Iron Stars - linya

Linya Tychos, one of the myriad greystar scientific team members gets a priority message on her compad from Director Kensh, assigning her to a digging team he is putting together both quickly, and somewhat secretly. The orders are to report to a small hangar on an underused side of the Greystar station, and to purchase whatever necessary gear one might need for a dig and possible hostile environmental factors. A small credit chit for 1000 credits has been attached.

(Shopping list- 3 spare parts, 150 10 thermal flares, 50 Survey scanner, 250 Backpack, 50 Binoculars, 200 Total, 700)

(all that is available here)

(neato, also, what kind of moon is it, does it have an atmosphere, or is it more akin to Luna.)

(Its a barren moon like Luna)

2:22 PM

(with a kilometers long alien glyph carved in the side that faces acastus)

(In that case I'll pick up a Vacc suit as well.)

With your new gear assembled, there is nothing left to do but join the mission team. Everything else in terms of transport and on-site gear seems to be arranged for already judging by the contents of the message

With the her shopping done, Linya makes way to the rest of the Archaeology team. The movement of her prosthetics producing clicks and clacks as their internal components shift.

You arrive to see several figres standing in the launch bay, a few of them have robes or combat armor with lightning bolts and storm clouds etched into them.

7:47 PM

They all nod or wave hello as you approach, though the mood in the hangar is quiet and somber. A projection of the third moon spins on a small display table, showing the projected dig site, around a complex created by the still lady's followers to house workers, though no cultists had ever managed to truly take up residence there

Linya meanders around the launch bay, haptically searching the robes/armour's sigils. Eventually she ends up near the display table.

The designs are woven into the fabric, and the lightning emblem marks them as Scions of the Storm, from the sector behind the L-Gate. Most of them are mages of the electrical element, where a few have seen their metaspace abilities lean more toward a traditional psychic, and have become masters of electro kinesis (edited)

Linya closes out her searches, bringing the world around her back into focus as she listens to the people around her and waits for a briefing.

The briefing boils down to a few main points- the expedition is to get the complex working again, and ensure it is safe before inhabiting it. There is a security component to this mission that will be responsible for most of the sweeping work, but may need expert help if trouble is encountered. The scions will be powering the machinery used to dig, and will be operating it themselves when possible. Not all know how to pilot vehicles. Those who cannot will at least provide power for the tools, machinery, and other things needing it. There will also be a team of experts trying to glean knowledge from any stores the cultists left behind, and anything that is dug up. There is solid actionable intelligence that there is a route oracle buried within complex grounds , and finding it would be a both a powerful boon, and a giant step in ensuring one of Greystars oldest adversaries stays defeated

Linya shifts restlessly, eager to get work on the complex. Small wisps of star-stuff emanate off her hands as she unconsciously summons ghost tech in anticipation.

A small shuttle opens its doors and prepares to bring the team down. It is painted matte black, and there are no logos on the side despite it being very clearly a greystar mission.

Embarking on the shuttle, Linya glances at her fellow workers.

There are eleven in total, not counting you. Four of them are storm scions, Five are security, and the remaining two look to be some sort of technical team, with you rounding them out to a solid 3 members. The door closes, and there is a gentle bump as the shuttle rises and heads out of the expedition hangar toward the moon. on approach the complex comes into view. One of the buildings was leveled during the discovery of the place by Director Kensh using demolition charges. There is a storage bunker, three large lab buildings, a dormitory, and a recreation center, along with a 3 kilometer wide marked off area where the cult had been planning to dig

Linya's gaze is glued to the land around as the shuttle goes in to land, taking in the beauty of the landscape around er.

The shuttle sets down outside the ruins of the center command building, and there is still a bit of a crackle and pop inside the wreckage as it continues settling from the demolition charge explosion, which now was weeks ago. The ramp lowers,a nd everyone begins filing out into the lunar landscape

She heads to her designated place in the complex.

This is the first time anyone’s seeing the facility and there aren’t designated areas assigned yet, or even an order of work. The crew begins to gather once again. “Well it seems we have an area that’s been marked off for us already. I’m going to assume the cult had a general idea and there’s some significance to the zone here. It’s a matter now of digging and actually figuring out what they managed to discover here already”

(Ill be gone for a few days for July 4th celebrations.)

(Take your time)

“So I need a few people to drive one of the digging rigs and see what turns you. I can also use a couple people to delve into the archives and see what we can then up. Maybe help refine the area we are searching”

"I request to lead the team heading to Archives."

Two other techs and a security officer are assigned to you. “Alright. Take them over to the archives building and lab. They’re in the same spot on the western side of the campus. See what you can do to get the building online. Everyone else will start working with the digging machinery (edited)

"Understood, hopefully they haven't left anything unpleasant behind and we just need to flip a switch or two to get things started" Provided there isnt further left to be said Linya will lead her small team to the Archives/Labs, engaging in small talk along the way to learn more about their aptitudes.

There is an electrician with you along with another programmer and generally stoic Greystar marine. They're getting used to wearing vacc suits, and for many aside from the marine this is their first time being issued a weapon going into a project. There are signs of cult activity everywhere, between scrawling on the walls, general disrepair of what should be a new facility, and piles of trash in some of the more main corridors. Signs on the wall point to where the lab is, and the door is pressure sealed with a small terminal next to it, set into the wall

"No wonder they lost, no respect for their equipment and a complete disregard for maintenance. Ah here we are."

The security officer moves into a guard position, dragging a low cart with some boxes over, and using it as temporary cover to watch the hallway from. "Alright brains, the both of you check out that machine, see what you can do to get the door open"

Nodding towards the programmer, "This seems like your field of expertise, should coercing the door fail I should be able to force it open."

He spends a few minutes working away at the terminal, before there is a beep and the hiss of displaced air signals the room beyond is unlocked now. Power is still coming back online, so it has to be manually winched open. (he got a 10 for the check)

"Well done, now only to pry it open. Do we have a winch near hand? "

"Looks like one set into the wall next to the door, go ahead and throw it, and we'll cover "

"Ahah." Linya winches the door open.

The flywheel spins and the door begins to rise , revealing a run down lab and archive space. Most of the equipment is outdated and dirty. More scrawlings and evidence of general disarray permeates the room, though there are no bodies or any other evidence of recent habitation

"Hopefuly half of this stuff even works still. "

10:59 AM

(Few questions, is there a central terminal for archives, is anything non-operational, and the rough layout.)

There are terminals running against most of the walls, attached to archive stacks that are in various states of disrepair. There doesnt appear to be a centralized storage area. Several workbenches are arranged in rows around the middle of the room. Nothing appears broken on the surface, but there is no way to determine if there are software issues

"Welltime to get to work. I say we split up, do what we can then reconvene. Sound good?"

Everyone seems to agree with the plan. (they'll fill in around where you go, i want to prioritize you as far as what gets looked at)

Linya heads to one the archive terminals, brushing away AR overlays as she concentrates on the task on hand.

There is a faint dusty and greasy sheen on the keys that is wiped away with a shop rag, and it almost feels like the machine is waking up like something of flesh and bone after a long rest. The screen flickers three times before finally settling on a command prompt. It appears some base functions can be started here, or instructions for various base operations are stored within

A brief shudder goes through Linya, caused by a sense of wrongness from the machine. Powering through her feelings, she instructs it to run a diagnostics.

2:57 PM

(Would you like a Int/program?)

(basic level questions/functions wont need one, depending on what you ask/ have it do, we might need to take some checks)

(

)

The diagnostics show most of the data cores are present but not connected, and it also registers the seismic shock, and disconnection of the sensors from the main building Director Kensh had to level when clearing the cultist presence from the site

Linya goes through the remaining data cores, searching for manifiests, crew rosters, maps or anything else of use.

4:00 PM

(Disconnected as in physically not connected?)

(physically not connected, either no cords, bad cords, or cut cords)

if the information is present, its being held on storage devices that are not connected

Linya broadens her search, skimming the data available in each core.

The base is the base, with the buildings you saw on the way in. They all respond as still being there aside from the one the director leveled. The number of ground digging machines in the manifest matches the number on the hardstand outside, and the digging area matches when coordinates are compared. The cultists suspected the route oracle was buried in some kind of vault under all of that moon dust. The researchers here were looking into 2 additional matters, and that information is on drives not connected to the system, but physically present here

2:15 PM

There are also controls for the security system, including changing targeting parameters

(Is the security system currently on?)

(Yes)

( what is it current set to shoot/trigger?)

The security system is set to engage anything coming into select buildings on campus. They will fire at any heat signatures larger than a. Rodent

(Can It take other parameters other than thermal?) Linya attempts to disable the security system, and possibly sync their controls to her compad.

(You can define your own parameters)

(could Ghost tech could make a laser pointer thats not in the visible spectrum?)

(Probably yeah, it just goes away when you’re not using it)

Linya sets the security system's parameters to engage targets painted in a certain frequency of infrared. Confident that she got all what she could, Linya returns to the group.

The rest of the group is likewise taking inventory, and outside digging has begun, the tractors moving to the furthest end of the digsite to begin excavating back toward the outpost. The security system reboots with the new settings, and just in time, as a turret was about to fire on an engineering team trying to get another building turned into functional dorms for everyone

"I was able to gleam some information, although a significant amount of the data are in drives that read as being detected but unable to connect. I was also able to subvert the facilities security systems, and they will now fire on targets painted in a certain frequency of infrared."

(So just for my own understanding you guys essentially have to paint anything hostile with this laser for the turrets to fire?)

(Yep, like a designator)

(3xp, 5000c redits)

(

)

(Alrighty, level up report, tell me if i get something wrong)

7:51 PM

Health improved 6 -> 9
Fix 0 to fix 1, 2 sp
Punch -1 to punch 0, 1 sp
Program -1 to 0, 1 sp 
Focus pick: Martial Art, Ghost Walker, two levels gained.

(do you need me to add the foci to your list?)

7:54 PM

(i think i might have to mess with the API)

You can make blank Foci sections, then just copy paste in, whst I did with Ghost Tech. But yes please.)

7:57 PM

(Also the Ghost walker skill box as well.)

(done!)

8:05 PM

(look ok?)

(Yeppers, NekoGMBestGM.)

8:10 PM

(Dont think the level two portion of Ghost Walker made it through on the focus)

(Don’t you only have the first level of the foci?)

8:22 PM

(Oh I get what you’re saying. Just getting all the text in there)

8:22 PM

(Once my computer finishes updating I’ll fix it)

(Says in the martial arts section of the rules level 1 foci is 0-2 and level 2 is 2-4)

8:23 PM

(Also them darn windo ws updates.)

(Your skill level is already 2, over on the right. That’s correct )

8:26 PM

(But you only get the 0 and 1 techniques with the first level of the foci. The second level gives you the last level and the skill rating goes to 4)

(

)

(I’m double checking the write up

8:29 PM

(Fixing it now. You get all moves. Section is just poorly written)

(Added a few goals)

"Alright, so there's a level beyond this one, looks like" the electrician says, looking at some schematics drawn into a breaker panel. "The cables go down through the floor here, so they must connect to something, but it sounds lke we're going to need to cut a hole in the floor here"

"Do we have the tools for that, or do we need to go find some?"

"A tool kit could probably make a hole big enough for someone to fit down, but itll just take time"

"Mmm, i understand, I might be able help cut a hole, i have some skill in tools, and... Some other things."

10:00 PM

( seeing as how a whole post tech tool kit is 300 credits, GT can probably make a cutting torch and eye protection correct?)

(Oh with your Ashen One trait? yeah i would say that is fair)

(I somehow managed to combine the descriptions of Ghost Tech and Ashen Creativity (My name for the AO trait) in my head. In this case, I would like to use Ghost tech.) (edited)

(sure thing) A torch and goggles appears in your hands, coalescing from MES energy.

12:15 PM

"Alright, well, thats handy then"\

"Having tricks up your sleeves, sometimes literally," A small laugh , "is very useful... To cutting then?"

(Fix/int at +2)

(9)

The hole is perfectly cut without severing anything important. There is a clang as the metal hatch hits the floor below, about 20m down from where you are. It is dark and you can see an access ladder has been paneled over - either a mistake or a deliberate hiding of what is down here

"Either they are terrible engineers, or bad engineers trying to hide something."

Linya ignites a thermal flare, dropping to the ground below (9 left.)

The machine spaces down below are briefly illuminated, and the light reflects weirdly as though there is glass just out of sight down below, behind where you'll be roping in

(IS the ladder in a state where it could be used to get down?

(Yes)

" i will go first, since im most likely lighter that all of you, hopefully their ladder skills are better then their... Everything else. "

The team throws a few more glowbugs and flares down into the dark engineering space below, where cables trail across the floor to some kind of hatch in the floor. It looks like something is meant to raise out of it, based on how the lid is leaved together.

7:35 AM

Some storage banks and sensors line the walls, on standby mode

"That looks important," turning to the group, "Do you want to follow the same p lan as last time?"

“Maybe we should call for some security. Just in case. We don’t know what we are dealing with now. This is all new”

"A good suggestion, lets see if we can raise the people outside. If not well move until we can"

8:27 PM

(Is the ladder the two only way in/out?)

(You could throw climbing ropes down but as far as an official way in and out, yes)

(Plan is to phone home, if theres no signal or the likes well backtrack till we can.)

(there's signal, you can send a message)

After a search through the Archives terminals we were able to discover some information, the cultists suspected the Oracle is in a vault underneath the surface. They were also investigating two other matters, however, the details of these endeavours were on drives that are unconnected but read as being present in their housing.

(Name of Electrician) was able to locate the entrance to the drive housing, a terribly hidden hatch in the floor. (Security) advised us to call for backup before proceeding further in case of surprises.

The archives was also able to access the security system, ive curretly subverted the system to fire apon targets designated in a specific frequency of IR. In good timing too it seems, the readouts suggested one of the turrets was primed before I initiated a reset.

Agent Tychos

(were you going to wait for the extra help before going onward? either answer is fine, just need to know how much time is passing)

(Going to wait for the security detail before continuing.)

It is about a day for more security and engineers to be scrambled from Acastus proper, and outside the excavations continue as the first of the vehicles are powered up abd begin working. So far, nothing has been uncovered, but the work is just beginning. heavy bootfalls out in the hallway and a knock at the door breaks you all from your rest

(Having issues with internet and customer service, so my connection will/has been non-existent, ill try and update when i can.)

8:49 PM

Linya 's head snaps up, roused from her meditative rest, she moves to get in a position to open the door, indicating for the security officer to cover her as she opens it.

Outside, ten more Greystar soldiers and a second tech team wait to get in. Most are carrying tools, repair materials, and portable lights. “Heard there was an issue down here you needed assistance with. We are reinforcements from the starhab. We dispatched as soon as you called”

Linya nods, "We're gonna start poking around in something important, so we thought it was a good idea to have more muscle just in case."

"I wish more Operatives were as cautious as you" the squad sergeant says, lighting a cigar and looking around the room. "No problem, and my guys here can help you move any equipment you need, too. We're all in this together, just tell us where you want us"

"I imagine running head first into a n ongoing fire fight is not on your bucket list," Linya Smiles, " Currently we are only going to need you around the archives, but possibly we might start venturing outwards to chase other prospects. "

"Alright, we'll remain close. I understand you found something in the floor? something about another level. Has it been secured?"

"The area weve uncovered is a small basement or bunker of what equates to a server room, only entrance is the hatch and possibly another area below."

“But it hasn’t been scouted or explored? Any idea of what security might be down there?”

"There was a security system, from what I could tell it consisted of turrets that would fire at anything with a bigger heat signature than a rodent. I was able to change the parameters to target subjects painted in a certain frequency."

8:38 PM

" we were also waiting on you before we continued further

"Alright, we're going to go down there then and get a look, we'll probably need a few of you to come with us if we run into computer systems or something else"

They begin heading down the ladder, and setting up a ring of security, gun lights pointing outwards, toward what looks like a vault door ahead of them, with a small security terminal next to it responsible for the door lock.

(sorry for the lack of response,)

8:54 PM

"I can try to coerce the door open."

“If you wouldn’t mind” (Program/int) “once it’s open we will secure whats beyond and get to work”

(11)

9:00 PM

Linya plugs in an interface for her AR and begins working her way into the terminals systems to get it to open

There is a puff of air as recyclers on the other side begin to click on, gently allowing the doors to slide into their housings, resting on armored tracks. A skeleton falls forward, bones coming to pieces on the ground as the door propping it up has now moved out of the way,

Linya jumps back slightly as the skeleton falls, releasing a held breath as it clatters to pieces, "Were they left behind as a casualty, or for some purpose?"

“Doesn’t look like it was on purpose” the security sergeant says looking at how the bones have fallen. “Something more along the lines of coming to rest there somehow. No uniform or much meat on it though. Hard to tell what happened to the poor soul”

2:18 PM

“We should take this to mean that there is something capable of harming us on this level, though”

"Great, a monster in the basement." Linya squats down and examines the remains. (any obvious damage to the bones? Bite marks, breaks, etc.)

The legs are barely held on, the bones are splintered, and cracked, but had not entirely broken until it fell over, likely the former muscles was holding the bone material close together. Something very heavy had crushed them, but there are no signs of it

7:57 AM

(no object is here, so something did it)

Linya gets back up, drawing her laser pistol, "I would say your assessment that something else is here is accurate, what worries me however, is that the victim didn't appear to be used for food."

"You're worried that the victim wasn't eaten? What do you mean?"

"Either it didn't have time, or it has other things to eat."

He nods, and resumes taking point. The revealed space is a cavernous chamber where there is an exit to the west, and east. In this chamber, there are panels taking up most of the walls, revealing star charts, but they have been drawn on with grease marker, and do not seem to show planets or stars in this sector, or anything explored around this area. RANA appears several times on the maps, and in all of them the circled world and name is later crossed out

Linya records everything with her compad and looking for anything else of importance as well. "Looks like they had troubles finding Rana, false positives? Or perhaps they didn't what they were looking for specifically."

"Hard to say" the security sergeant agrees. "Do any of these charts look like local ones to you? I haven't been much beyond Acastus or the star hab in my duties"

9:19 PM

"But i know you came from UNW territory once, you must have seen something "

"It matches nothing from this sector or anything nearby..."

9:31 PM

Linya sends a request back to base to see if anything here matches anything known.

9:32 PM

(Os there anything in common with each of the charts between each other?)

(the sectors flow together based on the star locations if that makes sense. So these maps are all from the same region, not snapshots of rando places

12:52 PM

(but this sector is not anywhere near here , is the takeaway so far

(So adjacent regions of the sky taken from the same place.)

(thats right)

(

)

The message comes back that it doesnt relate to anything in the known areas of space, though it could be where the route oracle is from.

9:33 PM

There is a ping, as outside, the digging crew has found something, and they require your help

"It seems I am needed elsewhere, will your team be staying here to secure the area?"

"We'll take it from here, you got us in, that's good enough"

7:55 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Linya Tychos, Level 3
HP: 9->10
Fix 1->2
Pilot -1->0

(edited)

9:33 PM

(feel like im missing something, but my health role sucked.)

(used one too many skill points. Going from fix 1 to 2 it costs 3sp) (edited)

(Experts gain an additional SP for no combat-non psychics skills)

(you still used 5 SP)

9:51 PM

(experts get 4 SP a level, warriors and psychics get 3)

(No idea where I got 5 from, fixing.)

1

(Dropping sneak)

On the surface, the digging machines have stopped their movement, and are idle now, an a crowd has gathered around the head machine. There is some discussion and loud argument going on, though your'e a bit too far to hear the words. You do see someone shoved out of the circle, landing on their back and kicking up a spray of dust

Linya runs up to the crowd, trying to get a better look at the person getting thrown out along the way.

8:23 AM

"What's going on?"

Something has been found below the soil, a sealed lock box, and it is currently in the hands of the foreman, who is looking at it like his most prized possession. It's clear he has just thrown one of his workers aside with how disheveled his uniform is

8:24 AM

(looks like hes been fighting)

"Did you find it? What's going on?" Linya comes to halt, out of breath slightly.

He holds it triumphantly over his head. "I found it! Lady! I am coming for you!" he cries, bounding down from the excavator bucket, and trying to elbow his way through the crowd

(Away or towards me?)

(toward you but away from the rest of the group

(wew, was scared for a moment at the "Lady" part.)

Grasping hands try to stop him, and he gets 10m away from the group, and within 10m of you as you approach the scene, barreling toward you with the intent to get past you

"Foreman, Stop!" (Provided he doesn't Linya will try to stop/grapple him)

(He does not, so we'd need an opposed exert/str)

(5)

(you do have your re-roll available sinc eits a new scene, if you want to use it)

12:18 PM

(He got a 7)

(Would have figured since this is combat-y, it wouldnt have applied)

12:19 PM

(doesnt matter, somehow roled worse, 4)

(its any skill check)

12:21 PM

He avoids your attempt, throwing you aside easily as the Ashen Ones are not known for strength, and barrels 5m past you. He is some distance, about 200m or so from the parked shuttle that brought all of you here, and it seems you're the only one with some idea or wherewithal to respond

(how quickly could I shoot of a message?)

(it would be on turn, so a few seconds, but as far as someone responding it could be some time)

12:30 PM

(probably more time than you have)

Stop all out goings ships! A cultist has the Oracle!

12:34 PM

Linya gets up, chasing him.

(you're able to directly be next to him within your move, since he burned some of his shoving you away)

12:38 PM

(so you have your main action to do something)

(smackdown time, can i try to be non-lethal? any penalties for doing so?)

(depends what you're trying to do, disarming has different mechanics than tackling or trying to subdue)

12:40 PM

(how about this, tell me your idea, and we will see what makes sense to roll)

(trying to knock him out, but not kill.)

(Right, so like an attack?)

(yep.)

(would need to be unarmed then, so if its not on your sheet they have punch or fist as a weapon you can add, we'd have to use that if you dont have a stun batton or anything)

(10 to hit, 6 damage.)

The metal fist lashes out, staggering him, though he keeps his footing (you do shock damage still) and he continues trying to run. (fighting withdrawal as main action so he doesnt trigger an opportunity attack, and then running 10m away, toward the ship)

(It does shock damage? didn't know that.)

(melee combat has shock yeah)

"Foreman, quit running! I dont want to hurt you!" Linya continues to chase him.

(Generally unarmed without martial arts, their AC is going to be high enough where you're not going to do anything anyway, but hes just in regular guy clothing and the vac suit, which is low armor)

4:16 PM

He looks behind as you close to point blank with him again, running headlong as he keeps the box with the presumed oracle tight under one arm

(My luck today, wew, 8 to hit, 4 damage)

He brushes off the hit, dodging sideways as the metal fist hits his side. He throws you off, and dashes 20m toward the ship (you get an opportunity attack, didnt do fighting withdrawal this time)

(20 to hit, 3 damage.)

he is knocked over by the opportune blow, his gamble to put distance between him and yourself has failed, and he crawls forward two paces in the dust, before collapsing.

9:06 AM

The box with the oracle has tumbled from his hands, kicking up moon dust

Linya comes to a stop next to the foreman, breathing heavily, she goesto pat him down and remove him of anything dangerous.

9:17 AM

(Could AO ingenuity provide some zipties or some improvised handcuffs?)

(for sure)

9:52 AM

he has a laser pistol on him, and thankfully didnt use it. He also had the oracle, of course

9:52 AM

(it would be able to do regular cuffs i think as well)

)

9:55 AM

Linya takes his pistol andrestrains his arms behind his back, his legs to a lesser degree as well, still allowing movement but making it difficult.I

9:58 AM

Confident shes secured the foreman she sends a message explaining the situation to the higher ups. Next she opens the box, trying to confirm its the Oracle.

Inside, something akin to a starship storage drive for log and route information is contained. It is slightly damaged , but overall, looks like it can be returned to service

Ive secured what I presume is the Oracle, and restrained the person trying to take off with it, what would you like me to do with the Oracle and the Thief?

(is this meant for the council? or who? )

(Who ever is in charge of this locally)

(3xp, 5000 credits) Security arrives, and its advised you board the shuttle under guard for a trip back to the star hab right away. The thief is beaten heavily, and the last you see is them being dragged off to one of the out buildings to wait for those in charge to decide what to do with them

Linya complies with the security escort, keeping the Oracle in her backpack and holding it tightly. Linya makes little conversation on the ride back.

(might want to let the group know you found it)

(Will do, I have some ideas on moving forward from this.)

(perfect! ) Upon landing, you're met with a 40 strong cohort of Greystar stormtroopers, heavy ship to ship marines with the best of the armor and weapons the group has available to it. the oracle is handed over, to the director personally, who stands in the middle of the large display of might, before they whisk it away to secure holding. The director remains after handing the device off to a senior aide, along with three bodyguards

"Director Kensh," Linya nods in greetings.

"Agent Tychos. You succeeded where so many other Greystar agents have failed. Thank you for bringing this to us. We might be a step closer to putting this Still Lady nonsense to bed for good, and we can stop mucking about with cults "

"You're welcome Director, I am glad to be of service to the Confederacy."

“What will you do now?” He asks, looking on at the prisoner being taken away

"Aiya Technologies is currently offering a large sum of credits to secure a site for them, there are also some unsolved things at the cultist site that I might return to if other agents dont take up the chance."

"I also have plans for a vessel for our Shipyards to manufacture that I am in the process of finalizing

"Is there anything of Importance that you would need me to do when I return?"

(I think the credits are for everyone, and i know the vessel is essentially just waiting for time to pass, if you have your own direction I'd default to that rather than throw you into my own thing)

(Alright, couple of things to do then, i will be selling one of my pre-tech parts to @Svenka [Tig/M’Ranni] for 1 million credits to assist in her ship construction. Mission wise i will be taking up Aiya Technologies mission in #deleted-channel to secure a site to complete their wealth endeavour. Prior to heading out i have a list of cybernetics to be installed.)

(Sure hit me, lets see what you got)

Dermal Armour, 20K, 2SS 
Eelskin Capaciter Mesh, 25K, 1SS
Ghost Talker, 15k, 1SS
Panspectral Augment, 15K, 1SS
Direct Interface 1, 3K, 0SS
Neural Overload Wiring, 30K, 2SS
---------------------------------
Total, 108,000 Credits, 7/12 System Strain

(alright, the two special ones here were unlocked with research/ashen one stuff, so a week is going to go by with no downtime, since you're drugged up an undergoing rehab from getting the cyberware installed)

(Ill update my sheet in a moment)

(what save would I use to determine if my Neural Wiring stops working for an hour?)

(We have been using physical effect since it relates to the body )

10:07 AM

(And since tech save isn’t a thing anymore )

(

(are we free to skip the Rehab bit?)

(yeah we are, nothing really do be done there if you're not wanting to RP it)

Linya returns from a variety of surgeries and personal modifications to her augmetics sore, but eager to get going again. She contacts Aiya Tech stating that she is taking up their contract to secure sites of mineral wealth for them.

AYT is looking for sites on any of Greystar's member worlds, and aside from knowing where to send you, the contract is considered open

(Ah sorry, the site on Acastus, forgot to specify.)

(there isnt a specific place, we'd have to venture into the wilderness)

(~~There is the point that AT Surveryors identified that still needs to be cleared out and marked~~ Wait sorry that was the fuel deposit) (edited)

(so they know there is mineral wealth on the planet, just dont know where it is?)

(same way you can assume an area is metal rich but it doesnt replace the need for prospecting to find an actual vein)

(I know nat is getting ready to do the same thing, any interest in a buddy mission?)

(Im up for it)

(shes got a general layout set in her thread, so we can hop there, you two meeting up outside Greystar admin in Ash City)

(Before I head out, Id like to purchase six days of rations, a vacc fresher, and 6 more type A cells, 490 Credits total,)

(do you have a corresponding suit to go with it/=/0

(yep, a vacc suit)

(everythiing available , )

(From my understanding of the question I asked in help a while ago is that in five days of downtime, my ship will be ready in five days of downtime?)

(this is very difficult to understand but i will find your help question and hopefully i can make sense of what youre asking me)

(https://discordapp.com/channels/345912178072879106/551545053122658326/744964406672097450)

Discord - A New Way to Chat with Friends & Communities

Discord is the easiest way to communicate over voice, video, and text. Chat, hang out, and stay close with your friends and communities.

(and what you are saying is your ship completion date was 5 days into Y4M3?)

(I believe so, it was set to complete in 35 days.)

(it is complete, so when you and nat are done you can use it)

1

(School stuff has started up again, so my responses will be more spotty.)

(getting Bio-adaptation augments for 10k, 1 SS.)

(alrighty, just a day of recovery for that before we roll into whatever you want to do next. Your ship is also done)

(Next step is the Psy Academy, where is the closest branch? Also, level up report incoming,)

3:32 PM

Linya Tychos, Level 4.
HP 10->14
AB 1->2
STR 12->14, 3 pts, 1 banked
8/12 Strain from augments.

(also on Acastus, they built a campus over where the Still Lady pyramid used to be)

Linya arranges for transport to the campus, whether it be walking or some form of public transportation to the Psychic Academy, wiling to wait on the shakedown cruise of the Esperanza for more knowledge on her fledgling abilities.

(did you want to RP with like Reg for example, or just through an NPC i do)

(If Reg has time I'd love to RP with them.)

( @Regulus/Grupp You feel up for helping a new PC understand space psychic stuff?)

(Bout to drive home from work but I can a bit later!)

1

(Im willing to wait.)

The academy branch on Acastus is still fairly new, its construction completed some months ago, and is currently full of young psychics found by Eisheru. As you enter it seems no classes are currently being held and you easily find the leader of this branch in a small office off the main entryway. A merlon looks up with tired but kind eyes, a bronze plaque in front of him is inscribed with the name Adamaris Tidecaller, "Hello there, how can I help you?"

"Oh, er, I've heard that the Psychic Academy had an Arcane branch and was, uh, interested in learning more about my, er, skills."

The merlon gives a slight smile, "Ah, unfortunately we don't have any arcane teachers here, most are at the main branch on Galatea. There is someone you could talk to though if you give me a moment." Adamaris opens a drawer in his desk, pulling a small device out, fiddling with it for a moment before putting it back. He stands and comes around the desk to stand next to you, "Meet the headmaster of the academy himself, Regulus Fate." An arcane glyph appears on the floor in front of the merlon, glowing a soft blue-white before flashing brightly. In its place appears a strange robot, its form glowing similarly as the glyph though you can see through it just slightly. The robot bows to Adamaris before turning to you, "It is a pleasure to hear from you Tidecaller, I see you have a new student. I am headmaster Regulus Fate, welcome to the academy."

A noise of surprise, sounding akin to that of a bird's, escapes Linya at the sudden arrival of the robot before she composes herself. Surprise gets replaced with curiosity as she surveys the new arrival.

"Hello Headmaster Regulus," Her tone took on a more inquisitive form at the end of her greeting,

Regulus gives a shallow bow and though his face carries no expression his tone is warm, "I can sense you not here for psychic training. Please, speak of your abilities and of what the academy can do for you."

"I uh, well its better If I show you," Linya holds up a hand and concentrates. Suddenly, spectral wisps of a yellow-orange gas coalesce into a sphere, and ignite, casting a warm glow in a large radius. (Ghost tech, creating the equivalent of a thermal flare)

Regulus leans forward to inspect the device, "Ah, a solid manifestation of metadimensional energy that mimics an object. I have heard of others capable of similar things. What limitations have you discovered?"

"Well, only I can use them, and as soon they leave my person..." Linya tips her hand sideways, the sphere rolls off her hand and disperses back into wisps, eventually even those disappear. "There also a limit to how many... manifestations, I can maintain at a time, although that appears to have improved over time."

"Even so, a highly flexible and useful skill. Someone I know has a somewhat similar ability but is limited to summoning flaming purple swords of all things." Regulus gives a slight chuckle and shakes his head, "Have any further abilities manifested in you as of yet, or simply the one?"

"No, no other abilit ies have manifested, unless you count a strange knack to always have useful utility items on hand." Linya smiles.

"Yes, I have found your kind to be most resourceful whether they tap into the metadimension or not. Well young miss, I believe you possess the arcane affinity to develop further skills others might describe as magical. Whether you seek to go further down that path and lean into your nature or not is up to you. And regardless of that, you will always have a place at any of our branches if you require sanctuary or wish to further your learning."

"So it can be further taught, like psychics? Am I a danger to others untrained?"

"Fortunately, though you use the same metadimensional energy as psychics you cannot torch as they do and as such are no danger to others or yourself in that way. As to how much you are able to learn, that requires a mix of natural aptitude and dedication, how MES manifests in each of us is unique and it is impossible to predict its infinite variations. But if you wish to learn more I suggest you come to Galatea where most of our arcane professors, including myself, live."

Linya's eyes un-focus as she interfaces with her AR, "Last question, what is..." At a lack of words she gestures widely at the glyph-robot

"Mmm yes, unsurprisingly I get that question quite often." He points down to the glyph glowing beneath him, "This is one of my own arcane abilities, or spells if you prefer, that allows me to speak at great distances. I mostly use it to check in with the branch heads or specific agents of the academy." He then gestures to himself, "As for this, this is my body. Or rather, the shell that contains my metadimensional essence, or as some would say, my soul. My original human body was destroyed and through advanced arcane means that not even I could replicate, I was then bound to this body. That is the simple explanation at least, I can go into great detail on the metadimensional theory behind it if you wish but I have found most tend to have trouble following."

Linya nods, not quite comprehending it but understanding it. "Is there anything else I should know, or have we reached the point where I would need to go to Galatea to learn more?"

"For further learning yes, Galatea is by far your best option if you wish to seek it out. But if you wish for resources or simply a place to stay do not hesitate to stop by any of our branches. The nurturing and protection of all beings blessed with MES is one of our predominant aspirations after all."

Linya nods. "Thank you for your time Headmaster, I have no further questions." (edited)

(Sorry for the interruption, was told to just post this whenever)

Agent Tychos,

The autopsy on the creature we found has been finished up - specific results are attached. It looks like there might be some potential with it to fulfill what you were looking for if you can get a live subject. The digestive system seems to very directly incorporate the fungal matter it consumes and use it as part of the creature's body - there's a potential to use it for "farming" certain strains of fungi. Further testing needed, if you're up for it.

Likely could end with you claiming that bounty of yours, if it pans out.

- Natalia Toivonen

(edited)

Regulus bows deeply, first to you and then to Adamaris, "You are most welcome. Let me know if you chance to visit Galatea and we can meet in person next time." His form shivers and then disappears entirely, the glyph fading shortly after.

Linya turns to Adamaris "Thank you for bringing me into contact with Regulus, and if you do not mind me asking, is there any relation between you and Eisheru?"

"We are Tidecallers, to you, wise merlons gifted in the psionic arts, and valued for their gifts of oration and the settling of disputes. Tidecaller replaces the surname one once carried, as Tidecallers belong to the entire merlon family, and not one clan, or bloodline. We serve Terezino, the call of its oceans, and all who live there. In this new age, we serve the governments that seek our services, and we make homes in new places. Mr. Eisheru is another tidecaller, the most powerful of our order- Tidecaller Primus, and even we defer to him in matters of MES'

4:59 PM

"That is, when Headmaster Fate is not available" he winks

Linya nods, once again. "Your services are appreciated Adamaris, unfortunately I have other dealings to attend to, otherwise I would stay longer."

"of course. The academy will always be here for you if you require further help. Until then, be well Miss Tychos"

"And may you be well as well, Goodbye Adamaris." Linya walks out of the Academy and towards the nearest facility for surface to orbital transport, sending a request for a few items to be sent with her.

10:30 AM

Shopping time
Force Pavis, 10,000 CR
Stun baton, 50 CR
Comm server, 1,000 CR 
Mag pistol, 400 CR
Power Cell Type B x2, 200 CR

(edited)

You’re brought to the starhab where most of the orbital traffic is passing through. All manner of species and walks of life are aboard with you, everyone moving off to handle their own private errands , sharing this transport for a few moments for a shared purpose

Linya queries the Network for what port the Esperanza Is docked at and heads her way there, picking up her requested items if available.

The ship and your items are both waiting in dock, and are cleared for use whenever you are ready

Linya boards her ship, enjoying the new ship smell as she makes her way to the bridge. The bridge is lack luster to anyone who isnt integrated with the Ashen One AR network, the surfaces coloured a bright white, perhaps with a greenish reflection when the light catches it right. There are four consoles, each manned by a humanoid armature, surrounding a central station where the Captain would sit. There is another armature in a berth near the back of bridge.

11:33 AM

Delta - Communications
Sigma - Gunnery
Epsilon - Engineering
Beta -  Bridge/Pilot
Omega - Un-assigned/In Storage

Linya sits in the captains chair and makes a haptic gesture, causing the Armatures stand to attention and the consoles light up. "All right, contact the station and tell them we are undocking, chart a course for Buey once we are undocked."

(1 day of downtime on this leg of the trip_

(Can I put the Exoskeleton mod on a Armoured vacc suit?)

(yes, it would be a day of the 7 needed for it)

(Drat I forgot to add a A-Vacc suit to the list, Can I pick one up at a Buey?)

Linya Tychos: Level 5
HP 14 -> 25
program 0 -> 1, 2 SP 
punch 0 -> 1, 2 SP
lead -1 -> 0, 1 
(1SP was banked last level.)
Focus: Limited Study, Random Organic Failure.

(if your ship has a locker you could requisition one)

(True.)

8:10 PM

Modding to do list: 
 Armoured Vacc suit: Exo-skeleton, COMPLETE, 5,000 CR
 Armoured Vacc suit: Flexible COMPLETE , 5,000
 Armoured Vacc Suit: High Efficiency COMPLETE, 2,000
 Stun Baton: Boosted 0/14 2,000
 4/8 Maint Score

(edited)

8:10 PM

(If that could be pinned please.)

8:10 PM

(edited)

8:11 PM

(As well as that.)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 8/30/2020 8:16 PM

(Thank you Eish, <3)

(Armory or locker could have argument made for having one, so you'd have one)

(A-Vacc suit taken from the ship's locker, I have a course plotted to go exploring.)

9:01 PM

(Im forgetting everything today, going to wait two days for a vehicle to build, if thats okay with you.)

(Alright. Just post the plans when it’s done and we will pin it)

(It will take two days, posting it in Shipyard Updates.)

(The construction that is.) (edited)

(oh perfect. If you planned to stop at buey i can give some exposition, unless its jsut a fuel stop)

(Just a fuel stop and waiting for that to build.)

(Heres the general flightplan)

9:26 AM

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/31/2020 10:03 AM

(Taking the trailblazer with takes 50/60 cargo capacity.)

Two days pass, and the vehicle is completed and loaded aboard your vessel. The fuel tanks are full, and all other systems seem to be working properly

After confirming that it is thoroughly secured, Linya heads back to bridge. "All right, we should have everything we need for this journey, start the calculations for a jump to Shaila." "Calculating..." (edited)

(Jumping to Shaila, shouldn't need to do anything except refuel.)

The fallout clouds on the planet below continue to sweep across the planet in somewhat chaotic storm swirls. They bring lightning with the swirling sands, and the hovercraft clans are driven before them like pack animals. The terraformer is on the way, but not entirely in its deployment stage yet. Perhaps soon, these people will be helped.

"Doesn't look like a good place to live, even compared to Akhlaqi. Prepare to spike to Koffa." (one day of Downtime from Buey to Shaila, then three from Shaila to Koffa?) (edited)

(correct)

(Exo-skeleton mod is complete.)

Two suns shine on a temperate planet with two moons. There are no signs of habitation. Megafauna inhabit the oceans and main continental landmass. Skolli and Svenka visited this planet once, extracting the advanced shuttle wreckage, and the Preystar design from the large canyon on the planet's northern side.

"This however, looks like a much better place to inhabit. Except the giant creatures... wonder if they would care if we put a kind of tent on them... Put is in orbit around of the stars to refuel then prepare to jump to Hrefna." (Starting work on Flexible now, 2/14) (edited)

12:37 PM

(forgot to ask, is the +1 melee damage from the Exo mod applicable to my martial arts damage?)

(yes)

2:19 PM

Hrefna is a dead world, cleansed by shapers and abandoned after all the biomass had been expended. Endless fields of the red trees are now blackening and withering beneath a azure blue sun. The skeletons of large ocean beasts and larger land based creatures bleach underneath its uncaring rays. There is evidence a micro moon existed here once, based on where the ship scanners find the flood plains, but it is now missing, likely turned into one of the shaper battle moons before they were defeated. An ion trail from a passing ship heading galactic northeast is also detected, and is less than a week old

2:19 PM

there is no other system traffic

"This however... this doesn't seem like a good place for a vacation... wouldn't want to be eaten by a tree or something... also the skeletons... and the sunburns. Prepare a jump too Al-Yaldai, from my records no-one has been there yet, finally something to do other than oversee you goons." Linya mumbles something about get a conversation model.

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/al-yaldal-location

Al-Yaldal

8:17 PM

Another greystar ship is orbiting here right now, under the command of Agent Aris- who is exploring some Slyth ruins in the middle of the planet.

(Huh, on the Roll20 map it looks like an i.)

(To me it looks the same size as the other lower case L , but i feel like its splitting hairs since either way this is the info)

(It isn't an issue, just thought it was un-explored because Al-Yaldai didn't show up on the world Anvil.)

8:24 PM

"Ah another Agent, and Beta, this isn't unexplored, keep this up and I'll replace you with Omega and you can be stuck apply the paint on the outside." "Understood?"

8:25 PM

Linya sends a greeting Aris's way before instructing for the ship to refuel and continue their course.

(I'll have to generate some stuff for this one)

TL0 Human Miscible Biosphere Breathable Atmosphere Hundreds of Millions of "Inhabitants"

9:39 AM

There is no power signatures on the world below, though there are innumerable life signs of flora and fauna

"This one has life... put us in a nice polar orbit for closer scans, see if we can find a good place to land."

"Put us down a small ways from the southernmost village. I'll get the Trail-blazer prepped."

10:06 AM

(Landing about halfway from the lone mountain peak to the small village south of the castle.)

The ship sets down, landing claws crunching into the soft soil. Several short alarms go off to announce the ramp lowering so the ground vehicle can be deployed for exploration

Linya climbs into the Trailblazer, leaving instructions to Beta that if anything approaches that isnt her, they are to take and off and maintain an altitude of 50 kilometers. Linya flies towards the village, staying a moderate distance above the tree line.

(how close are you approaching?)

(Till about a few minutes of walking distance.)

Approaching town, you see many human figures standing in the fields, shuffling aimlessly and some are bent over, trying to mix the soil with their hands and arms

3:30 PM

They are backlit by the setting sun, and it is hard to get a good look at them

Linya approaches, a sudden sense of unease coming over her.

(still inside the explorer?)

(walking, If it matters, she has a rather large backpack, a comm server strapped underneat the pack, a laser rifle strapped to the side, and two pistols on hip holsters. She's also wearing an armoured vacc suit, the helmet off for now, underneath standard clothes.)

As you approach, some of the figures begin to turn and look at you, though no language comes out- it resembles something more like pained groans. The first takes a ponderous step towards you.

Linya raises her hands as she aproaches, showing she doesnt have anything, and approaches the first.

His skin is the gray of a greystar uniform, stretched thin over muscle and joints. His face is contorted in a rictus of pain, while neon green inchworm like creatures move over the body, especially around the ears, and eyes.

3:45 PM

It lunges for you, falling into the dust as it clumsily overbalances, but its alerted cry calls more, and heads turn in the fields to start shambling this way

"This isn't good!" Linya takes out her laser pistol, and turns on the force pavis on her right arm. She fires once, at the nearest standing one.

3:57 PM

(9/6)

It misses and by now all the heads in the field, thirty or more by quick count, have turned and are beginning to shamble toward you

Realizing she can't make an appreciable dent into the horde, she holsters her pistol and begins to sprint back to her vehicle.

You make it inside and the door shuts as the closest of the infected are within 10m of the door. With just fists, they will have a tough time getting through, for now at least

Linya routes additional power from the fusion reactor to the grav plates, she pilots it into the air. She sends a message to Beta, instructing it prepare to takeoff.

Beta and the ship have not been noticed, for there is nothing organic inside for the inhabitants to take interest in, and the cargo bay begins winding its ramp up the second your explorer touches down on the ramp.

Now in safety, Linya takes a shakey breath. "That... that was disconcerting." Walking into the bridge she instructs Beta to take the ship into low orbit

2:08 PM

(Whats the delay for communications from here to Acastus? 1 day every three hexes?)

(1 day per hex)

2:11 PM

(once it gets to within 3 of acastus it just goes the rest of the way instantly)

"Tomorrow we are going to have a close fly-by of each settlement, see if... see if they are all the same."

(I didnt have anything else right now until we start doing that)

(Just going to wait a day, then descend to each village to check if they are all infected.)

(Yes, Where would you like to start so i can tell you whays where)

(starting on the left side.)

2:44 PM

2:45 PM

(Not taking that Trailblazer, instead doing flyby's with the Esperanza.*

(right, just needed to know the order, which i have now)

Arriving in the northwestern settlement you can see the land around it has become dead and bleached of healthy soil. More shambling people stumble around their small town. One falls from a roof trying to grasp your ship as it flies past despite being nowhere close To the vessel

"This Isn't good there has to be at least village still standing..."

(I don’t want to just kick you out. Moving to the next one?)

(yep.)

The island community a bit further southeast looks much the same. Fishing boats are moored on the beach, and shambling bodies flail in the sand, in the shallow water, and in the village itself. There is no evidence of anyone sentient living here, no fires, no signs of reinforced structures, no HELP ME written in paint or with stolen goods on roofs. Just more and more of the infected.

"If even the Island bound are infected, I doubt the rest stood a chance... just how virulent are these things?

(Same thing here, dont want to force you to move on)

8:33 AM

(but i dont know where to go with what was written)

(Moving on to the next.)

The next village is surrounded by forest, and although the trees look intact and beautiful in their verdant fall colors, the village itself has been burned heavily by a long past out of control fire. Only a few of the buildings on its outskirts- homes mostly, have been spared, and you do not see any of the shambling creatures in the area

"Put us down near the village, perhaps something still remains, any remnants of their culture..." Linya puts on her helmet, it snapping into place with click,. (Would the advanced lab have sort of stasis field, or containers for living things?)

(Stasis field is way beyond any tech we're working with right now, but it would have containers for small living samples)

12:05 PM

(would also have briefcase sized cryocases)

(would cryo damage the samples?) On the way to the small hanger bay, Linya makes a detour to the lab, picking up a small number of containers and a cryo-case.

(not generally)

"Open the doors Beta, let me know if the sensors pick up anything that isn't me." Linya steps out onto the ground, and heads towards the nearest intact structure.

The closest building is a farmhouse and barn, with an empty pasture where the grazing animals have run away, and it is empty now.

Linya closes her eyes and concentrates, moments after a cloud of gas appears around one her hands, slowly gravitating towards her hand and coalescing into a survey scanner. She holds it up and powers it on, searching for refined metals. (edited)

The barn and home have some in their construction for beams and fasteners, but nothing like a deposit or stockpile exists on the property

Linya lets go of the manifest, it disappearing into a aurora of coloured gasses, as she walks into the house.

There is a shambler at the kitchen table, and another who pulls herself up from her feet where she had been lying near the kitchen cabinets

5:12 PM

THey are 5m from you, and both fixated on you with the noise of the door opening

Linya flicks on her force pavis, as she slides her foot back and raises her fists, she moves forward suddenly, launching her fist at the one at the table.

7:09 PM

(9/12)

The blow connects with it, but aside from doubling it over in pain, it seems to be standing. (i think its 2 shock since its unarmed melee then)

7:47 AM

Both of the shamblers close in with you, trying to pull you down with the strength in their limbs. (22/5 17/6)

(Both hit, down to 14/25)

8:49 AM

Linya grunts as the shamblers latch onto her, suddenly Linya becomes a blur as she launches a flurry of blows at each.

8:50 AM

(Activating Overload wiring.)

(so its your normal action now, they go, and then your second thing at the end of the ground, followed by a physical effect save to see if it burns out for an hour)

(12/9, failed save.)

One of the shamblers falls, your metallic fist punching clean through its neck, sending its head bouncing across the ground

8:55 AM

The other (15/3) tries to fasten its fingers around your arm to draw you in, leaving long scrapes around the metal

8:55 AM

(you still get your second action, just cant fire the wires again)

(13/8)

(if you're trying to knock one out for studies, you can, its either KO

8:58 AM

or dead, depending on what you want)

(Non-lethaly, you dont need knee's to live)

the remaining once human is incapacitated, forced to crawl on legs that are no longer there. No blood comes from the wounds aside from a black, tar like trickle that stops after several long seconds

linya flicks out her stun baton, and prods it for good measure.

It remains unable to do much aside from awkwardly grumble on the ground, smoke rising from its now somewhat fried clothing

"Bastard, I just polished that." linya squats down and using some sort of tweezers tries to put one of the head slugs into a container

(survive/wis)

(Oh no, a non-int skill, 4)

You only get the mashed remains of one of the slugs into some kind of sample pod. You're not sure if you got the head or not

"Well, better than nothing." Linya pulls out a syringe and tries to draw blood from the shambler.

The needle has a hard time getting into the skin, but once you do, some of the bubbling black sludge is captured in the injection chamber

"That is...disgusting." (Could I pull a body bag out of metaspace with Ghost Tech?)

(does it fade when you stop committing effort?)

10:38 AM

(i just dont have the book handy)

(Fades when i let go of it.)

10:39 AM

(or stop maintaining its existence.)

(you could pull it for the duration you're allowed to keep it for, but it wont stay once the effort stops)

(That works.) "Don't want any of this... Blood on my shiny new floors." Energy coalesce s into a thick slab, as Linya rolls it out into a body, as she tries to stuff the still living shambler into it (edited)

(going to be gone for the weekend.)

(all good, enjoy yourself and be safe!)

1:32 PM

The bag stretches as the shambler struggles, but thinks its night time, so stops after a few minutes

Linya drags it to the lab module and lifts it onto some sort of table, (Would this have an autopsy/examination table? Also, on that note anesthetics?) Leaving one hand on the bag she unclips the stun baton and extends it. Prodding the shambler after she dispels the bag

(I don't see anything your ship is fitted with that would provide a workspace like what you're trying to do, or the medical supplies/tools you need right now. We can still do the things youre trying to do, but they'll be harder in the absence of being fitted for the work yo're doing)

2:29 PM

(Explorer doesn't have anything either , tried to be thorough)

Linya looks around for a moment before sighing and backing up a few steps. Her hands begin to trace a glyph in the air, leaving what appears to be an Aurora Borealis in their wake. Once the rune is complete she takes one of her hands back, a strip of aurora in the center of the rune mimicking her action as she thrusts her hand forth, directing the bolt to the stunned shambler in front of her.

3:06 PM

(Watch this kill me

)

3:08 PM

(wew, physical saving throw, on a fail it dies in 6 rounds or takes 15 damage if it has for some reason more than 5 hit dice. Succeeded the Save against Surge, no Strain acquired.) (edited)

3:09 PM

(Oh, I read that wrong, how many dice does it have)

(Okay so this is the organ spell? )

3:23 PM

(It has two hit dice)

(Yes, 5 damage to me.)

The shambler dies, for good this time along with the infected organs hosting the slugs

A grunt of pain escapes Linya as she wipes away a sudden nose-bleed. "Don't like using that one." (Going to run some scans on it, not sure what exactly would be contained in the Adv. Lab but any imagers would be used on the body and any slugs shes able to collect, and anything for compositions on the blood.)

Its organs were forced to fail, and as a result much of the data is not something you can use- the damage obscuring what was changed as a result of the infection, and what was scrambled or destroyed as a result of your spell. The brain especially seems riddled with the larva shown through imaging, though they seem to be attracted to your hands as you get the scanner close- theybegin moving for the ears to escape

"That is disgusting." (Any special properties about the tar blood) Linya puts the corpse into cryogenic storage for further study, then heads to the ship locker for some gauze, and maybe a toolkit.

(Nothing you could discern here since the ship doesn’t have any lab or medical equipment aboard )

6:52 PM

The locker has some of those supplies in it and you’re able to get a good handful of both

Linya walks to the bridge, careful not to make a mess on her way there. "Beta, take us to orbit again, my current goal is beyond the scope of what the Esparanza can provide."

Beta does as commanded and there is no difficulty as your ship and the attached explorer escape to exit velocity

(Would a medical or scientific ship be able to diverted here?)

(Also could I remotely direct Omega?)

(Not with all the other demands on the needs of the GS fleet right now, and i dont think any are fitted to be science ships)

(This might have to be put on hold for a level or two. Is there a buoy I can deploy around the planet declaring it a biohazard?)

(Yes you can do that)

"Beta, I'm changing the jump route, prepare for a spike jump to Maryam, we'll come back at a later date with more specialized equipment."

(alright, I'll generate something)

Maryam is an empty desert world, cleansed by the shapers. The Shapers had not been here long enough to plant the grove of red trees most end-stage worlds were seeded with. Its moon, and two other planets in the system with it have likewise always been lifeless balls of rock.

"Another cleansed world, prepare for a spike to Iragarte."

(halfway to finishing Flexible on the A. Vacc suit)

(alright, I'll get another report up when i havfe time later)\

Stable Biosphere Thin Atmosphere Thousands of Inhabitants TL3 The Iragarte system consists of a massive trio of gas giants, though only the central planet has a moon with life on it. Colonists here need masks to venture out of doors to help ensure the air mix is thick enough to allow them to breathe, though with training some of the most athletic are able to remain outside without one for extended periods of time.

11:51 AM

(dress wise, the planet has clear NMC roots)

"Hey, a place that doesn't want to kill us, Beta can you open comms to them?"

Beta beeps twice, and a channel search scans for a few moments before finding a frequency on the moon

Attention colony of Iragarte, this is the Greystar Ship *Esperanza* requesting permission to land

Permission is granted and one of the landing pads at the edge of town near the planned refinery district is highlighted for you. Ground vehicles are likewise moving in that direction to greet you

Linya exits the Esperanza, leaving her laser rifle on the ship.

You’re met by two fast vehicles packed with soldiers in new moon cooperative wool green coats and shiny black boots. Their muskets are kept shouldered.

Linya holds her hands palms up, "Greetings, I am Linya Tychos, an Agent from the Greystar Combine."

“Welcome. Our moon isn’t much but it’s our home. You’ve come a long way to end up here. You must have some important mission youre here on arent you”

"Unless you want me to get philosophical, then no, I'm not on a mission. I set out to explore the space to the north of my Polities boundaries."

“Well, you found us. So what can we help you with now that you’re here?”

"Do you have cartographic data or scientific equipment related to biology?"

"Nothing like that here, we were to be gas miners, not wildlife researchers here, and there's isnt much life here on the moon with the air being so thin|

"That is understandable. Is there anything you need help with?"

"We're stuck waiting on mining equipment and the system ships we need to actually work. Lots of idle hands in town right now, and we've had a bit of a crime problem as a result- which is shocking since there aren;t many of us"

"Do you still have contact with the NMC as a whole? And, unfortunately I doubt I could help much with the crime issues."

"It is faint, and intermittent, but we get the news and a transmission every once in a while"

"I'm personally not one for politics, but I will see if there is something I can do. Unless there is anything I can help you with here, I will be setting off shortly."

"Alright, well, maybe you can figure out why our transmission tower isnt letting us get messages in and out that well?"

"Hardware, that I can do, How far off is it?"

"two kilometers north, in the foothills nearby. Not much in the way of wildlife, so you shouldnt be bothered"

"I'll see what I can do."

Beta, open the bay doors, im grabbing the Trailblazer, and run a scan towards the north, check if theirs anything abnormal.

(program/int for beta)

(7)

Beta detects the suttering signals, and general bad air around the zone, but nothing that stands out

With that, Linya flies to the Transmission tower with the trailblazer.

The trailblazer speeds across the surface of the moon, plates kicking up a shower of dust behind it . The transmission tower is tall, a spire of metal connected to a blocky transmission and reception building. Outwardly, nothing appears wrong or damaged here, but there are also no signs any operators or techs are here right now.

Linya disembarks from the Trailblazer and walks up to the transceiver building, heading towards the entrance.

The keypad has been shot out, and you can see this close several transmission wires have been cut spiderwebbing up the tower framework

Linya sighs and draws her laser pistol, before entering the building.

The building is quiet, and the door has also been tampered with. You can see a crudely run black wide reaching from the outside of the door, through the gap between it and the doorframe, to inside the building. It appears to be an amateur version of a trap

Linya tries to get closer to the trap to determine what the wire is hooked up to.

The wire ends on the other side of the solid slab door, and its impossible to see what might be there without some kind of technological assistance

7:36 PM

(so you could clip it/cut it from this side with no risk, but theres no way to see what its rigged up to. Its amateurish)

(Could I neural overload to cut wire then GTFO?)

(the second round comes after everything else has acted, so whatever happens would still be happening)

7:40 PM

(before you could get away)

(makes sense.) Linya takes out a pair of wire cutters, preparing to cut the wire and hide behind the wall.

There is a snip, and a muffled bang from the other side as whatever rudimentary trap placed here goes off prematurely. Thin smoke billows out from under the door, and after a few minutes it is too thin to be visible any longer, though you can still smell cordite faintly.

Linya sticks her head out to make sure nothing else is going to explode before moving cautiously further into the building.

As she sticks her head out a soft rumbling can be felt along with the metallic clanging usually accompanying an armored vehicle as a large, heavily modified tank with a few NMC soldiers sitting on top and the NMC moon insignia on the front of the hull pulls into view, stopping about 100 meters away before some soldiers hop out. One of them in green storm armor gives a few orders to the three sitting on top before he walks up to the front of the building with two others following him. (edited)

(ooh, a surprise visit!

)

(Is she trying to hide or is she just sitting out front?)

(she was hiding behind the wall and peeked to see if there was anymore traps inside)

(some sort of explosive trap has very clearly just gone off as max is rolling up , and based on where it is, its not something Linya could have done, if that helps)

Max walks towards the tower, looking around before noticing someone next to the door on the outside. He assumes this is the Greystar Agent he came to assist and walks up towards her with Daniels and Madden behind him. (edited)

Linya's first thought as the heavily armoured cadre rolls up is 'Oh dear god, what have I gotten into?" as she ducks into the building quickly, then her thoughts go to 'Oh hell, my car"

Max watches her duck into the building right as he is about to introduce himself and his team. "H...oh for fucks sake." He says with a sigh, letting his rifle hand from his sling as he walks in after her. "Hey, we are here to help you." He says in as loud of a whisper he can manage.

Linya steps out from a dark corner, hands tentatively raised "Who- Who are you?"

"My name is Maxwell Buchannon, I'm with the NMC royal Huscarls. We are here to check up on the locals and they said they hadn't heard from you, so we came to help."

Her hands lower, the fingers on her left hand twitching as she interacts with something, her helmet lighting up slightly. After a moment, she lowers her hands, "I don't see how a military force will be particularly useful in this scenario. The only resistance Ive seen so far was that" she gestures towards the door.

"We didn't know what happened and I've grown fond of hoping for the best, planning for the worst. Also the tank is the only ground vehicle I have and it has a sealed atmosphere. Anyway, can I get your name and then can we see what we can do to fix this?"

"Linya, Linya Tychos."

"Pleasure. This is Lieutenant Daniels and Sergeant Madden." He says, motioning to his team members. "Shall we continue where you left off?" He asks, taking hold of his rifle and walking into the station, looking around for anyone inside.

"I was in the process of er, disarming an explosive when you showed up." (edited)

"So that's why the doorway smells like cordite then?"

"No I used cordite to explode the trap before it exploded me." Linya turns to face you, the visor of her Vacc suit revealing nothing, though her voice has a hint of laughter in it. (edited)

"Uh-huh." Max says, the tone of his voice conveying 'Bullshit'. "Let's see what is going on in the rest of this place then."

8:51 PM

(Btw, Max is in storm armor, so his face is just a helmet)

(You are extra tall compared to linya)

"First glance, a lot of wires are cut on the tower itself."

"Someone had to do that, so there is likely going to be someone hiding out here. That booby-trap signals someone is trying to hide something here too."

"Or were trying to cripple the repair efforts, a small place like a this a team of Maint Techs getting injured would probably hamper efforts for a while."

"Shaper war hurt just about every world, even the ones not directly attacked, in some way or another."

(I'm ready to move on whenever neko, just doing some rp)

1

1

The door is now open, and a desk has been flipped toward in to emulate some kind of a bunker but there is no one behind it right now. A set of entry doors behind this obstacle are still swinging on their loose hinges as someone or something has just passed through them seconds ago

Maxwell brings his weapon up and motions for Daniels and Madden to stack up on one side of the door while he moves to the other side, looking for any left behind grenades or other makeshift explosives. "Stay close." He says to Linya, not knowing her combat experience or capabilities, but assuming them to not be the level of himself or his team. (Just to make sure its written down in case we get into combat, Daniels and Madden would get +3 to attack rolls and morale from his Authority 2)

Linya draws her pistol and glances at the power armour, and moves to stand behind Maxwell. (edited)

(notice/wis)

9:54 PM

(both of you can make this one)

(12)

(8)

Maxwell notices a small shadow on the floor as the swinging doors finish their movement and become still. A jury rigged grenade dumper has been bolted to the ceiling and is set to dump when the door is opened next

(On this side or the other side?)

(The opposite side of the door from you)

"Grenade dumper, other side, up against the door. Whoever this is really doesn't want us in here." He turns to Linya. "Any ideas besides push on the door and run?"

"We could possibly go through the wall, or hit the door with something to make it open."

(What does the wall look like?)

(Metal? Flat?)

(I'll figure out a response when I get back from work, didn't wake up until 3 today and have work 4-9) (edited)

Maxwell takes a quick look at the wall. "Well, I don't think we are going to get through that unless we use something big, and I'd rather not blow up this place if I can avoid it. You guys stand back, I'm going to see if this has any wiggle room for us to disarm it." Max says, looking for a pole or long strip of metal in the room around him.

There is a broom in the corner with a long handle

Max grabs the broom and waits for the group to back up away from the door before slowly pushing the door open just enough for him to see the trap. (edited)

A motion sensor crudely rigged to a hopper door control operates the trap from this side.

Max sticks the end of the broom handle up against the hopper door. "Think you can fry this motion detector somehow?" He asks Linya

"I could Hit it with a laser or stun baton, I could do something more intricate, but that would require being closer."

"Well, see if you can find a stepstool or something. I don't want these grenades getting set off on us by accident."

Linya looks around for something to stand on, briefly glancing at Daniels and Madden, before setting to work on the sensors (would a use of Eelskin Mesh be applicable here?)

(You could use it here, sure)

(Int/Fix for the check?

(We wouldn’t need it if you’re using the cyberware)

Linya pops open a panel on the sensor, using the Eelskin Mesh in her left hand to send a controller burst of electricity into its mechanisms, shorting its sensors.

(Just checking, since in its description it calls for a sneak or fix check to use.)

(This is pretty home-made and jury rigged, and with your ranks in the skill we can avoid it, no way you'd mess up)

7:26 AM

The sensor fries and the box locks up. Its deadly payload will not be used today, but it has cost you time to get through this door

"Done, disarmed," Linya takes her away from the sensor, shaking it slightly. "It is probably safe to proceed."

Max drops the broom and shoulders his rifle. "Nice job." He says before turning towards the rest of the room and beginning to clear it once Daniels and Madden join back up with them.

Passing through the double doors you see there is a room to the right, and a spiral staircase at the end of the hall that goes upwards

1:42 PM

There is no evidence of where your quarry has gone, as any unsettled doors or sounds have dissipated, the trap wasting your time which it was designed to do

"Room first, stairs after. Daniels, watch the stairs, we get the room." He says, stacking up next to the door.

Linya unclips her stun baton and flicks it out, causing it to telescope to its full length

Seeing Linya ready, Max looks around the doorframe looking for any obvious signs of traps before heading in slowly, checking above the door as he heada in too. (edited)

There is not another trap in this room. It’s an office but the computer has been torn apart and harvested for parts. The desk looks intact along with the other office furnishings

"We can come back for this later." He says, walking out of the office, turning right to head up the stairs, motioning for the rest to follow him as he moves.

At the top of the stairs you see a grid has been created from beams of light with transmitters on the ceiling and walls. The beams are too close together to allow them to be passed through without breaking them. The emitters are about the size of a palm

Linya looks around, trying to see if the emitters hook up to anything

There is a power source but it is within the ceiling, behind the metal panels that make the ceiling up.

8:04 AM

(you cannot directly see it, but you're reasoning its got to connect to something

"The lasers are hooked up to what I assume is their power source up in the ceiling, I can try to disable them, but that will likely take far too long." (edited)

"Do you have any idea which panel it might be under?"

Linya glances at Maxwell, deciding now is not the time for sarcasm "Not really."

Max looks up at the ceiling and sighs "Well, I have a sticky grenade, I could just blow up the whole ceiling above it." He says before looking back at the grid. "Why don't I just shoot out the emitters? I have a silent weapon anyway. Or I could just have my men on the outside shut the power off to this place. There has to be a transformer or a generator outside they could shut off or blow up." He messages the remaining crew in the Redeemer to check for power sources into the building, shutting them off being preferable to blowing them up. (edited)

The building has its own power as its an emergency communications facility. Blowing it up means that no information is getting into or out of this world, for months if not years

(Is there a way for them to just shut the power off?) (edited)

7:19 PM

(Or is that inside?)

(Would be worked into the building somewhere)

(Were there any doors downstairs leading out of that entrance we didn't look at, or do we need to search the room again?)

(You only had the one door, and you went inside)

Max get the reply back about the lack of power controls or generators outside, then looks up at the ceiling, poking his gun into one of the metal tiles to see if it raises up or stays in place.

The panel rises up and the emitter moves with it. Sensing the connection between it and the receiver on the ground has been interrupted, the emitters explode (15 damage max)

(Should have clarified I meant one of the ones without the emitters, oh well)

10:17 PM

(56/71) Max staggers a bit from the explosion, his ears ringing. "Thought there was a break in between there, guess there was just one big panel." He looks down at his now not-so-shiny armor. "Well, had to get blasted a bit at some point. Let's keep going." He says before leading his team down the hallway carefully, looking for more traps as they go.

"I have a variety of tools should you lack the facilities to repair your armour." Linya follows behind using her augment eye -sight to look for any abnormal thermal or radio signatures

"It will be fine, I'll have the quartermaster on my ship take a look at it." He says, still focusing on the way ahead.

Moving up the stars and through the previously exploded hallways, you pish through the soot and broken electronics. The main control room is ahead behind a sealed bulkhead, though there is a security office to the left, and a larger more mundane office to the right on your side of the blast door

(Is the security office before the bulkhead?)

(There is a security office to the left and a larger more mundane office to the right , both on your side of the blast door)

"Once again we face a choice, I can work on the bulkhead while you and your team secure the other two rooms, if splitting up is acceptable."

"We can do that. Security room first, then the office." He says to his team before they move into position.

The security room is a space where three to five officers would have monitored the station, kept the communications staff safe, and otherwise rested and relaxed between beats and physical inspections of the building. A weapons case is locked, but the lock looks to have been picked at least once before judging by the scratches on its bottom. The armor case likewise has a set of combat field uniform missing, excluding the helmet

Linya starts to work on the bulkhead, first determining if it can be opened digitally and if it safe to open with force.

You presume there might be some kind of controls for it somewhere, but nothing on the exterior of the door, or on this side of the door apparently. (when you mean safe to open with force, did you mean in the not setting off traps sense. or something else)

(Not setting off traps sense, dont want an explosive going off in my face.)

You do not sense anything or notice anything in the construction that would indicate traps or explosives

Linya sets to work trying to force to door open, trying at first to see if she can get it open with force before resorting to cutting it open.

"Let me see if there are any controls in here first." Max says to Linya before he hops back in the room and looks for some door controls.

(Fix/int Linya)

(14)

The bulkhead whines as you try to pry it, and it opens enough for someone to crawl through, but it is far from being entirely open.

"Oh, I've uh... already opened it... sort of."

Max walks back out and looks at it. "Yeah, that's not going to do." And heads back into the room looking for an override switch.

"Oh, okay." Linya lets go of a manifested crowbar, it disappearing into a field of twinkling stars as she stops maintaining it, and walks after Maxwell. (edited)

The security office has one, but its under a plastic cover clamped down with industrial looking locks. the computer system looks to be the only way to safely disengage it without ripping the entire console apart

"Are you any good with computers?" Max asks Linya.

"Not as good as I am with mechanics, but I'm all right."

8:16 AM

(So we have to use a computer to turn off the locks protecting the door switch?)

(Or break open the entire console to get to the guts of it)

8:19 AM

"Lets see if one of these lockers or leftover uniforms has any codes or anything on it first, just to make this a bit easier." He says before taking a closer look at the contents of the room for any codes or letters insultingly reminding someone of their password for the fifth time. 'There is always one person like that' he thinks to himself. (edited)

(right Linya, there would be some evidence here that whoever is occupying the place now has done some of this intentionally to waste the time of anyone coming in after them)

(The question is, what are they stalling for?) "I can go through the door, see if there is anything on that side."

(That wouldnt be known, aside from the wanting to avoid apprehension)

"There is a good chance someone will be waiting over there with a rifle aimed at your face as you crawl under, but if you want to I'm not going to stop you."

"Through the switch it is then." (Once again, can I use Eelskin on the computer?)

(Not on this one since its shielded)

11:19 AM

(electronically shielded)

(Standard Int/Program then?)

(yes)

Linya takes out what appears to be some sort of storage device and plugs it into the console, and after a moment she begins to interact with something in her AR. (6)

There is a loud beep, and a grumble of hydraulic pressure from the door, but it does not budge

Maxwell walks outside to the hallway looking at the door. "I think you maybe broke the hydraulics with the crowbar. Let's check the other room really quick." He says, moving to the door to the other room and slowly opening it, checking for traps as he heads inside. (edited)

Nothing explodes, jumps out at you, sends confetti raining down on you, or even makes an offensive smell as you enter the room. Several books have been scattered on the office table. THe computer looks intact, thought there is a fire axe thrown through the front door of the wooden storage cabinet in this room. It looks more like a bored person's wonton destruction than an act of deliberate need.

Max sits down at the computer to check it for any information about the security system or doorway.

The security system controls can be monitored from here, though the door controls are absent. There is a backup for some of the security room systems here

Maxwell attempts to use this computer to unlock the computer on the other side of the hallway.

(program/int)

(4)

There is a hiss as the electronic system in the next room fries. The door groans, opening a bit wider, dripping hydraulic grease, but its at least enough for you to get through one at a time now.

"Well, that's better than nothing I guess." He says as he heads to the door, looking into the room as best he can first before heading inside if everything seems clear, followed on by Madden and Daniels if nothing else happens.

(No traps)

He heads inside, checking his corners with his weapon raised followed closely by the members of his squad.

As you ascend into the control room, there are signs of deliberate sabotage, and a construction slide allowing whoever was up here to easily escape and vanish into the surrounding countryside. The communication gear has been destroyed, but only enough to interrupt and delay transmissions, not stop them entirely.

"Check for more traps or any evidence. We need to know who we are dealing with here." He says as he calls the redeemer and tells them to call the lighter to inform the city a repair crew can be sent out to the communication tower.

(It will take some time for the messages to get relayed and for people to do things.)

9:29 AM

(but sending it the way yo have there's no problem with the info getting communicated)

(You mean sending it through everything or can I just call the city directly using compads?) (edited)

(Sending it through everything)

(Okay)

9:49 AM

Maxwell turns back to his squad and helps them look for traps. While he does so he says to Linya. "So, what brings a Greystar Agent out all this way anyway?"

"I was bringing my ship, the Esperanza, on her maiden voyage, I took a semi-circular path from our western border heading back towards our northern boarder."

Maxwell stops what he is doing and looks back to her. "Towards your northern border? As far as I am aware, your northern border extends to Espinoza, unless you all have decided to stake claim to more of our former territory without bothering to inform anyone else of your intentions."

"I am currently on the return half of my voyage with only four spikes left, to Supriya, Pretel, Koffa, then back to home space at Espinoza.

"Ah. That makes sense, seeing what the surroundings are like. Did you find anything interesting in your journey so far?"

"Brain slugs."

He cocks and eyebrow at her behind his helment. "Brain slugs? Where did you find those?"

"Zufiaurre, I don't recommend visiting."

10:15 AM

"Here is what I little data I have on them, if you want." Linya offers a data storage device similar to the one she plugged into the computer to interface with it, although this one has been written on in marker. "AR interface-- Probably doesn't rewrite firmware."

Maxwell takes it and plugs it into his compad. He uses its onboard security functions to copy it into an isolated part of the drive with a firewall before handing it back to her. "Thanks, appreciate it. I will be heading out that way at some point in the future, my homeworld is that way. Hopefully I don't find more things like this over there."

"When you do, feel free to message me, I would be happy to go out and find lost things."

"I'll let you know when I head out that way. More ships are always welcome traveling out that way." He says before he gets a message on his compad. "Looks like my message got relayed to town, hopefully the repair crew will get here in the next couple hours. Let's finish checking over the building for more traps and information before they get here."

"What are we going to do with the saboteur? Go searching for them? Leave them?"

"Go searching. We need to find this person, figure out if they are part of a larger group or not." He says with a sigh. "Hopefully there isn't a larger group, will make getting supplies and improvements out here easier and faster."

"My vehicle is outfitted for exploration, and as such has an improved sensors suite. It might also be more... Incognito? Is that the right word?"

"Something like that. I'll leave my team on standby with the tank should we need it later for some reason." (I'm ready to move on whenever)

(3xp, 5000 credits for this, repair crews will come, and we have the first inklings of some general weirdness going on)

Max has his team take the tank back to the landing spot. "So, where are we off to?"

(Is that to me?)

(Yeah)

(Where there any signs of a vehicle being used as their escape Neko?)

12:45 PM

"I can bring my ship into the search efforts, and unless they are psychic or have a vehicle we should easily being able to catch up to them, provided we can find them."

12:48 PM

Linya's hands twitch she haptically sends commands to Beta Inform the settlement you are taking off, come to our location, await further orders.

(No signs of a vehicle being used to escape no, but the traps and fiddling with the door gave whoever was here a ton of time to escape even on foot)

"Let's head back to town and let everyone know what is going on, see if anyone knows any places someone could be hiding in. Sound good?" (edited)

"I can arrange for my ship to pick us up if you desire, or we can driver there."

"Might as well drive, car is already here."

"Well, hop in, or man the HMG, your choice." Linya powers on the Trailblazer and opens the doors for Maxwell.

Max hops in, taking advantage of the more comfortable seat.

Linya takes a cable from within her arm and plugs it into one of the jacks on the vehicle and takes the wheel, piloting the grav explorer back to the settlement.

You don't see any evidence of anyone on the road on your way back to the settlement. It seems like a repair group is getting organized to head out there, tools and some pallets of gear are being stacked in the town square before they depart

Max asks around and tries to see if there are any buildings around the city limits the locals stay away from or any people who have been acting shady recently

(Can I have Beta run some scans/search?)

(I don’t think the scans would give you the@kind of person data you want. I think being here all of a day@youd have to talk to some people)

(I meant more of scanning the wilderness for abnormal sources of fire.)

(Beta could look for that, yes)

(Would the Survey sensor array fitting impart its +2 here?) (edited)

(Yep youd get that bonus here for sure)

(Beta gets a 12.)

(Do I need to make a connect role for my bit?)

(yes, ill combine the info, i think thats probably going to be the best way to do it)

(4 for connect/cha. Will use his one per session lead skill to help convince anyone not quite sure to help him if he is in a large crowd, rolled a 9 for that)

(alright, and one more thing, gimmie a d50 for who you might ask)

(37)

Af Gluneg, your new friend in the crowd cant think of any buildings in town that people are avoiding, as the settlement here is quite small. They do not have much in the police force, so if people leave for the wilderness at odd hours they aren't generally seen. Beta and his scanning tools do not find any evidence of fire, or settlements on the surface

"Beta, my Expert System, has found no evidence of any settlemets or camp fires."

Max nods and turns back to his friend. "Are there any sub-surface structures or bunkers outside the city at all?"

"There was a train tunnel they had tried setting up , expecting other refineries and whatnot were going to come here at some point, but the dig was abandoned when it looked like no one else was coming. We had to use the machines up here for clearing land for houses and stuff"

"Could you point it out to me on a map?" Max asks, pulling a map of the planet up on his compad.

A small train station with a tunnel that begins to go underground is highlighted, on the eastern side of the village

"Well, seems like the best place to hide, a tunnel that goes nowhere. Thanks for your help." He turns back to Linya. "So, want to storm another building full of traps and danger?"

"As long as you walk in front of me, yes."

"Right then. We can wait until tomorrow, I want to get my armor looked at a bit first and make sure we have all the equipment we need. I'll meet you back here in the morning with my troops and we can head over." (edited)

"I will see you here tomorrow. Should you require specialized tools for your armour do not be afraid to ask." (edited)

(What are the nighttime arrangements like)

(I was just imagining we both go back to our ships, get equipment checked, then head back out in the morning)

(Sounds about right.)

During the night, each of you are resting after making what plans you can for the morning when a massive explosion under each of your ships rocks them violently. Alarms sound, damage reports flood systems on both ships and it becomes rapidly clear they won’t be flying again anytime soon due to the structural issues the explosions have caused.

(Max's ship is in orbit)

11:48 PM

(He took the lighter down and up)

(If Linyas is on the ground just hers then. Brevity is generally not helpful when I ask about the security situation )

(Linya's would be on the ground.)

(I just never said it landed, was just reminding you. I didn't have the spidey sense that you were about to bomb the ships)

Linya bolts awake, confused at first, but comprehension dawns on her as damage reports appear on her vision. She quickly sends a message off to Maxwell as she grabs her kit and heads towards the bridge. Hell, something just detonated underneath my hull, preliminary reports suggest I won't be flying soon

Max reads the message before getting up. He heads up to the bridge to talk to his sensor officer. "Do our sensor logs show anything around Linya's ship?" (edited)

Proximity alerts on the bridge show figures melting back into the darkness. One of them turns to fire a spread of lasers at the hatch even though it’s sealed , just to keep heads down, before continuing to scatter into the night

12:05 AM

Aboard maxwells vessel, the scanners aren’t able to pick out anything from hundreds of thousands of kilometers up in space

This isn't contained to just one person, multiple contacts heading away from my location.

12:11 AM

"Epsilon, go down to the lower decks, see if you can do anything about the large hole. Sigma, if anyone else comes close from that direction, point the laser at them and let me know."

Max puts his ship on alert, gathering his weapons, armor, and marines before bringing them all down to the Esperanza's location in waves, himself, Daniels, Madden, and three other marines first, then the next 6, then another 6, then two more with the tank. He sends a message to Linya as the lighter sets off from the cargo hold. On my way down with a full squad, rest coming in waves along with the tank. ETA for first squad is 20 miniutes.

(Is there any damage that requires immediate attention?) (edited)

12:39 AM

Linya goes to the communications/sensor consoles, dismissing Beta as she attempts to track the fleeing party.

You’re not in danger of further exploding but the ship won’t fly without a couple days worth of repairing

(so no reactor trouble or anything, but some patching needed in the meantime)

Linya runs to the small bay in the Esperanza and powers up her explorer, intending to try and track them from the air until reinforcements arrive.

(Just wanna leave a quick spot for max here)

(Would his troops be landing about now?)

2:00 PM

(The first batch?)

(only the first batch)

Max and his men come walking out of the lighter, weapons ready. "Daniels, Madden, on me. Rest of you secure this landing zone. We will be setting up a perimeter here until everyone is assembled." He says before jogging over to Linya to try and catch her before she leaves. "Want us to tag along?"

(My intent was to be following the bombers until reinforcements arrive, trying to minimize the chances they disappear somewhere)

(It would take some time to get into the explorer, power it on, and deploy it)

(Makes sense.)

(assuming you dont have your vehicle idling in your cargo bay 24/7)

(I mean, it has an eternal reactor, so its feasible, but it wouldn't be in idle 24/7)

(Could a passenger effectively shoot from a vehicle with a hand held weapon?) (edited)

2:22 PM

(Also, I forgot to ask if this could be pinned. https://discordapp.com/channels/345912178072879106/727222102725230652/749992647581630594)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 9/28/2020 2:26 PM

(the vehicle speed is usually a detraction from their to hit roll, since there is either a speed difference, or they are not moving and you are, but as long as it isnt the driver in most cases yes)

"I can take six passengers and a gunner, as well as myself."

"Well, there are 3 of us here, I'm leaving 3 of my men behind to help guard your ship until the rest get here. The lack of authority figures and chain of command makes me distrustful of the local garrison, so until we can clear them of involvement I'd rather just use my own men for now. It should take about another two hours for them all to assemble down here, the lighter can only carry about 6 or the tank and crew at one time."

"So we wait?"

"No, we can go. I'll man the gun, you drive. If we can get to the tunnel quickly we might be able to catch some activity."

(Were they running in the direction of the tunnel Neko?)

9:25 PM

"Get in, do you have augment eyesight?"

"I have low-light vision due to my armor." (edited)

"Good, the rest of your people?" Linya's standard demeanor is gone, this went from a matter of selflessness to being personal, they blew up her things; shes in the mood to mess up their things.

"Just Daniels and Madden, the other three stay here."

"I meant if they can see in the dark."

(I assume they would have low-light vision of some kind, right neko?)

9:30 PM

(Also Storm armor grants low-light vision and infrared vision, forgot about that) (edited)

(they sort of melted into the darkness and its taken us some time to get prepared to chase them down, we don't know where they ran to)

9:33 PM

(and are far enough away at this point where you cant see them with the naked eye, but you do have a vehicle now, so lets see what we can see)

Linya shifts the grav plates from hover to fly, taking them towards the tunnel.

(notice/wis for Max, since he's looking out from on top)

(10)

Some distance from the ship, and a few kilometers from the tunnel max is able to make out a glowbug's light- about 100m from the grav scout- quickly being snuffed out in the tall grass

"Over there, to the left, Glowbug just went out." He says to the group, switching over to infrared vision in his helmet to try and get a better idea what is going on.

Two figures are trying to stay low and snake through the bushes, visible through your IR vision

"Swing around them and cut them off, we can try to take them alive."

"Roger." Linya sends the grav explorer around on a path intended to cut them off.

As you veer around the two of them scatter, heading in opposite directions to the left and right of the skimmer

Max jumps out of the car sprinting after the one heading right."You all get the one going left, I've got the one on the right!"

(How far away are they?)

8:39 PM

Linya nods, becoming a blur as she disembarks from the explorer, moving inhumanly fast towards the left running one (Activating Neural Overload, failed the save to use it more than once. 10/12 Sys Strain) (edited)

)10m)

9:25 PM

(Let’s get into initiative then)

(8)

(Since you and max are getting out. That’s already several seconds of actions )

(7)

(7h

9:27 PM

(Linya, escapee , max, linyas overload action)

Linya runs after the escapee, and throws a punch towards their shoulder. (19/7, aiming to be non-lethal.)

He staggers, keeping his feet but unbalanced by the blow. Left escapee engaged with linya tries to brawl with her (18/1) , his punches clumsy despite his apparent speed. The right escapee moves as quick as he can, putting 20m between himself and the grav explorer where Max is standing

(24/25)

(So he is 30 feet away then?)

(yessir)

*Max starts running before squeezing his right hand, leaping through the air, ending up next to the escapee. * (Using storm armor's gravitic boosters to leap horizonatally 20m for move action, main action is to run 10m, for a total of 30.) (edited)

(Wait, I'm confused, i thought he used his main action to double move?)

(there are two people fleeing)

9:17 PM

(oh got it, posted his next turn on accident)

9:17 PM

(linyas second move)

(13/8)

9:23 PM

Despite the Escapee's blow causing little harm, it's force threw her off balance, her next set of blows much less effective than desired.

He is able to avoid the blow, narrowly, as the overcharged wiring has her moving just a bit too fast

10:03 PM

(linya's actual round 2 turn now)

(Speed augments are amazing, i just need more CON.)

10:07 PM

(12/7, can I roll above a 10 please?) (edited)

10:08 PM

The come-down affect of the Neural Overload Wiring hits Linya harder than expected, her blow doing little more than tiring her opponent.

He does what he can to disengage, moving 10m from you, staggering and bruised. Max's does the same, shoving the power armored figure away with the strength born of fear and adrenaline.

Max moves up after him, trying to subdue him with a punch. (10/2, realized he doesn't have his rifle on him anyway since he was manning the gun.)

The punch is easily weaved aside from. (Linya)

(11/9)

7:57 AM

Linya chases after him, unable to land a solid hit.

He turns, eager to put some distance between you. He shoves Linya backwards, hoping to knock her prone (contested exert/str)

(11)

(13) You're shoved backwards, augmetics screaming and sparking,before being toppled onto your back, and he takes the moment to move 10m away, tryingto get some distance

11:08 AM

Fighting max, the figure has no chance against a power armored giant , and as the last blow rattles him , he throws down the knife strapped to his belt and surrenders

Max grabs his shoulder before pulling both his arms behind his back, frisking him then marching him back to the car. "Smart choice." (edited)

Linya gets up and sprints towards the runner. (using main action to move 10 metres.)

Once again tied up with you, he goes to shove,a s it worked last time and probably should again (13 again)

(What happens on a tie?)

11:23 AM

(It might not even be possible for me to beat a 13.) (edited)

(Goes to player)

(heres for a nat 12)

11:57 AM

(nope, 7)

You're thrown down handily once again as he moves 10m away (I think we're 60m from max and the gang now)

Linya stands up again, instead of chasing after him she calls out. "Since you clearly can physically overpower me, I'm offering you the chance to surrender before I use... other methods you most definetly won't enjoy." (If he continues to run im going to hit him with my spell.)

1:26 PM

"If it matters, your compatriot has already surrendered, you don't need to make this complicated for yourself." (edited)

He is going to continue to run

Linya begins to gesture in air, leaving trails of dark-red aurora that undulate in the air, after an arcane shape is complete strands of the aurora shoot out and bind to something slightly behind the runner. Linya makes a tugging motion and the strands pull back, an almost invisible shape being pulled out of them as the rune fades and blood runs from Linya's nose.

1:31 PM

(How many HD and a physical save.)

(2 HD, and failed save)

(They collapse, mortally wounded, and dying within 30 seconds/6 rounds.)

1:35 PM

Linya sends a message to Maxwell. Can you bring a medkit? and quickly please?

(its going to be like 6 rounds of double moves for max to get back with his guy and then get all the way out to where your victim has fallen)

1:36 PM

(he sort of just declared he was skipping bothering with 60m of movement because he captured his guy, but we were still in initiative so we can't do that)

(ah, that was an oversight in my plan... is CPR feasible?) (Failed the save for surge, and took 4 feedback damage.)

(by time you get there at a couple move it would be 3 rounds, so we're looking at DC 9 for a heal/int)

Linya sprints towards the collapsed figure and attempts to resuscitate them.

2:10 PM

(God damn which deity did I piss off, 4)

He groans, blood spurting from his mouth as his lungs slowly dissolve.

...nevermind, I may have hit them harder than I anticipated...

(we still have 2 rounds left, DC 10 and 11)

2:17 PM

(if you wanted to keep trying)

(an 8 and an 8) Linya's attempts at reviving them fail, she slumps down as his organs shut down and fail one by one. Should I... should I drag them back?

His life bubbles away, and you see the panic in his eyes as he realizes he has massively fucked up his life choices

(Yeah, sorry, I hadn't gotten any sleep last night and just got back from pt so I didn't want to hold up the thread, but I don't think Max would make it in time anyway.) (edited)

6:43 PM

Max comes jogging over after having passed off the captured one to Madden and Daniels. "Well, we got one anyway. We can bring him back and see if he has any identifying marks or anything on him that might help, plus I don't want to leave someone out here to rot, even if they did try to blow up your ship. Head on back, I'll take the body." He says, bending down to check it for any weapons before throwing it over his shoulder.

They have no weapons on them anymore but their fingertips are blackened from handling the wicks and lighters

"Let's head back to your ship, we can interrogate the captured one there."

Linya's head snaps up from the corpse, the polarized helmet on her suit reflecting the sun above. "Oh... I don't, I don't really have accommodations for people."

"We can head back up to my ship then . We have a place suitable for keeping this one locked up."

Linya nods, and wipes her hands on the grass before standing up.

Max turns and looks at her. "This the first time you've killed someone?"

"I... I think?"

"Taking a life is never easy, even if it is someone who has done you harm, someone who hates you with a passion. Even then, that person had a chance to change, to improve, to learn the error of their ways, but now they can't. All you can do is try better the next time to prevent things from getting to the point where killing is necessary. This is a moment you will not soon forget because it changes you as a person, but don't let it consume you. You are still here, and you still have work to do, and wallowing will never change what has happened." He says with a heavy sigh, thinking about all the lives he has had to end over the past few months. "I can drive us back if you want some time to reflect."

"Oh, I have implants, I can drive."

Max nods before turning back to head over to Linya's car, throwing the body in the trunk.

Returning to the ship, the cargo lighter as finished deploying the tank and marine compliment from Max's ship in orbit. It is no longer on the surface , having returned to the parent vessel and awaiting further orders

Max turns to Daniels. "I'm going to take this guy up to the ship along with a couple marines to ensure we have someone to guard the brig. Set up a perimeter and make sure Linya's crew is safe to repair their ship. We will be back down one we are done interrogating the captured one and will be heading over to the train tunnel." He says before calling the ship for the cargo lighter.

8:21 PM

(Did we get any sleep at all or is this still the middle of the night? Should've asked earlier to make sure my hp was correct)

(It’s in the middle of the night, so we did not get the rest we need to recover )

Linya works through the majority of the night directing her Expert Systems and repairing the hull of the ship.

(So is just max interrogating then?)

(Linya will be focused on repairs for the first day, if Maxwell waits or there is still interrogating Linya will go up.)

(Works for me. )

Max takes the remaining escapee to the ship's brig, leaving the body in cold storage in the infirmary morgue. The brig on his ship has three cells, each with a sink, a toilet, and a bed that is not quite comfortable no matter how you lay on it. Adjoining all these cells is a small security post with an interrogation room. He sits the escapee down in a chair before handcuffing him to the bar at the center of the table, then sits down across from him. Max, having taken off his helmet along the way there just stares at the man for a few minutes, trying to gauge him before speaking. "Interesting night you've had." (We can take this to my thread if you wanted to do some RP stuff in yours Linya) (edited)

(I dont really have anything to RP, all of my crew are robotic.)

(Alrighty) He man says nothing, looking ahead blankly at Maxwell's statement.

"I like having a name to go with a face when I am talking with someone, you mind giving me yours?"

He continues to say nothing, just sitting back in his chair and gently clinking the chains binding him to the table

Max sighs. "You know, just for once I had hoped I would find a planet with people still on it who actually were happy to see me. Every planet I go to trying to establish supply lines to people left to their own devices because they were abandoned by their leaders I either get shot and or almost blown up. I know why, the nobility by and large are assholes in it for themselves and there isn't much a regular person can do about it." He gets up and walks over, sitting down on the table next to the man. "Those planets had resources, an abundance of fertile land, and a safe atmosphere that doesn't take years to acclimate to. I could understand bombing my ship if it had been on the surface, but why bomb the Greystar ship? Why not ask them for help keeping us away instead?"

He continues saying nothing, occupied with making the chains give off some kind of musical sound he finds pleasing

Max sighs again, unlocking his handcuffs and taking him back into his cell door where he shoves him in just hard enough that he ends up on the ground. "I'm going to give you one more chance, not because I think you deserve it at this rate, but because I believe deep down everyone has some kind of morality in their heart if they look hard enough. There are people on that planet your lot have left stranded for months by your acts of sabotage. We could have brought food, supplies, engineering equipment, all kinds of other things back here sooner to help everyone here rebuild and have actual lives. Instead, we thought you all were dead like so many other worlds, consumed in their entirety to become part of some monstrosity designed only to feast upon other worlds and ships. I lost so many people, so many friends, and now that I have a chance to help people, assholes like you are more interested in some kind of sense of revenge because you happen to be lucky and still be alive. You have one chance to give me some kind of information, otherwise you are going to rot in this cell until we visit some shaped planet somewhere, something devoid of life except for those fucking trees they left behind. There you will get to spend the rest of your miserable life alone with nothing except the souls of those long since departed, because as far as I am concerned you are just like the shapers. Think it over, I'll be back in an hour." Max says before walking off, glad he decided not to allow any clocks anywhere in the brig, sending a message to Linya as he goes. (edited)

He spits in your direction at the conclusion of your speech, never taking his eyes off you the entire time. He doesn’t appear to be phased by your threats at all

This one isn't going to give me anything, not even his name. Only thing I got from him was some contempt. I'm coming back down to the surface, we can head out there tomorrow night and deal with the train tunnel.

10:30 PM

He says in a message to Linya before hopping aboard the lighter and heading back down to the surface. (edited)

Linya and her robots have the repairs nearly completed by time you land again. The ship is serviceable for now and the patch should hold for a journey home for@proper repair when this is over

Max walks out of the lighter and heads over to see Linya. "Get my message?"

(Sorry bout the hold up, attended a wedding.) "Ah yes, sorry I was busy wrangling... them." In the background, one of the expert systems, having not received specific enough instructions is attempting to weld one of its compatriots. This draws a series of squawks and aggressive gesturing as the two armatures involved begin verbalizing error codes. After a moment they continue doing their proper tasks. "Overseeing them... is a full time job, they /should/ be set now." (edited)

1

(I'm imagining a group of pod racing pit robots)

4:30 PM

"Alright, well, getting more information from him didn't work, so I guess we have to do this the hard way. Maybe my threatening to leave him on a shaped planet was a bit too much overkill, but I'm not exactly the best at interrogations. I don't like hitting people." He says, picking up his rifle and connecting it to his suit sling.

4:30 PM

(Would it be nighttime by now? If so Max would have slept before coming down. My wording wasn't the best about the order of events)

(It’s nighttime now still. We captured him and went into space while Linya locked down and did emergency repairs. We spoke to the prisoner while she got working and we are catching up now and morning time with her able to lift off, but nobody has rested)

5:38 PM

(There hasn’t been an official break in scene, and with her unable to escape danger for the time being , even with your guards on the surface I don’t think max would have risked falling asleep jsut in case)

(Okay, I just wanted to double check)

5:41 PM

"Your ship looks like it is good enough to head to orbit now, you want to have it head up there? We can head over with my marines and get this place taken care of, or we can head over first to do some recon then call them in afterwards. I feel like someone will be watching us and if all my troops leave they might close up shop and run away."

"I can put it on over watch in an LPO an eye, or in this case, sensor in the sky could be useful."

"Okay. We can load up your car and have my men on standby with the tank. I'll load up a full squad of 7, you can drive." Maxwell assembles a small sqaud including Madden and 5 other marines, leaving Daniels in charge of the remaining contingent. (edited)

(We can take on an extra marine, it has a capacity of 8.)

The group of you load up on the explorer as both ships are now safe in orbit. Everyone is prepared for what lies ahead

"Sooo... ready to raid a tunnel probably full of traps and try to get the bad guys?" Linya talks, fidgeting with the power supply of her SMG while waiting for Maxwell's team to get assembled.

"Ready as we can get with the lack of information. Let's head out." Max says as his team piles in, with him manning the gun.

Linya puts on her helmet, twisting it into place with a click. She looks back, making sure everyone is strapped in before taking off heading towards the train tunnel.

The tunnel is in thick scrubland , with grass almost as tall as the vehicle surrounding a tunnel dug into the foothills near the city. A drilling machine is near the way in, tipped on its side and rusting from years of neglect. It’ll likely never work again- and is also about as big as the explorer The tunnel itself has no doors for it does not need them. It is dark after the first meter or two but from the outside there is no indication how deep it goes or that there is any habitation here at all

"I don't to leave my car outside... but I also don't want to take in the tunnel..."

"Do you have some kind of remote driver or something that could take it back to town?"

"I don't think so, I dont think of my integral i terfaces are suited for controlling vehicles... Not to mention my power supply for the majour augments is getting low."

"Okay. I can have a pair of men stay behind to cover our exit in case we need a hasty getaway, good enough? I don't want to leave us completely without a way out."

Linya nods and unclips her SMG and flicks off the safety, the power cells i side powering up with a muted whine.

Max picks a pair of marines to stay behind before hopping out of the car, flicking on his thermal vision to look for any people-shaped heat sources. (edited)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 10/5/2020 7:24 AM

You enter through the left passage, in the southwestern corner of the complex. You get a quick map from the explorer before the power system begins focusing elsewhere to not accidently give away the fact someone is looking in. 1 seems empty. A pool of stagnant water hit during the mining operation bubbles gently in the middle as its filled from runoff, though most of it is black and filmy

(tHere is a wall between node 1 and node 2, correct?)

(yes there is)

"I was able to ping to the tunnel, the passage to our left is a dead end, and in front of us leads to a larger network"

"Alright. Keep an eye out for traps everyone, lets move in, quick and quiet." Max says, leading the group towards 6. (If that tunnel on the north side is there he would stop to check it)

Linya follows, Tempest held at the ready.

(the map is pictured as the terrain actually is)

12:50 PM

(you're referring to the little cutaway on the right, for the hallway running north of 1?)

(The hallway on the north side of the tunnel heading east fron 1)

(gotcha, yes, that is there)

2:01 PM

The tunnel there is grated with thick bars in a small cross hatch. The gap between bars isn't wide enough for anything but liquid to get through. Pulling on them gently shows them to be firmly rooted in place

Feeling confident there isn't anything there waiting to shoot them in the back, the team presses forward.

Linya follows, the clicks and creaks of her Exo-Skeleton alongside its increased bulk making her stand out as she walks through the tunnel.

Room six is a massive water holding tank where the train tracks end. It seems some sort of groundwater source was hit here during the dig- andits unclear if this was the reason it was halted or not. The digging had evidently continued, leading further east. There are 5m wide walkways around each side of the runoff collection area, enough for you to proceed single file, with a small access bridge made of scrap wood running across the middle

Max leads the group along the north side walkway, keeping an eye out for traps and hostiles as he moves across it.

Linya follows, twitching at every heat-shadow she notices as they advance.

There are low voices ahead as you move close to room 7, in the hallway between 6 and 7. Antoher collection pool sits in the middle of this room, but the talking figures must be around the corner deeper inside

(So, the voices are coming from room 7, or between the rooms?)

(from 7, and you're hearing them as you're between the rooms)

Max motions for his men to slow down before creeping ahead as quietly as he can, looking for they source of the talking.

(sneak/dex)

(10)

Sneaking forward undetected, Maxwell hears four voices, of men and a woman in a disagreement with each other. They are armed with a mix of frontier looking firearms, and are wearing normal work or expeditionary clothing

He sits and listens to their argument while everyone moves up behind him, hoping it gets louder and more heated. He waits for the right moment before the group turns the corner, weapons raised. "Evening folks, let's get those hands up please."

(initiative)

8:41 AM

Hands lower to grab holstered weapons, and rifles on shoulder slings are raised in response, as the group attempts to ward off the intruders in their midst (edited)

(3)

(5 for the enemy group)

(8, sorry for the extra rolls, on my phone)

(Alright, Max/squad, enemies, Linya)

Max moves towards whatever cover is available, cursing his desire for nonviolence in a universe where everyone is trying to shoot him before firing at the lead hostile. (29/8)

You score a hit, though he keeps his feet and continues the fight for now

(Want me to roll for the marines?)

(yes please)

(So with the +3 from max im rolling d20+6 right?)

(right from lead 3)

(Okay, almost home, will roll when I get there)

The marines follow Max in, taking cover wherever they can, before firing at the one Max fired at. (20/6 and 14/9, other 2 are both 10 so I didn't roll damage for those)

The one wounded target is downed, and the others are missed. (24/12 on max) the rifles fire , sighting the power armored figure in their midst as the greatest threat

(44/71)

Linya rounds the corner and fires the Tempest, a pulse of energy hitting the wall behind the enemy, (4/7)

(Top of the order to Max)

Max shifts fire to the next person, his squad cycling their weapons amd doing the same.

4:18 PM

(14/8 for max, 22/7, 13/4, 18/5, and 16/8 for the squad. Are they using Las-Locks against us?) (edited)

(How far away are they?)

(10m Linya and they’re using very old pattern rimworlder semi auto rifles

7:04 PM

(But those are extremely widespread so it’s not necessarily proof of a wider conspiracy or anything )

(If we are using the power armor immune to tech 3 and below Max takes no damage then)

(You take damage. They can be manufactured as low as TL 1 planets which is what makes them special, but this world is TL4, and they have been machined with TL4 parts) (edited)

7:52 AM

Another of the would be assailants falls, their squad now cut in half thanks to the disciplined fire of the Huscarls.

7:54 AM

Their morale breaks, and the group begins sprinting 20m away, barely rounding the corner down the tunnel to the north, but are out of sight.

(I thought I would, just wanted to double check though)

(Still in initiative for now?)

(Yes)

9:47 AM

(though the place knows you're here now since it got loud, and they're raising the alarm)

Linya steps out of cover, Tempest pointed at the ground. "Unless they are have another exit, they are most likely consolidating themselves for another encounter."

(you get a turn if you wanted to try to get a parting shot off)

(My aim is terrible, but sure.)

1:25 PM

Linya lets off a parting shot, hitting one of the fleeing assailants centermass, then steps out of cover as they turn around the corner, Tempest now pointed at the ground. "Unless they are have another exit, they are most likely consolidating themselves for another encounter."

1:25 PM

(21/9)

The third member of the party falls, stitched through the back with the high intensity lasers of the energy SMG. The survivor continues running

1:26 PM

(nice shot btw)

(Burst fire helps a lot, need to get a level or two in shoot.)

(Which corner did the last one go around?)

(Tunnel to the north.)

(I know, but which way did they turn at the intersection)

(you can't tell in the darkness)

8:15 PM

(Dark in spite of optics or magical senses)

Max runs after the remaining hostile, heading up to the intersection before taking cover against the wall on the left side, looking around for any sign of him. His squad is on his heels, stacking up behind him. (Double moving up to the corner)

"Orr we can blindly rush into the tunnels of a group who likes leaving traps and things..." Linya mutters as she follows.

(Evasion save max)

(Fail)

(16 damage) A mining charge rolls from the ceiling as you enter the cross-corridor , blowing you backwards, and collapsing the tunnel network beyond, blocking your way forward

(28/71) Max groans as he gets up from the ground, looking around at his squad to see if anyone else was injured by the blast.

Two have been downed, Daniels also looks to be in very bad shape, but the other half hung back to protect Linya and are unharmed

(Madden was with them, Daniels is with the tank)

(Downed as in at 0 HP or knocked prone?)

(NPC's die at 0)

9:16 PM

(Dead)

9:19 PM

(oh, the other post where we did squad assignments was edited as well, so i guess i was just confused as to who was where. I'm not sure if the information changed or not. )

(Madden came with, Daniels was left in command of the remaining marines amd the tank at the landing spot)

9:20 PM

(Sorry for the confusion)

(okay, well madden is in bad shape and the dead are still dead)

Max heads over to Madden to check his wounds. "You alright there sergeant? Need some help getting up?"

Madden is very much not alright, horribly wounded himself. He's unable to rise, legs missing below the knees

"Shit. We need to get him out of here." Max looks up at Linya. "Do you have a medkit on you? We need to stablize him so we can get him out of here and to my ship." He says, also checking to see if he has communications to Daniels despite being underground.

There is no communication with anyone not in the immediate vicinity down here

"Not on me, no, my ship however, will have one. But, I might be able fashion some basic things."

7:56 AM

( could I ghost tech a stretcher, or if thats to big, improvise one? Could I also improvise turnicates/bandages?)

(you could use your Ashen One ability to do it)

8:47 AM

(Between ghost tech and your racial ability you could create everything you need for the scene)

8:47 AM

(but we would need a heal/int at +2 for your medical supplies to stabilize him)

(10)

Madden groans as Linya is a blur of arms,the scrappy ashen one working with fevered pace to stabilize him, and he passes out as the bleeding to his stump limbs is stemmed and stopped for now

8:52 AM

The ship medbay can stabilize him, but without the extended model , he;s going to need treatment at a proper facility if he's got any hope of surviving the ordeal

"We need to get him out of here. You two, carry him, Linya and I can get us a path out, right?" He says to the other two marines before turning to Linya. (edited)

Linya looks at Maxwell and the various dents, explosion marks and bullet holes that riddle his armour. "You don't look the greatest either, to be honest. Stay behind-ish with them, I will take point."

"I'll be fine, I've been through worse, but if you want to take point I won't complain." He says before heading over to grab the dog tags from the two fallen huscarls. "Let's get out of here, they must have another way out, expect them to try and finish us off."

Linya leads the way, walking five metres ahead to check for any traps or explosives.

Heading back the way you came you're not ambushed, but you do hear some small arms fire as you come to the mouth of the tunnel by 1, heading outside, as a few rag-tag fighters take shots at the side armor of the explorer

11:11 AM

the marines are hard at work trying to repel them

(Is anyone on the HMG?)

(No, they were unable to get to it before the assault started, youre coming on it just as its kicking off)

(and How far away are the assailants?) (edited)

(50m from your position still inside the tunnel, you can just see the marines firing, and the assailants shots sparking off the side of the grav explorer

Linya informs Maxwell of the fight and runs towards her vehicle.

11:49 AM

(How many actions would it take to man the HMG? And IIRC I can pilot the vehicle and use my pilot skill to fire it, right?)

(the vehicle is not fitted with a targeting board, so there would need to be a gunner if you're planning on also driving)

1:18 PM

(it would take about ten seconds to get inside and into position, running from the tunnel the assailants wouldnt have time to draw a bead on you, nor you them, if we're focusing on getting to the explorer

(I'd like to hop into the turret then.) Linya casts a glance towards the injured group behind her as she sprints towards her vehicle and the Heavy Machine Gun it has mounted.

(just gonna let max catch up)

Max sees her sprint off and sends off an SOS message to Daniels.

4:51 PM

Get a lighter down to the pad ASAP, we are medivacing Madden. He's lost his legs and we lost Franko and Samson.

4:52 PM

(Would the two carrying Madden be able to rush past them or do we need to clear these guys out?)

(they can rush too since we have two people carrying the stretcher but they're going to have to book it)

(So, probably safer for us to deal with these guys first then have them run)

6:01 PM

(Otherwise they might get shot up)

(its the better of the two options)

6:32 PM

(at least driving them back if it looks like hunting them down is going to cost too much time. Madden is stable for now but there are no guarantees)

"You two, wait for Linya to get on the machine gun so we can force these guys back, then book it to the vehicle." He says, moving forward, pulling out his rifle and aiming at the hostile to the rear of the pack, waiting until Linya has been spotted to fire. (17/12 when the trigger fires)

your shot sails into the woods. You're not sure if you hit someone or not but the fire from an unexpected direction has the assailants flat footed and the gunfire slacks off for a few seconds

7:11 PM

The rest of the group begins running, not needing to be told this is their chance. Shots pepper the ground around their boots as they run with Madden, and one punches through the ghostly canvas material of the litter, but Madden himself is spared another injury

Linya slams the door closed as she pulls herself up to the HMG mount.

7:21 PM

(Would firing to suppress hit any friendlies?)

(no they're either behind or directly in front but below, so firing over their heads)

Linya thumbs the firing switch as she rakes it across the assailants positions. (Four damage, evasions save for none.)

You see two muzzle flashes jerk skyward as you rake the treeline. Youve at least winged two of the assailants, and now faced with heavy weapons fire, the incoming rounds peppering the side of the explorer slacken off

9:01 PM

There is an eerie calm at the abrupt end of the firefight, gunsmoke, broken tree limbs, and thick foliage all rustling in the light breeze

Linya sends another message to Maxwell as she slides into the pilots seat. Get them on board, quickly. (edited)

Max rushes them aboard, hopping in last. "We're in, let's go." He shouts as he slams the door shut before calling Daniels for a status update on the lighter. (edited)

Linya guns it as soon as they confirm they are ready.

The lighter is meeting you 10km from your current location, ensuring it’s out of range for anyone lurking on the ground with a MANPAD or other discrete anti air weapon

Once they get to the lighter Max gets Madden loaded up before turning to Linya. "I need to take him to Jagrati, my ship can stabilize him for the trip but he's going to need proper medical treatment."

Linya nods. "I likewise need to return to my home space. Do you want to get back together here at a later point, or will you make this a purely NMC matter?"

"These folks are more organized and well-equipped than we thought. I'd rather not have a foreign agent be put in danger if I can avoid it. If you were hurt or killed on my watch it could create some more problems between the NMC and Greystar we don't need."

"That is understandable, if you want further assistance here, feel free to ask,"

(6xp, 10,000 credits )

Linya Tychos: Level six
HP 25->26
AB 2->3
Exert -1 -> 0
Shoot -1 -> 0
Know 0 -> 1
Random Organic Failure switched to Metadimensional Power Font

(I'll go ahead and head back to my thread now)

2

Linya walks away from Maxwell towards her own ship. As she gets close she instructs Beta to open the hatch and enters the bridge. After a few moments of checking that the makeshift repairs hold, they take off. "Beta, set a course to Acastus, the ship needs repairs and I have unfinished business with the local fauna."

(Iragarte -> Koffa -> Shaila-> Acastus, a total of 20 days, and total downtime of 8 days.)

(8 days is great )

(oh god, no more explosives please.)

10:35 PM

(In total thats puts me at 2 and 6/7 for sys strain, and Flexible is complete for the A. Vacc suit and 1 day on High effeciency.)

(Any credit cost for the repairs?) (edited)

(no, just handled as part of the shipyard)

(

Have some refits I'd like done, and is buying a mech feasible?)

(standby, let me check my notes here for your stuff)

(If it matters its a Suit Specialist)

(you've got enough for a suit. few missions away from light)

9:49 AM

(your call)

(Suit mech it is.)

(toss up a design when you've got one, but we can aquire this from port)

Linya guides the ship towards the shipyards above Acastus for refit and needed repairs, once they are docked she requests for Traiblazer to be offloaded planetside.

10:56 AM

and requests a team of biologists and other specialists to examine the Headslug Corpses. (edited)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 10/11/2020 12:29 PM

It will be some time before they get back to you on the slugs as it’s a complicated issue and they have little to work with

Linya takes transport to the surface, sending a message to the scientists to message back if there is anything that will aid them, and another message to the AT branch informing them of her arrival and intent to follow up on the Stalk-Slicers.

3

Linya receives a communication to her Compad.

To: Linya
From: Eisheru
RE: Stalk-Slicers

We are eager to hear what you may discover about them. Please forward all scientific data as well as any location data that you might have once you have completed your investigation. My teams are standing by

Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Eisheru
CEO & Founder, Aiya Technologies

To: Eisheru
From: Linya
RE: RE: Stalk-Slicers
 
I am eager as well to continue what Natalia and I started, as well as to claim the bounty. 10 million is no small amount.

Has any progress been made by your people in the meantine?

Linya

To: Linya
From: Eisheru
RE: RE: RE: Stalk-Slicers

We have confirmed your original findings. Our xeno-biologists would only be making random guesses without being able to study a live specimen. We recommend further field study as well as a live capture. Bounty will not be paid out for half measures.

Regards,
Eisheru

to: Eisheru
From: Linya
RE: RE: RE: RE: Stalk-Slicers

Understood.

The small research lab repeats what the message chain also stated. With a dead specimen, a finite amount of testing could be done, and all the information to be gained studying a dead one has been gained.

Linya takes the Trailblazer to the AT facility and parks it outside before entering.

The AT satellite office in Ash City is small as most of their efforts are concentrated far to the south in Marmora- but there are clerks and other peoples here who can assist you. The office is busy, but not overwhelmingly so.

"Ah, hello. I messaged earlier about following up on work I had done previously for Aiya Tech."

"Ah and your name? I'll pull the requisition"

"Linya Tychos."

"I see, and you're here for the stalk slicer project , capturing a live one. Very good. Well, how can we assist you?"

"I shouldn't need too much, a flop rifle perhaps and something to transport it in."

A flop rifle is placed on the counter for you, in its AT machined case- still shiny and scratch free from the factory. "How much free space do you estimate you have in that transport? we will fit a trailer for you, but we need to balance it properly"

"It can carry four thousand Kilos, and seven other passengers."

Some buttons are pushed and a garage door opens outside, with a trailer that large enough to carry the creature without unbalancing your vehicle in return "Very good. I believe that's everything we need for you to have a successful hunt"

"Thank you, I should have results hopefully within a day or two, is there anything further?"

"Nothing aside from wishing you luck, and a safe hunt. Be well, and we will be here to take in the specimen when you return"

Linya grabs the handle of the case, and heads out towards her vehicle and unclasps the Flop Rifle's case. She carefully sets the Flop Rifle, a Laser pistol, an archaic Laser Rifle, the Tempest SMG, and her Comm Server in a radial pattern infront of her. After a moment of gesturing a nebulous energy coalesces around each item and is abosrbed into their power cells. (Using Metadimensional Power font.) Once her gear is secured she takes off towards the general area she found the last one.

A storm is breaking above, and the patter of rain on the windscreen and roof of the vehicle is calming almost, though like all Acastus rains if you

3:49 PM

are not happy with the storm, wait ten minutes and it will pass- and this time it does- as you pull into the forest. Steam rises from the warm ground- and water droplets gently drip from the bowls of the large mushroom caps

(Is specifically tracking them using a survey sensor/vehicle sensors feasible seeing as how we biological data on them?)

(I'd say so now with the bioscanner)

Linya tunes her various sensing equipment for Stalk-Slicer signatures, hopefully looking for a group of them.

A kilometer into the woods, the scanner returns with 4 contacts, all registered as slicers

Linya packs up, and heads towards the contacts stopping about 50 metres out before stopping.

Four slicers are greedily eating one of the large stalks they have brought down, forelimbs cutting ever smaller chunks off to be pressed into their segmented mouths

Lina unstraps her Flop Rifle and trains it on one of the slicers, observing for the time being

They work methodically to section, separate , and devour the large mushroom stalk. Clouds of spore dance through the air, spreading mushroom stalks to other parts of the forest, and around this clearing. One day there will be new life here.

Linya waits for one to separate before firing. (Is an execution viable?)

(yes)

12:19 PM

(we've got the minute of observation, but they are in a pack and wouldnt be scattering far from each other, we dont know what the others will do if you hit one. That behavior hasn't been observed before)

(Ouch, 3, used a Re-roll token, got a 5)

The shot misses, the flop field fizzling out before it gets close to the creature, though they hear the sound of the weapon buildup and discharge- and begin to run from the source of the noise

(How fast are they moving?)

(Youd have to use the truck to keep up)

"Fast buggers." Linya talks to herself, as she gets back into her vehicle, attempting to stay above the slicer pack. (edited)

The mushroom tree caps prevent you from getting above them by more than a meter or so, and even then you're forced to weave sometimes violently around lower hanging mushroom bowls or fronds of webbing that often forms between them.

Linya gets as close as she can before attempting a shot at one nearest to the back of the pack. (edited)

5:05 PM

(8/6)

The shot hits a tree, blowing a limb off it with a spray of embers as the pack continues running

Linya mutters an Ashen explative as the shot goes wide, (How far away are we from civilization?) (edited)

(About 600km. Just put you back at the same hex as you encountered them when you and nat went exploring near the volcanoes )

(Hmm, how do they react to my chasing? Are they running directly away from me or mostly in a straight line?)

(Running directly away, as straight a line as they can since you’re chasing them in a relatively straight line)

Linya cuts infront of the pack, a blur as she prepares to fire with speed. (Using Neural Overload, 23 for each 8 and 10 damage focused on the same target.) (Succeeded on the Phys Save.) (edited)

The creature in the rear of the pack falls over as they scatter around your vehicle and pass, before you spin and fire the second shot into its back

Linya sends a quick message back to AT as she gauges how to best lift the beast. Would multiple slicers captured be beneficial, or is one sufficient?

Several specimens would allow observing group behaviors, and allow redundancies if any fail to survive transport and initial adjustment to captivity

(Are they still within 100 metres?)

(they are)

Linya fires off another duet of flop rounds. (Using Overload again, passed the save.) (18 and 21 to hit with 7 damage for both.) (edited)

The creatures continue running, now putting some dense foliage between you and continued shots on them without changing your position

I was only able to capture one, with help we could likely get more.
They are deceptively quick.

Aiya tech has no one to spare, which is why this was a job for hire in the first place. One specimen is enough to get a more detailed study going and they will call the matter satisfied for now

Linya heaves it into the provided cage and returns to AT.

(I'll figure out what Eish was paying out, but 3xp, 5000 credits)

(10mil if it completes the wealth endeavor)

(it does, reward incoming)

2

(and up to you what happens next. I tihnk the endeavor completion stuff already sort of covers how this might end

(I'll PM you some stuff.)

(Sounds goo,d ready whenever)

After the confirmation on both ends that the job is complete, Linya walks onto the bridge of the Esperanza "Beta, set a course to Galatea, I have some friends and acquaintances to talk to again." (Acastus -> Bourgani -> Lambrianou -> Danae -> Galatea, 10 downtime days and 26 days total.)

Linya's List to Liven up Laser Guns

Removing Boosted: Stun Baton from the Queue
Customized: Tempest, 1,000 CR, +1 AB, Complete 
Boosted: Tempest, 2,000 CR, +2 dmg, Complete 
Auto Targeting: Tempest, 4,000 CR, +1 AB Complete 
Concealed: Tempest, 6,000 CR, 4/14 days
Maint Score: 7/8

(edited)

10:28 PM

(https://discordapp.com/channels/345912178072879106/727222102725230652/749798116873732097 if that could be unpinned and the above message pinned in its place.)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 10/20/2020 6:17 AM

The flights are quiet, and the systems you're passing through are relatively safe. Arriving at Galatea, all the settlements below broadcast welcoming messages and landing vectors for wherever you decide to travel

(That trip finished off high effeciency and put 4 days into customized.)

"Take us down at the Psychic Academy."

The Academy has a large campus near Arctopia, and you're met by security bots on the ground who clear you and admit you to the large building itself, constantly adapting as the minor grail here works to ensure the campus has the space it needs

Linya heads towards Headmaster Fate's office, getting distracted along the way by the Academies architecture.

@Regulus/Grupp

The outside of the building is almost entirely glass and you have a clear view of multiple classes being held inside. Regulus's office is on the bottom floor, easily accessible from the entryway and his door is open as you approach. His large mechanical form is not at his desk, but instead floating a foot off the floor cross legged in the middle of the room.

"Oh, hello Mr. Fate, are you busy ?" (edited)

9:16 PM

Linya shifts nervously, her left arm held behind her back.

His head turns towards you, "Ah, miss Tychos was it? It is a pleasure to finally meet in person. And I am never so busy that I cannot spare time to visit with a fellow student. How may I help you?"

"You previously stated I should come to Galatea If I wanted to learn more about Metadimensional Theory... was your... chassis manufactured or produced by Arcane means?"

"Ah this body was constructed by an old civilization, long dead now. They worshiped psychics—not something I condone of course—and the one in possession of this mech was, I assume, a leader of sorts. Little is known unfortunately, even most of what I just said is conjecture and speculation. Cratylus is the planet if you are interested in further research. Now the core my soul is anchored to is certainly arcanely manufactured. An adapted arcanotech artifact originally designed to house Shadows, that is, creatures or beings that live within the metadimension. The academy's own head arcanotechnician crafted it."

'How is it powered? Standard type-B's? Magic? By... you?"

"Through me would be more accurate. It uses my link to the metadimension to transmit energy through me to the core, which in turn powers the body as a whole. Not terribly unlike electrokinesis in theory, though the energy itself is more arcane than electric."

"Hmm..." Linya stares off into nothing for moment, then snaps back to the present. "Sorry, was thinking... can anyone make this... Arcanotech?"

"It requires a strong affinity for the arcane as well as intimate knowledge of how it functions to create such artifacts. To my knowledge only mages have the requisite ability, but no rules are absolute. If you are interested, I heard the apprentice of the mage who crafted this core is currently here on Galatea. His ship is, at the very least. Reza Collins, I believe his name is. He would know more than I on the technical aspects of arcanotech."

"Reza Collins... I'll have to visit them if they are available."

Regulus nods, "I shall send you the contact information for his ship. Is there anything else you wish of me?"

"No, that is all Mr. Fate. Thank you for your time."

Regulus gives a shallow bow, "Thank you for visiting miss Tychos. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you."

"And thank you for receiving me, Mr. Fate." Linya spends the rest of her time on Galatea researching the origins of psychics/ MES/magic and how it interacts with previously understood physics. After she is satisfied with her research, she returns to her ship. (Would I be able to purchase a drone here?)

(Yes)

(I’m also thinking what you’re researching would probably be the work of years to fully understand what a massively broad concept that is.

(Makes sense,, she would have downloaded as many books/papers as a comm server would allow.) (And heres the drone)

 Phoenix Class
Voidhawk Chassis, 5000 CR, 14 AC 15/15HP 100km range
4/4 Fittings
Environmental Power, 4000 CR
Expert System, 5000 CR
Observation Suite, 250 CR
Sensor Transparency, 5000 CR.
Total: 19,250 CR

9:41 AM

(And then a Drone Control Link for 20,000 CR and 1 sys strain.)

(all looks good to me)

Almost instantly, Linya gets a reply back

To: Linya Tychos
From: Reza Collins

Uh! Hi! Um... Busy atm. Would love to chat later. Come to Euphrates? 

See ya,
R

(edited)

Linya sets off to Euphrates, to meet with Reza.

(We'll wait for his mission to finish up, because im not sure how the city or tihngs in general are going to look when you get there yet)

~~I have no idea what you are talking about ;)~~ (edited)

~~I'm not trying to help myself. I'm trying to help you... It's probably for the best that you stop asking questions. If you don't want to meet up later I would understand~~ (edited)

6:04 PM

Linya sits in orbit above, working on the design for Reza's laser pistol and awaiting his return from his shopping trip

6:04 PM

(Would this be time enough to count as a day towards its completion?)

)yeah that’s fine)

Reza's Las Pistol: Customized, 1/7 days, paid for by linya, maintained by Reza.

Early the next morning, the comm panel on the Esperanza lights up with a communication from the Secretorum "Good Morning Ms. Tychos! Requesting permission to come aboard the Esperanza." In space, the sleek looking free merchant comes into view and begins to pull up next to the Greystar vessel.

Sierra-Echo-Charlie-Romeo...
Permission granted for dock

After thirty minutes of careful maneuvering and practiced deceleration, the two ships are adjoined in space. A heavy CA-CHUNK signifies that the two have created a sealed pathway between the two voidcraft. After the breezeway is pressurized and safe for transit, Reza walks over to the Esperanza and waits for the door to open, "Heya Linya! Have a good night's rest? Ready to get our hands dirty on this laser pistol?"

The airlock opens, revealing a ship interior coloured almost entirely in a greyish white. Linya stands there in the undersuit of a Vacc suit. "I did indeed have good nights rest. I've gone ahead and drawn up the modifications to be made and my workshop bay is ready to get started." Linya makes an underhand throwing gesture and your compad pings with an elegantly constructed animation of a laser pistol disassembling and assembling itself. The modifications, a grip shaped to be comfortable to only and various weights to balance it. "Did you find what you were shopping for at the Anchorites?"

"Oo! These look nice! Very nice indeed. Should be fun to put it together" Reza smiles as he steps into the Esperanza while reviewing the plans on his dataslab "Yes! I was indeed. More than just shopping, however... Really should spend some time with the Anchorites if you get the chance. They have been doing their best to record all known history and information to act as a repository for that information." Reza follows Linya to the workshop. "I have been researching an event called the Conjunction of Worlds that is set to take place in a couple months... Truly a remarkable event. I was able to spend some time with their Grail to do some modeling. Managed to find another planet that is connected to the Conjunction like Acastus is."

The rest of the ship is likewise in the same greyish white, on the way to the workshop one of Linya's automated crew passes by, chittering in a dialect of ashen one. "Oh would you like a, er pair of glasses? To see the uh network." (edited)

"OH! Absolutely! Quite amazing what the Ashen Ones have come up with. A whole augmented reality for their daily life? Would love to experience that at least once." "Question though... Are... Are all Greystar ships this... devoid of... color?"

Linya hands over a pair of glasses, as you put them the inlaid screen goes through a boot process and overlays begin popping up, the walls become overlaid with ship information and the individual work stations have progress bars and all sorts of myriad displays. "Oh, er.... I don't know? Probably not."

Reza looks around in amazement at all the extra information being fed into the augmented reality glasses. "This is amaze-balls, Linya... I can see why many Ashen Ones do not want to go without their network..." He runs from one station to the next seeing the information displays pop up. Readings and progress displays. Borderline data overload. "Ha! I could definitely get used to this..." Reza finally makes his way over to the work table that has the laser pistol sitting on top of it. "So whats going on over at Zufiaurre that's captured your attention?"

Information begins to appear in your vision, at first it shows videos of shambling creatures, decrepit and with neon-green slugs around and in them. The video zooms forward and now shows a building with two shamblers inside and Linya obliterating the skull of one and annihilating the knees of the other after being scratched in her left arm, data and theories begin to show up as a black ichor begins to flow from their wounds. "A parasite infested most if not all of the population, including even locations one would consider normally resistant to disease."

Reza visibly recoils in disgust at the sight "Thats... ugh... vile! What, how are you planning to deal with that problem?" Reza begins grabbing different tools and lays them out so they can talk and work at the same time.

"Nothing solid yet, I was hoping something clever would come to me, as I doubt brute force would work."

Reza manipulates the view on his AR Glasses as he grabs and pulls up diagrams and schematics. Flicking things around the augmented reality work space. "Yeah not much of an expert on infectious parasites... I can come up with some rather kinetic solutions, but unknown if it would get rid of the problem entirely" Reza begins taking apart the Laser Pistol down to its component pieces so modifications can be made, "Will likely need to get live samples of the parasite to study... If you could convince someone here on Galatea to take up the task you would be able to conduct research nigh impossible anywhere else..."

"Mmm, perhaps... I'll see what we can come up with at Greystar first." Linya begins instructing various machines to begin fabricating and machining parts. "You mentioned the conjuction of worlds, I've come across it in books but haven't delved into it."

"Ah! Yes yes. Most of the documentation comes from your agents when they made the discovery of the temple on Acastus. The theory is that this cyclical event is tied to a massive amount of metadimensional energy as well as acting like a... Separation for cosmic eras. I don't have any way to prove it as of yet, but I believe the Conjunction is directly tied to the big bang and the creation of our universe."

Linya is silent as she processes this revelation, the processes she was working on coming to a halt.

"So after some... Work for the Anchorites, they allowed me to do some modeling and data projections with the grail. With the limited data we did know I was able to identify another planet that is connected to the Conjunction. Metanor." "So after this work, plus a quick stop back at Gudrun, that's where I will be heading next"

"Did you plan on going there alone? What you've discovered.... sounds much more important than what I had planed..."

"I mean... My crew would be with me but they wouldn't be like... Coming down to the surface with me. Would... Would you want to come with?"

"Of course I would! Who wouldn't!" In her gesticulation Linya's hand collides with a workbench, a heavy CLUNK from the impact of metal on metal (edited)

"Oh really? That's awesome! Well then... Let's get moving that way, instead of just hanging out here for 4 days... Now... Nothing against the Esperanza, but I have arcane facilities on the Secretorum that I will need during our trip. Once we get to Gudrun do you just want to park your ship there and we can just take one void craft?"

"Oh, of course! Does your ship have the room to carry a mech or a vehicle?"

(I... Need to double check lol. How big is the vehicle? I don't think I can do the mech)

( both take 50 tonnes of cargo space each.)

(oof. I have 25 tons of space. If you want to bring your ship that's cool. I only have spike2 so my route is gonna be spike 2 friendly)

(Do you have a vehicle?)

(nope!)

Linya stares into nothing as she pulls up the specs of both ships.

7:06 PM

"Oh wow, er, uh I think it might be best if we take both ships. I can take my vehicle, which has come in handy in quite a few scenarios."

"Sure! Whatever you feel like doing. I just need to stop at Gudrun to drop something off then we can make our way there" (edited)

"We can take the same route if you want, or I since I have a more advanced spike drive I can go ahead." (edited)

Reza shrugs "Whatever you feel like doing. It should be able to finish the thing on the way to Gudrun then I'm just dropping it off" (edited)

"Feel free to set a course, we will follow behind. "

(6 days to gudrun by my count)

(Shame Reza only has a dinky Spike-2 SMH)

(just let me know what you're working on for this first leg of the trip)

(can i spend 3 days finishing my laser pistol and 3 days working on that thing for Dr T?)

(3 days on rezas customized then 3 on my tempest, which should fiish both.)

Reza spends the first part working with Linya over the pistol. Part way through the trip he moves back to the Secretorum to finish the device that the Piggen doctor had sent to him. For two days he pours over the designs in his laboratory. Trying to work out what repairs are needed and then attempting to deduce the spell forms that need to be conjured for this item. The day before arriving in Gudrun he is awake early and in his lab once again. Drawing complex formulas and geometric equations in the air. Tendrils of arcane energy shed a green and purple light as the spellform begins to gain coherence. Finishing the gestures and imprinting the final bit of energy creates a verdant flash of light. He regards his creation, attempting to ascertain its purpose and abilities. (know magic/int 15, Know Magic/Int 12 [Heat Roll]) (edited)

3

"Ah ha! Dr T is going to love this! Even Master Grupp might think it's good enough! I'll have to go show him!... I hope he will be proud of me!"

3

Gudrun is busy as you emerge from spike space, with most of the fleet beginning to muster for the push west. Nearly the entire fleet is here, aside from the pickets at UNW borders

Once arriving in Gudrun space, Reza sends a communication to the Esperanza, "Good Morning Linya. I just need to drop something off with Master Grupp then I should be good to move on again. Should only be a few minutes at most. Don't even need to land if you don't want to. Let's just head to the refueling station. I'll definitely be back before that is finished" Reza waves his hands in the air and draws some shapes in the air. Metadimensional energy coalesces and creates a sigil on the floor. Looking as if a homing beacon had been pressed into the deck-plate of his ship. (Casting Spatial Ripcord Shift) He then grabs the crystal pendant that hangs around his neck and concentrates for a brief moment. After opening his eyes he reappears in the entrance hall of Shangri La. Reza excitedly hurries downstairs to look for Master Grupp, "Master Grupp! Master Grupp! I wanted to show you something!" @Regulus/Grupp

As expected, Grupp is busy with some sort of research that is making more noise than is probably called for. Grump calls out over the screeching of metal on metal and a loud banging sound, "EH? REZA IS THAT YOU? COME HOLD THE HYDRONICAL ARCAPACITATOR STEADY FOR ME!"

Reza hurries into the room and holds the hydronical arcapacitator "The one and only, Master Grupp. I have something I wanted to show you! I think you are really going to like it!" Reza watches what Grupp is doing with awe and amazement at the master arcanotechnician going about his work

A billowing cloud of smoke quickly follows the success of whatever experiment Grupp was working on and he ushers you back upstairs, coughing. "Ha! Alright boy. Have you finally managed to grow another arm yet? Or cast more than, what, two spells a day? Eh? Well, out with it!"

Reza looks down and kicks at a small stone "No Master Grupp... no arms yet... Oh! But I can do this!" A few intricate gestures with his hands and some arcane words muttered under his breath. On his neck pop out gills, his muscles bulk out even more than his usual sturdy self and the features on his face become even more dashing and handsome (Cast Manifest Aspect) "I picked up this trick on Olar! Found an old hedge mage's grimoire. But! But! I... I made something! I finally made something!" Reza very excitedly pulls out the prayer wheel and hands it over to Master Grupp. A trio of glowing runes can be seen being held together by silver holder and a brass cap

Grupp's eyes widen as he watches you cast his signature spell, "Shepherds boy! You know you can grow arms with that spell right? Eh? Ha! We'll make a proper mage of you yet!" He takes the prayer wheel from you and inspects it, his Void Flow Scan already active from his research. "Mmm. Ha! Haven't come across something like this before! It's almost precognitive in function eh? Limited use though, that could be better. This is your first arcanotech eh? Ha! I suppose it's not too bad!"

"OH! I can?! I... I just thought it was... that's awesome!" "I could tell that it had some... future potential bending properties but I wasn't quite certain as to the extent it could manipulate future possibilities. I tried the best I could but it seems only a limited amount of energy could be imbued into the item." "Yes! First one! I have plans for more, but this is the first. Definitely many more. Many Many more. I have spent the last couple months just drawing up plans! So many plans!!! See!" Reza quickly pulls out his dataslab and scrolls through the numerous different designs and sketches and plans for other arcanotech devices

"Blast shield eh? Ha! Good choice. The pattern upgrade for your blaster is ok, not near as good as my glaive but I guess you have to start somewhere eh? Oh! Planning on meeting some Shadows sometime soon? Ha! Woulda been more useful when the Still Lady was still alive though eh? Your blueprints are adequate. Keep working on it and you should get better, ha!"

"That animus core is actually for another project I have in mind... A fish guy from Acastus sent me this... Memory codex... Said it contains the memories of a friend of a friend... Well deceased friend of a friend... Wanted me to pair the memory codex with the animus core into a robotic armature to give life back to the one that had given her life far too soon for her people... I guess... I guess it would be somewhat similar to what you did for Headmaster Fate... just... not nearly as cool obviously..."

"Huh. Well alright! Let me know if you need help with it eh? Ha! Well boy, you sticking around to do some work for once?"

"I am working Master Grupp! I found another planet that is connected to the Conjunction like Acastus and Aliah! Metanor... Going there to see what more I can find."

"Well I suppose the Conjunction is important to learn more about before it happens. Metanor is over there by Cyrus's folks eh? Ha! Should be a good time I bet! Alright, get out of here before I change my mind! Ha!"

"I learned a new trick too! Now you see me here in your laboratory..." Reza closes his eyes and focuses some metadimensional energy before popping out of existence. A thin trail of energy the only remnant of his presence. All of a sudden a video-chat request pops up on Grupp's compad. When he opens it up, he can see Reza standing back on the deck of his ship up in orbit "... And now I'm back on my ship! Talk to you later Master Grupp! When I come back I will help you with your work... Promise! Bye!"

(Cool sorry for the delay Linya! Ready to move on towards Metanor) (Gudrun>Tsatsos>Terezinho>Creusa>Abauntza>Mobion>Tece>Metanor. 12 days)

(That puts me 12/14 for boosted: tempest And no problem Reza, most of that was during a time of me doing work.) (edited)

1

(7/7 Customized Tempest, 5/7 Customized Icarus Harness)

1:23 PM

(We dont know if we have arrived. Something might happen on any one of the planets. Most likely it would be on Abauntza/Mobion/Tece if at all, so lets wait for neko on this) (edited)

1

(2 of these are new, so lets stop at Abauntza for now, ill roll up what's there, and if we decide to engage with it we can. If not, we'll roll on)

2

Abauntza is a large system with eight planets. One is a gas giant close to the system edge. It has several moons, also 8 once surveyed. The other words are a combination of barren and molten except for one in the habitable zone. The world may have been verdant once but the surface shows large fires, evidence of explosions, and has a lack of space defenses

What has happened here? Infighting? 
Should we make contact?

9:28 PM

(Is there evidence of nukes being used?)

I think we can take a look. "Jimmy! What button do I press for the scanner again? Wait... No not that one... OK nevermimd got it!" Reza eventually gets the computer system going and searching local space for other ships. (edited)

(No evidence of nukes) Several battles are being waged on the planet below. There are no space ships. This seems to be a civil, terrestrial conflict

Do we want to interfere with this at all? They dont seem to be getting along amongst themselves, what if they forward that attitude towards the galactic community?

I mean... I'm no diplomat and I don't want to be rude but the Conjunction is coming in three months. I have no plans to spend it on a wayward world trying to solve intra-planetary conflicts.

Move on and let the UNW know?

Probably for the best. Or maybe let those... um.... The you know... um... Lighthouse Institution folks know

The Lamplighter Foundation
I can let Natalia know, shes my... friend? Acquaintance? Either way they will be informed

Yeah them! Good! Sorry bad with names... On to Mobion Reza instructs Jimmy to make for the edge of system and to initiate the spike drill to Mobion

(Okay added the article from mobile

2

8:50 PM

(I can tidy it up in the morning )

Mobion system defense consisting of two patrol boats is on you almost as soon as your drive cools and scanning systems begin coming online. They haven't fired on you, but there is a message waiting on the comms terminal

"Shit! Well... Hopefully they are nice folks?" Reza walks over to the communications board and flicks on the terminal "Greetings Mobion Patrol. Just passing by on our way through. How can we help you?"

"Unidentified ship, identify, and state your business in the region. "

"Ah yes! Apologies... um... This is the Secretorum and the Esperanza in service to the Psychic Academy on a mission of exploration and research. We are just transiting through on our way to Tece and beyond. Would it be permissible to refuel from your own service depot?"

"Psychic Academy? Are you affiliated with the UNW?"

Damn... I hope this doesn't get us shot at Reza lets out a sigh before queuing the mic back up, "Indirectly. The Psychic Academy claims neutrality in their endeavors. We have dealings with the UNW and others."

"The UNW were good to us when we broke from the Remnant. General Arimoto, and some others were especially kind, and gave good advice. Follow us in, lets get you fueled and fed"

8:10 AM

Breathable Atmosphere Engineered Biosphere TL4 Tens of Thousands of Inhabitants Mobion is a system of five large gas giants, and a single small habitable dwarf planet situated between all of them. The splinter group of the Tenebrian Remnant that met with Pre-UNW Greenbriar Inc has made their enclave here with the small number of defectors and ships they have been able to gather. Efforts are underway to engineer a biosphere on the dwarf planet, and a small green zone rings the single colony on the surface of the world. Aside from system patrol, most of the planet's efforts seem to be on subsistence farming and expanding the terraformed zone to encompass more of the planet. Although friendly and amenable to equitable trade, the Mobion people value their independence, as it came to them at great cost.

"Thank you Mobion Patrol. Setting complimentary course to your own." Reza turns off the mic to the patrol boats and then turns it on to the Esperanza

Well... That went well. I thought I read something in the Academy records about Mobion. Will have to do some reading on our transit in.

Reza instructs Jimmy to follow the patrol boats in and land/dock where indicated (edited)

A greeting party is waiting for you at the other end of the docking breezeway . Ten soldiers and two officers, one of them in scholarly robes, and the other in powered combat armor are waiting. There is no banner on display here, and there are small lightly colored patches on armor plates where the Remnant and Tenebrian Empire emblems have been carved off.

Eisheru mentioned something of this place during an Agent meeting... It was just after my promotion... Something about a Still Lady pyramid having been here? Hopefully there arent any cultists here...

Linya steps out wearing her the suit portion of her A. Vacc suit, a mask covering her face and Comm Server slotted on her back.

We will have to be careful then. Proceed with caution Reza walks out into the breezeway and raises a hand in greeting. He is also wearing his brown asymmetrical robes with beige pants and black boots. "Greetings from the Psychic Academy. My name is Reza Collins and this is Linya Tychos. I am glad to hear that you are doing well out in this portion of space. With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking with?"

(Sorry for the interruption, was told to just dump this in here)

Hey Linya, nice to hear from you again. Just Natalia's fine, by the way. Chairwoman is for the official communications stuff, I'm not going to demand you start calling me that. 

Can you send along the name of that planet? There are, sadly, a lot more places that need the help than we have capacity to give help, right now, but the data will be invaluable.

And I'm... basically always busy lately. Sending this message from near Heras, but I should be back around Danae's corner of space soon. Maybe twenty or twenty five days? I can make time if you wanted to meet for some reason.

- Natalia

(edited)

"I am a former Captain of the Tenebrian Remnant, and am pleased to see the Academy and some elements of the UNW are abroad. This is Rasmus my savant, he is taking care of the handful of psychics and mages we have welcomed in since the end of the war"

"Well met, Captain and Rasmus. I admit that we were surprised to see anyone in the Mobion system. Let alone one with enough resources to project force to the edge of the system. Is there anything that the Academy can help with? There any pain points that we might be able to assist with?"

"One, actually. You know anything about pyramids?"

"I mean... I am assuming you do not mean the three-dimensional shape, as that would be an asinine question... Is this in reference to a... certain meta-dimensional shadow that used to reside on Acastus?"

"Correct. We found one, and I believe the entity inside has been banished. It has been thus far...resistant...in my attempts to destroy it"

"I see. I know that Headmaster Fate has... one sec let me check" Reza makes a few gestures and subvocal commands to access his own dataslab. He scrolls through some academy records "Ah... One on Gudrun at Shangri La and one on Galatea with the Headmaster himself. From what I can gather they still maintain a... tenuous connection to the entity in question. I cannot recommend attempting to destroy it, especially in a populated area. The affects could be... disastrous to say the least. I can offer to transport it back to the Academy if it would make you all feel safer?"

“In exchange for food, fuel, and whatever other provisions you might need, we would ask you take this from us “

"I can definitely do that, certainly not a problem... Would you be willing to allow the Academy to build a branch here on Mobion? Your answer will not affect the decision to relieve you of the pyramid artifact."

"Most of us are ex-Remnant. We didn't like the mass murder, but we're not much trusting of psi types. You're here, and you're helping us with a problem, we're going to be respectful, but your offer is out of touch with where you are"

"That's not a problem, figure I would at least ask. And, I too am being respectful when I ask, are there any that would prefer to leave if they are allowed?"

'Other ships have come in before. No one's been prevented from going, but none have. Some of them even stayed"

5:16 PM

"We have a good thing going here"

"I am glad to hear it. Truly! Rasmus, have you heard of an event called the Conjunction of Worlds? The main thrust of this trip is investigating this reoccurring phenomena. Any information you might have would be greatly appreciated."

"Nothing of that nature, I am sorry. I hpe this does not change our deal"

"Of course not! Oh... I'm... sorry, didn't mean to imply... That's... Of course I will take the device to the safe keeping of the Academy. I am glad you are all doing splendidly. With your permission we will pass back through this way to refuel. Unless my companion has need of any equipment, I think we will be on our way to our destination." Reza bows his head generously and looks to see if Linya has anything she needs. Otherwise he waits for the Pyramid to be brought to him so it can be safely stored in the laboratory.

Linya shakes her head in the negative. "There is nothing I need."

The pyramid is brought to you in a nulmetalum container, with a locking seal at the top. It has not been opened since the banishment of whatever was inside

Reza grabs a pair of tongs from his toolkit and gingerly grabs hold of container handle. Nodding his thanks he turns to go back to his own ship. He places the container on stand in his Laboratory. Once secure he has Jimmy finish refueling and then head out to the edge of space. Destination, Tece

An Aphroditan Guild of Explorers ship is in orbit over Tece when you arrive there, the night world spins below you gently and its system information has been logged by the AGE ship/

Reza queues up a communications to the AGE ship in system as they make their way towards a gas giant or the local star for scooping procedures

Greetings Aphroditan Guild Ship. This is the Esperanza and the Secretorum representing the Psychic Academy. We are beginning refueling operations shortly. Please advise if you are in need of assistance.

( @Valentina Spiros [Ythal] )

Good Afternoon,
Pleased to meet another explorer out here, and one from the academy no less! I hope the trip out here has been a pleasant one! I'm currently exploring a little of the local culture, and I believe we're having a dinner later to sample some of the local delicacies! I don't expect to need any assistance, given the locals haven't tried to murder me on sight, that's a distinct improvement on Metanor!

If you ever do go there, be wary of the locals, they don't seem to like guests!

On that note, I must ask, for my own curiosity if nothing else, where are you headed?

Sincerely,
Valentina

Valentina,

That is good to hear that you are not the victim of murder. And thank you for the heads up about Metanor. That is actually where we are headed. Researching a reoccurring cosmic phenomena that is connected to that planet. Is there any thing you can tell us about the planet? Interesting structures? Any peaceful inhabitants or are they all hostile?

Regards,
Reza

Reza,
Ah, well, the large pyramid structure on the north western continent may be of interest to you.

I met two groups of natives in my short time there, one group at the foot of the pyramid, and another at a small settlement. Both groups were humanoid, but aggressive, and extremely athletic, I would not recommend getting close unless you have a method of escape in mind.

Their societal structure seems to be one mostly based of physical strength, but that was only based of an hour or so of observation, so there may be more to it!

Best of luck in your endeavours, and let me know if I can ever be of assistance!

Valentina

Valentina,
Good to know! Will keep it all in mind, thank you for the guidance. We will be refueling then heading out.

Be well,
Reza

Reza has Jimmy and the Esperanza make for the nearest celestial body that will enable scooping. Then once refueling operations has been completed, they will make for the edge of the system to get to Metanor

A pyramid? One of the Still Ladies perhaps?

Unknown. Eisheru Tidecaller Primus documented that 8 total pyramids were sent out on Cultist colony ships. I believe now 5 are accounted for and one was believed to have headed south past Arana. I would imagine that one was also sent East from Acastus. So it is a possibility, but would just be speculation until we get to Metanor.

Hmm, between the possibility of Her influence and this warrior culture, we should be prepared for a conflict.

I have quite the number of arcane spellforms at my disposal in case of such an eventuality. My hope is that our efforts can be done... subtly and without the need for a conflict. We will first observe and then see where we can operate hopefully undistrubed

(would be 4 days passing while scooping. And then off to Metanor)

(To Metanor!)

3

(Kerilyn may or may not also be traveling in the area)

8:09 AM

(so we'll firm that up as needed, but otherwise)

8:10 AM

Metanor is a system with a green sun, a large asteroid field, and a single planet within the habitable zone. It is a feral world where hundreds of thousands, if not more, fallen peoples work hard on a great structure in the center of the planet. This must be the work of several generations already, and it is not anywhere close to complete. It is equally mysterious what this great building might be, there are no tell-tale signs. The inhabitants are also not human, but seem humanoid. Valentina Spiros of the Aphroditian Guild of Adventurers explored the planet between April 2668 and May 2668. A navigation buoy was dropped into orbit warning others of the hostile and feral natives.

So... Should we start at the megalithic structure? Or the tower just to the south of it? I wasn't able to predict what we would find here so we will likely need to go to many places on the planet...

Lets start with the tower, the Trailblazer should be able to take us between the two should needs arise

1

Passing over from the air, you can see this is a smaller version of the large temple the natives are building further north, done at about 1/6 of the scale. you can see rudimentary forms of measuring such as notching shadows on the ground, and other fears of primitive engineering. this was meant as a mock up, and not as a functional structure as is, though you can see a tribe is camped around it and looks to be in the process of moving in

(Atmosphere is breathable right?) (edited)

(yes)

1

9:38 AM

Another vessel, captained by @Deleted User enters the system as you prepare your flyover. Her ship was here just days ago, and she had a hostile and near fatal run-in with the natives

9:38 AM

Her insight may be helpful

God dammit)

1

9:57 AM

I said the wrong planet name but Oh well)

(You said metanor. I said you were just there but there’s players in the area and you said yes so that’s what I did. Did you want to do something else?

9:58 AM

(I can only go by what I’m told haha)

No no its fine)

10:02 AM

Kerilyn messages the other group after noticeing their arrival "Calling ship, this is Kerilyn of the protecrorate. These natives are not to be messed with and will kill you, I would recommend being careful and not trying to interact with them"

"Greetings Kerilyn of the Protectorate. I can see that from the navigational buoy that was already in system. Are there any other insights you can share with us? Were you able to get a look at what they were building?"

"All I figured out is these natives will attack anyone on sight and don't fear fire arms. After my encounter with them I just left the system without further investigation"

10:13 AM

"I will not assist you in your investigation, take my warning seriously before trying to explore this planet because without a military behind you, I doubt you will survive long"

"Ok Great. Thanks for the super helpful advice. I was worried that the navigational buoy dropped was malfunctioning. Safe travels" Reza just shakes his head and asks Linya to get a little closer to the mockup pyramid so he can get recordings as well as measurements. While doing so he turns on his sense magic and looks for any tendrils of metadimensional energy that may be lingering on the pyramid

"Do you have a Drone Control Link, Reza?" Linya Pilots the Trailblazer to Reza's request.

"I do not. Computers and I... well... Don't get a long that great... I can do my very basic stuff, but not really my forte"

"A shame. Are you getting clear readings?"

The demo structure in front of you gives off no metadimensional readings that You can see with that naked eye. Survey scanners do not cover such energies on their operating spectrum

"Nothing special about this model aside from the fact that it is a model. Not noting anything abnormal about it at least." (any inscriptions or runes or carvings in the model? Or is it more rudimentary/just meant to be a rough outline of the bigger structure?)

(Just a rough structure, basically they built this to make sure the bigger one will work and be stable/ect)

1

"Off to the next one?"

"Definitely. It seems that they used this as a test sight for the larger structure... I guess testing their designs and construction methods... While the local humanoids may be hostile they are not unintelligent... This is not a project that is easily undertaken. Let's go see what the larger structure has in store for us from a bird's eye view."

Linya shifts the grav plates from a hover and sends them towards the large monolith.

(okay so just for my own clarification sinc we've jumped a little, we're no longer in ships, but on the ground in the ATV?)

(given the native population, and the fact its equipped with environment, Air, we'd preferably be good ways off the ground.)

2:26 PM

(But yes to the not being in ships part.)

(Linya's ATV can fly around. So assumption was we would be flying to these places)

(Just trying to make sure I've got track of what we have access to and environmental things i should be considering, thats all) Even from a great distance, to Reza's unaided eye, the structure is bathed in an aura of magical energy

Reza has to close his mind's third eye to magical senses as he rubs the sides of his temple. "Ok definitely magical... Hold a moment..." He takes a few steadying breaths as he tries to calm down his nerves from the overload of information. "Ok... whew... sorry just wasn't expecting to get smacked in the face with that much information... Structure is practically blinding with how magical it is... Lets get a closer look and get some more mundane scans. See if there is any writings or carvings or other workings besides just carved and placed stones. Also... do we know if its safe to leave the vehicle? I know Super-Helpful-Protectorate-Lady said that the people were hostile, but that was about it."

(Would the Advanced Sensors fitting be applicable here Neko, or the handheld survey scanner?)

(The advanced sensors would work, I think it might be better for me to answer questions rather than an info dump, not sure what exactly you're looking for on the mundane scale of it)

1) Is it a solid structure or can internal passages or entrances be detected? 2) Any markings or carvings or runes on the exterior of the structure? 3) Based on the model that we found earlier, whats the approximate completion % of this structure? 4) Any Contaminants in the air that might make leaving the vehicle problematic? Would a Vacc Suit be required? 5) Overall size of the structure and estimated size of the structure once completed

The structure has internal passages and rooms. There are no markings on the outside right now since the structure itself is still being completed. The actual artistry will likely be one of the last things that is done to it. It is about 80% complete with the structure, but there are no statues or other adornments. There is nothing in the air that could harm you as conditions stand right now, and it will be 600m tall once completed from ground to peak

3:41 PM

(1/3 bigger than Giza, for reference)

As they fly around, Reza is sure to capture video footage that gets immediately backed up on his storage unit. Getting angles and heights and all manners of mundane study. "So... Best thoughts on how to get inside?"

"We could blow a hole in the side."

"What? No! We are not going to blow a hole in an object that is created to interact with the reoccurring phenomena that could have very well been the Big Bang!..." He takes a short few breaths as he calms himself from the outburst. "Sorry... Think those creatures can see in different spectrums of light?"

"Depends, it is unlikely though... perhaps with a green star?"

"We... Well I could test it... Could see if they could sense me in say a vacc suit while I go invisible... Then have my tether pull me back to your ATV."

"A vacc suit might even blur your thermal signature." (edited)

"True. Then I'll do it without. Now that I think some more... If this doesn't work I have an idea... But it would take until tomorrow to try..." Reza begins weaving his arms in intricate gestures. Forming a variety of shapes and figures in the air. Under his breath he begins muttering something. Linya can what might sound like Piggen. There are several flashes in between. And the words and gestures change to a different pattern and form. Clearly the marking of multiple spells being cast. (Casting Manifest Aspect to gain 18 Dex score, immunity to poisons and toxins, and 10 max hp 36/36 hp total. Lasts 7 hours. ) (Casting Gravitic Control Pattern to get flight. Light focus. Using 1 Effort for Retain Sorcery to keep a spell slot. Casting Transpicuous Transformation to become perfectly transparent lasts 7 hours) (edited)

"So... Think you can fly me a little closer? I can't fly very fast... Only a little over three meters a second... You may want to tune your optics to another spectrum." Says the disembodied voice

Linya shifts her vision into a lower specturm of light as she brings the Trailblazer closer to the ground.

Once in position Reza exits the the flying ATV and begins drifting down towards the pyramid. He looks for a small group of the creatures and makes his way over to them. Once within a 200 meters he slows his pace and stops every 20m and waits a minute. Observing to see if there is any hint that they have spotted the wayward apprentice.

When the wind shifts so you're upwind of them, the group pauses and sniffs the air. Small holes under each eye section flare as they taste the breeze, and begin looking around as though tracking prey. It is clear they cannot see you. One looks directly at the area you are occupying and does not react. He is about to take a step forward, when the wind shifts again and your scent is gone

Reza backs off a bit and then manually engages his vacc suit component of his Icarus Harness. He circles around from a different direction, hoping to see if his scent can be picked up through the seals of the vacc suit. Again approaching at 20m intervals to see if there is any recognition in the scent

at 100m when the wind shifts again, they repeat the process. They seem less certain of your position

Reza backs off once again and makes some notes on his dataslab

Subject Humanoids have no apparent way to see in other wavelengths of light; Heightened olfactory senses; Can detect observer in sealed vacc suit at distance of up to 100 meters; Will observe societal structure.

Reza floats around to a larger group of the creatures and takes out his dataslab to begin recording video footage of the creatures. He looks to observe their social structure as well as any hints at a method of communication.

They grunt and have auditory communication between one another, and it seems like the largest or strongest are deferred to

Reza takes more notes on the behaviors and communication of the creatures. Confident that he has observed them long enough to make a simulacrum he contacts Linya as he flies back to the ATV "Linya, I think I have an idea... Should let us walk among them rather easily... Flying back to you to discuss"

"Inbound, look off to your left and up a bit." Linya pilots the Traiblazer slightly under Reza, as she waits for him to embark

Reza floats slowly up to the awaiting ATV and steps into the space of the vehicle. He drops the invisibility and reappears in front of the tall ashen one. "Ok! So... It does not appear that they can see perfectly transparent objects... however their olfactory senses are rather acute. They were able to smell my presence even in a vacc suit within one hundred meters." Reza 'sits' as he floats in the air next to Linya, "I think I may have a way to help us blend in... If my calculations are correct regarding the precise flow of metadimensional energies as they react with the visual representation of the self, I should be able to mold our current forms into perfect simulacrums of those beings... My understanding is that we would look and smell and be able to speak like... them... Should we name them? Do you think they have named themselves? I wonder what they would call themselves if they thought about it..."

"If we understand their language we would know what they call themselves, and how would that work with my arm and leg?" Linya raps her right knuckles on her left arm, producing the sound of bone on metal.

"Are they somehow magical or otherwise infused with metadimensional energy?"

"... I don't think soo."

Reza changes his senses to view into the Metadimensional spectrum. Linya can see his eyes iris disappear as they turn completely white for a brief moment before returning to their normal mahogany color. "Nope. Definitely not. Shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. I just need to prepare the incantation tomorrow morning. Won't be able to do it today... Already committed the pathways to other forms. Do you want to go explore maybe one of the ruins on the planet before we call it for the evening?"

"The day is still bright, might as well further what we have done today."

2:33 PM

(Is that an actual thing or just some mountains?)

(looks like a mountain, but the thing beneath it looks like a set of ruins)

(looks like a sphinx to me, just checking.)

(Nothing there just the mountain stamp repeating to fill where the trees didnt)

7:14 AM

(but there are ruins in front of the mountain) (edited)

(lets go to the ruins!)

(To the ruins indeed)

12:15 PM

The ruins show what was once some sort of large building, with architectural and artistic improvements made to it, though most of them are crumbling and no longer resemble their original forms

"Set us down just outside of the ruins. We can walk in" Reza checks the charge on his Tempest before slowly making his way towards the ruins from east. His Survey scanner is going and feeding its readings to his optical displays from the direct interface.

Linya puts the ATV down on the right side of the ruins, leaving it in idle, hovering about a foot off the ground. Linya shrugs on her pack and unfolds her own Tempest. "Hold a moment, anything important beyond your SMG that requires batteries?"

Reza stops after getting 2 meters out of the ATV, he quickly turns around and comes back to the Ashen One "Oh! Um... Besides like... my dataslab and laser pistol? Not much."

Linya nods and begins gesturing, coercing metaphysical energies to her will. After a moment a nebulous cloud of energy coalesces behind and flows into both of their tempests, into the suit she wears, the drone slung underneath her pack, the vacc fresher, and the comms server strapped onto the side of pack.

2:00 PM

"I have a drone we can utilize, if desired."

"Sure! if you would like to give the ruins a once, couldn't hurt!"

Linya reaches behind her and unlips her drone, a standard quad-gravplate design currently compacted for storage. She tosses it into the air and it activates, the grav plates popping out and activating as it begins to fly in a standard search pattern. (Looking for living things.)

There are small animals, birds, and bugs in the area, but none of the natives are seen by the drone

"The path is clear of large living things, we are likely safe to proceed."

9:57 PM

Linya instructs her drone to provide overwatch above.

"Oh... What? Oh yes sorry! Sure let's go!" Linya catches him in a day dream. Walking slowly and cautiously from the eastern end of the ruins, Reza turns on his magical senses to see if anything stands out. Arcane or otherwise.

The ruins are not magical, but are cultural. This was a temple or other public institution in as much as the natives understand such things at one point.

Reza walks around the remaining structures. Shells of a forgotten people. He keeps an eye out for any inscriptions or carvings. Anything that might hint to the people that used to live here

There is a proto language that the inhabitants use, or used, and it is on some of the columns here. The glyphs are elongated, made with slashes of their claws, and spiraling to denote what you suspect would be more elegant lettering

Reza waves over Linya "Look at this! Definitely some form of early language... Wow!" He goes to pull out his data slab and gets panicked. He pulls out item after item and places it on the ground next to his pack. "What? Where did I put that stupid thing? Ugh really?" He starts putting things back, sheepishly he asks his companion, "Would... Would you mind... Um... Taking some pictures? I uh... Kinda... Forgot my... dataslab..."

Linya tilts her head in mild curiosity. "Are you alright? You seem... out of it." Waiting for Reza's response Linya begins recording the various glyphs.

He nods as he stands up with his pack. "I'm fine... Just forgetful... Um... Please don't mention this to Master Grupp... He is always getting on my case for forgetting things..."

A pitted statue nearby covered in Ivy and organic debris shows one of the natives , he does not carry weapons or look suitably heroic, but is standing with his arms stretched out as though praising the sky

(does it look like the creatures we found at the construction site of the big structure? Or different?)

(It’s a native creature. So one of the construction site ones)

"Whoa! Linya get a look at that one!" Reza floats over to the statue and attempts to cut away ivy and pull away organic material to reveal more of the statue.

The statue is 3m tall made of the local pale stone , veined in black. It reveals a plain looking native. He is unadorned and is otherwise as previously described

"These beings are quite amazing... Feats of engineering... Sculptures... Rudimentary language. It's unfortunate they are hostile. They clearly know what's happening..." Reza keeps wandering around the ruined village. He looks at how they build their foundations as well as anything else that may stand out.

The foundations dont seem particularly notable. They have mastered the art of making bricks, and the form of the square.

Reza makes note of their construction techniques and tries to search around the structures for any hint at what they might have been worshiping and how long the structure has been abandoned

(Know/int)

(16)

3

THe structure has been abandoned at least since the demonstration building site began being constructed. The figure is gesturing toward the sky, so you could assume some sort of enlightenment, or deity. It does not look like the hands were ever designed to hold anything.

"They either have been informed of the coming Conjunction... Or they have some means of sensing the impending event... The Jademane knew that something was happening, just not the what... So it's very likely that they either know or have figured it out... Truly fascinating." (it looks like there is a cave entrance near the body of water in the top right corner. Is that a thing or not really?)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 11/8/2020 9:27 PM

(its a slight concave area in the rock, but there isnt anything in it)

2

(Sorry had a busy weekend. Will get a post going,)

9:59 PM

Linya finishes recording the Glyphs and heads towards Reza. "Mmm, given how ma ny cultures have... Something about the Conjunction, makes me ask whether we find the Conjunction, or does the Conjunction call us?" (edited)

Reza pulls at his beard trying to force the epiphany into his mind. "I wonder what it is they can intrinsically know... I abstractly know of the event, but these beings... they know it... feel it..."

Reza wanders over to the fountain and looks at what is left of the structure. Hoping to find more evidence of their rudimentary language so that it can be studied more completely.

The water here is green with organic material suspended in it. Shards of bronze from what must have been another statue coat the bottom. You find half the face of what had stood here once, two of the four eyes looking ahead expresionlessly

"MES users are capable of interacting with the mind, perhaps the shear amount energy is noticeable to even Users?" (edited)

"That's a possibility. However I think beings that are of these planets that are connected to the Conjunction have a different understanding of the event. The Jademane were connected to their planet to the point of intrinsically feeling the construction attempts made by the UNW and others. They experienced the pain that the world itself would feel. These beings here on Metanor treat it basically as a religion. I can see the energy flowing, but I am still an outsider looking in if that makes any sense." Reza engages his vacc seal on his Icarus harnes and reaches into the pool with the tongs from his toolkit so he can grab a couple pieces of the bronze

You're able to lift a few of the heavy pieces out, and they are ordinary bronze, and poorly refined with these frontier methods

Reza sets them aside to be taken to the ATV when they are done with the site. He then does a final walk through of the old temple grounds to see if there is anything else that stands out as worth investigating.

Nothing further stands out, though the bronze pieces if recovered in entirety could be recast into the original statue after an analysis of the fragments reveals they are complete

Completing the circuit of the ruins he goes back to the pool to fish out the remaining pieces of the bronze. "You ready to head back to the ships? I will need to rest so we can attempt a new approach to the super structure tomorrow..."

"Im ready to return." (edited)

Reza spends the time to load the pieces of bronze into the ATV before it takes off and heads back to the ships awaiting in orbit.

"So what is your plan to blend in, Reza?"

"I... Well... I figured out a way to replicate the bioscopic pathways to alter the physical form of a humanoid form... And more than just at a superficial level... And I believe that I can affect multiple people to such a degree that we would essentially become those creatures down there... Prefect simulacra... Would even be able to communicate with them " (edited)

"Do we remain... Us? Does it impart lasting effects"

"We would retain our mental faculties and would still be 'us'. We would just look, smell and speak like them. The physical transformation would last until dawn of the following day."

"You said it would work with my prosthetics and gear, would they still be there but just... covered? Would they stillbe functional?"

"Any non-magical clothing would alter its perception to be culturally appropriate. I imagine the same would be true for your prostheses" (edited)

"Shouldn't cause issues then, separation from the AONet is uncomfortable for many."

"Very good... Will see you in the morning then." Reza bids Linya good evening when they finally reach their respective ships. He spends a little time organizing and cataloging the brass pieces to be later restored. For now he is just happy to have them all identified and tagged so they can be put back together later. (Just need to update my spell list then ill be good to go for the adventure the following game day) (edited)

(yeah no rush, I am good to go whenever)

(ready to proceed.)

The foloowing morning, Reza has recharged himself with rest, and the natives below are hard at work with the coming of first light already back on the various constructions for the day

"Industrious workers they are, a shame they are hostile. Once we blend in what is our plan then? Make it into the structure?"

"I honestly don't know what we are to find on the inside. Documentation and exploration. Looking for anything that might look like an energy focus or something. We should have the Secretorum drop us off instead of leaving the ATV somewhere."

Once the pair are on the Secretorum, Reza instructs Jimmy to land some ways away from any detected lifeforms near the megalithic structure. As they make their approach Reza beckons Linya to stand nearby. "Now This might be a bit discomforting at first, but I assure you everything is as it should be..." Reza gesticulates in the air and carves out spellforms with lines of force. They flash for the briefest instant before they too disappear. Pretty soon their physical forms begin shifting and morphing to be that of a rather large versions of the creatures that they witnessed on the ground earlier (Casting Adopt the Simulacular Visiage, using Retain Sorcery to not use a spell slot. 4/5 effort remain) (edited)

4:54 PM

Adopt the Simulacular Visiage A brief incantation transforms one visible, willing target per caster level into a perfect simulacrum of any humanoid creature the caster has seen before, whether a specific individual or a general type. No special abilities are granted by this transformation, but the target will perfectly resemble a chosen individual, including in voice and scent. Their non-magical clothing will transform to whatever clothing is appropriate to the target, and they will gain an intuitive ability to speak and understand the target’s native tongue. The spell lasts until dawn of the day after casting it, whereupon the targets and any transformed clothing revert back to their original seeming.

(edited)

Linya brings up her arms and examines them, and then glances at the ground. "It is unnerving being this far above the ground."

"You get used to it. Let's just.. Act like we belong okay? And stay close to me... If this gets hairy we might have evacuate rather quickly" (edited)

"That should be doable. Lead the way" (edited)

(So the scene is you guys walking up to the constructrion site essentially?)

(Yeah. Looking and smelling like the creatures. As well as having an ability to speak and understand their language, if they have one)

Emerging from the brush, you approach the build site where hundreds of the natives are hard at work shaping blocks, and hauling them up the incline to the ever growing upper reaches of the building .

Reza doesn't say anything and motions for Linya to follow him. He does his best to not be distracted by what people may be doing and makes for the opening that would lead further inside the building.

You're stopped near the entryway by a large example of the species. "Hey! Youre not allowed in there. Only the chosen may enter the holy chambers"

Linya subvocalizes to Reza "How do you want to handle this?"

"Ah! We have a message for the chosen! We come from a far away temple and have urgent news for the holy ones..."

(Talk/cha reza. Or perform)

(original 4, using a reroll token for a 9)

“I see. You may enter to deliver your message. Not a moment longer “

"Of course! We will..." Reza motions for Linya to follow and they both begin walking through the halls. He keeps an eye out for any writings or inscriptions

(I'll get an interior map up)

1

7:33 PM

(approaching from the north middle)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 11/15/2020 7:33 PM

Linya glances around, looking at whether everyone around them are workers or if there are guards.

There are workers and guards, about 50 in total in the center of the room, along with 3 of the natives who look to be dressed as priests

8:57 PM

the inside of the structure is made of the same zone, and lacks ornamentation just like the outside, other than a large reflecting bowl set into the middle of the room, in the direct path of sunbeams from above.

Reza turns on his magical senses to get a feel for how the metadimensional energy is flowing in this area. He does his best to interpret and make sense of the massive amount of energy that he was seeing on the outside of the structure (Committing effort to use Sense Magic)

The energy seems to be absolutely bathing the chamber inside this structure, focusing mostly on the large reflecting bowl in the middle of the room. Water gurgles into it from a spring below the structure

(the bowl/water being the clear "source" of the energy? And are the people gathered in one group? Or are the people spread out and doing their own thing?)

(The bowl and liquid is the source. The people are gathered by jt

Reza does his best to try to blend in at the back of the crowd and listen in if anything is being said.

There is silence inside as the group seems to be in what passes for prayer around the bowl. Occasionally a wisp of metadimensional energy will reach out and gently touch one of them. A response to a prayer perhaps

Reza motions to Linya to follow along as best he can. He stands near the back of the group and bows his head in silent prayer. Having never truly been a religious person, it is a bit awkward but he does what he can

I uh... Don't really know what to say... but... uh... well... I am seeking to understand... This great power and connection... Please help guide me and direct me to find the answers that I am seeking. What is to happen in these coming months? Help me find meaning in this great well of power and knowledge...

Reza stands in quiet contemplation and thought, doing his best to send his prayer to whatever it is that seems to be listening

(mental save, both of you at +2)

(Pass, 14 vs 10. Re-rolled from 9 vs 10) (edited)

(rolled 4v8 using reroll token to succeed with 12v8. Clicked wrong button in roll 20 but the target value is the same) (edited)

You both have your thoughts "heard" Webs of worlds, all tied in by strands of metadimenisonal energy circle a titanic, glowing ball of power so bright it is impossible to look at. This cobweb of laylines extends from the center source, encompassing dozens of worlds and other stellar bodies. You get a sense of creation, the changing of cycles, eras beginning and ending, and alternate pathways of fate being selected though hundreds and thousands of choices the beings on those worlds dont evne know they are making

9:53 AM

the complexity of the stellar calculations here is vast, too much to take in or understand.

Reza is in awe of the magnificent and wondrous vision that is laid out before him. Connections and laylines spanning across galaxies all weaving back to a central source. An star brighter than anything he had ever seen before or imagined. Tucked away deep in metadimensional space. Fate or destiny or whatever name it bares is laid out before them. Every choice or decision made cutting off one avenue and opening up dozens if not hundreds more. It was almost too much for his mind to even comprehend on a very basic level... What could be controlling this? What divine engine is working such complex and endless web of calculations? Reza is dumbfounded. Rational thought and research and science are what always drove him. Gave him solace in a universe that seemed to be random or without a unifying purpose. All that was called into question. It was all connected at an even more fundamental level that previously thought. But how could he prove it? It was one thing to see a vision and another thing to get colleagues and scholars among the cosmos to come to some sort of consensus... More had to be found. More research... More study... He had to know.

Reza hears a sigh from Linya as she raises a hand, reaching for... something. Then a shudder as the feeling comes to pass. She stands there for a moment before gesturing in broken Ashen One, vague descriptors of what she saw.

(Does it appear that the "prayer" time is ending? Like are people starting to break away to do other things?)

(not for them, no)

(are the guards in prayer too? or are they stationed around the room?)

(The temple guards are also in prayer)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 11/16/2020 4:04 PM

Reza nudges Linya gently and motions with his head to move over to the hallway to the west of the entrance. He tries to nonchalantly as possible make his way over there. (Area 9) (edited)

Area 9 is one of the more exterior facing sections of the temple and is still under construction outside. Little has been done to make the inside nice or passable here so far but you do see stockpiled supplies for the art that will one day adorn the inside

Reza quickly looks through the gathered supplies to see if there is a common material being used or if it's just an assortment of different ones

Without doing something to disturb the materials and make noise it’s hard to see what’s inside the whicker baskets, hide sacks and rough boxes of wood

(Definitely didnt read that thoroughly... We are mostly outside is how it reads?) "On second thought... lets not..." Reza whispers. He motions for Linya to follow back into the main area. As they walk through the short passage way he, with nothing but a thought casts a spell and the two of them begin turning transparent over a period of six seconds. (Casting The Excellent Transpicuous Transformation and using a point of effort to use Restrained Casting. 3/4 spell slots remaining; 2/5 effort remianing)

(you can see outside from in here, they're working on this section)

Heading back to the main area, now invisible, he walks across the main area to room 1

1 is the passageway leading in. Light and the noise of primitive work comes in from@out there and you’d imagine the pungent smell of the locals would too if you weren’t masking yourselves as one of them

(doh I'm an idiot. I meant to write 2, said 2 in my head and then wrote 1)

A small mess area has been set up for the workers inside the temple here. A cookfire, some pottery, and recently harvested plants and animals all lie streched out and drying over smoke fumes here. A pair of natives are on cook duty, slicing cuts of meet with their taloned hands and placing them on skewers over the low flame

For as hostile as these creatures are, they certainly seem to have an organized society... Reza backs out and turns down the hallway to walk into the next area moving clockwise around the interior chamber (#3)

This room is closed by a stone door, the clergy in charge here must be using it as a residence, based on how this door has ornamentation and gold framing on it and none of the other areas seem to have any artistic embellishments.

Reza carefully and slowly takes out his survey scanner to take a video closeup of the ornamentation and decorations. Once he has captured enough of the art he moves back to the main prayer area and moves closer to the area on the eastern side of the room (Looks like a dais or something? In the main room due east)

(Linya? anything? )

(One moment.)

12:56 PM

Linya watches Reza's heat-blur move towards east end of building, and begins searching the west, starting with section 8.

Linya finds where additional construction has been attempted, a trap door leads down to a very dark chamber below, though judging by the quality of the walls and floor around the way down, they've decided to focus their construction efforts on the outside first, and it does not seem like the area is well traveled, or traveled much at all

Linya makes note of the trap door and continues on to #7

A series of bunks for temple guards has been set up here, two of the natives are sleeping, with their personal belongings stored in trunks near the base of the wooden frame and rough cloth bunk beds

Linya proceeds on to #6 and awaits for Reza afterward.

Reza briefly looks at the area in the Eastern part of the main room (raised dais looking thing) Then he would slowly and carefully walk over to room #4

6 is a half completed tunnel that does not have a room with a purpose at the end of it right now, and 4 looks to be another bunk room for the temple guard. There are beds here but they're not as complete, and the room in general is rougher in apperance

(is there a flight of stairs or ladder?)

(Not on this side no, just the one you found already elsewhere )

7:37 PM

(But it looked like they didn’t do much with the cellar aside from dig it )

Reza completes his half of the main room circuit and wanders to the south to #5

5 is a lounge area, and it looks like some sort of private meeting space is worked intot he back of the chamber, with two hide coated and stuffed couches facing one another and situated very close together

(like unusually close together?)

(i guess by person standards yes|)

Reza cautiously steps further into the room, he scans the lounge area for other creatures.

There is nobody else here aside from you two. Everyone else remains in prayer near the center of the temple

Reza walks over to the two couches that are close together and begins to inspect the area around them. Seeing if there is some reason that they are so abnormally close together. (basically looking to see if they are pushed together to cover something on the floor, etc)

There is an indent in the floor that shows evidence of being recently te buried. The ground here was disturbed

Linya watches as Reza goes in to examine to two couches and goes into to investigate as well.

(Dirt? And would digging be considered a violent motion with regards to the invisibility spell?)

(i would think so yeah, its physically exertive)

1

Reza points down on the ground underneath the two couches before whispering to Linya, "So... definitely looks like something was buried here... and recently... Here's the rub... if we start digging I am reasonably certain that the transpicuous transformation I have woven together will fall and we will once again be visible to the naked eye... We will still look like them, however..."

"I found a sort of... Sublevel, perhaps we can dig in from there? It looked rather un-used. Should that fail perhaps we shouod wait u til nightfall where there might be less of them?"

"Sounds good let's go check it out. Lead the way..." Reza follows Linya to wherever the sub level is

The hatch you found a few rooms ago is in the same place and seems okay to use. The ladder is sturdy and built to the dimensions of the locals

"I'll go in first, and then let you know if its safe."

"Sounds good" Reza stands in such a way so that he can have a clear view of the hallway entering the room they are in.

Linya lowers herself down into the sublevel, her cybernetic eyes adjusting and shifting her vision to primarily other spectrums.

There is little down here, it is a reinforced dirt chamber that has stone tile set into the floor for stability and drainage. The walls are still dirt with supports

5:02 PM

The wall to the East looks more recently constructed than the rest of the chamber and the dirt is loose

After a quick examination Linya returns to the ladder and whispers to Reza "It's safe to come down, and it looks like something is on the other side of one of the walls."

Reza climbs down the ladder after Linya and does a visual inspection of the basement. "well... Let's see what they are hiding, shall we?" (Does it look like if we take down the eastern wall the area will the room collapse?)

(It could. I thknk it’s hard to tell as is)

"Looking at this wall... Hmm... Think you can do something to shore it up? I have my toolkit but it's not like I carry support beams in my pack."

"I could likely manifest some sort of jack, how ever I would need to maintain contact with it."

"I can dig it you can keep it from falling down on us" (edited)

(Would ghost tech be able of creating some sort of jack, or brace to hold up ceiling?)

)you could do that Linya I think that makes good sense)

Linya kneels down and concentrates, after a moment wisps of a yellowish orange energy begin to appear and start to coalesce into the shape of a jack one would use for maintenance of some vehicle. After its fully formed Linya extends it until it is firmly supporting the ceiling.

While she is summoning the ceiling support, Reza quietly walks over to the hatch and brings it down quietly and softly. "Nice job with the support structure... I will get to work..." Reza pulls out a digging tool from his toolkit and begins carving as small a hole as necessary in the eastern wall to see what lay beyond

(Actually, with spare parts could I make a (Semi)-proper one so it doesnt dissapear when I move?) (edited)

(Also yes)

(How many would it take, one? I currently have three on me.)

(I woujld say one, since its relatively easy to make)

"Hold on a moment Reza, I might have something stored that could function without my continued effort to maintain it." Linya lets go of her manifested structure, it returning to the twinkling sparks that formed it. Linya shrugs off her backpack and starts to retrieve various metal objects, affixing them into some sort of tripod structure to brace the ceiling. After a few minutes her work is done and she extends it to its full length to the ceiling.

Reza nods and then waits for her to finish. "Nice job. I have some more spare odds and ends. Keep an eye out and let me know if you see something concerning." Once the tripod is in place he goes back to digging

(notice/wis Reza)

(10)

There is a faint smell of rot, and you find a few fat earthworms as you begin digging into the wall

Reza recoils from the smell a little, "Ugh that smells worse than Master Grupp's bathroom after buffet night... Be ready for anything..." Reza continues digging unless Linya stops him

"I am glad I am in hermetically sealed suit then."

The wall begins to come down where the dirt is lose and it becomes apparent workers who have died building the temple are being buried as part of its foundations

Reza begins dry heaving as the smell smacks him full in the face. He quickly engages the vacc suit of his icarus harness... But instantly regrets the decision to trap himself with the smell. He manages to keep breakfast down while he backs up away from the corpses. 'Umm... Ca... Can we leave... Oh... Ok... I think I'm good..."

Linya stead ies Reza as he heaves, the produces a vacc fresher and offers it to him.

11:36 PM

" I can continue to dig, i am no stranger to flesh-rot. "

"I... Well... I don't know what we are going to find past a bunch of rotting corpses... but sure... I can keep making support structures too. I have a bunch of odds and ends."

As Linya continues to dig, one body tumbles out of the wall, holding a long wrapped bundle between two crossed taloned arms

Linya bends down and gently uncovers the parcel

A staff scaled for the large size of the natives is unwrapped from a cloth bundle here, and you manage to pull it out. Roots from one of the mighty trees that grow here have been woven and shaped, a crooked head clutches a now patinaed and earth stained ochre orb, swirling with some sort of trapped mist within. Rough runes have been caved into the branch, as close as a millimeter to one another and leaving no surface of the staff unblemished.

Linya stands back up and presents it to Reza (Would our intrinsic understanding of their language identify it?)

(It would identify that it's not their language, so yes but no)

"Whoooaaa... what do we have here? ..." Reza gingerly holds the staff in both hands. He blinks his eyes and Linya can see the irises of his eyes turn completely white. He begins regarding the object and see if there is any metadimensional energy coming from the item. (Using Sense Magic, committing 1 effort. 1/5 effort remain)

There is a trace amount of precognition coming from the orb embedded in the staff. This was no doubt meant for a tribal elder or advisor.

(This going to require getting to an Assay facility to fully identify?)

(Yessir)

(cool beans) "This is... quite the find Linya... Definitely some energy channels running through this that are normally associated with the precognition psychic discipline... I will need to get this up to confirm its full capabilities... but this is exquisite... Do you want to keep digging? or have you had your fill of digging through decaying corpses?"

(About how much distance is between this cellar area and the estimated space where the covered area is?)

(oh fuck, i dont know, probably a hundred or so meters at least)

(Oh! I thought there was a shorter distance than that

‍♂️) "I believe so, the dead should stay dead." (Our invisibility got disabled, correct?)

(Correct, but I can always bring it back) "Ok... come here then..." Reza blinks and his eyes return to normal. He then wordlessly sends a tendril of energy to wrap around them. Slowly their forms fade once again from view "C'mon... hopefully there is no one above us..." (Casting The Excellent Transpicuous Transformation. 2/4 Spell slots remain; Regaining the effort from Sense Magic and using effort for Restrained Casting 1/5 Effort Remain)

You're not seen as you're leaving the temple, the prayers have continued though some of the guards in the rearmost ranks are stirring. Ytou get the sense they'll be returning to duty soon with their long group meditation nearly over with

Linya whispers to Reza "Do you want to risk simply going for the covered bit, or should I attempt a distraction with my drone overhead?"

Reza whispers back. "Too risky. Let's make our way outside of the village and get a pickup. Can always make another attempt at it another day..." If there are no objections, Reza begins heading out of the temple and towards the point where the Secretorum dropped them off.

Linya nods and follows Reza, once they are a significant distance from the structure she recalls her drone

You're free of needing to conceal yourselves for the moment, and the ships are ready to pick you up as soon as you are ready

"Ready to go back up and see what this staff is about?" As soon as Linya gives her acknowledgement, Reza sends a message to Jimmy giving their location and requesting a quick pickup.

Linya nods

Jimmy swings the ship down on a full burn, sending birds scattering, and youre both aboard before the far less mobile natives catch up

"Stable orbit please, Jimmy!" Reza immediately rushes off to the assay facility aboard the ship. "Come come Linya! Let me show you my laboratory!"

"Ooooh." Linya follows, running to keep up.

(6xp, 10000 credits)

2

(*clap

4:48 PM

(that levels me up, one moment.)

Linya Tychos, Arcane Expert, level 7
HP 26 -> 30
Punch 1 -> 2, 3 sp
1 SP banked,
Focus gained: Occult Healer
No change in spells this level.

EDIT: BANKED POINT INSTEAD PUT INTO KNOW/MAGIC

(edited)

The pair walk into the belly of the Secretorum. Other than the drive itself, the laboratory was the largest single fixture in the ship. While not spacious by any means, the space was far from cramped. It would seem every bit of extra space was dedicated to the magical facilities they were in now. Reza leads past beakers and bottles. Arcane foci and other magical doodads. Notebooks strew the open table tops. Inside drawings and designs can be seen to all manner a creation. On another table is an ornate and complex looking puzzle box. Next to it a crystal award saying, 'MOST VALUABLE EMPLOYEE' placed directly in front of a small lamp. In another part of the space there is a pedestal standing alone. As they approach Linya can see the more subtle designs in the floor. Circles and other geometric equations are worked into the floor of the three meter square area. (edited)

Linya slows to halt as they approach the geometric engravings and casts a superstitious glnce at them

8:18 PM

"Are those safe to walk on or across? I dont want to release a thing or have magic explode at my feet, I rather like my leg... Legs."

Reza stops, looks at the ground, looks back at Linya with a deeply concerning look on his face. Something was wrong... Until he broke into a smile, "Of course it's safe! This just helps me separate and identify the latent energy that is exuded from an object, should it be giving off such radiation."

Linya lightly taps Reza on the leg, the contact producing a metal CLUNK and glares at him.

A warm chuckle as he makes a show of being injured. He limps to the pedestal and places the carved wood staff onto the platform. "This might take a while... Will have an idea what it might do in an hour... Would need about a full eight to ten hours of work to work out all it's properties."

Linya gives a hmmph as he limps "Any ideas for what to do in the meantime?

"If I had to make a guess... Given its proximity to a place of this place of power and these people's reverence of this connection... I wouldn't be surprised if it has the ability to see future potentials... The metadimensional radiation it was giving off signified it has energy pathways consistent with such a device..."

" Oh, er, do you have to study it? Can I help?

"Master Grupp seems to think I don't do a lot of studying, but yes that is what I will have to do. Not very exciting work but you are more than welcome to stay. Lots of observations, see how the latent energy flows. I have some devices, doodads and artifices here that will help with the identification process. Come." Reza begins the process of identifying the object. He pulls out any number of foci and creations and doohickeys from the shelves surrounding his assay facility to help with the process. (11v9 wis/know magic for the identification)

Linya helps by passing various bits and bobs to Reza, although if the process takes ten hours in a row Reza will find Linya slumped somewhere during a period where not much is needed.

The staff seems to be able to offer its mes sensitive user a brief glimpse a month into the future, with the user focuses on a question or issue

Time goes by, grabbing this object and being handed that item. Observations are made and written down. Generic tests are performed. Theories are postulated and hypotheses are debunked. Eventually Reza sits back down confident he has gleaned enough information to make a semi-definitive statement regarding the nature of the item. "Well... I'm fairly confident in saying that it will allow the user to look into the future, about a months time... It does have limited scope in that it centers around a question or a single issue. And I think needs to be used by someone who has natural sensitivity to metadimensional energy... An amazing find to say the least... Is... Is there something you wanted to know about in the near future? I could possibly look for you..."

Linya snaps awake, although it was hard to tell through her mask she always wears. "Wuh, are we done...?" "In the future... I dont think im doing anything too important, or rather something that could be easily predicted."

"You sure? I... You did a lot to help me get this..."

"Keep it."

"Well... Thank you... I'm... I have more studying and research to do... And there is the war on Yauvani I pledged my assistance in. What will you do now?"

"Theres a certain humanitarian I need to meet, then i'll likely head up to support the campaign as well

"Going to see the chairwoman? Very good... Well if you are interested I could send you a report of this staff when i get more time with it. And do be careful on Yauvani"

"Despite my short stature and compromised health I can take care of myself."

"That is good to hear... I wish you well, Linya Tychos. Do write to me when you get the chance. I would much enjoy being able to continue our conversations."

"It was a pleasure working with you, Reza."

(really appreciate you tagging along on my weird little investigation :) )

(It was fun coming along with, 07

(o7)

Linya bids her final farewells as the two ships separate, as she sets a course to Acastus.

9:40 PM

(20 down time days by my counts Metanor-> tece -> Abauntza-> Terezinho -> Gudrun -> Cratylus -> Shaila -> Acastus) (edited)

(I’ve got 20 days as well)

(woo, Mods get done!)

(2 days go into finishing Boosted, 14 into finishing Auto-targeting, and then 4 into concealed.) (edited)

(And while at Tece I'd like to meet with Nat.)

(Alright we can move into that channel then)

To: Linya
From: Maxwell Buchannon

Linya,

Madden is doing well, though we did lose a number more marines before we left the system. I failed to fully understand the situation and decided it was best left to someone whose skillset was more suited to the task. I am about to leave to see if my homeworld survived the shapers, and if so see if I can convince them to come back to the NMC. It will be a tall order, but I am sure I can manage it.

Best,
Maxwell

Linya, Re-specialization: War Mage - Level 1
Bonus Magister Skill - Cast/Magic 0
Hobby Skill - Fix 0
Free Skill - Scholar -) Know-0
Growth (3) -> +2 mental, INT 16 -> 18
Learning (4 & 8) -> Know 0->1, Talk 0
Starting Arcane Foci - Armoured Casting
Health = 5
Spells Known - Ammo Drop, This Is My Rifle
Spell Slots - 3

9:46 PM

(More to follow tomorrow.)

(out of archive)

Linya, War Mage - level 2.
Old Health - 5 | New Health - 8
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 2/4.
Focus Pick - War Caster 
Program -1 -> 0
Pilot -1 -> 0
Trade -1 -> 0

4:31 PM

Linya, War Mage - Level 3
Old health - 8| New Health - 9
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 3/5 | Level 2 -) 2/2
Spells Learned; Field Report | Salvage Gear, Stifle Explosion.
Shoot -1 -> 0
Fix 0 -> 1

4:36 PM

Linya, War Mage - Level 4
Old Health - 9 | New Health - 12
Spells Know/Slots, Level 1 -) 3/6 | Level 2 -) 2/3
Notice -1 -> 0
Know/Magic 0 -> 1

(Before you get too deep into your respec, you may want to read up on the rules regarding the Use Magic skill)

4:45 PM

(Also if you are a full Magister or Arcanist, you get a bonus focus on Creation)

(Bonus Foci was Armoured Casting)

4:52 PM

(And I assume you are talking about the section where it states you need a Cast/Magic skill level equal to the spell level -1?)

(or else the spell takes 5 minutes to cast, yes. Looks like your Cast/Magic is only at 0 and you can cast up to 2nd level spells)

(Yep, If this is wasn't a respec the order of things would, I imagine, be a bit different, but thanks for the heads up.)

1

Linya, War Mage - Level 5
Foci - Specialist, Know/Magic | 3d6 1 -> 2
Old Health - 12 | New Health - 13
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 4/6 | Level 2 -) 2/3 | Level 3 -) 2/2
Cast/Magic 0->1
1 SP banked
Spells Learned, Consecrated Arms | Breaching Charge, Tank Kill.

Linya, War Mage - Level 6
Cast/Magic 1->2
1 SP Remains Banked.
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 4/6 | Level 2 -) 3/4 | Level 3 -) 2/2
Spells Learned, Commando Invocation
Old Health - 13 | New Health - 17

Linya, War Mage - Level 7
Old HP - 17 | New HP - 22
Cast/Magic 2 -> 3
Foci - Tinker, Fix 1 -> 2
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 5/6 | Level 2 -) 3/4 | Level 3 -) 2/2 | Level 4 -) 2/2
Spells Learned, Radio Intercept Protocol, Forced March | Force Shelter

Linya, War Mage - Level 8
Old HP - 22 | New HP - 23
Trade 0 -> 1
1 SP Banked
Spells Known/Slots, level 1 -) 5/6 | Level 2 -) 4/5 | Level 3 -) 3/4 | Level 4 -) 2/3
Spells Learned, Roof Instantiation | Artillery Strike

End of Respec Summary
Spells:
Level One: 5/6
  Ammo Drop, This Is My Rifle, Field Report, Consecrated Arms, Force Shelter 
Level Two: 4/5
  Salvage Gear, Stifle Explosion, Commando Invocation, Roof Instantiation
Level Three: 3/4
  Breaching Charge, Tank Kill, Artillery Strike
Level 4: 2/3
  Radio Intercept Protocol, Forced March

Skills: 1 SP Banked
  Fix (+2), Know (+1), Notice (+0), Pilot (+0), Program (+0), Shoot (+0), Talk (+0), Trade (+1), Know Magic (+2, 3d6KH2), Use     Magic (+3)
Misc: 
  Maint Score = ((2*3)+2)*2 = 16
  Drone Handling = 1 + 0 = 0
  Health = 23

6:43 PM

(Once I get my spells and Foci imported ill write up an exposition.)

(sounds good to me

(logistics done, once I have more than 2 spoons I'll get going ^^)

Linya wakes up, but doesn't, at least not where they expected too. As her consciousness blooms in an unfamiliar dreamscape, clustered nodes of bluish energy with trailing tendrils leading to each other, resembling the neurons of a brain, or the pattern of galactic clusters spread through out the universe. Linya reaches out for one of the nodes, surprised at first, that her hand is made of flesh and blood rather than cold steel. As her fingers connect with a tendril her vision changes, becoming more reminiscent of her experiences with the meta space entity on Metanor. It changes once again, the rigidity of a vacuum suit pressing in as her breath quickens, the face play fogging as she watches the coworker she was performing an EVA mission get impacted by an object, their safety line snapping taut as they get flinged back, blood sparkling and red as it trickles out. She feels the same connection she had felt earlier, when she first manifested vestiges of control over Meta-space, but much, much, stronger. Formulae and sigils click together in her mind as some part of her awareness shifts from her experience. Linya wakes within her bed, the body glove she was wearing slick with cold sweat as she sits up, trying to slow her breath as she reels from her... Dreams. (edited)

2:19 PM

Linya prepares the first of her arcane experiments days later in her section of the workshop in the FOB established on the rift over Acastus. Formulae and multi-dimensional maps and theories float within her AR space as she carves intricate runes and sigils of identification and translocation on her weaponry ----- Linya gathers and signs out various vehicles and personelle for another expedition into the strange landscape.

2:20 PM

(Goal check: "Learn about and go to the conjunction)

2:23 PM

(Yep, complete)

2:23 PM

(we went to the statues in the northwest-ish from where you are now)

(is that a structure on the northern island and is it possible to fly over the Meta-Sea?) (edited)

(not at the moment)

7:47 PM

(how about here?)

(The gap is a void. Is that what you’re referring to?

(just above the void)

(That works. I’ll have to generate a bunch of hexes. We are looking at 2,000km of overland travel)

(bigger than expected, I'm fine only going 3-4 hexes SW, didn't realize you planned in generating something for every hex.)

(Welcome aboard Rogan.)

(Thanks! Ooh, there’ll be some questions.)

(If you want I can set up a scene before I lay down for the night)

The ship with rogan aboard passes through the metaspace rift in Acastus system space. Along with its passenger it’s carrying enough food and raw materials to keep the small sanctum here provisioned for another month or so. Nobody is sure about the stability of the rift so far and although the deliveries are generous the base is still on strict rations. Things might have to stretch out for years.

10:07 PM

The ramp lowers and rogan is walked out of the ship by the crew who now have their own duties to quickly handle before the latent background MES renders their drive system useless

Rogan, should they go searching for Linya, or happens to walk through the hanger bay, finds them over-seeing the maintenance of the large ATV used for excursions. Standing at 4 ' 6" (1.37 metres), Linya is regarded as a 'Tall' Ashen One. Currently wearing their modified vacuum suit, exo-skelatol musculature can running across the arms legs and presumably back of the suit. A mask covers their face, a vestige from her time spent on Akhlaqi and the ravages the planets biosphere had on every Ashen One's immune system. As they reach to manipulate some object that you cannot see the light reflects off their metallic arm, segmented in appearance.

Rogan asks where to find his new contact, named Linya, and goes off in search of a big ATV. Rogan is a fairly nondescript Taros with brown hair that is now going past his ear. However, his CFU and combat rifle do stand out as he walks closer. The excitement of a new mission is starting to make his grin stand out, and he spots someone near the ATV, so he ends up jogging the last 20 meters. He asks, “Are you Linya? My name’s Rogan. Rogan Tuttle. I hear you’ve got a mission here.”

He waits patiently, not wanting to disturb work in progress.

Linya looks up upon hearing someone jog towards her, making a brushing motion to clear her AR workspace once she's sees that someone is headed towards her. "Oh er, yes, I'm Linya. Nice to meet you Rogan, will you be partaking in the expedition into the rift-space? Or are you here for some administrative purpose.... I haven't kept up much with what is happening outside."

Rogan hears the words and repeats them in awe before he actually answers Linya, “Rift-space..., that’s it. Yes, I’m going with you to explore the rift-space.” He admits, a little sheepishly, “I’m kind of new at this. This is only my second mission, but I’m not afraid, and I have some skills that I’m just starting to be able to use. I should be able to...” he starts, and then looks around carefully. He decides that there are too many people nearby, so he finishes, “Well, I can tell you somewhere else.”

6:14 AM

Rogan decides this might be an okay time to ask some questions, though. “Do you know what we’re looking for?”

Linya looks up and examines Rogan as he talks, the reflective eyepieces of her mask reflecting your own image back, shifted into a brilliant array of greens and blues. "Ah, you will be in good hands, we've a fine array of good equipment and personelle here." Linya shifts slightly awkwardly. "And we'll, we are looking for pretty much anything. This place is sort of... A reflection of many landscapes, my current theory is that it's some form of macroscopic super-positioning, although that's a topic best left for a laboratory."

Rogan cocks his head a little to the side, unsure of what she just said. "That sounded science-y. It sounds like something they would look at in a lab. But it sounds neat. Kinda like seeing myself in your mask," he says while switching to other optical views to get used to seeing her hues. He asks, "Do you need any help getting the ATV ready?"

Linya has a small double take at the mask compliment, her lack of social experience very evident. "We should be fine, although if you wish to have any equipment put inside that you can't normally carry we can get started on that."

He thinks at that. He motions to his combat armor and holds his rifle to show her, "Are we going to be okay to bring these? Or do we need to be more discreet?"

"Ooh," and then he rapid-fires a couple questions in his excitement, "Should I get a vacc suit? Does that mean we're ready to go really soon?"

"You... Should be fine with your armour, I recommend you take it actually, same with your weapon, who knows what could possibly be out there, especially with the prevalence of MES in the region. I simply fine my suit... Comfortable , my cyberware does most of the protection."

“In that case, I’m already very ready,” he finishes. The smile on his face disminished somewhat, thinking back on missing out on the fruit from that greenhouse because he wasn’t using his noodle enough. He thinks, maybe too loudly, ”That fruit would have tasted good right before this mission.”

"Well, we should be ready to proceeded shortly then. "

(I'm good when you guys are. You were both pretty rapid fire so i didnt want to interject)

(Unless Rogan has anything e else I'm ready to get going.)

(I’ve got all the gear and answers he thinks he’ll need.)

(let's start out with this route)

1:05 PM

(D10 Linya)

(1)

Heading south, first you come to the place where you'd see the egg like objects, clustered against a tree a few weeks prior. They're still there, webbed in membrane that is a sky blue in color, and shimmers in the reflected upon reflected sunlight. They've grown larger as well, each now about a juvenile Ashen One's height.

Rogan asks Linya, “Uh, what are those?’

Now with the hard shell components and the large faceplated helmet on Linya looks slightly more imposing, a large irregular shaped chunk of metal strapped below her backpack and a Tempest energy SMG with delicately carved runes in the weapons body. From the ATV Linya looks on at the egg like structures. "If I had to guess, some sort of organism, possibly a fungus or plant but some stage of animal is likely too. I don't believe the previous teams interacted with them much, given the prevalence of media films and alien eggs."

Talking to Linya reminds him, so he asks, “Sorry, to change topics. But, since we’re here, I heard that you might be able to use someone that has telepathy capabilities. I just started noticing them, but haven’t had much time to practice,” he pauses, and then continues, “Would you mind working with me?” (edited)

Linya takes a moment to consider "I would be willing, although I do have some things to finish once I return to real-space. "I think we should take a sample, life under these conditions must be extraordinary." Her voice hesitates a moment, indecisive if she wants to say more. (edited)

3:42 PM

(Does Rogan by chance have points in meta-psionics or just telepathy?)

Rogan asks, “Would taking a sample hurt them?” He grins as he processes that Linya agreed to help him train, and he might even get to go back into real space. (Telepathy and Nullifier)

(Linya isn't a psychic so not sure how much she could help train psychic wise, i thought you meant help in general) "Depends how large a sample and the nature of the organism, its possible it might react defensively."

(you cant train each other)

(I guess that just means he’ll ask if he can practice ‘on’ and with her. IC)

Rogan thinks about that, and about the rest of the mission, “Would you mind if I practice making a psychic contact with you? That way, if we’re apart, but near enough, we might be able to communicate. I mean, so far, I’ve just gotten some of other peoples’ thoughts. But I’m guessing that if I concentrate on it, I might be able to think with you.”

4:30 PM

“Even if it’s one-way, you to me, that’s better than nothing, right? And you’d be able to confirm if I’m reading you right. Right?”

Linya turns towards Rogan. "...Yes.. I do believe in theory I could initiate a form of telepathic contact but it's more limited in function and much more demanding."

“Then how about if I make the contact? It doesn’t seem to be hard for me. I’ll tell you what you’re thinking. One second,” he says and tries to hear Linya’s thoughts.

(what level of telepathic contact are you using?)

(2 - read current thoughts. You’d get a save if you wanted.)

Linya current emotional state is that of being guarded, traced with a slight amount light fear and curiosity. This is weird, don't think about awkward things, don't think about awkward things

Rogan’s eyes go wide, as it seems to work. That goofy grin pops on his face as he asks, “We’re you nervous? And tried to not think about awkward things? Am I right? That was awesome!”

5:11 PM

“Can we do it again?!? Please. Think of something different!”

5:12 PM

And he returns to listen again. Was that easier? He thinks to himself.

Her thoughts drift now to sigils and theorems, ways to coerce MES energy to influence the laws of physics in a localized space.

Rogan looks confused, “You know, I’m not very good with that science-y stuff. But, you had some fancy signs in there with some science ideas. But if I knew what stuff was, I bet I would have understood it.”

5:22 PM

“You must be pretty smart to be able to think of those things.”

Linya moves her head sharply and shifts uncomfortably. "Sorry... I defaulted on what I knew... best. I've been working on them for a while, but I wasn't able to make much progress with them until.. recently." Linya's thoughts shift back to Akhlaqi, and of the disease that took her arm and leg

Rogan feels sad for Linya, “I’m sorry. That must be someone you know. What happened?”

5:41 PM

“And I can stop doing that. You don’t have to have me in there right now,” he says as he stops listening. (edited)

"Oh I didn't lose anyone, just... something strange happened and gave some sort of insight."

“I’m really sorry if I started intruding. If you want me to stop, just think that you want me to stop. I don’t want to hurt you, Linya.” he winces as he feels like he intruded.

5:45 PM

“What?” he asks, a bit confused.

"I don't understand it much either." Linya instructs her drone to give a thorough scan of the egg, using its many sensors to try and see if in internal structure is present or if some obvious identifier as to its function is evident.

(I didn’t have anything to add to the drone work until he can see the drone)

The previous scan attempts didn’t seem to work and these ones aren’t either. The drone is able to confirm the object is organic but not what it might be beyond that. The “eggs” are also putting off large amounts of heat

Rogan sees the drone and gets excited, "Ooh, that's your drone? It looks cool! Is it scanning the egg? What's happening?"

Unwilling to contain his excitement or wait for Linya to answer, he reconnects his mental connection to listen in on what she's thinking. As he registers that the drone is having problems, he disconnects from Linya and tries to connect with the egg that the drone is scanning. He says, "Maybe I can help, Linya. I think the egg just needs to ignore the drone. Do you think that would help? If I tole the egg to forget the drone? Would that help?"

(how hot, and with PAnspectralas can I tell if this is in response to the drone or has like this.) "I would suggest moving back, the eggs worst to be putting it's larges amounts of heat and I fear one may rupture."

“Hmm. Rupture or hatch? I suppose if it hatches, you could get a lot more readings.”

"Both would give readings, one happens to be more typically explosive

Rogan follows Linya’s lead, moving back. As another practice test, he tries to connect to whatever is living in the egg, to listen to its emotions and thoughts.

(It's not rising in response to the drone. The object is just warm)

7:52 AM

Whatever is in there, you're not able to connect to anything- it is about as useful as connecting to a piece of stone.

7:53 AM

There is a billowing cloud of spores that emerge into the air as the first of the 'eggs' bursts, sending a glittering miasma of blue/gray into the air. The gentle wind takes some of it, carrying it away- though scanners try to get what they can from what is still lingering in the air here

Rogan guesses, telling Linya, "It doesn't feel sentient. But you're right. It really does explode. Do you think we need to keep away from those spores?" he asks as he uses his spectral vision to see what that blue/gray stuff is.

You're not able to get a better idea of it through the pan spectral vision. This isnt something that has been documented before, and no data is available to reference to.

Linya takes as many samples of the spores as possible, setting a re.inder to run everything through a decontamination shower afterwards as she directs her drone to collect chemical samples and approaches one of the un bursted eggs with tools in hand and goes to take a surface sample and to draw fluid from it. (edited)

"My bio-adaptive cyberware can possibly handle it, and Vacc suit as well, but best to stay away."

He reconnects his mind link, because he's worried about Linya, "Okay, but I'll be near, keeping watch." he said, meaning he was going to watch for anything he could do to help or get her to safety.

(Sneak/dex Linya)

(Sneak/Dex 4)

(physical effect save)

(Does this relate to toxins or diseases?)

(yes)

(Automatic fail then.)

The bio-monitors in Linya's suit begin to howl as an unknown contamination is detected. The spores are too fine to be filtered out, and she can already feel her limbs begin to slow- as though they're made from stone and not far more flexible powered metal

Linya mental state turns sharply from gentle curiosity to panic and becomes blurred as the paralysis begins to take effect dropping her tools and reaching for her tempest as she struggles to stand, her right hand gesturing esoterically as she mumbles something in screaching, bird like tones.

4:35 PM

(Would I have the chance to cast a spell here or is the effect absolute.)

(You’re being affected by the toxin as it is but it’s a gradual worsening of the condition )

5:54 PM

(Idk if that answer helps or not)

Rogan senses her blurring mental thoughts and reaches forward to grab her and drag her back to the ATV "I've got you. Let's get you to the ATV."

5:57 PM

(Does he need a save, then, too?)

(If you’re touching her yes)

6:01 PM

(Since she’s spore covered)

As Rogan gets close Linya motions him to stay back, raising her arms and signing and incanting slowly, attempting to cast a spell. (edited)

(Sneak/DEX 6)

Force Shelter:
The caster creates a temporary shelter out of metadi-
mensional force. The shelter must be conjured within

10 meters on a solid surface, and takes the shape of a
floored dome up to five meters in diameter and three
meters high. The dome is colored and patterned to
match its surroundings and is opaque from the outside
and transparent from within; ranged attacks against
targets hidden inside the dome are made at a -4 penalty
to hit. The atmosphere within the dome remains warm,
dry, breathable, and comfortably pressurized regardless
of the environment outside, and may be lit or darkened
at the caster’s discretion. The walls of the dome allow
solid objects to pass in and out freely, but they will
protect against precipitation, winds, and dust. It lasts
as long as the caster maintains Light Focus, plus one
hour per caster level.

(Not sure if this would clear contaminants within the casting area buts its better than nothing, area of effect would be a dome 2 metres in diameter and 2 high centered on Linya)

(I would say that it doesn't remove what's there on you but would prevent any more spores from entering the area) (edited)

(What’s the sneak check for? )

8:51 PM

(As for the spell it doesn’t remove what’s on you, and I need a physical effect save from Rogan since he’s touching you)

(Save 1 v. 14 ... well, that couldn't have been lower)

Rogan is also beginning to feel the spreading contagion beginning to move through his body as he comes into contact with Linya

10:37 PM

The both of you are shielded by this dome from continual spore exposure but it cannot do anything for what is immediately on your skin and for what has been absorbed through it.

Linya instructs her drone to download her biomoniter data and too return to the FOB while comming the ATV crew for a wide mix of anti-fungals and other neurological based medications trying to describe as best she can.

10:51 PM

"We need to move... Away from the pods."

Rogan nods, and then says, "I'll follow your lead."

Linya begins trying to lead Rogan to a point towards the ATV but away from the wind/spores (edited)

Linya's physical warning came too late for him to stop trying to pull her away, but he does manage to let go so he stops touching her suit. He makes way, since he started out on the ATV-side of Linya. The sluggishness he's feeling makes his movement look like he is walking in waist-deep water.

(Is there a crew? I thought you always just drive it and we had no mention of it before now)

(I would have imagined there would be some people going with us, but its up to you to decide i guess.)

(We didn’t specify and it’s one of the very few major things I ask for. Since we didn’t, we don’t have them)

Linya begins dragging Rogan towards the ATV and the medbay inside. "Keep moving, medicine, inside."

Rogan keeps pushing on, doing his best to stay with Linya.

The both of you get inside and shut the doors as the chemical and hazard alarms begin to sound.

Rogan looks for a decontamination kit.

Linya begins rummaging through the internal medbay looking for any anti-fungal drugs or any neurological medications.

(Heal/int at +2. As Linya is more exposed we will have Rogan make the check to brew up an anti fungal)

(Heal/int+2: Result 3)

2

Rogan looks at the anti-fungal drugs like one of Linya's science-y things and knows he's outmatched. He asks her verbally as he reconnects his link to her, "Can you help me make this stuff? The stuff I make may kill you."

(can I spend a re roll token to have a chance to prevent our shared date here) (edited)

1

(You can spend it for him to -re roll)

(I will do so.)

(Reroll Heal/int+2: Result 11)

2

Linya notsogently nudges Rogan's arm as she watches him mix penicillin and an anti-psycotic, directing him towards the proper medicine (edited)

"I thought that was medicine for psychics."

The next hour passes rapidly as both of you are forced to work as a team, compensating for the other's freezing limbs with your own that work when appropriate. You both barely choke down the gulp of your remedy as your throat muscles begin closing up. Things go black for a few moments and all you can feel is spreading warmth within the cores of your bodies- but then- you realize, you can feel your toes again.

Rogan rasps unintelligently, "Toes."

Linya thumps her head back against a wall. "No... That's for psychological or similar conditions.... Not paralysis and anaphylactic shock."

The warm sensation continues spreading as you both lay on the medbay floor aboard the explorer. Gradually, you're able to start moving again, turning your heads aside to cough up balls of black phlegm as it helps your body expel the toxins.

Rogan feels an unpleasant pressure rising through his throat, and turns away from Linya just in time for the gagging and popping feel of disgusting blackness leaving his body. Not feeling comfortable sideways, he reaches over the mess to kneel on hands and knees while the rest exits. As he starts feeling like most of it is out, he looks at the floor and states, "That's gross. I should have brought my vacc suit."

Watching Rogan vomit causes Linya to vomit who has been stalwart before. She yanks off her helmet, holding her shortish hair back as she expels the toxin into a waste container. "No... You don't... Vomit in helmet... Not fun." She says in between gags. (edited)

Still breathing hard to recover oxygen in his lungs, he nods sullenly, "My EVA suit, then."

The chemical alarms begin slackening off, and then silence themselves altogether as the medicine continues to work. Your items and gear are still likely contaminated and will need a mcuh more thorough decon process, not to mention the inside of the ATV. Outside, where the spores have landed, you can already see the chutes of new plants beginning to spiderweb across the more fertile parts of the ground,

Rogan gets a little nervous about the ATV's air re-circulation system. So, he asks the only person who probably understands them and is the only other person nearby, "Uh, Linya. Should we get while the gettin's good? What if the ATV air starts getting choked like us."

2:32 PM

"I can drive, if you want to navigate and make sure the systems are working."

"You can go do that... I'll be here... Until I get up... Eventually." (edited)

Rogan offers his hand to help her to a chair. "No rush, but if the air filters can't handle the black pollen, We don't have long after that."

5:13 PM

"Now that I think of it. Do we need to abort our mission and head back? Clean up and set out again?"

"We can... Haven't gotten very far, I'd like my drone back too." (Camera cut to an RV plane beelining it towards the FOB)

Rogan listens in, "In that case, I'll start driving us back now. Sounds like you got your drone leading the way." Rogan backs the ATV up until they are away from the eggs and spore clouds, then turns the ATV around and heads back to base.

Linya stands up and ensures the vents will continue to operate untill they return.

Rogan glances back to make sure that Linya is okay, but then he starts to trust in his connection to her. As he drives, he listens for her thoughts, "Talk to me, Linya. Where are you from?"

"Akhlaqi, you don't want to live there."

"I don't know much about it, so I'll take your word for it. Have you been away long?"

"My people were evacuated almost two years ago, I was 13 human years old, although closer to 26 in relative age."

"Have you been working these kind of missions since you left?"

Linya stops at working for a moment. "Pretty close to this." She hesitates, the resumes working.

"Have you enjoyed it? I just started last week," he says, not realizing that may be embarrassing for him.

11:55 AM

"I mean, enjoyed it when you're not almost dying. I've liked the living part so far."

"Yeah, much better than what I was doing before. Sitting in space on a station was... Decent"

"Well, at least we know where not to go now. How long do you think it'll take to clean us up, since we're almost back?"

"Probably a while, the spores were small enough the permeate through an armoured vacuum suit in moments, and acts quickly." "Don't worry, the things we use for decontam are breathable... Barely."

"What? Me worry? Okay, I was pretty worried back there, but now that we're away, I feel pretty safe, with just a light phlegmy cough." hack, hack

"Now that I think about it I might have been able to comm the base through the Q-Coms of the ATV through my cyberware. Not sure on the full extent of the neurotoxin although. I'm glad we are away from that though."

"Well, at least we can let other people know that those eggs are not worth a close look. Do you think an EVA suit would protect someone, since it would have internal air?"

"Went through the skin of my suit without issue, I'd likely have to be far over engineered than what is normal to prevent it."

(caught up, just dont want to cut you off)

(Ready here, we can also talk during clean-up, or just breeze thru clean-up and head back out and talk then)

(I'm good for either.)

(Would we be getting that Akhlaqi alert on the compad during our return drive?)

(Technically it takes several days to reach here since there’s a good number of hexes in the way, so not for a while yet )

1

A decontamination crew is standing by as the ATV returns to the sanctum. The expedition was cut short but you’ve gained some valuable knowledge about an invasive strain of fungus on this side of the rift , and may have saved the lives of future explorers who otherwise would have been more cavalier

Rogan wonders out loud what else besides an engineered suit could get in the space of those fungi, "I wonder if maybe a Telekinetic with at least a Pressure Field to protect against that dusty stuff or a heavier-duty drone. Either way, it would still need to be able to take that heat you said was there." He watches the cleanup finishing up, after having gone through a very personal decontamination because that dust gets everywhere. He asks Linya a question because he's concerned that he's already messed up two missions, "You don't think they're gonna take us off this mission because we had this pretty big delay, do you?"

"That, and I almost got you killed out there."

"Unlikely, I requisitioned this place, practically built it. Besides, this place is dangerous, part of our task to find out what's here, and I went close to it, you didn't."

Rogan is impressed that she basically built this place, but still blames himself for not thinking of a way to get her out of trouble without almost dying himself. A simple rope attached to her would have made his life so much easier, and less phlegmy, he thinks to himself. cough After clearing his throat, he says, "Well, that's good, and impressive. And it's still exciting to think about what we might find when we look."

"Indeed who knows what could be found out there, previous teams had found a series of statues with riddles emblazoned on them. Once an answer was spoken artifacts appeared. And the scientific applications of the life here is profound."

He practically giggles with excitement, "Riddles? That's amazing! I hope we find at least one or two of those."

"What is so fragile that simply speaking it's name breaks it?" Linya says, a playful smirk evident in her voice.

"Silence, of course," Rogan answers without delay. "That's a good one." (edited)

9:19 AM

"The Abbot said I broke the silence a lot."

9:20 AM

"Do I get to ask you one?"

Rogan gets a flash of inspiration as he says, "I have another breaking one." "What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it? (Or speak)"

"A promise, or a heart, the former less certain on."

"A promise was it. Nice," he smiles, knowing she's really smart, and he got lucky to get paired with her for this mission.

10:00 AM

"I bet you wouldn't even need help with those riddles."

"I have the advantage of having a copy of the Ashen Net, some riddles make sense naturally, but I have a specialization in physics and astronomy not philosophy."

"That's got to be very handy. I specialized in driving when others took their breaks. Eventually, they started taking longer and longer breaks."

Trundled into Decon, you're both isolated together in the med facility here. It will take about a day to ensure you're cleaned out, and to ensure the ATV has no lingering traces of the contagion left behind. You'll be on an anti-fungal regimen for 14 days after this, but physically healthy enough to travel tomorrow

"I'm glad you've got such a good Medical unit, Linya. I'm way past ready to go. Mind if I grab a vacc suit before we go? Do you think there's any reason we'd be in a really bad spot to need an EVA suit?"

"Probably not, the atmosphere here seems mostly stable."

"Oh," he thinks she misunderstood, "No. I mean that even if the air is breathable here, we might go someplace, maybe underground, where there's something leaking into the air."

"You are free too requisition a vacuum suit if you wish, just note they are quite cumbersome and incompatible with all if not most armours." (edited)

He thinks on that, a hint of a frown showing on his mouth as he does. He makes a decision, "I should probably get one, even if I leave it in the ATV until I need it. May as well use the time."

(do you have any points in fix and what's your INT modifier?)

(Not exactly. I do have a Fix +0, along with a -1 INT)

(oh, and con mod?)

(CON +0)

(Darn.) "That would work as well, I had some designs to mitigate some of the maluses of it's design, however their maintenance is fickle and could potentially be disastrous."

Rogan's jaw tightens as she says that, "Disastrous? I'll pass on disastrous. Have you seen my luck?"

"With care they function properly, if not..."

"Is that care something that if I do it wrong that I'll know it's done wrong?"

"Yeah." Linya stretches her right arm, raising it above her head. "Besides, I think I could summon that dome again if we get into a bad spot."

"Okay. In that case, I'll take it. Maybe I'll cut back a little on my training to practice fixing it with you."

(Takes a vacc suit to store in the ATV in case it is needed.)

(Linya did you want to resume the same route ?)

(Thats cool with me.)

As they finalize their equipment prepare to depart again Linya speaks. "Hopefully we have less of a bad trip this time, maybe Ill get to see how much of a fun guy you when we arent facing paralysis."

Rogan practices a little deadpan humor on her, "Yeah. I was kind of a stiff out there."

8:25 PM

Interested in what she thinks of it, and to decide if he needed to explain, he reconnects his thought connection with her.

"Sorry I locked up on you,cbut you should have heeded my warning."

"Probably. But I saw your mind blurring. I couldn't leave you."

"What if you had collapsed? Was I supposed to wait then, too? That surely would have killed us both. I need to find a rope. Do you have one in the ATV?"

(Rogan makes sure there's rope in the ATV)

11:41 PM

Rogan's heart started racing as soon as she brought up waving him off. He didn't realize how protective he'd be, or how defensive he'd feel about it. He just knew he'd find that rope and they'd be tied together next time. He'd fix it.

"I'd prefer if only one of us died compared to both of us." Linya looks up at Rogan, The pearlescent faceplate showing only his reflection as she studied him.

He looks at her, listening in her mind, switching scans from his panspectral optics, trying to look for anything as minor as a temperature change that would help him understand if she was joking. "Sorry, but I'm still learning this telepathy. Can you please think what you mean when you tell me something like that? I can't tell if you're trying to joke. And I wouldn't joke about that." "And, your warning back there. Maybe we can just practice you thinking what you need to tell me. Waving me off with your mind being muddy just made me sure that I wanted to pull you out. It may take some practice. Maybe we can use a quick series of your thoughts like a radio to give me your plan. I'd prefer you not be the one to die."

"One is less than two, zero is preferable but is not always possible." Linya is strangely cold compared to most, resting a few degrees below standard body temperature, although her left arm and right arm both rest slightly above air temperature. She hesitates, uncertain.

"Thank you for thinking. Sometimes math isn't important, though. I'm sorry if I made the wrong move trying to pull you out, and putting myself at risk, but I couldn't tell if you knew how you would get out because you hadn't thought of it yet. Sometimes, a specific one is more important than another one, if that makes sense to you." "Zero is definitely preferable," Rogan says, starting to get his grin back.

"You did well, Rogan. Ready to go back out again?"

"Past ready, Linya. But can we be a little farther away from dying this time?"

"And thank you."

"I'll try to avoid severe harm this time."

He laughed and commented, "If you wouldn't mind." (edited)

(ready to get going.)

1

Passing out fo the gate with a repaired and cleaned vehicle, you get further than your short exploration the day before. The fungal 'eggs' have spread, already budding amid the grass and tree trunks, though this time discretion seems better and you pass by. Last time, the group went north to the statues in question, heading south is uncharted territory, and some sort of storm is brewing a few dozen kilometres away. It looks to be an actual rainstorm, rather than something MES saturated.

3:36 PM

There is a thin forest to move through where the trees never seem to have sprouted any leaves.

Linya comments as they approach the forest. "I am slightly disconcerted given our past experience with the plant life."

Rogan nods, “Agreed. I think that I would feel safest getting rained on. Plus, don’t we want to chart new territory?” he finishes, with hope for an interesting adventure.

3:57 PM

(Is that forest in all directions? Have we gotten to the point in the curve where we want to go north to the shiny spot aka rift-space(?)

"Yeah, I don't have the greatest history with finding new things." Linya's thoughts become focused on a ruined village, it's inhabitants corrupted by some greenish substance on their bodies.

Rogan asks her, curious, “Did you figure out what that green stuff was?”

Linya has a double, forgetting Rogan's telepathic abilities for a moment. "Ah, oh, yes, a type of worm that grew in their hosts organs."

“Eww. And sorry, but I’m glad you shared,” he told her with his big grin back on. “We’re you able to help them? ... I’m sorry if I’m intruding. If that’s a bad memory, and you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay.”

"No, the farthest I was able was retrieving a sample and finding out the stress tolerance if their skeletal system."

“Sorry. Was that this planet, or a different place?”

"A different planet, Zufiaurre"

“Ooh. But still...,” he cuts himself off, feeling that he’s not right to be excited about something that ended with bad news. “Were you able to see any other places on that planet? Zoo-fire, you said? Places that had good things to find instead of dead?”

"Zoo-Feeah-oray, and no, only empty planets and places who had been corrupted by one cause or another."

Rogan mouths the phonetic pronunciation before he tries out loud, “Zoo-Feeah-oray is a pretty name. Just have to get used to it.” “Well, this planet has plenty of things in it to check out. Did you want to go south to find what’s there? I’ve never been someplace nobody else has gone before. Sounds like something they would make a vid out of. Let’s hope the rest of this isn’t exciting enough to make into a vid.”

(The route Linya drew was going south which is what I’m still following. If we are doing something different this would be a good place to tell me before I move the scene ) (edited)

(Nope. We're ready)

(Ready as well.)

A region of small foothills lies next and there seems to be a level section of a pre made path leading across them, winding up the peaks. A large stone monolith is embedded in the tallest of the hills and you can see its rectangular pointed shape even from a distance

"Wow," Rogan sits amazed, looking at the monolith. "I wonder what made that."

"Likely some civilization long gone, or not yet emerged, this place seems to be a strange collection of places merged into one."

He nods, "They even built the road ... well, more of a path, up to it. I guess that just makes sense. Ooh! Do you think it may have one of those riddle artifacts?" he says, his grin and excitement growing.

"Possibly, would you like to find out?"

He twists in his seat, spinning to look at her concerned, "What? Don't stop! Oh. You were teasing me. Of course I want to find out."

8:31 PM

Rogan laughs, relief in him relaxing him. "You had me worried for a second."

Linya snaps on the helmet to her suit, "Well, lets get going then."

Approaching the stone spike you can see red glyphs on its front begin to gently turn a red orange in color as you get closer to it. The peak is fogged as the colors begin to intensify

Before leaving, he switches out his pistol (edit: and field radio because of encumbrance) with the rope. "I'm not sure if that is ominous or awesome. I'm going to go with awesome, since I'm hopeful," he comments to her as they walk along the path. (edited)

"Indeed, it appears to be reacting to us, or our proximity to it. I want caution, incase it serves a malign purpose."

Rogan is still excited, so he's still grinning, but he replies, "Caution sounds good. I'll keep my eyes out for anything weird."

Linya proceeds with caution towards the monolith, taking point if Rogan let's her. She rests her left arm near the holster of her tempest (edited)

As he finishes saying that, he switches the optics between looking for regular vision, signals, radiation, and lasers as they travel. He lets her take point, so that he can scan all the way around them.

There is no signal traffic, or radiation coming off the monolith- nothing in the way of high tech security systems or anything of that nature

Rogan lets Linya know what he saw while scanning the monolith, "It looks like that thing isn't throwing radiation, security sweeps, or comms out. I guess that means we've just got to walk in the door..." He laughs, "I hope it's that easy, anyway."

"Indeed, it's most likely meta-spacial in nature, te to break on through to the other side." Linya continues the approach to the monolith. (I don't really have a sense magic spell but can I make a Know/Cast magic to try and see something magical about it?)

Rogan doesn't understand much about what she said about breaking through to the other side. "Meta? Is that some kind of psychic power I've not learned yet? ... and what do you mean by breaking through to the other side? Is that some old song?"

8:11 AM

(although if you're thinking about the cast magic, he would pick that up and figure that much out.)

"Ohh. You think it's magic...," Rogan realizes as Linya thinks through how to figure that out. "That's what meta means. I see," he verbalizes his thinking, which doesn't go quickly or completely understood in his mind. "But do you think the other side means that other site we were heading to? You think they might be connected? Like radio stations, or teleport stations, maybe?"

(you can make a know magic/int Linya)

(KMagic/int 10)

1

there's clearly some kind of metaphysical event happening around the obelisk. The fact that it seems to respond to your presence and proximity to it would cause you to make an educated guess that this must be some kind of a ward.

Linya mentally remarks upon a psychic knowing little of MES and it's manifestations before focusing on the monolith. "Hmm." Linya vocalizes as she studies the geometry of the monolith and the runes carved in it, the reflections in her visor taking on more purplish hues as she observes something. "Given the markings on its surface and the structure of it, combined with the energy and metaphysical events occuring around or in it... It appears to be se form of defensive installation, either a sort of alarm or something else."

Rogan feels a bit judged, so he fusses, "Don't be judgey. I've spent most of my life and mental practice getting away from trouble, not studying psychic stuff." He goes on to comment on her report of the monolith, "So, it's designed to keep us out? I still wouldn't mind trying. I may be of help with that."

"Perhaps not keep us out but just protect something, something in a certain radius, and does it only react to living people?" Linya walks around the monolith attempting to guage the area around it in which the runes flare.

"Good questions," he says as commits Effort to Fade out and follows behind her about 15 m. (1/5 Effort used) "Let me know when you want me to try sneaking closer."

Approaching closer than 30m seems to get the runes to flare. Using fade, Rogan is able to get closer than 30m (6 v 8 to detect you). It doesn’t seem to be reacting to his presence at all.

Not hearing a peep from Linya, Rogan continues closer, staying as hidden and stealthy as he can, still waiting for Linya (or himself) to notice him being noticed (or for her to tell him stop) as he moves to go inside. He says nothing because he doesn't want to give himself away.

Linya looks up after completing her circuit around the monolith, mentally marking the thirty meter radius around the monolith, and looks around for Rogan while speaking. "It looks like the monolith has a trigger radiu-- Rogan?" She looks around a bit frantic, before noticing his strange, transparent form, for a moment she is at a loss of words. "Thats new" She mumbles, and sighs. "I thought we agreed to avoid getting hurt?"

He shrugs as he continues.

7:59 PM

When he gets to about 10m, he believes that things will happen quickly, so he prepares himself to sprint into the entrance if he is noticed.

8:00 PM

(If he gets near 10m)

8:03 PM

Also, while he gets closer, he looks for anything that might be a defense weapon, as well as cover against it.

It has no outward signs of a specific weapon but it is standing vigil over some kind of slight dip in the hilltop that looks like a rock covered tunnel. The area is otherwise cleared, the defensive ward given a perch with clear firing lines so it can efficiently do its only job

(Continuing as planned, then.)

8:47 AM

Rogan sees no obvious defense weapon, so he assumes the ward itself will do its damage outwardly. So, as he gets closer, especially as he nears the opening, he'll look for some kind of management panel that would be used to turn the thing off or on.

(Rock-covered? So he would have to move the rock before he can get into the tunnel? If he sees the way blocked, he returns to Linya to tell her and plan.)

(Rock covered and yes, you’d have to do some light digging)

12:01 PM

There is no panel on the monolith. It’s not mechanical.

Rogan reverses course, and heads back to Linya to let her know what he found. "So, apparently, I can sneak in close. But, I've got my doubts about the last 10 meters. I usually get spotted around that range. The new problem is that the entrance has a rock covering it. So, I can't simply sprint and hopefully not give it enough time to aim." "Best case is that once I would get on the rock, it would consider me safe or would be too close to target. Either way, you're out here, and I still have to dig out the stone to get in. I didn't see a control panel, which I guess isn't a surprise since it's magic and all. Any ideas, Linya?"

"I can make us invisible, possibly, i'd just need to diffract the light around us in a specific pattern.." Linya continues on a small rant describing a esoteric mixture of techno-babble and sorcery. "I could also dig out the rocks too, breaking things is easy."

Rogan nods, letting her finish. "Seems like the defense can be fooled, so that sounds good. Do you need me to come out of my Fade, first?"

"You might need to, as from my understanding it acts similar to what I believe I can do but not completely the same, you could also re-enable it should my incantation fail."

Rogan nods and removes the Fade, coming more visible until he looks normal again. "Ready."

Linya taps a point in the air with left hand, causing a wireframe overlay to map itself over the surroundings and both of them standing there. More arcane gesturing and circular glyphs appear in the air in front of her resembling the wave-form patterns light. The patterns in the glyphs flatline and the glyphs disappear, everything around them now appearing to be a single shade of bright light, making everything invisible.

1:11 PM

(Casting Commando Invocation, 1/5 L2 slots used for today.)

The caster and up to two adjacent allies per caster level
are protected from a number of conventional sensing

technologies and imbued with natural night vision. Al-
lies need not remain adjacent after receiving the spell’s

benefits. Conventional TL4 motion detectors, IR sen-
sors, or night-vision goggles will not read the subjects

of this spell, and all participants can see as clearly in

perfect darkness as they could at midday. This tech-in-
visibility does not grant any bonus to Sneak skill checks,

but it may lessen the difficulty when attempting to
infiltrate a well-guarded location. The effect lasts as
long as the caster maintains Light Focus, and then ten
minutes per character level afterwards.

Rogan says, "Fancy. Let's head in."

"Oh, I also have this." Linya states, as she pulls out and fully extends a rocket launcher.

Rogan's eyes bulge and his jaw drops. "Well, then. Maybe we can try sneaking first, though?"

"Always good to have a back up plan." Linya compacts it again and returns it to its place on her kit. (edited)

He nods. "Backup plans like that are scary."

"Nobody expects a four and a half foot women to have a MANPAD." Linya agrees. "Well, time to find out if this works."

As they get closer, he whispers to himself, "Women don't need a MANPAD to be scary..."

(So does Rogan have fade up, or not anymore )

(Not anymore. He's concerned that adding Fade to what Linya did could negate that spell. He's prepared to Fade if what are currently using doesn't work.)

9:09 AM

Rogan extends some distance (15-ish meters) between them as they close on the entrance. (He doesn't want a big weapon to take them both out, and he thinks that spreading out will make the defenses' search harder because an 'anomaly' in the scan would be one individual.)

Linya advances upon the monolith.

(Initiative)

11:19 AM

(It’s going to happen the second we get beyond 30m. You can’t throw up fade until the main action of your turn then)

11:20 AM

(7 for the monolith)

(Initiative for Rogan: 6)

(6 as well, Rogan is ahead as he has a higher dex mod.

(Evasion save each of you)

(Rogan Success: 17 v 13)

(Success as well, 19v8

(5 damage) a wave of red arcane energy and its accompanying shockwave streaks out from the monolith , sending dirt and mud high into the air

(18/22)

5:18 PM

(would this count as an explosion?)

Rogan's head aches from the near-fatal strike, and self-defense reactions take control. He flees from the 30 meter range and Fades from view. "I can't take another of those, Linya," he tells her once he has moved.

(No, it’s a magical attack)

9:40 PM

(Okay so Rogan has used his move to get to 40m from the monolith. Fade is the main action. So it’s up to Linya)

(failed concentration to be able to cast this turn.) Linya grunts as the wave knocks into her, but continues to press forward towards the rock covered entrance, and begins tracing signs and over it. (Moving the 30m towards it, intending to cast a spell next round) (edited)

(Can Rogan tell if the wave was directed, or if it was spread across the whole area? He wouldn't go forward if it was going to hit the whole area again.)

(It was a 360 degree pulse )

5:33 AM

(A normal move is only 10m. Is there something you have letting you go faster?)

(sorry used to DnD, 10 metres movement to the monolith.)

Forked etheric lightning crackles toward linya, but the particles suspended in the air cause the beam to fizzle out, and it does not connect (missed)

(Another 10 metres movement, intending to cast a spell next turn.) Linyas force pavis flares as some of the discharge interacts with it. Linya pushes on, preparing incantations to breach through the rocks.

(weren't you about to cast something this turn?)

(failed my save to be able to.)

(Is there an angle Rogan can use to stay beyond 30m but get a few meters up to have a sight on the rock covering the tunnel?)

(there isn't, Rogan. The defensibility of the site is why the monolith is placed where it is)

(Fair. Twiddling thumbs, waiting for a signal.)

(Does that mean passing your turn, because you're up otherwise)

(Yes)

The Monolith strikes again, as Linya is the only valid target within its defensive range. (crit/13)

(5/22)

Rogan sees her get struck again and feels helpless. He prays that she can get through, but he firms his Fade in case he needs to get her.

(am I below it enough that it the source of the lightning would not be a le to hit me, also, passed concentration save.)

(It has line of sight whereever you are within the 30m. It is a defensive installation and would not have been created in a place with a blind spot. It did not notice Rogan crossing the boundary the first time due to fade, or else it would have fired on him as well)

As the the bolt cracks against Linya she begins tracing sigils on the rock face, she completes them a Linya sized singularity appears in the rock face, consuming the barrier and fading away.

(did anything with losing focus need to be tested for there? Mechanically i am also unsure what just happened)

caster touches a wall or other barrier and choos-
es a delay ranging from instant to up to ten minutes.

When the delay elapses, a metadimensional energy
surge disintegrates a large portion of the barrier. The
caster can punch holes in anything short of military
fortifications to a depth equal to one meter per two
caster levels, rounded up and a diameter of up to three meters. Due to the arcane sympathies involved, the
spell can only be used to damage walls and structures,
including starship bulkheads. The detonation does not
harm creatures around the broken barrier, but taking
out support walls may cause additional damage.

3:45 PM

(Casting breaching charge, and I passed my phys save to cast despite damage, 10v8)

3:49 PM

(passed phys save to resist surge, no sys strain gained.)

The monolith begins to crumble, as a massive hole is blasted out of the side of it. Cracks spiderweb up all sides of the large stone structure, before it slumps over opposite where you're standing, throwing up a massive cloud of dust and debris. The magical glyphs fade from its front as the arcane power is cut.

Linya groans from the sudden casting and the damage sustained from the magic arcs, she looks over at Rogan, expectently.

Rogan is impressed, and jogs toward her, still Faded. "One heck of a signal, Linya."

3:54 PM

"Are you okay? You don't look peachy."

"Eergh, where ever you are, help me dig the tunnel."

"Anything you want," he smiles at her which she probably can't see. But he gets up to the rock and starts digging around it with his rifle butt.

Linya begins digging in to the rock surface with her left hand.

There are several long moments of rock chunks being thrown aside. Many of the pieces crumble once you pick them up, the sudden energy discharge of the arcane turret scorching the surrounding landscape. The trapdoor is handed metal and wood and seems to lead into the ground at a sharp angle

"Well, this is it, let's see if there is anything we can patch ourselves up with in the ATV first though."

Rogan nods, "Next time we go out, do you happen to have a medic we can bring along in the ATV? I don't think we're getting better at that almost-dying thing yet."

The ramp lowers as you approach the ATV, and begin looking through its contents

Rogan unFades, climbs in and grabs the medkit to give to Linya, because that's about all he can do with it safely. "Here ya go." As he waits for her to work some healing magic, he wonders out loud, "I wonder if I would have been able to get in there and dig out the door that first try. Meh. Probably would have gone wrong. I did like your Plan B, though. It was very easy to spot."

(Medpak frontier medicine I assume is in the integrated medbay?)

(I’d say there would be one available )

(Rogan is just following at this point.)

Linya grabs a syringe from a case and instructs Rogan to sit down as she sterilizes a site, she hesitates a moment, before injecting the solution. (Heal int 9 to use medpak :/)

The chemical mix in this syringe is bad. It’s stale and has been out of date for some time.

"I feel itchy. And not better. But we've come this far." scratch, scratch, "Why don't we just go in and take a look? We're in. We're out. Turn around if we find anything that sees me." "Sound okay?" scratch

"...Be careful, and let me lead, I still have a good amount of fight in me left."

"I'm glad you do," he mutters. as they start their hike back to the tunnel. "I'm gonna need a day off when we get back, to rest up." He thinks a little about resting as they march. "One day, I'm gonna find myself a beautiful, quiet spot on a lake or sea, where I can sail one of those old-school sailboats just to relax, maybe fish. Have myself a Gravflyer to go back and forth from town, or some Research Base. Is Leda safe to live?"

"I have something that might be able to help, might not be as good as well earned vacation though."

The tunnel as it were is a large wooden and banded metal hatch that covers a ladder. It extends about 5m down into the ground into a metal tunnel

(Commando invocation is still up so we have perfect night vision.) "Ready Rogan?" Linya says as she gazes down I to the tunnel.

"Do you think I'd miss this?" He keeps a close watch on her mind as they go downward and in. He's nervous as he's ever been, but some of that is excitement for seeing a magic show.

"Depends, you might get to a point where your done risking your life and just want to enjoy what's left."

Rogan wonders at that, "Never thought of it like that. Feel like I've been running a long time, and it's time to stand," ow!, he says as he scratches something that hasn't been healed yet. He pauses a few seconds to settle himself. "Sorry. I'm a mess right now. But, I want to see this more than worry about the risks."

Linya looks back at Rogan, and notices the pained way he walks and the reactions from the poor medications. "Stop, you should have told me you were hurt that badly." I should have noticed sooner "I can help with some of it if you'll let me"

He feels bad that he didn't tell her earlier, so his head drops a bit. "It's not your fault. You're not a mind reader," he says, and then chuckles as his own joke, with a small ow, from the pressure of the laugh. "Please. Could you do something? I'd really like to feel less owey. ... and it really isn't your fault you didn't know."

Linya sighs, then begins incanting and gesturing. Symbols and sigils begin forming in the air, sharing an uncanny resemblance to organic molecules. As she stops they both feel the effects of a low level adrenaline high, the edge taken off of the pain and perfect wakefulness ness. "There, that should keep you up... For little over a week."

1

11:16 PM

(1/5 t2 slots, 1/4 t3 slots, 1/3 t4 slots used for today.)

"Ooh. Very nice. I'm liking this wakefulness-ness."

11:19 PM

(Neko - You'll have to let me know as we heal. He's at 2, so every point counts.)

"Now I really feel ready to go. Lead on, Linya. I'll keep scanning for surprises as we get deeper." and he makes an effort to switch scan types for his optics, despite the likelihood of the defenses being magic-based.

(Yes I will it’s only been a few moments right now)

7:00 AM

The tunnel is a featureless metal rectangle heading deep into the mountainside. There aren’t running power cables or other signs of mundane manufacture. A large bulkhead door 250m at the end of the passage is closed and blocks your way forward

"I could breach a hole through it again, but is rather draining and I'd prefer a more conventional method." Linya remarks, looking at the door in the distance as they walk down the tunnel.

Rogan shrugs, "We may just be able to slide it open. We can hope, anyway."

"We can hope."

He thinks about this place, and questions their safety before they get any closer to the door. "Can you check to see if there's any magic left around? Another ward, maybe? I can't see anything normal, so maybe you can look for magic?"

"I'll see if anything stands out to me." Linya halts moving and begins to feel out for forms of defensive or malign magic. (Another KMagic/Int?)

This door is mechanically closed. There’s no magical presence here now

"Nothing special, just a plain door as far as I can tell."

Rogan will first try to push and pull it open. Then, he will use his toolkit and meta tool to look to see if there he can find any vulnerability that would allow them to unlock it. "Wanna help me try to open it? We may have to figure out if it has a hinge or mechanism we can fiddle with to get it to open. I've got tools and a kit, if you didn't bring yours. I imagine there's not much room in your backpack after that rocket launcher."

"The rocket launcher takes up only one fourteenth of estimated equipment I could hold, most of it is for the support housing for the drone, actually."

Rogan laughs, "Since the drone doesn't fix itself, I guess that means you did bring your own. Well, let's see if we can get this thing to slide, then."

"I left my post tech kit in my shop actually."

Rogan looks at her and then puts his head in his hand. With his other hand, he hands her his kit.

9:00 AM

And then, he starts laughing. He laughs a bit more as he helps her cut into the bulkhead with his Metatool. Once the giggles go away, he keeps at it with her, with just that happy grin on his face.

(fix/int. Not sure who's trained and not trained, if the person not doing the check has at least fix 0, they can offer a +2 to whoever is)

(Rogan'll offer his Fix 0 support to Linya) (edited)

(fix/int 16, accidentally hit STR as the mod, but it adds a +0.)

Raw force and some skilled removal of mechanisms has the door sliding freely from its housings, entering into some kind of information vault. You'renot sure if this was part of this strange world or if this is translocated here from somewhere else. The information stored here is electronic, and its not clear from only a visual inspection what kind of subject it pertains to

"I don't suppose you also need a Dataslab to connect in...?"

"It looks like some kind of... digital vault, who knows what could be stored here, let's see if it still functions or if we'd need carry the banks out one by one." Linya looks for a terminal to interact with the data, and if possible, download a portion of the data to her comms server.

he starts digging through his backpack and pulls one out to hand to her.

There is an access cable that you can use to get into the vault.

Linya takes the offered black slab and connects it to the data vault, interfacing with it to bring it to her AR space.

(Can query database for questions)

What is the age of the data.
What is the purpose of the vault.
What do the contents generally pertain too.

Rogan watches over her shoulder, wanting to learn more about programming, but knowing that he'll never be very good at it. He listens to her thoughts as she does, but her mind just is too much for him to understand. The way she jumps from thought to thought leaves him behind. Then, he sees her starting to ask it questions, and he finally watches as has something to add, "Can you ask who built it and who takes care of it?"

"Maybe ask if it is connected to another somewhere nearby."

The date is displayed in a format you’re not familiar with. Whoever built this doesn’t keep time the way humans do. The purpose of the vault is to secure important information. The contents will require getting through rigid electronic security

6:59 AM

(Program/int)

(program/int 5, w/o any bonuses from Rogan or the black slab if any )

(Not sure if Rogan has 0 or more in program , black slab is +2, but 7 is still short of what we need)

(This might be a bit cheesy, but could I broadcast it and then use Radio Intercept Protocol on it?)

8:05 AM

(spell description for reference.)

8:05 AM

(It’s a little cheesy but you’re thinking outside the box so we will allow it. It does count as an ultra secure transmission - which is why the program check before was called for )

"Apologies, it seems the security used is beyond Conventional methods for us, I should be able too..." Linya uses the Black slab and her commserver to begin transferring mass amounts of data back and forth. Arcane energy begins to manifest around her left hand as she manipulates something Rogan cannot see, and murmerd something. (Int/UMagic 15)

(No programming skills for Rogan to help her: -1)]

The information in aggregate is going to take FAR MORE storage space than you have on you with just a single compad and comm server. Its also going to need dozens of experts to begin skimming through to obtain a senseof what might be stored here.

Linya continues to query the database, seeing the enormity of it she begins searching through the meta-data. Who created the data, or installed it here?

The word that comes back is the word that the Wasimians used to call themselves, back when they lived behind the L-Gate

Can the data racks be safely removed and transported? "The creators of the vault appear to be the Wasimians, a race that used to dwell behind one of the L-gates, it appears to date before they had moved."

If handled with care and protected from static discharge, they can be transported

"We could transport the servers themselves, we would likely need something more than the ATV, but the base here has a grav flyer that could be used to air lift them out of here after we bring them out."

2:22 PM

(Are they man portable or would we need some kind of vehicle to get them out of here?)

"Whoa. Sweet. Can you call the base from the ATV? How long would it take for it to make it ready and fly out here?"

"The ATV has a pretty powerful comms system so we should be able to reach them no issue, it would probably o ly take less than an hour for it to get here, which we can spend working on getting them ready."

"Do you think there's anything else valuable here? Seems like those servers are pretty impressive. Maybe we should go ahead and get them broken down so they can be taken back as soon as possible." and then he blushes, a little embarrassed. "Is it your grav-flyer? Ever since I got that huge salary for being an agent, I thought about saving those up to buy my own grav-flyer. If get another 15000 credits a month, how long would it take me to buy one like yours?"

"It's not mine, personally, it's stationed at the base, but with a 15,000 income per month it would take you a little under 6 months."

3:04 PM

"Greystar features a jumpstart program, for recent joinees, they'll pay for your first ship if it's below 2 million, on board vehicles might be part of that, they are a lot easier than starships to manufacture." (edited)

Rogan just stares at Linya. He can't move.

"Is something wrong? Is it an after affect of the spores?"

He blinks. Twice.

"One blink no, two blinks yes."

He still doesn't believe it. "Two mil? Two mil? No way. That's crazy." He feels his throat, checking for spore soreness. "Definitely not the spores. But, no. It's two blinks no. One blink yes."

"It's how I got my first ship, still use it."

He still can't accept it in his mind, because his grin would be at maximum strength if he did. He can understand how she got a ship, "I mean, sure. I get how they gave you a ship. You're awesome. Maybe I'll just keep trying to help us stay alive some more, and see how it goes from there. Plus, we've got some servers to move."

"Hah, thanks. I wasn't doing much different back then, pretty similar to this actually, exploring new things and going through a Still Lady compound."

"What? Wasn't that even more dangerous than this?"

"No, other than having to punch an old man to unconciousness the hardest part was disabling automated security from a few buildings away. And poor building codes."

"I wish you had been with me last mission. Instead of disabling security, I activated it. About got everyone killed." he pauses, in thought for a few seconds before he starts back up. "Sorry. I'm trying to work on the skills I have, so that each next time doesn't have me doing things I'm not good at."

3:46 PM

"But you really do have a knack for techie stuff. And that magic. Could you lift a server with magic?"

"Unfortunately, no, I could make the tools... or used to be able too make tools, but most of what I've been able figure out pertains to combat.

Rogan shrugs. "Nobody should have to do everything. But I'm sorry I'm talking your ear off. Shouldn't we get back to the ATV to have them bring out the grav-flyer?"

"Of course." Linya begins disconecting from the database, ensuring the data is ready to be transport before they have to disconnect the racks.

(Youd need a vehicle unless you want to make like 100 trips across a few hundred kilometers of land)

(To get them from the vault to outside I mean.)

(They can be carried out by hand)

Rogan offers, “I’ll help.”

"Thanks, can you go make the call to the base while I start getting these ready to get lifted out of here?"

Rogan says, with a grin and a quick two-finger cap salute, “Yes, Ma’am.” He feels the extra energy from the healing surge through him as he races off to the exit and then out to the ATV to make the call.

11:28 PM

But before he gets to the exit, he stops and calls back to her, “Think of what you need me to say for them to bring. I’ll take it from there.” and he resumes his trip to the ATV. Along the path, he looks at the ground and tries to decide if he could actually just drive the ATV right up to the tunnel.

It will not fit into the tunnel, it is far too tall.

(Just wanted to bring it up the path and inside the 30 meter area for staging to the grav-flyer)

(it could get that close but not ito the tunnel itself)

Linya doesn't respond, instead messaging Rogan's compad.

Expedition Team No.3 
DOGIES Dispatch

Valuable electronic cargo located in vault below surface, requesting  aerial transport to facilitate transportation of the physical storage and for a data/linguistics team to be dispatched from Acastus.

Vault appears to have been created by the Wasimians before they left the L-sector. Was protected by physical security: a stone pillar charged with MES energy, caused significant personelle damage.

(Your flyer is around and could move the actual cargo to the sanctum at least)

10:00 AM

(We would have to go to Haila for the language help. Nobody from acastus as an npc really has any meaningful contribution to make about their culture

Rogan passes the message through to the Base.

They would receive it, and report the complications, and the flyer will be dispatched from Acastus to collect the cargo from you once youre back at the Sanctum

Rogan sends their reply in a message to Linya.

(The flyer is one of the three stationed here, I figured we would need something bigger than the ATV)

(Yes. I thought we worked that out. Did we not? I guess I’m confused )

Nekosmash

They would receive it, and report the complications, and the flyer will be dispatched from Acastus to collect the cargo from you once youre back at the Sanctum

(I'm confused, too. Where is 'the Sanctum? I'm guessing that you mean Linya's FOB.) (Also, is Acastus or Halia sending Language support to us? Or, will we be packing the cargo up and bringing the cargo to the help?)

(Youd have to bring it to haila )

7:18 PM

(The sanctum is the fob)

1

Rogan gets the ATV driven up to the tunnel entrance while they wait for the flyer to arrive. He hops out, and helps Linya and flyer crew load the flyer with the equipment. As they are finishing up, he asks Linya, "I'm feeling a lot better now. Thanks for that magic healing! Can we head to that rift next, or did you have another place to investigate before then?"

(I just had read things funny.) "I have nothing planned soon, but we may need to oversee the translations or what ever comes out the data banks." (edited)

"Did you want to finish up here first?" he asks, and then he remembers that she was taking the full brunt of the mage defenses while he ran to safety. That made him wince in shame, despite the necessity. "Oh," he thinks out loud, "You probably want to have someone look at your injuries first, don't you?" (edited)

"Oh, that would be, ah, nice."

He loses ~~a bit~~ (the rest) of his grin as she says that, "Then you should probably go with the flyer. I can handle the drive back. I'll meet you there." (edited)

"oh, no, I can stay with you, its not th-ah-at bad."

(Caught up. Just waiting to see what you do)

(We're heading back to the FOB in the ATV while the flyer takes the stuff there much more rapidly)

11:28 PM

(Unless there was something laying around the underground place there that we didn't talk about.)

11:30 PM

(Oh, and Rogan wants to see if there's any coffee in the ATV to mix with his healing stuff, since he's already hyper from Linya's magic healing/marching juice.)

11:32 PM

(Keep in mind that this conversation has nothing to do with the plot line, so please don't pause it. It's just flavor and can be sprinkled anywhere.)

11:37 PM

"Linya. Do you have a coffee maker in the ATV?"

"Errr, maybe? I can probably make one... do we have the beans to make coffee?"

"If not, I'll order them for delivery when the next dispatch comes. Ooh. Did we need to go to Halia? They probably have some there."

After a quick search, he realizes that there probably wouldn't be coffee in abundance there. "Maybe not. But, if the rift is at all connected to the guardian monolith, we might learn something that helps us when we go to the rift. Do you think we should go to Haila and talk to the Wasimians before we check out the rift? Or do you think they're separate?"

The cargo is removed from the vault and will need to be examined later. (3xp, 5000 credits). There isn’t any coffee in the ATV , but by evening when you return to the base you’re able to make all that you want

2

(with Forced March I'd heal in less than a day.) "I'd like to escort the servers to Haila, see if the Wasimians themselves remember anything about any similar data vaults or the monoliths. Besides, I have a feeling you'd like to see the Esperanza."

Rogan tilts his head, not really knowing the name. "The Esperanza? Oooooh. Is that your ship?" he says, his voice dripping with interest.

"Indeed it is, it might be a bit strange for you, the interior, but there's space for you

11:00 AM

"there is also a workshop if you'd like to work on anything.

"A coffee-maker, maybe?"

"I'd really just like to see it to start. I think the more I got to see how it works, the better I might be to Notice when something isn't working right. I still may need help fixing something, but finding problems can be important, too."

"We can get a coffee maker, I don't really drink... Much."

Rogan grins, the extra energy in him along with the coffee giving him a bit of an excitement buzz. "Me neither, til now. But it just seems to taste better with this spell of yours going. It's mostly water, so it's something I need anyway."

It takes a little while, but he finally connects dots about what she said. He asks, "Do you not need to drink like you used to?"

"Less of a decline in need than a decline in desire, everything tastes... Off."

"From what, Linya. What happened to you? Have you changed?"

"Surgeries, cybernetics. I don't care much for the taste of food.

Wonder how much it would cost, or who we'd have to find to be able to regrow your taste buds..., he thinks to himself (and her accidentally) while connected to Linya. He looks over to her, thinking that's a good idea, and then puts it into words, "Would you want your taste buds back?"

"Thats not the issue, its fine, its much more in depth, neurological and physiological." (edited)

"Yeah. Wouldn't you want those -icals working so you could taste again?" he asks, while thinking, again accidentally to both of them, food is sooooo good. I'd miss it more than life, I think. I hope I can help you.

Rogan feels something as Linya tries to shrug away the connection unsuccessfully. "You can't fix everything. We have a task at hand."

He feels sad to feel her try to break the connection, and releases her from that, feeling worse that he made her want to escape him, like a monster. "I'm sorry, Linya. I won't connect to you unless you ask. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable with me."

4:27 AM

"I'm ready to go whenever you are."

4:32 AM

"Well, except for loading up your ship. I'll move my stuff to the Esperanza." He moves his gear from the ATV to the Esperanza along with a coffee-maker and a couple of weeks worth of coffee for him.

(What’s our route to haila looking like?)

(Or better to skip Buey?)

(We can skip Buey with Acastus>Suha>Haila)

(:+1:)

Boarding the Esperanza Rogan is met by pearl white walls, pearlescent in nature as the light catches them right. A robotic armature can be seen walking past occasionally, a smooth humanoid frame painted in yellow and grey as it wordlessly continues on to it's duties. They walk past a workshop, a mech suit hung up, three pairs of wing like structures stretched out with some panels removed. Eventually they come to a small bedroom, with an actual paint scheme. "You can stay here if you'd like."

Rogan wonders why she would ask him if he wants to stay at the FOB, and then his mind is blown when he understands that this would be his room. He doesn't answer for a bit as his mind recovers, but finally, he says, "Awesome! Thanks! I'd love to." He laughs, and gets back into verbalizing everything because he isn't automatically connecting to her mind, "You probably want me to get my stuff out of your way."

11:13 AM

Rogan admires the inside of the Esperanza, taking in the design and spaces. He compliments her and Linya, "She's a beauty. You did a really nice job with her."

"Thank you, Omega can take care of your things if you'd like."

"Oh, I don't want to be any trouble. I doubt that the things I ordered are going to get here before we leave, so I don't have much to move around. Were you ready to go? I know you got hurt pretty good out there. Well, bad. Not so good. Did you need some attention?" He almost forgot to ask her, "Ooh, do we need to bring anyone with us?"

"Nothing a nights worth of sleep couldn't handle. And Acastus is one of the largest producers of mushroom coffee in the sector's, we can pick some up on the way. And, er, the ship wasn't really made for more than a few people."

"You had me at mushroom coffee, but that can wait until we get back. You don't suppose we'll be gone for more than a week or two, do you?"

11:37 AM

"Sorry, so many questions. I think I'm ready to head out if you are. I can't wait to watch you take her out."

11:38 AM

"Did you know someone or someplace named Esperanza?"

"It's a ten day round trip, plus however long translations take." "It means hope, in an old human language."

"Thanks," he says for both answers. "That's a great name. I like it. And her."

(Did you want to do@anything on suha as you pass by?)

(Rogan has an idea of settling down here long-term, but he'll discuss it more with Linya for the return trip. Some of that will depend on when his gravflyer and ship are completed. Really, there's not a big rush until he needs a place to park them.)

(Does the sleeplessness give any bonus to downtime?)

(No)

(7/14 too Concealed: tempest.)

(Will we have downtime on the trip?)

(If so, Rogan will be working those 10 5 days on Stab 0: 10 5/90) (edited)

(lets not take it for both sides of the trip, lets just do the 5 to Haila for now then i guess sicne no one answered me about stopping at Suha)

1

(Stopping at Suha was a no for Rogan.)

(I don't need anything.)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/haila-article

Haila

As they reach orbit, Rogan wonders out loud, "Do you think they's just guide us in to land on their ark ship, Linya?"

The atmosphere is too thick to allow spike ships to pass now- all business is done at the platform, hovering in orbit over the planet.

1

"They'll likely give us a landing position once we inform them and request landing."

Greystar Agents Linya Tychos and Rogan Tuttle
Wasimian Government and Scientific Community

During routine expeditionary operations in the Acastus Rift Anomaly Zone, a Greystar team located a data vault identified by a preliminary analysis to be pre-Haila Wasimian in nature. 
After disabling the security measures in place over the vault the contents were brought post-haste to Haila due to the possible cultural significance and scientific value.

Requesting docking and assistance to ensure the integrity of the Data.

Landing on the planet remains impossible. The transmission sent back to you informs you that you'll be met with a technical team upon docking.

Linya responds in the affirmative and informs Rogan. "They have allocated a bay for us, if you could take us down."

(Into the platform, you can't land on the planet, nobody can)

(Yep.)

Rogan takes the gift, looking over to Linya with a great big grin, and maneuvers the Esperanza precisely into the bay on the platform. "She is very precise, Linya. Very nice."

He locks her into the dock, powers down the drive systems, and steps out of the seat. He tells Linya, "Thanks for letting me take her in. Now that I think about it, I may well have my own ship to park when we get back. Do you think we could stop by Suha on the way back? The sea and shorelines look amazing there, and I would like to see if living there is something I could afford."

"Of course, Greystar has considerable pensions and support for agents, I am certain you could find a place you enjoy." Linya disconnects from the ship, leaving the robotics crew to their tasks as she prepares to leave.

He asks Linya as they get ready to enter the platform, "Have you ever sailed in a sailboat before? Just using the wind in your sail? It's powerful and relaxing, all at the same time."

"No, not really, I've been in space for the most part since Akhlaqi

The platform hangar is empty aside from the lights that come on as you enter the bay. There’s no crew waiting and no welcoming party like you’d normally expect to see in worlds belonging to other polities

Rogan gets nervous, "Can I ...?"

9:33 PM

While he waits for her to decipher what he was asking, he uses his optics to scroll through different detection modes.

"They said there would be a welcoming party... Did we land in the wrong place?" Linya begins double checking the logs to ensure that this is indeed where they should be, before trying to query the platforms command.

After Rogan finishes his scans, he reaches out with his mind, avoiding the one he promised to ask first, and looking for another mind.

(If he doesn't find anything, he'll look for and lead them to a door/bulkhead that takes them inward.)

12:32 AM

As they look, he thinks about their first meeting. "What if we have to find their magic to talk to them?"

There is a door that leads into the core of the station where most of the trading business is conducted. There are no other minds present.

While Linya double-checks the logs and sends a message to the platform command, Rogan cautiously opens and peeks in through the door. "I'll take a look-see, Linya."

There is a very large computer bank in the middle of the station along with some smaller terminals branching off it where the connection to the galactic information hub and market is maintained.

"I can start listening into things, but I'd rather not cause an incident."

"Me either. But what if the incident beat us here?"

"Hey. This is a lot like the last place. Maybe the welcoming committee is that big computer bank in this place? Wanna connect in and ask?"

Linya attempts to remotely connect with her direct interface.

"What are they saying?"

You're unable to connect remotely with the heavily secured alien terminal. (edited)

" can't Connect from here... Maybe they are just late? Give me a moment." Linya begins gesturing and murmuring as she begins to cast a spell. (Casting Intercept Protocol, searching for anything that would suggest they are being threatened or otherwise acted against, 1/3 t4 slots used ) (edited)

"Maybe you just have to connect to this place over here, where their computers are. Lemme see if I can find a hookup," he says as he gets his Dataslab connected to whatever do-hickey looks connectable.

2:44 PM

Hi

There is nothing threatening happening here. The platform is run by this terminal, and the expert systems attached to it.

2:52 PM

Hi is not an acceptable command

Rogan calls over to Linya, "Yeah! I think this works! You'll have to connect to my Dataslab or come over here yourself, Linya."

Linya walks over and connects to the dataslab, queries for any instructions or orders left for this platform. (Intercept protocol is sustained, in case anything happens.)

The data aboard your ship needs to be connected to the terminal. The drives can be destroyed or repurposed once connected and drained

What is your intent with the data? Given the circumstance of it's retrieval, and of a desire of knowledge, will it be made available post translation?

Rogan asks, "Do they have any lift-trucks here? Those things were heavy. I mean, work smarter, not harder, right?"

There are dozens of grav-rucks within the facility, as they're also used for transportation of far trade cargoes.

The data is pertinent to our culture, and our religion. It will be made available if our leadership determines it is ripe to be shared with those outside Wasimian Culture

Rogan types into his Dataslab

We hope you share your culture.
We would like to know more of you.

He looks over to Linya, a bit sheepishly, "Oh. Sorry. I'll leave this to you."

5:18 PM

"Want me to start bringing the drives over, Linya? I see a cargo mover."

"Oh, and you might let them know that I should be able to talk to one of them, if they would rather I learn their culture first, personally."

Their previous message that things will be shared when they have had a chance to download and review it for themselves seems to be all they’re willing to say on the issue (edited)

"I think we should give it to them." Linya looks up to Rogan, no longer focusing on the slab.

Reward will be dispatched from the planet upon successful upload of the information

Rogan nods. "Me too," he says as he brings over a couple of lifts for them both to load up. As they load them, he adds, "I hope this buys a bit of goodwill. It would be nice to start relations with these folks on a friendly note."

Bringing the devices over and connecting them is relatively easy and painless. Once they're ready, Rogan says, "Here we go."

Data is connected.
Proceed with upload.

Linya oversees the transfer ensuring no faults or disconnects occur.

Rogan smiles at Linya, "Thanks. I really need to learn more about working with computers. But I'm afraid it would be wasted on me."

"There is nothing you cannot learn, given time and effort."

He smiles at her optimism, but stays quiet, watching for the transfer to complete.

One of the nearby Rotation Traffic Control computers comes online, showing a single robotic shuttlecraft has launched from the planet's surface, and is scheduled to dock in the bay next to your own ship in the next twenty minutes. There are no lifesigns aboard.

3:28 PM

Your promised reward. The Wasimian Transitional Council thanks you

It is our pleasure to have returned potentially lost Wasimian culture back to it's people, and hope for continued goodwill between our two civilizations.

Linya waits for both Rogan's input and for the shuttle to arrive.

Rogan's grin is back!

(d100 each of you)

(86)

(100)

2

"Are they coming to bring us down there?" he says, almost in awe, not thinking about the risks of being down there.

The shuttle docks, and its doors open, revealing a pair of cargo containers inside. One is marked with Linya's name, and the other is marked with Rogan's

Linya looks at Rogan then at the containers, moving closer to them, curious.

"I heard that we're not supposed to count our money when we're sittin' at the table. Lemme get these things out, and we can look at 'em better." and Rogan uses his lift to pull them from the shuttle. Once out, he smiles that happy grin and looks for markings, packing list, or a closure to open it up. He would rather just read it, but if he has to he'll open it up.

Linya opens hers, to reveal what the Wasimians call a Storm Fist. Storm Fist: Requires three spell levels. Once per scene, the prosthesis can focus a tremendous blast of kinetic force and electrical energy on a single large object within sight. The object must be larger than a human being, such as a vehicle or a portion of a building. Triggering it requires two consecutive rounds spent directing the user’s Main Action toward creating the blast; if they take damage while so focusing, the blast activates prematurely at a random direction and object within 2d20 meters of the user. When the blast goes off, the target suffers 4d12 damage as if from a Heavy weapon; anything within 5 meters of it suffers 2d12 Heavy damage, with an Evasion save for half. The blast is sufficient to punch a vehicle-sized hole in anything short of military fortification

2

Inside of Rogan's , an artfully created laser rifle is perched with four power cells. This manufacturer specialized in laser and plasma weaponry. Their products were largely conventional in function, but the quality of craftsmanship was seldom surpassed. Fiat Lux weaponry grants +2 to hit rolls and damage

3

(Would war caster give me a save to try and maintain focus?)

(I would say no since War Caster applies to concentration on spells specifically)

Linya opens her crate, and upon seeing what is contained inside, becomes almost reverent in stance. She slowly moves to touch it, carefully raising it out of it's nestle.

(Agree with Eish)

Rogan opens his crate, and then closes it. "Oh. That's pretty. I don't even want to touch it yet. It's Fiat Lux, Linya. Fiat Lux."

Linya stops moving for a moment, before looking back at Rogan, closing her case in the process. "Incredible, the design s they had used were of remarkable quality. It is astonishing that one could still be found."

Rogan nods his head quickly, about 4 times. "I know," he says conspiratorially.

(I think we're done here, unless there is a note hidden in our crates.)

2:31 PM

Rogan removes the rifle and power cells gently once he gets to the ship. He places them carefully on the bed, not wanting to scratch them, but not having extra hands to hold them. He takes the crates back to the shuttle before patting the door in his way of saying goodbye.

(Nothing else, they paid for the information, business is concluded)

Rogan sits next to Linya, in the second seat. He's smiling, but not as much because he needs to ask a question (and he isn't sure what she'll say), "Do you mind if we stop at Suha for a bit? I was looking at planets to make my new, life-long home, and it looked like a beautiful planet. All that water, trees and mountains. I was thinking about building a home there, out next to the water, to enjoy the water, to be able to sail, and be out in the country." (edited)

3:46 PM

"You can tell me once we come out of our jump. No rush."

Faceman

Click to see attachment 🖼️

(Same way back toward Acastus, then. Stop To-Be-Determined)

"Of course, I have some errands to run, so I can drop you off Suha while you make plans and finalize decisions." (edited)

(I think we were going to rp with raeslin if you guys want)

1

7:25 PM

(Shes also passing through haila)

"Errands?" Rogan's face drops further into what shouldn't be unreadable, but apparently is. "But we're heading back to Acastus. To the rift-space," he says quietly, but loud enough for her to hear.

9:59 PM

"I don't need to do anything at Suha. It can wait," he continues in the same voice.

"I'm not expecting to take more than a day, since I've already got a site in mind. Wouldn't you stay with me? Please."

(Would we be catching @Jem by comms when Linya and Rogan make their return leg of their trip? We're still needing Linya's confirmation of the stop because Rogan would rather skip his trip to Suha than leave/abandon Linya)

(Linya gave her confirmation.)

1

Checking for Greystar vessels nearby, Rogan notices that another agent is on Suha as they get closer. He sends a greeting,

From: Greystar Agents Linya Tychos and Rogan Tuttle
To: Greystar Agent Raeslin Ostrokov

Good day, Agent Ostrokov! We're recently from Haila, arriving planet-side within the day and I was hoping you might be able to help direct me to the right people on Suha. I'm looking to buy and build on a plot of land. Could we talk and get to know each other over the next mealtime there?

Best Wishes,
Rogan

(You guys got way ahead of me , i was asleep and couldnt answer your questions, but this is fine, we can roll with this) (edited)

(Downtime: Rogan 2 days on Stab 0: 5-->7/90)

A short reply finds its way to Rogan some time later

From: Agent Raeslin Ostrokov
To: Agent Rogan Tuttle
CC: Agent Linya Tychos

Look forward to your visit. I will make us dinner reservations and look in to your request with the local officials.

Safe journeys,

Raeslin

(edited)

10:50 AM

(Is the full box 4 `s?)

(3)

(Huh, I used 3.)

(doesn't render on mobile properly)

(Okay, just me then.)

(Looks good here)

Rogan looks at Raeslin's message and acknowledges it before turning to Linya, "Looks like we've got dinner reservations." He starts to talk to himself, or to Linya without really expecting an answer, "I guess I should get rid of the CFU and just wear the armored bodysuit. At some point, I need to get some new brown clothes...."

Raeslin's transport shuttle docks with the platform, in the bay adjacent to Linya's vessel. The station is otherwise empty , and the thick cloud covered planet below is the only other company you have as you take advantage of a rare meeting of Agents

( Sorry if there was confusion, Neko. They were going to meet Raeslin at Suha, pretty sure. Least that's the page I'm on with Rogan. If Linya isn't, we'll move to one of our channels?)

(Yeah I’m out of the loop then you guys got way ahead of me)

(I think the biggest question was where we park Esperanza to get to Raeslin and dinner. If Raeslin came to us, we can climb aboard her shuttle and -Neko- you can take us to a nice restaurant)

(Okay, so on suha then. When you ask questions and then triple post move the story forward after that because you won’t wait for me this is going to keep happening, so let’s make sure it doesn’t)

2

(Will do. Yes, Suha. Raeslin would make dinner reservations for the three of them plus Smorkle so Rogan can talk to him about his thing. Just waiting on Linya's response then too, then we'll set down an order and stick to it.)

Returning to suha after your trip you find Raeslin is still there, having spent some time with the locals and getting a feel for the first planet to join the Confederation after Acastus itself. Agents meeting in the wild like this is a rare occasion and communications pass between the respective ships

Raeslin hails their ship as it approaches. They'd at least have to stay long enough to get fueled up, right? Plenty of time to meet, have some pleasant conversation, for Rogan to talk to Smorkle, and then to get on with their respective missions.

"This is Agent Ostrokov. Welcome to Suha, agents. I have a nice meal for us arranged and that contact you asked for, Mr. Tuttle. Come down to Steelhearth and we'll meet in the spaceport."

Rogan acknowledges the message and brings up the coordinates for landing at the spaceport, and then replies to the message.

Thank you, Agent Ostrokov. Call me Rogan, please.

I've located the Steelhearth spaceport and am requesting a space to land now. See you soon.

Rogan sends another message immediately afterwards.

From: Greystar Agents Linya Tychos and Rogan Tuttle
To: Steelhearth Spaceport Control

This is Merchant Ship Esperanza, requesting authorization and a space to land.

You’re given the same set of coordinates for Steelhearth and the expert system aboard is capable of following the gentle landing track without trouble

Rogan keeps an eye on their path and a hand on the controls in case he needs to take over. He waits until they're landed to relax and make sure the systems get shut down. Once Linya is ready, he'll head out with her to meet Raeslin.

Linya enters the bridge wearing dress pants and suit, her normally industrial mask is instead replaced with a much more ornate looking mask appearing to be made of an ivory like substance. "Beta is a competent pilot, you need not worry." She remarks, seeing Rogan hovering over the controls.

Rogan turns towards Linya's voice, and sits impressed. "Wow...," he says with just a short pause, "But, I shouldn't be surprised that you look very nice. I'm sorry that I'm looking like someone that walked in from a desert storm." He gets up, thinking he should brush himself off at least, but waits until they get out of the ship for that. He does fix his hair, and quickly tries to clean up what he can before they leave. Still self-conscious, he looks at her and says, "You really do look very nice. And,... want you to know that I appreciate you coming with me here. And the other places we've almost been killed," that last part he finishes with a growing grin.

Linya looks to the side and shuffles awkwardly. "Oh- ah, thank you. You like fine yourself. And I enjoyed the field work we did together."

His grin stays bright as he sees her shuffle, "You," he emphasizes, "have no good reason to be embarrassed by that praise. You deserve it. As for me looking fine, well... I'd prefer another chance at that, once I can actually have my own closet to keep clothes looking decent." "Thankfully, that day shouldn't be too far in the future. And hopefully on this very planet."

(We're leaving to meet Raeslin.)

Raeslin meets them at the port, her polymorphic armor set as a mostly inconspicuous dark grey suit with slacks and heel shoes. She offers a hand to Rogan, the other tucked behind her back. "Welcome to Suha, Rogan. And I assume this is Linya? A fine ship you have." (edited)

Rogan's eyes briefly open wider in surprise, and then calm down to normal quickly. He says, while shaking her hand firmly but carefully, "Linya. And, I completely agree. Her ship is very fine, and has a pretty name. The Esperanza." Releasing her from their handshake, and getting his mind back in order, he continues, "Thank you for meeting us here, Agent Ostrokov. It was lucky that you were here while we were coming back from Haila. I'm hoping to set down some roots, and really need to see how fast I can make that happen."

Linya smiles and shakes Raeslin's if so offered as well. She stands at a outstanding four foot six. Abnormally pale skin peeks out from around her neck and right, with her left hand being gloved, with occasional splotches of discoloration present but hidden for the most part. "Ah, miss Ostrokov, nice to meet you in person for the first time although hopefully we will meet again during the roundtable soon." Linya looks down and to the side slightly. (edited)

"Please, call me Raeslin. I am sure we will, Linya! Corporal Smorkle awaits us, come." She gestures behind herself and steps aside, smiling at the pair. Her hair bobs slightly with her movements, tied in a neat, low ponytail of deep black. "So where are you two headed? Coming from Haila, I hear? Headed that way myself soon."

(I thought this was just for the three of you. )

(True, The Corporal -or person Rogan needs to talk to about getting a plot of land- would be best added after the Agents discuss Haila. <yes?/no?/other ideas?>) (edited)

(Who is that being asked that?)

(Rogan asked Raeslin to find someone he could talk to, so she would have just asked Smorkle. And he said he likes to meet anyone that comes to Suha from the Confederacy.)

(Okay. This is probably best for as far the roleplay with the others.

(And I was checking with the other two whether we should talk about Haila just amongst us 3.)

(I'm good without if we just want to keep it casual and interact with Smorkle.)

(What I’m saying is if you guys don’t need anything and don’t have confederation business you guys can roleplay among yourselves. )

3:17 PM

(He doesn’t have a reason to be there )

(Gotcha. We can do that, yeah. Rogan was the one who wanted to talk to a local for a specific reason.)

1

Raeslin has a ride ready for the trio, and it takes them to a nice restaurant in the city. Not too fancy though, and the reservation is for a private booth to discuss things that are more sensitive if they wish. She takes her seat and orders them a bottle of wine, and a pitcher of water just in case someone doesn't partake. "So where were you two headed? Back to Acastus?"

Linya takes a glass of wine curious, she takes sip of it, hesitates, then drinker the rest. "Mmm. Likely, Depending on the timing of things, I know we have some operations getting started soon, and i have to go back in for a prosthesis surgery soon."

Rogan accepts a glass of each, and prepares to try the water when Linya says that she has surgery soon. He changes his mind, setting down the water, and picking up the wine glass. He drinks a mouthful, twice, before he asks, "You're having surgery?" It takes a moment for him to realize that her gift would replace something else. So, he takes another drink and asks something more, afraid of her answer, "Which hand?"

Raeslin seems to comfortably take the wine, completely ignoring the water and drinking with a practiced poise in her relaxed seat. She watches the two back and forth, taking a few mental notes before chiming in. "Do we? I have some business to get to on Tsatsos, but it shouldn't take me too long. Maybe my trip will have to be more business and less pleasure then, if there's something I should be present for. A prosthesis, hm? A medical need or an intentional edge over the competition?"

Linya holds up her right hand and regards it "I... Haven't decided yet." Linya breaks into a slight cough. "A bit of both, but moreso the latter."

Rogan hurts a bit for Linya, looking at her hand, "I can't fix everything. Operations," he mumbles before re-focusing on their conversation. His mind finally reconnects. "Oh. Operations! Yes. An on-going operation was why we were at Haila. Linya had been investigating some interesting places near an Acastus rift-space when I met her. Over there, we found some Wasimian tech, or text, that needed to be translated. We basically had to surrender the tech to them since it was originally theirs, in the hopes that they may open up to us more in the future." "Unfortunately, for right now, we don't know whether the Wasimians will share their findings"

She nods thoughtfully as they explain things, her eyes scanning Linya's arm closely as if that would explain more, before watching Rogan and his description of things. The waiter comes by with some bread and menus, the latter of which Raeslin turns down. She instead goes back to nursing her wine, content for now. "Well best of luck, Linya, whatever you decide to do with it. All of that sounds... interesting. Corporal Smorkle was telling me about Haila and the Wasimians. I was actually going to purchase a translator torc and get nosy on my way through their system. Might be a bad idea if the two of you just left though, hm? They might think Greystar is getting too pushy or inquisitive. And they are officially in UNW territory."

"Well, that translator may not be a bad idea. When we originally got there, I kind of hoped they would let me connect to one of them to talk. Oh, sorry. Mentally. Uh..., can I show you?"

He reconsiders, figuring she's not really interested in that. "Nevermind, you don't really need to have me show you. Like you said, getting nosy now is probably a bad plan anyway. The right timing may be to check back after they have had time to percolate on the stuff we brought."

"Speaking of percolating, there's a Certain Lady that is a hot topic. Do either of you know what you're cut out for? Captaining or ground assault or something else?"

Raeslin shakes her head. "No offense, I try not to mess with that sort of thing if I can't help it." As he mentions the Lady, she raises an eyebrow and looks at Linya first, before shrugging. Her? Captain? Sounded... interesting, albeit risky. "I am a better leader than a doer, usually more covert too though. Not sure if I will be able to contribute to this particular fight if it's head-on."

Linya becomes mildly agitated at the mention of the Still Lady, left hand clenching. "I could likely perform well at both, perrhaps less so as ship Captain, not the greatest with people. Hopefully I could join the ground assault." She relaxes her hands and takes another drink. (edited)

Rogan's face looks down at the table, his voice a lot less excited than at the beginning of their meeting as he adds, "I tried to help Linya with an assault a few days ago, but my body's not cut out for fighting. Sneaking? Sure. Shooting? Probably, if I could stay at a distance. But I'll volunteer and go where Greystar needs me."

Trying to distract Linya and himself by letting Raeslin talk, he asks, "So, have you thought more about where you want to go next? Anything exciting?"

Reclining, she nods at Linya before regarding Rogan. She takes note of his... nervousness? But doesn't bring it up. A cigarette finds its way to her lips for a light and a long exhale of smoke before she speaks. "I am headed to Tsatsos to convince a Mr Riger to sell us a few units of robot workers for a colony in need of an upgrade."

"You dihd fine Rogan- I was the one that got blasted with lightning and paralyzhed!" Linya tilts her head slightly as Raeslin produces a smoke. "Ooh, Tsatsos, most of my kin live there."

She smiles a bit at Linya. "I'd invite you along if there weren't more pressing matters. Just a little negotiation anyhow, I don't expect to see combat or the like. Could be a nice break... you two are alright? You seem a little shaky after your last mission."

"I'm fine, we stopped getting shot at once I blew up a tower!"

"I asked for a signal. She didn't disappoint."

"As for being shaky, I suppose almost dying three time in a week will do that to a person. And only two of those were with Linya. Not that either if those were her fault. It's a dangerous thing, doing exploring. I felt guilty running to save my own hide while she took on a monolith. And lit that thing up!"

She raises an eyebrow at that, bemused smirk on past her briefly hanging cigarette. "Can't say I've put myself in to such a compromising position before. Usually find others to do it for me. I guess Greystar hired me more for my charm though. I'm more of a talker, less a doer." The waiter takes their food orders and departs again, Raeslin still content to lean back and enjoy her wine.

Rogan takes the bait, asking with a more relaxed grin, "Okay, Talker. Tell us what you have been up to. Our monolith expedition led us to the Wasimian language thing that kept Linya from translating the server data. And that was why we headed to Haila. What was your last project? Tell us. Tell us."

"Not that interesting, I promise." She laughs and shakes her head before sitting forward to talk. "I was on Arana, negotiating with the local governments to reform and make our uplifting efforts move more smoothly. Lots of meetings and drafting constitutions, etcetera. I had dinner with a Duke several times, that count?"

Rogan is loving that stuff. He sits and listens, hoping for specifics. So he agrees, "Uh, yeah! That counts. Schmoozing sounds fun. I've met an Abbot, but that's about it." He laughs, and adds, "and I've met a few Greystar agents. Every one I've met are pretty neat."

Linya shifts to sit on her knees, and leans forward. "Just wait till you meet the rest! Hehe, I'll bet you five credits even to get Eisheru to smile!" (edited)

Rogan grins, "I'll take that bet! Does it have to be a really big smile? Or does just a quick one count?"

She sits back again, finishing off her first glass of wine and leaving it there for now. "Eisheru? Tidecaller? You two are the first ones I've met too." (edited)

"More thanah smirk... Easter?" Linya looks between her empty glass, the wine and the water.

(Damn aggressive autocorrect. I'm gonna have to tone that down somehow. That's hilarious though.)

6:06 PM

"Eisheru... what did I say? Rogan, are you in my head even when I asked you not to be?" She tsks and shakes her head.

"He's a very noisy thinker you would notice if he's there." Linya hesitates at the end of the sentence undecided on to say more (edited)

Rogan laughs at both of their jokes, clearly enjoying the wine and their company. "She's right. I think more than I talk. But did you just ask me to be?" he asks with a chuckle. (edited)

6:18 PM

and confirming with Linya, "Fine. More than a shmirk. And it has to be before Easter, but that's gonna be tougher. Can I get better odds?"

"...Twenty crehdits" Linya reaches for another glass, and... perhaps interrogating the restaurants network for updates on their food

Raeslin raises an eyebrow, amused more than anything, watching the two talk back and forth. As she finally speaks up, Linya's request is met with their two plates being brought out to them, meals well made and plated photogenically. "And I called myself the talker... You ever tried fast talking your way out of a situation, Rogan? I think there's promise there."

"Newp," he says to Raeslin while turning back to Linya with a big grin. "Ooh. That's worth every credit!"

"I just hit things if it's a person... Usually works better." Linya's food is bland, remarkably so, but she seems unbothered by this and begins to dig in.

"I can understand that from time to time. Definitely want to hit some of them when I probably shouldn't too. That's why I need to find myself a nice, beefy guy to stand next to me and pay him to do it for me."

Linya looks down at herself, shrugs, then continues to eat and drink.

"Or just look like he's always about to hit someone, you know? Keep them on their toes." She nods and pours herself a second glass finally, taking a sip.

"I punshed a tank once or twice or thrice... Why's it need to be a he?"

"I don't think Linya looks like she's gonna hit someone, but if she did, it'd feel like getting blasted by a couple railguns... which I just happen to have put on my gravflyer on order."

6:47 PM

"Me, myself? I got nothin'. I'm too normal-sized for fightin'."

"More of an aesthetic thing. Just a big, steroid filled meathead look, right? Doesn't have to be a he, just easier to find the right sort of gorilla I'm looking for with a Y chromosome, you know?"

"Ooh, ooh, ooh. Aah, aah, ahh," Rogan mimics what he pictures as a go-ril-la, like from that old cartoon vid.

Raeslin's and Rogan's compad both ding with a video as Linya turns to look at Rogan. "Hmmf, size isn't everything." (https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/777940088423448606/784072414010146867 for reference.) (edited)

She watches the video and laughs aloud, nodding. "It isn't, but sometimes the appearance is all you need for the desired effect. I don't want my gorilla to actually punch people, just look like he's going to so he keeps people I'm talking to on edge."

Rogan picks up and drinks some of his water as he watches the playback of the vid. He just soaks it up. "Good thing you didn't hit those guys really hard. I doubt what you pounded the monolith with would have e left much of that vehicle behind."

Linya chuckles as well, a good portion the way through another glass and her food. "Ha, now I could hit a tank with my fist AND break. Or a building... Or a lot of things."

Rogan puts his compad away, not wanting to miss the conversation or the meal, which he is savoring slowly. "Good choice, Raeslin. This is delicious," he says, between mouthfuls.

"I've been here a few days, had a chance to scope out the good spots with Corporal Smorkle's help. I'm glad you enjoy it, Rogan. You two spent all that time getting shot at and in danger, take some time now to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!"

"Only takes getting shot at once for me to call it a day, or get wheeled out, which is what happened my first time out." after thinking about it a bit, he realized, "Well, it's that dang suppressing fire that gets me every time."

"Have you tried not getting shot... Or getting better things to make it not hurt?" Linya chuckles again.

"I'm wearing good armor right now! And I get to look nice doing it thanks to that bit of pretech we each got. Should look in to it, Rogan. At least a real change of clothes, hm? When's the last time you got those cleaned?"

Rogan frowns, and dips his head. "Yeah. That was one of the reasons I was looking to lay down roots. I haven't had a closet to myself in forever. I carry everything I own in my backpack, and it's only been since I met Linya that I even have a little space to put the things I've found this past week."

9:10 AM

He turns to Linya and sticks out his tongue, "Hey. I was doing fine not getting shot til you did that magic invisible stuff. Nyeh!"

9:11 AM

"You may not have been able to see me, but I got almost to the opening before I chickened out."

"I was able to see you perfectly well thank you!" Linya knocks into the table with her metallic hand.

She laughs and shakes her head at the pair. "That'll be an interesting debriefing when you two get back to Acastus."

Rogan smiles, "It's why I think I'm winning that bet."

"But we're not done there. There's also a rift-space to explore. That may be even more exciting than the other places we've been. I can't wait. If I can arrange it, it would be great to have my house and garage built here so I can keep working until it's ready."

10:24 AM

"Ooh. And the dock."

"Well, no one is stopping you if you decide to stay when we part ways. I'll give you the Corporal's contact information before I go."

Rogan scrunches his lips together when she says that. That wasn't the problem. "Thanks, Raeslin. Stopping me wasn't my worry, though. I've been worried most about delaying Linya from exploring that rift. But now, I'm ... well... she's having surgery."

"You two really have a knack for the unknown, hm? Well, whatever you decide, I will give you that information to contact him at your leisure. I still have to get on my way to Tsatsos and probably sooner rather than later if we're gearing up for something."

Rogan nods, glad that he didn't finish his wine if he's going to talk to The Corporal about his land. "Right. I wonder if he would still be available tonight, or we should hold off on that til the morning. I'd just as soon pick it out as soon as possible."

"That would be a better question for him, wouldn't it? Did you enjoy your meal then? I'll probably leave in the morning myself."

"I did, thanks, Raeslin. I'm glad we had a chance to talk to you while we were all here."

From: Greystar Agent Rogan Tuttle
To: Corporal Smorkle

Good evening, Corporal.

When would you be available to work out how I can build on some land? I'd like to make a home on Suha, and could use your help with the legalities and builders.

Thank you for your assistance. 

Respectfully,

Agent Rogan Tuttle

(If Linya is planning on leaving, we should be doing this in your thread now)

1

(Linya's going to be drugged for a week so not much planned on my end.)

Linya, with difficulties functioning correctly, says her good byes to Rogan and Raeslin as they separate and returns to the starport to spend the night on her ship. Once she wakes she makes the various preparations for another surgery.

Before Rogan says his goodbye to Linya, he asks, "Let me know where you're going to be recovering, please. I'll stop in and talk to you, see how you're doing," and he doesn't hesitate much to add, "And I'll probably ask for your ideas on how to setup my new place. You're better at thinking about stuff, even when you are on meds."

(okay, well, i dont have anything for the two days back to Acastus then, where they'd fit your new stuff)

(Not sure if this completes a goal since I was uncertain of how you would do things but here's the description: "Find a formula to improve a cybernetic prosthesis and successfully install it." Roll20 is being slow so I'm not sure if you have assigned a value to it yet.)

(I haven’t gone through goals in a couple weeks. If it’s new I haven’t assigned xp. This doesn’t fit the formula side and I don’t want the fist as a mass produced thing

6:34 PM

(But I’m okay with awarding 3xp for getting it installed )

(Alrighty

(I do have an idea but I'm not sure how mission worthy it is )

)shoot me a message)

(Can you pin https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/727222102725230652/824694651801829397 for me when you get the time?)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 3/30/2021 8:08 PM

(shanks)

(Okay your idea sounds neat. Let’s do some science)

(https://c.tenor.com/Aqq-lyLxJiIAAAAM/marvel-science.gif Science!)

(Set it up for me though as far as what’s going. Who’s going as far as npcs or where crews should be)

(How's: 2 biologists/animal wranglers, 2 security guys with flop weaponry, and a medic sound.)

(Okay and they’re using your atv? And your ship is bringing it all through?)

Rogan stops in as Linya is still recovering from her surgery. He doesn't see her looking terribly bad, but that mask of hers never really lets him see what his mind noticed. "Hi, Linya. How are you feeling?"

Nekosmash

(Okay and they’re using your atv? And your ship is bringing it all through?)

(Yeah, should have enough to hold all of them if not we can bring more vehicles/ spaceships.)

12:46 PM

Linya turns In the bed as Rogan enters the room, her right arm now composed of gleaming metal with beautifully etched sigils running down it's length. She seems groggy, having just come down from anesthesia. "Mm Rogan, I'm... Doing well."

"Are you feeling any pain? I might be able to help with that." he wonders if his talent works that way, but thinks it might. "But I know. I know. Don't try to fix everything," he says, chuckling to himself a little.

1:01 PM

As always, his excitement prevents his mouth from waiting. "I can't wait for you to see my new place on Suha. It's gonna be pretty sweet. Lots of landing pads and garages, a Rec Center, and a Workshop. I'll be adding a dock for a sailboat when I get back from Aklahqi. You can see the plans whenever you want. I'll post them for you." His excitement turns back to concern, as he thinks about her being fairly medicated. "But really. Is there anything I can do for you? Get for you?"

Linya visibly stiffens as Rogan mentions Ahklaqi. "Me? No,I'm fine. Just.... Be careful Rogan, Ahklaqi is harsh and dangerous."

Rogan winces at her reaction, but knows enough about the planet to understand it. "Careful is my middle name, Linya. But, do you know anything that could help me while I'm there? I was planning to land towards the far-side of that big palace thing. And from there, take the Chieftain (my grav-flyer) around low to see if I can find survivors that want to be evacuated. After that, I was going to see how close I could get to whatever is handling that Microwave gun before it's time to bug out."

(the microwave gun is in the palace)

(Cool. So, seems fairly safe to come from the far side of the planet, then. Keeps the ship safer, and he'll keep the grav-flyer out of visual range of the palace. Bike and walk from there)

(I oocly don't know anything directly, but would Linya know if he could navigate through the fallen ship cities and get closer easier?)

(The citadel is FAR beyond what was reasonably traveled by the Ashen Ones since they were going everywhere on foot, so I'd say probably would not have that info either)

Linya shakes her slightly. "My people weren't able to venture far, mostly due to the plague. Just be careful, and don't stay long

"I just got here," he teases her. "I'm not leaving until you tell me what I can get for you."

"You know what I mean, at Ahklaqi. And I mean, if your offering, can you pick me up something at the sandwich place, to hell with what the nurses say."

Rogan's face lights up in a grin, and he gives her a quick, two-finger salute, "You betcha, Linya! Be right back." And, dashing off to the shop, he's only gone ten minutes before he returns with three sandwiches. "Did you want the Italian sub, the Reuben, or the Veggie sub?"

"Mmm, I'll take the veggie, thanks." Linya sits up and clumsily unwraps, deliberately using her right hand. It takes a few attempts but she takes a chomp out of the sub after shifting her mask a bit. Her childlike stature is made much prominent without her bulky equipment.

"What do have planned for that rift we were planning to investigate? Do you want to check it out when I get back? Or do you have something else we could do together when I get back?"

Rogan notices her difficulty working with her hand and mask, but accepts that she's working through the surgery injury. So, he doesn't offer help because she manages on her own, even if awkwardly. He savors his Reuben, kinda glad Linya didn't want it. He enjoys each bite as Linya responds.

"Mmn, you know those fungal growths we found, at the rift?" Linya takes another note while waiting for Rogan. "Well, on Acastus, you know how it's all mushrooms anyways, so there's these things that sort of absorb fungi, so we are going to take one those guys to the rift and see what happens."

Rogan's eyes light up. "Sounds like a great idea. Those eggs were scary."

"Mmhmm, Mr 'careful is my middle name'". (edited)

Rogan smiled at her, "Well, yeah. Have you ever seen me do something dangerous?"

"I mean, besides heading to Akhlaqi by myself...." he pauses for a bit. "I'll miss you. You made me feel safer."

"Fare well Rogan, try not to die, or get necrotized."

He takes it as a joke, which he hopes it was, and chuckles. "I will do my best."

10:55 AM

"You too," he says as he gives her a two-finger salute. "and if you need me or just anything, just call. I'll come."

and with that, he heads off to his ship and a long trip.

Linya spends the rest of the time in the hospital recovering and getting acclimated to the new addition. Possibly shocking a few health professionals in the process. She spends the few days afterwards gathering the correct professionals and congregating on Acastus in preparation.

(Alright. I’ll update Rogans when I circle over to it. I know you’re going after some weird science. We do have that stalk slicer you captured

(Yep, going to pick that up, gather the personelle from AYT/academy, and hopefully not paralyze and kill an entire expedition through anaphylactic shock.)

1

The recovered Linya is released from the medical facility under strict orders to take things easy. Gathering her personnel and her supplies , her ship is loaded and prepared for another scientific expedition through the rift.

Linya briefs the team as they approach the rift, describing the landscape, danger of fungal growths and their toxins, as well as the nature of the stalk slicer. The plan includes taking both the ATV and Skycrane, to move the cage and other materials, taking the captured stalk slicer specimen too the site of the fungal growths and then corralling the slicer back into the cage once the interaction is complete. Additional samples of the growths are a secondary objective and not to be done if they are still dangerous.

The only clarification the crew needs is what are they allowed to do if the slicer isn’t cooperative upon returning to captivity

(Would Linya know if a mech's seals would be robust enough to blOck out the spores?)

(Does it have sealed environment?) (edited)

(It does not.)

(It wouldn't block out the spores)

Linya informs the security team that should it be uncooperative they are authorized to use their flop weaponry. She also details the effects of Force Shelter, intending to use it as a contingency should it prove hazardous. (Could a low level telekinetic be rented or is that unfeasible in this situation?)

(unfeasible right now, anyone that isn't a PC with psychic aptitude is either working with the terraformer or is in reserve for the fight against the Still Lady)

(So we wouldn't have anyone available right now)

(Aight, continuing with the plan of dropping it off near the shrooms hungry, waiting for something to happen, get it back in the cage or make it flop if it doesn't.)

(how close?)

(Does the stalker have to be released manually, or can that be done from distance.

(It could be done from a distance but knowing who is where helps me in terms of who might be exposed to what environmental conditions depending on what happens)

(Stalker will be dropped ~5 meters from the growths, team will be in a lose semi circle 10-15 meters away from the stalker, with instructions to run to Linya if spores get released.)

(Except for the medic, who should be somewhere safe and not in theine of fire so to speak.)

The stalker cage is set down, and everyone else takes the few extra minutes to arrange themselves, and count down from ten. At one, the slicer door is opened and the creature begins taking tentative steps out into the strange soil here. It shrieks as it looks around, trying to get used to this new environment- certainly not one it is used to.

2:24 PM

The whiff of fungus begins filling its senses, and it begins leaning down to take a first tentative nibble of the strange plants before it.

Linya tenses, preparing to manifest a defensive some around her self in the event the pods are triggered. "If the pods get triggered, wait for the slicer to run a ways before we bring it down, so it isn't in the vicinity of the spores." Linya informs the team over their comms.

There is a hearty munch as the slicer takes another bite. It’s flesh begins to ripple and bud with small blooms the same color as the blue/purple spores it is beginning to digest

"Interesting, its integrating the material quite quickly, It might be best to corral it now before it fully 'Digests' the blooms?"

Phrased as a question and not an order they are poised to standby. Nobody is quite sure of what they’re seeing. The slicer bends down and takes another large bite. The spread continues across its body and the existing ones get a bit bigger , easily the size of a fingernail now

Linya waits for the slicer to eat another whole growth before signalling the team to further fan out and try and coerce the slicer back Into it's cage.

The growths continue to spread. The spreading process is much the same as you'd seen on Acastus when it ate native plants there, but the swelling and expansion of growth on the slicer's body is even more significant than normal. Deep purple veins are beginning to take root, and grow from the mouth and around the jaw to around the brain, and dwon the spine

(1+2 level spell slots committed to the prosthesis, dropping me to 5-4 slots respectively.) Linya begins incanting, empowering the weapons near her. (Casting consecrated arms on everyone's weapons, adding a +1/+1 to hit/damage with a t1 spell slot, 4/6 remain.)

You see them give off tell tale signs of magic empowerment. The slicer seems to be focused on continuing to eat, as there are still a few stubs of stalk left

"On my mark." Linya releases her drone and waits for the stalker to begin moving to consume another growth to order her drone to dive at the slicer, narrowly missing it. She waits for slicer to react and move before saying "Mark." (Held action, two security guys fire fire after the slicers movement action.)

The slicer hisses at the sudden intrusion during its meal, acting as wild animals do at a perceived threat. It takes a slice with its talon as the drone zooms by (18/7), the wind singing as its forelimb cuts the air

The claw digs into the frame of the drone, sending it careening off its intended path before it wobbles and recovers as the expert system recovers itself. (8/15 hp for the drone.) (NPCs have stats equal to +3/+1 on their attack rolls right?)

(+3 to hit , the Attack Bonus that is part of that +3 counts for damage as well like normal)

(15/8, 19/9) The guards open fire, one caught off guard by the sudden agression as the other scores a solid hit on the creature as Linya clenches her right fights, sigils flaring as a stun baton manifiests in her grip as she moves to an unsteady stance. (This is my Rifle, 3/6 slots.) (Initiative?) (edited)

(Yes)

10:16 PM

(Technically we should have done this before we started shooting. You aggro’d it with the drone so there shouldn’t be a surprise round)

(2 for Linya.)

(slicer got a 7)

7:24 AM

The slicer surges forward toward the group, howling and shrieking, and will be upon you in just another few seconds. You can see the veins and growths pulsating and pumping as it froths pink foam from its mouth

(Not going to take the turns for the guards since I jumped the gun with them.) "Get back!" Linya instructs the group as the rabid slicer bears down on them. She begins to gesture once again, dropping focus on empowering her teams weapons. (instead of a dome/sphere, could I create Force Shelter as more of a wall?)

CotBS, pg 86

The shelter must be conjured within 10 meters on a solid surface, and takes the shape of a floored dome up to five meters in diameter and three meters high.

(I would say that you cannot change the shape since it specifically states what shape it needs to take)

9:04 AM

(The only thing that you can change about it, is its size. Up to 5m diameter and up to 3m tall)

(yeah this is a very literal game, it says dome, so its dome)

Linya runs 10 metres away from slicer (I assume it's out of melee range) as the beginnings of a opaque and camouflaged dome form 10 meters in front of her and 5 to the right.

12:11 PM

(2/6 t1 slots) (Recap since that was a mess; Guards shot during the not really surprise round; Linya Moved and summoned her Stun Baton and also created a force shelter.) (edited)

(Advancing 10m has it out of@melee range )

(I think thats everything, since only the guards and Linya would have been armed, which was poor planning on my part.)

(yep i just have to read what force shelter does again, neded to get back to a PC)

(I have it on hand if you need it)

the creature pushes into the dome, engaging both of the security troopers with its claws, but fails to wound either of them, their heavy armor protecting them from the descending talons

Linya charges in, NOW (Failed Save) causing her to be much quicker than one would expect as she swings her stun baton twice in quick succession towards nerve clusters in the beast, but misses terribly. (8/9, and Nat 1/9, and 2 shock total against AC 15) "Get back, and dont worry about hitting me!" The security guards retreat, and fire into the fray, one of the charged projectiles harmless absorbed by Linya's cybernetics and armour. (15/9, 7/miss) (edited)

(If they’re not taking fighting withdrawal and forfeiting their weapon attacks, they’re going to take opportunity attacks from the slicer) (edited)

(It would get to hit both of them?)

(Yes it has multi attacks )

(Risk I'm going to have to take, I guess.)

(so the answer is you're going to have them shoot anyway?)

(Yes, risking Also as they retreat.)

One of the marines is swiftly beheaded by the descending talon (21/11), the other has a blade descend deeply into their leg, before it is pulled out as the creature rights itself (23/2)

(Back to us?

(yes)

Linya jabs the stun baton at the slicer as she tries to maneuver to give the standing guard a clean shot. (15/6 1 shock < AC 15, 15/12) (edited)

2:07 PM

(I'm assuming the guard is still running a -4 for firing into the melee still.)

(there isn;'t a melee combat anymore for the survivor, since he disengaged. He just took the opportunity attack as he moved out last round)

3:15 PM

(oh, as far as you being in melee, since its just you now, -2)

(So his to hit would be at a 17/12 then.)

The Shrieker is killed , the combined fire finally enough to bring it down into a pile of punctured meat and purple froth

(hang on, everyone had non lethal weapons.)

(Okay , it’s downed still)

8:38 PM

(I have no idea who has what or what’s going on , it’s been incredibly laborious to get clarification)

Linya communicates to the Skycrane that the medic is needed and that they have subdued a very angry slicer. Once the soldier is attended too, Linya and the rest of the crew work on moving the unconscious slicer into the cage.

It’s unconscious and not hard to do. You’re not sure how long you have before it wakes up

Linya consults with one of the biologists on what sort of sedative or tranquilizer to be used to ensure it remains docile on its journey to AYT labs. During the conversation she gathers some basic surface samples to study in the meantime.

They’re not sure what might have changed since its ingested new chemicals , but they’ll try their best

Linya nods, understanding, as they gather the fallen soldier for whatever service is relevant as they attach the cage to the sky-crane and return to the FOB.

The creature does not awaken on the flight back to the FOB, and those working there want to know what kind of containment measures they need to have ready for when it eventually does

Linya suggests a pasture like area if possible, with electric fences/countermeasures , with armed security if also possible in environment suits.

(the central tension here is we dont know what would constitute a countermeasure, since the creature has changed)

(What I meant by countermeasures was basically other forms of electrical deterrents, sub-dermal implants, invisible boundaries, or whatever alternatives to keeping animal in a designated area that have cropped up in the future.)

(okay, now im with you. Thatr was very broad)

(Yeah sorry.)

They'll quickly construct something, but its going to need some reinforcement once you're on the ground- and likely some of it will be done when the animal has woken up. The expectation is at least part of this will be dangerous work.

Linya signs out a Flop Rifle in preparation, preparing to drain her SANIS reserves on Force Shelters.

(Preparing for what?)

(Probably casting quite a few domes to cover for the teams working, sinces thats one of my few currently useful spells, Just fluff for her probably going to need to expend higher spell slots for simple spells.) (edited)

(right, i guess what im asking is whats your plan for this creature. what are you trying to learn/accomplish so i can figure out what some reasonable difficulties in what you're doing might be)

9:28 PM

(we fed it, we captured it again, we brought it back here. Why did we do this?)

(Similar to how some medicines from the past were derived from toxic plants or animals, the goal is to primarily see if any usefull compounds or byproducts are produced from the symbiosis between the slicer and the pods, or failing that, weather a more safe to gather or stable version of the neurotoxin could be produced.) (edited)

(Alright I got it. )

6:37 AM

The slicer is placed in a pen 10x10m long and is beginning to wake up as you get the last of the taunt wire fence into place.

Linya and another guard prepare to cover any technicians or scientists working as she requests some Acastan mushrooms to Hopefully placate the stalker while they work.

The mood is tense, and they await Linya's example of what to be doing

(How quickly would the mushrooms get here?)

(six hours, since the planet and the rift are different stellar regions)

Linya stands guard over the technicians, awaitng the shipment of mushrooms and for the scientists to see if they can form some sort of sedative or tranquilizer.

(know/int)

(Know/Int 10, used a token to re roll from a 6)

You believe just leaving it alone until the food comes, and then letting it eat normally first might let you sneak up on it to administer a tranq dart.

Linya waits patiently for the shipment, and hopes the stalker remains docile and doesn't decapitate someone else.

The food delivery arrives and the stalker begins eating ahain. It doesn’t seem to be changing much as it does so, retaining the characteristics of the strange fungus it ate on this side of the gate. Collecting tissue, blood , bone, and brain samples seems to be the best way to determine if there’s anything to refine. It is cruel but it may lead to new understandings , new medicines , and there are large populations of slicers on the planet

(Does the tranq have to be injected or can it be put in a rifle/other ranged device?)

(it can be fired)

Linya gathers the soldier tasked and manifiests a dome around them, to offer them some protection in case it misses. (attack roll/execution?)

(yeah we can do an execution)

(An NPC would have a +2, from Dex and Shoot, right?)

2:43 PM

(Shoot/Dex 7 from the NPC.)

(for a skill check? yes)

2:48 PM

The shot is wide, unable to bring down the target, and the slicer is now enraged.

"Shit." Linya raises her weapon, and fires her flop rifle. (17/8) (edited)

The charge puts two pins in the creatures back and the electrical current knocks it over, and it is now out cold.

Linya breathes a sigh of relief as the creature falls, the relief quickly turning to apprehension as she visualizes the procedures it will undertake. "Get it loaded in the lab and prepared." (Would the biopsy and stuff be heal or know based to do it?)

(I would say you can make a case for either depending on how you make that case)

(Since its more of taking things apart and learning things rather than trying to diagnose and/or treat injuries Linya would use her scientific understanding rather than medical to extract stuff from the slicer.)

(Also going to take my research month if thats okay.)

(sure just let me know what the results of each are since we're doing a lot of non-related things at once)

(Any modifiers for the biopsy from NPCs?)

9:25 AM

(Know/Int 9 for the slicer.)

9:28 AM

(Experimental artificering succeeds, 15v10, generating 2*8=16 RP and costing 16,000 credits. RP will be stored on the Esperanza.)

(no extra modifiers or help)

9:45 AM

(d4 for the result)

(2)

Slicer Blood samples with this new fungal element in them is all you're able to truly recover from this first live specimen. The rest is destroyed during the analysis and the results are conflicting . The blood itself carries elements that allow very quick metabolizing of ingested material, turning the slicer into a constantly hot-running biochemical furnace. You think you might be able to isolate and apply this to humanoids, advancing the body's own natural healing process but at a strenuous cost.

"Amazing, look at the metabolic rate of its cell structure." Linya adjusts the display of the data gathered by the blood samples. "Look there, it appears that the cells manufacture a substance to accelerate the natural processes... could we isolate this and replicate it? I can contact Aiya Tech to see if they can spare any resources for this."

3:01 PM

Linya steps back as Daitrij runs towards the group, and watches as Svenka teleports away, she weaves her hands a moment, light distorting gently in front of her as the spell completes, and Svenka hears a gentle voice in their head. Eishy? .... You okay Svenka?

The fuck... Linya? You can talk in heads now? Can you hear me?

Yes, a bit frequency trans-modulation to convert thoughts to EM signals, manipulation of gravity and a familiar MES pattern, and voila, long distance communication.

3:05 PM

You seemed a bit upset, who calls... Eisheru Eishy?

No one... That I was aware of. I’m fine. It’s fine. Eishy. It’s all fine It did not sound all fine.

I am not good with people, but it does not sound at all fine... I can get you a ba-- Holy shit its Daitrij

Phoebe the Phoenix

I am not good with people, but it does not sound at all fine... I can get you a ba-- Holy shit its Daitrij

... I’m coming back... with sandwiches.

3:29 PM

Wait, who?

I should probably tell the Noel lady that you're-- coming back, shes a bit confused. Linya's thoughts stopped for a moment, as she registered something The lady in the pretty dress who called mister Eisheru Eishy, that was Daitrij, I didn't recognize her.

Who. Is. Daitrij?

Linya pauses at Svenka's sudden shift in mental tone. Shes the leader, er president? Monarch? of the uh, Elysium Protectorate, the people we did MilSims with a few months ago.

3:36 PM

Its starting, ill save you a spot so you dont tele-frag someone accidentally

Oh.... but EISHY?? Hm, I’ll be right there.

Eisheru walks over to Svenka standing next to Linya after the meeting is dismissed, "I... What Eishy? I do not understand what is going on..."

"Nor do I, Eishy, to be honest, sounds off, especially given the setting."

"I am unsure as to where that came from. Our relationship has been professional... Even sometimes confrontational during the Galatean council meetings."

Svenka stuffs a mouthful of sandwich into her mouth. I.... ok. Sorry. Just would like to know. Y’know. If. She looks at Linya It’s pretty cool to be able to talk and eat at the same time.

"I'm sorry Svenka, I really don't know what that was about..." This is probably the most concerned that Eisheru has sounded since the Liberation. Even then it's barely a noticable change in intonation

She nods, swallows. “This... should be interesting. I’ll do my best to get you all the opening and make sure you have a way out.”

"Not what I was talking about and you know that... We have a week to figure out the tactics. Herald Daitrij does not have my devotion. Nor will she. I just wanted that to be clear." 'You are the only person for me, Svenka...' Eisheru thinks to himself. Not willing to risk s connection given the afternoon's events.

A smile and a nod, she looks to Linya. “It’s good to see how much you have accomplished, Linya. I... am sorry that these are the kinds of events we find ourselves in to prove who we are...”

Svenka [Tig/M’Ranni]

Svenka stuffs a mouthful of sandwich into her mouth. I.... ok. Sorry. Just would like to know. Y’know. If. She looks at Linya It’s pretty cool to be able to talk and eat at the same time.

You want to know if what? "Thank you Svenka. And, I'm sorry... What do you mean by proving? I'm not... The greatest with words."

6:18 PM

Also, I was wondering if you could help me refine some designs I'm working on, another hand is always helpful

Phoebe the Phoenix

You want to know if what? "Thank you Svenka. And, I'm sorry... What do you mean by proving? I'm not... The greatest with words."

“Just that these events seem to be the ones that show what we are capable of. I wish it could all be more peaceful, but that isn’t in the cards it seems.” Always happy to help - need help on the trip over?

"There is always someone or something it seems that wants to place themselves above everyone at the detriment of society." If you could please, I'm having difficulties optimizing the frame for my Tempest.

“That is the way of it. We will remove this concern then the ExTaurrens and then who knows what. The time between is what we must treasure.” Of course. I had done some work on incorporating weapons to the power armour frame, can reuse some of the learnings there.

(With Svenka's help I should have enough time to finish Concealed and have 4 days left over.)

(Okay)

11:07 PM

(Svenka can’t also be used for something else though by anyone

Eisheru seeing the wisps of metadimensional energy going between the two nods and bows his head, "I'll leave you to your preparations. You have a busy week ahead of you it would seem." Eisheru turns on his heels and strides out the door towards his own quarters on the massive titan.

Phoebe the Phoenix

End of Respec Summary
Spells:
Level One: 5/6
  Ammo Drop, This Is My Rifle, Field Report, Consecrated Arms, Force Shelter 
Level Two: 4/5
  Salvage Gear, Stifle Explosion, Commando Invocation, Roof Instantiation
Level Three: 3/4
  Breaching Charge, Tank Kill, Artillery Strike
Level 4: 2/3
  Radio Intercept Protocol, Forced March

Skills: 1 SP Banked
  Fix (+2), Know (+1), Notice (+0), Pilot (+0), Program (+0), Shoot (+0), Talk (+0), Trade (+1), Know Magic (+2, 3d6KH2), Use     Magic (+3)
Misc: 
  Maint Score = ((2*3)+2)*2 = 16
  Drone Handling = 1 + 0 = 0
  Health = 23

(could this be pinned please?)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 4/27/2021 4:15 PM

(1/5 T1 spell slots used, 4/4 T2 Slots, 3/4 T3, 1/3 T4) (edited)