being hunted on Rawhani, victims of megacorp oppression. The planet is unfriendly, but thus far neutral in the current war. We know of a large rebel movement on planet too. They have no space assets, a rescue mission to extract refugees, if done quickly, would be unopposed. We just need to take steps to mask our involvement in it|

"Is there any reason why we haven't gotten involved with Rawhani yet? Is it our current war with the Remnant?"

"There's been some small involvement, we hid our psi affinity and we made some small trades for advanced technology. What they have far surpasses what we can do, and we don't want to do anything to bring them into the fight on the other side. There was some violence during our last mission there, but I don't think they'll be able to tie it to us|

"Would I be able to help on Rawhani?"

"Well, with what you can do, you've be the best point of contact for any psychic refugees that the rebels have recovered, and in general, you have a personality that is cooperative. I think youd be able to keep the different groups involved in this safe and working together|

“Sounds good to me. When will we be ready to go?”

"I'll need a day to get the wheels moving from the military side of it. People will require protection. I'd stay where you are for right now. Kincaid will call you once I submit this to her."

“What kind of gear will I need for this mission?”

"It is your decision if you want to carry a weapon or not. You may want to find yourself some armor, or something a little more secure than street clothes. Any personal survival gear you think might be necessary would help too, especially an atmofilter. The world is pretty dusty. You can breathe there, but it might make you a bit more comfortable"

“Will I need to worry about blending in?”

"To start, we are going to approach the rebel slum city out in the wastes, I don't think we will need to worry about anything there, if anything, a show of force and opulence might entice people to leave"

“Very well. I will start getting some gear.” Kaleb will want to look for some armor, particularly the power armor, as well as survivability gear.

Kellevan gives you the frequency for Pops, the colony chief armsman. "Tell him you're a friend."

“Thanks Sam, I sure will.” Kaleb will go to that location to see Pops

Pops runs the colonial arms workshop. The building is very large and you can hear the sounds of hammers long before you arrive at the building itself. Pops is out front, a middle aged man with a slight paunch, his silver stubble looks almost blonde in the afternoon sunlight. His apron is burned in a few places and he is laughing out front with a few of the workers on break.

Kaleb walks up to Pops. “Hello, my name is Kaleb. Sam...er General Kellevan told me to come see you for some gear. I’m a friend of his.”

He smiles at the mention of his dear friend. “Ah hello there. Gear yes. I can provide that for a friend of the General. It’s thanks to him this workshop got off the ground”

“Great! I’m in the market for some armor and survival gear.”

"Armor, alright, walk me through your needs here. We can make pretty much anything"

“What’s the strongest you have, and how much?”

"An assault suit of power armor for 10,000 right now, I've got a handful of those left, if you're looking for something less bulky, combat field uniforms are also available, 1,000 for those"

Kaleb would not have the assault armor training. "I'll take the Combat Armor, as well as an Atmofilter, Low-Light Goggles, Pressure Tent, Navcomp, Survey Scanner, and 6 type A power cells." (If he has all of those, that would be a total of 2210)

(Yep, and 2,000 with the discount)

8:43 PM

"Well, step on over here, lets get you scanned so we can fit the armor. I'll have one of my brass polishers fetch the rest of it for you" He sends your shopping list to a parts picker deeper in the workshop, while a machine takes several measurements of your body, altering a suit of combat armor as it scans. The end result is something form fitting and comfortable, with enough space in all the joints

8:44 PM

"you'll probably be in this for a day or two at a time, makes your life a lot easier if you;'re not wedged into it"

"I appreciate it. It's nice to have something that fits me so closely. It's almost more comfortable than normal clothes."

"Safer than normal clothes too!" the worker returns with the rest of the requested gear

Kaleb pays Pops credits. "Thanks Pops, I appreciate you coming through will all this gear. I'll make sure to stop by if I need anything in the future." Unless Pops has anything else to say, Kaleb will go find Hilda and Irving at the Academy.

Pops is happy at another satisfied customer. Everyone who comes home from a warzone is a success story for him, his weapons and armor serving their purpose. Fighting is a younger mans game and he wishes he could be part of it. Hilda and Irving are playing some kind of racketball like game when you arrive at the academy, the squeals of their sneakers on the hardwood gymnasium floor are the loudest things in the academy

“Hey guys. Hope you are doing well.”

"We are!" Hilda says, "whats new?"

"A few things, actually." Kaleb will talk about them training with Renda for a few weeks, to help better their telekinetic powers. Kaleb explains he will be personally paying them 500 credits each for 2 weeks to cover expenses, for a total of 2000 credits between the two of them. Kaleb also explains that the purpose of this is to train their MES, but to not torch under any conditions. He goes over how to recognize the signs of torching, and what to do when the signs start to appear.

8:12 AM

Kaleb explains that the purpose is to both work and be productive members of the Colony, as well as get stronger with their MES. Once they train under Renda, he will want them to help out the Academy with any tasks.

8:13 AM

"So, what do you think? Does this sound like a good agreement?"

“It does. We have been stumped looking for work so far. It’ll be nice to get out there again”

"Great, I'll contact Renda, as well as give you her frequency. She will be your boss, and is also a telekinetic who has agreed to help train, and is looking forward to the extra help. I also came here on another matter. I'm going to head to Rawhani to help rescue more refugees, such as yourselves. I know this isn't a pleasant conversation, but anything you guys could tell me about the planet would be greatly appreciated."

Their faces get quite grim as their homeworld is mentioned. “Its a dangerous place. If you’re going take every effort you can to conceal what you can do. I’d avoid setting foot in the megacorp holdings directly”

9:14 AM

“There are things they can do to suppress psi”

"It's a good thing that my powers only affect psis, not anyone else. So they have methods of dealing with psis? What about detection?"

“We presume that they have a way since that’s how we were found but we never saw what it was”

"I see. Good to know. Anything else that might help?"

“They tend to fire people by banishing them to the wasteland. I’d watch for walkers or anyone on foot in the plains areas. Finding them will literally save lives”

"I believe that is where our team will be heading to find them. Thanks guys, I'm sorry to bring up the painful memories, but what you know can literally save lives."

“We hope to make the trip worth it for you. Save as many as you can. The corporations toss out good people just because. They don’t deserve it”

"Our mission is to find a safe place here, as well as new meaning, just like we provided for you. Thanks." Kaleb doesn't believe he needs to do anything else until the mission starts, if you want to fast forward to that point.

9:40 AM

Oh, Kaleb will contact Renda about her new helpers, and pay them each 1000 credits in advance.

Renda should be done with loading rails for the new build tonight and can begin classes the following day

9:58 AM

The colony ship - pillar of salt, and the escort squadron of corvettes are going to accompany you on the trip. Space resistance is not expected but the colony ship is a valuable resource- refitted as a bulk conveyor for passengers and goods

Kaleb takes a deep breath. "Here we go" he states silently to himself. He finds his way on board the Pillar of Salt

Kaleb will also send a message to @Masacio, who is still off world but would want him to receive this message when he comes back: "Hello Sil. It looks like our meeting in person will have to wait once again. I'm heading to Rawhani to help rescue psychics with one of General Kellevan's teams. As an update, we did retrieve the Argus Web. I helped Val find the power source of it. You will want to follow up with her, for the implications of the technology can be quite dangerous. I also helped the researchers figure out that the jump coil they were working on was made out of material that wasn't resonating well with MES. In addition, I talked to Siegfried, Renda, and Barry Fox about helping out with the Academy. Siegfriend and Renda are too busy to help directly, but have agreed to help teach new psychics. Barry has agreed to help out if there is consistent work. I have arranged Hilda and Irving to work under Renda for both work and training for a few weeks."

(Last minute request, Kaleb would like to buy a laser pistol and 3 more Type A Batteries from Pops before heading on out)

(He’s got plenty of those. Go ahead and add it)

Sil will reply when he gets the message "Thank you Kaleb. We do have much to talk about. I see you have been busy. Good work on getting the Argus web. I hope they can figure out how it works and who made it. And how to counter it. And thanks for helping on the jump coil. It's good to hear that is coming along. As for psychics working with the Academy to help people, I hadn't had time to figure out how that would work before the Remnant attacked, so thank you for coming up with some ideas on this and talking to people. When we meet, I'll let you know my real plan for funding the Academy. Lastly, and most importantly, for your own safety, I don't really recommend you go to Rawhani. It's very dangerous for psychics. They have means of detecting you. However, if you feel you must go, and will stay to the rebel areas, there is one thing I can recommend. The metapsionic technique Cloak Powers. Learn it, and keep it up the whole time you are there. That is what I did, and they did not detect me thankfully. We still don't know what they are fully capable of, so be very careful. If you get in real trouble, call me, and I will port to Rawhani. I look forward to when we can sit down and really talk. Be safe, and take care. --Sil"

The colony ship is massive. The cryopods have largely been cleared away, just four banks left for the most seriously wounded. Medical supplies have been loaded and the half strength greenbriar army third company has been loaded aboard. It’s a heavy military presence but the safety of the ground team is paramount. The captain calls you to the bridge.

Kaleb heads straight for the bridge

“Ah Kaleb. Kellevan told me to get in touch with you before we left. I just wanted to go over a few things and explain what we can do here”

"Please, go ahead. I'm all ears Captain (don't know name of Captain)"

(He hasn’t given it). “A ship this big can’t land on a world under most circumstances. Our onloading and offloading is all done by cargo lifter ships. That limits how much we can get off the ground and aboard at once. When you start leading your relief mission you may experience panic on the ground as people race for the lifters

“Are they running for the lifters to get onboard?”

“They will when we get there”

4:36 PM

“I’ve seen it Happen in my past life. On other worlds. I wanted to prepare you for that possibility so you can use the Journey time to brief and think about your approach”

“Thank you, Captain...I didn’t get your name.”

“Dewinter. It’s nice to meet you”

“You as well. Does this planet speak any other languages? Also, could you tell me more about why so many people on this planet are outcasted?”

“Everyone so far has spoken English , though each enclave is heavily based off whatever was dominant in their homeworld. You won’t have a problem being understood”

7:22 AM

“As far as the ousting, I’m not sure how they can turn so many into the wastes without depleting their own manpower levels so much. However it’s being done, if someone disrespects the company or isn’t productive enough they feel it’s easier to just exile them

“What’s our Colony’s current relations with the corporations of Rawhani? Do they know what we are up to?

“They’re cool but cordial right now. We represent business that they crave especially with the war going on. They won’t know what we are up to and hopefully never do. It might convince them to throw their full weight behind the Remnant”

"I understand they have some sort of special means of detecting psychics. Is that only wear the corporations are located?"

“As far as we know. It hasn’t been discovered how exactly they’re doing it”

"Alright. Do you know how many people I'll have helping me with the rescue of psychic refugees?"

You’ll have forty soldiers, and five medical staff. It was all we could do on such short notice”

"That should be plenty. My team will be stationed in the 'wastes', sorting through the refugees, is that correct?"

“Those thrown out of the megacorp holdings have organized into a slum city as best they can. The lifters be touching down nearby , and we can sort through people in town, bringing them to the drop zone once vetted”

"Understood, how much time will we be on Rawhani for?"

“We will stay until you’re satisfied we have done what we can. I keep the ship running but this succeeds on the back of the ground team”

"Sounds good. I believe the last thing I need to know is if there is a limit to who we can bring back to the Colony."

“They’ll be living in a tent community outside the city for a short while until they can all be medically evaluated. I’d recommend trying to steer clear of anyone who looks very weak or very sick. The conditions are a bit spartan there and though not deliberately, adjusting to a new world might claim the weakest”

"Okay, I believe that is all I need to know. Thank you Captain Dewinter." Kaleb will then see if he can meet with the crew he will be working with.

They are taking residence on the primary excursion deck, where the lifter launches will be sent out from.

Kaleb will walk up to them and introduce himself. He will see if there is a commander in the squad. Kaleb has thought of a plan and would want to explain it to the crew.

The squad sergeant name is zaricon and you can see MeS energy around him as you get close

"Hello Sargent Zaricon. I'm Kaleb and I'll be working with you on Rawhani. I didn't realize I would be pairing up with someone else with MES."

“Last minute substation. Sergeant Elikon came down with the flu. Glad to be here though”

"I see. Well I'm glad to be working with you. I'm a metapsion. What can you do?"

(Pretty sure he’s telepathy/precog, can’t see the handout from mobile but he will give you the correct answer)

(Oh I just checked, he's Metapsi-2, Precog-0)

(Perfect)

1:28 PM

“Yep. Not long academy trained”

"Perfect, well your help will be valuable. What do you know of the rescue mission?"

“I was given a full briefing but I’d love to hear the plan from the man himself” he smiles

"Here's what I have so far, but please feel free to give me any input. There are going to be a lot of people wanting rescue, including people with MES. I'm aware of not being able to save everyone, but I figured there would be a way to sort through people. Our team can set up an area (a tent or some sort of temporary structure) using the small military team that we have. We will say that we are looking for individuals who can assist us on our colony, but we don't mention that we are specifically looking for those with MES. I'm not aware of how the detection of MES works on Rawhani, and I rather not put us in more danger than we already are. We will use our med team to sort through individuals in a quick manner (roughly 2 minutes) to asses their health. While that goes on, we will look for MES in those that are being checked. (since the Sargent can also detect those with MES) If they have MES, we will rescue them. If not, we maybe able to provide some temporary medical relief to those in the slums."

1:37 PM

"Out of the 40 Soldiers under your command, most of them will be attempting to keep order as we sort through them, while a few of them would be with us to maintain stability while we medically examine them."

1:38 PM

"Any questions or concerns? And please be frank. You have more experience with leading soldiers and these kind of scenarios. If something doesn't sound plausible, let me know."

“I think you’re onto something with the screening. This ship can hold 5,000 though. Should we be doing more even for the non psi?”

"I think we should, but our focus is on the psis. Personally, I don't like the idea of leaving anyone behind. I think everyone should be saved. However, we can't save everyone in just one trip. That being said, I will doubt that we will find 5000 psis. So, what is your opinion on the criteria should we decide on who else to bring? Information they have on the corporations? Skillsets they have? Children and or Elderly? A mix of everything, or just randomness?"

“Health is a big concern, but all of those things you mentioned are worth thinking about. I think keeping families together if possible is a good thing to look out for too. We have the chance to build a lot of good will there”

"That's a good point. So, here's what I'm thinking in terms of priorities: 1) Health 2) MES 3) Skills/Information 4) Families Even though Rawhani is banishing all psychics, I think we would be lucky if we find 100 people with MES."

“It’s rare, though I was reading something before the disaster about rising numbers of mes sensitive. I think finding anyone makes this worth it”

"As of now, Greenbair is the only place safe for psychics that we know of. As a psychic of the Academy, I will attempt to save everyone that I can."

“They saved me, by force actually. They’re a big part of the reason I enlisted. I wouldn’t have Been a useful member of society without the help they gave me”

Kaleb thinks for a moment. "That is a tough conclusion to come to. To have someone else force you to a way of life that you didn't choose, but it ended up better for you. I don't believe most people have a positive outcome in that type of situation."

“If it was going to happen for someone, I think the best chance of that comes from this colony. I hope we can offer it to someone else through our actions”

"Well, I think we are both ready for this mission." (How long will it be to get to Rawhani.

(Just a day of spike travel )

"I'm going to meet the rest of the team and introduce myself. It was a pleasure speaking to you and I look forward to our mission."

The last group is the medical team, inventorying gear at the chamber edge

“Hey team. Are you ready for the mission?”

“Ready as ever. Any special instructions for us?0

“Nothing crazy. The soldiers will be organizing and filtering refugees for examination. Your main job will be to check for health as quickly yet effectively as possible, which I know sounds paradoxical. The Sargent and I will be the main ones making decisions on who will be coming with us back to the Colony.”

“No problem. We can triage pretty effectively. That shouldn’t be an issue”

“Okay thank you. Let me know if you have any questions.” (I don’t think there is anything else to work on until Kaleb gets to Rawhani)

(Sounds good). The pillar of salt makes the jump as you wrap things up with the medical staff, and the day long trip begins.

8:06 AM

(Are you just chillin during the trip?$

(I think so. I don’t know what else I could be doing) Kaleb will most likely be talking to everyone in the crew and attempt to help in spiritual matters. He will ask the Sargent if he wants to train in MES at all

Zaricon respectfully declines, needing to use the time for weapon checks, smaller briefings with his squad leaders, and preparations for the exodus bay for visitors. After a day, the ship and its escorts break spike at the edge of rawhani space.

8:43 AM

The rusty red ball spins below, and the corvettes draw up right around the ship. Space is clear as the scanners come on.

Kaleb admires the beauty of the planet from this distance. He never spent a lot of time in space, and appreciates the view

The ships come into an anchor formation and the personnel assemble on the exodus deck, standing in front of the first cargo lifter

Kaleb will walk up to the Sargent. “I will rely on your judgement and command to get us to the ground level safely. Let me know if you need any assistance.”

Zaricon begins forming his men up and loading them onto the first ugly block ship of a lifted. He personally checks everyone’s harnesses and sits down. “Stack City is where we are dropping. When we land I want perimeter security until we get the instapanel barricades set up”

9:24 AM

His men acknowledge

“Remember, this is a rescue mission for refugees. Do what you need to do, but remember that these people are innocent and only want safety. Remember to show compassion when you can.”

The lander sets down a kilometer from stack city and a personnel carrier rolls out. The rest of the soldiers are setting up a perimeter of instapanels, painted wasteland rust. The medical team sets up in the corner near the lander. A small gap is left at the front, facing the city.

9:45 AM

“Shall we take a walk?”

“Yes, we should see the conditions these people are facing.” Kaleb gets his atmofilter ready.

The mask hisses as a seal is made and fresh air circulated through the breathing system. The stack city looms, its towers made of scavenged ship parts, corroded metal, the hulks of vehicles hoisted into position, and an ocean of canvas as incomplete or temporary roofs pop up everywhere to give protection from the harsh sun. Two dust clouds are kicking up, growing closer to you

“How long until we can get our base of operations up and running?”

“About an hour. If you start now by time you get back with the first group we should be ok”

“Okay. With the planet’s current attitudes towards psychics, I don’t want to waste too much time.”

“Indeed. Let’s be off”

12:13 PM

The rising towers and the dust clouds get closer. You can see now that they are two ramshackle technicals, each loaded with militia

(Militia of the slum city?)

(Yeah)

Kaleb will continue to approach as confident and non-threatening as possible

The technicals draw to a halt 50m away, dust continuing to billow behind them. The militiamen disembarking. They do not raise their weapons but they appear ready

Kaleb approaches slowly. “Hello. My name is Kaleb, I’m from the Greenbair Colony. We are here on a rescue mission for anyone who wants a new life on our Colony.”

“I’m mirosan, the militia captain. We saw the drop ships coming down and thought you were corporate.” He looks visibly relieved as do his soldiers.

“Sorry for the scare. We mean no harm.” As Kaleb says this, he raises his arms to his side. “Our own military is here just for protection, but we are not here for any trouble, Mirosan.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’ll escort you in if you like, get you in touch with our leader and we can help you help us from there. Is that agreeable?”

“Yes that is agreeable. Would it be okay if a few soldiers came with me?”

Mirosan makes a chopping motion with his hand, and the militamen disembark. "If you'll be so kind as to hop in, we can go right into town. I'll make the introductions myself|

Kaleb hops in

The two technicals have enough space for the soliders to pack in, and youre brought deep into stack city. Towers of rusted metal pass by, and people mill about on the streets, Many are wearing rough cut desert clothing and filters, though some make do with little more than wetted cloth over their mouth and nose. There are few street peddlers and almost everyone is carrying a weapon of some type, though firearms themselves are scarce.

7:12 PM

The wreck of a cruiser, crashed belly down and split open, is the town's city hall.

Kaleb attempts to gauge the overall attitude of the people in the slums

They're fearful, many casting glances over the plains

Kaleb will ask Mirosan, “What type of threats do your people face here?”

"The normal, hunger, thirst, disease, but most of all, the megacorps finding us. We exist relatively hidden because we are low tech, and with the vast wasteland it is simply too costly to try to comb it for the amount of trouble we cause. still, if they do chance upon us, they wont be happy their former disposed of employees have cheated their death sentences.

“So they don’t know that you exist? Can you explain why they exile as their means of getting rid of you?”

"It means death, simply put. It is trivially easy to displease some of the companies , and sometimes people get exiled just to make a point. A department works harder when freshly cowed by a public exile."

“I see. How long has this city been here for?”

"Fifteen years since we started keeping time, but this oasis was a patchwork of campfires and huts belonging to various corporate expats before that"

“Well I look forward to meeting with your leader and seeing how we can help.”

Mirosan pulls a silk rope near the breach serving as a door, and a brass bell rings twice. A moment later, a woman in a dusty red/brown sari descends the stairs. She is in her mid thirties from the looks of her, though her features have hardened after much time spent in the wastes. She moves down the spiral staircase and takes a seat behind a desk, covered in papers and opened books. Stewards bring benches forward, and youre invited to sir

8:43 PM

sit*

Kaleb sits down. “Hello, I’m Kaleb. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

8:45 PM

(Standard polite greeting)

“It’s nice to meet you. Mirosan wrote ahead that you’re from greenbriar. We have had a pleasant dealing with them in the past”

“I’m glad. We hope to continue the pleasantness. We are here to help rescue some of the refugees here.”

“What are conditions like on your world right now?”

“Things are stable. We have food, water, and power. We do not have a surplus in anything, which limits how many people we can bring on currently. Overall it’s also very safe thanks to our military and police. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but everyone is able to contribute to the Colony in their own way. The worst thing we currently face is our war with the Remnant, but so far we are holding them off.”

“Ah yes. They’ve frequented here, buying weapons from the mega corps”

“That’s the official reason why we are here on the planet, and why our little group of soldiers here won’t draw attention here.”

“So, you’ve told us your intentions. How many do you plan on taking? And what’s your system for deciding? They’d have a better life elsewhere, it pains me to lose the help but this situation won’t hold forever”

“We can take a total of 5000. I wish to take everyone, but there’s only so much our team can do in one trip. We understand that people with MES aren’t aloud to be with the corporations. We wish to help those with MES, and give them the training to not torch themselves, especially since it seems like the Galaxy is completely against them. Outside of that, we are looking for skilled labors. Particularly, labors who may not have the most use here out in the wastes here. I don’t wish to hurt your defenses, and we do have our own army and police. But last, and certain not least, anyone we take, we will like to take their families with them. We don’t want to separate loved ones. We would like to check for the health if anyone interested coming with us, and have some medical staff who can provide anyone with medical relief if necessary. Please let me know what you think. After seeing your situation with my eyes, I don’t want to make life harder for anyone.”

“Ideally, id like the city to be completely evacuated, with myself, the most critical labor and our militia among the last to leave. I’d say if you’re going to be drawing down, start with the unemployed and ancillary staff. You don’t need to go far to find them”

“How many people are in the slums total? This won’t be the last rescue mission we can send out.”

She thinks for a moment and opens up a scroll from the middle of a pile on her desk. 17,000 in total, around there. It might be a bit lower after that flu in the artisan quarter”

“I see. When I go back, I will see what we can do about rescuing everyone. It will depend on the amount of available resources we have at Greenbair.”

“It’s generous of you to take any at all. I won’t overlook the fact that this is all a gift. So what do you need from me to help facilitate this?”

“Cooperation of the people. Helping everyone stay organized. With taking refugees, and not able to take everyone, being civil is an upmost priority.”

“Mirosan will be with you. He acts with my authority and if you have trouble deal with it however you best see fit. I’m not going to step on your toes. We are pretty stretched here so anyone you can take will help back us away from the edge”

"Very well. Thank you, I'm sorry I didn't get your name."

“Marianne Al-Khoi. Peace be upon you. I apologize for the rudeness, but I prefer business first. Now that its concluded I hope you’ll return for tea before departing”

"It will be my pleasure." Kaleb gets up. "If our colony is going to help rescue everyone here, the best thing you can do is help gather the type of labor everyone can do in a report, so I can present it and vouch for you. It will allow me to help justify coming back for everyone. As well as any considerations on the best way to do a mass rescue if possible."

She grabs another scroll.

9:23 AM

70% unskilled labor

9:24 AM

5% hydroponics 5% engineering 10% artisan <1% psi 9% military

9:25 AM

“It’s rough, I know. Best I can do with no automation”

"It's more than helpful. I have a question though. For a world that was all about the megacorporations, how is it that 70% of people are considered 'unskilled'"

“The people that weld, or stamp parts, or check the cogs for imperfections. They have a skill but their expertise is so limited”

9:29 AM

“Our needs here are more varied and are hard to predict. For our own census that’s how we chose to group them”

"I see. And what jobs are considered under those with 'artisan' skills."

“Carpenters, Smith’s, leatherworkers, shoemakers, jewelers. Anyone who’s handy with working with a certain material”

"Are artisans considered essential to your survival here?"

“If the remainder of the exodus is done efficiently no, I think we can do without them for a while”

"Hmm, well I can't make a guarantee of when that will be. I may ask for some of them to come with us to Greenbair, but I think the majority of them should stay with you for now. As I said, I wouldn't feel comfortable making your situation worse. That being said, if we take a good portion of the unskilled laborers, that will hopefully create less demand for the artisians, allowing some of them to come with us. Would you agree with that assessment?"

“I would and if your colony is growing you can find other work for them”

"I believe we are in agreement. Thank you Marianne. I will work with Mirosan and get started then. And yes, I will come back for tea before departing."

The bows her head slightly and misosan moves to the breach door. “Alright. I’m with you as far as roundups. Just let me know how to help” The soldiers at the landing site report the temporary encampment is set up

"The best way to get start would be to get the word out to everyone with what we are attempting to do. We are looking for majority of unskilled laborers, as well as few artisans that your colony will be able to afford to come with us. We are also looking for any psis that are looking for a new life as well. If you and your militia can help guide them to the temporary encampment, our team can help sort through them."

“Most of the psi that are here are likewise hiding. Do you have a way of ferreting them out?”

"Yes, I can detect if they are psis if I find them. I imagine that when you call for people with a new way of life on Greenbair, that some of them will come out. Are the psis here also hated?"

“In here not at all. But you don’t necessarily know your neighbors either so it’s easier to go to ground”

"Hmm, you know this city far better than me. Have their been any 'odd' activity possibly related to MES."

“In the megacorp it was dangerous to be one. They wouldn’t kill you if you were useful but you were worked far harder and deprived if much more”

"I see. How about in the slums here?"

“Those who are open about their powers have been fine. No real problems have been reported. A day in the wastes does a lot for teaching you about the value of life”

"Understood. If word got out that there is a safe place for psychics, do you think they will come?"

“I do. They are safe here as far as physical harm but not being hunted is little comfort when you’re hungry or thirsty.”

"Very well. Let's get the word out that we are going to help refugees on Greenbair. I'll join you and see if people with MES come forward. If they aren't, then I'll also mention that psychics are welcome. I have a Sargent at the encampment that can start the sorting process."

One of the militia trucks with an open back is taken out for use, allowing you and the soldiers to be transported easily. A microphone attached to the truck loudspeaker is pressed into your hands. “I’m going to drive ya down to the slums first then. We will stay as long as you want. Lets just try to prevent a panics

(I'm assuming I will be speaking to the people of the city) "Hello everyone. My name is Kaleb, and I'm from the Greenbair Colony. We are here to help anyone who wishes to come with us back to our Colony. We have food, water, and our planet's conditions are easier to breathe in. With permission of your leaders here, we are looking for volunteers to come with us. You don't need to have skills now. By coming with us, we will teach you the skills you need. We will ask you to work, but will treat you with fairness and compassion. We will not desert you to some forsaken wastes. If you want a new life, please come to us."

(Yeah exactly)

(Okay, how does my speech do?)

(Let’s do lead with cha but your speech will lower the DC)

(Kaleb rolled a 12 on his Cha/Lead roll)

The speech is everything the people here want to hear. Those without families already begin trying to get close to the truck, while those without drop baskets and bowls of water or produce and rush home to get their loved ones

Kaleb will send a message to the encampment. "Hey team, we have refugees coming your way soon. Get ready, and remember to show compassion."

They acknowledge your message and prepare to handle the first wave.

Kaleb turns to Misosan. "Our encampment is ready."

The throng Of refugees begins to build and they pack around the truck so tight it can no longer move for fear of hitting someone

2:06 PM

“We have to get these people moving!” Misrosan shouts over the clamor

Kaleb will attempt to see if any of the refugees emit MES

2:08 PM

(I know there are a lot of people, but Kaleb would be keeping an eye out)

You sense two different energies near you

2:16 PM

One man is pulled beneath the seething crowd, and it fills in around him

2:17 PM

Zaricon fires a shot in the air, and it seems to quell them for the time being.

Kaleb will attempt to go to the man he senses the MES from

A man hunches over trampled figure, chanting comforting words. His begins healing the downed man

Kaleb will wait for the man to finish his healing. He will look for signs of torching while this is going on. Once the man is done, Kaleb will state, "You are a man with a unique gift."

“I try to do what I can” Kaleb senses no torching

"I'm impressed. You have no signs of torching. Did you have a teacher to help you with your MES?"

“A long time ago nova industries used to retain one. I was from their home office and taken into the program. He was the most patient and gentile person I ever knew.

"Well, we have a psychic academy on Greenbair. Psychics are welcomed there. I would be glad to show you once you get there."

“I’d be happy to go. As you can see I’m a healer. Would someone like me be able to find work there?”

“Most certainly. We have someone who is also a bioscionic. He’s the chief of surgery at our hospital. Our academy also has plenty of requests for someone without your gifts. What’s your name?”

“Heller. Sir.”

“I’m Kaleb. Come with me. I’ll make sure you’ll get on the lift.”

The crowd seems cowed by the show of force and as the truck turns around for the encampment many people begin following it

Is Kaleb able to get through? Or are there too many people in the way

Kaleb is able to squeeze trough, forced to push through people sometimes

Kaleb will message camp, “I got a VIP coming. Make sure he gets checked out.”

The camp calls back. “We have a mysterious object about 15km from camp. It’s circling at high altitude. Not sure what it is”

8:39 PM

“But the first refugees are arriving”

“Understood. Keep an eye on the object and keep me updated.” How far away is camp from the city?

1kn

8:48 PM

Km

(Thanks) Does Kaleb notice the other MES presence still?

Kaleb notices behind him, another presence is crawling closer through the slowly departing throng of people. Zaricon and his men have the crowd under control and are beginning to lead them out into the wasteland

Kaleb will reach out to Zaricon, “Hey, can you escort this VIP? I sense another person I need to talk to.”

Zaricon personally takes heller by the arm and leads him away with the crowd. The other presence is a woman, young and bright eyed in a land where most are dusky. She seems to sense you looking at her through the crowd

Kaleb walks up to her. “Hello miss. Do you know why I’m here?”

(does she talk? lol)

(Sorry. It never alerted me I had a new message here)

10:05 AM

“Yes. I heard your address. Your colony is a safe place? Truly? We were told that here too and well. Look around us”

"Our place has a breathable atomsphere which you don't need a device to breath. We have food and water. Everyone will need to find work and contribute, but conditions are better on Greenbair than here. We also won't outcast anyone, like how you have been here. Our place is also a safe for psychics like you."

“I’m not going to be send to the factories again am I?”

10:16 AM

“I’ve had to try to piece together too many friends after accidents. I just can’t do that again. I can’t

"You can do whatever you want to do. If you don't want to work at a factory, you don't have to. Whatever your powers are, we will find work for you that will provide meaning for you, as well as be both useful for and respected in our colony. Psychics are welcomed at Greenbair. Some are still weary of us since the Scream, but we have an Academy for people like us."

10:20 AM

"What MES disciplines are you able to perform?"

“I am a bioscopic, and a telepathic” (edited)

10:28 AM

“It’s been a mixed blessing. I’ve both seen and felt my friends final moments countless times”

"That can't be easy. Well we will have a need for both your talents. You can choose which path. But for now, come with me. I'll put you in the front of the line. I'm Kaleb, by the way. I'm a metapsionic, and I work with the Psi Academy on Greenbair. What is your name?"

10:30 AM

While talking, Kaleb will also push forward to get the other psychic up front

“Moirah” (moy-rah) she says with a thin Scottish accent. “It’s very nice to meet you Kaleb

10:35 AM

There is a rumbling beyond the city, in the plains and a large wall of dust, right now far away, stretches across the horizon

Kaleb will message Zaricon, "I got another VIP. What's are current status of heading to the encampment? It looks like we got a dust storm coming our way"

“First group got here a few minutes ago. Doing some inspection and the medics are clearing them as quick as they can. This didn’t come up during briefing. What’s the policy for weapons. Are they permitted to hold on to them?”

"I didn't think of that. These people are scared and don't trust us. I want to say they should be allowed to, but my instincts say that they shouldn't be allowed to. Has their been any resistance trying to take their weapons?"

“Some. They seem scared to part with them. We offered to lock them in the ships locker and provide receipts but that’s not good enough”

"Do we have a way of marking people, like a wristband or something?"

Zaricon thinks for a moment. “Hey. The medics have markers for writing names and vitals on patients. It’s waterproof and should last for a couple days. What do you have in mind?”

“Let me talk to them. Put them aside, and just let them know that your ‘leader’ would like a word when he gets back. I think I’ll allow them to have weapons, if they agree to a few requirements and responsibilities.”

“What would those be so I can broadcast them?”

“I like that better. We make a good team. We would like to give up your weapons for the protection of others. However, we understand your concern over your safety. If you do not wish to give up your weapons, then we will offer you an alternative option. You may keep your weapons if you offer to protect other refugees should anything happen. We have a military, but you will be assisting with protection of other refugees as well. We will mark your hands with a red marker to help indicate that you are armed, but will be assisting us as necessary. Please respect any orders that our military issues. Being armed, you still pose as a potential threat, and we do not wish to use force on any of you. If interested, we will also help offer you a chance to help join or police or military if interested, as well as any training required.”

The dust clouds roll closer. "We....we may have a problem." Zaricon says, looking out with his binoculars

“What do you see?”

"Vehicles.....10....no...20.....30........40 vehicles. They're the cause for the dust. " He goes to hand them to you

Kaleb takes them. What kind of vehicles are they?

Looking through the binoculars, they are open topped troop transports, cargo trucks with open bed backs. Five of each bear different corporate logos

6:45 PM

a handful bear no markings at all

6:46 PM

(Each company sent 5, mystery people in 5 as well)

(Aren’t there 6 corporations?) Okay Zaricon, we can either attempt to run right now, or stand our ground. I suggest stand our ground. (Do I have a loud speaker or something to talk to the whole crowd of people?)

(one of them has been overthrown)

8:08 PM

(There's a rebellion inside their city)

8:08 PM

(and yes, you do have a loudspeaker)

Kaleb will get on the loudspeaker. "All soldiers, get in defensive positions, but do not fire. To all citizens of the waste. We have your previous captors coming our way. They are coming for us, all of us. If you want freedom, than stand with us. Show them that we are here. Show them that we are human. Show them that you do not belong to them anymore. Stand with us and show them your strength. That they couldn't kill you before, and they won't kill you now!" (Essentially, I want those that we are rescuing with weapons to stand with our military as a show of force, and be ready to fight if necessary. But Kaleb's plan is to talk first if the option presents itself. Kaleb believes the number of people can be used as a bargaining chip)

Those few with firearms rank up behind the Greenbriar soldiers manning the encampment. those with melee weapons or makeshift implements of harm prepare to stand with them, though they look a bit out of place. "They'll hit the city first. Should we help?|

"Yes, lets head back to the city."

"Anyone who is not fighting, get them on the lifters. Make sure the VIPs are on the lifters as well."

Heller and the biosci VIP are escorted inside, with a handful of soldiers. Zaricon and nearly every else begin heading back toward the city. A brass bell rings, the call to arms, and the cry is taken up throughout the streets

“We are probably out matched one on one since they are more technically advanced. Let me attempt to talk to them before fighting.” (edited)

The rebels gather on rooftops and in the town square. Most of the crowd is a sea of crude polearms but every handful of soldiers, someone has a firearm. There are even two people in scavenged suits of power armor

Kaleb will like to state a motivational speech, “We are people! We are human! The corporations may of kicked you out to the wastes. The corporations may of told you what your worth is. But they can’t take away your choice. And in that choice, is your freedom. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live. A slave to these corporations, or as a free person!”

There are some cheers, and the power armored duo use their voice augmitters to shout piercing war cries

10:08 AM

RThe

10:09 AM

The mob begins moving through the streets, while marksmen take up positions on rooftops. 1000m from the city edge, the vehicles come to a halt. "Send an emissary to discuss terms of surrender, you have ten minutes"

"I suppose I'm the emissary." Does anyone attempt to stop Kaleb?

Nobody attempts to stop Kaleb as he marches out. (Are you taking an escort or are you strolling out alone) Marianne and Mirsoan are on one of the tallest buildings, looking down at the proceedings. They are both directing a team of mortars in getting set up.

10:18 AM

(lot of M names incidentally)

Kaleb goes alone, and gives his laser pistol to Zaricon

He takes it and buckles it into an empty leg holster on his uniform. Kaleb marches out, as does a skeletally thin, and very tall man in a resplendent uniform, the Saturnetworks logo prominent on his lapel

10:33 AM

His voice is rich, and very cultured. "We have marched upon your city. making you the aggrieved party. Would you care to begin the discussion, as per your rights? or would you prefer for us to begin?"

(Kaleb is way in over his head) "I would prefer if you begin and state your case."

(Yeah, their tag is traditionalists, so hes got to offer the courtesies even if it doesnt make sense)

10:35 AM

"Very well. The assets in this town, are various disavowed company properties. Recent events have made it an interest to reclaim them, and thus we are here to take the first shipment back into company possession."

"I see, but as of now, they are claimed by the people here, and thus do not belong to any of the corporations. You have lost the right of ownership when they were disavowed. However, I am sure that the people here would be willing to make a trade for the property."

He clears his throat, looking quite amused. "I see. You're unfamiliar. The asset I am speaking of, is the people. We have come to return them to service. Through force, if required"

"I see. Well the same principle applies. You have disavowed them, and now they are free. Why do the corporations want them back?"

“Recent events have made labor something of precious commodity to us. We are simply reclaiming what was already ours “

“It’s no longer yours. You let them go. Now, they will fight you if you attempt to take them back. You may have the technology advantage, but we have the numbers. If you use force, your ‘product’ will either end up dead or broken. Therefore, you have already failed your mission. And I can’t imagine that your bosses will like that. As a result of failure, you will be sent back to the wastes as well. Do yourself a favor, since you’ll be back here in about a week, give up now, and these free people will let you join them once you join them in the wastes.”

(As a note, I could attempt to use my authority focus in this situation)

(If you want to try you can)

(lol 4)

He looks like he’s about to agree with you when his subordinate places a palm on the gun strapped to his waist. “The compliance officer with me is stating this outcome is not acceptable”

“It’s your loss then. Too bad you won’t have a safe haven to go to when all of this is over.” Kaleb turns to walk away

“We can’t go back empty handed, and we would never be accepted here”

Kaleb stops and turns back to look at the officer. “Everyone is accepted here. This place isn’t a corporation. This place is the result of the corporations. At the end of the day, you are all pawns of the corporations. You have had the same chance of ending up on this side of this particular engagement.” Kaleb points towards the city. “The people of the city understand that. The beautiful thing is that they now have a choice of how they want to live. They could of chosen to simply die, yet they live on. And they didn’t live on to simply become a slave again.”

5:57 PM

“We have made our choice. You don’t own us anymore. The only choice you have to make is your response now.”

5:57 PM

Kaleb turns to walk away again

“How do we get ahold of you if we need to talk again. I...I need to talk to my companions here”

6:02 PM

(Your arguments have been so well reasoned I don’t think a roll is anything but an unnecessary hinderance)

“We will be in the city. Call for us if you wish to speak again.” (Kaleb doesn’t want to give out his compad frequency, as he doesn’t want to give up the identity of Greenbair interfering)

(They’ll improvise) The skeletal man and his companions begin speaking with one another. “What happened?” Marian shouts down

“I instilled doubt into their emissary about fighting us. They are now discussing if they should attack or not. I used logic and the corporation’s history against them.”

They wave and the emissary begins walking over again. He looks nervous

I walk back to the emissary

9:05 AM

“So?”

“We have a bit of a delicate situation. Those u marked. Vehicles. They’re Remnant advisors. If we walk they’re going to open fire”

“Open fire on us, or on you? Do you care if they return to the corporations alive?”

“Both. And no. We don’t. I just wanted to warn you that if we step toward you we won’t make it. We have to hit them, fast, before they get a transmission off”

“Are the other corporations in agreement with you?”

“In agreement that we join up? Yes”

“How about this then. Tell them we agreed to surrender and they can come to our city. When everyone gets there, we trap the Remnant, forcing them to surrender.”

"I'll return the message. How long do you think you'd need to get readY? I can stall for a bit if you need it"

"5 minutes. We are already ready to fight. I just need to relay who we are targeting. By the time we walk to our bases, and you give the orders, we should be good." Do I get any sense that the man is lying?

You do not sense that he is lying or trying to deceive you in any way.

"Okay, tell them that after some talking, our citizens do not wish to truely fight. This of course, is not true, but it should be enough reasoning for them to fall for the bait."

"I'll do that. Get your planning in order, and we will be inside soon"

Kaleb goes back to the city, and quickly explains the situation to Zaricon, Marianna and Mirsoan. "We are only to target the Remant. We may be able to get them to surrender, but don't hesitate to attack if necessary. The other corporations have effectively surrendered, and will be joining the city. Please treat them as your own once this is over, for they also do not want to go back to the corporations."

"More they probably can't go back. Looks like we're picking up a handful" Mirosan says "Alright, unmarked only everyone. You have your orders" After ten minutes, the trucks start snaking their way into the city. The remnant trucks have dispersed through the column, presumably to keep everyone in line and advise

While this is going on, Kaleb will ask Zaricon, "Did we know that the Remnant also had dealings with Rawhani corporations? And not only that, but apparently they are running the show?"

"We know they were buying weapons. Some of the ships we fought had security crews with Rawhani pattern laser weapons, and I'm sure its safe to assume that is not the only thing they've been buying. Perhaps they're expanding their influence?"

"Perhaps. I suppose we will get our answers soon enough. Make sure our team knows to prevent a Remant from getting a communication out at all cost."

The marksmen redistribute themselves along the truck route, planning to ambush them once they get to the center of town.

Kaleb will stand in the center of the expected root. (I imagine like a town square)

(Yeah it’s an open air market square area with a well, but the stalls have been packed away for now)

1:46 PM

The first truck in the convoy rounds the corner to face the waiting Kaleb

Kaleb will signal them to stop in the square, and to park their vehicle so others can get in

The trucks come to a halt in the square, forming up into neat rows. They do not disembark. “I’ve got a bead on what looks like the lead radioman. Let me know when to take the shot” mirosan Says

“Wait for them to disembark, or if the radioman tries anything.”

"Very good."

2:40 PM

The remnant soldiers exude this smug air of arrogance, like conquerors. They begin getting the corporate armsmen out of the trucks, and formed up to escort prisoners aboard

2:41 PM

the corporate comm officers from each squad are keeping a steady stream of orders between one another, for now looking the part. The Remnant have kept their communication staff in one of the trucks and it appears they are not disembarking to help with the prisoner loadng

Kaleb will give the message, "Take out the radioteam, and then surround the Remnant."

A series of shots from roottops are the only signal that the attack has started. Four of the six Remnant comms officers are shot, through heads and center mass. The remaining two take cover behind the metal running boards of the vehicle beds

Kaleb will get on a speaker (assuming one is nearby for this event). "Give up Remnant. You are surrounded, and you are alone."

(Yes, and talk/cha, DC lowered for the ambush and you generally being a convincing individual so far)

<8>

The handful of surviving Remnant soldiers attempt to surrender, though the populace is angry, and begins moving in to beat them by hand

"STOP!" Kaleb will yell. "We must not resort to their level. Remnant, throw your weapons to us." Kaleb will signal the Greenbair military to close in. (What type of armor are the Remnant wearing?)

(About the same as Greenbriar, combat field uniforms. Weapons are rimworlder semi auto rifles though, a little bit more rugged than what you are using)

"Zarcarion, restrain these men. They are coming with us." Kaleb will find the skeletal man. "Well done, you just ensured your own survival."

He looks like a man profoundly unsure of himself,

5:36 PM

"So, who do I speak with now, you? I'm not sure what the next steps should be"

5:37 PM

Zaricon lets the beatings go on for a few minutes longer than they probably should before moving in to break things up

Kaleb calls for Marianna and Mirosan. “You’ll be speaking to them. I have no jurisdiction here. I would advise your men to also surrender their weapons as a sign of peace and trust.”

They rack the chambers of their weapons and hand the ammunition over, unwilling to part with the weapons themselves.

“That’s fine. I just want to make sure that we all understand that you have surrendered peacefully and are willing to work with the people here. Marianna, would you like to start with the introductions?”

“I’ll take it from here. You’ve been instrumental Kaleb. I’ll let you return to your screening and getting your VIPs into orbit”

"Thank you. I'm glad I could help resolve with little bloodshed. I will like to take the two remaing Remnant as prisoners back to Greenbair, if you don't mind. You can take their armor and weapons."

“Of course” he snaps and the prisoners are stripped of their gear.

Kaleb will message the encampment. "Hey guys. Situation is under control over here. How is going over at your side?"

“We have the first thousand loaded. We expect the rest to be screened within the next hour. The two VIPs are in the ships stateroom under escort

"Perfect. Did those with weapons agree to the terms of being a protector?"

“They did. Many wanted to head back toward the city and help but it sounded like you had the situation in hand

"Let them know that the corporations agreed to surrender since they weren't willing to risk everyone fighting them, and since they knew they already failed, have agreed to stay at the city to help out. Stay vigilant though, we will be bringing more people shortly."

(It’s at 1,000 out of a possible 5,000 now). “Still going to keep looking for more vips then?” Zaricon asks

"Yes, I think i'll stay in the city and help look, if you want to head back to the encampment. I'll take my pistol back now. I'm glad I didn't need it."

“As am I. The pen is mightier” Zaricon smiles. The Remnant surrender nearby is attracting a lot of attention and you feel another MES presence nearby

Kaleb will head towards the MES source.

A soot blackened figure carrying a long blade on his back watches the Remnant surrenders being processed. You get the sense he is aware of you even though he is not looking.

6:30 AM

The whites of his eyes and his teeth are the only thing not covered in a mix of soot and dirt

“It’s interesting how people think they are in control, until they are not.” As Kaleb gestures towards the captured Remnant

“It’s more interesting how one unarmed man can walk out to face an enemy army, and somehow not only win the battle but turn them into friends.

“It’s all a matter of shifting one’s perspective. They (the corporations) thought that you (the city) were still property. Once I corrected them in that you are free people who will fight, they realized they failed and would end up here in the city all the same. I simply helped them avoid a few steps that would benefit everyone.”

“Id mike to be part of that work

(I'm assuming that you meant 'like') "Well, how would you like to join us at Greenbair then? Life isn't easy, but conditions are better than here, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our growth. We do have a need for people with your abilities." (edited)

“I think I’m ready for a change. My discipline however is a bit unconventional”

"How so?"

(This is learnable. Sil did an amazing job reformatting the discipline into revised edition, so if you want to learn it he can send the writeup). I am one of the rare electrokinesis masters, and I know a bit of bioscopy as well”

"I...am not familiar with this discipline. However, I am sure you will be welcomed. We have a Psi Acadamy at Greenbair, and I'm sure you will be welcomed." (I would love the writeup. In game, when we have downtime when going back to Greenbair, I'll ask him how his powers work)

“I’d be happy to get off this rock. How much more space do you have?”

"Plenty right now. Come with me. I'll make sure you get on our ship. On our way back to Greenbair, I'll have to ask you about your discipline." Kaleb will inform Zarion that he has another VIP.

“I’ve got him. Alright. Hold has 1500 cleared right now. Do we want to continue?”

“You tell me. Should we attempt to get 5000, which is our max capacity, or should we focus on getting out of here soon? I am not sure of the logistics for this operation.

“I’m worried about the Remnant catching us flat footed. They’ve clearly got somewhat regular fleet traffic coming here. It’s been bothering me since those observers showed up”

“That is a good point. Let me talk to the former corporates that recently joined the city. Im sure I can get some info out of them. I’m sure we can spare some time to at least do that.” Kaleb will go find the skeletal man and Marianna, and attempt to get as much information about the current status of the Remnant, as well as why they seem to be running the show now.

“The Remnant came as customers first, and offered to do a bit of work on the behalf of corporate in order to try to leverage some better deals. The corporations were not getting results on their own”

"So they took over an entire corporation? How much leverage do they currently have over the other corporations?"

"In addition, how much of a threat are they currently when it comes to the people here?"

9:16 AM

(also, is this information that Greenbair already knew about, or is this new)

“They’re assisting as advisors only. They haven moved to outright takeover

9:38 AM

“To the people in this city?”

"Yes. As in, should these people expect another crew to come in anytime soon to fight the people here?"

“They were expecting to be reinforced by a sister detachment within the next few weeks. They’ll be arriving to find themselves as the only Remnant on planet

"So, there are currently no more Remnant forces on this planet?"

“Currently just the ones we have taken”

"Good to know. Then we will continue rescuing as many refuges as possible. We wanted to make sure that we weren't expecting any more visitors." Kaleb will message Zaricon that the Remnant will not be an issue for another few weeks on this planet (edited)

Knowing they are free from another attack any time soon, Zaricon and the troopers are a bit less stringent in their screening, and soon the hold is filled to Capacity

Kaleb will fine Marianna. "So, it looks like we got as many as we take for this trip. Shall we drink some tea in celebration?"

"Lets, you've done us a great service. I had little doubt we would triumph against the remnant, but the cost was far less than i was expecting"

"A day were we can make progress with without blood shed is a great day. Since a few had to get shot, I would say today is at least a good day."

"It was them or us. You're under no obligation to come back, what you've done already is a great services to us, but if you do, you'd be welcome|

"I'll see what I can do. If we do come back, I may not be a part of the next group Greenbair sends. I will advocate to our leaders to come back to rescue everyone. It may be a strain on resources, but I see many good people here who can be a positive part of our growth."

"This world is a hostile place, even moreso without the modern technologies needed to make this rough living easier. This is a half life for many"

"At least it makes you eager for opportunity, and willing to work hard."

"It does, and I think you'll find the people you're taking with you to be very motivated"

"How are the attitudes of your new recruits?"

"Everyone is grateful to be alive, and they're ready to work. I'm not sure how the Remnant converts are going to be yet, going to keep an eye on them. Mirsoan wants to just take them out into the desert and be done with it, but we are better than that"

"Oh, I thought we (Greenbair) were taking them with us back as prisoners of war. I doubt they will like staying here in the first place, and they probably have useful information to help our war with them."

"We'd like to keep a couple, as collateral if the time comes, and we could stand to be better informed ourselves"

(How many Remnant were captured?)

(40)

(Oh wow) "I see. We don't need to take all of them. Are all of them soldiers, or do did you also capture officers as well?"

"The only ones who really seemed to have a full picture of whats going on are the comms officers, of which we have two, one each seems like a good split. The rest are junior level squad leaders. they knew their men, and their objective but little about wider operations- at least from what we can get right now"

"Okay. I'm fine with an equal split of 1 comm officer each and the rest are the squad leaders."

"So split the squad leaders as well?" she blows on her tea to cool it, eyes narrowed

"Would you rather have all them?" (Maybe it's just me, but I'm not understanding her intentions or wants in this scenario)

(she's just trying to figure out who's taking what, so if you think a split is fair, then all is well. She basically just doesnt want to be left out of the loop as far as learning about the enemy)

(Okay) "I think an equal split between prisoners with their roles is fair. That way we can both interrogate our own prisoners to gather information. We each get 1 comm officer and an equal amount of leaders. If you have a particular request to take more prisoners, then that's fine. I would request only 1 or 2 squad leaders in addition to just 1 comm officer."

"an even split is good. I appreciate your commitment to fairness, and thank you for getting our people out of here. You're offering them a far better life than we could have. I don;'t want to keep you, I am sure you have much to do, but you have our thanks"

2:56 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

(nice!) "No, thank you for your assistance with all of this. It has made the whole process much smoother, and will definitely help Greenbair. May we meet again." Kaleb will take one more look attempting to find a MES user before heading to the lifter.

Your senses do not detect anyone gifted with MES on your walk back, this time.

Kaleb heads back to the lifter. He messages Zaricon, "Are you ready to head home?"

"Yes, let's get out of here, and soon"

3:15 PM

The final lifter is just you, and Zaricon, along with a final shipment of household goods the refugees brought with them

"I would say this mission was a success, even with the complications we faced. Do these missions normally go this way for you?"

"Never. I like working with you, you make it easy. My last mission was against the underhill queen, and it was a success only in the fact that most of my squad was not eaten"

"The Underhill Queen? Eaten? That doesn't sound like something I could talk to."

"no, nobody could and that is why it came to violence. Th

3:46 PM

ey were a devouring swarm, the only thing they wanted was to eat"

"Well, at least humans and other intelligent species have more desires than just to eat." Kaleb yawns and stretches a little. "I don't know about you, but I could use a nap now. And a shower. And some food."

“Me too. We have about a days trip back and I expect I’ll sleep for most of it. My men will make sure the passengers are comfortable”

“Thank you, Zaricon. I look forward to working with you in the future.” Kaleb will next want to talk to the psychics he found.

The three have been kept in a conference room under guard, for their own protection. A meal has been brought to them which they are finishing as you’re given entry

“Hey everyone. I hope you have been treated well so far?”

[level up results] hp: 19

7:36 PM

4 total skills points 3 skill points used to make Talk 2 1 skill point left in psionics as unspent

“So far so good. The rations are already more than a typical dinner”

“Well I’m glad. I wanted to take this time to get to learn more about you, and how we can help you at Greenbair.”

They don’t want to interrupt but they’re paying attention

"I'll start. As you know, my name is Kaleb. I recently woke up from Cold Sleep on Greenbair a few days ago. I was in Cold Sleep for a year and a half (I believe that is correct), and was not awake during the Scream, which is how I survived. I am a metapsion, which means my psychic powers can only affect other psychics. I have the ability to detect, trace, and subdue psychic energy. I am working on becoming a teacher for all psychics. I was also a spiritual leader before heading to Greenbair. I helped others when I could through the power of words and prayer. Our mission here was to rescue refugees from Rawhani. However, my other mission was to specifically help locate any psychic refugees with my metapsionic abilities. There is a Psychic Academy on Greenbair. Unlike other academies, we try to be very transparent with the Colony and others. The Academy is fairly new, and in the process of looking for more psychics. At the Academy, we can help train you and find honest jobs with your psychic powers. Everyone of you has the ability to make a real difference. I'm sure you all know of the Remnant by now. What you may not know is that Greenbair is at war with the Remnant. One of the main reasons is due to how Greenbair is accepting of psychics, while the Remnant are completely anti-psychic. I will warn you that not everyone is completely open to psychics, but the government there is doing everything to protect us, and we don't any serious threats against psychics in Greenbair itself. Still, I want to emphasize to not let your guard down. Greenbair is a much safer location for you than anywhere else I've been in the galaxy. I know I just said a lot, so please ask me any questions, and I'll do my best to answer." (edited)

(Yeah it’s about right give or take a month as far as they’ve been keeping track)

8:58 AM

“What kinda of jobs have you been able to find for your other psi in residence?”

"So far, the main jobs have been construction for telekentics, medical for bioscionic, and we are working on finding courier jobs for teleporters. But we are just beginning. Right now, I am helping supplement other psychics with their training, as well as paying them for living. I have little need for credits personally, other than to help others. As far as Precogs and Telepathics, that is a more difficult niche. My ideas have been that precogs take on the roles of consultants for companies or organizations, and telepathics take on a more theraputic role with negotiations. Due to our want and need of being transparent, we are still working out the kinks. As far as electrokinesis, I would need to understand how your powers work and what you are capable of. However, I'm sure we can find a need for such a power as well."

" It's a rather unique disciple and I've found it to be very useful. I can sense the flow of energy through various objects, and manipulate that flow. I can even sense the electrical energy in nearby people. I was Black Sun, a time ago, part of a commando unit. The skill was quite useful and the only reason I am alive"

"What are some of the practical implications of your powers?"

"Well, sensing people. I can also improve the output of energy weapons being used around me for a bit more punch, or drain the energy from electronic locks, or other systems."

"That sounds very impressive. Are you attempting to look for peaceful work, or military work? Your powers can be helpful in both, most likely."

"I spent so much time destroying, but if the Remnant is coming , I'll pick up my older ways

"It's up to you. You could be a part of our defense, protecting others, like how Zaricon, the Sargent that was with me, has done."

"wherever I can be of the most service. I am sure that will be a much longer conversation, once I've had a bath"

10:32 AM

He leaves a soot stained handprint on the wall, pushing off to sit in one of the plushy chairs

Kaleb smiles. "Of course, we don't need to continue this conversation now." Kaleb will signal for one of the guards. "Can we get this man a bath or shower please? The same goes for the other ones here. They may use my quarters if necessary. (I don't know if I have quarters with it's own shower lol)

(There are a bunch of officer staterooms and crew areas with working ones, and your quarters would. Captain is probably temporarily displaced for a VIP )

10:35 AM

"Aye, I'll bring em down to the officers quarter, nobody should be there right now"

"Thank you." Kaleb will get up. "I need to make my rounds and talk to some others, but I'll be around. If you wish to talk to me, just let one of the other officers know and they will signal me. Do you have any questions for me before I go?"

The Psi refugees feel like you've answered erveryt

11:17 AM

everything so far

Kaleb says his goodbyes and then will attempt to find Captain Dewinter

He is on the bridge, getting the ship's spike route plotted. The escorts are displayed in formation around the ship

"Hello Captain, I see your busy, but I was hoping to talk to you about the mission and your thoughts on it. If now is not a good time, I can come back later during the spike trip."

"No no, come on in, have a seat in my chair there, I won't

11:22 AM

be using it. How can I help?"

"Well, I'm sure you heard about the corporations and the Remnant being there. Did we know that the Remnant were taking a part of the Rawhani corporations before today?"

"We knew they were buying weapons and heavy equipment, but they were selling to us too. This is a deeper level of involvement than we had last confirmed"

"Do you think the Remnant we captured will have good intel on their involvement? Also, are we to be doing interrogations during our trip, or are we waiting for when we arrive at Greenbair?"

"I'd prefer to wait, let admin and the marshal service get in on it. They've been leading the intelligence efforts so far, and they'll have to re-question them again even if we do now. I think they'll have something useful, I doubt the keys to the kingdom, but anything further on their movements will be useful. We are putting the screws to them so far"

"When we get back, I want to see if we would be able to rescue more refugees from Rawhani. I don't know the current status of how many people our Colony could support. Who would I want to talk to about such a request?"

"I'd say Franz, if he cant answer you, he can get you in touch with the President, who can"

"Perfect. I'll make sure to talk to him when I get back. How did this trip go for you on your end as the Captain?"

"I was just hoping we wouldn't see combat, which we did not. Your end of things on the ground was far more difficult"

"It certainly wasn't easy, but I believe we were able to achieve the best outcome for us. Knowing how the corporations dealt with failure was really how I resolved the situation, as well as clarifying their perspective."

"That heavy handed approach was always going to come back to bite them one day. today it seems like it has'

"Well, the good news is that our involvement hasn't been noticed for now. Let's hope that our missions continue to be as successful during this war."

"I think our luck will run out at some point, but for today, I'm glad things worked"

"Thank you for your time Captain Dewinter. I'm going to clean up and get some food. Let me know if you need anything."

He nods, and gives the authorization to the navigation crews to begin the final countdown to jump

Kaleb will spend his time with the refugees, including the VIPs during his trip back to Greenbair. (I don't know if there is anything else to do)

(nothing mission wise, so if you're satisfied on talking to people we can skip to homecoming)

(yeah let's do that)

After a meal, a refresh, and a rest, the ship makes its way back to Gudrun space, coming into rest in high orbit, nestled safely in the protection of Trivedi Cloud orbital platform

Kaleb is finishing up a written report of the details of what happened. He doesn't leave any details out in the mission. He also concludes the report, "In conclusion, I believe we should do everything in our power to rescue the remaining of the refugees on Rawhani. They are eager for opportunity, and posses strong spirit even with their tough conditions. If we have the means of feeding everyone, we should take them."

The report is forwarded. Franz sends you a receipt right away I'll get this to madam President as soon as possible. It may be a day or two before there is a reply

Kaleb will replay back: No rush on reply. Thank you Franz

Down below, cargo lifters are being readied to bring the refugees down below, a few hundred at a time. There is a tent city on the outside of town, where a few hundred at a time will be screened for disease, and given some starter supplies before being released into the colony. It will likely take several days to empty the vessel entirely

Kaleb will help assist in anyway with the distribution of the supplies for the refugees

Kaleb travels down with the first lander (do you want the VIP's among the first screened?)

(Yes, actually change of plans). Kaleb will actually order the VIPs to be cleared first, and then escort them to the Academy. He will message Crane that he has returned: Hello Crane. I am back from Rawhani, and have 3 psychic refugees

Kaleb will also message @Masacio: Hello Sil. I don't know if you are on planet, but I have just returned from Rawhani with 3 psychic refugees

Crane replies. “Very good. Are you bringing them in now?”

"Yes, we are getting them cleared right away medically first, and then heading straight to the Academy."

The link ends and the lifter is packed with the first few hundred people heading down. Siegfried and a detachment from the hospital are there screening for additional disease and providing healing for the minor issues the field clinic on the expedition was not able to treat

Kaleb will walk up to Siegfried. “Hello Siegfried! It’s good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too. Looks like your mission went well”

"Indeed. I even found some refugees who could learn from your abilities when you have time." Kaleb gestures towards the VIPs. "I know you are busy, but once you are done here and get some rest, let's talk and meet up at the Academy or the Hospital, whichever you think would be a better place to talk about training."

“I’ll have them driven over once we clear them and you can make the necessary introductions”

"Sounds good. Take care Siegfried." Kaleb will continue to escort the VIPs through medical clearance.

Infections are cleared, some lingering injuries are set. Sieg looks quite tired by the end but the VIPs are in the best heath they’ve been at in quite a while.

12:04 PM

Some of the other refugees look on with a mix of curiosity and comfier ion

12:04 PM

Confusion

Kaleb will address the crowd. "I'm sorry for the confusion, but these VIPs had to be cleared first. I ensure you that everyone will be cleared as quickly as possible."

The queue begins moving again and slowly people are processed. A truck pulls up to bring everyone to the academy

Kaleb directs the VIPs to load in. "So, what do you think of Greenbair so far?"

They look at the buildings and the relative cleanliness of the city "Ive never seen so many plants. Or that lake on the way in, so much clean water. is it...is it safe to swim in it?|

"I...think so? I am actually not sure myself, but I believe it's fine." (I don't actually know myself)

"Interesting" They seem to ponder on that for a moment. Rawhani was a very dry world, corporate wars were fought over sources of water in less abundance than the lake by Greenbriar.

3:15 PM

THe truck finally arrives at the academy a short time later, police blocking off nearby streets for protection

(Is this more security than normal?)

(yeah)

Kaleb remains calm, but attempts to usher the VIPs quickly. "Lets get inside. I'm sure Crane and Sil are eager to meet you in person."

Crane is inside setting up a conference room with some fruit and water for the guests and waves as you enter the main doors

"Everyone, this is Crane. She helps watch over the Academy."

They all make appreciative small talk for a moment. “So what happens with us now?”

"Well, for now. Take a day to rest and get situated here in Greenbair. You have a lot to take in, and will need to be well rested. I will need to make sure that none of you are torched too much, but that is an easy test. All I need is to see your powers in action. Other than that, we would like to put you to work or training with your psychic powers. You won't have to do anything that you don't want to do. I will help assist you with finding work with your talents. For now, I will give each of you 500 credits to help get whatever supplies you would like. Keep in mind that the basics of food and water are already provided, as well as a place to stay. Crane can tell you more about the Academy as well as some of the other psychics. She will also help serve you with finding work. I would like to point out that all of this work is completely optional. You are not forced to stay here. However, the Colony does have a need for people like us, and your talents will be rewarded and appreciated, unlike in Rawhani. If at some point you wish to do your own work, we will not stop you. All I ask is that you give the Academy a chance."

This seems like a fair agreement to all of them, and when you are prepared, they'll submit to the torching screenings.

8:06 AM

They've been trained enough in the MES arts to have a grasp of how serious it is

“Since you been through this before, it should be easy. Just use a small amount of your power for me to observe.”

Zadu (the ek expert) stands up. He drains the battery of your compad completely before powering it back up to full

Kaleb examines his MES levels and looks for torching

Slight torching. The mental wounds are old

"Nothing too serious on you Zadu. Torching is minimal and old. As with everyone, I recommend you be careful to not torch unless you life depends on it."

Haller is next. He heals a few cuts on zadu. You don’t sense any torching

"Haller, you are all set. No torching on you. You are lucky, especially with the Scream."

After checking his messages, Sil sends a message to Kaleb. "Good work Kaleb. It's been a goal of mine to get the psychics off of Rawhani. Glad you could see to it. I hope you didn't get in trouble with all the anti psi corporations there. I also hope Greenbriar's neutrality hasn't been compromised either, because the last thing we need is those corporations joining with the Remnant. I am headed back to Gudrun now, after a short joint into the system to look at a Remnant wreck. More strange stuff. Over."

"There was some trouble, but we managed to resolve the issues without compromising Greenbair. We can talk more when you get back. Over"

Moirah is last, and you can feel her using here telepathy to try to read your mood. Same as before, no torching

"You are also good Moirah. No torching on you."

7:28 PM

(Do I know the skill level of each of their disciplines now?)

(Yeah. She’s bio 2. Tp 1, zadu is ek 2 tk 1 and heller is bio 2 other 0)

(Heller has an other 0?)

(His second discipline I have to look it up. I haven’t unpacked my notes yet)

(Gotcha) "So, you are all cleared. Now all I need to know is what kind of work you would be interested in pursuing."

Zadu is not sure what he would like to do now that the army is not mandatory. Heller would like to continue healing and helping, as would Moirah

"Okay, for you Heller and Moirah, I will contact Siegfried. He's also a biopsionic who works at the hospital. We also get requests from people directly for assistance. Zadu, would you still be interested in using your EK abilities for a more peaceful purpose?"

“I’d like to if I can but if you’re under threat from the Remnant and need me to go back to the old ways for a while , I’d do that too”

“It’s ultimately your choice. Although maybe you should talk to @Masacio when he gets back. He’s the founder of the Academy and a powerful psychic. He’s also helping out with the war.” Kaleb turns to Crane, “Do you know when he will be back?”

“His shuttle touched down about an hour ago. He’s at the lab last time there was a check in”

“Perfect! I’ll finally be able to meet him myself.” Kaleb turns back to Zadu, “If you wish to help with the fight, then I think that’s a good place for you. Just remember that at some point this war will end, and you will need to find your meaning after that as well. Too many people don’t know how to stop fighting once there is nothing left, which then continues the cycle of violence. Do you understand?”

“I do. I hope one day our swords will be beaten into plowshares. That’s why any nation should fight”

Kaleb will then message @Masacio, “Hey, heard you are planet side now. I’m currently at the Academy with our new recruits. Let me know if you want to meet.”

(SIl will message when he's done with his current task. It's sensitive.)

The recruits are all eager to get to work, and sieg arrives a short while later, resting from his efforts at the camp

“Welcome Siegfried. I’m glad you could join us. Any major health issues among the refugees?”

“A couple things here and there but it’s handled now. Going to put a hold on bringing anymore down until I’ve rested for a while though”

"Understood. I'm sure you already met Heller, Moirah, and Zadu. Heller and Moirah are also biopsi and will be studying under you."

“We met. Briefly. Nice to formally get acquainted with you both”

He takes them under his charge and begins explaining the duties he performs every day, and how as of right now he’s the only one who can purge disease with his powers

"Would they still be able to assist you in the hospital?"

"I do believe they will. Techniques can be learned. For now, they have enough to help a great deal, and distribute the work more , making it easier on me"

“Very well. I will leave them in your care. I’ve already paid them for a week in advance to help them out. Please let me know if you need anything else.”

“The hospital can pick it up from there. Thank you for the jump start”. He motions for the two psi students to follow

Kaleb then turns to Zadu. “If you wish to get started with the military, I can contact Zaricon. He was the Sargent that was with me, and he’s also a psychic. I think you two could work well together.”

“I’ll have to get in touch. I’d imagine there’s a basic training involved”

"Army training? I believe so. As far as your EK abilities, I think you would be able to provide some value."

“As do I. I’ll have to make my way to the barracks. Thank you again for the rescue”

Hello @Masacio, that’s great. I’m at the psi academy now

(come to #deleted-channel, Sil to talking to Crane)

(Making note to add 3xp and 15000 credits) Kaleb teleports back to his hab

The hab is empty And Clean, you’ve not spent much time here. Most of the staring ration packs are still in their original cases.

Level Up Results:

HP:20
Heal now 0 (studying more medical information)
4 unspent skill points, 2 in psychic abilities, 2 in regular skills
New Foci: Specialist 1 (Talk)

(I also added a few new goals on my character sheet)

5:21 PM

Kaleb will take a moment to watch the news about what is going on in Greenbair

(I’m going to do a newsflash when I get back from the gym In a bit here. I think everyone’s in a good spot as far as personal business now)

(Well I’m not quite ready for a faction turn yet after all) The news leads with a story about the growing hostilities and now colony presence in the conflict out west in Atrovia. Diplomatic efforts to learn about the other taros cities are likewise being made as efforts to fully unify the planet continue.

Kaleb will look more into the situation on Taros, and the diplomatic needs there

There is an armed conflict in Atrovia currently, between the city leaders and the common folk, who have taken up arms after a devastating famine. Vapormills has long been a staunch colonial ally, their cooperation most recently cemented by Saul and Desmond taking down the drug ring peddling Trance. Little is known of the rest. Their forces had b een seen on occasion during the underhill wars but as far as their leaders or true motivations, little is known

“Interesting.” Kaleb says aloud. Kaleb makes way towards the Marshalls HQ to locate Saul, since he seems to know of Taros, and also was requested by Sil to take a look at him

(we can jump into his thread, his last post was reviewing some investigation notes in his office there)

(Okay, do you want me to jump right in, or introduce me?)

(You can jump right in, dont want to rob you making an entrance)

(In the meantime Kaleb would of spent 5000 credits buying a hovercycle, deciding he would like some transport around Greenbair.)

(Sure! Easy enough to come by now). It’s delivered later in the day and assembled quickly

(Hey, I guess Saul isn't active right now, so let's focus on something else)

(Sure thing, its been quite a while, going to have to do something about that)

7:35 PM

(Any ideas or need some suggestions?)

(Yeah, I suppose I could some some suggestions as far as what is out there on Greenbair, or off world. Something diplomatic in nature)

(I posted some stuff in group, if you've not no ideas/no interest there making more leads isnt too hard)

(Kaleb will want to follow up with Rawhani)

(Alright, lets organize it. Post in group you're going, see if anyone wants to join up or offer their vessels as well)

(okay)

(You'll have the pillar of salt again as well, since thats the only real mass conveyor the coloy has)

Kaleb will head towards Admin to talk to Franz (In addition, Kaleb is interested in studying The Scream and helping the development of psitech)

Doona has some notes, which she will forward you

8:50 PM

(got another handout coming your way, with her being an NPC now, you can take charge of the investifation)

8:52 PM

(Scream notes, under psi academy handout

The pillar of salt is also resupplied and ready to depart when you seen

6:34 PM

Are

Kaleb finds captain dewinter (I’m assuming he’s running the ship?

(Yep!). “Ah hello Kaleb. How are things?”

“Things are well. How are things looking for this run to Rawhani?”

“Running without the escorts this time. Red Sanga arrives this month, have to make sure we have enough ships to hold them off if their intentions are less than honorable”

“Who are the Red Sanga?”

“Mercenaries. They came to us about a month ago. They’re going to fight alongside us literally for food, from my understanding

“Have we worked with them in the past?”

“No. They’re from a sector east of us. They approached us a month ago, and the Remnant. Apparently we made the better offer”

“Hmm. Why don’t we have our own escort this time?”

“When red sanga comes they’re bringing their fleet. We don’t have enough ships to guard the home system and make operations elsewhere at the same time. We also don’t know if we can trust them completely”

“I see. As far as my operation, are we prepared to rescue all of the remaining refugees?”

“Same loadout As last time. Got the troops down below. I think almost everyone volunteered

“Great! I look forward to saving everyone before the Remnant get to Rawhani. At least the Remnant shouldn’t be an issue this time.”

"Not this time, no. I'm not sure I could handle another standoff like that"

“Anything else I should know about before we take off?”

"Nothing new, we should still be mindful of the corporations though. The remnant might not be there yet, but this may not be a cake walk"|

“That’s fair. Well I’m ready to leave whenever you are.”

The captain moves the ship away from orbit, and into the system edge. "Much shorter trip this time. I expect making it a bout this time tomorrow"

12:40 PM

The ship plunges into spike space- heading for Rawhani. (skip ahead or anything on the way need doing?)

(Skip ahead)

The pillar of salt arrives at rawhani a day later. The weather below is clear and once again there are no other ships in system

5:33 PM

The landing craft are assembled in the hangar below. Zaricon is waiting

"Hello Zaricon. It's good to see you again."

“Good to see you too Kaleb. This might be pretty routine but I wanted to go over procedure again before we make planetfall. We sticking to the same plan?”

“Yes. Everything went smoothly last time in terms of who we rescued. I think it should be fine this time. How many people can we rescue this time?”

“Same amount. We can try to chance it and load extra but that will probably be something we decide on the fly

9:35 AM

“Life support can probably be extended about 10% for the trip though”

"Hmm, we will see. I don't know if that will be necessary, or worth the risk"

“Right. Well if we are all in accord for keeping it the same. We can begin the landings when you’re ready”

The captain pages you. “We have communications on the ground. It’s not good. There’s some problems down below”

"What seems to be the issue Captain?"

8:26 PM

(sorry long day at work)

(You’re good bud) “some kind of creature attack. They’re big” He shows you some images on his compad of dead worm like creatures, the largest of with is just over three stories tall.

8:28 PM

“Mirosan got in touch with us when we made orbit. Said they were throwing themselves at the city. They’re dead now but casualties and damage are extensive. He’s got more information when you land”

"We got no time to waste. If we have any more information on these type of creatures, send it to my compad ASAP."

“I know a few of the others have had run ins. I’ll grab what I can” Zaricon gets the soldiers mounted up and into the landers

"Everyone listen up! We got many innocents down there who need our help. Keep your eyes pilled and stay vigilant."

The landing vessels break away from the Pillar of Salt, on a rapid planetside run. They circle the city once first. Work carcasses litter the north end, scattered across city blocks where they were slain. Many have large chunks blasted out of them, or have been so shredded by small arms fire they look like a giant has mauled them. Many fires still burn in the city though they look to be in the process of containment

Kaleb will order the soldiers to help assist any civilians

Zaricon begins spreading his men out to rescue people Mirosan wastes no time finding you. “Your timing is once again impeccable”

“Funny how that works. What can you tell me about the situation?”

The worms. They usually avoid settlements and they’re usually much further north. They’re voracious eaters

10:20 AM

For them to come all the way down here something must have driven them out”

“You mean to their habitat? It could be the corporations are doing something out there to disturb them. What are our current options of dealing with the matter at hand?”

“We can get a picket set further out to watch for them but they’ll be sacrificed if true trouble comes. We think something is happening out there too but we can’t Figure it out”

(What are our means of getting to this area that he’s referring too?)

(Ground transport, or the landers can take you)

Kaleb will reach out to Dewinter, “Can you confirm any visuals from where you are?”

'Nothing, there's a sandstorm in the area. The landers can make it in, but we are blind from up here"

"Interestingly enough, the storm....its....its a dome...."

“Come again? A physical dome?”

7:19 PM

Kaleb turns to Zaricon “how do you feel about taking the lander straight in?”

"the storm is forming one, It's not solid, we can tell that from up here, but its not natural"

“Does it look bad enough that we won’t be able to enter from the lander?”

"There will be visibility issues, but its certainly not solid" Dewinter says over the comms. " You won't crash into it, but we can't be sure what's behind it"

“Understood, and our other option is to take ground vehicles?”

"Correct, its the only way to get there quickly."

“Zaricon, do you have an opinion on this?”

"I think it's a lot more likely we will live if we crash a car than if we crash in one of those landers. It'll add a couple hours to our journey time, but if we send a small team to see what it is, while evacuation prep is being managed.....if its bad news....we will have as much time to save as many as we can"

“How big is this storm?” (I assume they can measure the sphere)

(Yes). “It’s 5km in diameter, and moving. Slowly”

"Okay,, lets take some men via car and go to this 'dome'. I don't think we can afford to lose the lander."

A handful of trucks are made ready for you. A squad of volunteers from the city is refusing to let you go unescorted. Your fame has spread in your absence and more than once a stranger approaches you from a passing crowd to offer you a trinket or symbol of their well wishes

I’ll take the trinkets humbly. “Thank you, all the help is greatly appreciated.” Kaleb will head with some troops (leaving some back to start gathering refugees) and any volunteers who do come.”

(ten solders, twenty volunteers, arranged between 5 vehicles so far, comfortable with that?)

(Yes)

The trucks are assembled, along with the two heavier troop transports the Greenbriar troops are using. Everyone dons dust masks or filters, and the vehicles are buttoned up as best they can. In a column, they pull away from the city, towards the strange weather phenomenon. It's a few hours drive through empty desert. No other signs of life are seen, birds, small animals, and even insects seem to be completely missing.

Kaleb will ask a volunteer that is with him, “how did people settle on Rawhani originally?”

"We were brought here as part of early corporate expeditions. The world didn't used to be this desolate. A fresh world to put down an office, develop products, exploit resources, and trade from. Several generations have seen us reduced to, well, this. There were never any controls on pollution, no checks on research, and certainly no one to enforce the wider galactic rule of law"

"So instead it is a corporate fiefdom"

“Do you know how the exile policy among the Corporations even started? It seems pretty barbaric.”

"It was a pretty common punishment, they brought it in when I was very young (the speaker is middle aged now). The populations in each factory hive back then were very high, and the resources from home never increased to match"

“Why not just do some sort of death penalty?”

"With the prevailing conditions on this world, there was little difference. There have been the occasional success stories, sometimes another company will hire someone coming out of the wasteland depending on their needs, and of course you'd find your small freehold communities here and there where other exiles had made it"

11:26 AM

"They're off the corporate tab either way, so the end is met"

“How did life on this planet come to such disposable terms? This isn’t how other planets are like”

"Life is the one thing the corporations always had in abundance. The more you have, the less something is worth- to a corporate mindset "

“Is anyone allowed to leave Rawhani?”

"we have no spacecraft, but if we did, I dom't think the corporations would let that happen. It might make things easier though, if they can start selling products off world again they can bring in food and credits

3:04 PM

and there won't be a need to keep things so tightly controlled. Generations ago, these were considered good jobs"

“I see. Thanks for the info.” (We can fast forward to storm now)

The convoy approaches the storm and as 5km out is reached, the seismograph begins to register faint vibrations though the ground

"This close, we should be able to feel wind from the storm, but....the only wind is the drag from our vehicles. Something's wrong."

"It's not a storm then. I think someone's digging with heavy equipment."

Closing to 2km from the storm edge, the seismograp

12:27 PM

h

12:27 PM

begins plotting something...something...rhythmic

12:27 PM

"The vibrations. they're steady. like some kind of a pattern"

"Everyone stay on guard. I believe this is a corporation's doing."

The vehicles plunge into the storm, and the source of the noise is revealed. Five giant mech looking suits, festooned in weaponry, move in a diamond formation. At its center, a device is carried on the shoulders of the central walker (one mech in front, back, each side, one in the center.) On its shoulders, in place of a head, there is a dome shaped object, and you feel a psionic resonance coming from it.

12:41 PM

Kaleb will Mind Trace to the source to get a sense of it's surroundings

Kaleb smells machine oil and faint cigarette smoke. The sounds of a bridge crew relaying necessary information, and the overwhelming rattle-clank of every step drowns out everything else. Vibrations from the soles of the feet to the tips of the ears course through the psi's body, as the large walker effortlessly clears the terrain below under its footfalls.

(Does Kaleb sense what type of psi discipline is being used?)

(They're certainly employing MES but not in any type of recognized formal discipline)

(Interesting) "Captain Dewinter, do you copy? We have 5 mechs here."

12:45 PM

(The psi energy is coming directly from a person?)

(it's coming from a person, amplified by whatever technology is worked into the dome. you'd be able to tell that)O

(is it obvious what the mechs are doing from here?)

(they're escorting this central one, slowly moving toward the city, under the cover of this artificial storm, but you are not sure why. There are no logos anywhere on them, and they're not as clean cut/professional looking as what corp forces have come at you so far)

Kaleb turns to Zaricon, "I don't believe we can fight 5 mechs with what we have. Do you have any ideas?"

(Do I see what is fueling this storm?)

"Not with what we have now. We can kill one, maybe two, but the rest will cut us to pieces. "

3:15 PM

(You can feel it coming from the dome)

Kaleb will tell Zaricon, "I'm going to disrupt the psychic on the mech. I think everyone but those who want to stick around should head back to the city and prepare defenses. I need to see what this psychic is doing. I am unfamiliar with his discipline."

"If you're staying, we are too, but we will break off one of the volunteer groups to carry warning, just in case. Let's see what we can do"

"Very well. They might just start attacking us immediately, so be prepared." Kaleb will use his psychic static against the opposing psy user.

(the opposing psi used his effort for the day to harness the dome, so he cant resist you)

3:59 PM

The storm, slowly stops. Sand previously swirling comes to a rest, billowing out like dust from a shaken pillowcase. The mechs now free of the sand- blinding them to something so small as your vehicles, now begin spreading out into a combat formation

4:00 PM

loaders thump shells into heavy guns and lasers begin to power up

"Dewinter, if you happen to have any space to land weapons, now would be the time to start using them. Otherwise, do we have anyway of signaling them to talk?"

The line is silent for a few seconds while he thinks. "I can make a very wide band transmission to connect you, but the corporations will be able to hear everything too" (edited)

"No, not worth the risk." Kaleb gets out of the car and starts walking with his hands up. His hope is that someone can see that they aren't trying to fight right now.

The combat preparations halt for a moment, and out of the central mech a long crew ladder begins to extend. A man in a slate gray uniform rides it down

Kaleb approach the man

he likewise raises a hand in welcome, and to show that he is not going near his service pistol.

11:04 AM

"Didn't expect to find anyone else so far away from civilization. Are you lost?"

“No, I’m not. I’m just curious why 5 mechs are creating a storm.”

11:06 AM

“Also, I just didn’t want to get blasted by you guys and hope we could talk for a little. I’m glad that seems to be the case.”

11:06 AM

(Is this the psychic?)

(No, but he's someone important based on the uniform)

(any recognition on the uniform?)

11:08 AM

(like who it is?)

(Not Remnant)

11:11 AM

(That's about all you can tell)

(thanks) "May i ask who you are and what you are doing here?"

"House Draconid. I am Scion Draconid, for whose family the house is named. May I return the question of names? before we move into the rest" he smiles, his teeth the most pure white you have ever seen, quite at odds with the dusty uniform

"I'm Kaleb. I'm helping out the city of refugees a few clicks in the direction you where heading."

"It's nice to meet you Kaleb. We are heading there. There is something very important to our order under that city"

“Do you mean the city any harm?”

"Not to the inhabitants no, but they do have something very important that belongs to us"

“Well we could assist you, but you would have to tell us what you are looking for.”

4:42 PM

(I will be using my diplomacy 2)

“Have you ever noticed that most of the larger buildings are made from pieces of starship?”

"I have."

“That was the ship that brought my noble house here. Long before the corporations. Long even before me. Somewhere hidden amid that wreckage is a device I need called a grail . I doubt anyone there would even know what they’re looking at, but it’s an icon i must claim to restore my home to glory.

"Why approach the city using the storm and mechs?"

"Our mechs are our knightly steeds, it is how we travel. The storm helps keep us hidden. If someone wants to approach they have to get well within weapons range to do it"

“Well I’m glad we succeeded. If you give your word that you can extract what you need peacefully within the ship, we will help. You seem like a knight of high honor and respect. The citizens of the city will listen to me if I ask them to not interfere or even assist, if you need it.”

"We had no intention of advancing on the city to do harm, though we were prepared to defend ourselves. The armament is more for the wildlife than anything else. The vibrations attract them"

“Unfortunately the vibrations also caused the wildlife to attack the city. We were sent here to check out the disturbance.”

his face darkens. "The attacked? How many? is the city still under attack?"

“The city is fine for now. I don’t actually know all the details, but there were casualties. For now the city is fine. They are tough.”

"We must get there, at speed. Care to come aboard? we will get there much faster at full speed than by your trucks"

“I will join you.” Kaleb will comm Zaricon. “These guys are friendly. Their destination is to the city but do not mean harm. They wish to help with the creatures attacking as well. Send word to the city that 5 mechs will be approaching but they will not bring harm to the city. I will be joining them.”

"Follow me up" he points to the ladder, and begins climbing back up to the door to the command deck

Kaleb follows. (Does he sense the psychic?)

(yes, his presence growing stronger as you climb)

10:08 AM

The door to the command deck is on the shoulders of the giant mech, leading into the dome that serves in place of a head

10:08 AM

you feel the MES presence very strongly behind the door

The command deck is a spaciously laid out area, straddled on the large mech's shoulders. Two co-pilots handle weapon controls, and you see an empty command chair where presumably Draconid sits. Behind him, close to the back of the bridge and behind a crystal looking wall, a psychic reclines in their own command chair. They are wearing a shielded helmet, so you cannot see their face

Kaleb will walk to the psychic. “Are you the one that operates the dome?”

The psychic nods behind the glass

“Very impressive. What discipline are you using?”

"Discipline?" he laughs "This planet itself taught me how to do this. I listened to its voice, and it told me its secrets"

1:38 PM

He pauses, as though he wishes to say something else but is waiting for his turn to speak in a conversation "She says you're a friend. Maybe one day she will talk to you too"

“Are you from Rawhani?”

1:58 PM

(Also, did I notice anything when this psychic ‘talked’ to the planet?)

(No, nothing new)

2:02 PM

"I am from here. I have never left"

“How did you end up working for House Draconid?”

"I was born into the house, I was a weapons officer aboard my first engine at fifteen standard, and it was shortly after that my special powers were discovered. I think it was predicted. My mother was the former planet-speaker of the house, and her gifts presented themselves later in adolescence as well"

2:20 PM

You sense a slight hint of lavender brush your senses at the mention of the psi's mother

Kaleb attempts to mind trace the hint of lavender brush

4:26 PM

(If it’s MES related)

It seems to be coming from the psychic, growing stronger as he thinks about his mom, and then fading

"I see. Did she like lavender, by any chance?"

He smiles warmly "she did, it was the only thing that grew near home"

"Well it seems like her presence is strong with you. Maybe when we have more time we can talk about her."

"I'd like that" he smiles, and goes back to the half meditation he was in. Outside, the storm begins picking up again

Kaleb goes to Draconid. “Do you live on Rawhani?”

"I do, there are a number of tunnels and caverns that criss-cross below the planet. We have several small holdings down below. Once, we lived on the surface, but when the corporations came, our holdings were among the first things targeted from space. The bombardment scoured the land, dried everything out. We fled"

“So I’ll take it that you don’t like the corporations then?”

"Not one bit, considering their first act was leveling my holding to set one of their megacities down on top of"

10:44 AM

"Even being on the surface is dangerous for us now, hence the storm cover- though our flight has not ensured our survival- many view my command as one of cowardice, and preferred to die nobly on corporation guns, I am hoping, by finding this grail, I can convince them I am fit to unite behind"

“Is this grail a symbol, or something more?”

'It's purpose is three-fold. Each former Knight-Preceptor of the house has the complete recollection of their lives stored within in. The combat data there is irreplaceable. It also has within it , the complete schematics needed to build and maintain more of the glorious walkers that we ride into battle. Finally, the wealth of knowledge contained in the device gives practical control over the order to whoever wields it- as they possess both order history, and the technical knowledge needed for the order to carry on"

“Do you see yourself fighting the corporations with this grail?”

"We do, with this device in our hands we can better make use of the limited resources we have"

“Have you thought about working with the refugees? They dislike the corporations as well.”

"We have, but we cannot. they're undisciplined and the humanitarian crisis taking them in would make is something we can't devote time to right now. The city is sustaining itself, we let a sleeping dog lie"

“Hmm, I understand. We are taking the ones who can’t help themselves to Greenbair. We’ve already taken 5000, and are here to take another 5000. Maybe you taking on the corporations would be good enough.”

"You help me get this, you won't have to lift a finger to get them off this planet. The storm helps us move on the surface, it looks like just a local shamal storm to ground radar, and we won't be strafed by corporation aircraft the entire walk"

“That is true, but it does look suspicious to anyone paying attention. Obviously we were looking for a disturbance, however. Have you had a run in with the corporations at all since you’ve been hiding?”

"Every few months we stumble on a patrol, or they get a bit too close to whichever tunnel network we have our mobile headquarters camped in at the moment, and we have to sally out while it relocates.

1:43 PM

"an unshielded walk usually gets us at least one run in with a corporate fighter squadron"

“Do you know how they detect psychics?”

"This planet used to have another occupant. Have you ever heard of The Perimeter Agency? "

(Has Kaleb heard of them? If not, he shakes his head)

(how developed was your homeworld?)

(Very developed, although many, including Kaleb, grew up in poverty. It was an industrial planet)

(You'd have heard rumors of them, abducting people who were singled out as special somehow, and occasionally you'd see one of their blacked out grav trucks passing by)

“I’ve heard of them. More ghost stories than anything else.”

"The ghost stories are real. They were founded by the empire to keep maltech under control, and help monitor the advancement of the frontier worlds. On a lot of planets, especially those on the rim, they were the actual de-facto governing body"

2:31 PM

"The corporations didn't take kindly to them being here, and banded together in the first all-corporate combined operation, attacking their base and splitting the maltech within as battlefield plunder"

2:32 PM

"Distasteful as they are, we couldn't let the maltech fall into the wrong hands. We stood with the agency, and lost over a dozen engines in the process. It was a horrible defeat"

“Do you know the type of maltech they have?”

"Well, if you're asking about detecting psi, and the corporations are using it...." he shivers.

2:45 PM

"I think we can make some educated assumptions"

“Right. Do you know of the Remnant, or Greenbair?”

“I’ve have not. What are they? More companies are coming?”

“Not quite. I am from Greenbair. We are the ones helping out the refugees. The Remnant, they are at war with us. It’s a lot to go over, but to give you an idea of how powerful they are, they overthrew one of the corporations here. As of now they don’t have a presence, but they will in a few weeks.”

His face goes quite grim "They've overthrown a mega-corp...."

“Yes.” Kaleb pauses. “They are quite powerful. We captured many who tried to take back refugees to work more. We were able to stop them. Both the refugees and I are still learning more.” (How many days or weeks has it been since the last mission to Rawhani?)

(It's been about 2-3 weeks)

(Would I of been given an update about Rawhani’s Remnant situation since I was coming back?)

(yep, thats how you knew reinforcements were just a few weeks out still)

“Currently Greenbair is at war with the Remnant, but running into them here was unexpected. The corporations have been selling both sides weapons.”

"ah, profiteering I see. That certainly sounds like the corporations I know. And what side are you on?"

"I have no care or love for this war. I lead the original rescue of 5000 refugees from here last time, and I plan to leave with another 5000. I care about people and peace, and war only disrupts it. Doesn't mean I think it's unavoidable. If the universe was perfect, we wouldn't need a lot of things. I care for all people. Doesn't matter what your homeworld is, your wealth level, your experience, or any special abilities such as MES"

“That’s a noble goal and one I hope to one day practice. We want a peaceful world again where the people choosing to stay are cared for and protected”

"Well, there are goals, and then there are the actions to take the goals. I try to take the action."

"I like that approach, and that is what we are doing as well." As the conversation concludes, walking at cruising speed you near the edge of the stack city

10:34 AM

the lifeless bodies of the worms have been fastened with ropes and hooks and there are attempts being made to pry them off half demolished tenement rows

“Have you had issues with these worms before?”

"sometimes we encounter them underground"

10:36 AM

"but never like this"

10:37 AM

(sorry about that, it never refreshed that there was a message here)

“What do you mean never like this?”

"We sometimes encounter them underground, and if they sense strong vibrations, like mining work, or the passage of heavy vehicles they will attack, but lately something else seems to have stirred them up, and even the countermeasures we usually take against them aren't working"

“Is there anyway to detect the cause? Maybe a corporation is mining”

"We think that might be the case. Nova heavy industries had some trouble with them last month. We heard they got some offworlders to deal with the pack menacing them"

“Do you happen to know the name of these offworlders?”

"One of them was named Charles Trivedi, we caught a snippet of a sales purchase later. Another one was named Silvano. I think there was a woman with a large gatling gun there too. They said she fired it from the open door of an atmo-flying starship, but that last one just seems too crazy to believe"

“Well Silvano is part of Greenbair. I believe the others are too”

“Interesting” His comments trail off as the walkers approach the edge of the city. The other walkers are ordered to keep watch at the edge of the city. “Well. The command crew is disembarking to help us scour the city. You’re still coming?”

“Yes. I’ll help keep the peace while you do your search.”

The dismounts begin entering the edge of the city and you sense some unease as newcomers enter especially in such giant machines

7:48 AM

So clearly armed for war everyone’s first thought is of the corporation attack a few weeks aho

Kaleb will attempt to calm everyone down (maybe there is a megaphone or speaker from our army) “Everyone, calm down. These are not corporate soldiers. They mean you know harm. They represent the people of that crashed ship (Kaleb points towards the ship), and only mean to retrieve something of theirs. They dislike the corporations just as much as you do.”

7:57 AM

Kaleb turns to Draconid, “Out of respect, how much am I allowed to tell of your House? I can keep it to a minimum, if you would like.”

“Tell then as much as you think necessary. We were the stewards here once and we will be so again”

9:36 AM

“The more they know the easier it will be

"Very well. Perhaps the idea of new, better leadership will excite them."

“I hope”. He makes a swift chopping sound and motion. His crew heads into the city

9:56 AM

“I could use an extra hand if you want to come with me. Going to poke around the town hall. That’s where most of the ship parts went”

"I would be glad to help. I'm curious to see this relic."

“Lets make for the town center first and we can go from@there. I’m glad you’re here to help”

3:11 PM

The walk and his crisp uniform draw some stares as you pass by countless people

"Hope you don't mind the attention. You stick out like a sore thumb here."

"I noticed, and it seems we have picked up a bit of a tail" he doesnt move his head but his eyes dart to the left. Between a block of buildings, down an alley, you can see a loose group of people moving the same direction as you, keeping pace

"They are protective of each other. You are strangers to them. They don't know anything but the corporations, and have never heard of your house before."

"Very true." He keeps a nervous eye on the shadowing mob, as you reach the town square. Marriane and Mirosan are both standing in front of the town hall

"Hello Marianne and Mirosan. I found the source of the storm. This is Scion Draconid of House Draconid. They were the original inhabitants of Rawhani before the corporations came. Scion, this is Marianne and Mirosan, the leaders of this city."

They shake hands. “Madam I believe something in your town hall belongs to my order. I would like to come inside and search for it. It may very well be the key to getting the corporations off our planet”

12:10 PM

The mob rounds the corner and you see many are now holding lengths of pipe or rebar

Kaleb address the mob. "Citizens, these are not corporations. Put your weapons away."

(Notice int)

<13>

Their posture isn’t not right for a civilian. They’re wearing civilian clothes but they’re tense, regimented, and seem to be unconsciously moving in formation

Kaleb draws his gun. "Zaricon, we got boogies dressed as civilians." Looking at them. "Who are you?"

They don’t answer but take another couple steps forward. You don’t see any firearms in the group

Kaleb throws his gun away and puts his fists up. "We aren't here to fight, but I will no go down quietly." (How many people are we talking about)

(7)

6:10 PM

Miriam and Mirosan take Draconis inside, bundling him off like a captive, though he is not. The advancing figures move in, closing to within 30m. Zaricon raises his rifle

6:10 PM

"On your command"

"Fire a warning shot by their feet."

the rifle kicks in his hands, and the round hits the ground in front of the lead man. He pauses, and his eyes narrow at zaricon, and his arms tense- preparing to throw the rebar like a tomahawk (initiative) (edited)

<5>

(3 for them)

If they are charging, Kaleb goes for a punch in the face

8:49 PM

(21 roll for 4 damage)

8:50 PM

(can you make sure the roll for the attach was good? I think everything is set up properly, but this is my first combat so I'm not 100% sure)

(Sure let me check)

9:04 PM

(the modifiers are all correct, your base roll was an 18 which is big on its own)

(okay thanks, so yeah Kaleb hits the guy in the jaw)

Kaleb levels the rebar man with a punch that connects with the jaw, knocking him onto his back

"Stop fighting! You won't win!"

Zaricon levels his rifle and takes a deep breath. He squeezes the trigger and another man in the advancing group is hit, falling into the dust with a chest wound. You can already tell that it is mortal.

The mob moves forward, to close ranks with both of you (its 2 on 1 for you and Zaricon) Zaricon has just enough time to call for backup before needing both hands to swing his rifle like a club

9:26 AM

(You're up, the remaining mob used their double move to close with you guys)

Kaleb will attack again. (I’m at work so I can’t roll. I give you permission to roll on my character sheet in roll20, or we can wait until later)

(I shall do that, we have the downed man that you hit, who isnt out, and 2 standing, now in combat with you, who'd you like to hit?)

(One of the ones I’m in combat with)

(can do!)

Kaleb swings at another of the closing rabble, the blow is imperfectly angled, only glancing him

1:12 PM

(16, 2 damage)

1:13 PM

Zaricon knocks one of the rabble out with his rifle butt

The survivors in the mob, seeing three of their number down, now begin trying to disengage

“Do not let them get away!” Kaleb will go for a tackle if possible, or chase if he has to

(you're able to get one of them for sure, if you want to go for both in some kind of a flying tackle thing, we can do a check)

(I’m down for an excert check)

(exert dex to try to grapple both, I can roll if you're still unable)

(Please roll for me)

(9) Kaleb launches himself forward, tacking both running figures, landing on top of them as they struggle beneath

7:50 PM

Zaricon quickly run over, covering the two of them with his rifle. If they move or try to take off he can easily shoot them dead.

“Stop struggling! We will kill you if you continue to resist.”

One of the two under you stops, the other wiggles even more furiously, trying to work himself out

Kaleb punches the guy in the back of the head

He is knocked out, his head bouncing off the ground before settling in the dust

Zaricon moves up to cover them, and you, taking some handcuffs from his belt for the attackers

(How many were captured?)

(2)

“Zaricon, can you and your men handle this from here? I need to check on the other leaders.”

"Yeah, on it" he says casually. An APC with the other members of his squad rolls up

“Keep me up to date when you learn something about them.” Kaleb will head towards the town hall

Inside, Mirosan is watching the door- no doubt on the lookout for more insider attacks. Mariann and Draconis are digging through something at the edsge of the room, a book case has been knocked over onto its front

12:06 PM

You see Draconis, dress uniform now covered in dust, rolling a basketball sized stone away, across the floor

“Sorry about that. Is everyone okay?”

"So far so good. Everything alright out there?" Draconis asks, throwing another stone aside

9:02 PM

there is very clearly some kind of staircase and opening there, under the rubble

“Yes, Zaricon and the Greenbair army are taking care of the situation outside.” Kaleb turns to Mirosan and Marianna, “I’m sure we will get some answers.” Kaleb turns back to Draconis. “Would you like some help?”

"Please. Just a few more things to move here, but someone watching my back down below would be helpful"

“Not a problem.” Kaleb proceeds to assist Draconis (or was it Draconid?)

(Draconis- because i didnt want it to be TOO close to dragon lol)

8:04 AM

The both of you clear the last pieces of rubble- revealing a broad staircase heading down into darkness below. Cold air drafts up into the ground floor of the town hall you occupy now

“Do you know where you are heading when you head down there?”

he makes a few adjustments to his compad, and a display appears. "I have something here that is going to help me map the route. so we will actually know when we are doubling back. "

(I also have a navcomp in my inventory. I don’t know if that will help in this situation?)

(it will as well, that is what he is using too actually, so you've both got one)

8:16 AM

he draws a service pistol from his holster, and the under-barrel flashlight comes to life, casting a wide, illuminating beam down the tunnel

“Do you think we’ll encounter something down here?”

"I don't think so, but it's been a very long time, and its evident based on how the door was hidden no one has been down here to check"

8:23 AM

"Do you have a weapon, just in case?"

“I have a pistol, but I normally use my fist for fighting. I fight for defense, not to kill. It’s why I am able to capture those who attacked us earlier alive, so we can question them. If I killed them, we would have no answers.”

"I can appreciate that. I'm not sure what's down here, we aren't coming as attackers, but if something tries to make a meal of us. I'm going to make it cost them:

“That’s fair. Well, let’s get going.”

8:38 AM

(Youre in the leftmost room)

8:39 AM

THe mapping software on both your devices sends out a pulse. providing an image of the usrroudning area

“Do you know what each room is?”

"I have some guesses on a few, but a lot of this looks like later additions. We should proceed carefully"

“I’ll follow your lead then. I don’t mind a good exploration.

8:55 AM

“You may find more than you were looking for, which could be good, or bad.”

"I had the same thought. Any preference on where we go first?"

“On the off chance that something could ambush us, I would say we do each room one by one as we see them. At least scan and observe each room first, and then we can mark on our compads to return if necessary. Knowing what each room is will help us prioritize our search more effectively.”

(so there is that first room, to the south, and then the hallway to the east)

(Let’s start with the room to the south first)

9:25 AM

(Then hallway to east)

The room to the south is sealed by a heavy looking scrap-metal door. It is jagged on the bottom, and uneven, and heavily rusted.

“I don’t think we can open that by ourselves.”

he hurls his body weight against it once, then twice, and it moves inwards slightly "it's moving, a little. maybe try together?"

“Let’s do it”. (If I have to roll exert, you’ll have to do it for me since I’m at work)

(6)- Draconis times it so the both of you hit the door at once, it falls inwards as you strike it, knocking the both of you back as it falls in

10:20 AM

light enters the room through the gap where the door used to be, illuminating sconces on the walls, and a plotting table, its paper maps yellowed with age

“Navigation room?”

(Kaleb will be holding his butt while in pain btw)

(lmao) "Plotting room. These are campaign materials"

10:59 AM

the table has maps showing the landing sites for the corporate expedition ships and possible lines of advance on them

10:59 AM

"The materials here are old. These are from the first landings"

“Interesting for history purposes I suppose.”

he is shuffling through papers, finding only a parade baton among the yellowed campaign maps

11:02 AM

"Wonder if this still works..." he muses. "You feel like giving that laser pistol a test fire?"

“Sure. You want me to fire at the baton?”

"If you can fire near me, so the beam will pass by but hit the wall"

11:27 AM

"That way if this doesn't work I'm not nursing a sucking chest wound for the rest of our little adventure:'

“Alright.” Kaleb shoots near him, attempting to give it as much distance as possible from Draconis himself

the top of the baton glows for a brief second, and an energy field flares around draconis for a moment, absorbing the shot

“Wow! So that baton can cancel out energy weapon shots?”

"Projectile too, it projects an energy field around the wearer when projectiles get too close. It won't stop you from punching me though:

“Well I won’t. That’s a good find. Is that a common weapon among your house?”

"Most of the officers were given something like it. Some incorporate the small generator into a medal, or a belt buckle. This one belonged to one of the more pompous engine commanders and he insisted on carrying his parade baton everywhere.

“So the device is inside the baton itself. Sounds like you knew of him.”

"I have some vague memories, he was very old when we gathered down here to make war against the corporations. He left it behind when we departed- but he ended up not needing it. His war engine was bracketed by artillery fire from the corporate camps on approach and he was too slow to evacuate the bombardment zone. That's part of why I travel with the storm screen now"

1:44 PM

"Our engines are impressive, but they do have some weaknesses"

“Well now you have something to remember him by, as well as it being useful as well.”

“Indeed. Shall we continue?” The east hallway terminates in another wide staircase that is going downward. A branch just off the hallway to the north and south

Let’s take the north hallway

The north hallway is a long passageway with a complex pattern of colored tiles arranged on the floor, in a mandala like feature. It smells faintly of lavender. There is a room to the west, and east, at the end of the hallway. Both are closed, but the doors look far less sturdy.

“Let’s try this room towards the east first”

The eastern door seems to shudder as you approach it, as though something heavy on the other side has just moved away, allowing it to rest on its hinges again. Indeed you see dust coming from them

Kaleb pushes on the door

(Pushing on it or opening it?)

(If there is a handle which can be opened, then open)

The door creaks open, and you hear a flapping sound, as three animals the size of small dogs flap their vestigial forewings at you. Their mouths drip with corrosive saliva, they are part furred, part scaled, and look every part the nightmare cross between guard dog and snake

8:51 AM

(initiative)

<4>

Youre first with the dex breaking the tie. Enemies are Cave stalker 1,2, and 3, and Draconis will go after you. You're in a small room so anything will be in range

Kaleb attacks Cave Stalker 1 with his fits

11:14 AM

The stalker whines as its knocked back, the fist attacks dazing it for a moment. Draconis draws his energy pistol, putting two shots into the same beast (9 dmg). It is whining, and wounded. The other two advance, one making a bite at each of you

11:17 AM

Draconis hisses in pain as the jaws clamp down on his extended pistol arm. He shoves the beast off, giving it a derisive kick for its efforts.

11:17 AM

The beast attacking kaleb falls short, its swings mis-timed and sloppy

Kaleb attacks the beast that attacked him

11:18 AM

Draconis puts a round through the head of the most wounded beast, with a great deal of ceremony.

11:22 AM

he then attempts to capitalize and fire at one of the two survivors, but misses.

11:22 AM

The beasts, are unable to attack, confused by the fire and smoke in the room-

11:23 AM

They begin trying to make their way to the crack in the wall, hoping to escape

11:23 AM

(kaleb is up)

Kaleb attacks

11:23 AM

Draconis fires two shots at one of the beasts, killing it in the creviceway. The other slides over the corpse, yelping, before vanishing beyond

"Are you okay?"

“Think so. That bite really hurts but I’ll live. These things are, strange”

"Have you ever encountered creatures like that before?"

“No. Not on the surface or underground”

"Interesting. For now, lets focus on exploring this place. Should I call in backup?"

“Another band or two might not be bad. And some medical attention”

Kaleb will call out to Zaricon on his compad. "Hey, Draconis and I found some creatures down here. Can we spare a few man and some medical equipment down here?"

"Sure, on the way. I'll get a medic down there as well."

7:17 PM

A few moments later, two soldiers, and a medic, arrive down in the main room- you can see their flashlights shining down the hall, "Kaleb? you down here?"

“Over here!” Kaleb waves his hand

The troops come down the hallway and find you. They regard the beasts with some interest. The medic begins tending to the arm wound. “Anyone else hurt?”

“No, we were fortunate when we encountered this creatures.”

"Alright, well we're with you. Lead on" THere is a rip of paper as the medic finishes fixing Draconis' arm. He flexes it in test, but is satisfied with the work

Kaleb will lead them to the room towards the west now

11:06 AM

Actually, before that, Kaleb will examine this room first

This room has a dozen easel like objects set around it, though if power was flowing, there would be a haptic screen on each. It looks to be an engineering space- where knight designs would be drawn up, or upgraded.

Kaleb will make a note to come back to this room to study later. He will head towards the west room now

The west room is likewise dark, but you don't feel the same breeze coming through. This room has like been sealed off more thorougly. The handle is locked

“Is anyone good at picking locks?”

Nobody seems to have any real skill with it

2:36 PM

(It’s sneak dex if you want to try)

Kaleb attempts to punch the door in

2:47 PM

Aiming for the lock

(Alright. Regular old attack roll)

<22 for 4>

The handle breaks under the impact of the kinetic gloves, and the door swings open into the room. It is black inside and you can hear dripping water

Kaleb shines a light inside

The room is made up of thousands of glittering tiles, formerly stones polished to a mirror sheen. At the back of the room-centered on the wall- is a ceremonial thane- where offerings were made to some type of diety. The stones show swirling ocean currents, koi fish, breaking waves, and beautiful lavender flowers

“Was this a room for prayer and religion?”

Draconis comes in after you, still inspecting the bandage work "ah yes, the water has slowed since last time, quite a bit actually, but the reflecting pool in here was a symbol of the lifegiver god we respect and pray to. We would carry a canteen of water from a blessed spring like this into battle, to annoint insturments and such. It grew to more of a good luck ritual later- but there were some who really believed it"

“Did you have a name for this god?”

"Aguana- she is a very old deity, from Earth, our ancestors worshiped her a very very long time ago"

“Even with this room being hidden for so long, her presence still brings peace here.”

"I feel better just being near her again" Draconis smiles. "I hope one day to restore this place to what I remember it being"

“Well when we have a moment we can talk about her. I used to be a leader of faith back in the day.”

“I’d like that very much” he smiles. “Alright. So where to now?”

Hallway towards the south

There is a small red/orange glow as you approach the room, and you can feel pulsating waves of gentle heat against your face and exposed skin.

7:36 PM

The room looks to be some kind of forge, running on low power

“Is this your forge?”

“It’s so much more than just a forge” he has a tear in his eye as he looks at it. “The weapons produced here are of excellent quality and in the hands of a skilled MES forgemaster you can make beautiful pieces of psi tech here

“Oh?” Kaleb senses for MES energy in this room

There is some kind of a nexus of MES in the room. Your powers feel effortless in here, like you could exist in this space forever without getting tired

Kaleb attempts to mind trace to find a source, if any

8:31 PM

(Does this remind him of Shang-La?)

(Very much so)

8:34 PM

There doesn’t seem to be a source, the confluence seems to be natural

“Interesting.” Looking at the forge, Kaleb examines it. He attempts to see if he could understand the workings of it.

Used as a conventional forge, it is completely workable for someone without MES, but to someone sensitive to that power, more can be done. The tools are strange, almost alien looking.

Kaleb makes a note to come back here. “Are you ready to move on?”

"Sure, lead on. "

It looks like next room is the big one down the stairs

The stairs are slick with trapped moisture as you step down, heading into the room beneath. This room is an armory- and dozens of weapons and sets of armor sit in alcoves

10:43 AM

You see several different types of sword, an ornate polearm, ornamental plates of armor, helmets, and the list goes on. MES energy permeates this room.

“There is psi tech in this room as well?”

"This is where the items made in the other room were stored until their use was called for. Glad to see they still work as intended"

“Is what you are looking for in this room?”

"I....Yes. I think so. Give me a hand with this" He moves to a small stone table at the edge of the room. it is enclosed and looks like a plain piece of furniture, though the top is a separate piece.

“Tell me what you need me to do.”

"Grab the other end, and lets lift this off. I think the grail is inside"

“Let’s do it.” Kaleb attempts to lift the slab

Draconis takes the other side, and the both of you heave. The stone lid clatters down next to the storage container. Inside, on a field of gold. and a cushion of red satin, sits a metal cup. Next to it, are several books, the complete history of the order

12:48 PM

"Only one way to see if its genuine"

12:49 PM

"But we should do that on the bridge of my vehicle, if you care to accompany me"

“I don’t mind at all, but what about the rest of this place? We still have one room to explore?”

"We do. We should make sure we have a full inventory before we head out." he secures the grail in a satchel, and keeps a hand over it, protectively.

“Do you plan on taking the weapons and armor here as well?”

“I’ll leave it to help with the city defense unless you’ve got plans for them.” His brow furrows. “You know. You should take something at least. You’ve been an incredible help”

“Well I don’t want for much. I have a personal interest in psitech, but I don’t think that forge is going anywhere. I think there may be some psitech in this room though. Do you have any plans to use this forge at all?”

"No. I'm going to bring the grail back to my holdfast, and from there, the true work is going to begin. This ruin is ancient and significant to us, but we don't have the manpower to keep it running, or safe"

(Did we explore all the rooms?)

Kaleb examines the psitech

(not the very last one against the far east

6:53 AM

The weapons are melee weapons, all elegant and covered in flowing middle eastern script

6:53 AM

Polearms are heavily favored, but there are swords, and a pair of fighting gauntlets

Any psitech?

(it is all psitech)

7:12 AM

You feel a strong telekinetic energy on the gloves

Kaleb will take the gloves, as well as one of the swords. Kaleb sees if he can activate the gauntlets

You feel telekinetic energy flowing through you as you don them (the gloves are +2 on attack and damage rolls, hitting an opponent knocks them back 10m)

(You said their was armor in here too?)

(I did, would you like a description?)

(Yes please)

the armor ranges from simple leather looking jacks to an ornate suit of full battle plate. Most seems to fit somewhere in between, either intricate looking shirts of chain, or the blend of chain and scale

8:24 AM

The same type of scrollwork runs on the shoulders of the plates, and around the border of the front, glowing softly

(Are these also emanating with MES? Also, would I know the stats of these armors?)

(Yes MES) The armor provides a +2 to armor class, and does not restrict movement, using focused TK to keep the armor feeling light, while also repelling blades away.

9:02 AM

They will need to make a physical effect save on a failed hit to not be repelled away

(What is the armor base? Or are their multiple types? As in is this combat armor, power armor, etc)

The armor seems to fit like it was made for you, fitting over your clothing with ease (it can be worn over light or medium armor, but not heavy or powered)

9:09 AM

(so use the base for the light or med armor you currently have, adding the +2 for the TK armor layer on top of that)

9:10 AM

(so if your AC is 13 right now due to your secure clothing or light armor, its 15 now, if you buy combat armor, its 16 so then it goes up to 18)

9:11 AM

(Hopefully that makes sense)

(So my AC is now 18) Kaleb turns to Draconis. “Do you already have equipment like this?”

"We have some rather depleted stocks of it, but we don't retain many men at arms anymore, just a small handful of engines. If any of our crews are fighting dismounted, something has already gone terribly wrong

“I see. That makes sense.” Kaleb will take the Gauntlets and the armor for himself. He will also take an extra armor set and a sword to be studied on Greenbair. “Before we take the grail back, would you like to explore that last room?”

"I think we should, just to make sure we aren't leaving anything too important behind. The refugees will be gone from here soon if the evacuations continue, and we have no idea what might move in later"

“The last thing we want is the corporations to get even more high level technology. Let’s check it out”

“I agree”. The door depicts the glorious engines of house draconis in war against the sandworms, a badlands proto tech barbarian tribe, and later the first corporations. I’m the center there is a large circular seal that seems to be missing something. The indent is cup shaped

“Is that where the grail is suppose to go?”

“I think so. I’ve got to activate it first. I never liked this part.” He takes a small surgical knife from his bag and runs it across his palm in a shallow cut. Some of his blood tickles into the cup. A red orange glow begins to brighten, shining from the carvings in the chalice, illustrating the runic text the old knightly houses used

10:38 PM

He slides it into the door and the same glow spreads, filling the door mechanism and details within. T

10:39 PM

Inside, on a plinth, sits a silver circlet, the sides mounded to echo ivy garlands

“You weren’t kidding. This grail is quite something.”

Kaleb senses strong Telepathy coming from the crown

“How does that crown work?”

(notice int Kaleb) "That...That is the crown of command. A strong enough Psi wearing it can enhance the machine he is fighting inside, and even merge with it. There was once a time where our house preceptors were all psi, ruling their battle engine, and fighting with it as one. There used to be more crowns like this, but now its the only one left. This is the true prize we came for"

<7> (is Draconis psychic?)

(He is not)

8:27 AM

You sense the Telepathy is different somehow, as though its not designed for humans

8:28 AM

it is using similar pathways in the mind, but that is where the similarities end

“What is your intention with the crown, since you aren’t psychic yourself?”

"Well, I'd hoped to find a suitable candidate, that is if my copilot was too physically weak. It takes a strong mind and body to truly master it, and as you've seen, we are all beginning to get on in age. We have been fighting the corporations for a long time"

“Does it need to be someone with your royal bloodline?”

"Not at all, the knight holds work under...well some would call it an..oppressive..meritocracy"

“What do you call it?”

"I think there is wisdom in promoting talent. A prince should be a spear carrier, and a peasant should rise to the rank of battle-king if the talent is there. I was born in the preceptors family and was polishing parade boots and shining buttons before rising to my own command. I did it all on my own back, and my men respect me for it"

“What about the psychic you were with?”

"He has talent, but not trained talent. His powers are wild, unchecked, and lacking the proper academy safeguards. I are not trust him with something so important, though I'd like to"

“Would you trust a stranger such as myself?”

"You've dealt with us, and the people living here honorably, and you have no love of killing from the looks of it. There's no one I'd trust more"

"If the crown remains vacant, well, it will need to be safeguarded. Taken with us at any rate, lest the corporations find and destroy it, or worse. If you were to assume the crown, you'd be the leader of the order, along with me. We would expect you to help us in our fight against the corporations, and their allies, and additionally to uphold the honor of the working people. This began because we tried to protect the people already living here, and we failed. With this, the grail, and the crown, we have the chance to rebuild our house, once again"

12:28 PM

"When these refugees leave, we will have no reason to stay. We hope to withdraw somehow, re-arm, and return to do what we promised"

“If I assume the crown, we can go to Greenbair. We have the manpower that you lack, and you have the technology that we lack. The culture between you and us are quite different, but I believe we all mean well enough to do the right thing. You’re the only other group that I’ve met that has been pro-psychic.”

"Greenbriar sounds like a sound move. We've exhausted ourselves with the constant fighting. MES users are people too, people who can do useful things, but still people. They're just as worthy of protection"

1:40 PM

"Truly, I think you're worthy of sympathy. You have concerns that come with what you do, so far beyond what most of us have to worry about"

Kaleb thinks for a moment. “If you are offering the crown, and allowing me to lead your people towards peace and prosperity, then I will accept.”

“I offer it. There will be a formal coronation among the order once we return to your homeworld but I’ll let them know what we found down here ahead of time”

2:32 PM

Your radio crackles Kaleb. This is Dewinter. Ships have entered the system. A lot of them. We have six hours before they’re on us. Let’s think about withdrawing (edited)

Kaleb radios Zaricon. “What’s our status on the rescue?”

"Last lifter of refugees is loading now. Dewinter just called me too"

“Do we have room for the Knights and their Mechs?”

"Cargo bay is virtually empty, and a few more people won't do anything significant to the life support"

Kaleb turns to Scion, “how many are you total?”

“Fifteen. Five command crew per engine. We are going to have to leave behind Lupa and Canis

4:38 PM

“They were half ruined before we began the walk. Desert pushed them over the edge”

“Are those Mechs? We have mechs of our own. We could help repair yours

“They are. Two of our light scout mechs. We won’t have time to lift them with those ships breathing down our neck. But one day, we can welcome new members. Perhaps even built on greenbriar”

“Very well.” Kaleb takes the crown. “Should I put this on now, or wait until the official ceremony?”

“Once we make it to the bridge, and get aboard the lifter. I’ll televise the decision, with you, to the rest of the unit. Let’s stow it for now so nobody speculates ahead of time”

“Fair enough.” Kaleb puts it in his bag. “Two more things before we head out. One, how do the swords and polearms work? Two, do you know how to recreate the forge in the other room?”

“There’s something in the forge itself. I was going to leave it but we aren’t coming back. Can we get some more hands down here. We have gone from explorers to looters very quick”

“Agreed, but everything happens for a reason.” Kaleb messages Zaricon, “We need a few more hands down here. Given our time frame, it’s urgent.”

Zaricon and his men head down, the full team of ten. "Last refugee lifter is away. It'll be down in an hour or so for pickup, and we should be able to break off just before those ships get into range."

“Alright, let’s do this. Scion, tell us what you need.”

"You men, if you please, gather all the armor and weapons from those rooms, down that hall, and over there. Kaleb, we are going to take that forge apart. "

Kaleb heads towards the forge

The forge is glowing gently still as you and Draconis approach. He takes a metatool from his pack, and begins feeling around the edges of the base

6:48 AM

"There's an MES core in here somewhere"

“I attempted to see if I could find the core, but the MES in here is filled evenly throughout the room.” Kaleb begins to examine the forge as well

(its a modification of the psi anchorpoint ship fitting) You should be able to attune to it, close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus. I wish I had better advice I'm just remembering seeing other people do it"

“Alright, let me attempt.” Kaleb will go into a meditation state, focusing on the psi energy in the room, following the flow of energy.

You feel the same even distribution...but after a moment, it seems to be flowing from somewhere, like circulating air, it pulls you, like a tangible force toward the back of the forge.

7:34 AM

In your mind, it is like looking into a sun

“I follow the path toward the sun”

A glowing, diamond like object is hidden deep in the back of the forge, set into the firebox. Despite the use, and at one point constant flames, it is clean, and feels sturdy

“I believe this is the core we’re looking for.”

Holding it in your hand, raw, unprotected, you feel a great change upon you. Pathways in your mind burn, as they're opened for the first time, and you feel your mastery over the forces of MES grow. You'll need further training to do so safely, but you feel those limited senses in your mind burned away, like walls crumbling before a siege cannon

7:42 AM

(with training in the core disciplines, you are no longer a limited psi, but retain the benefits of adventurer)

(...wow)

(everyone else has relics and stuff, bout time you got something cool)

Kaleb pauses as the sensation of raw MES energy takes over, his senses blur as his mind races with energy. Everything goes black, except the core with the imagery of a sun. Feeing the warmth, Kaleb falls into a peaceful abyss. Time stays still: minutes, hours, days, weeks, years...then Kaleb comes back to the present

7:45 AM

(Hope you don’t mind the imagery of a little description)

(no way, i want you guys to take the lead)

“How long was I staring into space?”

"About twenty minutes. I saw you pick it up, and you went rigid. I called the medics... damn near thought you were dead" You see a dumbfounded squad medic sitting there, holding out his bioscanner still

7:57 AM

"Your brainwave activity was....the readings on my scanner don't even go that high"

“We’ll talk about that later. Let’s grab the tools for this forge as well, and take some scans and images of the forge to help recreate” Kaleb turns to the medics, “Sorry about that.” Kaleb puts the core in his bag

"Long as youre alright" he says still a bit rattled. The lander has touched down outside the town hall, crushing some of the ornamentation outside, but Marriane and Mirosan don;t seem to mind.

8:17 AM

Each of them is running outside, handfuls of psi gear in hand

Kaleb walks up towards Marriane and Mirosan, “Sorry we don’t have time to stay and talk. Unfortunately it looks like the corporations are digging and causes these creatures to strike. Anything down there is yours to take, obviously.”

"Carry away all that you can. We will stay behind with the remaining 10,000. Draconis's staff have offered their former cave complex to us, we are evacuating the city and making our way there once you lift off"

“That is good. You should be safer there. I will continue to vouch for more evacuations of refugees in the meantime.”

8:49 AM

Kaleb turns to Scion, “is there anything else we should take before heading on out?”

"Looks like the armory is clean, you have the core. Personally I think we should level the place. Make sure it doesn't get dug up"

“Anything in the room with Augura? I think your faith, maybe I should say our faith, should be preserved.”

"She will bless another thane. The mosaic work will take too long to move, but I hope to recreate it one day"

“Well, let me at least take some images then. It will help us recreate it. Then, I agree with you. Let’s bury it so the corporations won’t know about it.”

Its another forty minutes for the knights to load, a few need to be quickly taken apart and loaded piecemeal. In that time , photos are taken, and construction charges from the support mech are laid in the chambers below. Draconis hands you the detonator, as the lifter ramp closes. You're standing in front of one of its few viewports to the outside, overlooking the town hall.

10:20 AM

"Care to do the honors?" he hands the plunger over to you

(I’m going to assume it’s clear from people at this point) Kaleb takes the detonator. “We are burying our old home here on Rawhani to protect the Draconis Legacy. Yet do not look on this day as an ending, but a new beginning. A new story for our kids to hear and be inspired of. We will come back to Rawhani, and this world will be ours once again, and it will be better than ever.” Kaleb hits the trigger.

(Yeah, everyones either heading out with the refugee column to the caves, or already board the ship)

10:29 AM

The building detonates in a spectacular firestorm, showering the nearby dwellings with rock, burning tapestries, and splintered wood. The lifter takes off. In space, upon docking, you can see the Remnant fleet sent to reinforce the planet. One of the fleet-killer battleships is there, attended by a carrier, and six patrol boats.

10:29 AM

"They've launched strike fighters, but we will be gone before they close" Dewinter says

“Good. Timing couldn’t be better.”

(9xp, 50,000 credits. Well done)

(Can you give me a summary of the items I acquired again)

(The Samel-tech gloves, +2 ab and damage. 5m knockback for all opponents hit by it. The Telekinetic mantle- +2 AC. Same 5m knockback for successful melee hits against you. The crown of command, the powers list I will PM you. I need sil to help me fix it. The Grail- technical and historical information repository that will need further study Psionic awakening title- You now are a full psi, but you need a week of training before being able to use any new disciplines , we can fast- forward time if needed depending on where other missions are. )

(Sweet. So what happens next?)

The Pillar of Salt breaks orbit, everyone securely aboard, and cuts into spike space as the enemy armada achieves anchor over the planet. The last view is dozens of thunderhead pods dropping from the main ships, heading for each corporation hold

11:11 AM

A day later, the ship exits, at the edge of Gudrun space. Too large for even the docks at Trivedi cloud, the ship maintains orbit, waiting for a few small projects on the ground to continue before disgorging people

Kaleb finds Scion, “it looks like it was a close call for everyone on Rawhani, including your house.”

"It certainly seems that way. you came at an opportune time:

“Once we get on Greenbair, what are your objectives?”

"Well. I'd like to meet with your president, explain who we are, what we are doing, and of course pledge service. We were hoping for a small tract of land to make our own maintenance facility and training ground though our service means we will have no political aspirations of our own. Our only condition is we wish transport and colonial support when your armies mobilize"

“Well land itself isn’t an issue, but building the land for ourselves as a base will take some time. With the war, and the Remnant always being a threat, more fighters for Greenbair won’t be an issue.”

"It won't be, thats true. And we have no desire to carve out our own fiefdom. We simply wish to be given a small place to call our own, where our history can continue"

“Is there anything else I need to know about the House before being inducted?”

“Honor. Courage. Loyalty. You have those values already. That’s all you need to know. You’ll meet who’s who as time goes on and if this goes as well as we think it will there will be plenty of new faces too”

4:27 PM

“I’ll be with you, representing the house alongside you on official business”

“I have to ask, do I get a title with all of this?”

“Yes. You’re the seneschal of house draconis. You’re our face, our contact, our chief of staff. Anything going into or coming out of the order goes through you”

5:08 PM

“And if we go to battle, you’ll be with me in the command mech”

“Do I adopt the surname name of Draconis as well?”

"Its' not a requirement, but you're welcome to adopt it"

“Well I don’t have a last name. Maybe once I don the crown and it becomes official. Can you give me a run down of our current strength (people, mechs, tech, knowledge, etc.)”

"Well, we have 5 engines to our name, One heavy psimech -the command unit you were on with me- Two light shock mechs, and a light specialist mech. We have a specialist suit as well, but I've been told it's going to have to be scrapped, that walk through the desert ruined almost every exterior surface. Truly, we have been away from proper overhaul for so long, I think all the units will need to be stripped down to the chassis and rearmed. We number 30, our command unit is a bit of a speciality since it fits more than one pilot comfortably. We numbered 5 aboard her. the other mechs are one pilot driven. The other 19 are technicians. Finally, we have two instructors, aiding us in keeping the lore of the order alive"

“Can you explain how the heavy mech benefits from 5?”

"The psi-mech is a very sensitive piece of machinery, we have our resident psi aboard to control those systems. We then have a pilot, and two gunners, the left responsible for the left weapon, right responsible for right, and so on. the final crewmember is a master engineer, who manages damage reports, and ensures critical functions are restored promptly if damaged. As the command unit, many of us have secondary duties, such as communications, watching tactical displays, and coordinating support - previously with our dismounted men at arms, now when we enter battle with your army"

“How long will it take to train me in my role to command the mech?”

"Learn by doing. I think a few practice walks and a simulated wargame or two and you'll feel right at home. No substitute for the real thing"

"I don't take shortcuts. Greenbair atleast has mechs, thus the capabilities to repair them. I'm sure we can at least find work to fund and grow our House."

<level up results> HP: 21 Skill Points: Metapsionics - 3. Learned Psychic Tutalage ( Had 2 points in reserve in psychic pool, and spent 2 additional points to pick this up)

9:44 PM

Punch - Level 1 Lead - Level 1 (had 2 points in non-psychic skills to pick this up as well) (edited)

9:45 PM

Gauntlets and Mantle have been added to attack and AC, and the 3 items (Crown, Core, and Grail) are in Other Items for now. Let me know if any have encumberance

9:46 PM

Total credits are now 77,310. I need to start spending

9:49 PM

In addition, I've added some goals to my character sheet

(they dont add anything as far as encumberance)

(I'll get you a faction handout made, and we can think of some good endeavors as well so you can get some faction growth in)

(Sounds good) Kaleb is going to write a report for Greenbair about the events on Rawhani. He includes everything about the worm attack and the possibility of digging by the corporations How he meet House Draconis on Mechs using a sandstorm as cover, and how we almost fought. That they were looking for a Grail, and we went back to the refugee city to get it How we encountered some thugs who attempted to attack us (as of now didn’t learn who they were or why they attacked, but we did capture 2) That we went through the ruins and found the grail as well as some weapons and armor, and a crown (I do not mention the MES core or the fact that the crown is an artifact) Lastly, I mentioned that the refugees will be hiding where House Draconis was hiding “In conclusion, I will be working with House Draconis for the greater good of Greenbair. Their numbers may be small, but their hearts are noble and true, and their technology and mechs are a much needed asset for our war with the Remnant. They have appointed me as their face of the group. We would like to speak with President Kinclad directly to pledge our alligence with working with Greenbair.

(I’ll redact the parts you mentioned and post it on group. Will be a news flash soon) President Kincaid is eager to meet with these mysterious warriors especially those bearing such technology

(I suppose unless there is anything else, we can flash forward. I don't know if Dewinter, Scion, or Zaricon would want to speak to me about anything specifically)

(Actually I do have one matter in mind that we can discuss either in character or ooc. What’s being done with all the psionic gear. Are you keeping it at the academy or is it going to Shangra la for now

(Let's discuss that in character with Scion)

"Hey Scion, let's talk about the gear we gathered. How many pieces of each do we have?"

He looks at the datapad before him “Final count is ten polearms, six longswords, six shortswords, two warhammers, a battle axe, and something that looks like a flail. We also recovered five complete sets of the armor

(By armor I'm assuming he means the telekinetic mantles) "Do all of the weapons operate the same way as the gloves with a push back effect?"

(Yeah

10:25 AM

“They do. And we have enough scrap taken to round out the arsenal at 40 weapons of whichever configuration you desire, once we get the forge working again. Most of what we removed is crated up metal salvage

"I know how many mechs we have, but how many soldiers do we have?"

“No men at arms. Our final company bravely gave their lives when the corporations came, allowing us to withdraw”

"What is your opinion on giving the men we do have weapons, as well as training them for melee combat as well?"

“I can see it’s utility in keeping a pilot alive if they have to bail out, but if we raise another regiment, I’d thought among the refugees. A rawhani free company

"I was thinking the same thing with recruiting among the rawhani refugees. They have the most to invest in fighting back the corporations outside of the House. Does your House also know how to make any firearms?"

“Yes. What our knights use are upscaled versions once you strip back all the ornamentation0

"The only problem I see with just giving out the weapons to new recruits is that they may not of earned or proven their worth or trust. I do know of a safe place where they could be stored were no one would find them. I think giving out the mantles to the pilots is also important. Only a few people can pilot your mechs, and we aren't in the position of replacing anyone right now."

10:39 AM

"As far as the forge goes, we can either build it in a place known as Rebirth, where the Psi Academy is also doing research, and would make the most sense. Or, we hide the core and don't use it until we establish our own base."

“Are you leaning a certain direction on the core?”

"I would need to talk to Sil and Val first. I trust them. Yet, I need to know what they think. I also need to make sure that our objectives line up"

"I'm truly torn on this. Not sharing feels like keeping secrets, but as you said, if our goals are not in line with one another, we are entrusting them with something very powerful that could be our own undoing"

"Well we can't keep it a secret forever. I trust the Academy. I've never personally dealt with the president, but Sil has, and she allowed Sil to build the Psi Academy. Having transparncy is important. I believe Sil, Val and President Kinclaid will understand the importance of keeping this underwraps."

11:18 AM

(Are we in the same system as Greenbair now?)

(Yeah, you're home, aboard the ship speaking. You can land anytime youre ready)

11:19 AM

(once you make orbit and land, you wont have true confidence in not being over heard, so aboard ship in a stateroom seemed the best way to do this)

(Let's start landing) Kaleb will send a message to Sil's compad, "hey @Masacio, we have just come back from Rawhani. I would like to talk to you at your earliest connivence."

Sil will reply, "Glad you are safely back, and hope you are well. I'm tied up with the Taros right now, but when I get a few minutes, if you are free, I can meet you. I'd like to hear what you have been up to."

“Thanks @Masacio. I just have one question. Do you truly trust Val? It’s not that she’s done anything wrong. But I would like to share some sensitive information. If you trust her, I’ll trust her.”

"I do, unless you have evidence I shouldn't."

“No, it’s not that. I just need to share information with both of you that is sensitive. When we speak, you’ll know why. It’s not urgent though, good luck on your mission @Masacio.”

"Thank you, we'll talk soon I hope."

@Nekosmash (let’s head down to Greenbair. Objectives will be to talk to Val and President Kinclaid)

(Sure thing. One sec. balls deep in doing Xmas lights)

(Take your time)

President Kincaid and Franz are both awaiting you in central admin- you're led inside and bidden to sit in a conference room with the both of them. Franz has his copious notepads and dataslates arranged around him, ready to take down in person details based on your initial report

“Hello president Kincaid. It’s nice to meet you in person. Franz, it’s good to see you again as well.”

"Welcome home, again, Kaleb. I read your report, it sounds like a lot more was encountered than we had thought on Rawhani- but we are glad you've returned safely. With possible friends if I'm reading your log correctly"

“Yes, I was quite intrigued to learn that there were inhabitants on Rawhani before the Corporations came, as well as learning that they were still alive. I am also lucky that they didn’t shoot us immediately.” Kaleb grins

"I'm glad for that as well" Kincaid smiles "So, these new arrivals, well, I would like to know what their plans are before we permit their landing in force"

6:40 PM

"My worry is them stomping off into the sunset, making their own domain, and suddenly having a whole new set of political complications to deal with as we continue our fight against the Remnant

“We of course understand. Ill explain the situation, and Scion can jump in. I think that first and foremost, House Draconis wishes to reclaim Rawhani from the corporations once again. That is an obvious long term goal which at our current strength, cannot be achieved. What we lack in manpower, we make up for in advanced technology, including the knowledge of making psitech. I already know that you have pro-psychic views, and I have worked with the academy. House Draconis wishes to pledge alliegence to serve Greenbair. As you know, the Remnant have taken over Rawhani, and that is so simple tasks, given the technology that they had. We understand that The Remnant are not to be trifled with, and to fight them. They are worse than the corporations. What we offer is work and a chance to serve, especially for the other rescued refugees on Rawhani. Outside of the House, they have the most common interest to fight back the corporations and Remnant. We also offer our mechs for combat and the opportunity to build and supply them, once we get set up. We will support you in any military endeavor, as long as proper compensation is given. We wish to build an alliance with Greenbair to last longer than the war. For now, we will need a spot to build a base, or at least a temporary area. I was thinking Rebirth, if all parties are in agreement. When we win the war, and we will win, House Draconis will return to Rawhani, but our relationship with Greenbair will be stronger than ever at that point.”

"Rebirth, Dahab, or the port are all acceptable areas if you wish to construct a base." Kincaid says, looking over a map of the planet with you. "Greenbriar may find itself in a tight financial situation with the war looming, but we can offer the materials needed to build and maintain your vehicles, as well as food until your own hold is established. Your services could be contingent on those shipments, should you prefer. If you wish to recruit a company of soldiers among the refugees you are welcome to, I agree that they have the most vested interest in taking back their home. Your message about the Remnant fleet arriving there is giving me the impression by fighting one, they'll be caught in the war against both as-is"

“As far as base location, I would have to know what the benefits of each location would be. Services for materials and food, I believe that is a fair trade. As of now, we don’t have as much as a need for credits compared getting our mechs and base up and running. I will reach out to the refugees, maybe make a public video announcement for recruitment, once we figure out where we need the manpower. What would be the different benefits of Rebirth, Dahab, and the ports?”

“At the port you’re limited on being approached from the land side, the mountain passes will keep you relatively secure. There’s lots of open land around the port and access to water can always be turned into a boon Rebirth is where our psi research is being done. You’ll be close to val and her team there, you’ve been an asset to her in the lab before. Finally there’s Dahab. Judge mansoor has been acting as mayor there when not following criminal cases. It’s an up and coming down with a very productive gold mine. The colony has been helping it develop and benefiting from the mineral coming in. The town is essentially a blank slate.

"I will speak to the men about our options. As far as services, what can we offer to you now? We need time to grow, but the mechs, once refitted, should be able to be a boon in some capacity" (edited)

"Knowing I have the service of a veteran mech company is a good start. For now, develop your freehold, plant some roots. There is a critical vote happening now among the Taros on unification or not. If the vote fails, your services may be needed much sooner than anticipated."

"Very well, it looks like we better start getting to work. Would Franz be the one to contact on any issues regarding our mechs and helping getting our base set up?"

"Yes, and anything that needs a higher level of attention than Franz, he will send straight to me. I'll do my best to ensure you're not long waiting for a reply. You may also want to reach out to General Kellevan, it might be useful for our military to get a chance to practice working in concert with a mech formation"

"I will. He's a good man. I believe we have discussed our needs. We are open to answer any more questions from you."

"I was concerned about another private interest on nearby soil, especially one so heavily armed, but you've done what you could to assuage my fears. I'm willing to permit the landing, and the establishment of a hold on planet. You have permission to raise a levy of soldiers, and to develop the area around your hold as you see fit. In exchange, the knights of house Draconis will be working in concert with the Greenbriar military, as a mechanized formation. In battle, Draconis representatives will be among the command staff, but are subject to whoever is appointed supreme field commander, especially if not a house representative. Do we have an agreement?"

"I am in agreement. Scion, do you agree to the terms as well?"

“I do.” A photo is taken of a smiling Kincaid and Scion Draconis shaking hands in front of colonial admin, Franz and Kaleb both holding the ceremonial treaty cementing the terms of the agreement.

When the photos are done, Kaleb will talk to Scion. "As far as the base is concerned, I believe taking Rebirth is our best option. As much as having a port city or gold mine could be a good economic situation, the Psi-Tech research is something we can uniquely provide and grow. It would also help our relations with the Psychic Academy, who in turn could help us with Psi-Tech research and development. But I wanted to get your thoughts, and didn't want to assume what is best for the House without your council."

“If you’re confident in the location I think that’s fine. You’ve been here longer than us , goes without saying, I trust your judgment”

"I believe it would the best for us. But I would also want to speak with Val as well before committing. I'm sure she wasn't expecting this at all. We can head over there now." Kaleb will ask Franz if he could get a ride to Rebirth with Scion (and any other men who would be interested) to get a feel for the place.

The entire command crew is planning to head there with you and a plane is prepared for you. The rest of the household will remain on the colony ship and ensure things are properly loaded and offloaded

Kaleb will send a message to Val. "Hey, just wanted to give you a heads up personally. I'm coming with a group of men known as the Knights of House Draconis. They have a lot of information and knowledge with Psi-Tech. I'm going to be working with them directly. We are looking to set up a base of operations. I wanted to let you know that if you are not okay with this for any reason at all, I will advise the House to establish a base elsewhere."

Val takes a few moments to reply. "I am alright with it. If it means more help in our psi reasearch I welcome the new arrivals, and I thank you for the consideration"

"Great, I'll be there soon. I have some information I believe you will be most interested in."

"I'm excited to hear it. I'll see you soon" The link ends, as you board the plane for Rebirth. A few hours later it touches down on the crude airstrip outside town. The massive, walled research complex, and the small town growing around it loom

“Here we are, Rebirth” Kaleb tells Scion

"where first?" he is looking eagerly at the village

"We can check out the village first. I actually haven't been there myself yet"

The town of rebirth had a three story town hall, made of roughshod wood. It is halfway through having brick installed. The village is scattered, dirt roads connecting the dwellings and farms, and a wide central boulevard left clear leading right up to the rebirth facility gates

(How many people are around?)

(200 live in rebirth right now, most working around the silver mine nearby)

"What do you think?"

He smiles. “Green grass. Healthy trees. A cold snap in the air. This is all so beautiful”

"I'm glad you enjoy it. This is Greenbair. One day, maybe we can get Rawhani like this."

“One day we will” he smiles. He looks at peace. “This will do nicely”

“We can invest in the housing and utilities in this area as well. I have a good amount of credits, but I am a man of few wants. When we sit down to strategize our efforts, we can talk more about that as well.” (edited)

“So should we meet with your friend?”

“Yes, let’s go say hi to Val. She will be expecting us.”

Val and her small staff are waiting outside the compound, a knot of white lab coats against the dark facility walls

“Hello Val,” Kaleb smiles, “It’s great to see you again. Let me introduce you to Scion Draconis”

They shake hands and Val smiles. "Nice to see you again Kaleb, and nice to meet you Scion. Welcome to rebirth. Hope your flight in was easy"

“Easy enough. The Knights have been living underground on Rawhani for quite some time. I think they’re ready for a change of scenery. Perhaps we start with a tour of Rebirth?”

"Not much to see. The facility has some sensitive work going on inside right now that we would have to stop to bring a guest through, even one as esteemed as you Scion" she smiles "The silver mine is a half kilometer to the east, and there's a small forge outside of it where its made into uniform trade bars. There's a small shop in town that makes craft with some of it. Everyone else is either a farmer, or a builder. The town is pretty small, but we are hoping to change all that"

7:47 PM

(think like your typical tiny tiny midwestern town where there's literally one four way stop in the center, and then just sprawling homesteads)

"Whose in charge of the improvement of the town?"

"Mayor Luminar. He was the chief development officer in the original expedition. He was attacked by the underhill our second day on planet, and was slowed by their venom. He was eventually cured, and although not physically disabled anymore, he still gets tired very easily"

"Is the town funding itself through the mining alone?"

"For right now, but they're about at the limit of what they can support if my understanding is correct"

9:06 PM

"THe lab is not part of such concerns, our funding comes direct from the colony itself"

"I will have to talk to Mayor Luminar later then. As of now, I wanted to see how we could assist each other with the development of psi tech."

“Perhaps there is a place where just you, Scion and I could talk for a moment?”

“Sure. I keep a small home here. It’s not far” Val leads you to a home that looks as though it’s hardly been lived in ever

“Looks like my hab” Kaleb jokes. “What I’m about to show you is going to change our development of psitech. But before I do so, I need to make sure you understand the severity of if something like this would get into the wrong hands, or if someone had ill intentions with this. I plan on telling Sil, but he told me I could trust you. I need your word that you’ll do everything in your power to not abuse the power of what I have? Do I have your word?”

"I promise" she smiles

Kaleb takes out the core, the crown, and one of the swords he took. “What the Knights had was an MES Core that allowed them to make a Forge to create psi-tech. And I mean high quality psi-tech. With this, we could recreate the forge they had, maybe even improve upon the design if possible. The Crown and Sword you see, as well as the Mantle and Gauntlets I’m wearing are also psitech, all made by the forge. Do you understand how this will affect your research?”

"I'm not sure how much things will change, but its certainly another avenue of approach, assuming all works as advertised"

“I forgot, you don’t have metapsionic training. I suppose you can’t sense the power it’s radiating. Well, you could touch it, but you may not be as lucky as I am. I think my training in metapsionics helped me from accidentally torching myself. I don’t know if everyone would have the same effect. I suppose you could try your telekinesis on something in this room. You may feel stronger in its presence.”

She tries, lifting one of the metal cushioned chairs in the room

11:44 AM

"Doesn't feel any different to me right now. "

Kaleb is a little disappointed. “I was hoping it would be a cooler experience.” Kaleb looks at the core. Does it look any different from before?

The core looks the same "You may be onto something with needing to be Metapsionic to use it. I'll put a call in to Doona, She is a metapsion"

“Thanks. Perhaps we will have to build the forge to see the end results. For now, what I need is space to build it. Somewhere secure. I was hoping Rebirth would have some space.”

"Rebirth does. There is a sub level to the facility that does not have an occupant currently, if you're amenable to sharing space"

“I believe we are. That being said, since it looks like the Knights will be settling here, we would need to know what we have access to at Rebirth, as well as what is closed off. We don’t wish to step on anyone’s toes.”

“I’d ask for respect for privacy in terms of what’s happening in the lab, that it all stays in house but otherwise you’ve run of the place”

“We can work with that. Do you have the means of working with the Mechs here? I know that Sil has a Mech, and I believe it was here that you were helping him out.”

"They can fit inside the facility walls and pass through the gate. its easily twice as tall as the command unit you have. Inside the building itself they probably wont be able to accommodate anything more than a suit mech. "

“I suppose we will need to invest in a hanger for the mechs.” Kaleb turns to Scion, “Do you feel confident in setting here as our home away from Rawhani?”

"I think this is a great area. We can work in tandem with the best people to help us solve the mystery of this psitech"

“Mystery...you mean how to create it? I thought you were aware of how it worked?”

(Btw, what is the size of Sil’s mech?)

(its i think 5m tall, the issue with his is he was teleporting it inside, so he didnt need to worry about doors)

(Makes sense)

"Your friend has several projects ongoing, and yes, we will be able to make these weapons again, we just need some space to work, and develop those skills once again. It has been a long time since we sent entire cohorts into battle with weapons and armor like this"

“Understood. So I want to speak to the mayor here. How does Val showing you the space for our Knights sound while I speak to him sound?”

"I can do that. probably good for us to know each other a little better"

“I’ll leave you to it.” Kaleb turns to Val, “Thank you for your time. I’m sure you are busy with your research. We look forward to working with you.” Kaleb then goes to find the Mayor

Mayor luminar is in his office, on the second (also top) floor of the town hall. It is a modest building, made of locally cleared wood, You can see replanted lines of spore trees native to the area already growing strong and tall

Kaleb knocks on the door. “Mayor Luminar?”

Mayor luminar waves you in,

3:16 PM

Prematurely aged by the ravages of toxin, he looks tired. "Welcome to Rebirth. Are you new in town?"

“Yes and no. I’m new to the town, but I’ve been in the facility before with Val. My name is Kaleb. I am working with House Draconis, who are going to be moving into this area. I wanted to introduce myself.”

"A pleasure to meet you Kaleb, some new faces in town are always welcome"

“Thank you. Being new in town, and wanting to help see it’s growth, I wanted to make an investment to help stimulate your economy, if you’re interested?”

He seems to perk up at the investment idea. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I have a good amount of credits that I don’t plan on using myself. I see that this town has some of the basics, but that’s about it. I can tell transportation, such as a rail, could be helpful, but that may be too much for now. Since you’re the mayor here, I was seeing how far 50,000 in credits would go?”

“We do have a rail link but it could do with some upgrades. What we need more than anything else is some town zoning and planning, along with more amenities. We have power. More water may help. “

“Water is a must. What other kind of amenities are you lacking?”

“Entertainment, things that would make life here better. Hell. Even a bar”

“Well I could certainly invest the money for it. Would you know someone who could help find a source of water and someone who could run a bar?”

“Could see if the baron wants to franchise maybe. “

“Whose the Baron?”

“Labor leader. He was a bit of an agitator during the early days but now he’s happy to run his bars. He’s got the harvest spirits in the northern greenbriar farm area and a new location in central greenbriar called the brewhouse

“I see. I imagine he’s a favorite among the locals then. Would he also be the one to talk to about water for this area?”

“He would need access to plenty of it if he planned to make his own stock on site. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to at least see if he knows anything”

“Where would I be able to find him?”

"In Greenbriar central usually, he likes to be hands on as possible with his businesses"

“Should be easy enough to find him then.” Kaleb stands up. “I don’t mean to pry into your personal business, but have you seen Dr. Siegfried about the poison?”

"He was actually the one who returned me to a working condition, what I'm experiencing now is what was left behind from all the time before treatment"

“I see. I thought I’d ask. If you need anything just let me know.” Kaleb shares his comm id.

"Pleasure to meet you" he smiles and rises to shake your hand. There is still some strength in the grip

“You as well.” Kaleb goes to the facility to find Val and Scion

They are exchanging turns looking through a surveyor scope when you arrive, the ground nearby, outside the lab, marked with stakes for distance and depth

“I take it your looking at where to build?”

"We are indeed. Inside the walls are going to be too tight, so we are trying to figure out a spot outside, that wont interrupt the fire arcs of the defense towers"

“I see. I’m going to stop by Greenbair for a bit. I wanted to see if I should talk to anyone there for you while I’m gone. As of now, I’m going to check with the local bar owner there and see if he wants to set up here as well, and the Psychic Academy.”

'If you have anyone there working as an armsmaster or something, we need to talka bout refitting"

“We have someone there. You’re referring to the mechs?”

"Yes. I'd like to repair them and get them re-outfitted if we can"

“I think I know someone who can help. I’ll ask them.” Kaleb finds a hidden spot and teleports to Greenbair using the psi crystal he received from Sil

(that takes you outside your house i think doesnt it?)

(I believe I set it up to inside the bedroom with Sil)

1:00 PM

(Intentionally to be hidden from normal onlookers)

(Right)

1:11 PM

Kaleb arrives at home, after using his port crystal for the first time.

Kaleb first looks for any signs of change or interference with anything. Then he’ll head out. First, to the bar that the Baron owns 2nd, to the Smith (I forget the name) where Kaleb bought his equipment 3rd, to the Psi Academy

(Pops)

1:20 PM

The bar in central greenbriar is The Brewhaus, and this afternoon he actually is there, personally helping to unload a truck full of fruit

Kaleb walks up to the Baron. “Would you like a hand with that?”

"Keeps me young" he smiles, straightening out and wiping his forehead with an oily rag. "How can I help you?"

“My name is Kaleb. It was suggested by Mayor Luminar of Rebirth to speak to you about town development.”

"Ah very good. Well, what did you have in mind down there? bit of a backwater as I've seen"

“Yes it is. The two main things we were thinking of to start was a reliable source of water and a bar.”

his smile widens as you mention opening a bar "That....THat is something I could help with. I've had the idea a couple times myself but was not sure about the level of business. If you're here asking about it, that makes me feel a bit better"

“Well I have the credits to invest and help start up, but I need someone who knows what they are doing. I’m not looking for a big return. It’s more about helping the people out there, since myself and the group I’m leading will be making their home there for now.”

“I’d love to help. I’ll need s lot of water to do proper business. I can come out with a survey team tomorrow if that works”

“That would be great! Let me give you my comm id. Keep me posted on when you’ll be heading up and I can assist you.”

“I’ll be heading down through the train route tomorrow. It’ll probably be in the evening when I make it to town, I’ll call when I’m close”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then.” Kaleb heads towards Pops next

The sounds of smashing hammers and the clang of metal greet you coming close to the weaponright shop. Pops is outside cleaning a large piece of what looks to be a cannon of some kind

“Hey Pops! Hope you are doing well.”

He smiles, seeing you approach. "I am indeed. Good to see you again"

“I wanted to talk to you about some business, if you are interested?”

“I am , always in business with you. What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know if you heard the news, but we recently discovered a mech unit on Rawhani who have decided to join us. I’m acting on their behalf. We need the mechs to be stripped and re outfitted from the wear and tear they have suffered. Greenbair will be taking care of the payment in exchange for our services. So my question for you is how would you like to work on some mechs?9

“I’d love the chance. I’ve been doing a bit of work on Silvanos but extra hands on time will allow me to serve everyone better”

“Great! I would reach out to Franz then about payment. I’ll contact Scion, the guy who leads the mechs, to get them to this location. Other than extra hands, would you need anything else to help refit them?”

"I'll need to take a look at them first, get some measurements and see what their exact needs are. We may need to ship them up here by train depending on the state they're in"

“Understood. Some of them are apparently only good for scrap. I’ll let you be the judge of that. Maybe you can learn something from them. I’ll contact the necessary people to get the mechs sent to this area and keep you informed.”

"Very good. Looking forward to working with you, and them. Any other business?"

“Well, this is more random, but have you ever dealt with the manufacturing of psitech?”

"Just touched on it really. We were shipped off here and then the disaster happened before I was able to take my course on it through Greenbriar"

“So you know a little, and were in the process of learning more?” (edited)

"Exactly. The training never really began. It was supposed to happen once we were all settled here"

“How would you like to continue that training?”

"I feel like I'd be able to help a lot more if I could. why?"

“Well, I’ll just say that the opportunity is going to present itself to start learning again, and probably soon. Until then, I should leave it at that.”

"When you have more details, run them by me. I'd welcome more responsibility"

“I shall. Until then, I’m sure the mechs will give you plenty of work.”

he nods his head in agreement and then begins standing up "Well, I'll deliver a full report once I see them Kaleb. Unless there was anything further I've got shift change to oversee"

“I’ll leave you to it then.” Kaleb then heads towards the Academy

Crane is typing on a terminal when you arrive, a stand full of papers sits off to her side and she glances at it every few seconds

“Hello Crane. I see you’ve been keeping busy.”

"Yes, Silvano saw the other organizations here taking advantage of the job boards, and has some of his own to add, so I'm just getting the postings set up"

"That's great. Are the requests getting more suitable for what psychics can realistically handle?"

'Yes, let me show you a sample" (I'm just going to copy/paste from what sil PM'd me, didnt get back to my computer really yesterday with the holiday to put it up)

(no worries)

Force: There are many threats to psychics every where, as well as many threats to others psychics can help with. The Psi Academy does what it can to help. -Protect psychics, provide security where ever they are found. Help rescue them. -Support research into psi tech weaponry and into anti-psychic weaponry. -Train psychics in combat to help defend themselves. Wealth: The Psi Academy is a humanitarian organization, but still needs funding for it's endeavors. -Support research into crystal development. Help infuse crystals with abilities, so they can be sold. -Help set up and participate in the Academy provide psychic services to Greenbriar, Taros, and others. -Support research into psi tech that can be sold for a profit. Cunning: Psychics provide many capabilities that aid in intelligence operations. The Psi Academy also has to keep watch on those who affect it and its goals. -Help sneak psychics out of bad situations. -Support research into psi tech that enhances stealth or intelligence gathering. -Help Greenbriar with psychic services in intelligence gathering.

8:45 AM

(I have to assign points and clean it up a little into some more specific objectives but thats the general gist)

(nice)

8:45 AM

"That's great. I may have some more great news. I don't know if you heard about my last trip to Rawhani."

"Nothing other than what was on the news, but as ever I'm sure there's more to the story"

"Ah yes. Well the Mechs are in the news. Is this place safe to talk openly?"

"Yes, security has been pretty tight. One of the safest places in the colony right now"

"Good. In that case, I'll be frank. House Draconis not only are mech pilots, they also had some of the most advanced psi tech, and the means of creating it. We brought back what's called an MES Core, which will be able to help create new psi tech."

"New Psi tech? So, so we might actually put things back....put them back to how they werE"

8:54 AM

she sits back in her chair, wide eyed

"Yes, but we need to get set up first. House Draconis is building their base near Rebirth, will I believe will be the perfect place to research. So far, what I've seen was elegant psi tech swords and armor. However, I felt the power of the core with my metapsionics. I believe it would be powerful enough to create anything. What we will need is psychics to help infuse the tech we create. I believe you see where I'm going with this."

"I think I do. Does Sil know about this yet?"

"Not yet. I didn't want to tell him via text over Compad, but I will definitely tell him when he gets back. I will be leading House Draconis moving forward, but I want to make it clear that I will still be working with the Academy. I even learned the technique of teaching new psychics and controling their MES"

"Very good. The goal of the academy is to facilitate advancement in other areas. I;ll relay the information if you don't end up speaking with him sooner"

"Thanks Crane. How are all of the refugees doing now?"

"A few have stepped forward and been placed in some pretty high level colonial functions. One is working in the lab, another just left with Melora to explore Terezinho. They're back now already, but they're getting along. A few small scuffles here and there as people get settled but that's to be expected"

"What kind of scuffles are we talking about?"

"Few minor fistfights, nothing serious. When some food and water was brought in they got a little out of hand"

"Is there not enough to go around?"

"There is, but when the trucks first rolled in, they weren't being patient for it all to be unloaded"

"I am going to guess it's probably due to the conditions on Rawhani then. Are any of them here right now?"

"Here? no, everyones in the camp outside of town, or still aboard the pillar waiting to come down"

"Understood. I'll have to stop by the camps then at some point. How is everything else going?"

"Everything here? Seems safe enough, We have actual business coming in, and things are moving along"

“Good to hear. Well let me know if Sil stops by. I’m sure he’ll be interested in the news. In the meantime, let me know if anyone needs some training.” If Crane doesn’t have anything else to say, he’ll teleport back to Rebirth using his crystal.

Crane has duties to attend to, and Kaleb returns, just out of sight.

Kaleb will find Scion.

Scion has not wandered far from where you last left him, in spirited conversation with the other crews about the possibilities laid out before them

“I’m back. How’s the progress?”

"Got permission to land the rest of our forces. The mechs are on the way down, and then we can see about some overland transport"

“That’s good. I got someone who can help with getting the mechs back in working order in Greenbair as well. What’s next on our agenda?”

"Well, we have to officially pick an exact site to set our holdfast down, and begin building:

2:25 PM

"Luminar has graciously allowed us use of the mayors building here to house our crew for now. It will be tight, but at least we are all together"

“It looks like things are moving quickly then. I’m excited, as I’m sure all of you are too.”

“We are. Any sites around here catch your eye?” (If you’ve got ideas for what features you want on your plot of land go for it. It’s a deciduous tree forested kind of alpine aesthetic area if that helps)

"Well, for starters, I was thinking of setting up the base facing where the sun rises, so the sun sets behind it (if this was Earth, the base would be facing East). I was also thinking, in addition to having the main base and a barracks for people to sleep, a Church for Auguna. When it makes sense, also a fountain."

“Would the compound be open?”

"I think most of it should be open. It would give everyone the chance to learn about House Draconis and what we stand for. Certainly we can have parts just for the Knights only. We could also design the Compound to have a building that is off limits to the public."

“I think that’s a great idea. I’ll lay out some surveying stakes. So how did business in town go?”

"We got someone to help with the mechs. They should be up and running soon. We also got a guy who will be willing to help bring some life into this town. Lastly, I stopped by the Psi Academy. They will be helpful once we get our psi forge up and running

“You’ve been quite busy. I’m glad you’re working for us”

9:28 AM

“Very good. So we can expect some help from the colony soon. I say that’s a good first day of workl

"I agree, we were lucky to get out of Rawhani out when we did. This is a new beginning for the House to rebuild and reclaim what the corporations, and now the Remnant, have taken. Now that we took care of the necessary start up here, I wanted to ask about the official ceremony of being the Seneschal, and the Crown's capabilities."

Scion takes an ancient looking datapad from his pouch, and a symbolic representation of the crown spins on the screen. "This is what we know of it"

Stars_Without_Number_-_Machine_Symbiont.pdf

917.23 KB

9:58 AM

(I think the core power is going to be interface, level 0-4, so 0 is systems in 10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m as the power goes up. Tinker and power source are lvl 1, fabrication and overload lvl 2, artisans touch and electronic intuition lvl 3, and ultimate maker lvl 4. We just have to figure out what we think is reasonable as far as effort) (edited)

"So the Crown can help give me command...over machines?"

"Indeed. Remember that discussion we had when you asked about why our command vehicle had a five person crew, rather than one? This is part of it. The psionic aboard, wearing the crown, holds an enormous amount of influence over the battle space"

Nekosmash 11/24/2018 10:06 AM

"How long does it take to become effective with using this crown?" (as in what determines the power level of the user)

(it's training, so its learning a new discipline essentially, meta wise, putting one of your level up psi points into it, unlocking the core power)

10:09 AM

(I'm a little rusty on how psi leveling actually goes. I think previous to your awakening only Melora and sil are full psi and they've done a phenom job managing the rules without me ) (edited)

(well for psi leveling, everytime I level I have to put one point into a psi discpline, or at least bank it. I can put the points into whichever psi disicpline I can learn) "Must I wear the crown to use the power?"

"The crown seems to have imbued its power on the psionic wearer of it, but there have been stories in the past of the owner being able to use the power on their own, later in life"

"I see. That is a lot of power for one to wield."

"I trust you with it. I know you won't let us down"

“I’m glad I have your trust. I know when the title of Seneschal, I’m the ‘de-facto’ leader of the House. What exactly are my responsibilities now, as well as yours, in terms of leading the House now?”

"In battle, I will be with you aboard the command vehicle, ensuring its smooth running, and ensuring your orders are carried out. I will assist with tactical analysis, and aid in your transition to house leadership until we have some combat experience under your belt"

11:09 AM

"I will also help manage house affairs, suggesting promotions, personnel changes, ect. Finally, the nuts and bolts in terms of logistics will be in my court. "|

“So my responsibilities are more to lead, with you assisting with the management and guidance?”

"Exactly"

"So now what? We have a lot for tomorrow, but for now I believe the night is ours."

“It is indeed. We haven’t had a night to ourselves in so long”

Kaleb finds any alcohol there is in this town (if any) and throws a party of celebration

Luminar has a few bottles of whiskey taken from earth, a present for the trip, and gladly shared

“To House Draconis, may we ever stand tall”

There is a rousing cheer as the assembled 30 members of the house drink deeply

Kaleb drinks alot (and succeed on a self-check physical save (14 vs 9)

Kaleb manages to keep his head, enjoying the fine vintage. The celebration is enjoyed by all, and stories of heroism against the corporations, and desert beasts continue long into the night,

(Fast forward to next day?)

(Yes). The dawn silence is broken when a train blows its whistle, heading into town

Kaleb will gather the men. “We have a man that goes by ‘The Baron’ coming in today. He’s bringing a survey team to this area to help find a good source of water for this town. For those of you who don’t know, the surrounding area is pretty dangerous. I would like to assist the survey team with security.”

The train comes to a halt on the platform, and the baron, a surveying team, and some engineers head out of the passenger/sleeper cars. The train has several flatbed cars attached to it, ready to transport the mechs to the central colony for work

(Just to clarify, are the mechs currently at Rebirth, and will be sent to Greenbair for fixing?) Kaleb walks up to greet The Baron. “Hello there, hope your trip wasn’t too rough.”

(yeah, they will be shipped up there. There isnt enough space in the factory district for one of the bulk landers to get down there, and the rail terminal is in the middle of the factory area)

2:33 PM

"Not rough at all, it was nice to have some time away from the business to catch up on my reading. I haven't had nearly the time I'd like, only halfway through the stack I brought with me for the original trip to this world"

“It seems like it’s rare to get the luxury of relaxing these days. Let me introduce to you Scion and the other members of House Draconis.”

The Baron makes his way down the line of people, shaking hands, smiling, laughing, you can see the inner political wheels of his mind moving as he greets everyone

Kaleb continues to observe The Baron at work to get a feel for him

You don't sense any ill will, but the baron is a political animal, and you sense he is sizing up the new arrivals, for business purposes and to see how connecting with them might be an advantage

"So Baron, you think this will make a good spot to start up some business?"

"I do, with your friends coming to town, Rebirth can be just as vibrant and healthy as central, and we are going to be the ones to do it"

"Well I'm sure being the base of the mechs will generate some buzz as well. My men are ready to assist with the survey team in finding water, whenever you are ready."

"I'm ready" he waves the survey crew over

6:59 PM

"There's a creekbed, about a kilometer from the town. We're going to test the water there, and then follow it back to its source"

"Let's move out then."

7:11 PM

Kaleb rounds up the knights (I know they have telekentic melee weapons, but what else are they armed with?)

(Everyone has a laser pistol. A few have eschewed using a melee weapon entirely and have laser rifles)

(Kaleb would of also asked the locals of the kind of dangers the wildlife presented before this moment)

The locals warn you that cloakers have made the woods their home for a long time. A few different expeditions have gone into the forest to clear them out, and have met with mixed success, though last expedition, a nest was found and destroyed. Most of the danger is from glitterwasps, dog sized insects with a powerful paralyzing venom

7:38 AM

A raijalos was also killed in the area a couple months ago, but a powerful apex predator like that is typically the only one in the area for hundreds of kilometers

(Kaleb doesn’t like insects) “you ready Baron? I imagine you’ve done this a few times”

"Once or twice" he smirks. The baron is unpacking a splendidly constructed hunting rifle from a carry case , expertly snapping it together and affixing a medium magnification scope

8:32 AM

Snarling lions, griffons grappling claws with one another, and elephants rearing back on their hind legs are emblazoned in gold leaf on the rich wooden furniture of the weapon

“Quite the rifle you got there. I’m hoping it’s more than just pretty looking.” Kaleb smiles

"She's a nail driver, haven't been able to get out as often as I wanted, glad we are doing this"

“It should be fun. Better than adventuring on Rawhani. That’s just dessert. At least the weather is nice here.”

"Yes, I think a nice walk through the forest will feel nice for all of us." Around you, the Draconis personnel begin grabbing their gear, and falling into a loose knot around the survey team

9:11 AM

The baron speaks up, above the noise "We have about a kilometer walk to the creek bed i want to try to test, if the water looks clean or treatable, we will follow to the source. I'm not sure how long the total hike will be. Stay close, keep your eyes open, and we can all be back for drinks tonight, on me"

Kaleb will lead the men to follow Baron’s directions

The armed host, a porcupine like formation of glittering spearpoints, moves off into the forest,

9:52 AM

The soft soil is pleasant underfoot, and you walk on a carpet of fallen pineish needles. The forest smells clean, and it has rained within the last few days. Small crystal like droppings pepper the ground under trees here and there

Kaleb finds Scion, “Not like hunting beasts on Rawhani?”

"nothing like it at all. This is a nice change. It feels more natural"

“With the way I see things, we will be taking on missions on all sorts of planets. It should keep things interesting.” (We can probably fast forward to the testing of the water or beast attack lol)

Tramping through the forest for an hour brings you to the creekhead. The water is clear and very cool, the bottom of the bed covered in smooth shale. The surveyors begin setting up their equipment, and the baron moves into the center of the knee deep water with a testing probe.

Kaleb overlooks The Baron testing the water, waiting for the results

"Its clean, mostly" he says, looking over the testing strip. "We have to follow it to the wellhead, see how far away it is, and then we dig. What do you think?

“Sounds good to me. What do you mean ‘mostly clean’?”

"Well, there are some contaminants but that's; natural to an open body of water like this, things fall in it, decay, some parasites make water their home, the wellhead itself will be much cleaner. Something like this though wouldn't need much to purify"

“Okay just wanted to check and make sure no one would get sick. Yeah let’s move forward.” Kaleb will take out his navcomp, which others are probably already using their own

The Baron begins following the creek, ornate rifle in hand. He seems very comfortable in the forest and has inserted himself into the head of the pack

2:20 PM

after a half kilometer of marching, he holds up a hand to stop the column

Kaleb doesn’t say anything, but attempts to observe what the Baron found

He is crouching down, examining a pile of crystal shards in the forest floor

“What did you find?”

"I think...I think theres a glitterwasp nest ahead"

“Should we draw them out, attempt to ambush, or just sneak around?”

“We don’t need to wipe them out for being in the way. Let’s try to go around, quietly if we can. (Sneak/dex)

<7> (rolled twice by accident. Just so you know, that’s a -2 skill check for me)

The column moves away from the best, low and quietly, away from the nest site, and into the deep woods "We lost about an hour or so there. We may need to think about camping for the night if nobody is opposed to roughing it"

“Well I know my men survived in the dessert for quite some time in rather unpleasant conditions. I’m sure camping outdoors here would be fine. They are also tough enough to pull through. Is there any sense of urgency with getting this done without camping?”

"We can push through the night if we have to, just trying to take everyones fatigue level into account. Don't want someone dulled missing a potential ambush or the like. Seen it happen on many hunts"

“Understood. Scion, how are the men feeling?”

"Everyones a bit tired but we can push on if you think it wise"

“If there is no rush, then let’s make camp.”

"Very good" The surveyors begin unpacking pressure tents. Though the air purification is not needed, they'll hold in the comfortable temperature through the night. A few cook fires are made, and watches are determined from among the Draconis crewmembers

Kaleb sits by the fire, talking to the other members and engaging in story telling

There are many stories told of the early days of the house. At one point, long before anyone here was walking the world, Rawhani was a lush forest world, revered for its forest of tall ash trees and verdant grass. In those days there were still worms and other beasts to fight. Tales are told of some of these creatures. One individual, the pilot of one of the light mechs, swears his fore bearers killed a dragon on that world.

“A dragon you say? Did it fly? Breathe fire?”

"It did, both of those things aye" the man replies. He's had a bit much to drink but seems adamant

Kaleb tried to encourage the soldier to do a demonstration and fly/breathe fire like a dragon

He does, spitting alcohol on the fire and causing it to roar The only thing louder is the laughter of everyone else

Kaleb gets in the act. He finds a branch near him. “Fear not men. I shall slay the beast!” Kaleb jokingly goes for a few light hearted stabs at the ‘dragon’

He spins dramatically, once, twice, three times, before falling over his own feet, face down in front of the baron, who begins playing a mocking funeral dirge on a battered harmonica

“And so the mighty dragon is slain. May he kill no more with his bad breathe.”

you get a whiff of very strong whiskey, and the 'dragon' is already almost asleep now that he is on the ground

“In the event that we ever encounter a dragon, im glad I’m with you gentlemen.”

They smile, there is another toast, and before long almost everyone who is not on watch, is asleep

12:56 PM

during the night, one of the glitterwasps gets a bit too close while investigating the flames, but is quickly dispatched by the guards.

Kaleb probably wakes up early. He’s never been a heavy sleeper. He gets out of his pressurized tent and examines the morning

Dew is on every surface, millions of tiny diamond droplets. Two sentries with their telekinetic spears patrol the sleeping area, and there are three more who have just come off last watch busy making breakfast and coffee for everyone. The Baron is among them, making spirited conversation

Kaleb goes to them and grabs some coffee. “Morning gentlemen, hope all of you slept well.”

"Morning seneschal, pleased to see you. Was your rest well?"

More begin waking up, and before long the camp is quite lively. The surveyors begin breaking down the pressure tents for the day as everyone rouses

“Yes I rested well. Thanks for asking.” Kaleb drinks his coffee while observing everyone’s attitude and energy as they wake up

Everyone is eager to get moving for the day, especially with the water source being so close.

“Alright men. I see all of you are eager to get moving. Let’s work hard and get moving, and we’ll be back at Rebirth before sunset.” Kaleb will lead the men to start heading out while the morning is young

An hour of tramping through the woods, following the creek bed has the creek vanishing into a hilly woodscape

9:12 AM

The hills are rocky, and water coats almost every surface , though only comes through in a trickle from the jagged spines

“How close are we to the source of the water?”

"It's through these rocks, but I can't determine the best way to bring them down"

Kaleb find the Draconis psychic (who he would of gotten his name at this point). “Is this something you could assist with?”

(Wescott)

10:02 AM

"I can try, though the unexpected sometimes happen when I use my gifts. I'd like for you all to stand back"

“You heard the man” Kaleb leads everyone to step back.”

There is a strong smell of lavender on the wind, and it seems to rise as he uses his telekinetic powers on the stones, pulling them gently into the creek bed. The flow of water intensifies, flowing around them and growing until the stream is waist deep

11:09 AM

without warning, a gout of flame sprays from his outstretched palms, vaporizing the surface of the water, and steaming it

“Where the flames necessary?”

'I....I didn't mean for that to happen...I can't control it" Wescott says, ashamedly

“That’s okay buddy. When we get back to camp, I’ll start teaching you. How does that sound?”

"I'd like that" The Baron wastes no time, moving forward to test the water once again. Holding a test strip to the light, he gives a thumbs up "It's clean. Crystal clear in fact"

“Great, then let’s start digging.”

The surveyors break out their gear, and begin plotting out where a dig should be constructed into the hill, without compromising the integrity of the ground or causing a sinkhole. The Baron looks on, smiling, and is already laying down some stakes for a distillery to go nearby.

“So explain to me, someone who doesn’t understand this whole process, how you get the water from here to Rebirth”

Well, we are going to install a filtration plant first, to clean the water. It is going to siphon the clean water into holding tanks- we are going to try to do this in a way where we don't stop the flow of the creek or seriously reduce the water level. We want to leave the environment as intact as we can. From there, we are going to install an overland pipeline that will bring it to a distribution plant back in rebirth, with underground watermanes to get it to where it needs to go"

“How long should the process take if everything goes smoothly?”

“About two weeks to get the pumps running. A month total for all the support facilities. I’d suggest getting a police or army presence here to watch for sabotage as well”

5:41 PM

“It will help take some of the strain off our new friends while they dig their roots in”

“I will talk to Admin about what they can do. Has there been issues with sabotage before?”

“Well the tri green hack. I’m not sure how much you’ve gleaned from colony servers. We have also caught Remnant pathfinders in the woods east of the colony before. Silvano and Saul took care of them before anything serious happened. They did foster some bad ideas with some colonists though

5:43 PM

“Desmond has been busy the last few months”

5:44 PM

“We don’t know yet if the Remnant has any connection to Magister Egons of Egons being killed on the way to the taros unity meeting has anything to do with them yet either (edited)

“I’m not too sure what’s going on Taros, but I’ll take your word. Getting this water up and running for Rebirth is highly important.”

“Agreed. Well I’ve got the site marked. We will bring in some heavy equipment and get started within the next day or so but your contingent certainly doesn’t need to stay.

“If that’s the case, then certainly. But I’ll have some of my men guard the area until we get actual security going. You excited for that new bar opening up?”

“I’m always excited for new business, and more importantly the home it’ll make for a lot of the people here. I’ve seen the same story in my other bars time and again. We have all lost so much. Everyone’s trying to build a new community”

“I’m excited too. This is the start of a new beginning for Rebirth. I’ll see you around. And keep me posted.” Kaleb will talk with Scion of keeping a steady patrol of men in this area until we get some steady security. Then he’ll lead the men home to Rebirth

(6xp, 10000 credits)

The Draconis houseguard not assisting with guarding the Baron for right now return to rebirth with you, in high spirits but tired from two days in the woods.

(that's going be a level up to 7) Level Up Results:

7:11 AM

new HP: 29 3 skill points into Lead to make Lead-2

7:11 AM

1 Skill Point into Teleportation (Kaleb will like to spend a week of training to learn the basics of teleportation)

7:12 AM

New Foci: Authority 2 (will be nice when leading mechs in combat, as well as leading in general)

There are several psionic tutors in town, the most notable with sil being off world is Barry Fox

Kaleb also has his notes from his old master. Would that work for training?

(Yes it would)

(Alright. Kaleb would spend some time learning how to teleport, as well as training Wescott in his powers. We can roleplay that. I also made a new goal to help train Wescott to control his powers)

Wescott, when he used, and then lost control of, his powers at the creek brought some interesting observations. The use of psionic power torches the mind, controlled or not. Psionic training works to keep the pathway that energy takes consistent, so new areas of the mind are not harmed by the use of MES. Wescott, when using telekinesis, it felt like that power, normally flowing like a river, without warning turned into a flash flood, spilling its banks

So he has sudden spikes of energy when using MES?

(Right, almost like wild magic, like his mind isnt staying in the pathway when hes using his power)

(Well That is where Psychic Tutelage will help, hopefully). Kaleb finds Wescott and talks to him. “Tell me about your experience with MES, what can you do and how where you trained?”

"I learned as much as I could from my own tutor in the order, but that was a long time ago. I never went to an official academy. We had already been forced into our underground war by then"

7:47 AM

"things begin flowing just fine, but once the power is tapped for a few seconds, it surges, like I'm getting a jumpstart. It's like a hose with a kink in it"

“And your tutor wasn’t able to help control that flow?”

"We didn't get enough time together" he says sadly. "his mech was among the first lost when we tried to wrest our world back from the corporations. We have a healthy respect for field artillery because of that battle"

(Don’t Mechs have anti artillery built in?) “Well let’s start your new training then.” Kaleb deploys the safety buffer of Psychic Tutelage. “Feel any different now?”

(dumb fire projectiles dont have a guidance system to scramble)

9:30 AM

"it feels....there's less buzzing..." he smiles

(That is true. I didn’t realize they were dumb ones) “Well, this technique I’m using is called Psychic Tutelage. It allows me to train any psychic how to use their powers. The good news is that you already learned how to not torch yourself. However, you never got the full training you needed to have the necessary discipline to control it. That’s what I’m going to help you out with now. With this safety buffer, you have the ability to channel your MES without causing actual effects to take place. What I want you to do now is think about using your powers, and that feeling of energy flowing like a river.”

(guided rockets/shells get scrambled and directed away, but things like RPG's, field artillery, iron gravity bombs, ect, basically anything without a computer in it, that doesnt get scrambled because there's nothing to mess with)

He calms, and the power begins flowing, directed at some rocks nearby where youve chosen to train. They begin to gently lift off the ground

(Powers still work under Psychic Tutelage?)

(They're not supposed to be)

Kaleb carefully observes the power that Wescott is admitting (edited)

The telekinesis fades out after a few seconds, that 'flood' of energy receding to normal

“Are you able to sense the flood of energy when it comes under this state?”

"I get a second more warning than I usually do, but yes, I can sense it still"

“That second warning is what we will work with then. When you feel that wave of energy, you need to figure out how to redirect the flow. Let’s start practicing with that.”

He takes a deep breath, and focuses again, getting back into the place where he can concentrate,

1:45 PM

There is once again a slight skip of MES, and the surge begins to build

1:45 PM

"What do i do??" he shouts, alarmed

“Push the energy, let it go. Contest with me in strength!” Kaleb will use psychic static to contest with him.

1:51 PM

(Kaleb will use up to all of his available effort to contest against Wescott’s MES. The goal is for him to expend all effort)

Wescott battles you, each of you exerting effort into the process, the both of you collapse, you left with just an ounce of effort remaining

1:53 PM

he is sheeted in sweat and breathing heavily, too weak to rise

“Well, how do you feel now?”

"Very tired, but....somehow more calm. At peace"

“The point of expending all of your effort was to get you to a point of emptiness. The truth is, you are a powerful psychic. In terms of raw MES, it was overwhelming, even seeping through the Psychic Tutelage. Think of your MES as a large, flooded cave, full of wonder and treasures. Because of how strong your current is, it would almost be impossible to explore the mysteries in it. So i had you expand all of your effort. Now, we can both explore your network of MES safely, maybe even discover the source of this current of yours. I’m assuming, due to the danger of your powers, that you never had such an opportunity before.”

"Never. I've never been this tired. But lets press through. What happens now?"

“Continue to meditate on your powers. You should be out of effort, but you can still practice the ability of committing effort into your MES abilities. Don’t strain yourself. Continue to relax as you do this.”

He centers himself, over the course of a few moments his breathing becomes very shallow

“Make sure to keep breathing. Find a state of relaxation.”

He enters a state of peace, and his heartbeat slows down to only a handful per minute

Kaleb observes what is going on with his MES flow

The flow seems to be stable, measured, and free from the erratic spiking and ebbing you'd noticed earlier

Kaleb continues to observe Wescott, making sure he stays breathing. If not in danger, he’ll remain silent until Wescott is ready to come back to the present

It's roughly an hour before he returns to himself. "I think I was almost asleep. Is it normal to feel this...diminshed?"

“Yes (I believe so). I tired you out of all your effort to get to a point of stillness. You were able to maintain a steady flow of MES with no spikes for a whole hour. That, is the starting point of your new foundation.”

"I've never been able to leave my mind open for that long. Not without an accident"

“Remember this feeling. I believe you are on to the path of controlling your power. That is enough for now. We will continue tomorrow.” Kaleb stands up, then offers his arm to help Wescott get up.

He takes it, and you feel almost his full weight pulling on it as he struggles to rise. "I think once I've had a rest, I'll be ready to try again"

(6xp, 10,000 credits, my bad)

(No worries man. Does this count as me being a psychic teacher now?)

(Yes it does)

(Has House Draconis established a base of operations yet?)

(We were fast forwarding the week right?)

(Yes, for psychic training as well)

12:17 PM

(Getting the base up and running, and training would of been my main goals)

12:17 PM

(As we were waiting for the mechs to get fixed up)

During the week of mediation and learning, the water treatment plant is begun. Enough of the parts have been moved in for operations to start, though it will be roughly a month of work before it is a modern facility, with all the comforts of home for its technicians. The Baron has a place for his bar marked out, and is waiting for enough water to be held in storage to justify such a large drain- he does not wish to take away from the people here needing it. finally, The building frames of the House Draconis holdings have been constructed, workers are on property around the clock, working to finish the outsides, insides, and to ensure the necessary trappings are in place for comfortable occupancy

Has any recruitment been done yet by the House?

They've been able to convince 30 people (doubling the size of the house) to join with them, serving as men at arms. They are all very green, and most have never even held a weapon before. All but 2 come from Rawhani

What’s the status of the psi forge?

it's own housing area is being assembled on-compound. Scion thinks it is probably best to wait for the workmen to clear out, and to finish the actual forge, and furnish it, once they leave

How has Wescott progressed with his training?

Wescotts first 6 days this week go smoothly. On day 7, he comes to you for aid. Hands shaking and his face pale

“Wescott, what’s wrong?”

“I had a spike. It came on me so suddenly. No one hurt. But. Kaleb I got lucky. I didn’t even feel it coming on. It just...happened”

“What matters is that you’ve been getting better at it. These things take time. I’m going to ask that you stick with me whenever you wish to use your powers, until we figure out what is causing your spikes.”

7:31 PM

(What are Wescott’s disciplines)

(TK 2, Machine Symbiosis 0)\

(Thanks) “What you need to remember is that you are still learning. Events like this will happen, which is why I want you to not use your powers unless you’re around me. Are you ready to start training today?”

"I am. Same thing as last time? Just...push against your will?"

“Yes. I know this training is tough, but controlling great power takes a lot of strength. “

"Alright" his shoulders tense, and then relax several times. "

8:22 PM

Lets begin"

Kaleb activates the Psychic Tutelage field again. “Start exerting your effort. I shall counter it with my static.”

(Has there been any signs of a wild MES surge coming yet?)

He pushes back against you and again reaches the point where his effort is nearly expended. There’s a split second halt to the flow, before it surges once again

Kaleb fights to supress the surge

The contest is an exacting test of wills and by the end Kaleb once again narrowly gets the upper hand. Having done this once before with you, Wescott begins breathing and focusing without needing to be told. The pathways calm and the raging torrent of MES becomes a gentle stream

"You should feel better now?"

“I do. I’m somehow more tired this time” he gasps. “Thank you”

"Anytime, let's continue your training tomorrow."

he bows, shallowly, and heads back to his room in the structure (I think at some point, when you've got the time to devote to it, fleshing out the aesthetics of this place might be cool) There is a knock at your door after a few minutes, Scion Draconis is standing there in a canvas work coverall

'Hello Scion. How may I assist you?"

“I thought maybe now that it’s quiet and our holding is underway we should talk about our next steps”

"Sounds good to me. What has been on your mind as far as our upcoming goals?"

“I think we need a victory. Our legacy the last odd years have been fighting a steadily losing war against the corporations. I think rearming our mechs and getting into the fight are the best things we can do

"I can understand that. Have we received any requests from our mech force?"

(Did you mean as far as weapons or a battle

(battle)

“Trawling through the intelligence reports, what would you think of handling those pirates on Terezinho. Not on the open ocean but a swift, decisive strike on their base. We have friendly forces on world already”

“That sounds manageable. How much intel do we have on their base?”

“Melora and Malak were there recently. They said the pirates are relatively low tech, their base is a former castle built into some cliffs on a mountainous island”

2:29 PM

“A frontal assault would be suicidal for anything but our mechs”

“How much heavy artillery do they have?”

“A few naval guns. They’re big. If we can move in under them they won’t be able to get their barrels down enough to target us

"Alright, let's get the mechs ready. I've been meaning to tell Pops what I want on them, but I could use your expertise of what would be useful other than guns."

“Fire control on the command mech. Other than that the smaller ones are both fire support and scouts, so some type of scanning enchantment in addition to their armament”

"Alright. When will the mechs be ready?" (lets just say we had our conversation of the mechs in game)

“Pops can get them directly into a lifter from his factory. We can leave tomorrow. We will have to take the pillar, for right now

"Works for me. We'll head out tomorrow then. How will we get on and off planet? Through a lifter?"

"Trivedi cloud has cargo lifters, heaver versions of the normal lighters most ships that can't directly land use. They'll be able to get us deployed pretty quickly"

4:26 PM

"I think tonight, in our new home, on the eve before our first walk as a reborn house, it's time we corronate you. If you're ready. "

"I am. Let's do it. I am ready to lead the House to victory."

"I'll be back in an hour then. I just need to get everyone together downstairs" The halls of the Draconis Knighthold are wooden right now, and cold at night. Builders are making progress every day and actual electric heat is expected to be connected within days. For now, most nights everyone gathers in a large hearth room, in front of a grand fireplace, made from locally mined marble, inlaid with silver reliefs of the Draconis symbol A wooden chair has been moved, back to the fire. A strip of red cloth has been laid down as a carpet, leading from the stairs to the bunk level, to the chair. Scion Draconis stands to the right of it, and Wescott, holding a crimson pillow, crown on top, stands to the left.

4:39 PM

The Draconis mech pilots and command staff stand to either side, sabres held out, high, making an arch of sorts

Kaleb make his way towards Scion and Wescott, awaiting direction from Scion for the ceremony.

He beckons you to approach, and as you pass under the arch, the sabres are lowered behind you, points into the ground, on guard. Close to the chair, he motions for you to sit.

Kaleb follows direction as he sits in the chair, giving off the appearance of confidence and meaning that he belongs here to those watching

As one, the command staff rotate forward, forming a few rows of people, facing the chair. Seated, Wescott stands in front of you, crown raised above you with both of his hands, "Tonight, we venerate a man who not only saved us from the brink of extinction, but who has also given everything of his being to this house, to this order. We will soon be heading to battle, once again, and I can think of no one more suited to lead our glorious formation against our enemies. Tonight, we officially recognize Kaleb- Reborn as Kaleb Draconis, Seneshal of House Draconis, and keeper of our most treasured lore. Kaleb, do you accept this crown, this name, and this title?"

"I accept the crown, your name, and this title"

The crown is gently powered on your head, and there is a feeling of new MES energy flowing into you. The image is of a creek, water slowly rising in intensity, not the tidal wave that besets Wescott. There is a harsh sting, a feeling of burning, and then, finally, peace. As this pain receeds, you can feel the presence of other machines in the room around you. Compads, the main television screen, off now, to preserve the dignity of the ceremony, even the navcomputer in your own room upstairs. With a thought, you close and open these senses at will (So you've got MS 0 as the crown imprints these new pathways into your mind)

5:42 PM

(You don't need to spend the week training it)

(nice) Kaleb observes the room, through his own senses as well as his newfound ones

To normal senses, the room is as it has always been, warm, calm, the hardwood floor is smooth underfoot, and the chair is comfortable. the silence in the room is dignified. Through the machine symbiosis, you can feel energy coursing through each appliance, and you can almost feel a connection with them, as though making a connection with another mind

9:26 PM

(The machines arent sentient, but you're sensing you can influence what they do)

Kaleb thinks he will need to see how this sense will affect the mech piloting.

9:27 PM

"I, Kaleb Draconis, shall lead this House to victory in all aspects! The time will come when we will take back Rawhani from The Corporations and The Remnant, and we will have our homeworld once again!"

There is thunderous applause, and Wescott raises both hands in benediction. Each assembled Draconis house member goes down to one knee, a gesture of fealty and respect for their new Seneschal. "House Draconis, tomorrow, we walk once again"

9:45 PM

There is more cheering, as the men and women rise. Casks of ale, courtesy of the baron are brought in, and the traditional- as you come to find out- pre-battle victory feast begins

Kaleb partakes in the celebration (doesn't aim to get too drunk, as he has to fly tomorrow)

The celebration ends just before midnight, everyone vowing to excel in battle over the next couple of days. Morning comes, finding almost no hangovers. Battle-dress that has not been worn in a long time is fitted, and a lifter to the Trivedi platform lands outside the compound, massive front ramp lowering to let you inside

Kaleb (also dressed in uniform) leads the team on, acting in high confidence. (Do we or the mechs draw any attention from onlookers?)

(They were taken from Pop's workshop right into space, but they

8:37 AM

are standing in a hangar on trivedi cloud so you can see them before you go, which we will be getting to)

8:40 AM

Its a quiet goodbye in the sleepy town of rebirth, as you head up into the lander, and up to the orbital platform. The colony's newest vessel, a Slyth pattern fast battleship, recovered from the ocean floor and repaired, sails past with its escort of three corvettes. The Pillar of Salt has drawn up close to the platform, a small swarm of cargo lifters and lighters traveling between its cavernous holds and the equally large expedition deck on the space platform, which is where you are likewise headed

“Men, are you ready to show the universe what we are capable of?”

THere is much cheering and clapping, and then awe'd silence as the lander pulls into the enviro-sealed hangar (it's open to space, but an energy barrier keeps heat and air from venting out, ships can pass through- using openings basically strategically parted to allow just enough space for the ship to get past) Standing proudly in the hangar, the house mechs assigned to Pops for care, have been painstakingly cleaned, re-armed, and refitted. Pops and Scion have clearly been in talks, as a dragon headed banner worn on the back (the flag points toward the back, like a samurai styled standard) is inscribed with the names of several battles the house fought and emerged victorious in

8:52 AM

The ramp opens, releasing you into the slight chill of the excursion bay

“Shall we jump inside to see the mechs before use?”

"I want to ride the whole way in it..."Scion says under his breath, walking forward as though entranced. "THey're beautiful"

“It must of been a while since you’ve seen them in pristine condition. Pops did good work.”

"It has. lets get aboard" The mechs are able to be entered via an extending crew ladder, and even this has been re-oiled and repainted to new

“I’m surprised how nice this is in such a short time. I hope our upcoming battle still allows our mechs to shine. Speaking of which, I think it would be good to get some video of us in combat”

“I agree. Gun camera footage, first hand accounts, anything we can study later”

“We also got the sky drones as well. Get some aerial footage.” Kaleb smiles

"Very good!"

11:02 AM

Scion begins climbing the ladder into the command level of the mech, and he lets out a surprised gasp

11:02 AM

"Wescott, I didn't think you saved it!"

Kaleb looks at what Scion is excited about

On the command dais, on a small lectern, a chained book sits, gold leaf edged pages pressed neatly. He begins flipping through it, and you see it is inscribed with hundreds of names

“Are those the names of everyone who has piloted this mech before?”

"Something like that" he beckons you over to stand in front of the book. "These are the names, what we could find at least , of everyone this knight has ever defeated. We are all warriors, even if we fight for different sides. That makes us all kin, on some level"

“It looks like this knight had many victories. Who was this knight?”

"Everyone who has taken this crown. This is a sum total of their combined work, your forebearers so to speak. Each mech has a tome like this, kept by their pilots."

Kaleb takes the tome, and looks over the summary of it and how much detail there is

The first section of the page talks about the terrain of the battle, in this case different regions of Rawhani, referencing local landmarks when possible. Occasionally there are illustrations of the battlefield, and where forces began the day. after that, there is a brief description of the battle, followed by the roll of names

“I look forward to adding our victories in this book for future generations.”

Outside, the Pillar of Salt's transfer hangar is aligned with the deck on the Trivedi Cloud platform, and a seal is made between them. "Well, Seneschal, shall we?"

“Yes, let’s go.” (Are we already at the planet)?)

(Still at Gudrun, the mechs were aboard the space station, looking them over before they get loaded, but unless you wanted to talk to Dewinter or anything aboard your ship, we can move on to that)

(I’ll talk to Dewinter for a few moments) Kaleb makes his way to the bridge

Dewinter is aboard, looking over a 3D outline of the ship. A simulation is playing on the display, showing the drop-vehicle for the mechs separating, and how it is supposed to look

“Hello Dewinter. Fancy seeing you here” Kaleb jests. “Mind if I join you?”

"Not at all, cmon over. Haven't seen you in a couple weeks. How has everything been for you?"

“Can’t complain. Been busy with House Draconis. Setting up a base takes up some time. How have you been?”

"Busy as well, designing this" The projected plans repeat, with the drop barge cleanly pulling away from the colony ship. "Your mechs should fit in there nicely, grav cushioned, and armored. You can ride all the way down to your drop zone even if it's contested by anti-air. Took a couple weeks to get the separation mechanism working, but its done, and its been working perfectly"

1:42 PM

(He had to design a much bigger cargo lifter basically)

“That’s good. It would be a shame if we didn’t even get to ride the mechs after all of this effort. What can you tell me about the assault we are about to perform?”

“The pirates have a small castle, built into a mountainside. There is a cove under it where they launch their hydrofoils out to open sea. There’s a beach running alongside this natural cove inlet that leads to a causeway, right into the teeth of their naval defenses. Those are enough to give a surface fleet pause but you’ll be coming in under their range. They may have some closer in point defenses, we see a couple places in the cliff faces that look unnatural but it’s hard to tell from the picture quality

(Before we continue. I have a goal I belief I completed: Establish a Base of Operations for House Draconis on Greenbair. Can you confirm if that has been completed?)

(It's been completed)

9:00 PM

(work will continue to make it prettier/more advanced, but they can live in it, and it provides a modestly comfortable lifestyle, so goal is done)

(Okay that's a level up to 8. New HP 31. 2 points into Teleportation, making it level 1. Also picked up Proficient Apportation. I also point 1 skill point into Program to make it level 0, and 1 point into Exert to make it level 0)

9:06 PM

"I see. I know the mechs are going in to fight the pirates, but is there a specific goal of when we will know the job has been completed?"

"The pirates have been attacking civilian ships, taking hostages, and just generally being a menace to peaceful life there, I don't think anything short of leveling their stronghold is going to be enough to stop them"

"How strong are these pirates? What are their numbers and tech looking like?"

"150 to 200, pretty outdated equipment, some of it scavenged even from what it looks like. They've for some advanced hydrofoils but they'll be either berthed, or out to sea, so they shouldnt trouble you either way"

“Very well. I believe that is all I need as far as information. I’m ready to see these mechs in action.”

'I'll send out a shipwide address six hours before, so you have time to prepare"

“Do we have enough room on this ship to test out the mech, such as movement?”

"THere should be enough room for a short walk in the hold if you'd like to try everything out"

“Much appreciated. It would just be testing the movement. I’m sure a little warm up for my men would help in the upcoming scenario. Thank you.” Unless Dewinter has anything else to say, Kaleb will meet with Scion and get a little test movement out of the mechs

The command crew is already aboard the command mech when you arrive back in the hangar, and seeing you arrive, the single pilots of the smaller mechs also board. Everyone is in crisp combat field uniforms, ready for orders.

“Alright men. It’s been a while since we piloted these mechs, as well as my first time in command. This exercise is simple: Walk around a few times to test out our refitted mechs before our upcoming mission. Understood?”

Affirmatives come back from both the crew inside your vehicle, and the pilots of the smaller walkers. Draconis personnel not directing working with the mechs begin painting some guide lines on the floor to follow, so nobody gets too close to the walls

“Alright men. Nice and slow. Start walking in 3...2...1...walk”

(Are you using your MS powers at all?)

(Yes)

Kaleb focuses, and feels everything around him. The wires, the cables, the mighty arresting gears helping the mech keep its balance. After a moment, Kaleb's vision swims. His arms become the mighty weapons of the machine, his legs, strong, thick, made of metal. The sensors become his eyes. In every respect, it feels like an extension of your body

11:21 AM

The command crew is there to help things run smoothly, or provide support in the event of damage, but in this moment, the mech and kaleb are one

“Kaleb walks around as the mech, slowly (and carefully) moving his limbs seeing how fluid the motion is.”

It feels no more difficult than the normal manipulation of your limbs.

“Hey Scion, is moving a mech with this crown normally this seem less? It feels like I am the mech”

"Powerful MES users will feel a seamless transition like the one you're feeling now. Very good. Your command of the mech is that much more complete"

“So how does this work with the 5 crew members in terms of the mech operating?”

"well , you're effectively the brain. The steersman moves where you think to walk, executing the moves as you think them. The gunners monitor weapons, ensure the loading process is smooth, and provide system updates- once the master arm is flipped, they will fire with your linked thoughts. One of us functions as communications and combat support officer, taking in reports from other elements in the battlespace to give you the right tactical picture- and ensuring we can communicate with our subordinate ground troops and walkers. Finally, the engineer, he keeps things running, ensures the powerplant remains safe, and goddess forbid we are damaged in field, he will dismount and perform emergency repairs"

“I see. This is very interesting. How did you pilot this before I came along wearing the crown?”

'We do have manual controls, steersman, weapons officer, ect, but reaction times were reduced, and it takes a great deal of schooling, and experience, to be effective at it. You bring an expediency to the process that even with decades of training each we could not hope to match"

“Well I’m excited to see what we can do. So for all intent and purpose, what I think I want when it comes to piloting the mech will happen?”

"Yes. Walking might feel like you're doing it in high gravity. The mech moves slowly, since its so big, but the process itself of raising your legs, one foot in front of the other, is all the same."

“How does using the weaponry work? I’m personally not that good of a shot”

"Your weapons master will help correct your aim, just get pointed in the general direction"

“Sounds almost too easy, but I’m excited. I think this was a good test run for movement.”

There is a lurch as the ship exits spike space. "Looks like our friends have been pretty busy" Dewinter says over a comm speaker wired to the drop barge

“What makes you say that?”

"I'm showing a few ships cornering a Remnant naval courrier, looks like they're boarding it. Planet feed is pretty interesting too, Looks like Task Force Phoenix has a Remnant base under siege"

“I see. I didn’t realize the Remnant were here. Who are Task Force Phoenix exactly? I’ve heard of them, but don’t know too much about them.”

"Greenbriar citizens looking for an alternative to army life. They work as a proxy force for greenbriar, doing some of the jobs that require specialization the army just doesn't have yet"

“Should we extend a ‘hello’ to them?”

“We should Once we are on the ground. Maybe they can divert some help”

“Very well. I’m sure they’ll like to see some mechs in action.”

"Button up down there everyone. Drop in twenty minutes"

“Do we have any pre battle rituals?”

"Usually the feast the eve before, unless supply circumstances prevent it. Never know though, we are under new management" he winks "plenty of time for things to change"

“Do you know any inspirational songs of Auguana?”

"Lost, long ago, they're songs that were ancient even on Earth. Its another piece of our past we hope to one day recover. We know plenty of fighthing songs though."

7:52 PM

Dewinter's face appears on the mech's main viewscreen. "Everyone ready in there?"

“We’re ready. Just give the command.”

There is a jerk, as the landing box falls free of the Pillar of Salt. "We're guiding it remotely. Five minutes until you're on Terra Firma. Be ready to walk right away. You'll be going into the teeth of it

“Lock and load Knights! To our first victory!”

There is a rattle as the drop-barge passes through the atmosphere, down toward the pirate fortress. (I think I'm going to make a map for this right quick rather than try to describe it)

(forgive the potato quality, should had this done sooner)

8:43 PM

The dropship slams down into the soft earth, throwing up a spray of shell pieces, gravel, and dirt. Pirates on the walls are coming to arms, and you see the mighty naval guns on the gatehouse towers beginning to lower, but you are inside their range

8:43 PM

(your LZ is the dragon icon)

Kaleb commands the mechs to head straight towards the gate and start firing the laser weapons (if in range). “Start with some light showers as we make are way in. Keep an eye out in all directions for heavy weapons that can affect the mechs.”

(Everything is in range. The towers connected to the fort have naval guns, and the ones on either side of the inlet/outlet of the cove have point defense rockets, those are in range, think like the year 2600 version of a nebinhaurer)

8:53 PM

8:54 PM

The smaller mechs charge out in front of you, pilots bellowing war cries as the mighty machines advance. The infantry picket guarding the outside of the gate scatters in fear

8:54 PM

(just roll damage on the gate, fortification is pretty hard to miss)

For which guns?

anything hitting the gate. you can split fire between it, and the infantry squad

I'll have to get some sheets for each mech, i need to look up the damage die. one sec

9:09 PM

Okay, I'm going to hit the gate with The Beam Lance and 2 Light Lasers. All other weapons (2 Plasma Throwers and an Inferno Projector) are hitting infantry

9:10 PM

17 (30 AP), 19 (10 AP), 23 (10 AP)

(There are some blank ones at the end of the rulebook that are pretty clean-looking)

7:31 AM

(I'm going to group the infantry squads into one big profile, like a swarm almost, so it'll get weaker as you damage it/members die, but this way we dont have to account for each individual man)

7:32 AM

The gate buckles and cracks under the heavy weapons barrage, weakened, but not yet breached. The pirate picket is nearly overran to a man, the close in special weapons causing a large number of injuries

Kaleb orders the mechs to get close enough to the gate in range for their plasma throwers. “Keep firing. Change weapon targets. Use plasma throwers on the gate once in range, and lasers for infantry.” Kaleb uses the beam lance on the gate again and the Inferno projector on any soft targets in range again

Your fists feel hot as the weapons discharge at the gate, and the pirate infantry is swept aside by the power of the walkers. Small arms fire, ineffective, peppers your iron skin, but it is nothing more than an irritation

8:24 AM

"Those rocket towers are swinging around" scion says, and you see a subtle arrow, pointing west, appear at the edge of your vision

Kaleb, scratching at the irritation (probably looks funny seeing a mech scratch itself) “Fire all weapons in range at the towers! Any weapons not in range, concentrate on infantry. Rely on our fire control system to pick targets.”

(Those are going to need attack rolls,since theyre over 20m away, but you only need a 10)

Bean Laser was a 16 to hit for 26 damage (30) AP

11:49 AM

Light Laser 1 and 2 were both natural 20s to hit for 9 damage and 20 damage (each are AP 10)

11:50 AM

Plasma Throwers are an 11 and natural 20 to hit. I don’t remember damage for those guns

(Crits everywhere, wow)

11:57 AM

The towers crumble, punctured and hopelessly reduced to rubble by the concentrated fire. Their ammunition stocks inside also detonate, the pressure from falling masonry setting them off. Flames scorch stone, wooden supports, and the numerous cloth trappings inside. Burning pirates jump for the ocean. A handful make it, but most fall short and splatter against the beach

11:58 AM

A trio of pirates has managed to get a rocket tube on one of the docked hydrofoils turned around, firing off a shot at the a light mech

11:59 AM

(Was 30 dmg, max, armor is reducing it so damage is 30 minus its AC)

“Come in pilot! Damage report!” Kaleb also fires at the trio that shot the rocket.

12:17 PM

16 + 4 to hit for 25 damage

12:18 PM

(Seriously, talk about a good damage roll with 3 10s)

(Right. that never happens for me)

12:49 PM

Kaleb's right hand, burns for a brief second as the energy beam is unleashed- cutting the boat in half and annihilating the dock space behind it. "I....I'm alright" the pilot voices back weakly "My fault. that was my flank to watch"

“Keep your eyes open. I know we are rusty, but this is live combat. Scion, battle report.”

Outer defenses look down. Another salvo and we should be through the gate. Looks like there some kind of manor house on the other side. Lots of movement on the scanners. Looks like theres a vehicle in there too:

“Let’s rest the sky drones before proceeding, see if we can get any better visuals of what we are getting into. Send the drones high, to avoid getting shot down by dumb firing.”

The drones show roughly 40 pirates scurrying about the manor house. An archaic looking field gun has been drawn up to the right side of it. A handful of high-bore weapons are sticking out of various windows but the structure itself appears to be little more than stone. The outer defenses were the true deterrents and the mech force has reduced them to little more than scrap very quickly

“Alright, we are going to force are way in. First target is the field gun towards the right side. Then, aim for the structure itself. Demolish with the weapons. Lastly, aim for the stragglers.”

2:49 PM

“Oh, and make sure to record this with the sky drones.”

The drones detach smoothly, heading skyward. Some clumsy small arms fire chases them on ascent but the shots are poorly led and miss by a wide margin

"Men, forward!"

The gate section crumbles, and the light mechs begin scaling the wreckage. (next turn they'll crest it and be able to fire) Of a much taller height, the super heavy can see over the pile easily

(Is the mech within 100 meters of the field gun?)

(Yes it is)

Kaleb states “Teleporting to the cannon in 3,2,1,” then Kaleb teleports right next to the field gun and unleashed the inferno projector, and beam lance if necessary (if not necessary, then he fires at any other heavy artillery))

Not expecting the super-heavy to teleport the remaining heavy weapons nestled into the castle are out of position. The field gun burns near your feet, flames licking the paint of the mech, though not harming the vehicle itself

(should I roll for attack and damage?)

(Just damage, since youre shooting the house, impossible to miss a structure that big)

Inferno Projector (13 damage, 10 AP, 20m Cone)

7:33 PM

Beam Lance (16 Damage, 30 AP)

As the smaller mechs crest the wreckage pile, a single, white flare is launched from the intact section of the manor house

7:38 PM

One man, pale, blood stained, and slack jawed in horror, holds a white shirt, tied to a laundry pole

"Scion, battle report. Are they surrendering?"

"appears to be. Do we want to honor it? Your decision, my Seneschal"

"As low life as pirates are, it wouldn't be knightly to kill someone who has surrendered. Turn on the speakers. I will give commands." "Pirates, if you have surrendered, put down your weapons and walk in front of the mansion, in-between the mansion and the gate, now! Do not test our patients."

7:44 PM

(I have authority 1 if that needs to be put in place)

A handful, about 17, of the pirates stumble out, each of them looking quite wretched. Some do not have weapons at all, but one clutches a torn jolly roger. Those few who are armed, make a small tee-pee with the barrels facing upwards

"If you do not drop your guns, I will fire all my weapons in your directions. You have 10 seconds to decide."

They finish arranging the weapons, in a neat pile, before stepping back. The jolly roger lowers in salute

"Pirates, you have lost. Your day of reckoning has begun. How do you wish to proceed?"

"We wish to parley for surrender!" one calls up, unsure if he is being heard- his view nothing but fire, and the trio if iron gods before him

"Very well. Here are your terms. You will come with us, and you'll be taken prisoners. If you choose to reform as a prisoner, then you may be free again."

They look at one another and seem to silently come to some kind of accord. "We surrender, and submit to your superior strength of arms"

"Order the rest of the pirates to cease all fire and come to the base. Deactivate the heavy anti-air artillery."

On an open channel, you hear the pirate captain explain to his hydrofoils out at sea that the base has fallen, and that they are being taken prisoner. He hesitates, not yet advising them to return home

“If you don’t advise your hydrofoils to surrender, we will destroy them. Do not make this defeat any harder on yourself.”

There is a tri-tone call over the pirate comms. "This is the captain, return home. It's over gentlemen."

7:55 AM

to the mech, he shouts "It'll be a couple hours before they make it back. They were quite a ways out"

Kaleb calls to Dewinter. “Captain, get ready to take in prisoners.”

"Security is standing by on the embarkation deck. My my Kaleb, that was fast"

“All thanks to your good piloting. We were able to attack them fast and hard, right where it hurts. Keep your eyes open. They may try something still.”

The foils return, 45 minutes passing, slightly ahead of schedule

2:35 PM

seeing the fortress in ruins, they likewise strike their flags

“Keep guns trained on the foils incase they try anything.”

They pull into the docking yard, amid the cooling flames of the wrecked barricades, white flags atop centersl masts

Kaleb keeps eyes on them as they dock, making sure they don't try anything 'stupid'. "Scion, make sure to keep eyes on everyone, and guns trained on the hydrofoils."

(Notice/int(

<9 for notice roll>

The missile rack on the trailing of the two foils is slowly spinning to face the mech formation. The spin is very slow. almost imperceptible

Kaleb fires at the missile launcher, and orders everyone else to focus on the missile launcher to do the same if it isn't destroyed

9:19 AM

jeeze, 9, 10, and 9 for attack rolls, and that includes their shoot score plus my authority 2 bonus...

(the 10 hits)

9:20 AM

(It's a vehicle, the hit rolls are more forgiving)

nice, so that would of been the light laser

9:20 AM

17 damage

9:21 AM

(if it matters, the target was specifically the cannon, but obviously these are vehicle weapon attacks so I understand that not everything is as precise)

(I feel like you'd have aimed accordingly since that was your intention, narratively, that would explain the misses as well) The missile rack is cleanly sheared off the back of the foil, the only casualties being the gunners. The foil begins to slowly take on water and its remaining crew is abandoning ship, swimming for land to join their surrendering comrades

"Try anything like that again and I'll aim for 'soft targets' personally! Do not test The Knights of Draconis!" Kaleb would be yelling

The remaining foil crunches into the soft sand of the beach, and its crew very carefully begins filing out, leaving their weapons aboard

Kaleb comms Dewinter, "Captain, we have all remaining pirates on the island, awaiting your pickup. Ships, as well as some of the mansion is still intact. Over."

"Ship security is on the way to help round them up. Your drop barge is capable of getting you back into orbit. There was a contract out for these guys from one of the cities on planet. You should see about a reward. Would you like me to dispatch a lighter to fly you over?"

"Sure, but not yet. I want to explore the mansion and these ships first. See if they have anything work taking. Would there be a way to send down some extra Draconis personnel?"

"Yes, I'll be dispatching them with ship security. Expect them in fifteen. The Master-at-Arms is just finishing roll call"

"Sounds good. Thanks Captain. Over." Kaleb will keep eye on pirates until ships come by. From there, he will start some exploring of any goods he can obtain.

The lighters arrive on schedule and the pirates are taken into custody. Scion appears at your side. “Looks like the building is stable for now. Want to poke around?”

"Lets. But mind your step."

The front steps to the manor are fire blacked, the slate grey stone underneath

1:35 PM

The splintered ruins of a wooden door open into a grand hall. A thick crimson runner leads from the door to a large wooden table. Food and drink are still laid out on it, your attack catching the captain and his officers at lunch

Kaleb goes to examine the captain's area

(Like his room?)

(ah, i misread this. Take that back.) Kaleb will first examine the grand halls, see if there is anything interesting here

On one of the walls, a map of the planet is hung up, It has escaped the fire in other areas of the structure, though it is out now. It shows sea routes with different colors of marker. A journal, one volume in each of the matching colors sits on the table before it

Kaleb takes pictures of the map and sends them to both Draconis members. Kaleb then reads through the journal

The journals correspond to the various sea routes with dates, showing observed traffic using them. Red journal Submarine, surface, skimmed for 20 minutes before submerging the yellow journal Merchant liner, boarded, took 20 hostages, and 200 tons of metal the green journal Fishing barges, three of them. Escorted by warships. Too dangerous (edited)

Kaleb will hold on to the journals. Surely the info they recorded will mean something to someone on planet. Probably the people who offered the bounty on the pirate. Kaleb will continue to explore.

There is an intact tower to the eastern side of the home, and a second floor that is still partially intact. The left side of the home has pancaked in on itself from the heavy weapons fire of the battle

Kaleb will check out the second floor

The second floor has the remains of an armory on the collapsing left side. Stones crumble and downwards as the structure continues to settle. From what is intact, it looks like an armory was what used to stand there- though the pirates have been sporting relatively unimpressive weapons thus far. To the right, a bunk room for crew, and the captains room is arrayed

Kaleb checks out what is left of the Captain's room

The captain's room is filled with golden...golden everything. Cutlery is set out on the table, as he was awaiting his own private meal. A large goblet sits on the table as well. there are golden candlesticks, and even a large globe, mapping the world, also rendered in gold.

5:26 PM

Shined coral chips, that look like brilliant stones are literally piled in a corner of the room

5:26 PM

A strange looking alien sailfish is stuffed and mounted on the wall as a hunting trophy

"huh, this guy liked gold. This should help fund House Scion nicely." Outside of the value of gold in this room is there anything that is interesting in the practical sense?

It seems like anything of value not yet sold to, however they move their goods, was kept in this room. It's mostly a treasury, there's really nothing else

Noted. Kaleb orders his men to loot this room. "We will be using these to help fund our House operations." Kaleb will now explore the tower

The tower has a staircase heading down to the ground floor, and then further up into an attic space that does not touch the rest of the house. The middle floor of the tower (2nd floor) is filled with art. Paintings of ships, sailors, and age of sail naval battles adorn the walls

Kaleb orders the House to take the art in here as well. He then heads to the attic

there is a panicked whimper from the back of the room as Kaleb comes up the stairs, and a huddle of dirty prisoners tries to get as close to the back wall as their chains will allow them

Kaleb immediately goes to free the prisoners of their chains. "I'm so sorry to scare you. Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes" a woman replies, her mousey brown hair is plastered to her face by sweat and grime. "Who are you?"

"Kaleb of House Draconis. We are here rid this planets of the pirates, which they are now being taken prisoner. Are you from this planet?

"I am. We were taken off a mining barge. they sunk it and tried to ransom us"

"Come with us. We are heading towards the city that offered the bounty on these pirates. I'm sure they'll be able to help you get back home." Kaleb offers his hand

she reaches out to take it , her grip very soft

Kaleb leads her out of the tower and mansion. "What is your name?"

"Loren Ora. I was the captain of the Winter Scow before the pirates overwhelmed us and scuttled my ship"

"Captain? What kind of vessel was the Winter Scow?

“It was a mining barge but we were known to cast nets when mining yields were low”

"I see. What happened to your ship?"

“The pirates boarded us. We fell behind our naval escort and by time they came about to help us, the pirates had already fled, us in chains”

"When we get to the town, you should be able to find out more about your ship."

"I watched her go down, but my family fears the worst I am sure."

"I see. Well let's get out of here." Kaleb calls for the ride to the city to collect his reward

The lighter sets down. It is a fairly simple, stripped down design meant to ferry cargo containers into orbit, thought the cabin has enough room for a few occupants. The pilot opens a passenger door for you

Kaleb has Loren, Scion, and Wescott come, as well as any other Draconis personnel that can fit. He orders everyone else to take the spoils back to the ship

)I’ll get you a credit value for that at the end( The lighter makes it’s way to the city of hitachi, from the reports a mix of human and some type of gene modified mer human

Kaleb sits back and enjoys the ride (fast forward?)

(If you;d like to sure) The lighter sets down on a pad, built on the large flat topped reef Hitachi is constructed upon. Four city-guard troopers carrying old patterns of bolt action rifle greet the craft, with an officer at their forefront

Kaleb goes to greet the officer. “Hello, we are House Draconis, here to claim the bounty on the pirates.”

The officer looks somewhat taken aback. He was about to ask for proof, ad Loren exits the lighter. "My gods, is it really you?" tears begin welling in his eyes. His halberd has not even struck the ground, dropped, as he runs forward to embrace her

“I...uh...” Kaleb decides to not say anything until the officer has his moment with Loren.

He finally ends the embrace and turns to face you. "The bounty, yes. I was going to ask you for proof but this is already more than enough. House Draconis, you said your organization is responsible?"

“Yes. We captured those who surrendered. What remains of their headquarters, we have some information of what I believe were their runs and routes.” Kaleb reveals the journals as well as the image of the map from the mansion

"My my , they had our sea lanes mapped. They have been watching us for quite some time it seems"

6:43 PM

"So their headquarters, what happened there?"

“Well we came and killed a lot of them with our mechs. They saw they were outmatched and surrendered. They also called in their Hydrofoils. If they didnt surrender, we would of probably demolished it to the ground.” Kaleb frowns, realizing that if that happened, Loren would of been killed in the crossfire. “It’s a good thing they surrendered, for we found out some good information and were able to save someone.”

"I'm glad they did. Well the bounty, hang on a moment. Your world, you use credits?"

“Yes”

He passes a pad over to you. The bounty is a considerable 250,000 credits. "I just need a thump print to authorize the transfer. A lot of people put their personal fortunes into this. I think this is money they'll be glad to part with"

“Very well.” Kaleb gives his thumb print

There is a small click as the credits are transfered, and your account has a healthy balance now. "The name of House Draconis will be held with honor here. It may have seemed like a trifling battle for you, based on how you are describing it, but it is something we have been unable to accomplish for ourselves thus far"

“I know it may sound trifling, but that is just the strength of our mechs. We are glad to assist. If you ever need our services, you only need to reach back out to us.”

"How do we get in touch with you? I can't say I've ever heard of a group of mechs operating on planet before"|

“We are from Greenbair, on planet Gudrun. We heard about your bounty from our planet and decided to take it. If you can send a signal, we’ll get it. Keep in mind, we can’t really fight battles on sea.”

"I'd expect not, not with legged mechs at least. But if there is any further trouble, we will call. The planet helps, we can angle a transmission there."

“Sounds good. I look forward to working with you in the future if needed.” Kaleb goes to shake his hand

The shake is firm, and strong, the grip of a career soldier. "Safe travels, and we will let you know if anything comes up"

Kaleb will head back to the Pillar of Salt, satisfied with the work the House has done today

Returning to the Pillar of Salt, aboard the special mech lander, there is a dock with a heavy crumping sound, and air pressure returns. Dewinter is the first aboard, with a small detail of naval armsmen (edited)

9:18 AM

"Nice to see you back, and to see everyone returning home this time"

“It was an easy mission for the mechs. Hopefully every mission is this smooth going forward.”

"I did some speculating on that treasure that was brought up, and the final total comes to 1.5 million credits. I spoke with the leaders of Hitachi to ensure it was nothing cultural, and they couldnt identify owners of the treasure originally."

“That...is a lot. I would feel bad taking it all. Can we send 250k credits back to Hitachi? I feel like this treasure is more than worthy of payment, and they probably suffered enough from the pirates.”

"I can dispatch a lighter with the equivalent weight if you don't mind waiting an hour." He waves over a junior officer with a portable ships comm set

“Yeah I’m not in a rush. I wouldn’t feel right taking everything. I suppose now we need to figure out how to distribute the treasure.”

"They seem to be the only settlement on planet. New Astria is an evacuation zone, and the settlement in the northwest is all ruins"

“Oh, that’s good to know then. Well i also meant how to distribute amongst ourselves.”

"It is your purview as Seneschal, and all will respect the decision. Our new world provides a better life style at baseline than what we had before, though I would suggest setting aside a small portion of it for the normal repairs

“Dewinter, who covers the expenses for this trip, as well as the drop mechanism?”

'The colony funded this expedition and they've been managing the ongoing repairs on the Pillar"

“I see. When we get back to Rebirth, we can see how to distribute the funds then.”

"Very good. I'll dispatch the lighter, and when it returns we can head back to our holdings, and figure out the next move. That light mech that took the rocket is going to need some work done on it as well, (thats covered by the 24 hour maint costs)

“Sounds good. Good work everyone. We were able to make life on this planet better for everyone in only a few hours.”

(6xp!)

10:42 AM

The lighter retrurns an hour later, and the Pillar makes the day long spike trip back to home

(I believe I accomplished two goals as well. ‘Learn how to pilot the heavy mech for 6xp, and ‘lead the house to victory in combat’ which was never assigned any xp )

Shriven send house draconis a comm

This is shriven, I was hoping to compensate you to clean out some Remnant forces on Aslief. We can discuss specific prices once you get a chance to respond.

@Rey (Shriven) gets a response when Kaleb gets back in comm range: Hi Shriven. This is Kaleb of House Draconis. I’ll be glad to discuss details when I get on Gudrun. I can meet with you in Greenbair or Rebirth.

I’m waiting for a meeting to start, I can talk to you in a bit here at Greenbrair if you have time.

(@Nekosmash, can I fastfoward to meet with @Rey (Shriven)?)

(would have been 3xp for that missing goal value kaleb)

11:48 AM

(and yes)

(That brings me to level 9. New HP: 39. Level 2 teleportation with 3 skill points. 1 unused skill point. Picked up Burdened Apportation)

11:55 AM

@Rey (Shriven) after a few moments, you find Kaleb in Greenbair at an agreeable place

Let’s meet at Baron’s new tavern give me a minute to get there.

Shriven gets a table at Harvest Spirits after getting a Ether fruit.

Kaleb, just getting back from his trip, just gets a water. “So @Rey (Shriven), I got your message and understand you could use some assistance. What do you have?”

(I turned on notifications on your channel so no need to @)

(Gotcha, wasn’t sure)

Shriven stands and holds out his hand to shake. “I heard you have a veritable army in the form of some Mechs. I have an interest in seeing the Remnant presence on Aslief being removed.”

“Tell me about their presence, as well as your interest.”

“From what I was able to tell from an interrogation there are between 6-18 soldiers that are running gorilla actions across a 50mile area. I know they have some kind of fall back point but I don’t know where it is and my skills are lacking in that area. I want that harassment to be seen to and cannot myself.”

“Who are they targeting on Aslief? Please understand that I haven’t been there myself.”

“There are local humans that they had been capturing and enslaving to send offworld. Since we cleared their fleet they haven’t been back to our knowledge en force. I have a business arrangement with them that i am using to try to help them rebuild their infrastructure.”

“Why hasn’t the Greenbair military or someone else been able to take care of them yet? 20 soldiers seems like a small amount of units for mechs to be necessary.”

“It’s more about pinning them down. There are really 3 options that I can see for this, 1. reverse ambush, we catch them trying to hit us. 2. Air support, sufficient air support to track them down. 3. Skywatch drones, use mechs and skywatcher drones to track them down. As I don’t know anyone who has the air support for this and a reverse ambush is risky at best I’m reaching out to you.”

“Very well. How much are you offering for this job?”

“100,000 plus whatever supplies tech and munitions you find at their base. There was something large that they had but we couldn’t identify it from the tracks we saw.”

“Hmm” Kaleb thinks for a moment. “This could take a few days if the Remnant are being evasive. Can you meet me at 200,000?”

“Let’s split the difference 150,000.”

“Very well. I accept 150,000. Please send all intel you have on this situation. The mechs just got back from a mission. How soon do you need this done.”

“I would like to see it all done before the end of the month if possible. But if there are other time constraints I understand. I will go ahead and send you the whole amount up front. I know your growing reputation will follow through. Contact me if you need anything else or run into problems.”

3:06 PM

(The group was between the central defense point and the town of harmony this is one of 3 groups on the planet but the easiest identified. They have a base of operations and a fall back point but neither have been found as of yet. That’s about all I can think of.)

(Gotcha, the latest I’ll head there is within 2 weeks. Most likely within a week)

“If there’s nothing else I’m going to go catch some sleep. Seneshal, it has been a pleasure.”

“You as well Shriven. I’ll keep you posted on progress.” (You can probably turn off notifications) @Nekosmash Kaleb will head back to Rebirth to check with the House

1

Some finishing touches are being added onto the house when Kaleb returns, and the mech bay is nearing completion

Kaleb goes to find Scion. “This place is really coming together.”

"It is. Already a nicer place than our little cave. I took the liberty of having the damaged mech taken in for repair, and the maintaining work is being done on the other two. How was your meeting in town?"

“It was good. I accepted a new contract for some Remnant on Aslief. I figured it will be good to keep busy and get more practice.”

"Any ideas as to the level of resistance ?"

“8-16 troops doing guerrilla tactics in a 50 mile radius.”

"Shock and awe then" he smiles.

“Should be simply enough. And we can always attempt to pick up another job before we head there. I want to leave within a week or 2 at most.”

"The repairs wont take more than a day. It's your prerogative on leave time. "

“Well I did want to spend some time with see how our funds go. We received 250000 credits from our last mission, and 150000 up front from this mission. We also have all the treasure (which I didn’t add to my credit count yet). Any suggestions or input?”

"We could commission another walker perhaps?"

“Now that’s a thought. How much would a new walker cost? And how long would that take?”

"Depends what we want to fit it with, that's really what drives up the cost. It may not be something we can do RIGHT now, depending on what you think, but it's worth looking into."

“How about investing into the base and Rebirth? Do we have any needs that we couldn’t afford before?”

"We wanted an open campus, I do get worried about people just walking onto the premises though. Aside from that, maybe some kind of domestic aircraft for traveling to the capital and back? Or out west"

“We can make it a closed campus. I was more thinking of a Church for Auguna lately. Maybe we can have that available to the public. Getting an aircraft would be nice for the capital. What is out west?”

"The Taros lands, might be able to find some work policing or shows of force. Not all are happy about the results of the Unity vote"

“Investing in an aircraft that can transport mechs easily would be a good investment. Any idea how much that would cost?”

(I'd have to check the book, the airframe itself is going to run way cheaper than the fittings, standby, getting a total)

(Okay, thanks)

11:08 AM

(While you are doing that) Kaleb will send out a message to the Mayor of Rebirth (forget name) and The Baron: Gentlemen, I would like to inform you that the House has had a lot of financial success with our last mission. If you wish to invest in Rebirth, I would love to discuss investment with you.

(Luminar) The Baron replies that he is interested, and once the water levels in storage build up so the town has surplus for a while, he is planning on opening a second distillery. Luminar has been in talks with the colony itself to get some manufacturing brought in.

11:10 AM

(40,000 for the airframe, holding 50 tons as is)

11:11 AM

(interior wise its like a corporate learjet)

(This would be just for transport on this planet?)

(yeah its a grav flyer. You can always take it with you on your ship, for use on other worlds. it would have to be landed with the mechs but once its on the ground you can haul it out and fly it anywhere_

11:14 AM

(you can buy the space fittings for it though if youd like)

11:15 AM

(Thats in I think engines of babylon, so ill get a price)

(space environment is another 50k, leaving you with 6 mass and 1 power leftover) (edited)

1:39 PM

(so it can go from ship to planet, its lacking the power for a spike drive though, so its relegated to a system ship)

(That’s fine, Kaleb will make a purchase of 90k for the grav flyer with the space environment fitting) (As far as the base, can we make the changes to have it closed off, but build a church that would be open?)

(yes, let me see if the suns of gold holdings have anything analagous as to cost before i just ballpark)

(the only thing they have thats analogous is waayyyy beyond what you're trying to do, so lets say 150k, covering some cement walls with watch towers, and a decently sized chapel?)

(Yeah, I was thinking more of a single floor plan, maybe some stained glass. No watch towers. Made of stone or brick)

1:56 PM

(More pretty than functional)

(so the walls are more for looks and just being a general obstacle than stopping something?)

(Yes, it would be a public place to hold ceremonies for Auguna. The base itself should be tough, ideally. The church, in my mind, would be next to the base, but not really a part of the base if it was attacked. If we were attacked, I don’t see this church surviving. Later on, I think a giant church would be nice, but for now I want a building to start spreading the faith.)

( i was listing the walls for the compound, and the church as an outside separate building, together totaling 150k, does that change anything? 50k for the church, 100k for the compound fortifications)

(Ah I see. I wanted to make sure we are on the same page. 150k for everything sounds good. I thought you meant 150k just for the church lol)

(Maybe if this was going to be some Lady of the Sea type megachurch like the one in spain, but not right now)

(One day )

"Alright, so a space capable grav flyer, and some local improvements. That's a great idea. I think, with you now being in command of the lead mech...well, Wescott knows the most about Auguana, he almost completed rectory before he joined up with us. He would still be bonded to the house, but perhaps giving him dispensation to remain behind and tend the cathedral when we are elsewhere"

“I’ll talk to him, and see how he feels about it. If not, maybe one of the lore keepers would be willing to help fill in. For now, let’s wait for the church to be built first. Has their been any progress with the psi forge?”

"The building is completed, the pipefitters from Pops' workshop leave tomorrow night after the forge completes its test fire, and we will install the core ourselves when its over."

“Very well. That should be an exciting moment. Who will have access to the forge?”

"you, certainly, Wescott, I'd hope myself since we found it together, but otherwise your decision

“I see. It requires a psychic present to actually make psi equipment?”

"to safely control the energies contained in the core, yes. Similar method to how I've heard you trained with Wescott"

“I think I’m getting into hypotheticals, but would it be possible to develop equipment so non-psi’s could use it? I’m not even sure I would want to, this is more of a curiosity while we are on the subject.”

"Before the scream , on the core worlds especially, technology like that was pretty common .We know it can be done, we just have to figure out how to do it again"

“Understood. Well we have access to Val and the Rebirth researchers, as well as the Psychic Academy. I trust them, but I think I should see what is capable of the forge before I get ahead of myself. Before I forget, I wanted to bring something up to you. The Fire Control unit on our heavy is pretty impressive, but it takes up a lot of hull space. Who would I talk to if I wanted to make improvements?”

“We would have to work with pops for the fabricating if something new is what you’re planning but the actual removal of modules can be done here”

“Well I was thinking of something new. I want the fire control unit essentially remodified to be more ‘flexible’ without sacrificing its integrity. Speaking of which, I will want to modify some mechs to have more skywatcher drones. They will prove most useful in our next mission.”

“Alright. Simple mod work then. The drones should be easy enough to install”

Kaleb will find Val next

Val is outside rebirth, smoking, which is something you’ve never seen her so

“Hey Val. Am I catching you at a bad time?”

"Never a bad time if its for you" she smiles. "Settling in?"

“For the moment. Just got back from a mission, and now we are heading out again within a few days. I’m attempting to catch up on the House’s growth. Any new developments with your research?”

"I've had a breakthrough with the crystals. I sent a message to the main academy line (you're privy to all the information on that channel, since you are an instructor), but I've been able to get 3 and 4 level techniques into them

“That’s good! Im sure that will lead to many possibilities moving forward. Any luck with that jump coil I assisted with a while back?”

"More reliable. We had a third generation of it casted...two days ago..." she says, looking distant. "It's supposed to be delievered with the next supply shipment, and we will try again. I'll likely call on you, as we will need other mechs to truly test it"

“I’ll be glad to help. With my newly awaken teleportation powers, the jump coil would be most beneficial with my mechs as well. How is your training going? Have you learned any new techniques yourself?”

"I think I stumbled on something....something new. I'm still not quite sure how I did it"

“Go on” Kaleb says intrigued

"I want to call it alchemy, but. I'm not sure thats actually what it is"

“Does it involve changing the properties of a certain material?”

"Yes, exactly that"

8:17 PM

"But I want to see if it repeats before I go down the research rabbit hole"

“Well I have time. Would you like some assistance?”

"I could certainly try. If you have time and you're not afraid of it flaming out"

“I can always stop your powers using psychic static if I need to. And yes I have time”

"Alright,Well, I was experimenting with the second generation of the coil, and well, when I was focusing energy on it, something strange happened

7:20 AM

She brings you inside, and under a sheet, the coil, once cast from an alloy of copper and jaxonite, is now 100% silver

7:20 AM

"I don't....I don't know how I did this"

Is there any radiating MES energy from Val’s change?

There is a faint, lingering trace of MES, but it does not match any discipline youve known before

Is it at all like bioscionics when someone is healed? Kaleb’s thinking is that Val was able to make a change in the molecular/atomic level, and his mind is thinking it may be similar to bioscionics on healing a wound or curing a disease

With that train of thought, it does have some slight similarities

“I think you may be on to something with that”

(Sorry for not responding. Been a crazy day yesterday) “Well, let’s try your power on something else again. See if it’s just silver or if it’s multiple atomic properties you can change.”

(no worries bud, was for me too) "Alright, any suggestions? Also, your kinetic wraps..the field is 2% out of alignment, let me fix that for you while you're here"

9:00 AM

"It's been happenign more and more lately. I thought maybe I was just spending too much time in the lab, but the more I work, the more I notice little flaws with everything around me."

“Wait, so you’re just able to notice flaws like that without any equipment?”

9:01 AM

“Is it just with psionic equipment, or all technology?”

"Any technology"

“Here. Give me a moment. I want to examine the flow of your MES for a second.” Kaleb looks for any signs of torching or new disciplines of MES using his Metapsionics-2 base ability

(ooc, its the core technique of the alchemy skill)

9:05 AM

Val does not seem torched at all, but you're sensing an entirely new pathway of MES flowing through her

“So, what you are noticing is an entirely new discipline of MES. It’s not that anything is wrong or overly stressed, although you could be. For what we are lacking in a name to call this discipline, you essentially have a new power that you somehow tapped.”

"Not...Not the answer I was expecting, but that does make me feel better". she breathes a sigh of relief.

9:10 AM

"I've been stuck working on the crystals, the jump coil, spike drives, everything, I thought maybe I'd finally cracked"

“Well from what I can tell, you aren’t cracked. I mean you could be, but you do have a new power.” Kaleb smiles “I can spend some time helping you at least train and understand the basics of your new power. Another idea would be to see if you can transfer your power into the crystals.”

"I'm hesitant to leave something like that laying around until we know fully what this is, and what the limits of it are, but understanding...yes"

“Do you have time now?@

"no time like when its fresh. Lets see what we can do. "

Kaleb looks around for some mundane items that would be okay to change up

There are tons of tools lying around, and val reasons that surely she doesnt need ten of the same size wrench

Kaleb goes to grab some wrenches. “So let’s see if you can change the material on one of these wrenches. I suppose the train of thought is to focus on the wrench and will it to be silver.”

"Let me focus, and we will see. I wasn't actually trying to do that last time"

She takes the wrench in her hand, and chips a piece of it away with a chisel. She then looks at it intently, focusing. The damaged area not only regenerates, but regenerates silver, and the silver begins to spread

11:04 AM

the transformation ends 1/4 of the way down the haft

“That’s impressive. How do you feel?”

"Very tired"

11:14 AM

"I thought I was going to black out for part of that"

“Well, let’s not push yourself anymore right now. It’s a very interesting discipline. One I think that can literally make money if you were so inclined. I would recommend training in private when you have the time so you learn how to at least control your new power.”

"I might bounce some ideas off you in time if I can't get the hang of it"

“In the mean time, do you mind if I hold onto this wrench? I may be able to study and find out some properties of your new MES, such as if it has a duration or range limit by you.”

"Of course, please" she offers it to you, steel side first

Kaleb takes the wrench. “Speaking of your ability, I want to see if you sense anything about this crown.” Kaleb shows the crown of command

"I do. I can feel something new on it. Like telepathy, but....not"

“Impressive. You’re able to pick up on technology like your a metapsionic. I think your new found gifts will help you improve your research capabilities when it comes to psi tech.”

"What is special about the crown, now I am curious." she looks wryly

“Well, I might as well tell you.” Before going further, Kaleb looks around and makes sure no one else is listening or near by

2:19 PM

(Imagining we would of done the practice in secrecy in the first place)

(Yeah like a dark corner of rebirth, in the lab or something)

“Well, I’m still learning more about it, but it’s called a Crown of Command. I think the best way to describe it for now is it gives me telepathy and some control over machines. The main use I found is to control the heavy psi mech near flawlessly, as if I’m the user. I can also sense through other machines as well. There is more to it, but I haven’t delved into its knowledge. It’s a little intimidating as a psy power, even for me.”

"That...thats really something" she looks stunned. "The academies we knew...only the four techniques. I feel like had not the scream happened, we had barely even scratched the surface"

“Well now we have a new Academy, and the manpower to research these new disciplines. And with the right group of people, we can do some real good with our gifts.”

“That is very true. I’ll see what I can do to keep developing this”

“Much appreciated. Let me know if I can help you with your training or research in anyway. Speaking of which, do you need any more funding?”

“We get plenty of that from the colony, but the help is always appreciated. I see you’ve put a lot of that funding into the surrounding area”

“Well, how much would help you?”

(just checking in)

(It never lit up for me. Idk why some threads are doing that)

1:58 PM

“Not money. I’d like some time with Wescott though if you can spare it. An extra psychic hand around here might speed things up”

"Well I was planning on talking to Wescott to stick around Rebirth anyway to help oversea the progress of our base here. I'll ask him about this as well."

"If he's going to be here, some extra help would be appreciated. Almost everyone in the academy is heading galactic north with Silvano, something about those...you heard about those weird aliens right?"

"Actually, no I haven't. Care to explain?"

she forwards you a file, called the flesh changers , a report gathered by Silvano The Fleshchangers are an alien threat that had fought against the emergent Slyth empire in this section of the galaxy. Gheist stated that the Slyth had fought them for generations, reducing them to what was believed to be extinction level. They faded into memory, then myth, then legend, a boogeyman like story for the Slyth to tell their hatchlings- though now it seems they have returned. Silvano recently encountered a drifting Remnant cruiser wreck in deep space, its side cut open cleanly, as though by a borehole drill. Aboard, a throne of flesh was found, with a black, quivering seed like device on the seat. Using telepathy, he realized both the seed, and the throne, were shaped flesh, with the aware human minds of the ship crew inside. Fleshchangers use a corrupted form of bioscopic power to shape flesh into machines, tools, and even vehicles provided enough organic material is available. It is currently unknown if they have a homeworld, or even a nomadic fleet.

"Jeez, that is disturbing to find out. I see why Sil is taking care of this."

"He took the precogs, and some of the others with him, on the psi academy cruiser, just to see what he can find out there. If its psionic somehow, they're the best equipped to make it back to report. That said, the academy is looking a little thin right now"

"Well for now, I'm sure Wescott can help assist. I'm always on the look out for new psychics as well."

"I'm hoping there are more among those that couldn't be reached in time on Rawhani. We know of a whole sector east of us now too. The Remnant haven't reached them so we think, but the post-scream situations there are assuredly just as bad"

"Well the Scream has surely complicated things to begin with for psychics, as well as everyone else. I wanted to spend some time researching causation of The Scream, but haven't even had time."

"I know Doona made some preliminary notes. They should be availalble if you're curious"

"I shall. Please keep me up to date on everything involving psi research and this new alian species. It's been a pleasure seeing you again."

“Always” she grins. She turns and heads through the facility gates, back into rebirth

Kaleb finds Wescott next

Wescott is lighting incense in an alcove in the new chapel. Roofers pound away above him, hurrying to get the structure sealed before the rain that’s due to come tonight

"Hello Wescott. I hope you are doing well."

“I am, my seneschal” he bows slightly. “Come to inspect the great work?”

"Yes, as well as talk to you personally. Scion tells me that you know a great deal of Auguana."

“I do. She is our goddess. It is through we wisdom we have survived the threats to our order

"Have you ever taken care of a temple in her name before?"

“I was. We had a small thane. Little more than a wishing well really. But I helped with the offerings”

"How would you like to be in charge of running this new church?"

He bows again, and his eyes mist "It's been my dream, since I was a child. To preside over a place like this"

"Well, as Seneschal, I have decided that you will lead the House on Draconis on Rebirth in my absence, and be leader of the church. I'm not sure what the title in our order would be..."

"Enlightened, but to you. I'll just be Wescott"

3:46 PM

"This is a great honor" he is moved to open tears

Kaleb lets him enjoy the moment, and goes to shake his hand.

He shakes, and then pulls you in for a hug. You smell a slight scent of lavendar

Kaleb hugs him back. "As Enlighted, your role will also be helping out the House while I'm gone on missions. Do you have some time to talk about that as well?"

"Of course, what do you require?|

"Well, in edition to being our Enlightened, I require you assistance with helping Val and her psitech research"

"Oh my, inside the lab itself?"

“Yes, she needs some help with doing her research. Is that something you would be okay handling?”

"I can, yes. I heard most of the psychics have gone galactic north too, so being here, I'll do anything I can to help her"

Kaleb thinks how is it that everyone but me knows about the psychic moment? Maybe I’m just that busy that I wouldn’t of known? “Excellent. I know I can count on you. How is your training going?”

"no more trouble since you helped me that second time. I think whatever we did, pushing off one another's efforts, it seems like it. It almost felt like venting a gas line that was under pressure"

“So you haven’t had any incidents then?”

“None since the last time I saw you. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall but so far, nothing”

“Well before I leave for our next mission, we will do some training.”

"That would make me feel a lot better, just in case"

“Then let’s get to it.” (Side note, Val stated that the Crystals can now hold level 3 and 4 powers?)

(yes, but two psychics with the same technique have to infuse the energy, which was how I thought to balance it. Having a big stockpile of real powerful stuff seemed like a game breaker since the techniques, once infused, dont take any effort to unleash)

(Understood. Have you thought about the metapsionic technique that shares powers though? That could override the need of 2 psychics knowing that technique)

(I purposefully did this for balance reasons as far as the crystals, the concert of minds still requires effort, so there's in-built limitations on how far you can push it)

2:25 PM

(oh i see what youre saying)

2:26 PM

(I feel like that isnt a huge difference, since its still going to take 2, even if only one knows it)

(Gotcha, just wanted to bring it up to you as a possibility)

2:27 PM

(Did you want to go through training with Wescott?)

(We can fast forward if you like)

2:29 PM

(youre doing it more for maintenance it sounds like than actually trying to RP the discovery of it out like it was the first time)

(Yeah, I do want to get to the forge)

Kaleb and Wescott are both exhausted after another round of opposed psionic effort, but Kaleb is feeling a bit better off than in the past with these sessions

2:31 PM

Wescott can only nod his thanks, before taking a long pull from the leather wrapped canteen pouch on his belt

"Keep up your training. I believe you will be stronger than me in your MES one day."

He bows again. "Thank you for the help, again. I'm going to get some rest, and tomorrow I have a great deal of lore to record"

(Sorry for lack of communication. Busy today. I want to go to the MES forge, unless something else comes up)

(Nope infigured that’s what was next. Had a busy one myself)

9:26 PM

By time training with Wescott and getting him set up in his new position is complete, scion sends a message that he is ready to meet. The builders have left and the MES core can be installed

Kaleb heads towards the forge

The building is high vaulted and well vented on top. Thick pipes like tree trunks help direct air flow in and out of the building. The forge itself is a large, 20 foot long by 5 foot high furnace, with three anvils set out in front of it. Spaced far enough apart to let a few smiths work without getting in one another’s way

9:31 PM

The building is relatively free of ornamentation right now

Kaleb find Scion. “Is the Core ready to be placed?”

“I didn’t want to tip the builders off about anything weird happening in here. Not yet at least. We are going to make the compartment ourselves, like it was on the furnace we pulled this out of. I have some tools and with a few hours of work, and a bit of psionic effort, we should be back in business”

“Let’s get to it then.”

"Fire won't hurt the core, it never seems to, but it needs to be anchored to the furnace. I have a chisel here, we just need to carve out a nacelle to fit it into"

“Is that it? How does the core interact with the forge?”

"It's like....its like an ignition sparking an engine. An application of psychic effort from you, and the reaction begins. The power will be channeled through special conduits we are going work into the outside of the firebox, down across the floor, to the anvils"

“I see. How easy would it take to remove the core if we had to for any reason?”

"With heat shielding, you'd be able to take it as soon as it was cool enough inside to not cook you alive. Same process, an application of effort to stop the reaction- like turning a vehicle on or off"

"It was...well....whatever experience you had when we were under the stack city in that temple, that was it reactivating for the first time in probably a decade or two. There's so much about it we don't know, and whats's more, there may be more of them out there"

“Alright. Well we will have to learn more about it. Can you design the space so that it would be easy to extract the core if necessary? We will have to use the core for research as well, or if we are under attack, get the core to safety.”

He steps to inspect how much room is on each side of the furnace. "Yes, I can make a sliding compartment for it. That's probably going to be the easiest part of what we are doing. So we install the core. I was reading up on conductive materials, and I want to see if MES is compatible with this Jaxtonite mineral you've been mining here. I've got a coil of wire made of it, it'll send the released energy from the forge, through the wires, to the anvils, connected at the other end. Normal metalworking on these special conductive services should imbue whatever we make with the appropriate energy. It might take some trial and error, I'm doing this off of stuff I remember as a boy"

“Well, as a metapsion, I should be able to see how conductive it is. How do you want to perform the test?”

"Ill just string up one of the anvils for now, and if you're thinking the test is a dud, it will save the trouble of working the others. If this doesn't work I'll have to think of another option. It was much more artfully worked into the floor of the old forge"

“Yeah, this will probably be less beautiful than your old forge, but at least we can have it be practical for now. Let’s run a test, tell me what you need me to do.”

He begins unspooling a Jaxtonite wire, winding it from the conductive circle on the floor, back to the forge, gently tack welding it to the frame. It passes inside, to touch the conductive circlet where the core will rest

11:28 AM

The process takes a few moments. "Alright Kaleb, just a bit of a jump start if you please" (effort for the scene)

Kaleb will use his mind trace power to activate his effort

You feel a connection, between yourself, the core, and the anvil, as you stand in one of the conductive circles. The line glows an electric blue and the pure, golden white light from inside the forge begins to softly glow

12:18 PM

"Try to step outside it now, see if the core remains active"

Kaleb pulls in his effort

The core, and transmission cables remain active

12:40 PM

"We did it....."Scion says "I was hoping this was not for nothing, but we made it"

“I’m glad. What are the next steps?”

"Well, we can get artsy later, but we can try to make something maybe. Do you have time?"

“Yes, I e been waiting for this. I was thinking of something to allow someone to see MES. The basics of a metapsion.”

“Like an apparatus rather than just your senses. Alright. Is there something off the shelf, ready made that we could try to imbue?”

Kaleb looks for something like glass. Googles would be ideal. If not, then maybe something that could be held.

"Hey, the bail out bags in the command mech have night vision goggles in them. I'll be right back"

6:47 PM

Scion runs from the forge, faster than you've ever seen someone move in bulky work clothes

6:48 PM

He returns a few minutes later, red faced, dripping sweat, breathlessly holding out a pair of goggles for you

“You know...I have the ability to teleport...” Kaleb smiles as he takes the goggles

"I was too excited to think about that" he says, still doubled over, working on getting his breath back

“Well now that we have the goggles, how would I attempt to infuse metapsionic into them?”

"Place...on the forge....and envison what you want the device to do...focus hard"

6:53 PM

(Mental save)

That 5v6 is actually an 8v6 thanks to my metapsionic-3 base ability, which gives me a +3 save on psychic effects

6:56 PM

So I passed

The effort saps all of your remaining will as you focus your intent into the goggles. You feel, everything about it changing. You manipulate its entire atomic makeup, only a little, subtly charging each individual particle with the desired MES energy. The air cools and ice crystals form on the walls, on the anvil, on the furnace itself despite the small flame Scion has busied himself with tending. The goggles however, steam, and you can feel the energy coursing off it

7:06 PM

(No remaining effort, but the goggles have the exact desired effect)

“Oh man...that was...exhausting. Here, try them on, you should be able to see the forge in an entirely new way.”

Scion puts them on, wincing a bit at the warmth. He gasps, and then lifts them. He squints, and then puts the goggles back over his eyes

7:16 PM

"The forge, there's a golden light inside, you can see, so much

“Well, that’s how I’ve seen the world for quite some time. I’ve always wanted to create something that would allow others to see the world as I see it. Now, I finally have. As someone who has never been able to see MES, what do you think?”

"I spent a little bit of time listening to Wescott talking about it once, the feeling. I have a new respect for him now that I can actually see it"

7:28 PM

(6xp)

(Nice). “Well, this is a good start. I want your opinion on something. I’ve been thinking about letting Val use the forge for research and to help our production. What do you think? Yes I know it’s my choice, but based on your observations, as well as the knowledge of this forge, what do you think.”

"I think getting another psychic in here with different skills is a good idea. We made a choice to build in the open, and you trust her, so I trust her too."

“Very well. I think her research will be most valuable.” Kaleb sends a message to Val. “Hey Val, great news! We have the forge up and running and made our first item. I know you will want to see it. I also have a theory I want to test out. Can you bring 2 crystals with you? One primed with a base power, and the other empty?”

I'll be there in fifteen minutes

8:15 PM

Val arrives in thirteen, requested objects in hand

“Hey Val. Before we get started, try these goggles on. “

She slips them down over her eyes. "Is this what I think it is?"

“I think you are knowledgeable enough, so yes.”

She looks through the goggles, around the room, and at the forge. "This...this is like seeing the wind or something. MES, and the wind, you feel them working on you, passing you, flowing around you, you can see its effect on the world around you, but you never see IT. And now....Kaleb, now we can...."

“Well if you trained in the basics of metapsionics, then you would see like this already. But what are you referring to?”

"We can see it, yes, but think of what this might do, for the people who dont' understand"

“Well, that’s why I created those. To help people see, literally, what MES is.”

"We are of one mind on this then. That is satisfying to hear. There are more than a few people I know who would benefit from an experience like this" she says whistfully before taking the goggles off, and gently setting them down on the closest anvil. "I can feel the power in the firebox there, just being near it makes me feel like I'm standing in the midst of something immense"

“Well I’m glad you feel the cores power now. I believe that this will help both of our research and production.”

"To that end, I have a bit of a .....a sensitive question for you, and I understand if you don't want to answer"

10:02 PM

"I noticed, Metapsion, and all, that you came back from your most recent expedition to Rawhani...different...somehow. I see many more MES pathways in your mind. I feel different energy about you. I thought maybe I was so absorbed in my work I overlooked it or something but. ... what happened out there? does it have anything to do with what you're showing me now?"

“Well, I think you deserve an answer. And it’s the core, simply put. It burned the partial psychic limitations of my mind. It was quite the experience, as Scion could tell you I was in a blank stare for 20 minutes. Although I don’t believe I told you the change, Scion.”

"You didn't" he says, looking down at the floor. He feels a bit like he is intruding on a private moment, and probably should have left already. "I just remember you going slack jawed, and it taking a very long time for your friend...zuchini...Zaricon. Zaricon. It took a long time for him to get down to us with the medics"

“It’s okay, it’s been quite busy here, and Ive kept everything a secret. As far as both of you, Val and Scion, I trust you. I want you both here because I can’t do everything to make the universe better on my own. I think something I should clear up with both of you here is that, until recently, I couldn’t teleport with my own ability. When I teleported in battle against the pirates, that was my first attempt.”

"It's not unknown for limited psychics to occasionally develop a new pathway or two into something new. My best friend at the martian academy could to that with bioscopy. That's what I'd assumed when I saw you, first returned. But standing here, in the presence of this... that confirmed it for me, I knew it was something more"

Melora reaches out to Kaleb via comm: "Going to catch a flight to Rebirth. Is there a place and time you want to meet? Can I bring you anything?"

@Agape.Eris “Just bring yourself and let me know when you are here. I’m finishing up some business here and see you when you arrive.”

8:14 AM

To Val, “There are a lot of mysteries to unfold, and only so much time. I’m sure there is more to this core than meets the eye, and we shall uncover it all together. For now, I have a theory I would like to test with you here. The first theory is seeing if we could use the crystals imbued with a power to infuse an object. I saw you brought what I requested. Which power has it been infused with?”

“This has bioscopy in it. The core technique as you requested”

“Perfect. Do you mind rexplaining how the crystals work for both me and Scion?”

"Sure" she sets one on the anvil. "These crystals were first discovered growing in one of the established Underhill nests, a bedding material for their queen's to lay in. When an extermination team consisting of Silvano, Seung, myself, and Matthew engaged the queen in combat, the psionic members of the kill-squad found their powers greatly enhanced. Several samples of this psionic conductor were taken after the battle, and were analyzed over the past year. The results are as follows. Thus far, only Psychically gifted individuals have been able to activate the energy stored within. Each crystal has only been able to store one charge, but it appears to last indefinitely, until used. The activating psychic does not need to know the technique within to be able to unleash it, as the infuser has already imprinted its use within the crystal. Techniques 0-2 can be charged into a crystal by one user, and it takes no effort to release, only infuse. Techniques 3-4 require two users, both who have knowledge of it, and as above, it takes no effort to release" (edited)

“Alright. So what I would like to test is to see if the crystals can be used with the anvil to infuse an item. What do you think?”

"It's worth a try. What do you want to attempt to infuse?"

"Something like a rod or something else that you can just hold. I believe it will have to work through touch."

"Be right back, this isnt worth a teleport" Scion says, stepping outside for a moment.

10:31 AM

He returns, after a little over a minute, with a piece of rebar, extra left behind from the construction

10:31 AM

he shrugs "Maybe this is kind of stupid, but it was close by|"

"it will work. This is for testing and research after all. Val, would you like to give it a shot? I exerted all my effort with the goggles."

Val gently takes the rebar- giving the air a few practice chops, just because, before laying it down on the conductive anvil.

10:51 AM

"Alright, let's see how this goes"

10:52 AM

(9 vs 5, pass) The air in the room goes quite cold, again, and ice crystals rapidly crawl across every surface. Heat and light seem to be concentrated on the rod. The crystal, also sharing space on the anvil grows brightly, shaking, and finally, cracking as though the surface of a frozen pond

10:52 AM

The crystal crumbles into dust as the light dies down, and heat begins to slowly re-enter the room

10:52 AM

The rod is glowing to your MES sight, gently, with a calming white light

"Well that was a success, although it doesn't look like the crystals can currently sustain itself after use."

"The real test is if this will last more than one use, or if it degrades at all. Otherwise we have just changed the medium from the crystal to, this"

"Maybe we should of tried something like telekinesis. I suppose I can hold onto it for testing, unless we can find a way to test it now."

“Well, I can teleport us to the field clinic in town. We can try it out on some of the injured and sick?”

11:21 AM

“Even if it only works once we still helped someone”

"Alright, let's give it a shot. Scion, would you like to join us?"

“Yes. I’d like to see this”

11:22 AM

She takes the both of you, teleporting one after another, to the clinic, and strides in

Kaleb looks around, seeing who we can help out.

There is an intensive care unit on the ground floor. Three miners are within, hurt by a small rock fall

11:25 AM

“I’m feeling a bit drained myself but let’s see how this works” Val opens the first door to a room where a miner with two broken legs lays sedated

11:27 AM

“Kaleb you said you’re pretty much fried for the day?”

"Yes, I overexerted myself with the creation of the goggles."

“Well let’s try something. If the theory holds it’ll either work or not work, but if it doesn’t you won’t be hurt. Try to release some of the energy within this rod we made here”

"Alright." Kaleb focuses on the rod.

“Now touch it to his leg”

Kaleb touches the leg

You feel the energy moving through you, though not coming from you, into the miner. There is a wet wrench of bone as the legs re knit

11:42 AM

The rods power diminishes a bit after its use though you don’t feel any more intense exhaustion (you estimate it’s down by 1/3 of its power since you first made it)

"Well, it has more than one use, but it will diminsh over time. I believe, maybe with the right material, we can make something last indefinitely."

“We will have to continue experimenting on it when we are fresher. Kaleb. Thank you. This discovery. It’s incredible.”

11:51 AM

“A real psionic forge. Here in the colony” (I’ll update the research notes handout when I get inside from painting)

"I agree. For now, I'll give you access to the forge, as well as the goggles to help assist you with your research. Let's head back to Rebirth."

You exit, and as you begin making your way back to the settlement proper, the plane carrying @Agape.Eris comes in for a landing.

3:10 PM

The airstrip is not far, on the other edge of town, but it is a small settlement

Kaleb waits outside the plane landing, waiting for @Agape.Eris

After her plane lands,Melora unboards and looks for kaleb.

Kaleb waves. "Melora, it's good to see you."

Melora sees Kaleb and gives a warm smile "Kaleb! Feeling is likewise! Um.. Are you a hugger?" Melora says, tentatively starting to raise her arms from the side in the event that Kaleb was, indeed, a hugger.

Kaleb raises his arms in anticipation of a hug

Melora excitedly moves in and gives him a squeeze.

4:13 PM

She looks around, taking in the area "So this is Rebirth, yeah? What brings you here?"

"So where to? Is there a place to get coffee?"

"Well, this place is still up and running. The Baron is currently working on getting our water situation up and running. We can head towards the House Draconis base. I can show you around."

"That would be great - getting to see places and things I've only heard about!"

"Well, lets go." Kaleb takes Melora to the base of operations of House Draconis. @Nekosmash, do you want to describe the current status of what is built?

There is a two story long barracks/meeting type building where the current mech crews and the handful of technicians live. There is a temple to Auguana that is structurally complete as well, some inside touch ups just remaining. There is also a large mech bay where the mechs of house draconis get worked on between deployments. Rebirth is most know for the walled, slyth cryogenics facility that the colony explored and took for their own use close to the beginning of their time on planet.

6:24 PM

Right now val runs it as the colony’s new lab due to the seclusion being good for sensitive projects

6:25 PM

(There’s a handout with like the various minor businesses and stuff. That’s what they’re for)

(i saw it! very helpful) (edited)

6:27 PM

Melora looks around as they pass place en route to House Draconis.

6:29 PM

"Is Val around? I'd love to see her"

"I was just with her. She should be at Rebirth. Let's head over there."

Val has just returned to the lab when you turn up outside the main gates “Kaleb. And melora. Hello there. Everything alright? “

"Yes, Melora just wanted to say hi."

"VAL!" An enthusiastic Melora runs up to Val and gives her a big hug. "My favorite mad scientist - and this is your la-BOR-a-tory!"

6:35 PM

"Are you still working on crystals? I could help make a few while I am here"

“Not anymore today” she smiled weakly. “It’s been a very long day and I think I’m finally going to take a night for myself”

"Of course - you are one of the hardest workers I know. It is good to see you and your lab. Please let me know if you want to come down and help with anything. I'm here to see Kaleb to start discussion running the academy while Sil is away"

Melora lets an exhausted Val leave. "Thanks for the detour. Val is the one who really helped me get established since I got out of cryo. Like a big sister or cool aunt. So, back to academy talk - lead the way to our destination to talk"

"You got it. The base is this way." (Sorry about that, I thought I was waiting for Neko to answer)

7:45 AM

Kaleb takes Melora to the base, probably to see the Church first, where Wescott should be

(I wasn’t sure what you considered ‘off limits’ to guests in the compound so I didn’t want to just have you guys appear somewhere)

9:16 AM

Wescott is getting some data scrolls put away in alcoves when you enter. Lavender, very faintly, tickles your nose

"Hello - you must be a Wescott? I'm Dr. Reydove. Melora. Do I smell lavender? It is lovely!"

"Hello Dr. Reydove. Yes. That is me. It is nice to meet you. I take it you're a friend of our Seneschal's? "

"Indeed! We will be working together on running the Psi Academy for a bit. And you can call me Melora!"

"Melora then" he bows gently. "So, what is it I can do for the both of you?"

Melora looks at @Rawth - she isn't sure what he can help them with or if they it.

(Sorry busy today out with grandmother irl) “Well, Melora is a friend of the Psychic Academy. I’m just showing her around and introducing her to House Draconis. Wescott here is himself a psychic, as well as the Enlightened of our House. He’s helping establish our newly built church here.”

12:00 PM

“If I’m ever off planet, you can always talk to Wescott if you need assistance of the House.”

(yeah, next few days are a crapshoot for everyone)

12:05 PM

"I'm always glad to assist those needing it, especially another so invested in the psionic arts. There aren't mant of us left anymore" he says sadly

(No worries. Grandmas are important! I'm busy cleaning now anyways)

“Well we will grow here. Melora and I are both committed to finding the remaining psychics out there. That’s what we are meeting to discuss, in fact.”

“That’s satisfying to hear. Quickly, I had another visitor before you both arrived. He left this for you Kaleb”

7:27 AM

A small package is presented to you

7:27 AM

To:Kaleb From:Santa

Kaleb opens the package...

Dear Kaleb, I know you have many new resposibilities, and I thought something like this would ease your mind

7:34 AM

Rose of the Carnelian God A delicate bloom of a long-dead faith, this flower bears petals of glassy black carnelian. Once per week, who breathes deeply of its fragrance will briefly glimpse a vision of the probable future related to their most immediate concern.

(Is this an actual flower, and is this have traces of MES?)

(It’s like a metalglass flower and yes it would have some traces of it. It’s first wave technology so the MES is woven into it in such a degree it almost feels like magic. This would be tl5 or even tl6. Equivalent)

“Hey Wescott, does the term Carnelian God mean anything to you?”

“Roseglass. Yes. It does. They were a soothsayer cabal on old earth. Their predictions were 99% accurate. Reading notes here taken after. I think they may have even predicted the scream a couple decades ago” He sighs. “Shame we missed the signs”

"That is remarkable! Do you think they were psychics?"

"We know they were. The mandate, and later both sides of the civil war courted their services heavily"

“Did they end up choosing a side?”

"They did not. Both sides wanted them dead after a time, to deny the enemy a resource, and to close up what they saw as a liability into their own plans. Their fleet moved around, a lot, but who knows, maybe some of them made it"

"I'd really like to think some did. Which makes our search for other psychics even more imperative. These folks must be so gifted - it would be good to know if there are survivors if they are safe or need safe haven"

“There’s a lot of space between planets out there. Never know what might turn up” Wescott Says

"Eventually I'd would like to find out what happened on my home planet Leda. And my sister"

"So Kaleb, what would you like to see happen at the Academy in the next 6 month's or so?"

“I see the Academy having the potential of doubling in size of students, able to provide services for all of Greenbair. As a new psychic teacher (metapsion-3 w/ Psychic Tutelage), I can now start and assist with the training of newly awakened psychics as well. As for specifics, my duties here at the House will keep me personally busy. The house will have a need of the Academy shortly. We just finished building our psi forge, and will need psychics of all disciplines for its operations. How about you Melora?”

"Growing the Academy and getting them integrated into the community to find meaningful livelihoods and ways to improve our communities - sounds like we both are on the same page. Like I was saying earlier, I would also like to put together a community campaign to destigmatize psychics and celebrate their contributions and achievements (edited)

10:24 PM

"As we get more folks from outside resettling here who might have been exposed to anti-psi propaganda, I feel that we need to be proactive in making it known that this is a psi-friendly place, and that psi folk are valuable members to the community and not to be feared or antagonized.

10:30 PM

"Desmond actually is going to go on a mission with me to Rawhani. I know you were hesitant for us to go back, but there are still folks who need us there. And if we can find psi-folk among them, we will get them out of a place where they could be annihilated and have more potential students for the Academy. Desmond and this fellow I haven't work with yet - I believe he has medic and warrior experience? He will be joining us" (edited)

10:36 PM

"I feel there is an imperative in general to stage rescue missions for all over. Everyday, we risk losing more psi lives to the Remnant. They are adamant about the genocide of our people. We need to preserve as many lives as we can"

10:42 PM

"I am excited to have you and I teach. I want to recruit some to work at the hospital and design a practicum where they learn to work with nonpsi staff to give comprehensive integrated treatment.

10:44 PM

"I think biops have the best opportunity to debunk misconceptions that psi folks are dangerous. It is hard to have that view after they cure you or save your life.

“Wow, you’ve said quite an earful. I’m glad that you are around to help the Psi Academy grow. What is this about you and Desmond going to Rawhani? I’ve done the trips to Rawhani myself, as I’m sure you know. Where are you planning to perform your rescue mission?”

"I believe Desmond wants to see how they are handling waste. I think we are just going around to different area and see who we can find to help and/or take with us"

"I apologize for the earful. I tend to get overly enthusiastic and kind of ramble off all my ideas. I suppose we should prioritize. But I am so excited to have you teaching! As you may or may not know, my background is as a nurse practitioner and my doctorate is in public health. My psychic specializations are mainly biops (level 3) with secondary abilities (level 1 ) in telepathy and telekinetics"

@Nekosmash Kaleb calls down Scion to join the discussion. “As far as Rawhani, I’ll tell you about my last trip. I found the House on its last legs of survival. We formed here because it was the Houses best chance of survival. Since you may not know this, House Draconis were the original inhabitants of Rawhani. They lost in a Great War to the corporations. The remaining refugees that have been kicked out of the corporate holdings where in a make shift city. Now, they are in the cave system that House Draconis has been hiding in since the war. You may find a few more psychics among the refugees, but only a few at best. The corporations would have the rest of the psychics under their ‘employment’. The actual corporate holdings are dangerous for psychics from what I understand. They have maltech left over from the perimeter agency to detect and detain psychics. Do you plan on going to the refugees or the corporate holdings?”

12:12 PM

“On the subject of psychics itself, I’m a metapsion-3 and teleportor-2. My background is being a leader of faith. It seems I’ve found myself here again.”

"This mission is as much a humanitarian mission as anything. Refugees, psychic or not, are suffering and barely surviving out there. My original plan was to go back for the refugees. As a healer, I hoped to be able to save as many as possible. I am not experienced with what it would take to deal head-on with corporations. As much as I would like this mission to deal with both things, what we have prepared for is to treat and rescue refugees. We can see what information we can get while we are there, but i believe we would need more time and people with more expertise for another mission"

“I like your answer and understanding of the situation. Have you talked to Zaricon (NPC)? He’s part of Greenbair military, but he’s a metapsion as well and was with me on both missions I took.”

"I can't say I remember meeting him. Could I have you facilitate a meeting for the 3 of us?"

"And anyone else who would be a good person for planning such a mission"

“I can reach out to him, but you can trust him. He can assist with organizing the refugees like he has in the past. As this wouldn’t be the first mission he’s done, we shouldn’t have any problem with loading people up again. Just so you know, if you are taking the pillar of salt, which is the largest ship for this type of mission, you’ll be able to rescue 5000 refugees. Do you have a time frame of when you are running this operation?”

"Well, ok - so for the trip I am going on, we are going to scout some of the wastes to see who else we can find, and if the house will tell you where their stronghold on rawhani is, we can direct the new people you find there, Then we can come back together and get them all on the Pillar of Salt"

“That is correct. The reason I ask is that we have a mission as well that will require the Pillar of Salt to transport the mechs. If you plan on heading out soon, the House can join on the mission. I am on good terms with Marianne and Mirosan, the leaders of the refugees. If you need more time to prepare, then we can go on our mission, and then assist you with the rescue when we come back. So I’m attempting to figure out the logistics.”

(ok so i am already on the mission i was talking about. i think we need to differentiate which is which because i don't know which mission(s) you are referring to) (edited)

(I haven’t talked about my mission, other than that I have one that I need the same ship you need. If you are ready to go on the mission to Rawhani, then we can go)

(but i am in rawhani the next day - i am there now)

1:46 PM

(under rawhani-rescue

1:46 PM

(So maybe this is phase one and when we go together it is phase 2?)

(Oh. I didn’t know that. @Nekosmash, can you help explain how House Deacons fits in?)

(well, you contacted the refugees in the stack city, under mirosan and miriam, there are other structures out in the desert that arent named on the map, but exist. Her plan was, to scout them, see who else is around, especially if theres a chance there are any psychics, direct them to where house draconis has their secret hold ruins on planet, and then you both come back later in the pillar of salt to get them- now that the Remnant fleet in orbit has been destroyed. Desmond , Melora, and the new player went to Rawhani on the Marshal free merchant to scout some other smaller non-corporate settlements, Desmond is trying to get an agent or two on planet to keep an eye on things for one of his endeavors, he brought melora since she's a medic, and her plan was while there, she would scout for you guys, so you have other known gatherings of people worth saving)

(Gotcha. How can I jump in to the mission, if possible?)

(If you want to do your mission to Aslief first, by time you get back, melora should have detailed information for you on all the other smaller non corporate settlements , and you can decide your strategy for the return together)

(Hopefully that all makes sense)

(It does to me! Thanks!)

(For me as well) “Well Melora, ill meet you on Rawhani then”

"Be safe!"

Melora heads out, Scion ensuring she has the data needed. "So Aslief, tomorrow?"

“Yes, it looks like we need to make haste to fulfill our contract, and be effective with helping the others on Rawhani. See if you can prepare the mechs with Environmental Seals and Sky drones. You can scrap the other utility equipment to make room on the mech.”

“I’ll have it done by mornin g” scion rushes off, getting a sheaf of work orders together for his engineers

Kaleb takes care of any necessary preparations before heading to Aslief

Hey, so I fulfilled the goal of building the MES forge, so I got 9 XP for that, so I'm now level 10

Excellent@

Level up results: HP: 40 Skill Point Allocation:

12:42 PM

3 points into Telepathy, now Telepathy-1. Ability Chosen: Facile Mind

12:42 PM

2 points into Notice, now Notice-1

12:42 PM

Foci Chosen: Alert. Making Notice-2

(and that makes you immune to surprise as well)

(yes)

There is bump as the mech dropship re-couples with the Pillar of Salt Dewinter wastes no time entering as soon as it is safe, with a pair of armsmen. He very patiently waits at the bottom of the ladder of the command mech

"Hello Dewinter. How long until we can head to Rawhani?"

"A day, the ship is heading toward the jump point now. I came to ask you the plan once we get there? Just so I can have the arrangements made over the coming day"

"We will need to get a status update of our allies on Rawhani once in orbit. From there, we can use our mech flyer to enter orbit. I don't believe we will need to use the drop shuttles we used with the pirate, unless there is a combat situation. The Pillar of Salt can stay in orbit around Rawhani, unless there is high Remnant orbit presence. If that is the case, we will need to trust your judgement. We will know more once we are in system, but what is the latest status of Rawhani's situation with the Remnant and Corporations, if we have any more info?"

"The Remnant fleet in orbit has been destroyed. Trivedi has a system in place now where we can communicate with Desmond and Melora there in real time, we could reach out to them for more information about the ground. In space though, we won't have anything to worry about. There weren't any troop ships when the Greenbriar fleet moved to engage, if they did land, theyre stuck now"

“Very well. Let’s head over there. Regardless, I’m planning on deploying mechs.”

“I’ll make the arrangements” (So the 24 hour repair period will occur during transit, preventing any penalties on your next walk)

(sweet)

3:59 PM

(does anything happen before we get to Rawhani?)

(No nobody has anything that can pull you out of spike so your trip wouldn’t get interdicted at all, and rawhani is next over from aslief. Short jaunt)

4:03 PM

The mechs are fresh from the repair bay when the ten minute alert sirens briefly play their wailing song. The spike drive begins powering down for final translation into the rawhani system

"It looks like we are back home already. Sooner than expected."

The debris cloud from the battle is a slowly expanding metal layer, blanketing the upper atmosphere of the planets eastern hemisphere. It’s a bit longer of a route but dewinter approaches from the west, allowing drop craft to pass down to the surface without the need for dodging debris

To Dewinter "What is the current status of our people in Rawhani?*

“We can call them. They’re in comm range now. Should I open a link?”

"Yes, it will help us determine where to land and start our mission."

To Scion, “quite the interesting turn of events on Rawhani.”

“Indeed. I think that cache Desmond was talking about is worth looking into when the situation merits it”

“Forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but is this cache is group of people?”

“Supplies. Weapons. Some stuff the people living in the failed enclave hid somewhere in the city before abandoning it”

“How much time do we have before departing?”

“A few hours. If we are quick we might find something”

“Even if we can’t take it with us right now it might be helpful to see what’s down there, that way we know what to come back with”

“Alright, let’s get going.” (Sorry, missed the last notifications)

(It doesn’t always light up for me either so I figured I’d do another post just in case. Glad it worked :p )

“So Desmond was looking into the possible locations and from talking to people, it’s been narrowed down to three spots. An old hydroponics dome on the east end of the city A factory complex to the north, Or the mag train tunnels below the city. We can access them easiest from the south

“Let’s check the mag train tunnels.”

The walkers begin moving through the city, making their way toward the south side, where the mag-lev access is. The buildings around the walkers shiver under the mighty tread of the passing vehicles, and pavement cracks underfoot. The city seems entirely devoid of life, though occasional heat blooms point out the hiding places of refugee families. There are very very few. After a short half hour walk, you arrive at the large central station for the underground tunnels. "I think this is where we need our own legs" Scion says, taking off his headset and neatly rolling up the cord.

“Great. So much for sticking to our strengths.” Kaleb gets out of the mech

"Light?" Scions asks, as he shakes a glowbug in his hand. He has a combat rifle slung over his back, and a small pack full of supplies

(How many are we in our group)

(7, the pilots for the other mechs, and the command crew for the heavy mech, which includes you and scion)

Kaleb will activate his crown to sense any tech activity nearby

Kaleb senses a few power cells running on the very last of their reserves from just inside the staircase leading down into the tunnels below. This once was a train station, and fliers, tickets, and the refuse caused by travel is scattered everywhere

“Where these train stations use by the House?”

"not exclusively, but we did go into town an awful lot when things were peaceful. These were the best way to do it"

“Could the refugees here ever use these if they were operational?”

“Depends on what kinda shape the tunnels are in. The trains I bet your people in central could replace pretty easily. “ He begins making his way to the station, “coming? We don’t need to go far. The first half of the refugees will be ready to go in a few hours.”

“Yeah let’s go.”

Seven glowbugs click on as you descend the cracked stone staircase down into the mag lev tunnel. Unlike other ruins you've picked through, the power is beyond exhausted, and even the emergency lights are off now. The outline of a ticket booth, and the turnstyles most subway systems use to count passengers are highlighted in the gloom

Kaleb will get out his navcomp to get an image of this place’s surroundings

(I'm going to draw you one of my infamously strange notepad maps)

(Yay!)

You’re in 1 right now

Let’s proceed to 2

1:42 PM

Then 3

Kaleb and the other draconis personnel move down 2, the long tiled hallway is dusty, heading towards the platform of 3. You are halfway down the hallway when you hear something stirring out in the platform area (3)

Kaleb attempts to observe in the direction of the noise he heard

It seems to be coming from below what looks to be the platform (something on the tracks, but out of sight, below your line of sight)

Kaleb orders the men to spread out approaching the platform, shinning lights both above and below

A long, cadaver thin arm brushes the top of the platform, grasping or feeling for something. It goes still as the draconis footsteps approach

Thin arm?

(Something is reaching up from below the platform ledge. It looks like it’s trying to find something. You’re on top of the station platform so all you can see is it’s arm)

(From where we are, does it look human or alien? Or is it hard to tell?) Kaleb will order men to move up, but out of reach of this arm

(Hard to tell)

10:53 AM

(it has five fingers, but the skin is either super dirty, or not a pigmentation humans are known to have)

Kaleb will get down on the level to see it with two men. Once he sees ‘it’ he will reach out with telepathic contact to see what form of language it knows

The creature is human, but incredibly wretched. It's spine is bent from a lifetime of being hunched over, and a filthy bag is strapped to his back, on rope cords. It recoils and hisses at the presence of the light. "Pleaseeee..." it hisses "Light. Hurts me. Please"

“Turn off your lights!” Kaleb orders his men. “Use Night Vision”

donning night vision everyone has a better look at the ab-human. He seems to calm. "Why does it come with the lights?" it croaks

“To see in the dark. What do we call you?” (Is this Gollum from Lord of the Rings?)

(Not directly, hes distinctly human in proportion, just stunted from a life in the dark) "Krudge is my name" it makes a mocking bow. "You

11:56 AM

come from above. Not safe for you down here"

“What is down here to make this place not safe?”

"There are predators, and other tribes...." he looks distractedly down the tunnel. "Above-men with light, and thunder come down sometimes. Kill many"

“Men of light kill many down here?”

“Yes. Many die to them. But I don’t see their mark on you” He scribbles a symbol in the sand showing you the Saturnetworks and Remnant symbols

“Why do they come down here?”

“Looking. Great treasure they say. Things hidden that are wanted by many”

“Is there treasure here?”

“Past the iron snakes, down into the pit, through the room of cold fire. I can show you the way, for a price”

“What is your price?” (Kaleb is using his diplomat 2 focus)

“My people are sick. I need medicine for them. Wasting cough.” He imitates a horrible hacking wretch

“I don’t have medication on me. How many are you?”

“40 of us in the dark and sick. I show you, You bring next time?” He asks hopefully.

9:21 AM

(He tried making a talk check for your trustworthiness and snakeeyes)

(Is there anyway we would have medication for that many people?)

(On the pillar of salt. They can land some to you)

9:24 AM

(It would basically just count as cleaning out the ships locker until you return)

“Give is a few hours. We will come back with enough medication for you. Then, you show us around. Is that agreeable?”

“Yes yes! Will wait!” He croaks

9:27 AM

(As far as him being Gollum, ooc they’re people that have been underground a generation or two so they’re still human but very pale and their eyes are probably different)

9:27 AM

(Same proportions and everything though. Maybe trending a bit more toward slim)

(I figured) Kaleb will head toward the Pillar of Salt to pick up supplies, and then come back using the mech grav flyer (so glad I paid for the feature to fly in and out of orbit)

(Heck yeah). Dewinter reminds you the ship is cleaned out until you return but doesn’t trouble you any further about the supplies. They can manage for a day. The flyer lands, crunching into the soft pavement again

Kaleb and his men will bring down the medicine

The creature is waiting for you and seeing the large sacks of medicine he smiles a grin that is missing a fair number of teeth. “Follow me friends” he says with delight. “Tribe this way” He begins crossing the rail tracks, toward a door on the side of the tunnel that blended in with the darkness and drab paint (not a room on the map I drew since I wasn’t sure how this was gonna go)

11:52 AM

He opens the service door and there is a wide tunnel, with a cool breeze coming out of it

Kaleb peers into the room with his night vision

The tunnel is long and gently descends into a very large chamber that you can’t see far into.

Kaleb walks in slowly

Two more of the deformed creatures with spears made of rusted rebar stand just inside

12:33 PM

“These friends. Not bad light people. Have medicine. Need to see Chief”

12:33 PM

The guards say nothing but stand aside, seeking to follow you in

(Is it obvious where to go, if not, Kaleb will rely on directions from Krudge) (edited)

Krudge makes a left, heading deeper into the room. On the way to where the chief must be, Kaleb and his crew pass dozens of sick once-humans, all lying under greasy blankets or on whatever they can put between themselves and the floor. Almost everyone has some kind of coughing fit every minute or two

Kaleb looks for the chief to see who is in charge, while ordering his men to prep the medication

At the end of the room, there is a corpulent abhuman sitting in a throne. The throne, you realize, used to be the conductors chair in one of the train

9:44 PM

he is slathered in streaks of crimson war paint, and his skin is a pale white-green

“Hello, I’m Kaleb. What do I call you?”

"Chief Bolgon" He gurgles, not used to speaking it sounds like "Krudge says you bring medicine for our coughs" (edited)

"If I do not act with honor, the gods will become angry and send the men of light down here again. For medicine, Krudge will show you the way to what the light men want"

“We have medicine for you, and do not wish to offend gods. We look for friends and allies, with the medicine as our initial proof.”

1:11 PM

“We dislike the same men of light that you do, and share a common enemy.”

“You do?” He asks intrigued. “You can hurt them?”

“Yes. We have and will continue to until their evil is extinguished from this universe. We have our iron walkers, which brings devastation upon them.”

A hushed silence falls over the cave as you mention the mechs. “The iron Gods” he whispers in awe. “You are the master of them?” (Are you wearing the crown right now?)

(Yes) “I am”

The chief, with great effort stands, noticing the crown of command. He kneels, as do his guards, and anyone else capable

1:55 PM

"We will show you where to find what you need" he says, as he;s helped back to his feet

1:56 PM

"Krudge, get them safely through the dangers in the tunnel"

(That was easy) “What do you know of the Iron Gods?”

(only so far!) "Long ago they walked the surface, and kept the greater threats away. Tribe lived above ground once, like the others. Men of light told us the gods were dead, asleep in their cold mountain, and given up on us"

“We are here now, risen from our slumber. Do you wish to work with us?0

"This life, it cannot continue. The darkness makes us sick. THe water is dirty. The food is bad. We will work with you"

“Can you walk in the light or outside?”

“It hurts. Most of us blinded. Myself blinded too. Long time for many”

“Could we make accommodations? Blindfolds or goggles?”

“Either. We are used to the dark. If we can’t see our hearing sharp”

“Will you be willing to come with us to planet Gurden, to where the Iron Gods are stationed and building strength? “

"When the tribe recovers. Much to do before can leave." he begins looking around the cavern, at the slipshod work and furnishings

“What work needs to be done?”

"Pack, take things, unmake sacred space, and....treasure in the dark. Protect it from the outsiders, the men of light"

“Something down there” Krudge tries to explain. “Something the iron gods need”

“Well, shall we go see it?”

Krudge looks quite excited, and takes a spear, and I’ll fitting metal helmet from what must be his bunk. You can see the helmet at one time was some kind of cooking pot, now cut and hammered into an implement of protection. “Will show you what chief means” and he begins walking through the chamber, down the long service hallways and back into room 3 (back on the map). At the far end of the chamber, (close to room 5) you can see the beginning of a train that had started to come out of the tunnel, but is frozen in place for some reason

Kaleb examines the cause of the frozen train (any MES or is it stuck in place by something physical)

(Physical). The train is not physically fused to the rails, and there is no MES like force keeping it in place. The front door of the train that would allow access to the cabins is off, lying crumpled in the railbed before the train

“Is it inside the train?”

"We have to go through" says Krudge. "More tunnels on other side"

“Let’s go then.”

Climbing into the train, you see that it angles downward sharply like a slide. There is a continuation of the tunnel down below, though it appears to be lit by something flickering, like a torch or large fire. Something hisses with regular frequency down below, every handful of seconds.

Kaleb continues to go down, slowly and carefully

Passing through the train, discarded luggage is everywhere, though time has dulled, and rotted most of the fabric away. There are no bodies in the train, at least. Approaching the bottom of the slanted subway, you emerge into another tunnel, at the bottom of the incline. A broken pipe in the ceiling spurts some kind of gas, that a sparking wire continually lights, casting the room in flares of semi-constant, but flickering brightness. It is a bit disorienting, inducing a slight kind of vertigo but Krudge doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Some kind of digging machine has broken its way into the right side of the tunnel, 50m ahead, and continued on, coming to a crash into the left wall. Around the right hole, more crawling ab-humans lurk, though their paint is different in design and coloration to Krudge

3:10 PM

they don't seem to have noticed you yet

Kaleb looks at Krudge, not saying anything, and awaiting his instruction on how to proceed with these ab-humans

“The Gon-Gora” he breathes. “Fallen further than us. Can’t speak anymore. Always hungry”. He grips the halt of his spear. Testing the weight. “we fight? You can?”

"Yes." Kaleb gets his fists ready. "Men, fire your weapons!"

(You’ll get a surprise round since they bombed their notice roll for you guys entering the room)

6:56 PM

(Targets are 50m awAy and there are four ab-humans carrying spears and short recurve bows)

(To be clear, I have 6 other men, with a shoot score of 2, and they get a bonus of +2 on attack due to my Authority-2. Is that correct? Also, what is the damage of my men's weapons?)

(they have combat rifles, They can burst fire, which is +2 to hit, +2 on attack with authority, shoot 2, and dex 1, so taking into consideration everything, this gives us a total of +5, or +7 if you're burst firing- which uses more ammo, the combat rifles are d12 damage) (edited)

Attack rolls (10, 8, 17, 26, 11, 16)

(4 hits)

(9, 12, 5, 1)

One of the ab-humans is cut down by the gunfire. Krudge throws his spear in a very long toss, killing another that the gunfire wounded. It was a great throw. (now we do actual initiative, surprise round is over)

(4 on iniitiative)

(3)

(are my men up then?)

(You, and your men, and then the ab-humans)

(Kaleb's fist attack misses. Draconis personal attacks are 25, 27, 20, 27, 23, 10)

2:35 PM

(damages for first 5 are 10, 7, 9, 4, 9)

(two crits too, that was a beautiful round of shooting)

(thank you)

The ab-humans are swiftly routed, the final one cut down by a thrown spear from Krudge before it could make its way down the tunnel mouth. your guide seems to let out a breath he had been holding for a while. "Was hoping they not would be here" He seems more annoyed than anything else, but your quick dispatching of the foe seems to have an effect on him, "Now we go into tunnel, down, into the pit"

"Alright, let's go"

Krudge looks into the broken wall, and moves inside. The bore-machine drilled into the subway area on a gentle incline, the bottom of the tunnel is so far away it vanishes into darkness, beyond what your glowbug can pierce

Kaleb will proceed to move forward

Water drips as you near the bottom of the tunnel shaft, collecting in what sounds like some kind of a large pool. Several constant drips splash into it. Something heavy stirs in the water, and you catch a glimpse of a black, eel like shape sinking into the darkness of the pool

"Is there something else here Krudge?"

“Not sure” he says quietly. He remains still. Spear poised

Kaleb stays still, observing the movement

)evasion save(

(Terrible roll...fail on 3v4)

(13 damage) Rocketing out of the darkness of the pool, and eel like creature, with prehensile forearms fires itself at you, jaws wide. Scion smashes it over the head with the butt of his rifle, getting it to release you (I don't want to slow it down by re-doing initiative every time, I'm sure you're anxious to get on to other things, you and your men can go, and then the beast will go, and we will just repeat) (edited)

(Sounds good! I’m at work so unless you want to roll my men’s attack, I’ll wait until I get home)

Burst firing, and yelling in anger, the Draconis crews rally to Kaleb, firing as many rounds as possible into the eel like creature, as it releases their Lord. (23 damage, we can get your move, and then ill roll the monster when you get in)

Kaleb, just taking the bite from the eel, is getting back, and using his men to help shield him

They pull their Seneschal back from the fighting, as the eel thrashes and bites\

7:13 PM

(that would have been your move, still have your action)

Kaleb examines the room in the heat of the moment, attempting to see if he can find a tactical advantage

The beast is keeping close to the pool of water, afraid to go too far from it

(Does Kaleb see an escape or route away from this thing?)

(Around it, down the tunnel to the right, You also notice its sides and belly seem to be made of a less scaly and tough hide)

“Men! Aim for it’s belly and sides. Keep firing as you follow me”. Kaleb will order his men to head toward the right

(if you're tied up right now I can roll their attacks again)

(Yeah I’m busy at work...thanks bud!)

(I feel ya. massacre on my side of the work week too lol)

The beast writhes in pain, ducking back into the pool as the rifle round hit it again savagely. The men, bundling you along, move into the side tunnel, heading even further down . The air begins to chill

At the bottom of the ramp heading down, the splashing water and frustrated growls slowly getting softer up above, you enter a large room that seems to be totally covered over in ice. A slight hiss and puffing clouds of coolant show the source of the freak conditions. This room was likely once a pumping station for climate control. At the end of the room across the frozen floor there is a very large computer, the screen taking up most of the wall.

Kaleb activists his crown to examine the computer

The machines have some power in them still. Enough for you to work with for now at any rate. The crown expands your awareness and you’re able to sense the computer at the far end of the room. It is powerful but you can interface with it.

Kaleb will start to interface and see what is on it

Kaleb's thoughts begin to meld with the machine, and the room is bathed in a soft green glow as the machine comes online. Inside the system, is a treasure the Remnant, and the corporations, would raze the planet for. Industrial plans for a mech production, repair, and research facility. The plans seem to also include devices originally stolen from House Draconis, and turned to the psionic repression area- MES detection gear used once to find recruits, or do medical screening, now bastardized into hunter-killer systems for MES users at corporate hands. The further Kaleb dives, the more complex and convoluted the storage becomes, the devices detailed within becoming more and more esoteric

(Well holy...) Kaleb would like to dive deeper into the knowledge of the computer

(It'll be a mental save to stay connected, but if you're tied up I can roll)

(I got it)

7:33 AM

(Flying colors! 17v5)

7:33 AM

(I’m assuming the Crown helps translate the data)

(Yeah exactly, it was mostly does your mental willpower hold out long enough for you to stay connected while it does what its doing) Kaleb makes the deeper dive into a program called "Ragnarok" . House Draconis , through a choir of precognitive minds, may have forseen the doom, or at least the diminished nature of their holdings. Vaults have been scattered across the various worlds of this sector, containing technical secrets, samples of Rawhani wildlife, plant life, and the rich cultural histories of the various pre-corporation groups have been preserved. One of those vaults is revealed to be in the mountains on Gudruns' extreme south.

7:40 AM

The crown feels quite hot, as it unloads the data, and you feel it processing, slowly disseminating the data into your mind, in bite sized chunks for you to follow

Kaleb will transfer all the data into his compad. When he’s done, quite woozy, he will sit down with his back against the wall for a bit

The crown is still very warm, and you can feel it slowly working in the background. Sensing your level of exhaustion, it slows its processing speed down. You get the sense that future revelations from the recovered data will come with time. The Draconis mech crews stand guard while you rest. Krudge occasionally looks at the crown, and at you, but turns his head when he catches your gaze, as if he is too frightened to look at you directly.

“It’s okay Krudge, thank you for showing me this. It was a lot of information.”

"We're going to have to pass that fish thing again" one of the pilots says

“Is there another exit to this place?”

Krudge nods, slowly "A long climb, in the dark, follows the tunnel the chewing machine made" he says, referring to the crashed drilling machine you passed on the way in. "I know the way"

“Alright. Let’s destroy this computer before moving on. This info can’t get into the Remnant’s or corporations’ hands

10:16 AM

“I’ll go over what the info is in a safe environment. For now, we should get out of here, and take Krudge’s people with us, or at least those who wish to come with us.”

One of the crew members takes a pair of EMP grenades out of his belt. "Everyone else get moving, I'll be the last one out. Don't want to fry anyones electronics"

10:32 AM

"Good thing I picked these up in town. Surplus from your helldiver war i guesS"

Before we head out, Kaleb and his men will examine the room and see if there was anything else important

The room seems barren of anything that isnt mundane, aside from the soon to be defunct computer

Noted, Kaleb prepares his men to get out of here

Climbing into the steep, and dimly lit tunnel, the last man up rolls the two grenades into the room, on a timer. Krudge expertly leads you back to the surface, 300m down the road from the station. your mechs standing proudly in the red-orange rawhani sunset. The link to the ship re-established, DeWinter informs you that as soon as you're ready to withdraw, the ship can make the jump home- refugees aboard

(Just to confirm, Krudge and the rest of his people have agreed to return to us to Gurdon?)

(They need a few weeks to get healthy and safely dismantle their temple, but yea, when you return next, they'll be ready to go)

(Gotcha) “Krudge, we will be back in a few weeks for you. Thank you for showing us your treasure.” Kaleb will head out and back to Gurdon

The trip back from Rawhani sees the Pillar of Salt returning amid much fanfare, and much activity on the ground (the news reports , the last big one and two small updates after it would be happening about now). The entire colony is on edge after the threats of the Taros First League

“Never a dull moment” Kaleb mutters. Scion, let’s meet with Wescott and any other key personal to review the data from Rawhani. We need to plan accordingly to our next best interest.”

Scion get some meeting requests sent out as the landers begin offloading the refugees, mechs, and then finally, your crews themselves. The meeting is scheduled for later that night in the Draconis Keep, affording you a measure of privacy (edited)

Kaleb will order the HQ to be swept for bugs, just in case.

A small team detaches from their duties to sweep, and after an hour they report the facility is clear.

Kaleb will prepare his meeting, to go over the data he recovered from the computer

The data in its most digestible form are plans to re-create the support facilities the old Draconis hold once had. Advanced re-arming and repair facilities, a hangar hardened against orbital bombardment, even a grand cathedral to Aguana-complete with a powerful pump to bring water from deep within a planet to her sacred reflecting thane- are among the plans. There are further engineering documents showing a prototype energy shield fitting, but the work is incomplete. The crown has been steadily working ever since you connected with the computer, its surface temperature cooling some, but still reminding you of its presence on your head.

(Is there any damage to me or the crown from the interfacing?)

(Nope, you're probably a bit physically uncomfortable, but you passed the save, so you're good)

Kaleb will re-examine the psitech research

One of the most direct comparisons you can make from it is something like the MES goggles you'd created on your own, though in corporate hands turned to a darker purpose. Special MES sensitive lenses were created for security detail specialists out of plundered Draconis tech, allowing at least one or two men in wandering patrols to find psychics hidden among the corporate worker rank and file. (edited)

1:13 PM

there is also a device that looks like some kind of field projector- originally meant to be an extension of the abilities you used on Wescott, tempering the power flare-ups, but in this case, used to overwhelm, and then finally dampen psionic powers used in the vicinity of it by keeping the target drained

After reading all the notes, Kaleb will gather top Draconis personal to start the meeting

Scion, wescott, and the mech crews arrive for the meeting, the most entrusted of the current draconis personnel

"Men, thank you for coming. We have made great progress. First, we had a successful mission on Aslief, destroying the Remnant force there.

2:04 PM

We also came back to Rawhani and assisted in the rescue of more refugees.

2:04 PM

But most importantly, we have uncovered information from our ancestors!"

2:04 PM

Kaleb will show the plans for the mech factory and let everyone observe.

There are some pleased awed experssions on the assembled trusted crew. A few of them were old enough to remember how things on Rawhani used to be, and for them this is a symbol of even greater significance

"With this, we will be able to build more mechs. But not just any mechs, but mechs of the Draconis design! In addition, we have found plans for a church!" Kaleb will show the plan for the church next.

Wescott especially is delighted by this. The place of worship recently built here is already more than he had, but he remembers heading about the grand halls of auguana, where collected knowledge of the house, and those they came across was stored

"So, we also have uncovered more psitech research." Kaleb's face gets a little dark. "The tech that the corporations have corrupted, but the tech that we can use to build ourselves up again." Kaleb will show them the psitech research after that.

Seeing the projections, its easy to see how the corporate allies, and then the Remnant, have changed devices meant to enlighten and help, into technologies meant to enslave and oppress

2:20 PM

(i owe you 6xp, and 50,000 credits too for the mission)

2:20 PM

(I went a little too far down the rabbit hole describing the data and forgot about the actual xp)

(added, thanks!)

The crews are aghast at the devices being used for such terrible ends. It is easy to see how the corporations and the Remnant are making use of them for their agenda furthering

“Finally, I want to share with you our ancestors greatest secret. Behold, Ragnerok!” Kaleb shows the plans

A star map appears projected onto the hold walls. Several pips of light across several nearby sectors show the locations of vaults where house draconis scattered more material and resources. One of them is on this planet

“Men, at first light, we will travel to the hold here and see what our ancestors have left for us.”

They cheer and begin making plans for another expedition. “are we taking the mechs, my Seneschal?” Scion asks. “I’m just trying to get us in order”

“Yes, these unexplored lands are dangerous on Gurdon. With our mech flyer, it shouldn’t be an issue with traveling. In addition, Scion, can you do some research of how much it will cost to get this mech factory and church up? We have a lot of credits from the pirate mission just sitting around.”

"It'll be 100k for the first phase of the mech factory, but that includes the four support bays as well, so that covers our three mechs and has space for another. We can finish that by the end of the month." (using landing facility from the codex, since the entry for garage says no larger than a grav tank, which a mech is)

“Very well. After we see what the hidden Draconis cache has here, I’ll make the decision to start building the mech bay.”

"We should be ready for anything. A treasure like that is going to have something powerful protecting it from the careless, or the unlucky

“I’m sure the house build in contingencies in place of accidental discovery. I’m sure the crown will help though. For now, let’s get some rest. I feel like tomorrow’s journey is going to be long.”

The compound becomes quiet, and everyone breaks off for their last duties before bed. Dawn finds its way to the compound before long

Kaleb rises with the sun rise. He'll find a nice hill to do some medication before the rest of the crew awakens.

Kaleb is refreshed, and restored, below him, the compound begins waking up, and is soon busy with the preparations needed to head south, into the lone mountains

(I want to keep this fresh for you. Would you rather this be more dungeon crawly or more the challenge/danger of exploring to get to the vault)

(Eitherway, ive got something prepared)