Iron Stars - marcion

Marcion Delgato has just finished watching the evening news feed, showing in what some would say more graphic than necessary detail, of the marshal service raid on Tri-Green Inc's off world headquarters. The news extols it as a true test of the new service's capabilities and heralds it as an unmatched success

Takes a drink from some kind of alcohol, turns off the news feed, turns to his dog Ace "Well, maybe it's time I got back in the saddle again buddy."

12:06 PM

He turns around to face a large map of the colony covering one wall of his bedroom and starts gathering his notes into a folder, packs them up, starts making his way to the Marshal Service's main office

(I gotta think about how I want to do this. The mystery cashes and sealing machines thing sort of wrote me into a corner here)

(I am fine giving you some time if you need it)

Wind takes the Marshal service truck away from the office, towards the rail hub , where all train traffic from central departs

"So, what can I expect to deal with now that I have this badge?'

“Well, you’re a police officer but with elevated diplomatic privileges. You may be called upon by our allies for help with investigations. If you see fit to support the military when they request assistance you’d be a welcome asset there too.

7:09 PM

“Otherwise you’re free to patrol and find your own way. Roaming is an important part of what we do. Often it’s us that notice the trouble first”

"Well, what I meant more is there is always someone who creates problems we are on the lookout for."

“Truthfully the boogie man you’re talking about doesn’t exist here. It’s only been recently that we even moved away from frontier justice, a simple shot to the headl

"I might just have stumbled onto the beginnings of one then."

“Maybe” is all she’s willing to offer as the truck pulls up outside the main onboarding terminal

Gets out of the truck "Thanks for the ride, I'll see you around."

The nods and the truck backs up over the asphalt lot, heading to the Marshal station. Passengers and porters on the other side of the chain link fence are busy exiting and entering trains

Heads back home, grabs his weapons from a strongbox, feeds Ace, takes the train back to Greenbriar. (edited)

The station is exactly as you left it. The train is a bit different but the station is just as busy

Looks up a map of the city, heads to the main supply distribution office

The trade hub is nestled between the airport and rail terminal, all goods are stored here before being dolled out to stores, outlying settlements, or for trade abroad

8:38 PM

It’s a sprawling complex with strong cement sided warehouses, each sporting a thick reinforced door

Marcion walks up to the front door and walks into the main office

There is a bustling shipping counter where parcels small enough to be carried by hand are brought in. A few clerks man the desk amid a sea of people

Marcion looks at the clerks, trying to identify which one looks the most like a rat

(Know/int)

(Big ol' 4)

“Someone who looks like a rat” is a pretty bad lead and everyone here looks pretty upstanding

He think for a second, then goes outside to a secluded bench and tries to find employment records for the shipping company, specifically new employees who time well with the start date of the supply shortages

(Are you trying to hack or something?)

(More search a database,)

3:42 PM

(I thought this shipping company was owned by the colony)

(It is, but if you're on a bench outside how are you accessing their files, is what I was trying to ask, now I know you're trying to pull up an archive electronically)

(Yeah, on his compad)

(administer/int)

(9)

There are two employees with hire dates around the time the shortages began. One works in the office here, the other is a rail porter, working sometimes here, sometimes in Rebirth, another outlying settlement -depending on which has a higher freight volume

Marcion starts to do as deep of a background check as he can on those two (edited)

both came from relatively devastated homeworlds, signing up for the expedition to this planet because there was little reason to stay. The files are both short

6:00 PM

(this and what you learned in the last post is really all thats available)

He thinks for a second, then calls up Wind on his compad

"Wind" the sharp female voice crackles

"Marcion here, I need to setup some surveillance on two individuals working at the shipping company. Their hire dates align with the start time of the supplies shortages starting."

7:40 PM

"Their backgrounds are relatively thin, I want to know more before I start talking with people."

"I think its just going to be me and you on this. Everyone else is heading up to space with Desmond for the fleet muster. Tell you what, forward me one file, you do the other, and we will keep in touch"

Sends the file on the desk clerk "No drones lying around? Be nice to do some old fashioned police work again."

7:55 PM

"I'm going to be making my way to Rebirth first to see if they are having supply problems too. The other person of interest is a rail porter, he makes his way around."

"Alright, be safe. good thing youre already at the train station" (edited)

The train is comfortable, a long mixed use freight and passenger assembly, with 20 cars, pulled by 2 engines and a battery car. Cargo is kept near the back, and the train is capped on each end with an anti-air car, as there is a war on right now

9:33 PM

(think enemy at the gates where its a flatbed with sandbag sides and an AA gun strapped on)

Marcion does more research on the company during his travel, looking at train schedules, timetables for supply deliveries from source farms, as well as housing in Greenbriar proper for him to move to (edited)

The company is state owned, not private, and there is about to be a wealth of empty housing closer to central. The train schedules are consistent, with no real variation in departure/arrival times . The shipments are taken to trade terminals by hand or by truck, no times are listed

He makes a mental note to tally deliveries to the depot over the next few days

9:39 PM

When the train arrives at Rebirth, he makes his way to the local medical clinic first

The clinic is a small regional hospital, staffed by 20. The building is only two floors, but is enough to serve the local area

Walks to the front desk "My name is Marcion Delgato, I'm with the Colonial Marshals. We are just doing a routine check-in with the various clinics across the system, making sure everyone is doing well and is full up on supplies."

10:30 PM

Flashes badge

“Ah well. Alright” the aide looks a bit confused, this hasn’t happened before, but you’re key swiped into the med storage area

He smiles "Thanks. We wanted to make sure everyone was stocked well, with the war on and everything."

9:38 AM

He walks away and starts looking through supply manifests

THe manifests themselves on paper all show full containers and stock levels

(so the records are very much incorrect, compared to what the stock levels are, in case i was being too obscure)

(Ah)

2:54 PM

Marcion takes a proper inventory of supplies before heading back to the front desk "Who is in charge of your supply inventory and record keeping?"

"The rail porter brings the boxes here, its verified by our quartermaster before everything is checked into the main drug database, so we know what's on hand"

3:10 PM

"When something gets low, more gets ordered from home automatically"

Takes notes "Right, so, the quartermaster opens every box correct?"

"He does. Counts everything inside, signs the registration, and its stocked"

"Who is the boss around here?"

"Dr. Vans. He's in surgery right now"

3:52 PM

"Silver miner had his hand crushed by some falling debris, poor guy"

"Right, follow me for a second please."

3:52 PM

Starts leading him into the supply storage area

(the clerk or are you fishing the doctor out?)

(Clerk)

He follows you to storage "What am I looking at in here?"

"A liars storehouse. You all have shortages of just about everything in here by my count, but your quartermaster says the delivery you just got a few days ago fixed that problem."

4:01 PM

"Go ahead, check it, I want to make sure I'm right."

"It...it might take some time" he says, hands shaking

"We've got time, your Checks notes Dr. Vans, would be a while you said. And after you are done, I'm going to need the employment records for everyone in this hospital."

The counting takes a few hours, but the final result is 15% shortages in major medications (stuff that would be given to most people as inpatients, like, anti-bacterials and things) despite the logs showing the stores to be nearly at capacity

"Turns out I was right."

"Yes. You were. I'll have those records to you in a momen

4:27 PM

(Rather than invent 20 named npcs we will probably never see again, what were you hunting for in in the records)

(Same thing as the shipping company, hires that match the start time of the supply shortages, specifically the quartermaster)

4:53 PM

(Also, does this guy look like he was genuine in his surprise?)

(Yes)

4:55 PM

The quartermaster has been here for nearly the entire time the settlement of Rebirth has been an actual settlement. The supply shortages begin when the porter was beginning to bring the supplies here, and based on the copies of past manifests, he had taken over the job from someone else. Previously, there had been no such shortfalls or errors

"Where is the quartermaster now?"

"Should be on break behind the building. It's three pm" the aide smiles fondly. "Afternoon cigarette break, right on schedule"

"Well, thanks for your help. Let your boss know I need to speak to him as soon as he is free."

5:03 PM

Walks out back, looks for the quartermaster

Three people are out back of the hospital smoking, all wearing the teal coveralls the orderlies wear. One has just finished describing a particularly raunchy encounter he had the previous night. The other two look skeptical at best

Walks up to them "Which of you three is the quartermaster?"

The one telling the story stops, cigarette still burning in his mouth. "Thas me, it is. who's askin'?"

Flips open his badge Colonial Marshal. Positions himself close enough to stop him from running

6:16 PM

"Think the rest of you have more work to do"

The other two scatter, heading back inside

"So, you've been working here since Rebirth was founded correct?"

"That's right" he says, taking a couple steps back

Follows him, angles him against the building

(exert/str, because he is going to push back)

6:52 PM

(9 for him)

(7)

7:44 PM

(As soon as he starts to push back Marcion is going to draw his monoblade using armsman foci)

seeing the weapon, the quartermaster backs off, and allows you to back him into the wall

7:57 PM

"What the hell is this, you ask me a question and then pull a blade? Is this how law enforcement in this colony normally comports itself?"

"Well, normally people just answer my questions, but you decided to try and get physical."

7:58 PM

"Now, are you going to answer my questions calmly, or do I need to take you away in chains?"

"I am the quartermaster here, yes" he repeats the answer to your previous question

"Right, so are you a thief or did you not learn how to count?"

8:00 PM

"Because, by my count and the count of the clerk and the front desk, your supposedly full storage closet is not full at all."

"so there was an accounting error. That's not proof of anything I've done"

"Considering that it is your job to maintain accurate records and ensure this clinic is fully supplied, either you are a thief or you are grossly incompetent."

8:04 PM

"You are the one who brings the supplies in, checks the boxes, and enters the records."

8:04 PM

"Or, at least, you should be doing that."

"I've been. Thankfully incompetence isn't a crime in this country" he smiles

"But theft is, so is conspiracy, so is racketeering, so is embezzlement."

8:42 PM

"And right now, I can easily book you a one way ticket to jail for at least one of those."

8:42 PM

"Unless of course, you know where the supplies went."

8:44 PM

"Because, ultimately, it is your responsibility, and considering there is a war on, those supplies are needed here, and if the doctors are unable to treat people in order to prevent them from dying because you didn't do your job, that's also manslaughter."

“I don’t know where they’re going. I just get a cut of the money for signing off on the inventory invoices” (edited)

"Who are they?"

“The supplies. I don’t know where the supplies go. I just know the invoices I’m signing are not what’s actually coming in”

"Who is paying you to falsify official documents?"

8:57 PM

"You know what, nevermind, turn around, hands behind your head."

8:57 PM

Pulls out handcuffs, calls Wind

“Wind here”

"Got somebody I need picked up and taken to the slammer, the quartermaster of the Rebirth Clinic has been falsifying supply manifests for kickbacks."

“Well, I’m in central still. We can send a plane but it’ll still be a couple hours”

"That's fine, I just don't want to take this guy on the train."

(each hex on the map is 200 miles. The planet is real big. I know you can’t see it right now since the space battle is going on elsewhere)

"I'm going to see if I can get a proper interrogation setup, let me know when transport gets close. Marcion out."

9:01 PM

(Is the guy letting Marcion handcuff him?)

(Yeah)

9:02 PM

(You pulled a blade on him already he’s not going to test you any further)

Sheaths his blade, drags the guy back into the clinic, goes to the front desk

9:08 PM

"Dr. Vans out of surgery yet?"

“He’s just cleaning up but you can go in and talk to him”

"Right. Cmon shit for brains, lets go talk to your boss." Drags the quartermaster down to where Dr. Vans is cleaning up

The doctor is just cleaning some blood that passed over his glove line when you enter. He looks exhausted and has been in surgery for quite some time

"Dr. Vans?"

"That's me" he says, inspecting his hands in the light to make sure all the gore has been cleaned off

"Marcion Delgato, Colonial Marshals Flashes Badge I presume you know this man?"

"I do, hes our quartermaster. Why?"

"He's been signing off on false supply manifests in exchange for kickbacks. Your supply levels are sitting about 15% below what they should be."

He looks relieved. "I thought maybe I was miscounting, too many hours in surgery, or using drugs faster than I thought I was during surgery...I wasn't the problem all along" If he was sitting, he'd be slumped back in relief right now

"We've been getting reports from a few different towns concerning missing supplies and incomplete shipments, because of him we know now its a coordinated effort."

3:12 PM

"I have yet to conduct a proper interview of him, would you mind if I used your office to do it?"

"Second floor, last room on the right" He fishes some keys out of his pocket. "Silver key."

"Thanks. I've got transport arriving in a few hours, should be out of your hair then. The clerk and I went through and corrected the supply levels, so you should know what you actually have now. I'd like to try and get this whole case wrapped up before you all start making supply requests again, but only if you have enough stockpiled for another week or so."

3:17 PM

"Cmon jackass, lets go have us a chat" Drags the quartermaster up to the doctor's office

He reluctantly is puilled up the stairs, and bundled into the vacant office

"Right" Closes door, shuts windows, sits down, pulls out his compad, sets it to record "Colonial Marshal Marcion Delgato, interviewing on (Current Date) in relation to supply shortages and thefts." (edited)

6:20 PM

"State your name for the record please."

"Aldo Altonis" he says, with a measure more of calm

"What is your occupation at the Rebirth Clinic?"

"Quartermaster, and Facilities Manager"

"Explain the duties of your position please"

"In addition to checking in orders of new supplies, I make sure everything in the hospital works properly, and am responsible for reaching out to the colony if the deficit is something we cannot fix on site"

"So, it is your job to ensure supplies are correctly checked upon arrival and the amount consumed is appropriately tracked?"

"That is correct"

"Did you take kickbacks in exchange for signing false supply manifests?" (edited)

"Not kickbacks, but I did sign false manifests"

"You did recieve payment for this though?"

"No, that's what I'm telling you. I didn't receive anything for myself"

7:58 PM

"My...well...I borrowed some money, when we first landed. My da was sick, too many nights out in the cold when we first landed. I cou;dn't afford medicine on my own"

7:59 PM

"borrowed money from the wrong people. I couldn't pay it back, so they told me as long as I just sign the forms when they come in, and don't ask questions, they'll never bother me again"

"Do you have any documents or files to prove your father's illness? Is he still alive?"

"He isn't anymore, no, but his record should be on file. Someone gave me papers at least, once time of death was called"

"Alright. Do you know anything about the people who loaned you the money? Names, locations, vehicles, anything?"

"No names. They know mine, but not the other way round. He usually meets me in an apartment, here in town, but I thnk he only uses it when we are due to meet. It's been some time"

"Describe the person"

"Tall, well built, short black beard, but the mustache was curled. He wore a visior even inside, covered his eyes"

"Did he have an accent of any kind, any distinguishing features?"

"Scar, three of them. like a big scratch, down the right cheek"

"Alright. Anything else I should know?"

“I don’t know anything else about them” he looks rather deflated now

"I do know, that they dont mind getting physical, but, it seems you don't have that problem either"

Looks at him deadpan "Mr. Altonis, I've almost been killed enough times by someone pulling a knife on me right after attempting a shove like you just tried behind this building. We could have had a nice, calm conversation, but instead you decided you didn't want to."

9:20 PM

"Here is what is going to happen. I am going to charge you with fraud. You and I are going to get a plane ride back to Greenbriar. You will stay in Greenbriar at the station both to keep you there and to protect your person from potential attempts on your life. Because you have cooperated, I will put a good word for you in to the judge. As long as your situation holds true, I doubt you will serve any jail time. I will not charge you with assaulting a Colonial Marshal because I believe you were simply acting out of fear and stress. Do you understand what I am charging you with and why I am charging you?"

“I understand Marshal. Thank you for explaining”. He looks resigned to the situation now, and almost a little relieved if you had to venture a guess. Two hours later the plane touches down outside rebirth, engines still idling for immediate takeoff

Takes Mr. Altonis to the plane, flies back to Greenbriar

The gravplane is met by Marshal wind, with the transport wagon. The siren is off but the lights are on. Two local police are also there

"Wind, good to see you. Walks Mr. Altonis into the back of the wagon Let's get going." (edited)

She un-gently throws him inside, not looking too concerned when he hits his head on the wall separating the transport area from the drivers compartment. "Off to the station then. Almost everyone's on the Lone Star with Provost O'Shea right now, but they'll be back soon"

"How's that going?"

"No word yet. Takes about a day to get a message there and back. We will have to just make do for now"

"Hmm. Well it seems we do have some level of a criminal element on this planet, loansharks at the very least" (edited)

7:09 AM

Plays the audio from the interview

"That certainly sounds like...well..something." she sighs. "You think you'll need some support on this?"

"Most likely. We will need to do a large amount of research on this if we are going to find this scarred person, not to mention we still need to track down these other two at the supply company and figure out what their deal is."

1

"I assume that's next for you then?"

"Yup"

"Go ahead and get this guy setup, check out his story, I'll go do some recon on the houses of these two other guys"

"Alright. Let's go filthbag" Wind says in her curious accent, the I sound especially is very sharp. Still, she's picked up English very quickly.

8:51 AM

She hauls the disgraced quartermaster inside

Marcion uploads a copy of his notes and the interview to the central Marshal database, along with a message to Desmond letting him know of his progress

8:53 AM

(What time is it right now planetside?)

(Evening, like 5-6pm)

Looks at the clock "Is there a bunkroom here somewhere?"

10:32 AM

"I need to go get my dog from Dahab and bring him up here if I'm going to be working out of this place but I don't have an apartment or anything at the moment."

"There is one built into the marshals office yes, you're more than welcome to use it. You work here now" she smiles. "There's a kennel out back for him as well"

1

"Right, well, I'm going to head home for the night, he's going to be wondering where I am and why I haven't fed him yet. I'll get everything packed up and head back here first thing in the morning. Night Wind."

10:57 AM

Marcion leave the Marshal Station after saying goodbye, takes the train back to Dahab, feeds his happy to see him but very confused dog before doing some packing and going to sleep

You awake to a grey haze dawn, in a hab full of boxes. Wind has taken the liberty of arranging some porters to come by and take everything for you, so you're not forced to lug it all to the train station yourself. The bill has likewise already been paid by the marshal service

(He prob doesn't have much stuff tbh) (edited)

(youve been living here for a year and a half, I'm sure youve accumulated a handful of things at least)

(I guess, its still pretty spartan though)

The dog barks happily, wagging its tail near the door

Attaches Ace's leash, travels to Greenbriar, lets him into the kennel area behind the station to play with whatever other dogs are there

Ace for the moment is alone in the kennel, but seems happy to roll around in the grass.

1:18 PM

(picturing it like a big open pen rather than like, cages)

(Thats what I assumed, with a bunch of doghouses. And Ace is a German Shepard, cause hes named after Ace the Batdog)

Inside, the quartermaster is asleep in a cell, and wind is sitting nearby, filing a knife

"Morning Wind, appreciate the surprise movers. He say anything interesting I ought to know about?" (edited)

"Not really. Our friend here has been alseep more or less since we brought him in. "

"Hmm. Anyway, have you been able to dig up any information on our scarred friend?"

"I think one of those persons of interest is going to be the next step. The rail porter has come up twice now"

Gets the message from @Chris Fury (Desmond) , replies back that he is still piecing together information, but has one witness at this time.

10:49 AM

"Yeah, I think so. I'm going to spend the day staking out his routine, maybe he will lead me somewhere interesting."

@opscomm “You don’t wast any time! Thanks for jumping into an investigation. We’ve got a caseload that is always increasing.”

"Right, well, most of the people who work over there eat at the public cookhouse around the block from it. If he's not there, I bet someone who knows him at least is"

"Good to know." *Reaches into his bad, pulls out some generic looking street clothes, changes into them in the bunkroom, comes back out. "I'll be back. I'll let you know if anything interesting pops uP"

2:18 PM

Leave the building, heads to the cookhouse

You smell the cookhouse long before you see it. Rounding the corner, several small groups of workers loiter outside, smoking, talking, enjoying a cup of coffee before the start of the day. It is loud inside, you can hear the increase in volume as the door opens, letting people in and out. Inside must be packed.

Looks around for the rail porter

The porter matching the description is leaving, cup of warm coffee in hand

8:52 PM

he is not expecting trouble, you can tell from his body language, and hasnt noticed you

Starts following him at a distance

(sneak/dex)

(2)

9:27 PM

(I presume Marcion falls over a cart laden with cabbages or something)

(If you’re an expert you do have your re roll)

(Hes partial expert partial warrior)

The porter notices something isn’t right and turns to face you. He doesn’t run, but he does quicken his pace and heads for the market

Marcion sighs under his breath, pulls up his compad, looks for an alternate route or a vantage point

9:39 PM

(Were any of the residences he looked at in the area of this guys house?

(I don’t recall you looking at residences during this at all)

(He looked for some places to move to during the train ride to Rebirth)

None of the residences were close to the last reported address for the porter

(What about the supply station)

(Somewhat. Not super convenient since it’s all factories around it)

(Did any of them have sightlines of it at all?)

(No)

Walks using an alternate route to the supply station

The porter vanishes into the crowd at the market. The supply station is busy. Cargo from some off world expeditions is being sent down from the orbital station and workers are everywhere, ensuring it all gets inventoried and sent to the right places

Marcion looks around the factories for one with good sight lines of the supply depot

The closest is the factory belonging to kelbore tec, a tall smokestack looks down over the supply yard

(What does the company do?)

(They make vehicles for the colony mostly)

Marcion walks up to the building, walks in

There are dozens of workers busy toiling on what looks like a high speed train engine. Sparks fly everywhere as welders attach it to the rail bed of the car it’s fitted to

10:08 PM

One man stands out on a raised gantry overlooking the work. It begins to lower to the floor as he noticed you

Marcion looks up to the man, waits for him to come down

The gantry gently touches the floor before the man exits. He lifts his welding goggles, the spots under them the only part of his face that is clean.

6:44 AM

"Good morning there, did you need something?"

"Marcion Delgato, Colonial Marshals" Flashes badge "We are doing some scans of the area looking for someone and I need access to your roof if you don't mind."

"Oh, not at all officer. I'm Kelbore by the way, pleased to help in any way I can. Theres a gantry to the right over there, it shoudl take you all the way up to the roof" He unclips a keycard from a ring on his belt "This is my personal card, should open the door up there for you no problem"

Takes the card, smiles "Appreciate it. Just so you are aware I may be back a couple more times until we find this person, will you be on shift the rest of the week?"

"I'm here every day, so whatever you need. just let me know how I can help"

"Alright, I'll do that." Takes the gantry to the roof

The roof is flat, studded with vents for the heat to exchange freely with the open air. There is another metal ladder that heads up the smokestack, to a round catwalk near the lip, a few meters down from where the steam exits. It is tall and gives you a commanding view over the surrounding area (edited)

Marcion climbs up the smokestack, crouches down next to it, pulls out his binoculars (Hes got a pair of the tl4 kind) and starts looking for the rail porter and the supply depot

The supply depot complex itself is impossible to miss, and the workers are hard at task, getting supplies either stored, or pulled out (Notice/int. +2 for binoculars)

(15)

A few sweeps of the area allow you to zoom in on the rail porter, who looks to be busy stacking up a few containers full of salvage metal that has just come in. You see him dip a hand into the canteen pouch on his waist, not seeming to touch the canteen but something else inside. His hand emerges empty, he looks at it for a moment, before touching the side of the crate, and moving off to grab another

4:09 PM

Someone on the ground must have said something funny, because everyone starts laughing.

Marcion makes note of which crate he does this with

It is teal, heavily rusted, and the partial serial number A0013 is visible.

Follows the crate for the rest of the day to see where it goes (edited)

The crate is left where it is for the entire day, and one by one, the lights, all but for the security lights, at the trade depot turn off. One light remains on, over the warehouse where the 'touched' container is

(Can you record using the binoculars, like video and stuff?) (edited)

(It doesn’t say that it can that I’ve seen in the description but your compad can)

Marcion sets his compad to record through the binoculars at the crate, running a test to see if it works

It looks like as long as the compad stays up, I’ll work fine (I’ve been picturing them has basically a smartphone still)

Marcion starts recording while looking through binoculars through his compad video

A small motorized cart vehicle pulls up to the container building as you finish getting the recording set up. Three people, masks covering their faces, hold some type of scanner in front of them, and seem to find the crate

8:48 PM

they pop it open, and begin rifling through it.

Calls wind

"Wind here"

"I need you to get down here quickly but quietly. There are some masked people at the supply depot looking through a crate marked by the Rail Porter. I'm at the building across the street, I'll let you know when they come out and leave, I'll trust you to follow them without alerting them."

Ten minutes later the thieves are still digging through the boxes. “Down on the street in front” wind says “look”

"Alright, I see you. They are still digging through the boxes."

9:06 AM

Marcion looks to see if the thieves are armed

Wind is wearing a somewhat slimline suit. She winks and before your eyes she vanishes. As she phases out you have just enough time to see her draw her sword

9:07 AM

(She’s got a stealth suit)

"Fucks sake."

9:08 AM

Marcion starts heading down to support her

There is a thud and a male scream as you enter the complex. Wind has one of the thieves on his back, both arms clearly broken. The other two have her cornered, one has a pistol drawn and the other has a large pipe wrench

Marcion draws his revolver and his sword as he approaches

9:10 AM

"Evening folks, hows it going?"

“Just our for a stroll here friend. Doesn’t concern you. It’s a nice night. Hate to ruin it on you”

"Actually, it does concern us. Colonial Marshals, drop the weapons."

9:16 AM

His badge is hanging on his coat

(Initiative)

(7, alert foci gives me advantage)

(So, its you, wind, and then the thugs)

(Do the thugs look like they are about to attack us?)

(Yeah thats why we are doing inititive)

(Ok)

10:20 AM

Marcion, seeing their intent, dashes forward with his sword and tries to slash the one holding the pistol so he drops the weapon (edited)

10:21 AM

(Is there going to be a penalty for trying to hit this guy without just cutting his arm off?) (edited)

(if you're deliberatly trying not to kill him, getting him to 0 we will just say is non lethal damage)

(Ok, cools)

10:22 AM

(I'll go ahead and make my stab roll then)

(d20+ab+dex mod+stab skill lvl)

(No using strength for this roll then?) (edited)

10:24 AM

(20 to hit, 7 damage, 3 shock)

(Strength, so used to shooting weapons haha)

10:26 AM

(the 20 goes through, so itll be 7)

(21 to hit then)

The thug falls onto his back, the pistol tumbling from his hands and skittering across the ground, but he is not out of the fight yet.

10:26 AM

Wind lunges at the one with the pipe wrench, attempting to use the unique Taros-schooled martial arts she is well learned it to disarm him

10:27 AM

He does not drop it, narrowly dodging the sweeping blow, but wind manages to double him over, driving a knee into his face (2 damage)

10:28 AM

The thug with the wrench is unable to land a clean blow, and the wrench goes tumbling from his hands due to the strange angle. The knocked down thug draws a knife from a belt pouch, and lunges from the ground at Marcion

10:28 AM

but cannot connect over the great distance

10:29 AM

(back to you)

Marcion goes for another attack on him since he is still fighting, again trying to incapacitate, not kill

10:36 AM

(21 to hit again, 6 damage)

The thug is kicked back over, onto his back, out cold, as his head bounces off the paving stones

10:37 AM

Wind, with a twist, spins the other thug out into an off-balance cartwheel, a boot slamming down into his chest, winding him. He is likewise out of the fight

Marcion looks to Wind "What the hell is the matter with you? I told you to follow them once they left the building, not run in like someone with a death wish."

"I need to show you something" she says, indicating for you to come around to the back of the building

Follows her

A low profile cargo vehicle, hidden behind the high rise warehouses is idling at the edge of the complex, driver tied up to the steering wheel and gagged. He looks to have been beaten.

10:43 AM

"We don't need them. They left their destination plugged into the compad here"

Marcion looks on in disbelief "These are some dumb fucking criminals"

10:50 AM

"Lets go tie these other idiots up and see what they were after"

(This is wind and how her stealth suit looks, i didnt describe it well)

10:55 AM

"The sooner the better. I'm due to fly out to Rawhani with desmond tomorrow. i don't want to leave you at the cusp of a bigger investigation"

"Hmm, in comes the reason for the hastiness"

10:56 AM

Marcion walks back in, finds some duct tape or something, and ties up the criminals. After that, he starts investigating the box

There are pre-wrapped medical supply bundles marked for both Rebirth, and Dahab inside the crate. "Minor radioactive isotope" she says, holding a scanner to the side of the box "won't hurt you, but it'll show up on a scan. Must be how they were marking crates"

"Yup."

10:59 AM

"I'll call in some local police units, have them transport this garbage and evidence to the station. You fine to head out to their lair of doom?"

"Let's. Takes forever to get this outfit on and off. Would rather do it in one if we can" she smiles

"Works for me. I'll go ahead and drive their vehicle, you follow a ways behind."

"Alright, let's be careful, please. This....I don't like how this feels" she says, before turning to walk back to her vehicle

"Well, what would you rather do instead then?"

11:24 AM

"I want to make sure we have a plan setup for how we are going to get in there and bust these clowns."

"I want a plan as well, the fact we think the same puts me at ease" The direction on the compad show a meeting point arranged a few miles south of the city edge in that direction

Marcion quickly looks up a vantage point for the meeting place as well as surrounding terrain on his compad

The meeting place is an open field, in the center of a dense grove of trees. The forest is old growth, with the trunks of trees quite large. The ground is a perma-carpet of dried leaves and decidious connifer like needles

(Any hills or features besides the open field?)

(No, meeting spot was chosen for that reason)_

12:09 PM

(From the info you had before this case even started, you know they've been doing this for a long time)

(Ok)

12:09 PM

Looks at the map "Hmm, this is going to be a difficult situation."

12:09 PM

"I'm not sure if the two of us will be able to effectively handle this. We may need some support from the local police." (edited)

12:10 PM

"Are they trustworthy?"

"They are. Desmond is still around too. Might be time to get the Provost in on this"

"Yeah, not a bad idea. I'll give him a call"

12:16 PM

Marcion places a call into @Chris Fury (Desmond) "Hey boss, we have a situation. We found one of the meeting points for the supply thieves, but as you can see the area is pretty much impossible for Wind and I to deal with safely. Can you meet us down here with some local units to enclose these guys? Expect them to be armed and dangerous." Attaches the location and map data along with the call

@opscomm @Nekosmash Desmond is getting his gear onto the Lone Star when he gets the call. He drops everything and gets in the Marshal Mobile.

Marcion also places in a call to the local police, informing them of the situation in the supply depot and the woods area

(Desmond goes to the coordinates.)

Marcion and Wind meet Desmond there

12:21 PM

"Evening Boss"

"Evening!" Desmond says. "What do you need?"

"Right now we know there are some people waiting in those trees in a field in the center to transfer the medical supplies they were meant to steal. If we set up a perimeter using us and the local units we should be able to bag all these guys without losing any evidence."

"All right," Desmond says. "You tell us when to drop the hammer on them we'll do it. Good Operation getting this surveillance set up with the Intel you gathered."

He nods "Had good help from Wind here." Looks to Wind "You take the north side, I'll take the south, see if we can identify what kind of weaponry we might be dealing with." Looks back to Desmond "Let's get a team on the east and west side, they can press in slowly a minute or two behind Wind and I."

"Sure, I can get on the east."

"Right, lets get moving" Marcion moves to the southern side of the grove, slowly and quietly starts making his way toward the center. Once he can see the center through gaps in the trees he will pull out his binoculars and see what he can see

In the grove, a brown and gray painted cargo truck sits, lights off. Six figures sit idly around it. A seventh is almost invisible, hidden high up in a tree next to the truck. He takes a drag on a cigarette, giving away his position

1:08 PM

They appear lightly armed.

Marcion relays their position to the rest of the teams

1:16 PM

Marcion lets everyone know to get into a firing position, instructing them to fire on the truck wheels if they try to drive away, then swaps his compad to some kind of bull-horn like mode, saying "This is the Colonial Marshals, we have your position surrounded. Lay down your weapons, you are under arrest." (edited)

Two of the figures react at the sound of the arrest order, one pulls the pin on a smoke grenade and there is a brief spark as it begins to burn. You notice in that moment the figures aren’t human, but Taros

1:19 PM

The smoke rapidly expands to obscure their position

As soon as they started to pull out a grenade, Marcion would have communicated for them to shoot out the truck tires and engine

(Lets do Initiative then)

(8)

(4)

(Please roll for me since I am at the gym and have to go to the store. Can’t do Roll20 on the phone)

(2 for Desmond )

1:24 PM

(Marcion, wind, thugs, Desmond)

1:24 PM

Thugs are 40m from your positions

(Do the cops go on Desmonds turn?)

(End of the round)

(Can Marcion see the truck at all still?)

(It’s heavily obscured)

Marcion goes ahead and moves forward 15m and takes a shot at where he believes the truck to be

1:40 PM

(What kind of roll am I making?)

(still an attack roll , truck AC is 10, but some of the damage is going to be absorbed by its armor since your revolver is not a heavy weapon)

kk

1:53 PM

(12 to hit for 6 dmg)

There is a spark in the smoke, were the shot connects with the body of the truck. There is a hiss as something inside was hit. Wind engages her stealth suit, moving foward in a vanishing haze "I'll get that long gun out of the tree"

1:55 PM

(she's going to double move with her move and main action, so Desmond is next, no rush desmond its the holidays i know people are busy)

Desmond aims at the wheels with the Mag Rifle. For a brief second his mind flashes back to the Battle of Rawhani with the bodies spinning in space and then the Pirate Ship with the blood pouring out of his body.

2:01 PM

(Please roll for me!)

Desmonds enchanced eyes switch to thermal, and he is able to see the truck and figures hiding in the darkness and smoke easily. He fires a single shot (20 hit/13 damage) and the engine of the truck blows out spectacularly

The police cordon begins moving in, slowly, as to not break formation. Thus far you've not actually been fired upon from the figures in the mist so they do not open fire (thugs held their turn, waiting to see what you'd do, so they're going to go now)

2:12 PM

That calm is broken, when the sniper up in the tree fires (execution attack, 10 vs 8. success) (edited)

2:12 PM

One of the officers falls, his chest blown out by a high density round

2:13 PM

The Taros figures near the vehicle are intent on running, heading toward the south end of the clearing, trying to escape into the underbrush (Marcion is next, round 2)

(Family just got here, i may be slow)

(Also still decorating the house and stuff) (edited)

(Yeah i know its going to be slow over the following days. I never mind waiting on you guys, I just dont want you waiting on me)

(No problem!)

Marcion takes another shot at the truck, then moves around to his right 10m

3:56 PM

(9 to hit, so it bounces off I think)

(Yeah)

(When it is Desmond's Turn he will use Authority Level 2: Those who follow you are fired with confidence. Any NPC being directly led by you gains a Morale and hit roll bonus equal to your Lead skill and a +1 bonus on all skill checks. Your followers will not act against your interests unless under extreme pressure. Desmond has Lead 1)

4:12 PM

(and fire if he can)

Wind moves to the base of the tree, throwing a shuriken and knocking the sniper out of it, he is dead before he hits the ground

7:11 PM

The taros thugs continue running toward Marcion. One fires a pistol as they are about to run past

7:12 PM

the shot is poorly aimed, and misses

7:13 PM

The southern police cordon moves in, firing flop riffles, dropping three of the figures. Desmond uses his authority to get them to redouble their efforts

7:13 PM

(Marcion is up)

"Sniper down," Desmond says over his Comm. "Good work Wind. Watch out Marcion, Got a group of them moving your way! Police, Hit them with the Flop Rifles!" (edited)

(Wouldn't it take an action to draw the flop rifle?)

(Desmond was talking to the Police. You do you! I'll edit it.)

(Oh, nvm)

7:40 PM

Marcion moves forward, draws his sword using his armsman expertise, attacks one of the thugs with it

7:40 PM

(10 to hit, 7 damage, 4 shock if their AC is 13 or less)

(the police were advancing with weapons drawn. The flop guns are 2 handed, hard to holster)

7:43 PM

one of them falls, (lethal damage?)

(no)

He groans, but does not rise out of the loamy ground. Wind expertly dispatches one, forced to kill him when he lunges at her with a monoknife

7:58 PM

The others run past you, now 20m away, about to run through the police cordon

7:58 PM

(Desmond is next)

(Do any have weapons out?)

(Yes, all are armed but their choices right now are run or shoot, so theyre choosing run)

Desmond looks at the dead police officer, sees them running at the other officers with their weapons drawn. He takes a breath lifts his Mag rifle to his shoulder and fires.

8:59 PM

(20+4 24 to hit)

9:00 PM

(14 Damage)

One of the thugs collapses, their head lolling off on a broken necked body, before collapsing

9:07 PM

The rest of the thugs surrender, faced with a wall of flop rifles

Marcion grabs the one he incapacitated, puts some duct tape around his wrists, drags him to the rest of them "Could have just done that earlier, but no, you idiots had to cost yourselves at least two men and us one in a pointless struggle. Bastards."

9:09 PM

"So, which one of you chucklefucks is the leader?"

"I...I am, the one you knocked over says, voice raw

Desmond checks on Wind and then walks over to the downed Officer.

"Right" Starts recording on his compad "What's your name and where are you from?"

The downed officer is very dead, the shot meant to be a clean execution, and it was. "Quinndle" he says, still on his back. "I'm from Egons"

"Where were you sending the stolen goods to, and whom? (edited)

Desmond gets the name and rank of the officer and gives it to Wind. “This is for Delgado’s Report.”

"The goods go to black market in Egons. Only sell to distributor, not sure where they go after"

"Who were your contacts in the Supply depot here?"

"Has a scar..works as a porter. never knew his name!"

"The one who marked the boxes using an isotope?"

He nods his affirmation

"Ok. Back to the distributor, this person must have a name, a meeting place, something to go on?"

"In Egons, compound near the airport. Go to same place every time. Never met him directly, just deal with his aide"

"Well, thanks for being so cooperative after you idiots got three people killed for no reason." Looks to the police sergeant with them "Sergeant! Can your boys take care of cleaning this place up? I've got one more loose end to deal with." *Walks over to @Chris Fury (Desmond) * "I'm going to go head to the rail porter's home and take him into custody too. I'll write up my report and have it for you by tomorrow afternoon. We should look into this black market in Egons, I doubt they will simply give up this certainly lucrative supply of goods without resistance."

(6xp, 10,000 credits for you both. The egons investigation can be Marcion's next mission. Desmond i know youre off to rawhani, now with Noran)

(My thinking was talking to the porter is going to more specifically direct Marcion to egons, and once there, probably going to stick it out until the end, so this seemed like a good place to end, release demond, and let marcion level)

(works for me)

(you just got a couple lvls from this, so going there being a bit beefier is certainly not a bad thing for you) (edited)

yup

10:32 PM

(Just tripled my hp, so thats good)

(for sure)

10:35 PM

(gettin swol. Hopefully that was alright for you. I know it wasnt exactly what you had laid out with desmond but I just couldnt connect all the dots in a way that made sense)

(I thought it was fun as hell dude)

(Awesome!)

(We would have access to TL4 weapons to buy right?) (edited)

(yes)

(Totally not buying a gravcycle)

10:39 PM

(Hovercycle, anyway)

(Hovercycles are 5k, so not too terrible compared to the money you just got)

(Might get a drone too)

“That is a hell of a first case Delgado ” Desmond says. “You uncovered a major Black Market Operation and and stopped a smuggling chain. Looks like you’re on the trail to something even bigger.”

5:26 AM

“Wind,” Desmond says. “You partnered up with a case closer! Let’s hope we keep the momentum going to Rahwani.”

5:28 AM

Desmond will offer his condolences to the other Police Officers ask to be informed when the funeral is scheduled and leave.

The service will be held until your return.

While Marcion ponders his next move,. there is a knock on his office door

"Come in"

There is no answer, but the sound of sleighbells quietly receeding

Marcion gets up from his desk, where he had been doing some quick preparation before going after the rail porter, grabs his things, opens the door and looks outside with confusion. Ace cocks his head at the sleighbells from his bed in Marcion's office

to: Marcion From: Santa

"The fuck"

1:09 PM

Marcion picks up the package and takes it over to his desk to open it. Ace comes over and starts to sniff the box "I dunno what this is buddy. Who the hell is Santa?"

1:09 PM

(I'm just assuming Santa has faded from existence on the world marcion came from or something)

(Fair, hahaha)

1:12 PM

Inside the box there is a beautiful Fiat-Lux revolver. The furnature is a rich mahogony, carved to feel comfortable in your grip. The body is a burnished silver steel, inlaid with carvings of civilians huddling for protection behind brave martials, holding back aliens, criminals, and what looks to be the void itself with riot shield and baton

1:13 PM

(It is +2 attack bonus, and +2 damage as well)

He holds it up, looks out the window confused, shrugs, replaces his older revolver with the new one

He then pats Ace on the head and leaves his office, heading towards the rail porter's house

1:34 PM

(What's this guys name again?)

(Also, I imagine Marcion would easily have gotten a warrant for his arrest) (edited)

(You just knew him as one of the rail porters, there is a warrant now, and his name is Joveo)

Marcion gets some backup from the local police and meets them at his house

2:05 PM

(What does his house look like?)

The colony living blocks have recently been converted from spawling bi level homes into spacious apartment complexes. He lives on the ground floor of one of the brand new blocks, apartment 1G

Marcion positions two police in front and two in back, goes up to the door and knocks "Mr. Joveo, Colonial Marshals, we have a warrant for your arrest."

The door remains shut but you hear something heavy fall on the other side

Marcion signals the officers to be on the lookout for him running, draws his revolver and monoblade, and tries to kick the door down

)exert/str(

(13)

The door caves in under one of your boot strikes, sailing backwards into the apartment, and crashing against the far wall

Marcion rushes through the door, clearing each room carefully looking for the target

The porter is huddled in a back bedroom, in a corner. The window has been cracked but he looks like he was unable to kick through the tough glass in time

Marcion relays his position to the other officers "Evening scumbag, how nice of you to not make me run after you! Up against the wall, hands up."

He complies, very slowly.

Marcion pulls out handcuffs, waiting for the police officers to reach the room before moving to cuff him

9:54 AM

"You are going to spend a nice length of time in a hole behind bars soon"

One enters the room, covering him with their weapon so you can cuff

Marcion finishes cuffing him and says "Your Taros friends ratted you and your employer out. We are going to have a nice long talk once we get back to the station." He drags him out of the house and takes him to the Marshal Station

Locked in a cell next to the quartermaster, but separated, your new scumbag slumps against the back bars, head held slack

After a few hours of paperwork, Marcion gets some sleep. The next morning he wakes up the new scumbag by rapping against the bars with his baton "Morning jackass" He unlocks the doors and drags him to the interview room, setting up the recorder in the process

The porter looks pale, and his eyes are puffy. He looks to have been in tears recently.

"Right, this is Marcion Delgato, Colonial Marshals. Today is (Insert Date). Interviewing suspect concerning thefts of supplies from Greenbriar Supply Depot. State your name for the record please."

Joveo corneas. Supply rating 2. Greenbriar trade depot”

"And what was your primary responsibility in this position?"

“Loading crates and unloading them depending on if ships are coming in or going elsewhere”

"Were you working for the black market thieves before or after you started working at the trade depot?" (edited)

"After. They offered me a bit more money to just paint the crates with that weird stuff"

(Do I believe him?)

(Know/wis if you want to try to see if anything’s fishy, not saying it is)

(3)

Nothing he's saying sounds incorrect or like a lie

"Who is the black market merchant in Egons you are working with?"

"Isabeline De Cruces, she's one of the minor nobles in the city. I've only met her twice, usually I deal with her majordomo

7:02 PM

I'm sure you've heard the entire city is in chaos"

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me before I conclude this interview?"

“Drop point is outside the city. There’s a rest stop on the side of the road. Nobody uses it anymore. Nobody but my contact”

"Describe your contact."

“Short, red haired, red stubble, green eyes. He’s got an old burn scar on his right hand. Kind of looks like lizard skin now”

"Alright. I'm going to be charging you with multiple counts of fraud and as an accessory to theft of government property." (edited)

5:26 AM

Takes him back to his cell

The heavy door shuts as you leave the porter in his cell.

Marcion walks back to his office and sits down with a sigh, petting Ace as he comes over. "Long day buddy, lets get some sleep" He and Ace sleep for the night. In the morning Marcion starts doing research on Egons, specifically recent news while also searching for a name to go with the porter's contact.

The marshal records dont have much on the Taros. They're effectively still another country even with the unity vote passing. Efforts are just now being made to begin to tie things together- but the porter did give you the location of where they normally meet. Egons itself was once ruled by the wealthiest family, indeed the city itself was named for the Magister Egons family. The Magister himself was assassinated last month on his way to the Taros unity vote, and with no clear line of succession, the wealthy families, civic defense forces, and other interested parties have fractured the city.

Marcion leans back in his chair, does some quick research on groundcars, ventures out to a seller and buys a wheeled SUV looking thing

7:38 PM

He also goes out and buys a drone for surveillance uses.

7:39 PM

(Ill let you know what all modifications these have in a bit, not at my pc. Ive also been sick the past few days)

(Yeah so we can get a cost)

(I'll look it up once I have some energy)

(So, hes getting a groundcar which is 5000, plus a ghoststalker drone for 3000, with an observation suite for 250 and stationkeeping for 1000) (edited)

9:56 PM

(so 9250 all together)

(Great. Hope you’re feeling better man)

1:19 PM

It’s about half the day for the purchases to be made and the right paperwork completed but by the end, you’re equipped for your assignment. Wind has stayed behind after all, as others have accompanied Desmond to rawhani in her place

Notices Wind at her desk as he walks by "I thought you were going with Desmond?"

“He got melora to go with him. A psionic was a bit more useful given the circumstances”

"If you say so. I'm going to be heading out to Egons soon, want to come with?"

“Yes. It’s quite a mess down there”

8:04 AM

“We taking your car?”

"Sure. Drone is in the back, let's go."

9:54 AM

Marcion makes sure someone will be around to feed Ace, then heads out to his car and drives to a kilometer and a half from the meeting spot before turning offroad

Colonial police are still pouring over the area, collecting evidence. You can see a flatbed truck with the remains of the cargo vehicle on the back. In daylight its easier to appreciate the damage you did to its front end

(I was meaning to go to the rest stop on the road to Egons)

7:44 PM

After pulling off the road, Marcion pulls out his drone, sets it up, and starts surveilling the rest stop, looking for the rail porter's contact

The trip is a couple days cross country. During the time you and wind get to know each other a little better. Wind used to be a warrior for hire, part of a sisterhood called the daughters of the lotus. The order is gone now, no longer needed to keep the peace in the taros city of Atrovia, and as a result she’s found herself in other employment. She treasures her stealth suit and weapons above anything, all that reminds her of her previous life. At the rest stop, it is dark when you pull closeby. The drone heads skywards, slowly

7:20 AM

(Notice int)

(8)

A small group of figures is making their way tthrough the surrounding grassland, toward the meeting point. They are moving low, and slow, off the road. If you were't observing from the air, they'd be almost invisible

Marcion shows their positions to Wind and sets the drone up in a stationary position above the meeting point

(So the plan is you want them to actually get close/come in, right?)

(Yup, both Wind and Marcion specialize in melee fighting I think)

(yep!)

8:35 AM

The figures approach the outside of the building. One shines a flashlight inside, but the glass is so dirty it becomes pretty evident they have missed noticing anyone inside

8:36 AM

A key rattles in the lock, and the door slowly slides open

(So we are hiding inside the rest stop?)

(That's what I thought was going on, that's why I asked)

(Works for me)

8:39 AM

Marcion had Wind engage her stealth suit and stand behind the door as it swings open, while he sat in an old rocking chair with his revolver out pointed at the doorway

8:40 AM

As soon as they turn on the lights, Marcion stands up, draws his monoblade, and clears his throat to say "Evening jackasses, how's it going?" (edited)

"It

8:47 AM

s a raid!" one of the figures yells (you two get a surprise round)

Marcion goes for an attack with his monoblade at the one closest to him

8:49 AM

(Assume if he can, hes always going to go for non-lethal attacks)

(I'll just assume you are until you tell me you're not, sound good?)

(13 to hit, 7 dmg)

8:50 AM

(works for me)

(They'll take the shock damage)

(its only against AC 13 or less)

8:50 AM

(Would there be any bonuses for it being surprise?)\

(Getting a free turn in combat is the bonus)

(ok)

An energy field flares for a brief second, stopping some of the blow, but it scrapes a small path long the target's arm. He recoils and hisses in pain. Wind steps around from her position on the side of the door, a long bolo staff extending from her hands, she drives the butt of it into the figures stomach, knocking the ones in the doorway down. The fight spills outside, four thugs knocked down in a pile. Two holding powercell using lanterns are a bit back from the group, 5m away from the pileup

8:52 AM

(now we do initiative)

(6 initiative)

(You, wind, thugs)

Marcion goes for an attack against the same thug

8:54 AM

(19 to hit, 6 damage)

The thug tries to rise, but Marcion is on him, and knocks him out with a powerful blow

9:13 AM

Wind spins the staff, klocking another for 4 damage as the breath is knocked out of him

9:13 AM

The lantern thugs each draw pistols from their bands, firing with their off hands

9:14 AM

Protected by the dark, and the doorway, the shots miss

9:14 AM

The other two thugs not knocked out begin to rise (their action is to get up)

9:14 AM

(so back to you)

Marcion sees the thugs with the pistols and goes after one of them

9:15 AM

(13 to hit, 5 dmg, 4 shock damage)

Marcion expertly steps over the pile of thugs still working to untangle themselves, though two are knocked out. He flies at one of the pistol wielders, knocking him aside for 4 damage. The weapon goes skittering across the broken parking lot

9:16 AM

Wind is dueling with both of the thugs who managed to work their way out of the pile, aiming a swing at each

9:17 AM

The one she'd already hit, moving slower and more clumsily thanks to a blow to the head, misses a spinning staff thrust and is put on his back for good

9:17 AM

The remainder of the group, now numbering 2 and clearly the inferior fighters, surrenders

Marcion duct tapes their hands and feet before setting them all up in a line in front of a wall

9:22 AM

"Nice work as always Wind." Sets up his compad to record "Now, who wants to talk? My friend and I are both quite tired of more threads we have to unravel to get to the bottom of your little ring. It's exhausting, frankly, so the first one to tell us what we want gets to sit in the nice comfy chair there while we beat the rest of you to take out some frustrations." (edited)

9:22 AM

(Id like to roll a talk check using strength if possible)

9:23 AM

(Cause we just kicked all these guys asses)

(It's going to be charisma but you'll get a +2 for the whoopin)

(ok)

10:04 AM

(8)

Most of the thugs are knocked out, but one of the pistol wielders coughs and pushes himself up on his elbows "Call...Call off your dogs....i'll talk"

10:05 AM

he spits up a mouthful of blood, getting most of it on the front of his coveralls

Marcion kneels in front of him "Well, then talk scum"

"What do you want to know?"

"I want to know everything. Who is your boss, where does he live, where are the stolen supplies kept, who buys them, everything."

(You knew whos buying them already, but they'll confirm) "The De Cruces family is our employer, family manor inside the city, dug in real good. Household militia, other powerful friends...Everything run out of manor home, servants quarter is the medical ward, most of it goes there. Not selling, just using for ourselves"

"Who are the powerful friends?"

"Talking to other houses about an alliance, but nothing happened yet when we left"

10:26 AM

(The city is basically fractured among 10-12 different groups, all fighting for control of it, and experiencing various degrees of unsuccessfulness)

Marcion nods "Well, I appreciate your honesty. You all are being charged with theft, resisting arrest and assaulting officers of the law. Go ahead and call some transport partner, ill watch these idiots."

It takes two hours, but a transport plane full of colonial police arrives, setting down on special skids for the rough terrain.

10:49 AM

"Well done Marshal" the police sergeant offers a handshake "I was hoping you'd get these guys. It'll make a difference to officer Vorti's family, he didn't make it"

"I'm sorry about that. We know who we are going after next though, so we will need to do some scouting and planning. Do we have any assets in or around Egons?" (edited)

"Seung Whittaker is inside the city now, trying to see who is who. Might be a good idea to send him a message and see what hes in the middle of right now. He might be able to get you in"

10:56 AM

(He's another PC, I think you've only met desmond thus far)

"Right, thanks again guys"

11:11 AM

Marcion sends a message to @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) asking him to call him when he is available, sending his identification information

As Seung speaks with those around the table he sends a short message. “This is Seung I’m currently speaking with several leaders vying for Egons. Who is this and what do you need.”

Marcion replies "Marcion Delgato, Colonial Marshals. I was told you were an asset Greenbriar has in Egons. I need to speak to you about one of the houses, the De Cruces, they have been involved in a large scale theft ring of Colonial supplies." (edited)

(I assume if the suit mech is as tall as it is seung has enough room to read and reply to messages locking the armor.) “I just got into Egons, but I suppose I could look into it if you want to give me any info. I might be about to wage a small scale war against most factions of the city so we’ll see where it falls.”

(Yeah i kind if pictured it like upscale power armor)

"Alright, just let me know what information you find. I'd rather bring these people to justice in prison if possible, but I doubt that will happen given the situation in Egons."

“I’ll see what I find if I get a chance. You may find your best info coming here yourself, but I doubt it’ll be a good plan.”

"We will see what happens."

The call ends.

9:33 AM

Wind looks at you, also having listened in "So, keeping the same plan then?"

"Meaning?"

"I'm wondering how we are going to go about getting inside, with the city already in that condition."

"I think our best option is just to wait and watch them. There has to be a way into the city that is quiet."

"With no centralized authority, I can believe that pretty easily. I'll try to find us an overwatch position so we can figure out how to get in

"Sounds good, I'll drive us closer to the town first."

11:09 AM

Marcion drives them to within 5 km of Egons using backroads, parking the truck behind some bushes and trees

11:10 AM

"Let me know when you find a good spot, I'll meet you there. Use the drone if you need it."

Wind pulls the vehicle into a spot that conceals it, and begins prepping the drone for launch

The drone goes up, and a feed to the city begins coming in. There seems to be some large pockets of calm, but an intense battle has just concluded around the main airport area

"Shit, this place is a dumpster fire."

"Looks like the guard towers watching that section of city were all razed. We might be able to get in there"

"Yeah, sounds like a good first step, question is what do we do when we get in there?"

"Well, we know the De Cruces are our end point for the smuggling ring we broke up. I don't think we are going to have success with trying to charge a foreign nobleman according to our laws, but if we can get rid of his underlings, or make it hard for them to move their supplies around, we might be able to get them to drop the matter, and look elsewhere than our colony "

"I really do not understand what the point of the unification was, it didn't change anything."

“It did in some places. Golgis came to the table pretty soon after, their markets are opening. Canninhold and Vapormills have become even stronger allies due to this, and when Atrovia gets in its feet again it will be a valuable partner too. A lot of my brothers and sisters in arms died to give them that future”

4:14 PM

She looks a bit sad, her features cast into a harsh relief by the blue light of the screen

"Peace and prosperity sometimes requires a sacrifice of blood to preserve it. The 15 years I spent running SWAT taught me that. Been so long I've forgotten some of the faces of friends I lost."

"Its gratifying to hear you say so, the fact that our two species have undergone something similar, its comforting in a way" she quickly snaps back to business. "Alright, so that breach looks good. The last 200m is all open ground. We may take some incoming fire if anyone is watching. What do you think?

"There is no cover at all?"

"not for those last 200m. It makes sense, it would have prevented the wall sentries from seeing whats approaching the city"

"Hmm, we wait until nighttime then obviously, then just take our chances."

8:54 AM

"How many guards on the wall either side of the breech?"

"I don't see anyone right now, here, see if you can make anything out" (notice/int)

(12, 14 if you let him do binocular stuff)

(14 is fine)

There is a sniper team, of two individuals, looking down over the open approach to the city, but no others are detected.

"Sniper team, in that window" Hands Wind the binoculars and points them out

She presses a couple buttons and their location is highlighted on your map.

10:33 AM

"Looks like its just the two of them. The ballistic glass should be able to take the hit, assuming they connect with us even"

(Ballistic glass?)

(bulletproof glass, but rated for larger guns being shot at it)

(I don't think my truck has any bulletproof glass)

10:37 AM

(Nvm, it has 6 armor)

10:37 AM

(I'm dumb)

10:38 AM

"One would hope, pretty difficult to be stealthy in that truck though"

(Yeah, and a sniper is not a heavy weapon, so if they do hit you, most or all of the damage is getting absorbed)

"How long of a distance can you move with that stealth suit?"

"It can keep me concealed for a few hours, but once the poweri is on, it stays on until the cell runs out"

"Hmm, so using it to take out those two guards seems a bit of a waste."

"It will help us get in without notice, but if we want to keep the advantage we will need to move quick once inside. If we are efficient we can make it work"

"The only issue is we cannot take on a heavily armed house full of goons on our own, and even if we find the person in charge, there isn't anything we can do to them. Our best option is just surveillance once we get into the city."

“I agree. Which brings us back to how should we deal with the snipers?”

"It's your suit, if you want to do stealth go for it. If not, I think our best option is to cross further down the wall and keep in their blind spot below them."

"I'll ride in back, just in case, but I agree, can't hurt our chances anyway"

Two explosions, 1500m to the west of the position you're looking over, followed by a third a second later, rock the entire city, and you see the dark clouds of smoke. Wind rolls down the window, and you hear the unmistakable sound of small arms fire- and lots of it.

Marcion looks at the snipers to see what they do

They are hurridely packing up, and you see they've even left their spotter scope behind

"Right, let's go then" Marcion starts the truck and guns it "Check with the drone, see where those explosions came from"

11:34 AM

He also messages @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) "I don't know whether those explosions are from you or not, but we are on our way into the city to the De Cruces place, please don't shoot the green truck with the star on the hood."

The drone lags a bit behind the truck, and you cross the open distance to the wall quickly, the pedal almost to the floor. The vehicle rooster fans mud behind it. The drone levels off over a warehouse, and you see three artillery pieces up in flames, and a brutal battle occuring in the trenches before it, though it seems like the city defense forces now have the upper hand- supported by two helicopter gunships. There is also a flying suit mech, its pilot wielding a rocket launcher

Marcion moves through the streets at high speed until he reaches the battlefield

11:50 AM

(I'll join the task force chat when you think its appropriate)

(Lets go ahead and do that now, you'll be coming into the battle area now, since a turn just passed there, and seung has a moment to act, that way he can link up with you if he wants- opportunity is there at least)

(yay level 4)

1:01 PM

Marcion walks back to his truck, hand the captain off to loyalist medics, grabs his drone and starts surveying the surrounding area for large concentrations of De Cruces forces.

with the exception of the final gun emplacement, which you know Seung is about to handle, there is another strong pocket to the east, around a fortified water pumping station.

Marcion finds Wind "I think we may have found the De Cruces stronghold. There is a strong concentration to the east at what looks like a water pumping station."

Wind climbs the side of a building, not stealth but doing what she can to stick to the shadows. One handed, she holds on while looking through a scope. "Yeah...I see them. Looks like six by the gate, another 20 or 30 inside. That personnel carrier by the main office block looks like it might be a problem"

"How armored does it look?"

"It'll stop small arms, but an explosive of some kind could do it. Let's see if those conscripts left us anything to use"

"I picked up that machine gun, will it do? If not we can always use it to suppress the building or something."

She slides down, using a gutter as a rudimentary pole, and lands gracefully. "Very good, lets' take a look" She opens the trunk of the marshal vehicle, and looks over it.

2:07 PM

"This will do"

"I can draw them to this side of the building and demolish the APC if you want to use your stealth to get inside and see if you can find their leader or some kind of information."

"Better idea than anything I had in mind. I'd advise a high firing position, the armor is thinner on the roof, you'll have an easier time penetrating"

"Was planning on just that idea. We will likely have to get closer, I'll start looking for a decent vantage point." Marcion goes back to the drone and starts looking for a building overlooking the front of the water pumping station

There is a crumbling apartment building overlooking it. It's back (side facing you) has been blown out, but the front looks to still be in decent repair

Marcion points it out "I'll be in one of the rooms in that building. Let me know when to light the place up,"

6:51 PM

(How much ammo would you say marcion could have gotten for the machine gun?)

(I'd say enough for the combat we're about to get into, probably not more than that, but if you keep the gun, ammunition is plentiful in Central) (edited)

(Ok, hes probably gonna get it mounted to his truck or something, or he might get a better car) (edited)

Wind's outline shimmers and fades into the background, mirroring the building behind her. Your last glimpse is her drawing her sword. Machine gun strapped to your back, trailing ammo belts, Marcion vaults the crumbling apartment complex

Marcion finds a room with a table, sets up the machine gun with a full view of the pump station, but somewhat into the room. Once he is ready he waits for Wind's signal to open up

Reflecting sunlight on her sword blade there is a brief flash, and then another, the signal is given

9:33 PM

(You’ll have a surprise round and then we will do initiative)

Marcion opens up on the APC

9:38 PM

(10/9)

(Hits, vehicle AC is 10 at beyond 30m, auto hitting closeR)

7:04 AM

The large bore rounds punch through the thin skinned armored carrier, and you hear the sounds of wounded inside. The vehicle lurches forward, its turret cranking up to bracket the building

7:05 AM

It fires, annihilating the floor below you in a torrent of shells (it doesn't know where you are exactly, back to you) (edited)

Marcion opens up on the APC again, this time trying to knock out the turret (12/9)

The turret ring takes several hits, and there is a grinding sound as it struggles to complete its rotation. It fires at your floor, before the gun jams (so it shot but it can't shoot again if the gunner doesnt make a fix roll)

(18/6) The high velocity rounds pulverize the walls and floor, spraying stone shrapnel everywhere in the confined space (Marcion)

(So marcion takes the 6 damage?)

(Yeah)

11:12 AM

(Beats your AC)

Marcion winces at being hit by the spray, he again returns fire

11:14 AM

(19/10)

11:15 AM

After he fires, Marcion grabs the machine gun and leaves the room, heading down the hall

There is a crunch of metal on metal as the rounds sever the track links. The vehicle grinds to a halt (so immobilized, and weapon destroyed)

Marcion finds another perch down the hall, begins raining down suppressing fire on the building

(they failed the evasion save, so just roll damage)

(He's not trying to hit anybody, but at the same time he's not really the best shot with this thing)

11:53 AM

(7 damage, so halved to 3 right?)

(full 7 , since they failed)

(ok)

(suppression is an actual mechanic so thats why I honed in on it)

(Yeah, i misread it)

11:55 AM

(When I was looking up the HMG stats)

The crew, bailing out of their broken vehicle, are forced to dive back in as the suppression fire sparks off the hull. One of them is struck and collapses in a pool of blood, by the side service door.

12:33 PM

(They're in initiative but their checks have not worked, so its you again)

Marcion proceeds to continue firing in their direction, occasionally hitting the hull, but at this point more trying to draw guards out of the building

Several guards exit the water pump building, looking to flush out the machine gun nest that disabled their transport. They begin fanning out to search the surrounding buildings,

1:24 PM

the front door opens, though no one is there- wind is making her way inside-

Marcion sees that, grabs the HMG, starts climbing out of the building

(exert/con)

3:19 PM

(success is you getting out before one of the search parties cuts you off)

(10)

Marcion makes it out the back door seconds before the search team entered the front. All they find is a door gently closing , and by then you’re long gone

Marcion heads back to his truck and waits for the invisible Wind to get in

Five minutes go by before the passenger door opens on its own accord.

5:29 PM

“Hey there” wind says. You can’t see her still but feel the truck sink a bit under the weight of her suit

"Find anything interesting?"

“Information. I’ve got the codes for the manor house defense system”

"Not bad, so where is this place?"

“Seungs suit locator is nearby it. I can hone in on that. It’s about ten minutes to our north”

9:08 PM

“Impressive work on that carrier by the way”

"It was luck. Never used one before, not like that."

Wind puts the car into gear and begins pulling away. At the end of the street, looking behind you, the ruined building begins toppling over, spilling rubble and dust everywhere

"Yet another casualty of war I suppose."

8:50 AM

"Let's head over to a building near their hideout. What kind of cell does your suit take?"

"One of your Type B's should do it."

"Sadly I don't think I have one of those on me."

"I'll message Seung that we have codes for their building defenses."

11:23 AM

Marcion messages @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) "Have codes for De Cruces defense system, in case you are interested." (edited)

(need to see how his thing resolves before we push on)

(Yup)

guards outside, on the lawn, begin to mobilize as you drive up to the compound, but they're heading into the house not away from it toward you

12:41 PM

Many are shouting. A PE drill ends, and those soldiers, still grimy from training, grab their weapons and behind sprinting toward the manor

"What the fuck is going on here."

Seung and some type of Taros half android bodyguard tumble out of a window, and you see her raise some kind of heat-glowing dagger over him

Marcion grabs the HMG, smashes out the front window, proceeds to start firing at the Bodyguard

2:39 PM

(15/14)

2:40 PM

(I really should get him some shoot next level) (edited)

(hahah) lets hop into his channel, since you shooting from a distance is entering his combat, but this result will be kept)

2:41 PM

(I just want to keep it all in one spot so we can keep track of whos doing what when

2:41 PM

)

(Yup)

After Seung exits the vehicle, Marcion drives off towards the hole in the wall they drove in through. "Fucking asshole." He comments, smacking the dashboard.

"Not worth getting upset over" wind says, her suit finally running out of power. "The job is done, the city is on its way to re-asserting some kind of control"

"I don't like people telling my how to do my job."

"I killed the last person who told me how to do mine, so I don''t blame you"

(Picked up shocking assault at level 5, so shock damage always hits now)

(AWesome!)

Marcion puts a call through to @Chris Fury (Desmond) "We are on our way back from Egons, the leader of the smuggling ring was killed by Seung Whitaker from Task Force Phoenix. Presumably that spells the end for the ring." (edited)

(you get 3 bonus xp for completing the personal goal to stop the ring, as well)

Desmond smiles as he sees Marcion closing another case. “Solid work Marcion. The Marshals just purchased a fast

speed Shuttle for a larger Operational footprint. Please pass that onto Wind.”

Marcion passes the information onto Wind

It’s a long drive back to central but as you leave taros lands you hear a truce has been declared in Egons. At least some good came out of the assignment (edited)

Marcion hears the news broadcast and starts motoring for central even faster.

You arrive in central that evening, picked up by the Lone Star after Nancy drops off desmond (you can drive into its cargo bay)

Marcion drives up the the Marshal HQ, turns off the truck "Well Wind, appreciate the help again. Here's hoping next assignment is one with less bullets involved."

“Me too. I’m tired of being shot at”

"Well, I'll see you around then." He gets out of the truck and goes into the Marshal building, then immediately goes out the back to find Ace, who comes running up to him and tackles him. Marcion laughs. "I'm happy to see you too boy, cmon."

1:41 PM

He walks into his office with Ace following him. Marcion sits down in his chair while Ace lays down on his bed next to the chair. Marcion messages @Chris Fury (Desmond) "If there is anything you need to talk about that's pressing I just got back to my office."

"Well we've gone from Greenbriar to Empire," Desmond says. "You've joined at a busy time. I'm concerned that the politics of the frontier are now the politics of competing powers. But that is out of our control. It looks like you and Wind are getting to be quite an effective team."

"Yup, she's a reliable partner, I enjoy working with her. Hopefully next assignment will be a bit less deadly."

"How did the mission go? Any concerns?"

"Got a few nicks, nothing major. I'm not a fan of how some of the other Greenbriar people do business though."

“What do you mean?” Desmond cocks his head to the side “Something went sideways?”

"Seung killed the leader of the De Cruces in his own house while parlaying. Just, straight up executed him. I had planned to bring him in and throw him in prison. Mission was a failure."

“Well,” Desmond says. “We are a frontier colony with frontier justice that is trying to graduate to something more civilized. The Judge just convicted Malak for crimes that some may consider collateral damage. Being a Marshal means you bring Justice where the Law can’t reach but sometimes your reach exceeds your grasp. You’re doing good work, sorry the operation didn’t go the way you wanted.”

"I know, I just hoped this place would be better after everything that's happened."

“It is better,” Desmond says. “You Arimoto, Wind, Melora and many others are making it better. I try and follow old Marcus Aurelius when he wrote ‘The best revenge is to not be like your enemy’.” (edited)

"I guess. I'm going to take a day or two off and finally get settled in here, still don't have an apartment or anything."

“Okay,” Desmond says. “I’m going off world to deliver arms to an ally against the Remnant. Take care!”

4:59 AM

Desmond leaves thinking about Marcion’s last mission. He’s glad Marcion joined the Marshals. With the way things are heating up the UNW needs all the good people it can get.

Back from a mission to Egons, Marcion begins the process of finally setting down- making the move to Central

Marcion starts looking for homes in Central along with reputable weapons and drone dealers

Pops in the workshop is considered the foremost weaponwright in the colony, and he already enjoys a friendly working relationship with Desmond- and the marshal service by extension. There are apartments available in one of the newly remodeled hab blocks, though 50,000 credits scores a beautiful mini-mansion in the city's exclusive southern district, along the reservoir lakefront.

( passing on message The colonial marshal service has completed its current wealth endeavors, its rating improves by +1, and it is awarded 4 fac creds To represent the influx of recruits from other worlds, and their unique methods for solving problems, members of the marshal service may raise a skill at -1 to 0)

Marcion looks at the mcmansions and immediately looks to see if there are any townhouse style buildings instead (edited)

There are a handful that are made to order, and capable of placement anywhere for 25,000

Marcion goes ahead and gets one with a large office, garage, and bedroom along with a small backyard located as close to the Marshal HQ as possible (edited)

8:43 PM

He then drives over to Pops shop to see what is for sale

Working for the marshal service has its perks, one of the chief ones being permission to buy military grade weapons and armor. (the only thing he can't make right now is storm armor, the superpower power armor, but he can make regular assault suits)

(Does he have any modded weapons or anything?)

(Nothing pre-modded, but if you tell him what you want he can add them, still going by the book in that it cant add beyond a +3 to the weapon)

(I'm assuming up to TL4 stuff)

(yep)

Marcion purchases a laser rifle along with 60 rounds for the weapon (330) and 3 magazines for his HMG (750)

Pops is happy to be doing such brisk business. “Those are some nice pieces you’ve got there friend. I’m glad to see you taking care of your gear”

"I've learned its important to take good care of your equipment. Have a good one."

10:33 PM

Marcion walks out of the store and drives to a mechanic to get a quote on repairs for his truck.

For the marshals, the service is free. The shop is pleased to be able to help out those who keep the colony safe

Marcion leaves his truck with the mechanic for repairs then walks home to spend a few days resting with his dog.

10:37 PM

He soon gets bored and decides to see if there are any decent bars nearby

the harvest spirits, in the farming district, and the barons brewhaus, closer to the center of town, are the two establishments in central

Marcion takes a cab to harvest spirits, since it seems like a better place to get something stronger

The harvest spirits is doing brisk business today, and its owner, the baron, insists on doing counter service himself. He shoos one of the farmers off the barstool he is occupying, seeing you come in

Marcion shrugs as he walks up and sits down "Whiskey, neat"

The glass is placed out, and a generous measure of the local vintage is poured out for you. "Long day Marshal?"

"Long week" Marcion says as he takes a drink

"Well, I'm only a barkeep, but most people do vent to me. What's on your mind officer?"

"Nothing super important, just assholes at work."

"I work for myself, but I can commiserate, I've been there many times before."

Marcion just drinks some more "Why did you come here?"

"You know what. I learned to never lie to law enforcement. I'll tell you the real story"

"Wish everyone felt that way."

"Well, I was , as my nickname says, a Baron, on the world I fled. It was feudal almost. I didn't live in a castle or anything. We had a manor home, we weren't savages...but, the world was disorganized. Our government tore itself to pieces trying to decide if we should support the Empire that taxed us to death, or the Black Sun, who promised to plunder us almost as readily as propel us into the future. Long story short, when the survivors of the internecine fighting finally got their heads together, my polity was not behind the winning horse"

"So you came looking for an escape?"

"It was exile, or I could become a martyr and die for what I believed in. I believed, sure, but not enough to warrant death. The ideals I fight for are alive only because I am alive to fight for them, so exile. One day, if we ever get out of this mess, I'd like to return and burn the entire place to ash"

"Well, best of luck with that I suppose. Pretty sure my home is ash, can say it was an improvement."

Marcion finishes off his drink, pulls out his credstick and pays for it

He walks back home and does some minor research on weapon upgrades before heading to bed

Marcion falls into a deep sleep, dreaming of the new tools he will create

He wakes up the next day, feeds Ace, makes himself a pot of coffee and some toast, then heads over to pops with a few of his weapons

Pops is outside, telling stories as usual, but the conversation begins to lull as you approach.

"Hello Pops, how's business?"

"always brisk officer, how can I help you?"

"I've got some modifications I need you to do to some of my weapons, along with a custom purchase. Had planned to do these yesterday but spent too much time relaxing, first day off in over a week I think."

8:17 PM

(So, I'm going to modify my laser rifle with Customized, Autotargeting, and Boosted for at total of 7000 credits)

8:18 PM

(Buy a custom rocket launcher with Autotargeting and Extended Magazine for 8500, along with 6 rockets for 300)

8:18 PM

(And modify my medium monoblade with Customized and Concealed for 1600, along with asking about any special modifications he might have in mind)

8:19 PM

(Runs a total of 17400 without any special mods for medium monoblade)

Pops is delighted at the business and can make the modifications easily. As far as custom work, he doesn't have anything of note to add right now, but he has been tinkering with some new projects in his little bit of spare time.

"Let me know if you come up with anything good."

8:36 PM

He the leaves the store, picks up his truck, drives back to pick up all the modified weapons, and drives to buy another drone.

8:38 PM

(Buying a Sleeper drone with 1 ammo unit fitting, 2 weapon fittings, and sensor transparency for a grand total of 9750 credits)

8:38 PM

(For all those times you wanted a rocket launcher but didnt want people to know about it)

(Hahahaha)

8:40 PM

The drone is easily manufactured for you in just a couple hours by kelbore, the colony fabricator. He is happy for the business.

(I'm assuming the ammo unit now will carry 2 rockets instead of 1 right? Since the rocket launcher now has a capacity of 2)

(Yeah double the magazine)

Marcion picks up the drone, named Puff the Magic Dragon on the side, and stows it in his truck next to the Ghostwalker

8:45 PM

He then drives to the Marshal HQ after picking up Ace, and finds Wind to see what cases are available (edited)

8:46 PM

"Hey Wind, anything interesting pop up in my absence?"

“Intelligence is looking into the Taros first league. Desmond also bought a shuttle so we can start making off world patrols. It’s been an eventful few days”

Marcion walks over to her terminal and starts looking at the intelligence about the Taros First League

They attacked judge monsoor in bladonna and Charles had a run in with them in another city as well. They were coordinated and although not military they had military hardware

8:54 PM

A helicopter gunship made the attempted hit on triggering

8:54 PM

Trivedi*

Marcion grabs a cup of coffee and takes a sip "Damn, I thought we had a bad week."

“Been a rough month so far, but things can only get better”

"I'd caution you against saying that, life tends to prove you a fool."

9:12 PM

(Is Wind still in her stealth suit?)

(Not for just hanging around the station )

(I've been meaning to ask if shes human or taros or what)

9:19 PM

(Like, what does she actually look like)

(She’s taros)

9:21 PM

(Wind has a darker complexion compared to most taros. Not tan but closer to human Caucasian. She has shoulder length black hair and her ears poke out of it usually just a little. She usually has a silver serpent clip pinning it on one side. She’s wearing a bodyglove when she’s not in the suit so no word on tattoos or anything)

(ok) (edited)

9:23 PM

"Anyway, I might have a word with some of those attacked, see if I can piece anything together. Does Desmond have anyone else on this?"

“Desmond is dealing with a personal matter. They had some contact with his homeworld, the next sector away. Some kind of cult is ruling over it now, terrorizing the masses. He is going to deal with it”

"Where is Arimoto then?"

“Bladonna. He’s trying to quell some of the mob violence there”

9:31 PM

“We just don’t have enough marshals to be everywhere we are needed. Not yet at least.

"Well, we are here, so we can do something. I'm going to go find Mr. Trivedi first and see what information he has." As they are talking Ace has come up to Wind and sat down right next to her, just panting and looking at her

Wind scratches the dog behind the ears. “I know he interviewed a suspect and was working with the intelligence department about a plan to find the core of their operation. They don’t seem to have made it too far. It would be worth meeting up with them

"Yup. You want to come with or stay here?"

9:45 PM

Ace just enjoys the scratches and licks her hand after she is done.

9:45 PM

(I'll pick this up tomorrow, off to bed for now)

(Made a mission thread for it)

(We are doing the specifications for the Marshal Corvette. @Rey (Shriven) is doing the heavy lifting. Any requests for the build out?)

(Uh, none that I can think of)

(Desmond is leaving for Acastus will Billy and Thorn. The shuttle and Corvette are available for you. )

(Ok)

Marcion takes Wind to the medical facility to get treated once they return to Greenbriar. (edited)

He pulls up and helps her into the emergency wing of the hospital

Wind is taken inside, and you see she is breathing. Already stabilized from Silvano, it will be a couple weeks befopre she returns to active duty

Marcion asks one of the doctors to look at his injuries while he is there, and for them to let him know when Wind wakes up.

(How does healing work in this game anyway, as far as healing wounds outside missions?)

(It’s a set amount of hp per day recovering, but she will also be given bioscopic healing once per day as her system strain resets so she will bounce back sooner)

(I meant for Marcion, hes sitting at 22/37)

(You’ll be at full health when you’re ready to redeploy)

(ok)

(I don’t hold the pcs to that or you’d never get stuff done)

Marcion finishes getting his wounds bandaged up and drives back to the camp

The prisoner who was speaking with you is escorted over to you, as you look upon the map of the nothern ice cap, and he takes a data pen, circling an area near the almost exact top of the world

1:12 PM

"Planes from Bladonna twice a month bring in recruits and supplies"

Marcion looks at him, narrowing his eyes. "Right, so why should I believe you? You've gone from trying to kill us to telling your whole life story practically. If you joined this group you must have believed in the ideas they were selling, why sell them out?"

"You'll never kill the idea. You might kill those practicing it right now, but the resistance will never truly die"

2:02 PM

"I have nothing to lose"

"So, what, this is a challenge then?"

2:04 PM

"Come get us if you can?"

"i'm just telling you what I believe to be true, Marshal"

Marcion sighs and rubs his eyes "Fair enough I suppose. Explain one other thing to me though, if the leaders of Bladona despise humans this much, why vote yes?"

"The ministers were not the ones permitted to cast the vote. They thought Meltis was far more pliable than he ended up being. They expected him to follow orders, and vote accordingly. Ultimately, he is the sole authority in the city , and he voted according to what he thought, not what he was told to think"

"Why did they not just bring this up to us?"

2:14 PM

"Despite what you may think, humans, at least some of us, have a tendency to listen to others."

2:15 PM

"But, then again, I don't know our lord and savior president, so I don't know how she would have acted."

"Right, that will be all, take him back with the rest please."

7:13 PM

Marcion leaves the camp and heads to the bar he visited earlier (The one Hailey gave the Baron a new sound system at I think)

(sorry, this channel never lit up)

Marcion enters and the baron immediately pours out the same beverage requested last time.

"Thanks." He immediately downs it and sets the glass down for a refill.

The baron wordlessly refills it. He seems on the edge of a question but decides better of it

Marcion picks up the glass and looks at it saying "Just ask." as he takes a drink

“You seem tense” the baron says. “Raid not go as planned?”

"No."

“Well” he pours himself a generous shot. “Let’s hear it”

"I managed to get my partner almost killed trying to capture some terrorists, and almost got the rest of us killed trying to save her when our comms went down."

9:31 PM

He takes another drink

“So what happened. How did it end? You’re still here after all”

"Someone saved our asses, some psychic dude."

“Ah yes Silvano was in here earlier. He’s always finding a way to get involved” The baron downs another drink for himself

Marcion looks down and sees the message from Desmond.

Marcion goes to the hospital, knocking on Wind's door

"Wind, you awake?"

The door opens a bit at the knock and you can see she isn’t awake. Her stealth suit, normally on its armor stand in the corner of the room is also gone (edited)

"Son of a....NURSE!"

Three nurses and a crash cart come running , along with dr Siegfried, thinking she has crashed

"Where the hell is her suit?" (edited)

(She’s there. Her suit isn’t)

5:47 PM

“She’s not crashing. What happened?” Asks dr Siegfried

"Where, is, her suit?"

“It should be...” Siegfried Says, heading past you into the room, as he could not see in from the hallway

6:18 PM

“Nurse hit the alarm please”

6:18 PM

He calls from inside the top

6:18 PM

Room*

"Who has been here to see her besides myself and the Provost?"

6:48 PM

Marcion gets the message from @Chris Fury (Desmond) , responds back saying "That's good, but we have bigger problems, Wind's suit is missing."

6:49 PM

"Also, check her vitals manually please, I want to make sure someone hasn't done something to her. There is no way she would just let someone take her suit, even if she was asleep."

“I’m on my way,” Desmond says. “I’ll call for @Agape.Eris .”

(Meant for the last message to be to the Dr and nurses, but having Melora there is good too.)

(shes going to be away for a while, shes got some irl stuff going on)

7:15 PM

(if she ends up replying no worries but if we wait we might be here a while)

(Ok)

7:16 PM

(I was gonna have Marcion check on Wind himself anyway.)

7:16 PM

Marcion goes into Wind's room and gently tries to wake her up.

Wind stirs gently, her eyes flutter open and seem to go a bit soft on seeing you. “Hey partner” she wheezes gently

"How are you feeling?"

She reaches forward to steady herself on you. “A bit better. I feel weak”

"What happened after you went inside?"

"I tried to contact you but they had a jammer of some kind."

“Lucky hit on the back took out the power system. I was visible again. They mobbed me. I killed maybe a dozen before they overwhelmed me. Next thing I know, somewhere between the ninth and tenth strike from a rifle butt, your friend Silvano came and got me out. I blacked out after that. I think for a minute I was up. I remember being on your shoulder for a minute

"Do you think they knew you were there before the hit on your power system?"

“Not sneaking in. They activated the jammer when they saw the drones flying around. Someone keeping watch on the peaks saw them. I killed their local commander and a few of his bodyguards. They called for help and between the anvil and hammer. You saw the rest

Marcion sighs "Well, this was my fault then. My plan included the drone recon, my plan got you isolated, and almost got you killed."

“Any other day it would have gone as planned. We used that drone a few times now and it always worked out.”

9:24 PM

“Statistics” she sighs.

"I suppose. It just pisses me off."

9:25 PM

"We didn't even find anything with them, no secret entrances or escape vehicles. Obviously there must've been some otherwise they wouldn't have blown the place up."

“

9:26 PM

They didn’t strike me as being there long. They kept talking about a home base in the cold”

"Yeah, they got a base in the arctic somewhere."

9:27 PM

"Which is just fucking great, because I hate cold weather."

Desmond arrives, sees Wind talking to Marcion. There is a look of concern on his face. “Got here as fast as I could! So how is our patient?”

(Assuming Wind would respond next)

(Yep lll Be back In a while. Lots of outside chores to do)

Wind gives a weak thumbs up, sitting back in the bed. She looks at the corner of the room and her eyes go wide “Where’s my suit?”

Desmond says, "We don't know. I just came here because Marcion found you unconscious and the suit gone. First are you okay? Have the Doctor's bioscanned you again?

“They have. I’ll be fine just tell me which one of you has my suit?”

8:35 AM

She’s trying to get out of bed but you can always see she’s too weak

Desmond will start looking for clues. He was here before and saw where the suit was. (I'm going to let Marcion respond first.)

Marcion places a hand on her shoulder "Let us find it, you are in no condition to go anywhere."

"i've got to try. I worked my whole life to get that thing. Its a relic, from my order"

11:28 AM

Siegfried is in the corner of the room, eyes closed. you can see his breath misting in the air despite the room being a normal, comfortable temperature

Marcion looks over at him "Dr, are you alright?"

He snaps back to the present. "I was trying to see if my precognition could tell me anything. Whatever or whoever has the suit is a poweful psychic in their own right, my vision was cloudy. It's never been obscured like that before" (edited)

"Well surely the academy knows all the psychics that powerful. Did you find anything boss?"

(Did I get any physical evidence? I will use my cybernetic eyes and detective skills.)

(no physical evidence, no)

Desmond starts checking any security cameras in the hallway, the hospital entrances and then showing Wind to see if she recognizes anyone or sees something out of place.

Wind was asleep, she did not see or sense anyone come into her room.

"Well certainly someone must have signed in somewhere."

Desmond will contact the Psychic Academy.

Crane answers the front end phone. "Psionic Academy, Crane speaking"

"This is Provost Marshal Desmond O'Shea, we have a crime at the hospital that occurred which a Procog couldn't decipher because his vision had been blocked. Is there anyone you can spare to gather a psychic footprint on what happened here?"

"No one more powerful than who you've already consulted, but that in itself is a clue. I hate to say this about one of the folks I'm supposed to be protecting, but we can't rule out the culprit being an academy member

Desmond sighs, "Give me a name and we'll both sort this out."

"I can't give you one, I don't know who did it, but I'd recomend beginning your investigation here"

Desmond tells @opscomm and wind that the Psychic Academy will be where the investigation starts.

"Right, let's get going boss." He turns to Wind "You need to stay put, you need to rest and heal, we will take care of this."

Desmond gets the Marshal Mobile and runs lights to the Psychic Academy.

Marcion follows in his truck

On the way he sees if there are any other Marshals that are free to help.

Desmond tries to contact Silvano and @Rawth

Silvano is either not answering comms, or has them off. The call goes to his voice message box for the third time as the vehicles pull up

Desmond asks Marcion, “How was your interaction with Sil last time you saw him?”

"Saved my ass"

“Did he remark anything about the psychics or Wind ?”

"Nothing in particular"

“Let’s go talk to Crane.”

"Right." Marcion follows Desmond to see Crane

Crane is behind the desk. She's not doing any of her usual chores, you can tell she is shaken by even calling in the first place

“Doctor Crane,” Desmond says. “Thanks for your cooperation. Do you have a list of individuals powerful enough to do this?

"Well, in terms of power, everyone here does something far above what baseline humans can do. For them to cloud your vision like that, they'd have to be a telepath of some power. To that end, Bessin Silgrian, who is upstairs, and Silvano Mazzio, are the only telepaths in town right now. Doona is one too, but she's in Delphos and lacks teleportation, so she couldn't have done it"

Desmond says, “Well take us to Bessin. I’ve called Silvano and have not gotten an answer.”

"If Silvano wanted the suit, he could have just taken it and left us all to die."

"I wonder if her old outfit, The Daughters of the Lotus are involved in this. When I first met her she was working for them and I captured her. Instead of sending her to jail I worked out with Franz that she would become a Confidential Asset."

"Does her old order have psychics?"

"I don't know," Desmond says. "They were a very mysterious lot and pretty ruthless. When she first started working with us she was kind of cold but she's changed since working with you and that's a good thing."

"I dunno why I had anything to do with it, I just do my job."

"Doing the job is probably why. You two work well together. A good partner in this line of work is something you can't buy. "

"We are a good team."

"Well lets go meet Bessin and help your partner!"

Bessin Silgrian was once one of the crazed, a name given to psychics not killed by the scream, but had their minds flayed all the same. Doona and Val worked tirelessly to promote growth in the damaged section of her brain, and over time, she rediscovered her memories. Originally from Miriam, she has elected to return to Greenbriar to assist the now significantly reduced psychic staff. Early into her sixties, she is whipcord lean, and opens the door for you once you announce your marshal service credentials

Marcion will let Desmond do the talking for now

"Good evening Miss Silgrian," Desmond says. "We've come here looking for some help. A Marshal just had her equipment stolen from her very room by some kind of psychic method and we're wondering if you could shed some light on it."

"I see. Well, you're welcome to search while you tell me more about it. You're sure a psychic is involved?"

"The doctor at the hospital tried to use his precognition and was blocked."

"Your cooperation is most appreciated," Desmond says. "He said whatever or whoever did it was a poweful psychic in their own right. It clouded his vision. He stated emphatically it had never been obscured like that before."

“Well I’ve only just learned telepathy. It’s not uncommon for MES users to eventually pick up other techniques and disciplines. My primary one is telekinesis, I can do quite a bit with that, but for what you’re describing, that’s leagues beyond me”

6:30 PM

“I’d happily submit myself to Crane’s Argus web if it will help allay concerns” (hers is modified with an MES detector)

"Can you contact Silvano?"

“I can try” she says. She picks up a rotary model compad and it begins to ring. You hear a corresponding ringtone from a meditation cell down the hall

Desmond starts down the hall. His hand is near his gun.

Marcion follows

"Could Silvano teleport large distances?" Desmond asks Marcion.

"It would appear so."

(He can. He mastered most disciplines and a custom one too)

8:49 PM

The ringing continues behind the closed door

Marcion walks up to the door and has a peek inside

You get a brief glimpse of Silvano, wearing the suit and throwing supplies into a large duffel. Both of his shear rifles are strapped over his shoulder. One is very elegant and beautiful, as much a work of art as a weapon. The other is a flat machined grey, on a rugged leather strap. It looks to have since been cut down for a more carbine style use

Marcion opens the door, clears his throat, and says. "So why did you bother saving her if you were just going to steal something she worked her whole life for?"

“She refuses to share the technology with me, even though it’s for the good of the colony. She doesn’t deserve to die, but I have a greater need for the suit. I’m going north again

"Not only did you steal the suit from someone, that someone happens to be a law enforcement officer serving the world you claim to support."

“I’m sorry for the goose chase Marshal. I respect the law and indeed I fought for preserving it well before we had marshals. I need the suit. Plain as day”

"I don't care. You are stealing my partner's life away from her while she is bedridden. What possible reason could you have for doing something like that to another person?"

“Why does rationalization take so many words and the truth just a few?” Desmond asks.

10:11 PM

“You are stealing. Give back the suit.”

He smiles, “Ciao” And there is a flash of light as he teleports away.

(Could I snap fire a flop gun?)

(He’s got alert 2 so he goes first always. He’d also terminal reflection you about to do it. Pretty sure he’s got some other stuff too. I can get into the fine gears if you want. Starting to see why pc version was an issue I bet haha)

(Oh well, sorry Marcion!)

Marcion puts in a call to central and has a warrant put out for Silvano's arrest.

They’ll issue a warrant to bring him in for actual questioning and an official inquiry.

"Good enough I suppose."

(6xp, 30,000 credits)

3:00 PM

(That was the start of a story arc I wasn’t doing this just to be a prick to you or your people)

(I assumed so) (edited)

3:01 PM

"Well, I guess we get to go back to Wind and let her know her life's work is in the hands of a massive ego disguised as a human being."

3:02 PM

"Fucking prick." He says as he walks out of the room and moves to exit the building.

Desmond follows. “The Daughters of the Lotus have these suits and maybe Wind knows how to make one herself,” Desmond says. “She’s fixed it enough times. When I captured her it was damaged badly.”

"That's not the point."

“Not a point, just a practical stopgap until Silvano is dealt with,” Desmond says. “I was suspicious of his involvement from the beginning. He had means and opportunity, it was the motive that was unclear at first.”

"I'm going to head back to the hospital and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid, I'll see you later boss." Marcion gets in his truck, picks up Ace on the way to the hospital, drives to the hospital.

Ace jumps into the car and almost launches himself on her bed when you get to the hospital. The big dog perches on her like a puppy, wagging his tail happily to see her.

"Ace, behave yourself."

He barks happily Wind wakes up, and smiles upon seeing both you, and your dog. She gives him a few scratches behind the ear before he hops off to curl up in the corner

"Yeah, I brought him in hoping to soften the blow. Silvano stole your suit. We found him at the academy right before he teleported somewhere in the north. I had a warrant put out to bring him in for questioning, but honestly I don't know how anybody is going to catch him."

"Hopefully we can get your suit back, but I'm not sure if we can at this point."

“I’m glad we at least know what happened” she says a bit resigned

"Could always try to build a new one if you wanted to. I know that's not what you want to hear, but it is an option."

“It’ll take time. I’ll need some rather exotic parts. And it might not work the same. But it’ll be mine. And that’s what counts

"I've got money lying around, be happy to give you some. I certainly don't need it. I really feel overpaid for how much I do." (edited)

“I’ll focus on getting better first. Then we can see what to do. Thanks for looking into it though. It’s better in a way just knowing what became of it

"Yeah, it's always better knowing rather than wondering."

8:02 PM

"I think I'm going to stick around for a bit if its alright with you, got to figure out how I'm going to recruit people for the new SWAT unit but I can do that here, and wanted to get your input on it." (edited)

"I think its necessary. We can't rely on the army or other auxiliary forces all the time"

Marcion will sit and plan training schedules with Wind as well as looking over potential hires (edited)

There are a number of skilled candidates especially among the Rawhani intake. Many of them had corporate security backgrounds, and their severance/exile into the desert was beause they refused to carry out inhumane orders (edited)

Marcion looks into the most experienced ones for squad leader positions, as the team will be divided into two squads of 5, with one sergeant in charge in each. (edited)

Two recruits that fit the experience level are easy to find, despite some checkered history.

Marcion looks at said checkered history

9:51 AM

(Feel like at some point I'm really going to have to flesh out Marcion's backstory for you, ill try to do that some today)

(it def gives me more to play with as far as better stories, firm believer of hopefully giving out more than whats put in)

(Yup, working on it right now.)

(So what kind of stuff were these two guys involved in?)

They carried out a purge of the med bay at saturnetworks when it was full of workers too weak to be of use. Coming to grips with what they’d done after they turned their guns on the rest of the squad and ran

"Hmm, I dunno about these two. They executed workers too weak to continue working, then killed their squad after they realized what they did, and ran." He turns to Wind "I mean, they are both experienced, but can I really justify bringing them onboard after something like that?"

“They did also volunteer the information. Maybe the want atonement”

6:04 PM

“There’s no heavier bond than shame” she says, her tone a bit too knowingly

"I suppose that is true. I'll bring them in for an interview later."

(did we want to skip to that?)

(Sure)

The two candidates trudge inside, and sit donw across from you on metal chairs, looking across the desk separating you

Marcion opens up each of their files

7:34 PM

(What are their names?)

Kleth, and Burns

"Right, Mr. Kleth, Mr. Burns, my name is Marcion Delgato. You are both here because you are interested in the squad leader positions for the new Colonial Marshal SWAT force correct?" (edited)

“Indeed. We wish to join your outfit, to give back and make amends

"I assume when you say make amends you mean for the medical facility event?"

Their expressions darken. “Yes. For the medical facility event”

"Walk me through it, if you don't mind, from mission briefing to after you shot your friends in the back and ran."

Corporate ordered a purge of one of the detention med bays. They suspected some of the patients there were latent MES users who were torched but not killed by the disaster. The staff there wouldn’t tell us who those patients were. . We had to make sure there wasn’t a danger to the company by leaving crazed psychics to their own devices. Sergeant just started shooting, not just the few suspected names on our list but other patients. Staff. Even the medical bots. He wouldn’t listen to reason. Neither would the rest of the squad when they joined in

9:26 PM

We couldn’t get them to stop

"How long had you both been with this group at that point?"

"Were you both new recruits or had you been with the company a few years?"

"Burns here was on his sixth year, almost ready for desk duty. I was on my third, just a week away from 4"

"So you all knew everyone in your squad well by that point?" (edited)

"Somewhat. We didn't talk a whole lot outside of work. It was just,e asier that way. Especially at the rate people were being exiled. "

"So, no getting beers after a mission, no partying, just do the missions together then piss off to the far corners of the planet?"

"Piss off to the far corners of the security tower, but yes"

"So they had never done things like this on missions before?"

"This was the first time. I heard from people who came to stack city after us that it got worse"

"Hmm. Well, I can honestly tell you your team was very different from the ones I was on and ran. The team I am putting together is going to be trained as hard as I can possibly make it, that requires us to be close-knit. I will be setting up a proper training camp with as many different kill houses, ranges, and courses as I can. I want this team to be equal to any other paramilitary organization on this planet. Are you two up to this task?"

"An outfit like yours is the one we were trying to join. It was disconcerting trusting your life and safety to people you dont know"

"Good to hear. You both will need to take oaths before the provost, but for now consider yourselves sergeants in the Colonial Marshal Special Weapons and Tactic unit. We will be conducting interviews with the remaining candidates together over the next few days. I think you both know we are looking for team players as well as skilled combatants. After that, we will begin training, the first step of which is going to be building the training camp, which I still need to find a proper place for." He smiles a bit "Guess I'm out of practice at the whole administrative end of this."

4:59 PM

Marcion gets up, shakes their hands, and goes to his office to start looking over satellite images of areas outside greenbriar to the northwest, preferably somewhere flat with enough space for an eventual spaceport

5:00 PM

(I dunno if corvettes can land on the surface, but Marcion wants to make sure there is enough space to expand this compound eventually)

(they can with atmospheric operations fitting. Free merchant and lower can land

(Might not be a bad idea to have that)

The colony does have a large air/space port on the ground, and the trivedi cloud platform above provides a berth to many colony ships. There is room at either for small vessels

7:14 PM

As far as a marshal training facility, there is ample space to the west

Knowing that Marcion scratches the idea for a full spaceport, opting for an area large enough for a pair of landing pads, a full barracks, some kill rooms, a gun range, and support buildings located off the beaten path

(How much would the materials to build all this cost?)

(The sanctums section of the codex of the black sun , and the holdings section from suns of gold has buildings. I'd read over the descriptions and pick what you want based on that, since a lot of those things do what you're describing, but give you different mechanical advantages)

(ok) (edited)

(anything you don't see a match for, we can come up with ourselves

(Yeah, the suns of gold stuff looks a bit too, big, for what I'm considering)

(the codex of the black sun has smaller scale stuff)

(The gravflyer i want to get is 90k after fittings, just replaced one of the medbays with a stealth module)

7:31 PM

(If you look at the example on on page 14 of the engines of bablyon)

(Game wise, it will be built in 2 game days, the colony builds at 50k per day)

(I'm not sure if he can afford to get both right now though)

(It'll be a work in progress haha, )

(Actually, they added up shit wrong in the book)

(grav is i believe 40k for just the chassis, then fittings on top of it, but yeah the books are known to be inconsistent at times)

(Yeah, that shit is totally wrong, cause its actually 100k with one free power and a stealth module instead of a medbay. It's actually called a stealth integument, but that word sounds absurd)

7:38 PM

(So, marcion CAN get it, he would only have 22k leftover though) (edited)

7:39 PM

(And just housing the squads would require 2 barracks which cost 10k a piece and house 6)

(right)

(I would assume the kill houses would be equivalent to the recreation facility, since they would need to be able to be rebuilt if explosives are used to practice breaching)

7:41 PM

(Would garages be equal to a landing spot?)

7:42 PM

(For a gravflyer at least)

(yeah, there is one for starships, but if its just planes, that ok

(Would a workshop double as an armory?) (edited)

(yes)

(Up to 115k now)

7:43 PM

(105 if i just get the single garage)

7:44 PM

(The hospital in greenbriar has landing pads for a gravflyer right?)

(yeah)

(Ok, I guess I would just need like one large building with a mess hall and some offices in it)

7:46 PM

(What do you think that would run, like another 25k?)

7:46 PM

(If we are building it ourselves will it cost less?)

(yeah 25k sounds normal, and I mean, it doesnt really distinguish in the book)

(I think we would need help to build all this stuff, would take a month to get it constructed if it was just 11 people and no equipment)

7:48 PM

(So, thats 140k total for a base with two garages, not counting the weapons and equipment for the squads.)

7:48 PM

(So 240k total)

7:48 PM

(With the flyer)

7:49 PM

(Plus another 7k for a power plant, and presumably more to set an electrically charge wired perimeter and front gate with some level of security, which would likely round the power plant cost to an even 10k) (edited)

7:53 PM

(The perimiter would be about a kilometer or two away from the main camp on all sides, giving some room for more expansions or training grounds)

(sounds good to me)

(So, like 260k total, with 10k for the power plant including excess voltage for the fence and a bit of expansion, and another 10k for materials to make the fence and front gate security)

(the initial base will be done over the course of the month)

(Marcion can only front like 120k of that himself)

8:04 PM

(And how do you want to do the time passage bit, because time seems to be a loose thing here, but not a month passes for marcion and nobody else loose)

(It'll be done when theres the next big colonial news update)

(Ok. I assume the base will not be announced in the news, cause Marcion doesn't want everyone to know the Rainbow team exists on the planet.)

8:20 PM

(Basically what I want this team to be if you have read the books)

(I have haha, I miss Mr. Clancy)

The next day Marcion visits Wind to give her an update. (edited)

"Feeling any better partner?"

“A little” she says “how did the interviews go? “

"Pretty well actually. It turned out the rest of their squad were a bunch of kill-happy nutjobs who were only tasked with dealing with some psychics that were a danger to everyone after the scream, but the rest of the squad just started killing everything that moved when the staff refused to give up the patients."

3:47 PM

"They had a pretty terrible existence while they were in the squad too, zero comradery or communication outside of missions. They wanted to try and atone by joining this one."

3:48 PM

"After I met with them I went ahead and setup plans for the base construction. It's going to be about a month, but at that point we should have a base of our own outside the city."

3:49 PM

"I honestly might see if I can move my house there."

“It sounds like exactly what we need. The people and the new base. You’ve done well”

"Yeah. I still have around 60 grand left over if you need it for your replacement suit."

“I’m not sure what it’ll take right now. But I should be cleared for duty again in another few days. Let me talk to pops once I’m up and about. I’ll see what we can do

"Alright. I'm gonna head back to the office, you take it easy."

she nods, and smiles gently, before closing her eyes and falling back to sleep

Marcion makes his way back to the office, begins setting up an interview schedule.

(speaking with the rest of the recruits now? )

(Yeah, over the next couple of weeks doing individual interviews and going over their information with the new sergeants)

5:51 PM

(Picking the 8 who fit the best, not necessarily the most experienced ones. Looking for people who have the right temperament.)

5:52 PM

(Officers more than soldiers, interested in being part of a team, that sort of thing. Not murderous assholes.)

The candidates enter, one by one, over the next day and a half. Two of them wash out, expressing the need to 'crack some skulls' or 'teach whatever disenfranchised group a lesson'/

6:55 PM

the rest however, seem like exactly what you're looking for

Marcion has them all come in as a group along with the Sergeants.

7:16 PM

"Right, everyone is here. You've all been selected as members of the new Colonial Marshal SWAT team. As of right now, we are not operationally ready for missions. Over the course of the next month we are going to be focusing on classes in tactics, weapon management, protocols, and all the other boring shit nobody wants to do because it is tedious garbage. However, you all have some level of experience doing this job, so you should all know we have to go over this stuff. After the month is over, our new base will be finished, and we will be able to move into it and begin life-fire training, physical conditioning, and close-combat training. I want this team to be the best of the best when we are done. In a few days I expect the marshal provost to be back from his most recent mission, and after that the official swearing in will happen. Like I said, administrative bullshit, but it's what we have to do. Any questions?" (edited)

There aren’t questions but everyone’s eager to get to training and get to doing some good.

"Well, if there are no questions, we will get right to it."

8:47 PM

Marcion will spend the next few weeks working on tactics and strategies with his team along with the other boring administrative work.

8:47 PM

(Rather, anytime hes not actively doing anything else.)

8:48 PM

(Could he get his house moved to the new base at all?) (edited)

(Yeah I don’t think that would be a problem. Pretty simple to move your stuff )

(Like, the whole house, since its modular)

(yep! I'm assuming by 2600 we have come up with some ways to move houses hahah, i dont see it being a problem)

(Alright.)

7:22 AM

Marcion will also look for updates on strange shootings up north or any wind of stealth weaponry.

Silvano and his team have departed again, for flesh-shaper lands. Nothing has been heard of him aside from your last encounter, the stealth suit going with him. Someone in the lab is working on shear rifles, a silent energy rifle, but the project is a long way from completed. The situation at the TFL camp in the north seems to be controlled for the time being

Marcion will go to the lab to investigate.

The efforts are being undertaken in the main colony lab. Mimir, the lab AI, lets you in once you flash your marshal credentials

"So, mimir, what can you tell me about these weapons?"

"Shear rifles are silent, they use an energy field to do exactly that, shear objects apart. They're cutting edge, sometihng we are working on developing"

"Do you know anyone who has a working example of this kind of weaponry leftover from before the event?"

"Well, You're not going to like the answer" the disembodied bot voice says

"Meaning what?"

"Silvano Mazzio is the only known individual in UNW space with a working example of one, but, one of the factories on Rawhani also created one as a gift for him"

"Great, so not only does he have a stealth suit, the bastard has a stealth weapon. What is the range on these things?"

"The same as a combat rifle, just energy, as compared to hard rounds. It creates a miniature distortion field against a target, literally, shearing them"

1:48 PM

(So he's not the only one who has one, hes just the only UNW person who does. One of the companies on Rawhani can make them too)

(Ah)

"If you're heading to Rawhani. you're going to have to steal one"

"What do you mean?"

“The corporations there are anti psychic and have been seen helping the Remnant. Relations between the two have cooled somewhat but it’s hard to tell where the loyalties really lie. At the beginning of the war they were happy to sell arms to both of us”

"Why would I be heading to Rawhani anyway?"

"The colony is planning an offensive, in time. I'll make note that you're looking for some of that technology" Mimir says, you hear processors clicking behind the walls

"Well, thanks for the information." His compad beeps, he looks at the mesage. "I've got to go, swearing in ceremony is starting soon."

10:20 PM

Marcion heads to the swearing in ceremony. Afterwards he heads to the office to do manage some problems with the new base before heading home.

The base construction is going fine, the builders have not run into any issues yet

He heads home, starts doing some packing, gets some sleep, heads to the HQ in the morning after checking in on Wind.

Wind is up and walking again. She gets tired after brief periods of exerting herself, but its more than she's been able to do

Marcion goes to the office and sends a message to Desmond.

Sorry, do not know about any Rahwani expedition. I did one with Billy and Melora recently. Have you checked the source of the information with Franz? He might shed some light on it.. Hope the new HQ is going well and that Wind is doing well. I just dropped off some of our Marshals on Aslief.  Nancy and I will be in Deep Space looking for those Exodus Ships.

Marcion goes to talk to Franz. (edited)

Franz answers his compad quickly

7:53 AM

“Franz here”

"I need to speak with you about a supposed mission to Rawhani."

"Ah the planned intervention. It's a long way off. It's going to take quitre some time to reorganize the military, and build the numbers we need."

9:03 AM

"Right now, even fielding our combined strength of 200,000 soldiers, we're still outnumbered about 5:1"

I've been made aware that you were considering a heist of Rahwani. I am as well, and wanted to extend the offer to work together.

"What is our reasoning for military intervention?"

“Rawhani oppresses it’s workers and has been conducting anti psi purges. Anyone who gets ‘fired’ from corporate service is exiled to the wasteland of that world”

"Well, that certainly explains things."

7:31 AM

"Won't their technology present us with problems as well?"

“They’d be the equivalent of low 5, lacking the psitech to be a truly tech level 5 civilization”

"Hmm, so similar enough to us then. Well, thank's for the information Franz, appreciate it."

10:27 PM

Marcion starts looking over recent crimes committed to see if there is anything interesting going on.

Specifically anything which could be caused by the TFL.

A diplomatic party is being sent into Bladonna to try to speak with the city ministers, both to see if the TFL has any other channels of support, and to see how deep their hold on the city itself might be

(When is the mission being sent?)

(if you'd like to go with it, you're more than welcome to, we can make that the next thing you do)

(Yeah, he would probably go along with it, more for security than anything. Also because the administrative work is kinda boring.)

(no worries)

7:34 AM

The delegation is likewise being accompanied by a token security detail. As a marshal, you're as much a diplomat as a warrior, and Franz assigns you to the mission quickly. President Kincaid herself is one of the negotiators, defying the wishes of her protective detail, she has agreed to meet the Bladonnan ministers on their home turf

(Is the swat gravflyer constructed already?)

(yes it is)

(How many days until the meeting?)

(we can move right into it as everyone else is off world or in a mission)

(Alright)

11:19 AM

(Marcion would just want to take the gravflyer a few days before to scope out the area, probably drop off his ghoststalker drone in the city.) (edited)

11:21 AM

(Well, no, he would just take the gravflyer, have somebody else pilot it while he does some scans)

Marcion, acting ahead of the delegation, takes the SWAT flyer to near the city of Bladonna, to drop the drone, and so some recon flights of the city

11:33 AM

The city is divided into a handful of sub districts, and there seems to be a great amount of industry taking place there

He does some scans with the drone and the sensor suite in the flyer as they are flying past.

The city was not devastated by armed conflict, the attempted hit on judge having taken place here was small in nature, resulting in only a few car accidents. The suspected coup was essentially bloodless. The Spire, the citie's central administration building, is undergoing some remodeling, window shutters are being added. There is also a large public works project on the south of the city where it looks like a new water pumping station is being worked on

(Any obvious military outposts, or would I need to make some checks?)

The Spire has a large military barracks for the city prefects around it, which is sensical, since its near the government center.

(Where is the meeting being held?)

(outside the city, in a special camp being built for it, which as the plane flies by you'd see) The meeting camp is not walled, or enclosed by wire of any kind. Some tough, but colorful tents have been built, a central meeting pavilion, and a smaller, less impressive one, to house delegates from each city.

My apologies Marcion. I must have received incorrect information.

(Are there any good vantage points within sniper range?)

(Basically is there anywhere outside the immediate range of the camp where some TFL could easily strike from)

(There are two cliffs that overlook the camp)

Marcion makes up a map with all his findings along with a short report to go with it and takes them to the chief of security for the meeting.

"What are you thinking here Marshal?" he says, looking over the plans with you

"I'm thinking this meeting camp is exposed" (edited)

8:18 AM

"It is too easy for someone to setup a rocket launcher or a sniper rifle overlooking the camp."

"I can make sure to have the Marshal gravflyer on standby along with my drones in case shit goes down. I expect that it will. There is no way word has not gotten out to the TFL about this meeting."

"We should probably keep some scouts posted out there too in case someone tires sneaking close"

"Yup." He sighs "This whole meeting is a stupid idea, its too close to their territory and most of our assets are offworld."

"Above both of our paygrades' he says, looking over some maps Would the marshals mind leaving some men near one of the approaches?

"We can I suppose."

10:20 AM

(There are some normal marshals who can do this job right?)

(yeah desmond hired some)

Marcion goes through the personnel and finds a small group of Marshals with scouting and skirmisher expertise.

There is a four man patrol that normally keeps an eye on the woods near gudrun. They've been doing this for a few months, enough time to have a level of skill in it.

(I assume the rest of the security forces can be gathered for a briefing on the camp)

(yeah, i figured we will pick up with the briefing if you'd like to call one, now that you've noticed a couple flaws with the site)

The security forces arrive, maps, charts, and datapads in hand to discuss plans for the meeting and keeping it safe

Marcion will stand up, going over to the map he has pinned to the wall. "For those of you who don't know me, my name is Marcion Delgato, I'm with the Marshal service. This meeting has been called to discuss security planning for the upcoming Bladonna sit-down."

5:19 AM

"The threat posed by the TFL is substantial regardless of what little activity has been going on recently. Bladonna is a know supporter of these terrorists, so news of this even will have spread. This means we must be ready for anything they can throw at us."

5:22 AM

"First priority is sweeping everything we are able to for IEDs, surveillance devices, or any other unwanted garbage that may have found its way in. Second priority is ensuring the president has a secure way in and out. The Marshals have recently acquired a Gravflyer with stealth capability and a medical bay. We will have this on standby and in the area should anything happen."

5:24 AM

"Moving on to the surrounding area, the terrain the camp is setup in offers easy approaches from multiple directions, as well as overlooking positions for snipers or heavy weapons teams. The one on the east will be patrolled by the four other marshals in the room, the one on the west will be patrolled by members of the UNW Secret Service (Or whatever they are called). The rest of us will remain in the camp."

5:27 AM

"It goes without saying a substantial military presence by us will create even more tension than there already will be at this meeting, so if something were to go down, we will have to hang on until reinforcements arrive with what will likely be just small arms and a few heavier weapons. Do we have a commander from the reinforcement unit here to explain your contingency plans?"

"We do" A middle aged human male , steps forward. He is wearing a pale grey uniform, with a crimson slash. Red Sangha. "The Red Sangha, and our dying homeworld owe much to the UNW, for the life-giving sustenance provided. Our ship, the Lower Nirvana, is geosynchronous orbit, and its drop pod bay will remain loaded, and open, for the conference. If something on the ground does happen, we can land an entire 100- man company in four minutes" (edited)

6:51 AM

"Follow on landers from Trivedi cloud, and if needed, direct support from atmo-capable starships, will also be called down"

"Good. If it is possible I would like there to be fighters ready to scramble as well should anything go down. Considering the attack on Judge Mansoor, we should expect some level of air support should they attack. What kind of ordinance do your troops carry?"

"It's a bit dated compared to your weapons, but they're reliable, and my soldiers are very well trained. They will not hesistate"

"Well trained soldiers can compensate for outdated equipment. If it is possible I would like to store some replenishment for our weapons with your men."

7:19 AM

(I assume the guy who was originally planning the security for this happily gave the job to Marcion at this point.)

(yeah , you found a lot they didn't, he doesn't really have a leg to stand on anymore)

(Lol)

"Of course, we can reserve a couple pods for cargo, just in case"

"Good. I'll have the munitions in question delivered to the spacedock. Does anyone have any questions or comments before we end?"

7:36 AM

(Just saying, I love playing this guy.)

7:38 AM

(Is the camp location basically right next to Bladonna?)

7:39 AM

(I want to put the gravflyer in a camoflagued position no more than 5 minutes flying time away, preferably to the southeast of the city.)

(yeah its pretty close to the city, within 5 miles)

(How fast would you say speed 5 is? It says its faster than an atmoflyer, so at full power would a gravflyer go at least the speed of sound?)

9:39 AM

(If so, the flyer should be able to rest 75ish kilometers away and still get there within 5 minutes)

(speed is used when youre being shot at, you being faster than your attacker makes you harder to hit)

9:58 AM

(I'd say your reaction time would be about 5 minutes in either case)

As far as comments or concerns, for now, everyone is comfortable with the plan

"Well...actually there is one more thing. In a previous operation the TFL were able to jam communications. We need some way of defeating that, otherwise they will just pick us apart." (edited)

1:57 PM

"So whoever is in charge of communications, make sure you are aware of that and have countermeasures."

(Did you want specifics of how they plan to do it, or is them just being aware of the problem and working on it as far as you wanted to take the RP?)

(I don't think specifics are necessary, I just want a plan in place.)

2:00 PM

"Anyway, I think that wraps things up. Hopefully nothing happens and we all get to meet back here safe and sound for some drinks afterwards."

Everyone seems eager to get to work. You see a handful of engineers setting up a short wave radio relay during the day, something hopefully so old, conventional jamming won't be an issue

"Man, I haven't seen one of these things in decades."

2:02 PM

(Says doesnt want to rp with the communications geeks, proceeds to start rping with them anyway. Call my captain decisive)

"We haven't either, turns out our corporal was a bit of a hobbyist. He only cried a little bit when we took it from him"

"Do our compads work with this old of technology?"

"Yes, they have radio chip in them to allow close range communication in the event the world-net ever goes out, but most people don't even know they can do that

"Well, hopefully that includes the TFL. Carry on"

They heave in unison, and a small wooden transmission tower goes up. They high five one another after it doesnt fall back down

2:59 PM

and you hear the corporal lamenting the loss of his treasured HAM set

Marcion hands him a credstick with 2500ish (Whatever I had that was above 60000).

4:12 PM

"Hope this will help you rebuild. Need you focused on the task at hand for now though."

“Nice Of you sir”. Thank you” He stammers. Clearly not expecting it

Marcion nods, going back to the board to check over his plan again before doing his daily visit to the hospital to check on Wind.

Wind stood for twenty minutes unassisted today, and probably could have gone longer if the nurses didn't get nervous and end the session. She really wants to see Ace,

Marcion leaves for a bit before bringing Ace to the hospital to see Wind.

‘Desmond sends a message back to Marcion. Looks like you’re doing a professional job as usual. If you want more resources just ask!’

Desmond arrives at the command post to report to Marcion.

(Hes at the hospital with Wind atm)

11:35 AM

(While the teams get things setup)

(Desmond will wait for Marcion)

Wind seems to be in good spirits once she sees ace, and stands up for even longer to play with him. They're expecting in the next few days she will be back for light duty

Wind in better spirits, you return to duty, as the meeting is scheduled to begin within the following day

"Afternoon Desmond, how are you doing?"

“Busy,” Desmond says. “Ran across a cryo ship in Deep Space that had been attacked by the Fleshshapers . A lot of those in passage died but we ended up saving the rest. Made me think of the time I was in cryo coming from Acastus.”

2:41 PM

“The Ship’s crew donated their power plant to the new Marshal HQ you’re building.”

"Well, that should certainly keep the place powered until the end of time. Do you know where the ship was coming from?"

(Elkano, captain told you, just trying to save you needing to dig through your thread)

(Much appreciated!)

3:27 PM

“That Crew all good people ,” Desmond said. “They kept the ship alive even though the Captain was an old man, burned and close to death. The first mate was even missing an eye.”

"Good people are always welcome around here. You coming with to the Bladonna sit-down?"

“Sure, Ill follow your lead. It’s your Op.”

"Alright. Would you rather be on patrol outside the encampment or inside it?" (edited)

3:44 PM

"I'd rather you be in the camp, just so there is another capable fighter near the politicians, but it's your call."

“I’ll be on the inside lI

6:54 PM

“You’ve got a solid plan, I’m just here to support it.”

(When you’re set the dignitaries will arrive)

(I'm ready if Marcion is)

(I'm ready, but I'm about to go to sleep)

(I’ll set it up and we can kick it off tomorrow. Not far behind you)

( Sleep well underneath the Stars ✨Without Number )

The security arrangements being what they can be for right now, dignitarites from the other Taros city states, and finally President Kincaid of the human portion of the UNW begin arriving at the encampment, separate pavilions marked for each of the cities in attendance. The Bladonnan delegation arrives first, in a long motorcade that you can see leaving the city. It is attended by local police, rather than military forces

"Right, Bladonna is here, everyone keeps your eyes open and report anything suspicious."

Marcion has the techs sweep the Human pavilion for bugs or explosives,

One is found, a simple device, amateur even

Marcion instructs them to try and use it to learn who is controlling it and from where, subtly if possible.

One of the signalmen comes to pull you aside

9:13 AM

"This is crude. Childish really. I think there might be a TFL infiltrator in the camp planting this stuff. We might need to see if the other delegations will let us sweep, discretely, or at least see if their own people found them too. What do you think?"

"Go ahead. Be as subtle as possible."

"What frequency was it broadcasting to?"

"It wasn't switched on when we found it, probably a remote set around here somewhere. Thats' why we were suspecting an infilitrator"

"Is it remotely activated and are there any explosives hidden inside it?"

"No, its very small" he brings you over to a small worktable outside the human delegation's tent. It is palm sized, about half the size of a standard compad. "No explosives, but it was remotely activated. There are probably more of these hidden around the camp somewhere, meant to be turned on for listening in"

"Can you install something into it so we can backtrace their location?"

"If we find another, this one we had to take apart quickly, to make sure there wasnt explosives inside"

11:36 AM

"We broke a few of the components doing so"

"Alright, go ahead and sweep as best you can for more. If you find more, install a tracer on it and let me know where these assholes are setup."

The dignitaries get to speaking right away, to make introductions and opening arguments. Your agents use this time to sweep the pavilions, and another device is found on the Carinhold delegation. "Sir, we have a location. There's a listening....well, theres someone listening, 5km to our south:

"Alright. @Chris Fury (Desmond) , you want to come with me to go check this out?" (edited)

Ok

Marcion heads to his truck, pulls out his ghoststalker drone, and sends it ahead of them.

‘Desmond has his Mag Rifle out at the ready.

Marcion moves the drone to within a kilometer of the location and starts looking for any activity.

In a clearing, two radio operators, and a pair of dirt bikes sit idle, both intently listening in on a headset and tinkering with the receiver

"Right, looks like two people with dirt bikes. I'm going to activate my rocket drone and send to within range while we move up closer."

Marcion activates his sleeper drone and has it move into weapon's range then moves up.

‘Desmond moves up taking a position with his Mag Rifle.’

(So, both drones are at least 1.5 km away, the sleeper drone with rockets is sitting with the trees blocking line of sight atm) (edited)

2:17 PM

Marcion follows him up

2:22 PM

(How far away are these guys from their bikes and how close can we get to them while still under cover?)

(theyre 10m from the bikes, just far enough away to set up their gear without being on top of them really, and you can get to within 30m before the trees get too thin)

"Right, I'm going to go ahead and send a rocket at their bikes. They are just far enough away that they should be shocked by the detonation buy alive. Right before the rocket hits, we run at them. I want to get them alive and their radio equipment intact."

(lets get initiative so we can keep track of what is happening when, but you will have a surprise round)

2:45 PM

(it might not end up becoming important depending on what happens but it helps me stay organized)

(5)

3:20 PM

Desmond takes out his flop gun.

3:21 PM

(It stuns but I've never used it before!)

(8)

3:31 PM

(Not gonna bother rolling again, can't get better than that)

(You’re first. Then Desmond. Then bikers

5:06 PM

(Keep that order for surprise round just omitting the bad guys

Marcion launches a rocket at the two bikes from his drone after bringing it above the treeline then moves up into the clearing

(21/15, its like a kilometer and a half away though, how long will it take to get to them)

5:16 PM

(Cause Marcion would hold off running up until its almost about to hit)

(Within your six seconds of turn. The max range is like 4000m so it’s assumed to be able to go at least that fast in your turn)

(Ok)

(Probably be like a hit the button and then sprint kinda deal)

(Am I doing Rocket Launcher or Flop gun? I hit Rocket Launcher 9/12 )

(Well, too late now, you already rolled)

(No, that's fine. I can't find Flop Gun under weapons. The range is pretty short right?)

(I think it was like assault rifle range or something)

(It’s 200m max range I believe. I’ll find that entry tonight)

5:38 PM

(It’s fine for now we will correct it after if it’s different)

Desmond will try and move to within 200 meters of the bikers.

(We are like 30m away in the trees, or at least he is)

(yeah, you're way close, are you triyng to actually close with them or just fire)

(Desmond is trying to use the Flop Gun. If he’s too close then he will go with the Stun baton.)

(youre within range for the gun, fire away)

(10 to hit with Flop Gun)

One of the rebels falls over, face down into the muddy ground

"Pops was right!" Desmond says. "These things work!"

The rocket thunders into the clearing as the rebel is flopped, the two bikes flipping end over end

Marcion finishes running up to the other rebel, revolver drawn "Don't move."

he freezes, hands up

Marcion grab the duct tape from his belt and ties both of them up. He then puts in a call to the base and asks one of the security personnel to bring his truck out to the spot they are at.

it takes about fifteen minutes for the truck to arrive, needing to pathfind its way through the forest, but eventually it rolls into the clearing, the bikes still smoking and cooling from the missile impact.

Desmond keeps them covered as Marcion goes to work.

Marcion puts the radio equipment in the truck, calls down his drones and stores them as well, before sitting the two rebels (Taros I'm assuming) up against the side, slapping one of them in the face to wake him up.

8:41 AM

As he does so, he turns to Desmond. "Did that feel a bit too easy to you?"

"There have been multiple attempts and there may be more," Desmond says. "You've done your best to close off the most obvious threats but there was no time to set up any intelligence assets to determine the depth of the threat."

9:10 AM

"But, we now have the radio equipment and the operators," Desmond points to the captives. "Maybe we can listen into any broadcasts or send a false message to flush some of them out." (edited)

"Let's get these chucklefucks back to base before we get ambushed out here."

Desmond loads them up into the vehicle and turns on the radio equipment to listen in on any transmissions.

Marcion drives back to the human pavillion

9:46 AM

"Getting anything interesting?" He asks Desmond on the drive back.

"I'm hoping," Desmond says.

(notice/int)

11:01 AM

(each of you can)

(10)

(12)

Both of you hear a number of taps, with regular pauses in the static of the radio , some kind of a message is being sent

(Would either of us recognize this as a version of morse code?)

Desmond sees if the prisoners have any reaction to these taps.

12:52 PM

(Could Desmond be able to determine the location of the sender?)

(It’s Morse code. The prisoners seem to be listening intently

1:00 PM

(I think you’d both be able to tell what it is

1:00 PM

The code is calling for group B to begin their mission

1:00 PM

At the same time your scouts along the northern side of the camp see 30 armed rebels creeping toward their listening post

Marcion calls up the reinforcements waiting in orbit "Might be a good idea to drop down your men now, surrounding the camp."

1:09 PM

He then tells the northern scouts to back up, then calls the gravflyer and has it get in the air and fly to the meeting.

Desmond tries to send back a message, in Morse Code, telling Group B to transmit their position so they can rendezvous with a new asset.

Group b does not transmit their position but your listening post has already spotted them. In orbit, Red Sangha reports they’ll have drop pods landing in five minutes

Desmond remembers the Red Sangha when they dropped on Aliah against Tri-Green Corporation. The thunder of the guns, the certainty of the soldiers, the Jademane cyborgs built to butcher their own people. The Tri-Green scientists and Executives burnt to death by Desmond's Rocket that he launched into the gas filled HQ.

3:22 PM

Desmond takes a deep breath. "Where you want me to be Marcion? I can assist the troops or go where you need another pair of eyes and a gun."

"Right now we are going to standby and get a better idea of what is going on. As soon as the gravflyer comes in, we are going to get the dignitaries out of here."

3:25 PM

Marcion also signals Central for air support.

3:26 PM

And tells everyone in the camp what is going on.

3:30 PM

"I'm going to get my drones up in the air again right after we park. While I'm doing that, get those two gagged and even more bound than they are now, we don't need them getting out or making noise."

3:30 PM

(How far out from the camp are we at this point?)

(You're pretty much on it as all this stuff is happening) Pulling up to the camp the delegations have been clustered in their respective pavilions. Air extraction is coming to get the president to safety, a lander from Trivedi cloud.

Marcion just brings the gravflyer in for some long ranged air support using its railgun then

Desmond looks around for the Greenbriar representatives.

He also launches his drones as soon as they are stopped before practically wrapping the two captured rebels in tape and gagging them.

"You want me to call for the Lone Star

?"

"Not a bad idea."

4:56 PM

He shouts to the area. "Where are the communications people, we need them on this radio figuring out where these fucks are yesterday!" (edited)

"Nancy," Desmond calls. "Scramble the Lone Star

. It's time to Marshal up."

5:03 PM

Desmond keeps an eye out for the President Kincaid.

The northern perimeter scouts report the rebel fighters are 50m from the camp perimeter , creeping slowly through the brush

"Should we light them up?" Desmond asks Marcion. "Before they get any closer?"

"Let's light'em up people!"

5:59 PM

Marcion grabs his compad and searches the other perimeters, looking for other rebel incusions.

Desmond will start firing at them if he is within range.

The north seems to be the only section with trouble. Reinforcing your scouts the both of you prepare to meet the advancing horde (Initiative again since it’s a new combat)

(7)

(5)

Marcion Rebels Desmond

7:29 PM

Targets are a rebel horde 50m away

Marcion pulls out his laser rifle and starts firing away at them

6:27 AM

(27/12)

"Good shot!" Desmond calls out.

Two of the rebels collapse as the sines shots impact against them. They return fire, the shots wild and inaccurate but the sheet volume is overwhelming

7:34 AM

(1 dmg on each of you. Flopped that d12 hard haha). Desmond is next

(14/14)

Two more rebels drop, left behind if not trampled by the advancing horde, now 40m from the gate.

7:45 AM

(Marion Up)

7:45 AM

(Marcion)

(Do we have any scouts with us firing at these guys at all?)

7:46 AM

Marcion fires again

7:46 AM

(24/9)

Desmond pulls out a grenade.

(They’re checking other sides of the perimeter as red Sangha has not landed yet. They’re close)

(After the Rebel’s turn if they are close enough Desmond will throw a grenade. If they are too far out he will shoot again.)

The rebels scream forward, advancing rapidly (double move)

10:37 AM

Closing to within 20m of the fence line

10:37 AM

(Desmond is next. Grenade in range )

(I assume the gravflyer will arrive at the same time as the Red Sangha)

(12/6)

“Everyone back from the gates!” Desmond yells pulling out another grenade.

(yeah, within a few rounds) The grenade splinters its explosive payload into the charging rebel horde, scything down six of them. (Marcion up)

Firing again

3:05 PM

(29/7)

"Good, good," Desmond says between gritted teeth.

The rebel line falters as they close on you (double moving again to get into melee range. The horde is at 1/3 strength

3:29 PM

The pods are a round from coming down

3:29 PM

(Desmond Up)

(13/11)

3:33 PM

Grenade

Several more rebels are shredded by the blast, and the horde's confience breaks

6:53 PM

(marcion is up before they get a chance to do anything)

Shoots again

8:29 PM

(29/8)

The rebels begin falling back, trying to get to the treeline as the red Sangha pods begin descending. the emotionless, professional soldiers in their red/gray armor spread out among the camp, securing VIP’s and the site itself. “Boss, we’ve got something making its way through the woods to the west. Some kinda scrap walker” the atmoflyer sends a video of a spider legged vehicle scuttling toward the camp at speed

"Any markings on it?"

8:48 PM

(Gravflyer, not atmo)

“No markings. Doesn’t look military”

Desmond gets his rocket

Launcher out

9:34 PM

“You never take any easy cases, do you?” Desmond asks.

"Establish communication if you can. Shoot it if its nonresponsive or hostile." (edited)

7:10 AM

Turns to Desmond. "Apparently not."

"Then again, easy tasks are boring."

"That's why you'e a closer," Desmond laughs. "You go hard."

The mech and the grav-flyer trade shots, neither one able to do much to hurt the other. The walker is protected by heavy top cover from the trees, and the flyer too fast to be troubled by return fire

(Does Marcion's rocket laucher drone have a shot at it?)

(it can get in lower than the atmo, it has a better shot)

Desmond moves into position. When he can fire he will.

(how far out is the walker?)

Marcion will maneuver the drone further down, fire a rocket, then move it behind the trees

1:20 PM

(26/28)

(500m out from the camp permeter)

1:23 PM

The vehicle shudders as the rocket hits, the explosive force rolling across its back, knocking scrap plates loose

1:23 PM

It fires its point defense cannon back at the drone

1:28 PM

(not gonna do anything with a 9)

(Nope)

1:51 PM

Marcion has the drone reload while flying at tree height around behind the walker

1:51 PM

(Gonna wait for it to be out of range of its point defense before firing again)

(Can Desmond get the +2 for a prepared firing position?)

(yes , desmond is up)

(24/10)

The rocket blows the front leg, and second front right leg off the walker, and it lists dangerously to the left. (marcion is up)

Marcion goes to his truck, tosses his laser rifle in, and pulls out his HMG

2:09 PM

(How many rounds until Marcion's rocket drone is out of range of their point defense?)

(it is now, but its reloading)

(ok)

2:23 PM

(I don't think Marcion can really do anything else this turn)

The drone lumbers forward on damaged legs, a mortar battery on its back opening fire on the camp. (luck save for both of you)

(Fail 8v10)

(Fail 3v8)

The barrage is ferocious, every tube on its spider-like back firing as many rounds as the overworked gunners inside can load. Explosions bracket the area in a walking barrage (17 damage)

2:45 PM

(Desmond is up) (edited)

Desmond is rocked back by the blast. It knocks him sideway and his ears ring. He looks at the evacuating people and gets back up, shouldering the rocket launcher again. He fires.

2:47 PM

(8/16)

(close enough now where you're within 40, The head section explodes, and the legs go slack, as though flattened. Fire begins spreading out from the splayed pilot compartment

"Delgato!" Desmond yells over his ringing ears. "You okay?"

Marcion groans as he gets up "Yeah, I'm fine." He looks on his scout drone to see if there are any more surprises in store for them

The is clear now. There are no further rebel attacks, Red Sangha has rounded up the fleeing rebels, and has executed them.

“Nancy,” Desmond calls on his comm. “what’s your ETA? We’ve got some wounded.”

Marcion goes to check on the president.

President Kincaid, and the Taros leaders, have been evacuated by orbital lifter, touching off a moment before the walker opened fire, though much of the Taros section of the encampment is in ruins, and members of their support staffs were not as lucky.

Marcion looks over the ruins of the camp and sighs. "Stupid fucking idea, THIS WAS A STUPID FUCKING IDEA."

From the air, they announce that an agreement has been reached. Bladonna is to be re-integrated, and the ministers will step down from their positions. The Black Phalanx has been dispatched to Bladonna to ensure they surrender to UNW custody. Meltis will be reinstated as the leader of Bladonna, and the planet will be scoured of any trace of the Taros First League, who have universally been declared outlaws- their government support from Bladonna confirmed, and now dried up.

3:13 PM

(6xp, 50,000 credits to you both, and the marshals may claim the mech wreckage if they'd like)

(Do i get my goal of eliminating the TFL threat?)

(yes you do)

Marcion goes to see if his truck somehow survived the mortars

3:32 PM

(Got level 2 in alert now)

Desmond walks back with him, his rocket Launcher balanced over his shoulder and his Mag Rifle slung on its strap . (edited)

"I swear to god if I have to get this truck rebuilt again I'm going to kill someone."

(Thanks for letting me jump in at the end @Nekosmash and @opscomm !)

(np, was fun)

Other than a broken window on the passenger side the truck looks alright. No technicians need to die today

Marcion will oversee cleanup of the area, trying to find as many living people as possible before heading back to Central.

4:08 PM

(How many dead political underlings would you say there are?)

(about 30 between all delegations, not 30 each)

(Ok)

After spending some time at the bar, Marcion heads to the hospital to talk to Wind, still covered in the dirt and stuff from the mortars.

Wind is no longer in any kind of a brace, and has been walking around the hospital for most of the day. She is due for release this evening

"Hey, ready to get out of this place?"

"I am. It's been too long" she says, she seems relieved to finally be off.

"Hospitals suck, let's get you out of here."

Marcion walks with her to his truck, where Ace is waiting wagging his tail staring out the backseat at them.

She winces a little as she lowers herself into the passenger seat, but seems far more content here

Ace wags his tail at her, climbing with his front paws onto the center console. He licks her face a few times before laying down on the floor of of the back seat.

8:45 AM

"So, where to?"

"home" she says "I've been lying in that bed for long enough"

Marcion drives her to her (apartment?)

9:14 AM

"Well, here we are. Glad to have you back around Wind. Take it easy for a few days, there isn't much going on at the moment anyway."

(yeah, apartment)

9:42 AM

She plans to take your advice. "I might come by tomorrrow and sit in the workshop for a while. I've got some ideas for a new stealth suit for myself"

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight."

9:42 AM

Marcion drives home

He spends some time looking through the Resurrection Center database to see if anyone he knows is on the list.

After a few days off, he has his house moved to the newly completed SWAT base and begins training the unit.

(were you looking for contacts? I can introduce some easily enough)

(Just anyone he knows)

11:26 AM

(Seeing if his family is on it by sheer chance

There is one name on the list, a contact from the SWAT agency back home , a dispatcher then, but it looks like he had since been assigned to the northern Elkano region , following up a posting for skilled help being needed there

11:34 AM

Remembering the last time you'd seen him, transferring somewhere else was the only way he was going to make a flag rank

Marcion shrugs, goes back to training the SWAT unit, focusing first on conditioning, then weapons training, then basic squad tactics, and finally kill house and insertion training.

12:09 PM

(Can I make a roll of some kind to see if I can speed up the training?)

(lead/int)

(8)

The training is completed within the week. Some brush ups and reinforcement training will be needed, but other instructors can complete those

At some point during the week Marcion stops by Wind's place to see her ideas for a new stealth suit.

The suit is a cruder copy of the original. it is about as bulky, but the power won't last as long, and using other gadgetry with it will interrupt the stealth profile\

"Do you want anyone else in on this project to help?"

7:23 PM

"If nothing else we should use this as a prototype, see if we can make some improvements for you, get it closer to the original. Maybe even better if possible."

"I hope I can, someday" she sighs. "I still am quite disspirited over the loss of the original"

"I know. I wish I could say we will find it eventually, but the person who has it could literally be anywhere."

"If we don't get him, karma will, I just hope I'm there to see it"

"Me too."

"I'm starting to get worried that I'm going to be saddled with more and more administrative political bullshit now."

9:16 PM

"The recent meeting I took over security for is a big red flag for me."

"I think your judgement is trusted. I have an idea on that, though"

9:23 PM

"You've got a large body of knowledge in that head of yours. what about programing some kind of advisor program, using what you've learned over the years. Like some kind of virtual course for other public safety officials to take?"

9:23 PM

"Nothing is going to replace experience itself, but maybe it will give them a leg up?"

"That's not a bad idea, I still have notes from just about every case I worked lying around somewhere."

12:42 PM

He chuckles a bit "My ex-wife always used to get so mad at me for keeping all that stuff, said it took up too much space." (edited)

"Put them to use" she urges. "THey're not doing anyone any good rotting away on a desk somewhere. This could really be yor chance to help people." "Help more people" she catches herself

"I could use some work that doesn't require shooting guns. That whole mess of a meeting, 30 people dead for no reason at all."

"Bladonna and the TFL have both been handled, I think that alone is plenty"

"It could have been done better. There is no reason for them not to have multiple landers to escort the other civilians. I didn't think about it and I should have."

"Anyway, do some testing, see what you can improve on the suit. I'm going to go find someone who actually knows how to program things."

4:54 PM

Marcion gets up and drives to the Marshal HQ.

Hq is busy. The construction is finally done. Almost every marshal on planet is here

Marcion looks for Nancy

Nancy chu is uncomfortable on land and it shows when you go to talk to her. It’s a running joke that she should just move her apartment into space and bolt it to the lone star

"Hey Nancy, you doing ok?"

“Just eager to be back to space. What’s going on marcion

"Wind suggested I use my knowledge and experience to make a training program for new Marshals, I just wanted to see who we have around that actually knows how to program something like that."

“Ah like a classroom module. I made one a while ago for pilot trainings. The voice on the docking tutorial is mine actually”

6:20 PM

She relaxes for a moment at the mention of space

"Something like that. Know anyone who can help?"

4:22 PM

"I'd ask you, but you seem a bit busy at the moment."

“I’ll help. So this is almost a tactical advisory guide then?”

"Basically. I've got a big stack of old case notes at home I wanted to use to create some situations for trainees to deal with. Start with smaller cases, work up to bigger ones. Ideally the bigger ones would involve some kind of virtual reality experience, but that may be a bit difficult to pull off."

"You know, it actually isn't as far cry a thing as you think, I know the task force bought some virtual trainers from Carinhold. Maybe we take a trip out there and look at a few models?"

"Visit Carinhold or visit the Task Force? I'd rather not have to deal with the Task Force if possible." (edited)

"Well, Carinhold it is then. They've got the virtual training technology too. They use it for prize fighting out there- boxing, martial arts, that kind of thing"

"Thanks for the information Nancy, I'll take a look out there and see what they have."

She books passage for you on the next flight to carinhold. The marshal service is well respected in the city thanks to some previous exploits by Arimoto, and your job should be easier as a result

He asks Wind if she can look after Ace for a few days, then takes the flight to Carinhold.

Wind is very excited to have Ace for a few days. The plane lands in the main Carinhold airport, one of the handful of commercial flights going back and forth every day. A handful of other humans are on the plane as are some taros

Marcion looks up on his compad any places selling the equipment he needs or that has access to it.

7:50 PM

Ace also would have jumped onto Wind when he first saw her, licking her face

7:50 PM

(Is Marcion allowed to take weapons on the flight at all?)

7:50 PM

(Like, in storage at least?)

(Yes. You’re permitted to carry weapons)

There are a few dealers selling the virtual training systems. One of them is very close to the airport

Marcion stop into the shop to see what the dealer is selling.

The dealer had a Number if cyberware models and virtual trainers for sale. The shop is small and some of the gear seems a bit dated

(Is there any gear there Marcion has used in the past?)

(they've got their own version of combat rifle, NVG's, survival gear, ect. It's sort of like a tactical gear warehouse.) Most of it is pretty common, the thing that really separates them apart is the cyberware they have on offer

11:07 AM

(standard book, and a handful of the systems out of the polychrome book. there is a copy of it on the rules channel if you'd like a copy for yourself)

(Alright, I'll take a look. Sorry for being less active lately, been busy with job interviews and career fair stuff, so ive been tired most days.)

(no worries bud, life comes first)

(What pages would the stuff be on?)

(Cyberware is in the core book at the end of the equipment section. After drones I think. In the polychrome book I think it’s page 37. It’s got its own section )

9:53 PM

(The only things they won’t have is tech lvl 5 cyberware and both books denote that

(Holoskin emitters?)

9:55 PM

(Actually, no, i dont think any of this is for like training stuff) (edited)

(Oh the training thing is homebrew)

9:56 PM

(Theres not a specific mechanical thing for it. I just was going to rp it out and give the marshals a few options to pick for a bonus as you purchase and set up these training programs)

(Ok)

"So, you got anything in here that can be used for weapons training or teaching about crime scene investigation?" (edited)

"I do. I have a very immersive simulator, it can even mirror touch. Would you like to give it a try?"

"What program do you have for demonstration?"

"I can run either, but I thinkt he crime scene demonstration really shows off the machine's power of touch sensitivity"

"Alright, I'll give it a go."

Marcion first inspects the VR equipment to see if anything looks awry

Nothing looks awry. You put the goggles on, and are helped into gloves. You hear a click as the device comes online

7:17 PM

youre suddenly on a rainy street, in an alley. A pair of murdered evening revelers lies face down in the alley before you

7:17 PM

you can even feel the slight chill of the rain on your hands, inside the mits

Marcion starts going over the corpses, seeing how effective the VR is

You feel the cold flesh beneath you, and it even feels the way it is supposed to. There is a gentle squish as the gunshot wound is disurbed

"Hmm, seems good enough." He ends the simulation and takes off the equipment.

"Do you think this might be of use to you, or your cadets?"

"Yeah, it looks fine to me. How much for a pair of units along with spare parts?"

"100,000 for the lot. I'll throw in an extra few pairs of the gloves as well, so you can group train"

(Does that sound about right for this stuff?) (edited)

(Seung paid about that for his martial arts and marksmanship trainer. What this will do is I’ll post something in the marshal channel, anyone who spends downtime on Gudrun this game month can level up one of a handful of skills)

5:01 PM

(Reflecting them spending time vr training)

(Alright)

6:20 PM

Marcion pays for the equipment and call the SWATflyer to come pick it up along with him, flying back to the base. (edited)

6:26 PM

(There goes most of his money, not that he cares)

He gets the equipment setup and begins trying to program in case files into the simulator

It takes about a day with some help from wind, but the simulator is installed on the compound, and the marshals are very excited to get to work

He starts everyone out with a basic crime scene investigation, programming more difficult ones to unlock as time progresses. The final test is a very complicated case covering a double homicide with possible links to a serial killer.

11:06 AM

"That's one good thing about the end of humanities golden era, all these bastards finally got what was coming to them." He says to Wind

"We hope" she says "These kinds of things seem less common among us, but they have happened"

11:54 AM

"one stalked Atrovia during the civil war, and seems to have stopped now that peace is here"

"Eventually another will worm its way out of the woodwork. At least I don't have a marriage for it to destroy anymore."

"One cannot serve two masters, though many try" Wind commiserates

"It wasn't really like that. I just brought the job home with me too often, and I pushed them away. I talk bad about them to most people because I'm mad at myself about it."

1:46 PM

"Things were fine when I ran the SWAT team, but when I made detective, issues started."

"Anyway, it's all setup, I'll give it a test, see if everything is as it should be."

2:10 PM

Marcion puts on the equipment, tests it, sees everything is working properly, takes the equipment off, looks at Wind

She sits thoughtfully, thinking about everything you've said. She seems to be on the edge of a story, but thinks better of it

"What's wrong?"

"You look like you were about to say something."

"I was just thinking, about how relationships are hard to maintain in our line of work"

8:53 PM

she inches a little closer to you. "It is...difficult...to find someone who understands the things we see every day. You and your cases, me, and the war, fighting alongside the others for our city. That has an effect on you. "

He Shrugs. "Someone has to do it, eventually you have to find balance or get out of the game. Reason I'm here is because I got so involved I needed a break, but you already know that story I think."

"I do. The story took a turn you weren't intending, with whatever happened to all your planets. It's strange. Even here, we all felt...something...like a discomfort, but we don't have any psychics of our own- I couldn't even imagine how much more of a mess we would have been in"

9:00 PM

"this might have been an underhill planet by time you landed"

"Well, everything happens for one reason or another."

9:02 PM

(Did I already talk to you about Marcion's leg and whether it was cool to have him use a prosthetic on his one leg that got shot up? Just something normal with no big mechanical bits)

(I think we touched on it a little bit, but if we didn't, yeah, go for it)

He takes a few more steps before tripping on a wire he didn't see, tripping and sliding across the floor. He sits up, curses, then tries to get up but his left boot doesn't move from the ground.

9:09 PM

"Shit. Well, there's another cat that felt like leaving my sack of bullshit nobody knows about." He says, grabbing the shoe, pulling the rest of the prosthetic out of his pant leg

Wind has spent a lot of time with you, but is surprised to see your false leg. your uniform or combat gear usually covers it. "Let me help you with that" she says, gracefully crossing the distance in three steps

He chuckles a bit "What, did you think you were the only one with some mechanical bits here?"

"I did" she smiles "You're full of surprises"

Marcion gives a weary sigh "Yeah, I suppose. I got this after my lower left leg was shattered by a bullet. The doctors told me I could get it fixed with multiple surgeries and months of hospital time, but the first surgery noticed the bullet had used some kind of radioactive bits or whatever, so the tissue was dying faster than they could save it."

10:32 AM

"I told them to just chop it off, they gave me a few different prosthetics, one for everyday, another more substantial one for fighting."

10:33 AM

He starts re-fixing the fake bits of his leg to the stump just below his left knee, finishing after a few minutes.

"Complete devotion to duty, and getting back in the fight. I respect that" she says, helping with what she can, even if it is just handing pieces. She seems to be going out of her way to touch your hand

Marcion looks at her. "You okay there?"

she pauses for a moment/ "I am now. It's been weird without my order still being in Atrovia, and then being captured, coming here. Doing this important work with you, it feels right"

He smiles at her "I enjoy having you around, you are a good partner. Been a while since I had someone I cared about, it's a nice feeling to have."

"Reminds me of home."

"This is home. this is home now, for both of us i think"

2:32 PM

(6xp, 15000 credits, for the mission before and good RPnow)

(Do I get to complete the goal for forming the swat team?)

(sure do)

(cool, I'll do level up stuff in a bit. Also have to think about what Marcion will be doing next) (edited)

2:37 PM

(Trying to decide if I want to get BF5 since its half off right now)

2:43 PM

(And I just got it because i can always play it a bit, decide its crap, and return it)

(game-pass has been a nice investment because of that, if the game sucks you got it for free anyway, go get another one)

2:53 PM

(and sure thing. There are definitely some worlds on the cusp of being friendly that would be good recruiting grounds)

(I like "owning" my games though)

(good point)

Marcion finishes getting his leg reattached, stands up, takes a few steps. "That feels about right. I just realized I haven't eaten anything since I got back, you want to get something to eat?"

"I'd like that. Hospital food was alright but, you know. Mass produced" she makes a sour face

"Well, I have to pick up Ace from your place anyway, could always just pick up some stuff on the way and make dinner there." (edited)

"I'd like that. Dinner, Ace...And you" she seems pleased by the idea

"Let's go then."

9:24 PM

Marcion walks with her to his truck, stopping at the grocery store to buy whatever he can get which can be combined to resemble some kind of paella.

There seems to actually be plenty on display. Harvest is coming soon, and the stores are full, trying to move older products out to make room for the influx

He will pick out some rice, chicken, and all the other ingredients needed, then drive to Wind's apartment.

You are lucky enough to be able to find the first bit of meat, chickens are relatively now still, but all told, you have enough for a very nice meal. Wind is happy to try cooking that is not the heavily vegetable focused normal fare of the Taros

"Before I came here we mostly cooked this dish with fish, having chicken was a special occasion. I think tonight fits that description."

4:02 PM

Marcion would carry in the bags behind Wind, saying hi to Ace when he comes to the door to welcome them.

Ace runs in a circle on the floor, eager to see both of you back, and very interested in the grocery bags

"Hey buddy!" Marcion puts the grocery bags on her kitchen counter and then gives Ace some ear scratches and heat pats.

Dinner begins, the smell of the dish beginning to fill the apartment. This is a far cry from the investgations, security detail, and the never ending mashal business.

"So, what do you think?"

"Ive never had anything like this before, we never really eat meat but its...its amazing."

8:11 PM

"where did you learn how to do this?"

"My father taught me. He was always the family cook, and he turned to it often after my mother died."

9:59 PM

"He came up with this recipe, we always had it on her birthday."

Her mouth is part full, but she talks anyway "We had cooks in the order for us, and I was one myself. Usually teenagers before the age of majority are left to do house duties like that"

"Ah, makes sense I suppose, teaches some basic skills and keeps the younger ones busy and away from trouble."

"Once you hit 17, you become an adult, and you begin training to serve the order as a military force. The training is not kind on the body. I have a few metal bits in me as well"

"I know, the doctors told us they were there. What all do they do?"

"My metal bits?" her eyes narrow. "One lets me slow down time for a moment, my perception of it, at least (slowtime window)

"Hmm, sounds useful. You don't seem too happy about them for some reason." (edited)

"Strain" she says "and the idea of having something playing games with your head like that"

"I assume you didn't have a choice in the matter."

"None. Well, the other choice was being asked to politely leave, by way of a small caliber bullet between my eyes. By then I'd seen too much of the order and its workings for them to just let me go"

"This doesn't seem like it was a nice place to live."

"It never was, but the alternative was starving to death on the streets"

"I'm sorry about that. At least you found a new home."

"I did. With the marshals, Ace, and you." she looks very happy. "I didn't think it would ever happen in my lifetime

"I didn't think I would find another home after I left my world. I'm happy here."

Marcion will reach out and put his hand on hers with a smile, as Ace comes over to his plate and tries to steal a piece of chicken

Nobody notices, to Ace's benefit. There are far greater things afoot in the room. (we can fade to black here, if you like)

(Sure)

You awaken the following morning, ace sleeping at the end of the bed and wind next to you.

(Now you got me really wondering what she looks like)

12:57 PM

(Damnit)

12:58 PM

Marcion wakes up, rolls over, gives her a kiss on the cheek, gets up, goes to make breakfast.

12:58 PM

(In some pants obv)

(I've got some art)

1:05 PM

(standby)

1:05 PM

(in suit )

1:07 PM

(without, pretty close to what was in mind)

1:07 PM

(just a little more pale, and facial features a bit sharper)

(Ok, thats what I was assuming)

1:08 PM

(Something like that)

(hard trying to splice someone elses art over your own headcanon) (edited)

(^ The reason I spend untold hours on Pinterest)

(Yup)

1:12 PM

(Not gonna lie, I spent time last night looking for something to visualize her as, lots of time looking at 'scifi elf' or 'space elf') (edited)

1:14 PM

After about 15-20 minutes, Marcion comes back to the bed and wakes Wind up with a kiss "Morning sleepyhead, hungry?"

"Yes" she says, rolling over and smiling. "Hope your breakfast is as good as your dinner"

"I just made something simple, eggs and beans with salsa, called Huevos Rancheros."

1:46 PM

"Wish we had some chorizo to put in it, but we don't have pigs here."

1:47 PM

(If I remember the voting correctly, we don't have pigs as a trade good yet)

(not yet)

"When we finally get those animals here, you will go nuts for bacon."

"I'm eagerly waiting. Someday soon I hope" (edited)

"Hopefully. For now, we will have to settle for this the way it is." He turns to Ace. "And you, keep your nose from the table." He boops Ace on the nose (edited)

He sits back down onto his haunches and goes back to trying to look pathetic to get sympathy food (edited)

"Don't give me that look, you know what you did."

He whines and flops onto his back. Acting pathetic.

Marcion shakes his head and laughs "What a goofball. He's showing off for you."

"It might be working a little bit" she says, looking at him with narrow eyes. Your compad pings.

Marcion looks down at his compad.

A sweep of the southern lakefront hab zone has revealed a manor home, possibly associated with a Still-Lady cult. Soldiers moving to sweep the zone were under fire by small arms, and have withdrawn to a safe cordon

"Shit. We gotta go." He shows Wind the Compad for a second before calling up the SWAT team and having them pick them up before flying to the area.

It's a short flight to the south hab zone. "How close we getting?" the pilot asks. He's unsure if you want to drop into the thick of it, or meet up with the military near the scene first

"Drop us at the perimeter then set an orbit just outside missile range, feed us any information you have."

The vehicle hovers, and ;lands, allowing all of you to get out. A squad of soldiers is watching the house through imaging equipment, doing what they can to see through or over its walls

Marcion looks for the commander

3:54 PM

(I imagine each squad of SWAT has a sniper, the sergeant, two riflemen, and a breaching/heavy weapons expert who either uses a shotgun or a heavy machine gun depending on the situation.)

3:54 PM

(Or, one squad has the shotgun, the other has the machine gun)

3:55 PM

(Or a TL4 equivalent of a shotgun)

"Marcion Delgato, Marshals, this is my partner Wind, heard there was a situation so we brought the party bus and some friends."

(They still have shotguns in this.)

4:33 PM

“We think there’s a possible still lady cult in the home there. We had a warning about something from the psi academy and on a tip we started canvassing the neighborhood

4:33 PM

“Got to the front gate when the Guns opened up”

(I know, I didn't know if we had spike throwers, if they could be armed with that, and the riflemen with laser rifles) (edited)

4:34 PM

"What kind of guns are we talking?"

4:35 PM

(Would it be possible for Marcion to have his drones in the flyer as well? I think it has two extra slots for people they could take up)

(Yeah I don’t see why not.)

5:10 PM

“Rifles. Solid round. I think a heavy machine gun in the peak of the roof. He was hosing the courtyard down when we tried to enter”

"Have we seen the shooter since? Is there more than one?"

“We counted at least six guns”

"Alright. Who is supposed to own this building anyway?"

"Family residence, one of the mining foremen from the iron mine" (edited)

"Are these people in the building, do we know anything about them?"

"They haven't made any demands yet. We don't even know if they live there or just happened to stumble on property when we were making our sweep. We didn;t know they were there until the gunfire started"

"Alright. Let's go ahead and see if we can get some information on the owners through our databases, I'll get my drones in the air for a bit more information. Try to get pictures of the people inside, see if we can identify them through facial recognition. Check for transmissions from the house, intercepting or jamming them if possible. We need to keep these people isolated and in here, hopefully we can get some of them alive. Fanatics like this will be difficult though."

6:38 PM

Marcion launches his drones, setting them in orbit above where the gravflyer is orbiting. He will try to use his ghoststalker drone to obtain photos of the various cultists inside the house

There are six shooters inside the house. One on the ground floor watching the front door, and the rest on the upstairs. They’re concentrated in the largest room

(Did he manage to snag any photos of them?)

(Not with ehoufh resolution to identify anything)

(Ok)

"I can't see anything, start canvasing the neighborhood, see if anyone else saw anything."

3:29 PM

"Anything on the owners in the database besides what we already know?"

"Mining foremen. Nothing else really there. More will be revealed once this mess is over I bet"

(Do they have a layout of the house at all?)

(Is that the first or second floor?)

(first floor)

(What does the second floor look like?)

(I'm trying to find one i like)

(kk)

second floor, the 'stairs' in this case are balconies, nothing else matches up exactly

(Ok, I'll have to look these over and come up with a insertion plan)

Sounds good)

Marcion has the soldiers present focus their attention on the front door with the gravflyer to lay down suppressing fire. Squad one with the breach equipment will enter the house through the balcony labeled S3, Squad two with the heavy weapons will enter the ground floor at the back door, both squads using detcord and flashbangs upon entry, sweeping each room, working to the middle room where most of the enemies are located. Liberal use of flashbangs and lethal force if necessary is authorized. Marcion and Wind will enter the second floor through balcony S2 to make sure there is no easy way out.

2:15 PM

He will have power cut to the building as well.

(as far as getting onto the second floor, are you fast roping from above or getting some kind of ramp or ladder going)

(Prob fast roping actually, using the gunfire as a distraction)

Wind and Marcion fast rope down onto the balcony, as the breaching teams below make their way in. Resistance is mopped up handily, outright surrendering as the bottom floor is effortlessly taken, and before long you're in front of a gaggle of kneeling,prisoners, all in black fatigues

7:54 AM

(with your plan i dont see how resistance would have been any kind of meaningful here, you had them boxed)

(Lots of books and games on tactical stuff. Thank Tom Clancy)

(Can't believe its been 7 years already)

(Time flies my friend)

"Do we shoot them?" one of the squad members asks, gesturing with his automatic weapon

"No, we take them in for questioning. Transport them to the main jail in central, Wind and I will be by after we search the house."

8:19 AM

Marcion will spend time looking over the house for anything of interest

(Notice/int check?)

(No this just didnt light up)

12:49 PM

You find a small statue of a pyramid, roughly carved from scrap metal, and then painted black, set in the middle of some kind of summoning circle. The circle itself was painted with blood, but the source is uncertain without specialized equipment. Candles have burned to stubs and left black stains in the floor at the points of the gram symbol set within

12:49 PM

There are a handful of tattered paper pages with scrawling

12:49 PM

as though someone tried to write a holy book to her, but lacked the skill to do it

Marcion sighs and rubs his eyes. "More wackos, great. We get rid of one group of terrorists, another crazier bunch fills the void."

"This looks kind of amateur to me" Wind says "I don't think this is any more serious than it looks"

"Looks can be deceiving."

"Do you know anyone who can sense magic? we might need them"

1:51 PM

"I think that's the only way we will know how serious they were"

"No, I have no experience with magic at all or anyone who can sense it,"

"Well...I'll reach out to the academy myself then if you're alright with that"

"Sounds good to me, I'll start the interrogations while you are doing that."

6:10 PM

Marcion will ride back to central jail with the prisoners, interviewing them once the leader of the group is figured out and starting with that person.

The same name comes up over and over with the interrogations, finally setting on one, Vharruin. He is young, but steel eyed, and even shackled is sitting back straight, full of confidence.

Marcion comes walking in, sitting down in front of him, reads his notes for a second before looking up.

6:23 PM

"So, Mr. Virran, doubt things went according to plan for you guys."

Marcion, this is Desmond O'Shea. I'm going to Acastus to deal with some of the Still Lady's Cult. Ever since my last run in with her I've been tapping into a force that seems to work against her. Good work on the new HQ. It should be up and running soon.  By the way your  new SWAT Team showed its worth. Keep in touch!

"Things could have gone better" he is all smiles and confidence

(None of these people are members of the miner family right?)

(no they just took over the house)

"Interesting redecorating you decided to do in the mine foreman's living room. What purpose did that serve?"

"We needed the Lady to feel welcome, should she hear our prayers and manifest"

"So, you broke into someone's house, turned their living room into a summoning chamber, where are the people who lived there?"

"They were not home when we took the home for ourselves.They had a housekeeper there. We let her go. The lady wants worship, not needless killing"

8:09 AM

"Who knows. We could have accidently killed a true believer"

"So why fire at the soldiers then? You all could have easily been killed."

"We needed to delay them. We needed more time to try to contact her. We knew it would force them to stop moving in, and set up a blockade. We were under no illusions that we were walking away"

9:12 AM

"Not without her help at least."

Marcion rubs his eyes again. "So what, my team showing up is a sign from your nonexistent god then?"

"We have displeased her in some way. She withdrew her favor. Sano could feel her presence retreating from us when the door was removed downstairs"

"Right..."

10:20 AM

Marcion gets up to leave. "The lot of you are being charged with trespassing, vandalism, attempted murder of law enforcement, and illegal possession of military-grade firearms. You can tack on conspiracy to commit for the first three as well."

The SWAT forces hand them off to local police to bring into custody. "We're going to need a more secure holding facility, especially with Malak getting out." Wind says to herself, as much as you

"Yeah. Learn anything from the psychics?"

"Doona is at the site now wrapping up. She says there was a connection of some kind in the house, whatever they contacted, it was successful, for a time

"boss. we have a problem"

2:17 PM

Wind is listening to something on her commbead

2:18 PM

"Active shooter at the port, Neptune's arms. The academy is sending someone to port us there"

"Wonderful, more wackos." He groans as he gets up "Let's go."

2:24 PM

Marcion would take the teleport with Wind to the port

You're brought outside the Neptunes arms, where paramedics are working to treat one of the acid victims. Two other bodies in sheets are brought out, their wounds too much to cope with, having gone several minutes without treatment.

Marcion rubs his face. "Fuck me..."

2:33 PM

"Wind, get the SWAT team in the air pronto." He turns to the first responders "Who's in charge here right now?" (edited)

A somewhat portly police officer ambles over "Inspector Gaines. sir"

2:37 PM

"SWAT, wow, they sent' the professionals"

"Shit like this is an abusive relationship with an endless maze. As soon as you think you are out you turn the corner and smack right into a wall made of shitty reality." (edited)

2:39 PM

"What's the story, barfight, relationship dispute, cheating spouse?"

"We were only able to get a little bit out of one of the cooks. Poor lad pissed himself. Had his compad shot out of his hand. He said the perp had a folder with their recipes when he fled"

2:41 PM

"snuck in somehow. They were playing cards, didn't notice anyone come in"

"Are you serious? All this is over some recipes?" Marcion groans, looks for a clean bottle of whiskey, grabs it, puts a credstick on the counter, and pockets the bottle. "Feel like I'm going to need that later, this day keeps getting more bizarre every minute. Do we have security footage from anywhere?"

"we have a sketch, and the cook said he fled out the back door, toward the waterfront"

2:46 PM

He passes it over to your compad "we distributed the likeness on local badm TV as well"

2:46 PM

*band"

2:46 PM

"If he plans to get anywhere, he's going to need the train, I have officers heading there to lock it down"

"Any other witnesses capable of talking? These recipes have to be for someone." Marcion says as he takes a look at the sketch.

2:48 PM

(What is he looking at?)

a man with a rough beard and unkempt hair is in the photograph, he looks like he hasn't seen a haircut in a long time (edited)

"Well, we can assume he's going to do something to change his appearance. Get copies of this sketch without the hair and beard, with glasses, without the hair and beard with glasses, as a blonde, the works. Have the TV bands show this sketch first then the other sketches afterwards. This looks like it happened within the last hour, so he can't be far, get patrol cars out looking in a 20 block radius." (edited)

2:54 PM

"Does anyone know if this bar has any rivals, someone who would pay money for recipes?"

"The only other drinking establishments are in Central and Rebirth, and those are both owned by The Baron"

2:56 PM

"But we haven't screened any of the Taros cities yet either. "

2:57 PM

"Silicon in Vapormills has had some hard times too, ever since their own distillery closed- mixed up in all that business with the Trace trade"

"I doubt a Taros business would take the chance trying to pull off something like this, too much risk involved. I'll give the Baron a call, he ought to know something." (edited)

2:58 PM

Marcion places a call in to the Baron.

While it is being connected he will turn back to Wind "Once the team has been alerted, start down the waterfront until you find someplace with a camera outside, I want to see where this shitlord ran next." (edited)

You hear a busy bar in the background, and the baron picks up

3:10 PM

"Harvest Spirits, takeout or dine in?

"Baron? Marshal Delgato. Turn on your TV."

3:11 PM

(I assume the news is running on just about every channel saying 'MAD SHOOTER ON THE LOOSE)

(yeah pretty much)

3:13 PM

The line goes quiet for a moment and he picks up from a quieter location "Sorry about that officer. I'm in my office now"

"There was a robbery in the bar at the waterfront area of the port. Two are dead, a third nearly there. The robber was out to steal recipes for drinks. I need to know if you can think of anyone who would do this."

"I've had two people approach me about finding drink ingredients and assisting me the last few days. I'll give you both, but I need a guarantee from you"

"That I won't come after you next I'm assuming." Marcion sighs "Baron, I need their names. I doubt you asked anyone to waltz into your competitors flinging acid and bullets at them. Go down to the police office in central an make a statement for the record after you give me their names, explain what interactions you had, and you won't have to worry. If you did ask them to do these things though, I have to ask, I need to know the truth."

"I was asked about if I'd like some information on my competition, or about making new drinks. Obviously, being a businessman, I said yes. I would like new ingredients and new information. I was approached by Cornelius Hardt and then later another man named Kensh"

Marcion sends him the sketch "Which one is this?"

(the only one available you'd have right now is the bearded one, since you asked for the other ones to be done just a minute or two ago)

3:26 PM

"That looks like Kensh. I think. The face is a little off"

"You have a better picture at all?"

"Not in the habit of taking pictures of my clients, or workers, or patrons for that matter. not even the pretty ones"

"Alright. Get down to the police statement and give a statement. Thanks for the help."

3:28 PM

Marcion hangs up and immediately searches the database for a person named Kensh

3:31 PM

While he is looking up a picture, Marcion would turn to the police inspector. "We have a name, Kensh, add it to the BOLO."

“Alright. I’ll do that.” Kensh registered as a citizen recently from off world. His specialties are listed as sniper

(There a picture with it?)

(It would be the one taken when he first got here, so beard more unkempt, hair longer, but face structure and all that is the same)

8:40 PM

(you could tell its him)

"We have a picture, replace the original sketch with this, digitally alter with the same parameters as before for the possible looks photos. I want this on every screen, compad, refrigerator and toilet stall in the city yesterday. This guy is dangerous and I want him found." (edited)

"It will be done Marshal" You notice someone on the side of the police lines trying to flag you down

Marcion walks over. "Can I help you?"

"I think the person you were looking for was in my shop ten minutes ago. He gave me 30 credits to give him a haircut and keep my mouth shut, but then I saw the news. It felt like blood money"

Marcion cannot hide a smile. "Best news I've had all day. What kind of shop do you run sir?"

"I cut hair. Sailors usually"

"Trimmed his beard and shaggy hair off?"

"Please don't arrest me. I hadn't seen the news" his eyes are downcast

"Why would I arrest you, you serviced a patron then came and told someone when you figured out who he was. Where is your shop and how long ago was this?"

"fifteenish minutes ago, I'm down by the waterfront, near the train station and the shipyard storage area"

"Anything else I should know?"

"That's all I really know"

"Alright, thanks, you've been more than helpful" Marcion turns to the police officers. "I want a perimeter setup 20 minutes walking distance away from this barbershop. He was last seen there, and got a haircut and shave, make that image the main one."

9:07 PM

*Marcion messages Wind. "Heading to the railway station, he got a haircut and a shave, I'll pick you up on the way there." (edited)

9:08 PM

(How far out is the gravflyer at this point?)

(Central is 1800km away, so a long while. Thats why the academy teleported you)

(Ah, ok)

9:11 PM

(Marcion would just have borrowed a squad car for the drive)

Marcion picks up Wind, then drives to the railway station

The station is locked down, two other patrol cars are in front, with four officers on the platform, inspecting the train and interviewing passengers

Marcion walks up to the officers, flashes his badge "Any visual on him?"

"Ddin't come this way that we've seen. Train is locked down. Is this the still lady's agent? command is concerned"

"No, it seems to be unrelated. Keep up the good work, stay vigilant."

8:31 AM

Marcion walks back to the car. "He didn't make it on the train so he must still be in the area."

8:32 AM

(Are there any buildings nearby which look unoccupied?)

The settlement itself is small, nearly everyone is home or was at the bar, and several ships are still out at sea. The dockyard is the only part of the settlement that is mostly in darkness

(How far out is the gravflyer at this point?)

10:07 AM

(It would take 87 and a half minutes to get the 1800km if it is traveling at the speed of sound, how fast can those things fly at max speed?)

(It doesnt really say in the book they just use speed differences to add/subtract from AC when being fired at by other things. I'd say using 87 minutes, they're just over halfway here. You teleported, saw the crime scene, called the baron, got some witness statements, and went to the train station, but everything is sorta close together

(I'd say speed of sound is a good bet, makes things simple for us)

10:13 AM

"So Wind, if you were a dangerous criminal looking to escape, where would you hide?"

10:13 AM

(Totally going to use this as a teaching moment, since I don't know how much Wind has done for investigative work)

"If it was me, seeing transportation locked down, I'd be trying to get out of here as quick as I can. I'd head for the wilds and try to lay low. "

"But you've just gotten to this planet, you don't know much about the wildlife. You can't bet on there being small hunter's shacks in the middle of the forest to break into for supplies and shelter."

10:20 AM

"You have to remember, most criminals don't think they way we do, they don't envision exit plans or backups. This whole crime stinks of everything going FUBAR. This guy was a sniper, probably has some level of survival training, but the wilds here are an unknown. No, he'd stay in the town trying to lay low, moving from building to building, hoping to avoid the police search." (edited)

10:21 AM

(I'm assuming there really isn't much in the way of wild animals or shit in these woods, not enough to live off of)

10:21 AM

(Unless you know the place well)

(not close to the city. There are tons of lopes and small birds on the planet, a lot of the country is still wild country, just because the planet is so big. Each hex is 200km, so thats a lot of space to develop/settle)

10:22 AM

(even a train track passing through isnt really surveillance on an area, its just a small cleared corridor cutting through wild forest or grassland)

(Okay)

10:23 AM

(So Marcion isn't just talking out his ass, good)

(not really talking out your ass. The wilds are dangerous because of the stuff that lives in them more than the lack of food)

10:41 AM

(probably wont starve to death but you'll probably get eaten by a Balvarine or a Grass Serpent or something_

(Ah, yeah)

(For the record speeds are listed in engines of babalyon)

(its about what we were projecting in this case, not bad)

11:40 AM

"Alright, well, we know town itself is probably not where he's staying then"

"Yeah, it has too many people, too many eyes, everyone is going to be nervously looking for the deranged murderer on the loose, so where does that leave us?"

"Well, you said the wilds is not a good idea, and we know town is not ideal. I can sweep town, maybe you push on to the port?"

"We just sweep the port. It's nighttime, everyone is at home, nobody is there. If there are cameras nobody will be looking at them anyway."

11:59 AM

"We can wait for the SWAT unit to arrive first, sweep from building to building with them."

Twenty minutes later, there is a low hum , as the atmoflyer drops off the rest of your team

"Right folks, I'm sure you've seen the news. We are looking for a man known as Kensh, ex-sniper, recently moved to the planet. We believe he is hiding somewhere in the docks area. We are going to move from building to building, sweeping quietly, checking every potential hiding spot. Expect the man to be armed and dangerous. I want him alive, but lethal force is authorized if necessary. Any questions?"

"NONE SIR!" they all reply at once

"Alright, lets find this guy."

12:14 PM

Marcion will lead the swat team through the streets, clearing each building. He will have the police create a quarantine area around the docks to make sure the area is secure.

(sneak/dex, since you wanted it done quietly, have to give a value against his notice, since he's listening)

(2, I think he hears us)

2

1:05 PM

(Think I know what skill im improving next level)

The gate to the warehouse complex rattles open harshly, the bang is very loud

1:32 PM

(I posted that the gate being forced open is heard on his thread, depending on what he does, ill update accordingly here)

Your men move in, to see the six warehouses in the complex. "how do you want the sweeps to go sir?"

3:27 PM

(whos going where, ect, how many per warehouse, how much time to spend sweeping"

(One squad per building, Marcion goes with one, Wind with the other, spending 5-10 minutes per building. Police will keep their cordon around the port as we move through.)

3:32 PM

(Actually, no, everyone sticks together, same amount of time per building)

"Start on the ones on the left, move down the row one my one, entering from both sides at once. Check everything."

(He’s said he’s staying put despite hearing you pushing through the complex. So let’s get a notice/int +2 for the time you’ve invested in training)

(10)

5:09 PM

(My rolls suck ass today, I had a +6 to that roll)

5:09 PM

(in total)

(His thread or mine?)

@Cathal Rourke (Kensh) feels several flashlight beams illuminate the tarp he is lying under. “SIR!” one of the officers calls. “He’s here!” (9 sneak vs 10 notice)

(big oof)

(It’s not Initiative as it stands right now)

Marcion has the men encircle the tarp "Mr. Kensh, you are surrounded with multiple lethal weapons trained on you, I want you to stick your hands out from under the tarp slowly and lie face first on the ground. I would advise against any sudden movements."

Kensh does what he’s told, poking his hands out slowly while laying down.

Marcion walks over, kneels into his back, frisks him for weapons after handcuffing him.

5:48 PM

After emptying his pockets, Marcion picks him up. "Alright, let's go scumbag."

Kensh goes willingly. “Do cops get issued a list of badass phrases to say when they arrest someone or do you just make them up on the spot?”

(6xp for both of you. Thanks for the fun roleplay. Hope you both enjoyed it)

5:54 PM

(Was fun to watch)

"Only when they arrest dumbass murderers."

Kensh just grunts. “Do I get my one call?”

"You get your phone call after we have a nice chat"

“And you get your nice chat when I have my lawyer, which has already been organised by a friend. So I need my phone call.”

"Well...if your friend already has a lawyer called, they will probably already be at the station in central when we get there, so, no, you don't need a phone call." Marcion says as he drags him into the gravflyer, shoving him into the seat. "And since you've already lawyered up, you can just sit there and shut the hell up for the whole ride before I accidently fall into you and break your nose."

The engines give a throaty howl as they power up. Wind sits in the seat next to kensh, and the rest of the swat team bundles aboard

Marcion will sit doing paperwork and reading witness reports while they fly

Kensh sits quietly, watching the swat team around him.

The flyer lands on the roof of the prison in Central, where additional police are waiting. (I’m picturing this as sort of a combined matter). There is also a man in a dark suit among them with a beaten leather briefcase

(We have all the evidence right? The police collected that?)_

5:40 AM

Marcion drags Kensh off the Gravflyer and towards the processing room

(Yeah)

5:41 AM

(I just didn’t recap because that was the last thing we did)

He notices the man in the suit, thinks to himself 'There's the asshole's lawyer' and proceeds to ignore the man's existence for as long as possible. (edited)

He cannot obstruct custody, but when you reach the processing room, the lawyer speaks up "I need a few moments to advise my client on his rights before you question him. Why don't you grab a cup of coffee or something Marshal?

"You can have him when we are done processing him and he is in the interview room. Go grab a cup of coffee yourself."

7:01 AM

Marcion follows Kensh through the processing steps, getting fingerprinted, mugshotted, filing paperwork on his residential information before taking him to an interview room, handcuffing him to the bar on the table and walking out

7:01 AM

"You can see your asshole now." He says to the lawyer (edited)

He smiles and enters the room. he turns the room intercom off, and sets his briefcase down on the desk

7:39 AM

(gonna do the talking in kensh's thread since marcion wouldnt be able to hear it)

Marcion walks over to Wind "Fun day I suppose." (edited)

"You did the right thing. That was good investigative work"

"Yeah, there is no way this guy is getting out of this. There are witnesses and evidence against him."

9:30 AM

(What time is it now anyway?)

(10/11 pm by time you got back and did all the administrative BS, you've been operating literally all day)

Marcion rubs his eyes and groans. "Ugh, coffee is actually a good idea right now, along with just about any kind of food."

9:32 AM

He grabs a cup of coffee from the station coffee pot

9:32 AM

(Do they have any food there at all?)

9:32 AM

(Like a space vending machine with pizza, doughnuts, and chinese food?)

(Gudfud bars, probably some Ad-Astra chocolate now, I'm sure the baron delivers, ect, its getting to the point where this kind of thing is common again, but not quite yet)

(So no pizza in a can?)

9:38 AM

(Totally making that canon on Marcion's homeworld)

9:39 AM

"Great, Gudfud bars, my favorite." He says as he takes one. "Back on my old world the vending machines dispensed pizza, doughnuts, and Kung-pow chicken." (edited)

9:39 AM

"Obviously we need to invest in our junk food industry."

9:40 AM

"Why don't you go ahead and head home, I'm sure Ace needs to be let out and you look tired."

(Not yet, but that's not to say it can't ever be done. Mama Marcion's Marinara can-wich might yet be a thing) (edited)

(Lol)

"Alright, I'll see you there. Don't stay too long"

"This will probably take a while, might not be home until sunrise."

"I might come back in a few hours then once Ace is taken care of. Try not to work too hard"

11:17 AM

(waiting to see what happens in his channel, no updates yetO

(Yup)

There is a knock on the holding level door, and you see two members of the presidential security detail standing outside.

"Oh for gods sake."

12:19 PM

Marcion walks over and opens the door "What?"

"President Kincaid would like to speak with you." You see her sitting in one of the bare metal chairs the duty officer usually occupies. She's holding a Styrofoam cup full of the recycled coffee the marshal post seems to always have in plentiful supply

Marcion sighs, walks in, sets his cup of coffee down, pulls out the whiskey he got at the bar, pours in a generous amount, takes a drink "What now?"

"Two things. The first, I wanted to congratulate you on a well done job. Your team was professional and your skills really shone through. I'm impressed. The second, we had an offer from Greystar Combine. They've purchased your prisoner, and we have agreed to his release with the condition he is never to return to UNW space.

"What?"

12:34 PM

"Are you kidding me, you come in here and tell me this person I worked my ass off to bring to justice while we have this cult bullshit to deal with is being sold like a slave instead of being tried and sent to prison? This guy deserves to sit in a hole for the rest of eternity, what are they even going to do with him?" (edited)

“He’s too skilled to just throw away, and as far as the UNW is concerned he’s a dead man already. Greystar is its own beast. I can’t say what he will be doing for them but it won’t be against us. They hinted at some moves coreward, trying to see what’s become of planets left in our wake” (edited)

Marcion throws his hands up in the air "Why the hell did I even bother joining back up. Apparently I was stupid enough to think things would actually be different here, but no, its the same corrupt bullshit it always is with politicians. Next time there is a dangerous criminal on the loose, you find him, I'm not going to waste my time letting justice get subverted because you think people are above the law because they can shoot or whatever." He turns to leave, calling her a jackass as he walks out of the room

You don't get to hear her reply, but you notice 2,500,000 credits have been added to your account, as a thank you from the Combine

Marcion sends the credits back with a message saying 'Fuck you and your blood money you assholes' and goes home (edited)

Wind is there, playing a very late night game of fetch with Ace, under a street lamp. she sees you coming, and bounces the rubber ball toward you, Ace bounding after it

Marcion grabs the ball and throws it back towards Wind after petting Ace on the head. (edited)

1:47 PM

"They sold him to the Combine."

1:48 PM

"Instead of letting him stand trial, something about 'His skills are too important to waste'. Bunch of horseshit, I told the president she was a jackass and not to contact me if something like this happens again."

You can sense she's not happy about the last part of what you have just told her, but she does not say anything about it. "Well, it makes a difference to the families impacted by this. Don't underestimate what you did. In any case, I'm glad you're home. I don't know about you, but I'm very tired"

"Yeah, I am. And I know, what I said about not contacting me is bullshit, they still will and I'll still help, I just think she's an asshole. Bastards wanted to give me two and a half million credits as a thank you, I told them to pound sand."

"That much I can agree with" she replies, following you inside. 'He still needed to be stopped"

"He's gone, supposedly out of UNW space forever. At this point, I just want some sleep and a nice, boring, uneventful day tomorrow."

2:11 PM

"Or, even better, I'm taking the day off."

2:12 PM

He thinks for a second "Really should get some clean clothes too, I smell terrible."

2:17 PM

Marcion goes out to his car, grabs the spare set of fatigues he keeps in the trunk, comes back in and takes a shower before passing out

You're awake long enough to feel her climb into bed next to you, before falling fast asleep

Marcion wakes up the next day to Ace pawing at him for his breakfast.

6:11 AM

"Mmm, hey buddy, you hungry?" He says as he looks over at Wind, giving her a kiss on the forehead as he gets up

Ace sits by the stove content to watch and wait for food

Marcion looks around Wind's kitchen for some dog food, finds some, pours it into a bowl and sets it down for Ace to munch on

He then starts cooking up some eggs and toast while he waits for Wind to wake up

Wind wakes up half an hour later, looking rested, but content to relax for a while. The operational tone of the previous day wore on everyone

Marcion brings in breakfast "Morning. Got any plans for the day?"

"Not sure. Really depends on if we have any roving crazed gunmen on the loose today"

"If there are, I'm just going to shoot them and come back here."

"I don

1:09 PM

"I think we earned a day off, that much is certain. Two deployments in one day"

"Yes, we certainly did." He says as he kisses her again. (edited)

"How do you feel everyone performed? that was really the first big day we have had"

He sits down on the bed "I think they did well, the house breech was about as perfect as it could have gone."

"and the second operation? prisoner issue aside. Let's focus on the hunt"

"I mean, there wasn't much for them to do other than look."

she shrugs, seeing the wisdom in what you are saying

2:35 PM

"I'm glad we are going to have some more administrative space. SWAT will be needed not just here, but on the other worlds too"

"Gonna need to be bigger then, with our own ship. If that money hadn't been tainted it would certainly have been useful."

"Well, there is a ship that the marshals own, one that fits our needs well"

2:48 PM

"The Arrogate. Its a corvette. It belonged to the first provost the service ever had, but he vanished"

"Hmm, I suppose we could use it. I doubt Desmond would mind."

2:50 PM

"But, we can figure that out tomorrow."

He takes up their plates after they finish before laying back down next to her in the bed

"I don't think he would either. It wouldn't be so bad to see another world. I've never been anywhere but this planet"

"Even if its just for work?"

"Even if its just for work. I'd be one of the first Taros to go to space

"Well, next time Desmond has a mission out of space, let him know you are interested."

7:03 PM

"I'm not a huge fan of space travel, or air travel too be honest. I like having my feet connected to the ground."

"Control. Once you're in the air, if youre not the one flying, you feel like youre just being carted along"

"No, it just feels, weird."

"Interesting. I don't like my safety being in the hands of someone else. With something like that, anyway. I trust you to have my back:

Hello Deputy Provost Marcion.  My name is Cornelius Hardt.  I don’t think you know me, but I wanted to contact about the deaths in the docks.  It only speaks to your professionalism that despite his crimes you managed to bring in Kensh without further bloodshed.  I was trying to see if there was anything I could do for the families of those killed or injured.  If that isn’t possible for their community. It doesn’t feel right just sitting on my hands while people are suffering.  Sorry if I wasted your time.

Marcion, Hope all is well. Have you got time to meet?"

Marcion looks at the messages on his phone and groans "Can't even take a day off without people bothering me."

"Desmond wants to meet me for something, don't know what yet."

“I see. So much for a day off” she groans, rolling over and getting out of bed.

5:31 PM

“Let’s go see what the provost wants

"He says its just a check in. Should probably tell him about us too."

Marcion drives to meet Desmond for lunch, bringing Wind.

8:37 AM

(I'll do this in @Chris Fury (Desmond) channel if hes fine with that.)

(Yeah that’s good. That way he will see it)

Marcion looks to Wind with a smile "So much more than your stealth suit eh? That's high praise for a washed-up cop with one leg. Maybe I should get a stealth generator inside my future cybernetic replacement." (edited)

She mumbles something about a ghost leg, slipping back into her own language for some of it

"What?"

"Don't get an invisible leg" she laughs

"Would sure freak people out though, got a laugh out of you" He smiles

"Anyway, lets finish up, lunch I guess, then get back to doing, something, at your place."

She leaves with you, a few moments later. "You know, it could be our home" she says. "All the crazy people we deal with, I worry. It would be nice to watch each others backs"

"Well, that's why we should keep each other close, at work and at home."

“We should” she seems pleased by the discussion. “I thought Desmond was going to chew us out for being together”

"They would have just about anywhere else. I think he trusts us to still get the job done right and not put ourselves in a position where our judgment is clouded."

9:18 PM

(Is she wearing her normal body glove but with a jacket on or something?)

(On duty. Off duty I’d say she probably has a small amount of street clothes. Body glove is tight and probably uncomfortable to walk around in day to day. Out of armor at least)

(Alright)

9:20 PM

"But seriously, what do you want to do today?"

9:21 PM

He says as they walk up to her front door

"Could we go down to the retention lake and watch the boats?"

"Sure, let's bring Ace along. Bet he would love the walk.:

Marcion will go with Wind and Ace to the lake, sitting with her on the shore watching the boats while Ace pounces at the tide coming in an out. (edited)

The boats are hauling in small catches of lake fish, and you see a conversation agency boat waiting near the dock, keeping count of how many are taken out. Many in the colony come from worlds wracked by war, or rampant pollution. They do not want to see humans ruin another stellar jewel. It is a quiet day in the UNW/

"Wish every day was like this one."

"Me too. THe things we do make you appreciate these kinds of days more though"

Marcion spends the rest of the day with Wind and Ace before heading home, eating dinner, and getting thrown on the bed by Wind.

Wind looks happy, and has come a long way from the terrified proto-slave soldier the daughters were using her as.

(I guess fade to black?)

1:00 PM

The next morning Marcion drives home, gets cleaned up, grabs some clothes and puts them in his truck before driving to the police station in central. He contacts Cornelius.

Thank you for returning my message Deputy Provost Delgato.  Sadly I don't think I will be able to make it today. As I am set to leave on a diplomatic mission to The New Moon Cooperative.  I understand wanting a day off.  I didn't mean to go over your head. I just ended up meeting Provost O'shea in the Harvest Spirit, and thought I would talk to him. I even made sure to mention your skill and professionalism to him in bringing in Kensh unharmed and alive.   I feel responsible in part for his actions since I was working with Kensh on a mission just before.  Maybe it's better if I don't have any interaction with the family directly.  If you believe I can help I will trust your judgement.  I will try to meet with you upon my return at your convenience.

(edited)

Marcion sighs, sits back, does some more digging on the captured cultists, figuring out who they were, what they did for a living earlier, that sort of thing. (edited)

(fade to black, sorry, that got buried by the other message)

2:59 PM

The database shows they are an eclectic mix, one is a miner, two were loggers, one was a shift leader in the stamping plant, one worked for pops as an armings rate, and one was recently discharged from the army, as his tour of service ended

Marcion will spend some time compiling a list of former coworkers, neighbors, that sort of thing, then start visiting them to do interviews.

(Does he find anything interesting?)

(Sorry. Was driving and then I worked out. This is a big list of stuff to populate. Let me think on it. This is a pretty large dragnet)

5:15 PM

(and changes what I was gonna say)

(No worries, I've got time)

Sorry to keep bothering you.  I wanted to try and help the UNW establish it's multi planet intelligence agency.  It seemed like something that might interest you.  I talked to a Taros official at Vapormills, but they wouldn't release any information to a civilian.  You would probably have more luck.  I was going to bring it up at the next unity meeting.  Along with some ideas for the cultural project.

The only thing they all have in common is their presence in the galley on the second colony ship that arrived at planet, after being off course for a year.

(Is that colony ship still in one piece or was it dismantled?)

(dismantled, they used the crashed sections for the original colony buildings)

Marcion will look up records to see where the galley pieces were repurposed, expecting it to be the mine foremans house.

your hunch is proven correct. It was originally a small garrison, for lookouts on the artificial water retention lake near the colony, but as things have expanded, the area was given over for residential use. It was re-purposed into a mini-mansion.

"Hey, Wind, you around?" Marcion calls out into the hallway

9:08 AM

While he waits for her to make her way to his office, he looks up if the cook in the galley was a woman

There were two cooks, one for first rotation, one for second (two crews working 12 hour days)

9:09 AM

the second rotation cook was a woman

(What was her name and were the people found worshiping patrons of the galley during her shift?)

Her name is Kadori, and they were all involved in some type of duty during that rotation, though not all were near the galley

Marcion will check if she is still alive

she is, now working in the public cookhouse in Dahab

Marcion calls for Wind again

Wind runs into the office "Sorry, I was outside with Ace. What's up?"

"Pack your stuff, we are heading to Dahab. I may have found who this cult is worshiping."

9:35 AM

"Or at least someone who can give us more information."

"Full assault kit?"

"Bring it with, but I don't suspect we will need it."

9:52 AM

Marcion will go over to Ace, pet him and tell him to be a good puppy, before driving to Dahab with Wind.

(It's not super far, but kinda far, you want to drive or fly?)

(Drive, easier to transport our stuff that way)

The truck is loaded up with your gear, and you head out to the small gold mining town of Dahab. Judge Monsoor founded the settlement, and the rare ingots mined here have been a valuable UNW commodity.

(Pretty sure Marcion is from there originally, he was there for a while at least)

(ah right!) For Marcion, this is a bit of a homecoming. The mines have given the town a bit of money for some of the improvements sorely lacking during his own time there. It is a surprise and a welcome change that the roads are paved, and not just paths through the dirt stomped flat by passing workbooted feet

10:19 AM

The size has also grown, and 2000 people now live here, most of which related to either the mining or refining of the gold, for market.

Marcion will drive up to the cookhouse and look for Kadori.

"I think I actually know this woman roughly, I used to eat here all the time but never talked with her much."

There is only one cookhouse in town, and the marshal mobile rolls up to it. Some miners in dirty coveralls are outside, smoking and watching the street, too tired from shift to say much of anything

Marcion gets out and walks up to the counter

Kadori sees you coming to the counter (youre in marshal clothing I expect? )

(Yup)

Wide eyed, she seems frozen in place as you sit down.

(What's her last name?)

(its hang on let me get a generator)

2:02 PM

(kadori wellawig)

"Afternoon Miss Wellawig, something the matter?"

"No....No marshal. How can I help you?"

"Just some food and a chat if you don't mind."

Her hands shake a bit and she struggles to pour a glass of water for both of you. A small amount ends up on the counter

Marcion eyes her as he takes a sip of the water. "You know, I used to come here all the time before I joined the Marshals, but I never talked to you much. You came here on the second colony ship, the one that crashed right?" (edited)

“The first one crashed. But yes. I was on it”

"And you worked in the galley there correct?"

"I did work in the galley." she seems to be shaking a bit, a slight tremor in the hand

"Well, see, that's interesting, because we captured some members of the Still-Lady Cult, all of whom have a common link outside of this cult, your galley."

9:32 PM

"All of them worked in the area during your shift on the colony ship."

9:32 PM

"Mind telling me a little about what went on there?"

She sets the glass down on the counter and breathes heavily. And then breaks from the bar, sprinting through the back kitchen

Marcion leaps over the bar chasing after her "Go around the back!" He shouts to Wind

9:34 PM

(Exert I assume?)

(Not yet. You’re fresh )

(Or initiative?)

(Initiative would make the chase easier now that you mention it)

(5)

9:37 PM

(Wait, scratch that, he has Alert 2)

9:37 PM

(Does she even make it to the back door then, cause I feel like he would be expecting her to do this and waiting for it?)

(I took ‘can’t be surprised’ to mean combat since it’s a combat foci. Initiative here is mostly to help me keep track of time)

9:43 PM

(And the Initiative would have started after her brief head start as you react to her running )

(Ok)

9:44 PM

(Ive got to head to bed early though, got an interview for a shitty job in the morning)

(Wish you luck anyway friend)

(What did she get for initiative?)

(Who goes first?)

(sorry, i had gone to sleep and then was driving to work, you, her, wind)

Marcion dashes after her through the kitchen.

She is nearly at the back door, swinging it open to let the hazy light from outside in, and she runs snack into wind, who lays her out with an expertly thrown elbow (6 vs 8)

7:14 AM

(I was expecting that to last longer)

"Nice job partner." He says while handcuffing Kadori. "Now Miss Wellawig, what on earth would cause you to run like that, after all we just wanted a nice chat with you about some people you know."

"We get the news out here" she says back, "I know about the people I know, and what happened to them"

"What, you mean how they shot at a group of soldiers then were arrested?"

"Yes"

8:27 AM

"I knew you'd come for me eventually too"

8:27 AM

her eyes glow a pale blue "She told me you would"

"Well, since you seem to have some kind of gift, let's take a trip to the psychics. While we are on the way, you can tell us some tales of galley grandeur."

Marcion will drive them to the psychic academy, with Kadori locked up in the back seat.

"Galley grandeur, what does that even mean?" she shouts, as she is stuffed into the car.

"It means tell me about how this, connection, with your friends got started." (edited)

Upon returning to the academy you see that it is empty of its main staff. They are struggling with the death of their leader, Regulus. Crane is also gone, away to Olar with Yan and Robert, exploring the ruins of a dead psychic academy, killed during the scream. A few of the psychics rescued from other places reside there, and may be called upon for aid.

Marcion drags Kadori into the Academy "I need to have this person investigated for some kind of psychic or otherwise link. She's a member of the Still-Lady Cult."

1:30 PM

"If you need to hold her for one of your more senior members I will contact them."

(gonna see if i can get the NPC names/chart to load properly on my phone, I am pretty sure one of the people still alive/there are metapsions too)

(If you want to wait until you are home thats fine)

(got it!) Hinkler Batch, an emaciated but strengthening psychic, rescued from Shariar, approaches the cell. He is still physically weak, walking with a cane, and one of his eyes needed to be replaced with a neon green prosthetic, a legacy from the months of torture under Remnant care.

1:51 PM

"If a link is still present, or active, I will be able to find it. Officer would you mind steadying me a bit, This can be draining and my constitution isn't what it used to be" the wizened man smiles at you warmly despite the situation

Marcion nods and helps him stand, motioning Wind to get the other side.

He waits to see what happens next

The air freezes and you both have frost on your coats

5:58 PM

“There is a link. It’s fraying. She may not be aware of it anymore , but the lady was here. Is here”

"You say the Lady is here, is this person a ghost or something?"

“She is a powerful metadimensional being. Are you a religious man officer?”

"Not really"

“Well, all the same. Think of her as a demon. A powerful one”

"Great, all I needed was a chupacabra around. How do we eliminate her? Where is she?"

"She's on Acastus, a sector away. She and your provost have a.....they have an understanding. Their grudge is personal"

"I am aware. Anything else of interest?"

"she wasn't possessed. Everything she did, she did willingly"

10:34 AM

"does that help?"

"It's something I suppose. Can you keep her locked up here for observation?"

“We shall. Others will be returning from offworld soon and we have our own security team. She won’t be going anywhere”

"Alright. Let me know if anything new happens."

11:24 AM

Marcion walks back out to his truck.

11:25 AM

He messages Arimoto, seeing if he is working on the Cult business as well.

(He should answer shortly, but its up to you if you wanna move on)

"We are going to the Unity council meeting this month. Feel like there will be some useful information."

Marcion, I'll be heading to Acastus to try and look for where the Still Lady started and get clues to her origin.

"Well, that was something. The wheels of government at work" Wind says.

"I suppose. Less bureaucratic nonsense than I expected."

"So we have a ship now. How soon did we plan on leaving?|

"I'd like to spend a week familiarizing myself with ship command, run some drills, get to know the crew, give Ace some time to get ship trained, make sure everyone is mentally ready for whatever we may run into."

3:49 PM

"I also want to make sure the ship doesn't have any major issues we can't fix when we are in Fleshshaper space."

"Like a proving ground. That make's sense. We did similar things for new weapons"

"Its normal for any new piece of military equipment. Since my homeworld is, was, whatever, mostly water, there were military watercraft used for interdicting smugglers and gangs. Each new ship underwent trials for anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the size. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time." (edited)

3:57 PM

(I think we can just assume there is a week of rushed building because this ship is priority followed by a week of training.)

3:57 PM

(Just having it narratively be done instantly feels weird)

Marcion will spend the week going over the crew roster, specifications for the ship, adapting training drills for the new craft before making his way to the Dark Star

(works for me!) You get a solid crew and they spend the week getting to know the Dark Star, but time spent aboard untested only goes so far

Marcion calls the ranking members of each section of the ship to the conference room when the ship is getting ready for its first voyage

5:39 PM

"Morning everyone, please take your seats."

5:43 PM

"As you all know, my name is Marcion Delgato, I'm serving as captain of the ship. The primary mission of this vessel is intelligence gathering in hostile territory. We need to be able to jump into enemy space, gather as much information as possible, bugging out at the first sign of trouble. This ship is designed to be as self-sustaining as we can make it, but the ship only goes so far. We have all spent a week getting to know the basics of the ship, but before we venture into unknown territory we are going to spend another week running as many drills as possible. This will be a difficult, I will be pushing everyone very hard to cram in months worth of trials into a very short time. We will have the travel time in spike drive to our destination for rest and recuperation. Does anyone have any questions?" (edited)

5:45 PM

(Think you still need to update one of Marcion's Goals)

(got it now)

5:57 PM

"No questions sir! My deck apes are ready!" the boatswain calls out

"Alright, let's go ahead and make preparations to leave spacedock. If you all have any issues you need to discuss, let me or Detective Wind know."

6:00 PM

Marcion dismisses everyone then heads to the bridge.

6:00 PM

(Who is the pilot he's been provided with?)

(How cramped is this ship with everything that's on it?)

(If you want to name them you can. But there’s enough trained spacers)

7:21 PM

(And it’s probably not super spacious but it was planned out, not modified later so the spaces are functional)

7:21 PM

(No ones going to go mad from being confined)

(I'm gonna say the pilot is a woman in her mid 20s named Laverne, and she is very quiet, and most of her communication consists of very emphatic 'Mhms')

(Or sarcasm, and she watches soap operas)

(perfect) Laverene flicks off her soaps, "days of our nebula" and begins making the final safety checks

7:26 AM

"We all buttoned up back there?

"Pretty much, lets get moving."

(whats your course looking like, so i can see if theres anything relevant to report along the way

(Think we will jump to Terezinho and do our trials in the edge of that system before jumping north into Fleshshaper space directly from Terezinho at 408, then jumping to 707)

(Alright, works for me) Terezinho is beginning to flourish under the leadership of Whitaker Solutions, and their associates, and though it is closed to new holdings, space around it is open. The spike drive is successful, but everyone aboard is a bit unnerved by the strange way the hull sounds when it moves through that metadimensional space.

11:22 AM

Wind especially was quiet during the trip

(Is the hull noise normal?)

(yeah, but your marshals and spacers were just colonists until maybe a year ago at most, nobody is super accustomed to spike space yet)

(Ok)

11:24 AM

Marcion will go over to Wind at some point. "You okay?"

"I....I don't know. My head really hurts"

"Go down to the medbay, get yourself checked out, make sure you aren't having any issues with the space travel."

Her nose starts to bleed lightly and she shakes her head. “Yeah I’ll get down there.”

"Let me walk you down." Marcion walks her down to the medbay.

She gratefully accepts the help, she seems shaky on her feet

Just before they get to the medbay Marcion gives her a kiss on the head and says. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, not now. I really don't want to go on this mission by myself, but if you aren't up for space travel, you can spend some time exploring another planet like you wanted to."

“I’ll be fine by time we get there. I just need to let my head get used to this”

"Listen to the doc, make sure you make the smart decision, okay?"

She shakes her head yes as she’s brought into the small ship surgery

9:18 PM

A few cots have also been rolled out for non critical cases

"Let me know as soon as you figure out what's going on." He walks back to the bridge to begin directing the drills.

(Did we want to rp that or was there one in particular you wanted to do

(Not unless you had something interesting ready)

(0707, you mean Elkano? _

10:45 AM

(for your jump?)

(Yeah, just taking two jumps to get there)

The trials are successful, and after two further jumps, lasting a few days, you arrive over the dead world. Below, the entire world is sand and bone. The skeletons of sea leviathans had been dragged ashore by the fleshshapers, and all other life had been culled, slowly, so the creatures could bask in the 'death energy' of their struggle and eventual expiration. Some sort of ritual had been completed here, though the results have not yet been made apartment

"Right, scan for ships or any other craft, find out if we are alone."

(2d6+2 for the program/int check)

(9)

The void around you and in the general planet area is silent

"Scan the planet, see if there is any life down there at all. And get me a picture of the planet."

The planet is lifeless, not even bacteria are surviving there now. The surface is also unchanged since the last UNW was on surface, though a few more of the blocks have fallen from the ruined temple, due to the wind.

(Did he ever get an update on Wind's condition?)

(I've only answered what you've asked so far, i didnt know where this was going so i didnt throw anything else in)

(Alright)

2:01 PM

At some point during the trials Marcion would have messaged down to the medbay to get an update on Wind's condition.

"She's asking to see you, sir"

Marcion walks down to the medbay.

Wind is up and walking but she looks worn out. She does manage a smile when she sees you arrive

"You doing alright?"

“Head is killing me but the doc says there’s nothing wrong “

9:42 PM

“Did we make it to elkano?”

"Yes, nothing interesting here aside from a dead planet."

"We will be moving on soon to scout some more planets."

"I see. I heard this world was vibrant once. Reading the report I mean. "

(Do we know how they kill planets?)

(No, but a couple people have had a vision of worlds reduced to something like this, and groves of red flesh trees growing out of the sand. At the moment there are no such growths on the world below)

"I think I will have a squad go down and collect some samples before we leave. Gonna take the shuttle down, grab some bottles of sand and some skeleton fragments, bring them back up."

"A good idea. The last group left in a hurry and wasn't able to recover anything"

"Well, get some rest, I'll come back after we are in spike drive again." He looks around to see if they are alone, and if so will give her a hug and a kiss before walking back to the bridge.

Nobody is around, and a moment later you’re back aboard. “Should we send lighters down? Are you planning on going with one?”

"Tell squad one to head to the shuttle bay and head down to the planet. Land near one of the large skeletons, quickly take a sample of it and the surrounding sand, then get back in the shuttle and get back up here. I want them on the surface no more than three minutes and I want us out of here a minute after the shuttle gets back."

7:29 PM

"Keep scanning for any other activity, I want to make sure we are alone out here."

Marcion waits calmly while the survey team gets ready.

There are two lighters that break contact heading toward the surface, timers set for three minutes, to start countdown once they land

Marcion will keep track of the time, getting the ship ready for the next set of jumps to Ivara.

They land on the surface and immediately comms begin to chatter. “Sir. You. You really need to see this”

"Get me video."

The link is fuzzy but it shows hundreds of small, blood red chutes pushing up through the sand

3:23 PM

Each one is the size of newly growing bamboo. (Think a very very spindly tree that’s only about a foot height right now)

3:23 PM

(English measurement foot not your foot)

"Get a sample if you can then get back up here." He turns to the navigation crew. "Scrap the further jumps, get us back to UNW space. I'm not taking any chances here."

The lighters lift off, samples in tow, a few moments later, and after a quick 15 minute flight, are back in the launch bay

"Get those samples in a sealed container inside an airlock. I want an armed guard stationed watching them for any funny activity 24 hours a day. We are taking no chances people, we have no idea what this stuff is. If it looks like it is going to bust out, we drop out of spike drive and vent it." (edited)

Marcion directs the ship back home to UNW space. In spike drive he would double check on the sample to make sure it isn't doing anything funny before checking on Wind again.

The sample is secure and the armed guards have not reported anything strange at the moment. Wind is on her feet again, in light pain, but otherwise back to duty

"Glad you are up on your feet again."

"Good to be on my feet again. Sorry for the scare. I feel I've been nothing but sick lately"

"Why's that? Did you not get fully healed in the hospital."

"I did, but then I was down again now on our first off planet operation"

"Did they say anything was going on at all when they tested in the medbay? Is it your cybernetics? What's going on?" (edited)

"They want me to stop by the academy when we get back. That's all they really told me"

"Alright. Hopefully nothing major has happened since we left."

4:05 PM

Marcion will spend the rest of the ride in spike drive catching up on paperwork, getting to know the crew better, doing some classroom style training with the SWAT unit, and spending time with Wind and Ace.

The jump back is successful, the Arrogate and her crew performed well.

"Well, nice job everyone. We miss anything interesting while we were gone?"

Upon re-entering the Gudrun space, docking with Trivedi cloud opens a datalink. The video of Malak al- Muta plays on the news, in its entirety.

"Shit."

(picturing it like when a submarine is on the surface, they get tv for a while as the batteries recharge, ect)

(Yeah)

4:12 PM

Marcion calls Kincaid's office.

The call is routed to Franz, who is now Gudruns Governor, with the capital now on the star platform

"Marcion here, just got back to Gudrun with some samples from Fleshshaper space. What's going on with the hunt for this Malak guy?"

"Cyrus is preparing to make some inroads on that. His forces have withdrawn from the underhill island"

"Who will be taking over intelligence?"

"Right to the point. Well, the position is open, the agency has been neglected for a long time"

"My offer from the previous meeting still stands. I can take over, I know I can do the job effectively."

6:53 PM

"I would like to speak with Desmond about incorperating the two organizations. Right now we have two agencies lacking the manpower to cover some very similar bases. If nothing else they can share assets for the time being."

"Bringing them into a unified body might be exactly what the UNW needs to stay on top of everything we face. The job is yours, you don't need an endorsement. You've proven yourself again and again"

"I try. I'll go talk to Desmond and figure out how we are going to do this. We will have to sit down and figure out the budget for both organizations."

7:13 PM

"I'll let you know what comes of that meeting."

7:16 PM

Marcion hangs up, sighs, and rubs his eyes before messaging Desmond (edited)

"Right, everyone head home, might be some time before we leave again, I managed to sign up as the new director of UNW Intelligence, so there is some housekeeping to take care of."

9:40 PM

He leaves the ship with Wind and Ace, heading to her apartment in central.

9:40 PM

"I don't understand how I manage to get myself pulled into this stuff."

Let's meet up at Marshall HQ with Arimoto. (edited)

Marcion drops Wind off at the psychic academy before heading to the hq.

Marcion drives back to the psychic academy to see how Wind is doing.

Wind is looking better and is talking with Doona. A heavy air rested over the academy with the death of Reg, tan being subsumed by the groupmind on Olar, and the attack on the Vapormills academy

8:49 PM

Wind and crane seem to be smiling at least. A welcome change

Marcion walks up "So, how is my partner doing?"

“Better. I spoke with crane and dr Doona. I’ve been exposed to MES, but she says I’m not in danger of frying”

8:53 PM

(Wind picked up the wild psychic foci. So she gets a technique to use and it can’t torch her)

(Ah)

“She says ill be having some precognitive visions now and again. Like if I’m about to do something dangerous and it won’t go by way”

8:54 PM

(She’s got terminal reflection. Doesn’t help against danger she’s aware of, but it does against surprises or things she missed)

(So now neither of us can be surprised in combat, cool)

(Hers works on traps and stuff too. Like an expanded version of yours)

9:10 PM

(And natural hazards. Ect.

"Well, that's interesting. Should come in handy. Do they want you to stay longer or are you free to go now?"

"I'm free to go. She said to come back next week so she can read me again, but I've done what was needed for today"

"Let's go then, I think we could use a decent dinner after being on that ship."

5:23 PM

Marcion will stop by the market and get ingredients for dinner before heading home with Wind.

Wind follows and looks on at what you buy. “Making that fish dish?” She asks hopefully

"I can certainly do that." He gives her a smile, before hugging her with one arm and giving her a kiss on the head. "You had me worried, glad you are okay."

8:16 PM

(Did I get the three xp for completing my goal?)

8:17 PM

(Successful mission to fleshshaper space?)

(Yes you did)

He finishes buying the food before heading home then starts to make dinner

She follows, taking ace out for a walk when you return home

Marcion spends the time she is walking Ace finishing up dinner, and has started to set the table when they come back in the house.

"Dinner is almost ready."

She looks tired and grateful that dinner is on the horizon, entering the house after wiping off ace's paws

Marcion serves up the plates and brings them over "Hope you are hungry, I made plenty. Maybe we will be here long enough to eat all of it."

"my powers don't detect any maddened gunmen in the area today" she smiles, making exaggerated jazz fingers

He chuckles a bit before getting a sad face.

"I think I'm taking it better than you are. What's going on?"

2:31 PM

she raps gently on the side of your head

"I'm not sure if having you on this ship is going to be safe. The whole point of that ship was having no psychics on board."

2:32 PM

"But if you are there the tenebrians and the fleshshapers might be able to use your exposure to MES to track the ship."

2:33 PM

"I don't know how MES works at all, I don't know if you can track people who have limited exposure like you."

"Dr. Ahn could probably do a better job explaining it to you"

2:33 PM

"but its going to keep happening,. Exposure to metaspace through spike travel can cause it to manifest in select people"

"Let's go ahead and go see the doctor tomorrow. Tonight, let's just enjoy dinner and company."

This is Provost Desmond O'Shea we are having a Marshal Appreciation Celebration and Psionic Academy Fundraiser, with all the the donations going to the Regulus Fund- a charity that helps struggling psychics like those who fled the Remnant, Fleshshapers or those dealing with the Still Lady. We will have it at the Harvest Spirits. This is your invitation!

Marcion reads the message from Desmond

3:45 PM

Responds back

3:46 PM

"You get Desmond's message about the fundraiser too?"

"Things like this are usually black tie."

4:45 PM

He says while looking at her with a smile

"Just got it" she says, looking up from her compad, a bite of dinner still in her mouth

7:29 PM

"Never owned a dress before. Hmm"

"Obviously we need to get you one so I can go from day dream to reality."

7:34 PM

"I need a new formal suit anyway, my old one got lost in transit."

7:35 PM

Marcion will spend the rest of the night relaxing with Wind before going out with her to get some clothes for the fundraiser.

She's viewing the shopping excursion with part happiness, part fear, and lets you drag her from store to store with minimal protest

After going to the first store for Wind, Marcion realizes how much he hates shopping for clothes.

7:39 PM

"I forgot how much I hate doing this."

"we had to make, or find our own, in the Daughters, this whole experience is so surreal to me|

"I'm surprised they cared about dresses there at all."

7:49 PM

Eventually they find something Wind can actually move in and that Marcion says looks nice on her before heading home.

7:50 PM

(I'm gonna let you figure out what that is, I feel like a pervert searching through pinterest looking for a dress I could actually see a battle-hardened woman like Wind wearing without wanting to kill the person telling her to wear it.)

(oh sure make me the bad guy!)

(haha)

(I mean, I've got a lot of admin stuff to do tonight since we redid the whole thing, ill try to find some art but i dont know if ill have time)

(Would she even wear a dress?)

(probably something formal, and not skanky

(Like this?)

7:53 PM

(Cept with less cleavage since I assume Wind is more slender, and the dress would also be black)

7:54 PM

(Or she could go hyper retro wearing this)

2

7:57 PM

(I think the latter would appeal to her more, sine she can still fight in that, just replace the sword with a monoblade. I'm sure she has some kind of ceremonial something from the sisters)

7:57 PM

(Thank pathfinder: kingmaker for the art)

7:57 PM

(Game I will likely never play)

7:58 PM

"I find it funny we went shopping for a dress and you picked out something entirely not a dress but much nicer looking."

(bottom one is probably closer to style)

7:59 PM

(i think with Sil stealing her suit, shes not going anywhere without her sword)

(Thats what I assumed)

"Well that was interesting I suppose."

"I suppose" she tiredly agrees

2:50 PM

"Nice change of pace"

"I can always go for free drinks, talking to people not so much. Rather spend time here with you." Ace comes running up to him wagging his tail "And Ace too of course, he's the real star here." He says with a smile while petting the dog.

"We should have taken him with us" she elbows you

"I wish, somehow I doubt that would've ended well. He's a good boy but even he can't resist food when he sees it."

Same way lately. Eating like one of your earth tapeworms"

"Speaking of food, I could really go for something that actually resembles food. The Baron makes good drinks, but the food there is barely a step above ration bars."

Thanks for coming out last night. When you have time we should go over the Fleshshaper sample you brought it and set up the new United Intelligence Unit.

Marcion spends the night with Wind before heading to see @Chris Fury (Desmond) the next morning about the sample and stuff

See you then! We’re interviewing on Marshal Channel.

Desmond looks at the sample and its protections.

The sample is from one of the budding red trees on Elkano, the promised fate of any worlds reaved of life by the shapers.

7:39 AM

Planted in neat rows, budding first near the temple, in time, these would eventually grow into nightmarish mockeries of actual trees

"Damn Marcion," Desmond says. "We really need a biologist of some sort."

"I assumed we had one around, though that was before Dr. Thorn turned out to be a traitor."

(Neko weeps in ‘why cant we keep a scientist)

3

2

“Well,” Desmond says. “Should we contact Franz or do you want me to send out a bulletin to the rest of the UNW?”

"Contact Franz. I'd rather keep this quiet."

10:40 AM

(If something happens to Marcion ill probably bring in a scientist)

(Desmond contacts Franz.)

11:01 AM

“Franz we have an exobiological sample of Fleshshapers trees. We have any scientific assets that can analyze this?”

"I'll have to spread the net, no one immediately comes to mind who can be trusted with it"

"Well," Desmond says to Marcion. "The only ones I can think of that deal with this are Galatea and maybe The Greystar Combine. Both of which are not UNW."

"I would not entrust this to anyone outside our own nation. Especially not the Combine" Franz says, sternly.

"I agree with Franz."

"We need this stuff analyzed though, and I know none of us have the skills to do it."

"There is one we could turn to, but you're not going to like it Director"

"Who?"

"Silvano. He's got experience working with these"

"He's back?"

"He isn't but if a message is sent to that area of space, he will hear it"

Marcion sighs "Do we have any other choice?"

1:53 PM

"Is there someone we could bring in to help us capture him?"

Franz sighs on his end of the phone "I'd rather not start that. We do have one other choice, but he's a bit....eccentric"

"I'll take him."

2:58 PM

"Fuck silvano."

1

A small file on Dr. Light, another coffee obsessed eccentric is pulled up. He was removed from full time lab duty when it became apparent he was actually trying to build the intern cannon diagrams that had been concocted

3:19 PM

Several months of intense therapy have curbed the worst of his...issues

“Wow!” Desmond says. “We are really going down the rabbit hole.”

"I'd rather deal with an unknown quantity than that self-entitled asshole."

"Anyway, bring him in, let him look at this stuff, but keep an eye on him. I'm not taking any chances with these samples, they are too important." (edited)

Desmond looks up and squints.

4:36 PM

“This Dr. Light looks like he has an obsessive bent but possesses a brilliant mind.” (edited)

Dr light enters with a large mug of coffee. It smells actually pretty good. He adjusts his glasses so the light shines on them and you cannot see his eyes. “Ah dr light you presume. Yes. You have something my brilliant mind can explain for you?”

(So hes an anime scientist, great.)

5:36 PM

Marcion lets Desmond do the talking, since he is much more diplomatic.

5:37 PM

(I swear this character is becoming more and more like me every day.)

"Well, Doc," Desmond says. "You have the chance to be the first human to study the Flashshaper Trees. If you find a way to combat this you will be known as the savior of this sector."

(Playin it how light did when he was here)

6:16 PM

“I like the sound of that!” He says laughing “where did you come by this?”

Desmond looks at Marcion. "This man gathered them at great risk to himself. He can give you the particulars."

Marcion gives Desmond a very annoyed look. "It's from a planet in fleshshaper space."

Desmond smiles.

3:51 AM

“There you have it.”

"Well. I'll need some time with this. Revelation won't come quickly. Can we pick this up in a few days?

Desmond looks at Marcion. “Sooner than later?”

Dr. Light is now not paying any attention to the both of you, examining the seed in its containment unit, and making some preliminary notes about its appearance

2

Marcion shrugs and walks out

You leave Dr. Light inside, to tinker and fiddle with the sample. He doesnt even notice he is alone

"Certainly is eccentric."

"Let's hope it comes with results."

Inside, you hear a shelf falling, and some swearing, before Dr. Light laughs heartily, and gets back to work

6:50 PM

(we will return to this thread in a couple game days)

(Ok)

(the story thread i mean)

7:59 PM

Wind and ace round the corner, coming toward you, as the lab doors shut

7:59 PM

the dog takes off into a sprint, barreling towards you

Marcion narrowly avoids getting knocked over when Ace jumps up on his shoulders and starts licking his face "Hey buddy, what are you doing here?"

"He started pacing the yard and whining. It was like he knew where you were"

Director Marcion, heard you are the one to talk to regarding intelligence.  Captain Mcilroy and I captured some assets of the council of corperations. I will meet you at Marshal HQ for prisoner transfer and debrief.  We can talk further there. I cant guarantee this line is secure.

Marcion squats down next to Ace as he starts petting him after getting him to sit "Is that true, were you worried or something?"*

7:56 PM

"I've still got to brief the intelligence people about the changes in structure and make sure they are all up to speed." Marcion looks at the message from Cornelius "Looks like I need to meet Mr. Hardt about some kind of prisoners as well."

"Long afternoon ahead of you. Us, then" Wind says

"Yup, might as well get to it." He looks down at Ace again "You behave yourself, I have to go back to work." He pets Ace on the head before going to meet @Rodger Landon (Corn) about the prisoners.

@Rodger Landon (Corn) arrives , meeting you outside the Marshal station, making a direct route over from the train station. Corpsec, and the captured Central Corporation lawyers are inside, secured.

Cornelius holds out his hand. "It's good to finally meet you in Person Director Delgato. I saw you and Wind at the charity event, but neglected to introduce myself."

Marcion shakes his hand. "Likewise. Wind and I aren't exactly party people, as you probably saw. What have you got for me?" (edited)

"I think I can add some things to my report that might be useful in the questioning, but first I want to be honest with you about some things for the sake of transparency. You probably already know being director of intelligence, but I was hoping to get some information out of the lawyers about my missing friends and son. I am unsure if any other residents of Stack City disappeared before the final evacuation, but I wouldn't be surprised. This is at least in part why I didn't question them further before bringing them in. I thought I was too personally involved, and didn't want to foul things before you had a crack at them."

"Lawyers, gotta love em. I appreciate your honesty, though I will tell you in return its been so busy getting everything setup here that I didn't even know about your actions until you contacted me. But, still, these people should give us some valuable intelligence."

"Thank you, one more thing I think I should make clear given the nature of events surrounding it. I am friends with Kensh or at least was when he left. I was the one who tried to get him a lawyer, though that wasn't necessary in the long run I guess? Given your direct involvement in events. and new position I thought I should tell you before you found out on your own if possible." Cornelius looks down for a second before meeting Marcion's eyes again. "I only hope the credits I gave Provost O' Shea, and the work Kensh does in the future will let the people hurt begin to get the help they need or at least make something of the events after the tragedy. Having said that I believe we can move forward to the debrief with easier minds. I want you to be able to trust me if I am going to bring you intelligence in the future."

Marcion looks at him for a few seconds in silence. "Mr. Hardt, I honestly already had figured you knew the man somehow. In my experience people don't go asking about ways to help victims of murder unless its a mass homicide." He sighs "I appreciate you telling me this though. If you are going to be bringing me intelligence in the future however, I would prefer you focus on jobs which are above board rather than below it as much as possible. But, anyway, we have some interrogations to do."

12:09 PM

He motions for Cornelius to follow him in, ensures all the prisoners have been accounted for, then spends some time identifying the highest ranking person in the group.

12:09 PM

"How did you capture these individuals Mr. Hardt, just out of curiosity."

"Honestly it was mainly the Greyhounds and Captain Mcilroy. I mostly kept them distracted during the negotiations while trying to test their feelings towards different factions and openness to trade." (edited)

(Can i get a tldr on the greyhounds and captain mcilroy)

(are you talking to me or Neko?)

(Whoever)

12:17 PM

(You can wait for neko if you want to)

(I figured Cornelius could give you what he knew about them having been on a mission with them.)

(I think marcion would have some idea but me as a player doesn't know)

Cornelius points to the patch on his shoulder. https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/474540258227126272/567643650566127646/s-l3001.jpg "You probably already know about the Greyhounds, but I won't miss the chance to brag them up. Cass let me join at least honorarily, nickname and everything. They are run like a military outfit, they took out around 30 to 40 corpsec with vehicles and only suffered minimal losses. There are a few specialists, but everyone is pretty well trained and equipped. They have been in engagements on Rawhani before so I decided to join them this time, I was glad to help."

(They're not really a faction, if anything theyre a small special forces group. I think they'd pair nice with the kind of dirty work you'll be getting into)

1

“The prisoners seemed worried about repercussions for their families. Their only approved trade partner was the Remnant who they trade with monthly. They had new higher tech aircraft from the Remnant I believe. A recording was in my earlier report. We recovered a council drone from which we learned of an attack on Fortune Sports. By the time we were able to investigate the attackers had left. Malak, and Thorn were said to be killing everyone. I was able to confirm there were more than two attackers, and several ships, but not much more.”

"I hope this information will help you with the interrogation. Perhaps we can discuss the other subjects I intended to investigate after you've questioned the lawyers and determined what to do with them." (edited)

The prisoners are in a large holding cell, and will be taken out 1 by 1 for interrogation, as needed. You see they all look to be in decent health for the momnet.

"Let's hope they care about their families enough to help us."

1:58 PM

"Also just to clarify, these people were captured during negotiations?"

"Forced negotiations, where they had already pulled a gun on the nova Heavy rep and tried to compel him to sign. I think failure was not an option for them, fear and threats are the usual on Rawhani."

"Well, that changes things."

"The council sent the delegation to strong arm Nova with the threat of war if they failed to sign as well. They know we have been interacting with them and don't like it."

Marcion will begin interrogating the lawyers one-by-one until he figures out who the leader is

The lawyers don't have a 'leader' among this group. but their story is all the same, they were tasked with getting Nova Heavy Industries to sign the new compact, forbidding off-world trade, or else. Their task-master was located in the Central committee's headquarters

"I'm assuming our capturing you lot isn't going to stop that from happening?"

"It's going to take them a few weeks to peace together what happened, and figure out a new approach."

"Just how on board is your group with this plan to work with the remnant?"

“Our group? The central committee you mean? They’re good trade partners. Excellent in fact”

"What is so important about Nova Heavy Industries?"

9:06 PM

(Gonna need some ooc knowledge on what they make too, or at least what marcion would know)

9:11 PM

(Also where they are located)

(They’re on the planet map for rawhani. It’s the northwestern corporate city I believe. Nova heavy makes mechs, tanks, and vehicles)

9:14 PM

(So them doing business with not exclusively the Remnant is an issue)

9:15 PM

“We make almost all the heavy military equipment on Rawhani. The others make fine guns and spears, but we make the vehicles and supply trucks those war hosts rely on”

(north east island with Neptune Microsystems)

(I thought these guys were sent to stop Nova from selling to anyone else?)

(unapproved off world partners, the remnant have been approved by the council.)

"Why not sell to whoever? I am sure the Remnant are good partners, but surely you could make even more profit by selling to whoever? Unless of course the council is just a façade controlled by the Remnant."

“May I speak personally?” The female lawyer asks. More a statement than actually asking permission. “I think the central committee has fallen to Remnant sway”

7:08 AM

“I thought the same thing. Business is business it shouldn’t make a difference”

7:08 AM

“I’m going to risk one or both of you knocking my teeth out here- selling to both sides would have been good business”

"Honestly, from a purely business perspective I agree with you. Do you know if the other Corp cities share your view or the council's?"

(Can I make a roll to see if they are just bsing or they actually mean it?)

(talk wis or know wis, whichever youd prefer)

(Talk/Wis, 6)

8:42 AM

(Also wrote a new goal)

(xp added) As far as you can tell, she's speaking truthfully

"So, what happens to your family now that you are stuck here?"

"not sure. It will depend what they make from the reports. If it looks like we were abducted, nothing. They couldn't be blamed for that. Even the corps aren't that bad"

"Good to hear they won't throw your families in jail for being captured."

8:55 AM

"I will say anyone who would like to stay here is welcome to. We can do whatever is needed to get your families out and brought here. Even if they believe you all were captured rather than defected, I seriously doubt you will be allowed unrestricted lives again, too much risk involved."

Director Marcion,
The only other information I could give is that prior to the conflict that took Malak's life he was travelling with Dr.Thorn and another three ships however they split off further into Fleshshaper space.

“They wouldn’t let us continue working. We are compromised by virtues of even being here” she replies

9:30 AM

Her professional livelihood is over and she remains calm, somehow

"Seems like a punishment for something that wasn't your fault in the first place."

“Is it different than how you’d treat an operative returned to you?”

"Depends on the operative. I am not in the business of punishing those who fail thanks to unforseen issues. Your higher ups failed you in terms of protection and intelligence."

“So what happens now. I’m assuming our cooperations will get us something here? I’d offer my complete knowledge in exchange for amnesty

Marcion pulls out a pen and paper "Let's see what you know, then we will see where you land. I can tell you I am not in the business of forcing people to do things against their will."

6:23 PM

"First question I have to ask is if you have anyone still on Rawhani that will need to leave if you stay here, because we will need to start work on getting them here sooner rather than later."

"Two of us have spouses, one of those two has children, as well, but we can get you a list of people we care about being protected"

"Alright. We can try to negotiate for their release, but I doubt they will let us take them." He thinks for a moment "Do you know any ways for us to sneak a single ship in long enough to get them out? If negotiations fail, we will need to move quickly. The Remnant will jump at the chance for hostages." (edited)

“The route to the surface is pretty porous. If you’re in a shuttle or something small, you should be able to slip in”

7:18 PM

(Ships get easier to detect as their size goes up)

(I've got Ricardo and Stev heading out to set up the safehouse, i think we had agreed no matter what the next steps are, that was one thing that needed to be done no matter what)

(Alright)

"The Remnant would have many uses for hostages, especially those they don't have plans to release ever. Well, Corproate Central, it is in the middle of the ocean on planet, in a very large undersea dome, in the deepest trench"

"How many children specifically?"

"Ah, sorry, four children, two boys, and two girls, the oldest is I believe 15"

Marcion sends the message to Ricardo and Stev

7:28 AM

"Alright, hopefully we will be able to get them out quickly before the Council and the Remnant know what is going on."

7:29 AM

"So, tell me more about the council, whatever information you may consider relevant or of importance."

Well, Corproate Central, it is in the middle of the ocean on planet, in a very large undersea dome, in the deepest trench. That's why you haven't been able to find it on your maps. We communicate with the surface easily enough, and coordinate actions of the boards of directors from every corp. from there"

7:32 AM

"There's a decently sized defense force around it, mostly small submarines. They're packed with anti-satellite missiles, so anything getting too close from the spaceward side is going to get a barrage"

"How much of the council supports the Remnant?"

"I think they do almost entirely now. Speaking frankly, the repeated black-ops against us haven't been exactly endearing our corporate council to your activities"

7:39 AM

"Anything we sell you almost invariably ends up being deployed against us."

(Backstory on the black-ops)

7:49 AM

(Plz)

(there's been a lot, Kaleb getting stack city off world, stealing the psionic forge from them, silvano assassinating the neptune microsystems execs with a demo charge, list goes on and on)

7:55 AM

(but its all been PC's fucking with the corps basically)

(Nothing sanctioned by the government?)

(there wasn't really the kind of control on things there is now)

8:00 AM

(a lot of it was done with silent approval, like getting the refugees out for example)

"The UNW government was not as centralized back then, and also most of the actors running black-ops missions or similar activities are total assholes in my opinion."

"Being that as it is, the actions have been carried out"

"Yes, they have. And now its my job to clean up the mess those idiots left behind." He sighs "I originally came here to get away from politics and corruption, but over the past half year I seem to have gotten myself dragged back into it."

"It tends to happen that way"she shrugs. "I wanted to fight corruption, now here I am abducted because I was forced to carry out the will of a council whos motives are shady, at best"

"People who try to fight corruption with honesty tend to get stabbed in the back and fucked over in my experience."

you both seem to share a moment of genuine understanding. "That's all I know. I know the other two have more detailed information about actual assets and operations. I tended to stay at HQ unless it was something very serious:

"Alright. I'll arrange for some more comfortable lodgings for you and your companions. Hopefully I will have good news to share about their families soon enough."

8:25 AM

Marcion spends some time interviewing the other two lawyers.

Youre given a list of assets for the Central Corporation- (will update on the asset handout tonight) Force: Space Defenses- more detailed information is on the report cyrus gathered. Ground defenses- more detailed information is on the report cyrus gathered. No fleet. New knowledge about undersea central committee base, protected by subs w/ anti sat missiles. Wealth:

Major production center -1 per corp city on surface
Post-tech industrial base- 1 in Neptune Microsystems, 1 in Saturnetworks
1 military vehicle hangar, hidden in mountains near Fortune Sports, only central committee knows about it, protected by most elite forces. Possibly staging point for countering a land invasion. Cunning-

Smugglers- possibly Dr. Thorn, other small tramp merchants doing small trades, enough credits to keep companies, going, barely. Panopticon Matrix- Makes Central committee aware of almost every single activity happening in their cities. Inside HQ itself, but it has nodes hidden in various wasteland blacksites. HEAVILY protected by automated defense

Marcion sends the information to @lictor and @Stev Andisom

9:37 AM

(Is it even possible for us to safely establish a safe house with the matrix up?)

Stev sends back a quick “Thanks for the heads up.”

(yes, if its done carefully)

9:42 AM

(OR, now taking that into account, since you didnt know before, if you want to amend your plan to hit that first, that is also an option)

(If it gets taken out that may cause us more problems)

(its something you need to take into consideration either way, for sure, but its a worthwhile talking point)

"So, this matrix, how does it work?"

"It is an AI program looking through security cameras, sensors, personal electronics, anything that might be used to send information. A program picks out what needs to be followed up on, and what is an innocent activity. Anything flagged goes through further layers of analysis to try to limit apprehending the innocent"

"Does the program have a database of all Rawhani citizens?"

(yes thank you that would have been my question) (edited)

10:21 AM

(also for the record i have magical torture which compels people to tell the truth in case it's ever handy)

(Marcion would likely ask that only gets used if absolutely necessary)

(Would the matrix notice a stealth drone and flag it?)

"Any that are corporate employees. Once they're expelled into the wastes, or are removed from service for other reasons, their electronics are taken, and no longer tracked.

10:24 AM

"anything they rig up in the wild wouldn't be tracked through it, they dont use our comm grids"

(Also, what would happen if the matrix noticed someone that wasn’t in the system?)

"So if they are in the city, and they are not in the database, the system will flag them."

(Danke!)

(will it though)

(i think those are play and find out questions)

10:28 AM

"If they're seen by a sensor or camera, its possible"

10:28 AM

"Probable, even"

"What do you mean when you said expelled into the wastes, are there people living outside the cities on Rawhani?"

"There was a sizeable population of refugees who assembled at Stack City, and the old Draconis holds, if my reading of your database is right (it is, Ricardo is one such example of said refugee exodus)

10:30 AM

"There was another mission you'd undertaken to locate other scattered settlements, and there are handfuls out in the wastes. Some are collected around old water pumps"

(how hostile are they to the average offworlder? maybe we can just show up tbqh, i can disguise myself and claim to be joe schmuck from wherever looking for work)

(well, the info gleaned so far shows they're relying on tramp merchants to get some goods off world here and there, so they're at least tolerating it)

10:36 AM

(if things have changed since malak and thorn's pogrom, and then the recent UNW Cornelius/cass snatch n grab, you wouldn't have a way to know)

(stev would be a problem because they'd have him flagged as a former employee, but maybe grupp can magic him or something?)

(the id shop will be ready by time you leave)

10:39 AM

(so i think actually that will fix that for you as-is)

(sweet)

(even if it doesnt it will this time, i dont want anyone excluded)

"Does any of the old equipment lead into the city?"

"None that we know of"

"Did the council have any long time hostages or prisoners when you were there? I know most are banished or killed after processing."

"None that we were keeping at Headquarters. Too dangerous to keep anyone there"

"Did any of the other employees seem dissatisfied with the council's choices like yourself or is there an outside on planet element the council sees as a threat?"

"Enemies at home were....re-educated" she winces

"So its a totalitarian planet then."

"It is, and it has been for a very long time"

"Do you know if anyone from Saturnet or Stack City was re-educated within the last year, possibly in a group of ten or more?"(wasn't sure but I think that's the correct time frame going from the last big exodus by Kaleb of the knights and stack city.)

"I don't keep tabs on how many they shoot in the street. I'd be counting bodies all day. I never signed off on any of the execution warrants though"

"Do you know where records of prisoners, re-educated individuals and execution warrants would be kept or how they could be accessed?"

"Headquarters itself is the only place. They don't share that information"

"Explains why they like the remnant so much, totalitarian governments love to stick together."

"Do you know any details about how or where monthly trade with the Remnant takes place?"

"It depends what they need, they just gather it from whichever of the cities is making the product they're after. It's never usually the same thing twice in a row"

"Have you ever met directly with or seen the council or their detail in person?"

"Well, sure, all the time. My orders come from them"

"Do they ever leave the HQ?"

"I don't know. They don't publicize their movements"

"Could you give us descriptions of the council members you have interacted with? Knowing how look , act their security, and who they trust any information you could give regarding those areas would help."

(I don't have any other information for the missions going out right now, so Corn can keep asking questions, but if the gang is ready to head out on safehouse ops, we can do that)

(transform and roll out)

(They can go ahead and head out)

(I'll make you guys a thread)

"I could, I think that would need to be a longer, separate conversation"

1:58 PM

(I'll just find some art)

1:59 PM

(were you going to Rawhani too Marcion?)

(Yeah, I think he would, he can trust Wind to do some Admin while he is gone)

(great, mission thread is set up, if we need to split off into smaller teams i can make more)

(We will keep going with Corn's interrogation here so the info is all in one place for Marcion to review, and I'll get art for the council members, rather than just describe) (edited)

"I'll let you and the others get back to me with the descriptions then. Perhaps you could talk to the Marshal's sketch artist?"

"I'll do that. Is there anything else I can answer now, then?"

"Do you know what you and the others plan do once processed? Will you go back into law and security?"

"It depends what the UNW decides we are allowed to do, but I'd like to"

"Maybe I could help with that. It seems like a good reason to meet with President Kincaid in person. I assume most of you are primarily contract lawyers considering you were at the signing? Forgive my lack of legal knowledge in speaking of your vocation."

"Thats a good enough approximation, yes"

3:24 PM

she seems a bit more at east now that the cops have left the room

"I might have a proposal for you and your colleagues once you have been sworn in and have time to acquaint yourselves with the new laws. Are you adverse to travel or further relocation? I know some of you are waiting for their families or others to arrive."

“Again. I think that’s going to depend on what our restrictions are”

"That makes sense. I'll see if I can help from my side. Your collective co-operation should also work in your favor, either way I'll talk with you again once a decision has been reached."Cornelius stands and offers his hand to the lawyer (would it be possible to catch Marcion before he leaves or should Cornelius just send him a message about the rest?)

(Id message here then we can jump into your own channel)

2

Dear Director I wish you luck in your mission.  For myself I think I'll take a bit more training before I return to Rawhani.  I know you said to keep things above board so I thought messaging you before I looked into some potentially shady elements might be prudent.  Hopefully after our conversation you might give me the benefit of the doubt if something goes wrong.   I won't go into detail here, but will consult someone I think you trust.

Safehouse established, Marcion heads off in search of the VIP's, extracting them to keep his promise

(They gave him and exact location right?)

(an approximate one)

11:04 AM

(like, within a km)

(Not an address or anything?)

(Not that specific. They didn’t know where exactly their families would be held just the general area the central committee likes to use for their own projects)

11:05 AM

(I mean, there will obviously be some clues as you begin to investigate)

(Ok)

(Would Marcion have gotten any info from the lawyers about different customs between cities, whether workers are transferred between cities, anything to help him create a character to play. I was thinking his ID would have him being a new transfer from Nova Heavy or something.)

(Workers aren’t transfered. They’re run like city states but it’s a class system based on the kind of work you do. That holds between them all)

(Do people move between the cities at all?)

(The central committee can make a pass sometimes for people to but it’s rare)

Marcion spends some time looking around for a dive bar

There are several equally dirty bars usually given some faux corporate name like “the cafeteria” or “staff only”

Marcion will walk by a few to see if they require identification to enter.

People seem to come and go as they please, in various states of drunkeness

Marcion walks into one

There are 30 patrons inside enjoying drinks and watching some kind of gladiator bout on television. They cheer as a fighter Falls, nearly Torn in two

Patrons range from a handful of physical labor menials, to a few who look to be in some kind of middle management sitting in a corner booth

<@171335140402790400>, I have a job here for a skilled programmer. How are your tech skills?

He goes to the bar and asks for a drink

2:24 PM

(He would have spent some time gathering as much info on the drinks and customs of this particular company as he could from the lawyers before coming here)

(yeah makes sense, wouldnt have made for compelling roleplay, but you'd have the sense to do it)

The bartender slides a drink across the bar surface, a cocktail you now know is more engine coolant left to distill than actual spirit, nonetheless people seem to enjoy it.

Marcion starts drinking while listening to the conversations around him

most everyone is bitching about work but a handful are talking about the security over on Precision street, and how its made their commute to work even longer. "I feel bad for the families in Press-Towers, all that corpsec...can't even take a shit in peace I bet"

Marcion keeps listening to that conversation (edited)

"yeah...I heard they have to sleep in the street sometimes, corp locks the area down"

(Is Press towers within the area he is meant to look?)

(That is what is being very strongly inferred)

Marcion finishes his drink, and walks to Press Towers to have a look

Press towers and the street it is on is heavily patrolled by corpsec but people are using the sidewalks to get around. Press towers itself is a twin habitation tower 100 floors tall, some of the tallest buildings in the city

7:03 PM

It is walled off, two towers inside a courtyard buried in green, live plants very expensive here

7:03 PM

Four Corp officers stand guard near the gate checking ID

(Sorry for being so inactive the past few days, been having alot of pain with my bad leg again)

(all good buddy, just focus on feeling better)

(Hope you feel better soon.)

11:52 AM

We've got a new Marshal Cornelius Hardt. Please offer him your congratulations and any advice you can spare.

Marcion starts looking at the bushline for fences and other security measures

There is a metal fence rising to 5m but with bars so there’s space to slide between. You count 20 guards. Some on the roofs of the two towers, others in the courtyard or making a roving patrol of the compound. There are two groups of two, moving opposite ways

(Cameras?)

The corps use camera drones to keep an eye on the city but the one Ricardo is planning to take out of commission in moments will make a gap

Marcion moves to the location of the solo camera drone and gets ready to make his way through the wall

(Yeah. You would. It hasn’t been happening In roleplay just because of real life schedules but it’s hard to imagine an intelligence op where the agents don’t talk)

(Yeah)

6:23 PM

(This is true)

(One of those gameplay vs realism decisions we have to make sometimes)

6:24 PM

The drone wobbles as the hacker you hired through Ricardo fights for the controls with its operator. It begins to drift out of position, making your gap

Marcion quickly dashes in through the gap in the fence, looking immediately for a place to hide, or going into the building if that looks clear

6:29 PM

(If i remember correctly, Marcion got his monoblade concealed, but i dont have that written down anywhere for some reason)

(yeah no worries) There is a fair amount of greenery around the towers, a symbol of status on this otherwise barren world. The thicket is deep, and it is hard to see into, and out of

He starts slowly creeping forward, checking for tripwires and traps as he goes.

The tower doors themselves are both keypad locked but you see badges on everyone’s belts as the civilians and officers move among the two towered compound

5:27 AM

There don’t seem to be any traps or tripwires aside from actual flesh and blood security

He messages the hacker "Can you hack one of those keypads right as I go into it?"

“I’m tied up with the drone right now. I can only give you a few seconds”

"I can wait, they shouldn't be able to find me in here"

4:56 PM

"But let me know if you can give it to me sooner"

Marcion waits and listens for the hacker to take care of the door

"Five seconds, go now" Ahead, through a break in the patrol, the door's LED light turns from red to green

Marcion quickly moves into the building.

The door opens into a maintenance stairwell, where each floor has a landing above, a handful of tools, and a spare set of coveralls. Near the top of the building you hear the echoes of descending footsteps, they sound heavy

(How tall is the building?)

(30 floors. Figure about ten feet tall for each)

7:23 PM

(So 300ft)

(Ok)

7:23 PM

Marcion quickly puts on the coveralls, grabs the tools, goes up one floor and walks into the main part of the building

The lobby is the floor above, and a single bored looking doorman sits behind a desk. You see the silhouette of two guards outside through the frosted glass

Marcion goes up one more floor and exits there

The first floor is a small landing with several apartment doors adjoining it. Each apartment itself must be quite large based on where the doors are

(Is there an elevator?)

3:45 PM

(Without a keycard reader?)

(Yes)

Marcion walks into the elevator, keeping his eyes averted from any cameras, and takes it to the 27th floor

The doors open, and you see the same style of lobby. A guard in a chair sits outside of the elevator, off to the side, not blocking any doors. He puts down the data slate he had been reading to see why the elevator doors opened. "Good afternoon. We weren't expecting maintenance up here"

(Did I get last names for the lawyers families?) (edited)

(We can say you did, i didnt provide them before because i didnt know if anyone would bother. Last name is Ardic)

Marcion looks down at his compad "I musta pressed the wrong button. In any case, can you check if the Ardic residence had a request? That's where I'm headed to, but I feel like someone is messing with the systems today or something." (edited)

(Were there keys and such with the tools and coveralls?)

(Not Keys just a spare uniform)

12:57 PM

“Let me check” he says looking down at his compad. “Well. Not that one but the one across the hall from them. That’s probably where you got confused”

"Mind giving me the room number for that? I dunno what is going on with our system tonight."

"Sure, 293, you'll see some other guards up there, they can help you if you get lost"

"I'll be fine now, just need to yell at my buddy to stop fucking with the software. Thanks for your help, appreciate it."

1:34 PM

He walks over to the service stairs, opens the door, and then closes it

You find yourself alone in the service stairwell, the guard coming down evidently stopping off at another floor in between

(Does he know where this room is?)

2:18 PM

(If not he will contact the hacker to have him figure out floorplans

(Does not)

Marcion contacts the hacker, asking him to see where room 293 is.

2:26 PM

(He would imagine its on floor 29, but he wants to make sure)

A few moments pass before plans are returned, it is the third room in the lobby space on floor 29

Marcion makes his way up to floor 29, and as he is entering he begins whispering a fake conversation "I don't care about whatever efficiency garbage you think you are improving, if I have to go wandering around the building asking the guards where I am supposed to go you aren't doing your job properly." (edited)

2:40 PM

He waits for a few seconds by the door as if someone is replying, sighs, rubs his eyes "I don't have time for this, I have work to do. Either fix the software or I will talk to the boss about how you need to be demoted to janitorial duties."

2:41 PM

He pretends to hang up before saying "Morons, I work with morons."

2:42 PM

(Would the hacker have been able to create a page showing fake work orders for the room the family is in?)

2:42 PM

(Or would that take too long?)

(it would take too long to make it, insert it in their system, and wait for it to get processed)

2:44 PM

(It would have to look official, im thinking like a very complicated photoshop_

(Not something in their system, just something fake on his compad)

"We work with morons too" the corporal on duty smiles, and there is some grumbling from the other three men assigned with him as guards

2:45 PM

(I mean, yeah, but if they ask to verify it, which theyre going to want to do to not be comically stupid, its going to just get you pinched anyway)

He gives them a nod before walking over to room 293 and knocking on the door

2:47 PM

(Are there any cameras in this lobby or just guards?)

2:48 PM

(And would it be possible for Marcion to have like a small rebreather and a gas grenade with him?)

2:48 PM

(Just something to knock people out?)

(I dont want to get into the habit of randomly poofing in gear we need, since there is a foci and psychic power that does that, makes it useless for the people who have taken it, but a rebreather could certainly have come with the gear)

2:52 PM

(There are just guards, no cameras)

(Okay)

2:59 PM

He waits for the door to open

3:00 PM

(I can do this a different way, and it would make sense he is just improvising at this point since there was no real chance to gather information.)

a small window inset into the door opens and you see the goggles of a corpsec trooper looking out. "Hey, one of us morons needs to know why you're here" The soldiers laugh again

"I was told there was a work order for this room. Software for us is down, it told me to go to the 27th floor, the guard there directed me up here."

3:06 PM

Marcion turns down to his compad "And now I can't even pull it up. How the fuck does this guy still have his job?"

3:08 PM

(I just realized, he can still have all his weapons, because nobody has checked him for them yet)

(you asked about your concealed blade, which you have)

3:13 PM

(which i took to mean that was what you were taking)

(Thats enough)

3:13 PM

(He wouldn't want to start shooting here anyway)

(yeah, its concealed and you haven't done anything especially reckless, so far its hidden)

3:16 PM

"Could say that about a few people here. Mind if I give it a try? Ours does that all the time too"

(Is the guy through the door saying that?)

(yes)

Marcion will quickly type 'Kill the power' to the hacker on his compad as the guy is saying that.

Main power goes down a moment later, but the emergency lights stay on

3:18 PM

You see the one in front of the elevator, and a small one in front of each door remain lit

(Is the group of guards lit at all?)

3:19 PM

Marcion looks up at the lights and sighs

(no they are not)

3:19 PM

(but you are)

(I really don't want him to have to kill these guards, but I don't feel he has any other choice at this point.)

"Fucking engineers" the doorman says, "Hang on a minute, let me make sure everything's okay in here

3:22 PM

the hatch is left open, and he begins walking away

3:22 PM

deeper into the apartment

(Lights on in there?)

(emergency only)

3:22 PM

(its an apartment, all the ones ive ever lived in have had that, but then again we lived in tornado alley)

Is the door open, or still just the hatch?

The hatch

(Are the other guards still watching him?)

(No)

As soon as he isn't being watched he backs away from the door into the dark part of the lobby

(sneak/dex)

(6)

3:28 PM

(Went about as well as I expected, time to fight my way out I suppose)

You vanish into the darkness of the room

6:07 PM

(Their notice was a 4)

He messages the hacker to trigger the fire alarm

4:08 PM

(Like, whispering to him)

The alarm sounds a few seconds later and the lights strobe I’m

6:20 PM

“I’m getting tired of those tech idiots”

6:20 PM

The corporal groans

(Do the sprinklers also go off too?)

(if you want them to)

(Yeah, make it look like there might be a real fire somewhere)

There is a patter of water droplets on flak plate as the sprinklers come on. “Alright. Let’s not take the risk. Get the family out. Everyone assemble here and we’ll go outside together”

Marcion, still in the shadows, moves around to be near the door to the family's residence but not in the light

The troopers are trying to figure out what’s going on but seem to be disoriented and confused in the sprinkler rain, darkness, and strobing warning lights

7:13 AM

They don’t notice you

(Do some of them look like they are leaving yet?)

(No they’re coming to get the family out of that apartment in a minute)

(Ok)

(They’re not going to let their hostages burn in a fire )

7:17 AM

(They don’t know it’s not real)

Marcion waits patiently for them to start moving the family out

They open the door and assemble everyone in the hallway. “Right. You two head down first with me. You wait here with them” the corporal says, leaving one guard behind with the terrified and now soaking family

7:19 AM

There are ten of them out in the hall ranging from middle aged to a small baby

(I thought there were only supposed to be six? Are some of these other hostages?)

(That’s correct )

(Ok)

7:20 AM

He waits for the first group of guards to start moving down (edited)

One guard is left behind to watch them as the others stomp downstairs. His combat rifle is off his shoulder strap and he looks ready to use it

(Is he facing Marcion?)

(Side on to you but you’re in the shadows )

(I assume it is quite loud in here?)

7:24 AM

(Cause Marcion's plan is to stab this guy, calm the people down, throw on his uniform, then get the power back on to just the elevator, preferably without the lights showing what floor it is on, and ride it down before the soldiers make it downstairs)

(It’s loud. You can execute with a stab/str or dex against a dc6)

(14)

7:25 AM

(stab/str)

(Pass!)

(Can he just cut the guys head off without damaging the uniform?)

(Yeah your execution attack passed. However you want it to happen happens)

Marcion steps around behind the guard, drawing and slicing in a single motion before turning to the hostages.

11:44 AM

"Everyone calm down, my name is Marcion. Some of you have family members who were lawyers here, they sought asylum and asked me to get you out before the Remnant got their hands on you."

11:45 AM

He messages the hacker quickly about activating the elevator but not the floor beeps and shit, and send it as fast as possible to the 29th floor.

(Do I need to make a roll to calm them down?)

The hacker can do what you’ve requested, and the family takes a moment to process what you’re saying before gathering their wits. “Alright. What Do we do?” One of the eldest asks

Marcion starts exchanging the work clothes for the uniform. "The elevator is being activated, we will ride it down and move through a gap in the fence, making our way outside town."

5:25 PM

Marcion calls up their contact and asks him if he can smuggle these people outside the city quickly.

Yusuf has a covered truck but he won’t be able to drive right up to the gates of the place. He can meet you at the end of the street. He can get them to your safe house without trouble , but if you want him to get the people out he needs to be taken out of rawhani too. Ricardo had planned to use him as an embedded agent in the corporation here. (choice to make there). Marcion reads the message as the elevator arrives

"We can discuss things back at the safehouse as to our next moves. There is a truck at the end of the street. We will move quickly amd quietly to the truck, and figure out our options afterwards."

The family piles in, its very cramped but you all manage to fit. The ding, and floor display does not light up, but the control panel inside works fine.

8:26 AM

You arrive at the ground floor, now empty , ahead of the descending security troopers

He checks if the gap in security at the fence is still there during the ride down.

Security officers are running toward other parts of the building, where the hacker has overloaded a power system, and turned the imagined fire, into a very real one

11:36 AM

there is still a gap at the fence

He leads the group through the gap in the fence and towards the waiting truck. Once everyone is in, they go to the safehouse.

The truck slips away, away from the fire, and joins the traffic on the streets, getting lost in it, and taking a winding route home, just in case. (6xp, 10,000 credits)

Once they get to the safehouse Marcion turns to Yusef "So, what are our options for getting out of the city quickly?"

"I'd rather not have to blow your cover to get us out, but I don't want to be here for more time than necessary."

“Could always go bold and have one of your space assets pick you up. It’ll be loud but it’ll be quick”

"It would also remove any plausible deniability, not to mention putting us in range of their defenses. That is an option of last resort. If we want to establish any kind of safehouse, we need to keep a low profile and use the holes in their security. Are there any sewer exits or regular shipments out we could use?"

He thinks for a long moment. "THere

9:31 AM

is a pumping station on the north side of town, They don;t use it anymore, but the waste sump should lead out into a canyon nearby. It's just going to be a very unpleasant walk. Maybe a ship could pick us up therE?"

9:31 AM

(The shadow chaser is very hard to spot, not coming down into the teeth of the guns that way)

"Let's go. Are you coming off-planet?"

2:53 PM

He says as he messages the shuttle about the location

"Well, you didn't make me get them out into the desert. Getting back into the city was going to get me caught. We didnt do that, so I should be able to keep my cover if we let things cool down for a while

"Alright, sounds good to me. Let's get these people out of here."

You pass through the city, Yusuf dropping you off at the pumping station early in the evening. You don’t notice anyone watching you. The pumping station is a red brick building covered with soot and burnt looking creeper vines. It’s second story windows are age yellowed glass. The bottom ones have been broken. There is a rather obscene mural of a corpsec officer being violated by a stick figure with an enormous penis. A laminated no trespassing sign has been posted to the flakboard nailed over where the door would be

(Would his monoblade cut through the board?)

(Yes Not quickly. The windows are busted out on the ground though)

(How jagged are the pieces?)

(No glass just the lead remains of the windowpanes themselves)

9:09 PM

(The gridwork I mean. But it’s big enough to get in)

Marcion gets everyone through the windowpanes before climbing in himself, taking one last look around for cameras, drones, or corpsec.

The area around the plant looks deserted. You don't notice anything.

After climbing in he leads everyone to the tunnels that lead out of the city.

The slog is one of the most unpleasant things you’ve endured but at the end of the Pipe the shadow chaser is waiting, ramp down. “She won’t get all of us back to Gudrun, but the lone star is in space. To meet us” the pilot says. “If you can, come up here for a moment and close the door. I have some news for you. The crew chief can handle the family for now”

"Alright." Marcion follows him "What's up?"

"Something important going on?"

"Something important, yes. Once we drop these people back to Gudrun, Kincaid wants to see you. Provost O'Shea was killed on Acastus"

Marcion sighs. "Damnit. Let's get back to Gudrun, I'm sure this will be a pleasant conversation."

The trip is a matter of a few days of spike jumps with the lone star in tow, family aboard to more easily spread out the available life support capacity. Upon arrival they’re taken in for medical screening and processing so they can be reunited with their loved ones here.

8:53 PM

(6xp, 15000 credits)

Once they are back on the planet, Marcion goes to see Kincaid,

Upon walking into her office, he look at her "What?"

“That’s not a way to greet the leader of this country. I brought you ere because I wanted to promote you to Provost. The passing of Desmond is sad. A state funeral is planned, but the intelligence agency needs to be run, and you’re doing a fine job of it”

9:44 PM

(Officially CIS leader now essentially. Desmond’s new character is pretty far removed from the UNW even)

(Have there been elections since we got here?)

(One is scheduled for year 5, as laid out in the UNW charter)

9:48 PM

(She hasn’t even been UNW President for half a year yet)

9:49 PM

(The number of planets just went up fast at first since you had some readily available allies)

"Appreciate the support." He says thick with disgust "And I'll give you some respect once there are actually elections and you are here because people want you to be. Until then, you are still a corporate sellout in my mind. If there is nothing else I've got work to do." He turns to leave

(So are you taking it, I’m asking for admin reasons. CIS has like six players in it so I need someone steady at the helm now)

(Yeah, I can be more steady since other people are more dependent on it)

(Awesome). Promotion gained, Marcion leaves the office, heading for whatever business is next

(I assume he gets back during the space battle)

He heads back to the CIS headquarters, looking for Wind

(yeah during) Wind is happy to see you home, so is Ace, and the both of them are very interested in your mission, and time on Rawhani

"It wasn't exactly pleasant. I got a thorough inspection of their sewer system right as we were leaving."

7:31 AM

"And as we took off I got the news about Desmond."

"So, I'm the boss now, officially."

she sits back "I owe my start here to Provost O Shea. He had the chance to kill me when I got caught sabotaging the colony workshop. He let me go"

"He was a good man, we are worse off without him. Hopefully he is in a better place now, if you believe in that sort of thing."

"I do. He will be back one day, when the Winnowing comes"

"Winnowing?" (edited)

"Its like your.....its an end of the world myth, but I believe in it. Great heroes who are taros, or who have helped the Taros come back, for a final battle against evil"

"Hmm."

9:41 AM

"Wish he was still around, would mean less work for me, but someone has to do it, and I'm good enough at it."

9:42 AM

"Anything else of importance I miss?"

"You know about the Cruesa push already, and most of our agents were involved on Rawhani. Stev is still there, trying to recruit partisans for when we finally move in. Ricardo is working on interrogating and he has a few promises to make good on to some local help on Rawhani. Nothing compromising. They just wanted a few comforts of home"

9:46 AM

"We're going to get busier once Cruesa ends, for good or ill.'

"Yeah, I'm going to prepare a visit to Terezhino. We need to establish a presence there of some kind with it being so close to Remnant space. If they are breaking apart as fast as their intelligence suggests, I would expect them to being terror tactics to erode moral and guerilla strikes on our supply bases and infrustructure."

"Even if they do surrender, it wouldn't mean fanatics or real hardliners would lay down their weapons. We're going to be busy either way"

"Exactly. We need to be prepared. And as much as I love Desmond, he spent more time on missions than expanding as far as I could tell. He did a lot of good out there, but our responsiveness isn't where I'd like it to be because of that. This was a very different organization a few months ago than it is now though."

10:13 AM

"I'm going to have everyone gather for a strategy meeting when they get back from Cruesa. We need to establish certain long-term goals to work towards and establish mission to complete them."

10:14 AM

"Then we can go to Terezhino. I'm quite tired of going to all these places by myself."

"You might like Terezinho. Ace will" she laughs "Some time at the beach. Warm days and nights. Maybe a bit of a vacation"

"If we have the time, maybe." He gives a smile. "You have a swimming suit?"

"No" she winks back

He chuckles a bit at that

(I'm going to do some restructuring of the command structure in a bit. I think it's current structure honestly makes very little sense and nobody pays attention to it)

10:53 AM

(It's going to look very CIA-y) (edited)

(i think its just no ones had a chance to use it, as far as attributes, but yeah, lets see what it looks like)

"How long will it take them to get back from the battle?"

“I’m actually not sure on that. it’s only been about a day of fighting out there so far . It’ll possibly be about 3 depending on how quick they move into the cities directly”

5:59 AM

“It looks like they’ve got space superiority now though”

(Are we at home?)

(Your home or the Marshal station. Either one)

(Let's say they are at home.)

1:11 PM

"If we have time, maybe we should go get you a swimsuit or two." He gives her another smile "Gives me something to take off you at the beach."

She laughs and ace doesn’t speak human but barks happily at the noise

Marcion gives her a kiss

1:14 PM

(I imagine they will spend some time shopping and relaxing for the few days until the fleet gets back)

1:14 PM

(And possibly practicing removing the swimsuits)

(Sure we can fade to black)

After a few days Marcion heads up to the spacedock to visit Nancy (edited)

5:07 PM

(I just thought of something he would want to do)

Nancy is cleaning the lone star, sadly packing away the captains cabin. Desmond’s possessions are lovingly being placed into boxes

Marcion walks up and knocks on the door frame

7:35 PM

"Hey Nancy, you doing okay?"

She wipes away a tear

8:03 PM

"I...I think I'm alright. As much as I can be" she says

"He was a good man, one of the best I've ever seen if I'm honest."

8:09 PM

He sighs "Brings me to another issue, Kincaid gave me his job."

"And coming with that is going to be a bit of restructuring, just since intelligence has never had a well thought out hierarchy."

8:25 PM

"I'm offering you a spot as the head of logistics."

“Head of logistics? What would my duties be?”

"Manage our inventory of weapons and supplies, keeping ships maintained, that sort of thing."

9:14 PM

"You would still be able to do all the piloting you want, but you know ships better than anyone else here."

9:15 PM

"And I want someone who can make sure we have the ships we need as we expand to cover more UNW planets and potentially some other ones as well."

9:15 PM

"Also, I trust you. You more than anyone were Desmond's right hand, and I want to make sure we don't venture too far from his vision for the Marshals."

“Those kind words mean a lot marshal. I’d be willing to take that role on. I think it’s how I can honor Desmond’s legacy the best”

"Good, I'm glad to hear it. The only ones above you will be myself and Wind, since she is going to be my deputy provost."

"I'll let you get back to it. If you need any help coming up with a place to put his things, let me know. The man deserves to be remembered by everyone who joins this agency."

3:45 AM

He wishes her well before heading back to the Marshal HQ.

HQ is busy, as news of the Rawhani operations, and the second phase of the Cruesa battle begins filtering in

"Do we have good news or bad news"

“Mixed. Marshal Hardt has fallen in battle, as has Marshal Sobol. The planets cities are under assault and the fighting is in our favor. Sensor data is telling us that the New Moon Cooperative sent ships to help”

Marcion sits down in a chair in the conference room with a sigh, places his head in his hands, then looks back up

6:14 PM

"Well, so much for giving them positions in the new structure once they get back. Have we gotten a response on the overtures to Terezhino?"

“The Governor has approved a branch office there”

6:15 PM

“Though he would like you to visit the planet and decide where it should be for yourself”

"Reply back with appreciation and tell him I will be traveling there once my people get back from Cruesa. Also let him know I'm interested in meeting the city-state leaders to discuss any concerns or special requests they might have."

(Is Jerud in the room?)

(Figured he'd have to be to talk to him lol )

(He has done operations stuff before right?)

6:37 PM

(I assumed Marcion was talking to Wind atm)

(yeah, he has, that was why

6:38 PM

He was kept around)

"Jerud, how do you feel about some more responsibility?"

"The restructuring has left some open spots that need filling."

“I’d be honored to step up and assist our agency

"Alright. Everyone say hello to the new Director of operations."

8:38 PM

He gives everyone a moment to clap "Moving on, did we ever find someone to do analysis on the Fleshshaper samples we acquired a few months ago?"

“Dr. Light says they’re nearly complete and is going to present his findings to the unity council next week. He stated he wants the extra time to verify his findings”

"Ah, Dr. Light, how could I forget." He makes a few notes "Let him know I am happy to give him extra time, the more certain we can be about these things the better."

8:45 PM

"With the New Moon Cooperative joining us against the Remnant, I will be asking Kincaid about establishing some level of joint cooperation with their intelligence network."

8:49 PM

"I'll let you all know what comes of that. Finally, I want us to do some recruitment drives, focusing first on tech specialists then expanding into general personnel. More missions requires more manpower."

8:49 PM

"It would be nice to do some more plans for new missions and such, but we need the resources for them first."

8:52 PM

"That's all for now folks, I'll let you all get back to work."

8:53 PM

He gets up and heads to his office, writing up a quick statement to Kincaid about the joint operation idea before contacting Nancy to let her know about the trip to Terezhino.

(Alright. Got a few things to work up based on this)

(Cools)

Kincaid replies very formally that she will reach out to General Quince, and the rest of the NMC general assembly with a proposal for an intelligence sharing deal. In a private memo to you, she does state that The Elysium Initiative has a supply base in the system of Maintaine, in conjunction with the NMC already, which permission has been given to use. It lies at the east of fleshshaper space

Marcion replies with thanks before sending a message to Cyrus

( @Garion let me know when your thread gets back into UNW space, and ill send you the message)

(Will do) (edited)

(Or I could just wait until the next meeting)

(Once we see how the surrender shapes out I’m going to post new news and we will have a meeting. Your call on doing it then or before)

(Ok)

7:21 PM

Marcion calls Wind into his office

(I know sometimes unity council turns into herding cats) wind enters, leading against the doorframe

"I need some ideas for the Chief of intelligence. Have you gotten the chance to get to know anyone suitable?"

“I was going to suggest miss Soble until recent news came out”

"I was considering giving her the position as well. Is the former assistant director of intelligence still with us? The one under Judge Ibrahim? What was her name again?"

"Madison. She is currently not working, but she would be good fit"

"Setup a meeting with her, she would be a valuable asset for us."

Marcion will continue doing paperwork until his meeting with Madison.

An hour later, Madison arrives, her red hair tied back in a long ponytail. She is carrying a few aged binders, her own notes when she was trying to run the agency under Judge Monsoor

Marcion greets her with a handshake. "Madison, a pleasure. Marcion Delgato."

"Please, follow me."

8:59 AM

He leads her to the conference room where Wind and Jerud are both sitting.

(Does Wind have a last name? Same with Jerud?)

(Jerud N'Cabe (Desmond's former partner from night world Acastas in the Eastern Sector. He was liberated from Remnant Pirates after being stranded in an undercover role that lasted after the Scream. He is now in charge of Intelligence Gathering and Administration for the Marshals.) Nancy Chu (Pilot for the Lone Star) Tuk Kun (Pilot for the Covette Arrogate) Dominique Hernandez Lyssa Trinh. (Patrol duty) John Gerrack (Patrol Duty) Haden Kopek (Patrol duty) Tu Tran (Patrol Duty) Off World Marshals Aliah Marshals - 3 Jedamane Warriors NPC Aslief Marshals - 5 NPC Level 2 HQ) (edited)

Marcion introduces Jerud and Wind before sitting down, motioning for Madison to do the same.

(Wind does not, she was an orphan before the daughters found her so she doesnt have a family name)

"So, I hope you understand why I asked you to come speak with us."

(You had something to talk to me about?)

(Yeah, gimme a sec)

12:25 PM

(You want to do this in one of the faction channels?) (edited)

12:26 PM

(It was literally just about permission to meet with some people from the NMC on your shared supply station.)

12:26 PM

(Dunno if we need to rp it out or we can just say we talked about it sometime) (edited)

(Yeah can do)

(It's up to you)

(I mean, if you don't want to rp it out is fine, You have permission, just watch yourself out there, that's basically wild space.)

(I'm just too tired atm to rp this stuff. I only got four hours of sleep last night due to knee pain)

(No worries, you've got my permission, just keep Cyrus in the loop.)

He continues talking with Madison "We are in need of a chief of intelligence, and I wanted to speak with you about taking on that position."

“I see. This isn’t going to be just a figurehead position I hope”

"No. With our recent losses I need someone with experience managing intelligence gathering and analysis. Your job is to oversee the parsing of intelligence gathered both in the field and through whatever surveillace equipment we deploy in the future. I would expect you to work with Jerud to create operational plans based on intelligence gaps we have. You will report to Wind and myself, but in large part you will have freedom to do things as you see fit so long as they follow the strategic goals established either by myself or by us as a group. Large operations involving significant risk or sizable amounts of assets will need to be cleared with me. You will also be in charge of domestic security and interrogation, along with training new staff, and potentially other duties as we continue to expand."

9:00 PM

"This organization as a whole is far to small to effectively do its job. I will not lie to you and say what I was given to take over after Judge Mansoor was killed was an efficient organization. We need to build up a larger and more capable intelligence network to support our own operations through agents and marshals, as well as military assets in the rest of the UNW." (edited)

(I’ll still need you to set goals for the agency. If we leave it to just grow in the background with no oversight I’ll forget. Too many other things going on, plus writing. ) “I’d be happy to help erase his mistakes. He wasn’t an easy man to work for and I didn’t enjoy his company at all”

(I'll write it up in the faction channel before I head to bed and at you so you can pin it)

9:08 PM

"Glad to know I can speak frankly about him without upsetting you. I'm not a difficult man to work for. I expect results but try to do my best to set out clear goals and strategies to meet them so the lives of my subordinates are easier. Do you have any more questions or would you like to get started?"

“Get me into the mix. I’m eager to see this organization become what I know it can be”

"Alright then, let's get to work. Your first job is to figure out where our deficiencies are and fill them as best you can with new personnel."

9:35 PM

He gives her the list of current goals

9:36 PM

"If you see anything missing that should be there, let me know."

Marcion gets up and lets everyone get back to work before calling up to the spacedock to have them start getting the Dark Star ready for travel to Terezhino.

6:33 AM

He then goes to meet Ricardo.

(Alright, Ricardo should be on to meet, and we can move from that into Terezinho

(We can just start terezhino now, im meeting him in the faction channel)

After discussing things with Ricardo, Marcion finds Wind. They both head home to collect their things and Ace before heading to the Dark Star for the trip to Terezhino.

The Dark Star is loaded with the needed supplies, and Nancy is eager to take the vessel out for a spin. The Lone Star has too many memories aboard for her to be comfortable on it for long. "Are we all ready to go? Looks like the governor is planning to meet us on their orbital station there upon arrival"

"Alright, let's get going then." He waits for Nancy to be out of earshot before looking to Wind. "Did you remember your swimming suit?" He says with a sly smile. (edited)

"maybe. You'll have to find out when we get there."

He laughs before settling in for the journey to Terezhino.

When they exit spike drive he will get cleaned up, put on his dress uniform, and get ready to see the governor.

Governor @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) is waiting on the platform with a few members of his governing inner circle

(Oh, hes the governor, ok)

Seung looks up from a comms pad. “Oh hello there Marcion. Welcome to Terezinho we’ve been waiting since we got word of you arriving soon.”

"Seung, good to see you again. Shall we get to things?"

“Sure I’ve got plenty to do but I’m not in any rush.”

Marcion walks with Seung to the elevator and looks down at the planet. "Reminds me of where I am from."

Seung follows him taking a place a few steps away. “Funny you say that. I never had a home world growing up. Was born in space and rarely ever was planet side for most of my youth. It’s very much growing to be home for me though.”

"Aside from looking nice they are overrated. Mine was rife with corruption and crimelords. I spent my whole life trying make it a better place, then they gave the crime lords legitimacy. That's when I left."

“I don’t have that issue, yet at least. Making sure people don’t decide piracy is an option is important I suppose. Of course you would be part of that soon too with your current plan.”

"We can talk about that if it becomes a problem. Right now I just need a second place where I can start training people. I'm not interested in money or power, I'm here to protect people so you guys can do your jobs easier."

"What makes you decide to use Terezinho as your second base?"

"Closest to the Remnant. I expected them to launch some kind of terror attacks here and wanted to have a quick response team on site."

3:55 AM

"Also figured having a base on a tropical planet would be a boost for recruiting."

"I've gone and made sure there is no remnant so there shouldn't be any surprises to my knowledge. Beyond that there is roughly 5 million here not including the several thousand in the newest city i'm building to be my capital. You should have plenty here to recruit let alone those you bring."

"I wanted something here more out of contingency than anything. If you and your task force were off planet and they were to sneak people on, nobody would be able to root them out. I've learned it pays to be prepared."

"I doubt there will ever be a time the task force as a whole will be off planet again. Either way they are here to protect the planet as well. Let's not waste more of your time though did you have a specific place you had in mind?"

"I was looking for something a bit out of the way with clear sightlines."

Seung brings up a map of the planet. "Well there is several small planets I think no one is living on. Could always build a small dock as well as an airfield for you on one. Other wise you could be in any of the three cities. Hitachi, New Antioch, or New Astria which is the city I mentioned before I'm building to be my capital." (edited)

"Where is the Task force base?"

6:32 AM

(Is there a map of this place on roll20?)

6:33 AM

"At the moment I'm basing everyone in new Astria since I've spent most of my time there."

"What is this pirate base, is that still active?"

"Oh those old buildings. That was dealt with probably near a year ago. I had not been on the planet by that time so all I know is there is remains."

"Well, we could always just take over that base and modify it."

6:39 AM

"Would save on construction costs."

Agata Seungs robot assistant comes up. "It was attacked by Kaleb and his men. They broke the walls but the main manor inside is still intact. They raided it so most of the building is empty but intact still." Seung turns giving a nod to Agata. "Thanks Agata. Looks like you may have your new base then. I'm sure there is still bits and pieces of the old docks there for ships as well so you can have trade with the planet at large."

6:41 AM

(I got my scoop on it per neko)

(Alright)

6:42 AM

"I'll take my men over and have a more thorough look. Should give us plenty of room to expand, depending on what is there. Might end up being a main base for our logistics given how central Terezhino has become in UNW space."

6:44 AM

"I'll give you a call if we find anything massive over there we can't take care of."

6:45 AM

Marcion sends some messages with his compad. The Dark Star's stealth shuttle is waiting on the surface when they arrive at the bottom of the space elevator. He and Wind board it, joining the swat team already on it before flying over to the remains of the pirate base.

6:46 AM

"Hey Nancy, give me a scan at these coordinates" He sends her the location of the pirate base.

(Bump to make sure it is lighting up for you neko)

“There’s a structure there. What are you looking to find so I can tell you more”

"Any activity or weapons. The base is supposed to be abandoned, but I want to make sure."

“Abandoned field guns in the outer towers. That’s all I see”

4:11 PM

“And three hydrofoils sunk in the dock”

"Alright, thanks Nancy." He turns to the SWAT team. "Nancy says there is no activity there. We are going to move quickly through the complex and check it all out."

When they get there, he tells the pilot to hover just above the dock so they can all get out. He hops down, pulls his laser rifle out, and begins scanning the area.

(If the place is abandoned we can skip all this)

(It is.)

1:13 PM

The teams find nothing and no one. The complex is empty as promised

(What state is the base in as far as buildings and utilities are concerned?)

1:21 PM

(And what is the terrain like around it?)

The manor house is intact but the walls surrounding its front side are destroyed. There’s a large green yard that backs up against a sheer cliff face rising several hundred meters tall

1:33 PM

(It’s backed up to mountains)

1:34 PM

The pirates did not use utilities or much technology aside from their skiffs and war tools , which is how they evaded capture for so long

(Are the mountains like all sheer cliffs all over the place? How feasible would they be for use as mountain training for swat and such?)

(The mountain cliffs immediatley on property, so abutting the manor house grounds, are sheer, but once youre out past the defensive walls - since there's only the one way in- the cliffs are more climbable

(What about the rest of the island?)

(you can see it on the Terezinho main map, its very mountainous, not a ton of greenery)

2:21 PM

(not really a whole lot of flat space either)

(But large enough for doing, like manhunt training and alpine drills)

(yeah, each hex is 200km, so youve got at least a 1,000 km area there)

(Is the sound where the docks are large enough for expansion? For like more buildings and a landing pad or two?)

(Yeah you've got enough space for that, and the docks are intact, you can either raise the hydrofoil wrecks, or leave them down there and get some surface patrol boats if you want too. Maritime ops training is something you dont have on Gudrun right now)

(Yeah. How much will it cost to raise the hydrofoils, repair them, and fix up the base?)

2:36 PM

(Would it be possible to get a map of some kind, even just something in paint?)

(Within a few irl days i can get one together. total cost for repair of both hydrofoils, and base repairs is 2.5 mil.

(Ok, I'll figure out what else I want built and get it to you tonight.)

3:02 PM

(Not at my desk atm)

3:05 PM

*Marcion sends a message to @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) *

This base looks good, we are going to get it rebuilt and expanded. The island will have some alpine training courses your Task Force will be welcome to use.

Marcion looks around at the base ruins once the message is sent. "Well, it's not the best beachfront property, but its ours folks."

He looks to the SWAT squad leaders "I want you all to go through the mountains, figure out areas we can use as training grounds for alpine searching, fitness, all that good stuff."

They begin packing for an alpine trip, and are expecting to leave the following morning

(How many people could this building house as a barracks?)

(As far as the base goes, I know we will need a powerplant, something like 6 garages, a medical bay, recreation facility, holding block, supply bunker, workshop, armory, and those training things.)

8:08 AM

(Can those field guns be salvaged as well?)

(Two of the garages will be for ships, two for gravflyers, and two for shuttles)

8:18 AM

(Any extra ships should be fine on the dock itself)

8:19 AM

(or would the shuttles need landing bays?)

8:20 AM

(Tack on a research lab for forensic analysis)

8:20 AM

(Make it two, the second one can be for computer and data analysis) (edited)

8:22 AM

(Do we have the gravflyer stuff anywhere still? The components we drew up?)

(We doing this here or pm because I’m seeing questions in both)

(Just here, sorry)

(This building could House 20 in the manor house. You could make outbuildings on the grounds for more. There’s enough room to build the sanctum buildings you listed. Those should all be complete by month end. The labs will be built next month. The shuttles won’t need landing bays and can stay on the platform unless needed. The field guns have been slagged by heavy mech weapons.

8:58 AM

I do not have the grav flyer stats but you can have them built on Gudrun and shipped here if you’d like to expand the fleet

(Yeah, ill see if i can figure out what it has again. I think it was a minor modification of the police one listen in that one book.) (edited)

9:00 AM

(I want to have two here and another two on Gudrun. How many marshals, swat troops, and general staff can we recruit this month?)

(The cost of the new buildings is 430,500 credits

(kk, deduct frrom agency fund. As far as people I never give blanket amounts, recruiting is usually some kind of RP or mission)

(Ok)

9:24 AM

After spending a few days planning out the base construction, speaking with contractors and his men, Marcion goes to find Wind.

Wind has been doing what she can to keep the administrative load from smothering you, often times assisting contractors herself by picking up a hammer and getting to work with them.

"Well, I think things are well enough in hand now as far as construction goes. Let's go ahead and see if we can get some recruiting going. Cyrus wanted me to send some people to help keep the peace and investigate on the former remnant worlds and we need men to do that."

They head out first to Hitachi to speak with the mayor and his security staff about potential recruits. (edited)

"So what do you think of this place?" He says to Wind

"Its a n ice change. I don't mind snow, but I wouldn't be disappointed to call the planet a vacation home"

11:06 AM

"The mayor is expecting us for dinner tonight, from what his reply says. We've got enough time to make it there handily"

"Well, why don't we go ahead and find a hotel or something in the city, preferably on a beach, relax for a while, go to dinner, then come back and relax a bit more. Maybe even go swimming."

Marcion finds a quiet resort on the beach that has bungalows and rents one for a few days

There are plenty of those around in hitachi and you find one open. It even has a small pier for fishing and tying off boats. By time you land you still have several hours to kill before your meeting

"So, what do you want to do for a few hours?"

"I vote doing nothing, that seems like fun right now."

"I vote for nothing too" she looks relaxed, finally.

After a while of sitting, Marcion breaks the silence. "What's next for us?" (edited)

"We started as begrudging partners, then became good friends, then started dating. We never seem to talk about our plans at all."

5:31 PM

"We just sort of, fall into things."

“If I think about things too far ahead of time I get melancholy” she says “I’m not even supposed to have the life I have. The order used to be everything”

"You never expected to even have a relationship or a family or anything like that?"

“Not at all. The daughters were everything. Most die in service. Those who remain teach the next generation. You must fear the old in a career where most die young”

"You never thought about what it would be like?"

6:16 PM

"Not even a bit?"

"It was something that until a handful of months ago was something i never thought would be part of my life. It's a lot to come to terms with"

"I suppose it would be. I just want to make sure you get to enjoy this life you didn't expect, even if it includes some things you never thought would be possible."

6:55 PM

He pulls her in closer and gives her a kiss on the head.

6:57 PM

"I think I'm going to buy a place here, something private and quiet. Something we can come to if we have enough of the intelligence life at a later point." (edited)

“I’d like that. The idea of a quiet little hideaway is...comforting “

He sits quietly with her for a few seconds before asking her "What about kids?"

“My own kids?” She asks

"Yeah."

6:45 AM

"I don't know how the biology would work since I'm human and you are Taros, but if its possible, would you want to?" (edited)

"I....I think I would. If it can work. We should talk to a medical expert"

He gives her a smile. "Well, we can make an appointment when we get back to Gudrun. If we do have any, we can just stay away from missions for a while, focus on admin, delegate, those kinds of things."

7:21 AM

He will sit there with her, quietly listening to the tide for a few hours. When it gets close to dinner time they will both get ready and head to the Mayor's house.

(What kind of house does this dude live in?)

9:11 AM

(Some huge manion?)

The mayor's home is not the huge mansion you're expecting, but still impressive compared to the surrounding homes. A small path heads down to a private beach on the side of the house, and you see two wake-canoes hollowed out from island trees, and heavily lacquered, sitting at a dock. The mayor himself is out there, as a servant shows you in- elbow deep in a large fish, hanging from a line

Marcion has a nice laugh when he sees the mayor. "Feels like home already."

He waves to you. He is a Merlon, and evidently as comfortable around a knife as he is in a debate

Marcion walks up with a big smile on his face "Feels like going to dinner at my grandfather's house, well, except he had a much smaller house." He reaches a hand out, not caring about the fish guts "I'm Marcion, this is Wind. Would you like some help with that?"

"Nah I'm almost done. should be plenty to eat tonight with the size of this thing" It is indeed taller than each of you individually. "I'm Tergon. Nice to meet you Marcion, and Wind. My aide says you're here with the governor's permission, trying to get some, intelligence? sort of thing together?"

"I'm the director of the United Marshal Service. We just started construction on a new base here on Terezhino, at the old pirate outpost. I wanted to speak with you about what kinds of cooperation we could start. Intelligence is one part of it, so is anti-terrorism, organized crime, those kinds of things. Things which present a major threat to the UNW as a whole or anything individual planets can't deal with themselves."

"I see. Well I'm glad someone is inhabiting that old fort. If it wasn't you, some other trouble would have surely grown there"

10:13 AM

"I don't have a problem with anything youre saying as it stands, but the realities of how this cooperation would work, and the jurisdictions you have, compared to our local defense force or law enforcement, is something we would need to discuss in detail"

"Of course. I would never expect you all to submit to us or anything like that. Our job isn't to deal with crimes you all can take care of yourselves, our job is to deal with the larger ones. We help you, you help us, everyone stays safe. This isn't about power or anything like that. Our organization, formerly organizations before colonial intelligence was absorbed into the Marshals, simply isn't big enough to effectively cover the whole, federation or whatever the UNW is at this point. Terezhino is an important planet, it has a large amount of resources, and it is the closest to the former remnant worlds, so we came here."

10:54 AM

"The only other thing we were hoping for would be some recruits. We need people, not many, just a handful. The new base should only need 100 or so, but they need to be high quality. If you are worried we are going to take your best and brightest, I assure you, we are only asking that you let people know of the opportunity so they can choose for themselves if they want to come." (edited)

He looks down at some census data, at a compad an aide is holding for him- his own hands covered in gore still

12:00 PM

"Well, I can put the word out there, and ill cap hiring at 100. We have some major projects on planet going on that are going to use quite a few people-but we can spare what you're asking"

12:00 PM

"What kind of jobs would they be doing?"

"Intelligence analysis and collection, forensics, some administrative work. We would also need investigators and officers for SWAT teams."

12:12 PM

"The investigators would be trained as Marshals, and the first ones would be sent to Remnant worlds to help us find former members of their intelligence and special operations sections. Everyone else would remain here. Time is of the essence when it comes to the investigative personnel, as the longer we wait the more difficult the former remnant will be to find."

12:12 PM

"If these people go to ground long enough, they could make their way into UNW space to commit terrorist acts, and Terezhino is the closest planet."

"Its one of the most attractive for acts of terror too. Big population, beautiful environment.... I see what you're getting at"

"We can wait on the planet for a few days while word gets out, then do some interviews. Right now though, I'd rather spend some time enjoying the view here. I grew up on an ocean planet similar to this one, but it didn't have this level of pristine nature." (edited)

12:18 PM

"I'm seriously considering buying a house here."

"Do you know of any places for sale that are a bit out of the way?"

"I can have you meet with the city planner tomorrow morning if you like, take a look at some properties around the island"

"That sounds excellent, thank you."

1:31 PM

Marcion and Wind will keep chatting with him through dinner, eventually making their way back to the hotel they are staying at.

1:31 PM

"God that took forever."

1:32 PM

"Don't get me wrong, it was nice, it was just a long dinner."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1:43 PM

"Politicing generally is, but at least we got a nice meal out of it:

"Yes we did. Now we just need to decide if we want to relax for the rest of the night, or go swimming."

He yawns "Or we could just head to bed. This administrative crap is exhausting."

'I'd be good for a swim"

"Well, I could be persuaded I suppose. Got your swimsuit after all?"

"No" she winks, before heading out to the beach

Marcion chuckles and follows her out (Now we can fade to black)

2:08 PM

The next day, after waking up, they will speak with the city planner to see what property is available

2:08 PM

(This doesn't have to be rp'd)

(Describe your ideal location though, just so if we RP back here we know what the grounds look like)

(Just something quiet on a small hill with property leading to the waterfront, some trees around it to isolate it from the neighbors, plenty of land for Ace to run around on.)

(How much will that cost?)

(10k. Some for the grounds and rest for a quiet home)

(Ok)

7:29 PM

They wait the couple days necessary for the applications to be sent in before reviewing candidates and beginning interviews

7:30 PM

(How many candidates do they get worth considering?)

(You’ll get the 100 people. We don’t need to go through all that on top of the meeting)

(Ok, how many of them are marshals and how long will it take them to train?)

7:39 PM

(I assume new antioch is the smaller of the two completed cities then?)

7:44 PM

(I can meet the other mayor if it presents an opportunity, but I also think we need to expand the base to house all these people, or setup a shuttle service of some kind)

(How long would it take to build housing for like 50 more people at this base?)

(There's a thing for Sanctums in the Codex of the Black Sun that we use for smaller bases its worth taking a look at it)

(I've been looking at that, but i think it would cost more given the terrain and take longer to build the 9 dorms)

5:23 AM

(Since each one only houses 6, was more wondering if we could copy what was already there except build it partially into the mountains)

(It would be 90k for the additional housing normally, but given the terrain and if Marcion makes it a rush order, I'd assume it would cost extra)

(You could and it would cost double due to the terrain)

(Okay, can i triple the cost to get it done this month?)

7:32 AM

(Or would it get done this month regardless?)

7:35 AM

(Also is there an experienced administrator I could put in charge of this base from the 100 we interviewed?)

(It would get done this month regardless)

7:45 AM

(and you can assign one to be your majordomo here yes)

(Majordomo? I meant like a base commander)

7:45 AM

(And cools, thats another 180k out of the budget) (edited)

(yeah, hes your chief admin there, handles the comings and goings, ect

7:47 AM

(Like a steward)

7:47 AM

(same position different words, we both know what we're talking about)

(yeah) (edited)

With the interviews done, Marcion calls up Jerud and Madison for an update on how things are going on Gudrun as well as any activity that still needs investigating.

8:28 AM

(Also, the base commander's name is Franklin Frankerton)

(we should add the base to the marshal sheet)

8:28 AM

(I'll do that tonight)

(Okay)

8:29 AM

(How quickly will the new Marshals be ready to be shipped out to Crusea and such?)

(It will be the month, as they assemble, train, ect)

(Alright)

8:30 AM

Marcion sends a message to Cyrus as well, informing him of the new Marshals

8:30 AM

(I imagine there are 30 new marshals, around 20 SWAT people, and the rest are intelligence collectors and analysts)

8:30 AM

(Maybe 5 more marshals for Terezhino itself)

(We sort of combined plant station and build element this month, which is fine, so i think waiting for next month is a fair way to balance getting 2 actions. And however you want the breakdown to be. I think the military backing 2 covers them)

8:33 AM

(several squads of soldiers/special forces troops)

(Yeah, right now we just have the two Marcion developed and maybe some left over from Intelligence)

8:35 AM

(Never got a clear number on what actually existed, mostly because i think Judge never knew himself)

(300 strong including these new hires is the best i can make out of the random notes he gave me)

(And the training for the rest can wait until later, their base and training facilities arent even built yet. I imagine the new marshals are brought to Gudrun for training first)

(included in this month)

(300 men total or just specops?)

(total)

Marcion waits for the response from Madison and Jerud

Marcion,

Thank you Friend, I shall put them to good use no doubt. Is there an ETA on when they will be ready?

(edited)

They are both hard at work collating the necessary data from the mess of Madison and Judge monsoor's notes, and making arrangements for training of all the new personnel.

9:21 AM

Aside from the expected resistance on Creusa, the UNW appears quiet, for now

(I assume others are taking care of the hack and diamond stuff the news brought up?)

(yeah those are PC missions_)

(kk)

9:57 AM

Marcion lets them know to message the New Moon Cooperative about a meeting between himself and their intelligence head on the Elysium supply base.

9:57 AM

After getting off the call, he gets everyone ready and heads back to Gudrun

Once back to Gudrun they get a status update on the New Moon meeting

The New Moon Cooperative has their home station chief waiting with General Quince on Al-Wayid this month, wishing to discuss post battle at Creusa, and future intelligence sharing agreements

Marcion and Wind travel on the Dark Star to Al-Wayid

11:56 AM

(Where is that, i dont see it on the map?)

(1NE sector)

12:04 PM

(Al- Yaldai, I misspelled)

(I thought so)

12:09 PM

On the way, Marcion finds Wind "Once we get back from this mission, I'll make sure we go find a doctor to talk to, alright?"

"Unless of course we have to go to Cruesa and help there."

"Depends on what happens I guesS" she says "there's a lot of actvity there now. I don't know what two more of us will do"

"We will see I suppose once we meet with the cooperative and give Ricardo time to work. If he starts finding information about locations, I want to go there and secure prisoners myself rather than have Cyrus capture them and summarily execute them. We need information from these people, and more death is not going to fix problems."

3:03 PM

Marcion sends a message to Ricardo

3:05 PM

I suppose we land at Al-whateveritscalled after a few more days in Spike Drive.

3:05 PM

(How is Ace doing in the ship btw?)

The system floatilla greets your ship as it exits spike space. Ace is happy to be getting back to the ground soon. The ice world of Al- Yaldai spins below, home to a diplomatic meeting post, and a trade outpost, recently constructed for trade with the UNW.

(How many ships are there here?)

(3)

Marcion boards the shuttle with Wind and Ace, along with his men, and heads down to the planet.

You’re dropped off outside a Hab bubble. It is small with just a manor house and few other small buildings inside. Four guards in Victorian style uniforms, the greatcoats a deep emerald green, salute, single shot laser locks ported to shoulders

Marcion looks at them with a smile and returns the salute. After walking within earshot he says "I appreciate the gesture, but I am a civilian, there is no need for a salute."

5:59 PM

"Please, show me to the General."

He instructs one of squads to stay with the shuttle, bringing the other squad with him (They would be wearing dress uniforms)

"The instructions were just you, and a bodyman. You understand I hope" the sergeant of the guard cautions

7:08 PM

they're not on edge, or discourteous, but you can tell he is pained by needing to follow that order

"Right, my apologies. Too much time in drive space lately." He and Wind follow along by themselves. (edited)

The gates to the hab bubble open, and you're let inside. Quince and the intelligence services contact look to be inside the manor house, and a second set of guards open those doors. You can feel the warm heat and smell the woodsmoke of a fireplace inside even from out here

Marcion walks up to the door, then inside.

When he sees the General for the first time he sticks his hand out "General, it's a pleasure to finally meet."

"A pleasure indeed. Good to see some new faces from the UNW. This is Chief Zaylor, our station chief for the Cooperative's intelligence agency"

Marcion moves to shake his hand "Chief, Marcion Delgato, Provost of the United Marshal Service. This is my Deputy Provost Wind." Motioning to her after he shake the chief's hand.

"Glad to see the UNW taking our cooperation offer seriously. You know better than anyone what a mess the universe is outside our borders"

9:40 AM

"Glad to see the UNW taking our cooperation offer seriously. You know better than anyone what a mess the universe is outside our borders"

"I've seen it. It's not a pretty sight."

"You all have fought the fleshshapers correct? What can we expect to be dealing with?"

"We have skirmished with them, yes. What have you encountered of them so far? I might be able to help fill in the gaps of your knowledge"

"As far as I know not very much. We recovered samples from a planet in their space. I would be happy to supply you with the analysis results."

"We've done the same, they won't be different I don't think. They're tough. Fire works best but even that doesn't bring them down quickly"

"How do they move from planet to planet?"

"Theyve got their own warfleet. From what we've been able to tell, some kind of navigation vessel with its own drive leads the way, and once it arrives at a target, it opens a wormhole for the rest of the fleet to come in"

11:47 AM

"Those vanguard cruisers are very hard to spot"

"How big of a fleet are we talking?" (edited)

he shrugs "If we'd seen anything close to their full strength we wouldn't be here talking right now"

11:53 AM

"But that brings to light a worse question

"Which is?"

"What could possibly be worse than their full strength?"

"That's exactly the issue. They'd been fighting the Remnant for some time, those fleets have moved on, and the Remnant vessels themselves have resorted to piracy instead of surrender." he chuckles to himself "Though any of our vessels would have done the same, should something happen to us, too"

"It's to be expected of any soldier capable of continuing the fight. I told my government so at our council meeting this month. The biggest problem my organization faces is a shortage of resources. We have made a big step this month towards expanding our reach, but right now we lack long range sensors and ships capable of proper intelligence gathering, with the exception of my ship."

5:07 PM

"You can't fight the enemy if you don't know where they are."

5:09 PM

"I feel like capturing one of these wormhole ships, or at least studying it, is the most important issue as far as the fleshshapers are concerned. When it comes to the remnant, their remaining ships will likely try to sneak into orbit above planets with poor defenses, informed by former intelligence assets. I have one of my agents on Cruesa right now seeing what information he can gather."

“There’s a possibility they’ll flee the immediate sectors altogether. If it was me I wouldn’t put down roots just to have an expanding polity come destroy everything a second time”

6:50 PM

“But we aren’t fanatics. We don’t think like they do”

6:51 PM

“I am concerned about RONI. Even with the Remnant defeated they’re still out there”

(RONI, would marcion know what that is?)

(Remnant office of naval intelligence)

(Remnant Commando's come under the control of RONI - just an FYI, you'd probably know it from the reports and the like.)

"Those are the people I want to track down. Fanatics are difficult to predict unless you know how to think like them."

7:19 PM

"If we can get even a sliver of information on their plans, we can extrapolate some contingencies from there."

“I don’t have any information on them. The UNW kept them from expanding much this way. They did that whole...business...with my children but we had some help on that”

7:32 PM

“That was as close as we got to them”

(Business?)

(Ask him not me haha)

7:36 PM

(He’s deliberately being obtuse)

(Oh, i thought it was something in the news that i missed)

7:37 PM

"What kind of business? Kidnapping?"

“Indeed. Perceptive if you. We had some help from greystar. They’re home safe now, and since they weren’t under threat anymore we were able to send a fleet to help at creusa

"Well, I for one am glad the mercenaries proved useful to you all. If we are going to be working together on this, I feel it would be a good idea to establish some kind of communication network between my headquarters and yours."

8:34 PM

"But, as of now we don't have anything substantial. Once my agent on Cruesa finds something, I will be sure to let you know."

“I think we can agree to share anything about Remnant leftovers or fleshshaper activity. That’s all I’m authorized to offer right now”

"Well, I am more than happy to accept. Hopefully this partnership will make things easier on both of us."

“Agreed” quince says. “I got my kids back to continue to never see them”

"I lost contact with my daughter because of the scream, though I really didn't have any connection with her at that time. My first wife and I divorced because of my job as a police officer on my home planet. Hopefully you are at least able to talk with them."

"I'll be spending some time off after this, hopefully. Having this partnership will allow both of us more time. So I hope. Going forward then, we agree to share any new developments in either RONI elements, or Fleshshaper activities. I suggest we meet again next month to devise a plan to capture one of these wormhole cruisers"

"I'll discuss the idea with the council and see if I can garner some additional support and resources."

He has a big sigh of relief "This is a big weight off my shoulders. I could use a drink, how about you general?"

"A drink sounds good to me. Whats your choice?" He opens a large crystal glass case, and then a layer of faux books before the liquor cabinet is revealed

"Anything strong."

2:03 PM

"There is nothing worse in this universe than weak alcohol when you need to take a break from worrying about the future."

he laughs He pours a lime green liquid into a cup, and slides it over to you, before pouring one himself

Marcion toasts him "To our new partnership." And takes a sip (edited)

Marcion will spend some more time drinking with the General before heading back to the Dark Star and then back to Gudrun. (edited)

(6xp, 10,000 credits) The trip back to Gudrun takes several days of jumping but you arrive to a peaceful planet below

(That's level 10. Took gunslinger mostly because none of the other foci made any sense to me. Are there more foci in other books at all?)

6:40 PM

(Took stab and lead up to 3)

6:41 PM

Upon arriving back at Gudrun, Marcion informs Kincaid of the results of the meeting. He then updates Madison and Jerud, asking them next how things are going. Once that is done he looks for a doctor who might be able to help with he and Wind's questions.

(Not unless you go mage. And did you have enough skill points to raise both of those)

(I saved all my points last level up)

(Gotcha)

7:25 PM

Dr. Videra is a skilled doctor in UNW service, and taros for that matter. He seems the most familiar with the two worlds you’re trying to bridge

Marcion books an appointment, and he and Wind go to visit.

(They would go in plainclothes i think)

Videra is an unassuming, quiet taros Doctor. His claim to fame is the thinned out and more advanced cybernetic arm Kincaid now uses instead of her bulkier original one.

8:15 PM

A Tri-Green defector, he was instrumental in assisting the back then Greenbriar inc, with defeating the hacking attacks and discerning tri greens plans

"Doctor, I'm Marcion, this is my partner Wind, we were hoping you could answer some questions for us."

“Of course. Please ask. I’ll answer them to the best of my knowledge”

"Well" He says holding Wind's hand "Is it possible for a human and taros to have children together?"

“An interesting question. Kincaid put substantial funding into the medical department to draw up some likely genome maps of what a half taros would look like. We have three probable models that we feel confident will be the most likely incidences. The good news is, a live birth is possible and indeed even probable

"Are there any complications we should expect?"

8:44 PM

(Wind can chime in at any point she wants)

“If we get past the first trimester, which is when the most rapid pace of development takes place, we shouldn’t expect any complications”

8:46 PM

“Again, this is all theory. We are confident in it, but that’s all it is”

"So, we would be guinea pigs essentially?"

“I hate to use the term but I can’t think of a better one” he agrees, setting his glasses on the table

"Will her cybernetics pose any problems at all? I know Taros are used to them, but she does have quite a few."

“Nothings been done, presumably....you don’t have to answer” both he and wind turning a bit red. “If no alterations to...that.. or any hormonal systems have been made, it should be fine”

8:54 PM

(So like an adrenal suppression pump or slowtime window or something would mess it up. She doesn’t have those)

(Okay)

8:55 PM

Marcion turns to Wind "I'm sorry, I just want to make sure everything is safe for you."

She nods, not saying anything but intently listening

"I'm not sure if there are any other questions of importance right now. Is there anything else we should discuss, anything about myself?"

"I mean, I'm about as normal of a human male as one can get, but you never know."

“The same restrictions. Any kind of chemical change in the body changes the models we are generating. If you’re free of the same cyberware and other enhancements we shouldn’t have a problem”

"Alright, good. So I suppose the next step is up to us then."

6:45 AM

"Thank you for your help doctor, we very much appreciate it."

He and Wind finish up before heading back home.

9:30 AM

"So, what do you think?"

“I know we can now. I just need to think about if we should”

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you wanted to?"

“We live such dangerous lives. I want to. I just also want to make the best choice for us”

"Hey, listen to me" He grabs her by the shoulders and looks her in the eye. "We can avoid the danger now as much as possible. The more we expand the agency, the less and less likely we will need to be the ones to go into harm's way. I love you, I really, really do. This place is our home now, these lives are here to stay, and nothing makes you keep yourself safe like a child. If you want to wait, we can, but don't let the world stop you from doing something you want to do."

"Go ahead and think on it, I'll run with whatever choice you make, no matter how I feel. Right now though, let's get to base and check on things."

Marcion and Wind head over to the HQ building to check on how everything is going.

He calls Jerud and Madison in for a meeting

3:36 PM

"Hey guys, how are things going here?"

HQ is busy, coordinating operations with Stev and Ricardo offworld. Madison is currently unavailable to speak with you, her team on Trivedi cloud, reviewing information taken from the cargo of the Tyresian's Hex (remnant pirate ship that crashed on Aliah)

"Jerud, any news from Cruesa?"

6:44 PM

"Not necessarily about ricardo's operation?"

6:48 PM

"This administrative shit is draining the life out of me, I need something to investigate, anything, not even from Cruesa, just something."

"I think maybe it's time we meet with the House Draocnis leaders and see what we can do about more fully getting an armed insurrection there going. The UNW army has been training to deploy for some time"

Marcion groans at himself for forgetting "See what I mean, I should be remembering things like this. I'm off my game. Get in contact with them so we can get this started." (edited)

Marcion will get a meeting setup for the next day in Rebirth, taking his long ignored truck along with Wind.

It feels good to be back on the road again, and after a day of driving, you arrive in the growing settlement closer to evening. The alien research lab, claimed from the Slyth- now housing psionics research- and the House Draconis mech workshop, and compound, are the dominant features.

7:06 PM

A silver mine is also producing ingots and conductors here at a steady rate, long ignored in feeding the UNW's electronics needs.

Marcion drives up to the House Draconis compound, parking outside of it before walking in

The chapel to Auguna, Goddess of the sea, and those who sail within it, is the focal point of the compound,e ven compared to the mech hanger. A handful of maintainers scale the outside of the super-heavy command mech Kaleb Draconis, the house leader, favors.

Marcion finds someone to lead him to the meeting.

(What does the place look like on entering)

The meeting is taking place in the chapel and not in the knighthold. Lorekeeper Wescott and Seneschal Draconis are both there waiting , standing in front of the statue of Auguana. The statue itself is onyx, showing a mermaid breaching the sea surface. Cleverly concealed pumps constantly drip water down her form like a constant sheen of sea drippings.

8:11 PM

The water collects into a very large brass bowl, the bottom lined with small chips of coral and precious stones. Worshipers have occasionally put a coin in for good luck. A pump collects water from the bowl to feed it back through. The entire statue is 5m tall

Marcion walks up to them "Gentlemen, I apologize for this meeting taking so long to setup. It's been a busy past few months. Marcion Delgato, Marshals, this is my deputy Provost Wind."

"Let's figure out how we are going to get your planet back."

They both say a polite greeting before inviting you into Wescotts personal quarters. Scrolls and books are stacked neatly in shelf racks. A long table has been cleared off for your meeting

Marcion sits down at the table

(He's there)

1:58 PM

(his title is Seneschal, my post at 9:10 yesterday, first line)

"We have begun operations to build up a rebel cell on Rawhani, but as far as I know it is slow going so far." He slides over the lawyer testimonies. "These are testimonies from some corporation lawyers who were captured and then defected. They detail the underwater headquarters of the Rawhani Council as well as its defenses." (edited)

“Taking the headquarters still leaves the city states to contend with. We have to take everything. This will be a campaign. It will have to be , but we will need intel and rebel cells to soften the way for our advance”

"The headquarters is underwater, surrounded by submarines. Taking it will be difficult but should be the first priority. Disrupting their communications will make taking the rest of the planet easier."

“You’re going to have to take that on your own then. Our mechs are more suited to the surface combat. And our only cell on planet is your agent and four others”

3:34 PM

“We have nothing to give you for such an ambitious strike”

"Planning and coordinating this campaign will require more time and intelligence than we have now. One of my agents is on Cruesa at the moment hunting down information on Remnant intelligence assets. Once he is done with that I will relocate him back to Rawhani. In theory we could take advantage of soft spots in their defenses to start landing special operations teams, using them to strike key targets. We just need to know where the targets are first and what kind of defenses protect them."

(You have some of their assets discovered)

3:58 PM

(In the factions folder there’s an unstealthed assets folder/handout)

3:58 PM

“We were under the impression you had some of that information already” Kaleb says, his seneschal ring gleaming in the light as he takes a drink

"We have more general information, we know what we need to strike, we just have to figure out the specifics of how."

4:03 PM

He will share with them the rest of the uncovered assets.

4:03 PM

(Didn't know we had that much stuff. On my phone atm.)

"Once we discover the range of their anti-sat missiles, we can sit our ships just out of range and destroy their headquarters from orbit. As that is happening you all can land your forces near their vehicle bay, hopefully taking it with their vehicles intact. We can always use more armored vehicles."

“Three mechs aren’t going to be enough to crack that. We were under the impression rebel forces or the UNW army itself would be supporting us. Has official support been withdrawn?”

"No, of course not. Strike teams would land with you to provide force superiority."

4:28 PM

"I was simply stating a location which would make the best use of your forces."

"I will go ahead and run a recon mission with my ship in order to gather as much information as I can as far as defenses around all these locations is concerned. My ship is fitted with as much stealth as possible, so they should not be able to detect us."

"Any further information about what we may be walking into can help us plan an attack. Let's reconvene when the mission is complete, and we can discuss further"

5:31 PM

"Do be careful, with all we're done to them, they'll be on high alert"

"We will. I'll try to get this mission finished before the next council meeting."

(this month is going to run a little longer since we sped up the last one for Cruesa, so we have time)

(Ok)

8:19 PM

"I'll stop by once we get back from Rawhani." He gets up. " Gentlemen, its been a pleasure. Let me know if there is anything else you need."

They both nod "Pleasure is mutual. One day soon our home will be our home, again"

"Of that, I have no doubt."

8:24 PM

Marcion shakes their hands and bids them good day. He and Wind leave the compound and look for a hotel in Rebirth. (edited)

(What kind of hotels are in rebirth, just some small ones?)

(It would be like some rooms above the tavern for right now but the temple also offers shelter to travelers. They have a handful of rooms)

Marcion would take a room above the tavern hoping for a bit more privacy than the temple offers.

10:06 PM

"Guess its back into space for us soon," * He says to Wind as they get ready for bed.* "Did you get a chance to think more about kids?"

He looks at Wind to see her reaction

"A day is hardly enough time" she replies, continuing to look out the window

9:25 AM

"But its coming together"

"You're right." He walks over and gives her a kiss on the forehead. "I won't bring it up anymore, you tell me when you've decided." He stretches "I'm gonna get some sleep, we got another big journey to take."

9:28 AM

Marcion heads to bed. The next morning they start their drive back to Gudrun.

The drive is in better weather and you aren't bumped around as much. Wind remains silent for most of the journey, slipping into and out of meditation. Outside, another snowstorm is brewing to the south- you can't help but think it is a good thing you left when you did.

The drive to the Marshal HQ, spend the night at home, and prepare for the scouting mission to Rawhani

11:10 AM

Marcion sends a message to Stev through encrypted channels for him to access when he is in a secure location

He and Wind then take the gravflyer to the dock, and get on the ship

11:21 AM

After getting on an settled in, he calls everyone into the briefing room to explain the mission

11:21 AM

(This ship would be able to take imagery with its suite of spy equipment right?)

(Yes, it would be able to.)

(Ok, good)

11:24 AM

"Alright everyone, lets get down to business. Our objective for this mission is Rawhani, specifically as much additional intelligence as we can get on the corporation's military assets."

11:25 AM

(How much time would it take to get a drone capable of mimmicking a ship's signature?)

(There is not a drone capable of doing that)

(What could we get that would be able to basically serve as a target for their anti-sat missiles, so we could try to gauge their range?)

11:26 AM

(If it will take a while we can do a repeat mission)

(Another ship. A drone doesn't physically have the space within it to mock a ships power signature.)

(So, basically we would have to risk a fighter or something with super overtuned engines)

11:28 AM

(That is on autopilot)

(That is one option yes)

(How long would that take to build?)

12:01 PM

(Cause we probably have a scrap fighter around somewhere right?)

(No, everything thats been built has been going right into use. The UNW core fleet was just decimated over Cruesa)

12:02 PM

(it would take 2 days for a basic model)

(But that could better be used for military purposes)

12:03 PM

(But, this fighter will save lives)

12:03 PM

(How much would that run, just a basic fighter with remote controls?)

(I'm saying there aren't any scrap ships just laying around, and it would be 120k, so actually 1 day of build now)

(Ok, so they could have it built today and leave tomorrow)

(yes)

"I've just put in an order for a custom fighter with remote piloting controls. We are going to use that to test the range of their anti-ship missiles. Outside of that, time will be spent getting as many pictures of corporation installations as we can. We can use these to plan strike missions in preparation for a full scale assault."

"I am hoping to get them to our agent on the ground so he can confirm the information we are giving him, but that depends on his ability to get to a place we can contact him at, preferably somewhere we can send the stealth shuttle to."

12:48 PM

"Everyone get yourselves prepared, it isn't a very long spike trip."

He spends the day having checks done on the ship's systems. As soon as the fighter is loaded into the ship, they take off and head for Rawhani

Once the ship arrives in Rawhani, it goes into stealth mode. Marcion has it approach the planet slowly, observing radio traffic and communications from max distance

(if im quiet for a bit sometimes im trying to figure out what i want to do)

2:33 PM

(We'll need a program/int check for detecting communications on the surface. They're getting wise to the black ops)

(Ok)

2:48 PM

(I think the ship gets a +2 bonus, let me check)

2:50 PM

(Nvm, it just has the survey sensor array)

2:50 PM

(Its +2 to avoid detection and +2 for the difficulty to be detected)

2:50 PM

(So, should I just do a +4 for when we are trying to stay undetected?)

(youre rolling to try to crack their comms right now, we're not worried about detection at the moment, so just +2)

(+2 to the program/int roll)

2:51 PM

(Or just straight?)

2:52 PM

(5, or 7 if its a plus 2)

(to the roll, so 7)

2:56 PM

The communications are hardened against being cracked, but you can see the transmissions themselves passing between the different settlements on planet.

(Do we get locations of communications centers?)

(not with a 7)

(Would the ship get to roll again if it gets closer?)

2:57 PM

(Nvm, ignore that)

2:59 PM

"Well, that's to be expected. Let's go ahead and start our imaging. Take each city in turn. We are going to sit on a city and analyze its traffic patterns, see if we can figure out where the corpsec comes from and goes to."

3:00 PM

The ship enters orbit as high up as possible, starting above Nova Heavy, and begins taking video and photos of the city.

3:00 PM

(What are all the castle/tower looking things on the surface map?)

(water pumps/tribal communities. Some have been explored, some not)

3:04 PM

Nova heavy is in clandestine support of an invasion and has worked with the UNW, and other UNW affiliated factions, multiple times to weaken the holdings of the others on planet.

(Oh, so they are pro-unw?) (edited)

(Nova heavy is)

3:05 PM

(the rest of them not at all)

(But corpsec still patrols nova heavy right?) (edited)

(yeah)

(Well, Marcion wants to get information about all of them, and he doesn't want to expose intentions by asking the people there for information directly. Having imagery of the streets will let covert teams do their jobs easier anyway)

3:07 PM

(Like, strike teams from the marshals or other special forces)

(How long would it take us to do a complete map of the city and analyze traffic?)

(You’d need Days to see a pattern)

(Well, we have time.)

5:23 PM

(The ship has extra food and an eternal reactor, so we will spend a few days gathering data.)

5:24 PM

The ship stays in orbit at the same position, gathering data, looking for corpsec locations.

5:26 PM

The whole time there are at least two people monitoring for enemy sensor sweeps and weapon locks.

(Alright, if we are going to skip whole days, aside from your meeting with Stev, if his own mission gets into trouble, we wont be able to have anyone swooping in to save them)

(Well, we still have the stealth shuttle)

6:47 PM

(So if it gets into trouble we can send the spec ops team down in a shuttle and get them out maybe)

6:47 PM

(Or a squad of people with heavy weapons)

6:49 PM

(Wraith shuttle excuse me)

As the ship moves past Nova Heavy, onto the next city, you get an idea for the traffic pattern of Nova. (program/int again. I get a +7 since i am a planet, and you are a frigate class. The Dark Star has survey sensor array, adding +2, and another +2 for low emissions, for a total of +4)

(16)

6:59 PM

(Wow)

(15, pick any other city)

6:59 PM

(any time you move or change orbits to observe another spot there's a chance you'll be detected)

(Where is stev's team at right now?)

7:00 PM

(Is it nova heavy?)

7:01 PM

(Also, where is the vehicle hangar they have?)

7:01 PM

(Might as well look at that next)

(No, they're in Neptune Microsystems. nova heavy is your friend)

(Ok, vehicle hangar first, then neptune, then the missile test above the corp hq)

(okay thats near fortune sports, so we'll go there first)

(Also, stev is super behind the timeline anyway it seems, so we likely wouldn't be there anyway)

7:04 PM

(But, anyway, another program/int for analyzing communications?)

(no thats what we just did)

(Or do we just hang out there?)

7:05 PM

(Oh, ok)

7:05 PM

(Did that get us anything of interest?)

(not with only giving me 10 seconds to think)

(Sorry)

The vehicle hangar is well hidden in the mountains. There isn’t a traffic pattern to be detected, indicating the vehicles here - while guarded- are in reserve for something. There is a large amount of orbital defenses and anti atmo defense around the facility

Noting the lack of activity, the Dark Star moves on to Neptune

(Lets get another check as you relocate)

(13 to detect for me)

(15)

You remain undetected as the Dark Star settles in over Neptune Microsystems. Stev and his small band have set up a base in an abandoned water treatment plant at the edge of town. A few small operations have been undertaken thus far, but they number just 5 men

The Dark Star spends a few days, using the data collected from Nova Heavy to try and accelerate the collection, before moving above the underwater hq for the missile test

(No detection roll for the Moment since you’d have to break orbit to do this. Just describe the test)

12:33 PM

(And I’ll see what’s relevant

(Launching the fighter, remote piloting it around with the engines overtuned, trying to make it look like it is spying on them)

12:45 PM

(Our ship will be scanning their communications through the fighter to make it look like it is actively spying)

(Could we try to hack their communications while this is happening?)

(No that’s too much for your crew to keep track of)

(I assumed so, but never hurts to ask)

As the fighter pulls into orbit and goes live a pair of missiles launched from the sea arc up to space and destroy it

5:13 PM

“Anything they detect in orbit is getting fired on it looks like”

(How long did it take the missiles to reach it?)

(Mechanics wise I’d would be within the same round. )

5:14 PM

(Space turns and ground turns have different timing)

(Ok. Did we get any information about the missiles other than their speed?)

(That they shoot it they detect you in orbit but not beyond)

(Ok)

5:15 PM

(We can play out the stev meeting if he calls for it on his channel)

5:16 PM

(Otherwise i feel like I've done alot of stuff for this month

5:19 PM

After completing the test, Marcion has the ship try once to hack into the communications grid of the planet again from maximum range

(Would you allow another communications hack attempt? if not ill go ahead and delete that and just have them head home)

(Program int. +4 for you)

(9)

(Feel like this won't go well)

(13) The comms network is hardened and now the base is on alert from the previous shootdown. "Missile tracking!"

7:01 PM

(25/ 20, 19/15, you may take a crisis to negate one of those hits. Theyre ap20 missiles so they will go through armor)

(Gonna negate the first hit with the ECM generator)

7:07 PM

"Activate the ECM!" Marcion says. The first missile loses tracking and continues off into space, the second one slams into the side of the ship, sending the whole crew rocking to one side

7:08 PM

"Alright, we've outstayed our welcome, get emergency power to the engines and get us the hell out of here."

7:09 PM

(So we have speed of 4 for the next three rounds. How long will it take us to go into spike drive and leave?)

(they won't be able to fire again if youre retreating)

(Yeah, we are leaving now)

7:11 PM

The Dark Star activates its emergency boosters, heading away from the planet, entering spike drive and heading for Gudrun. (edited)

7:11 PM

(Horaay for the ecm generator, otherwise that could've gone very bad)

7:16 PM

Once the ship is in spike drive, Marcion turns to Nancy "Well, that was something. Anything badly damaged or are we fine to continue on to Gudrun?"

"We'll make it but lets try to stay out of trouble until we get there"

"I'm not really one for fighting unless I have to, especially in space."

7:23 PM

"Maybe we ought to get rid of the weapons on this thing and get more defensive systems, because we are supposed to run away, not fight."

7:23 PM

"What do you think?"

"Wait, it looks like we didn't get hit at all. Where did that second ecm generator come from?"

8:28 PM

"Well, in any case, let's just head home and hope we didn't get stev killed because they go to high alert now."

8:28 PM

As the Dark Star heads home, Marcion goes and finds Wind in their quarters meditating (edited)

"Hey, you okay?"

"I think so. Got knocked around pretty good"

"Yeah, one of the missiles hit us. Apparently though, we had a second ecm generator nobody knew about, so it just hit us, it didn't explode or anything."

9:08 PM

"I'd say we got lucky."

9:09 PM

"I think I understand now what you were saying about dangerous lives."

"I want both of us off the field before I go any further with this kid idea. I'm not going to be a single mother, you're not going to be a single father, and I know what happens to Taros orphans, almost better than anyone. That's not a fate I'll consign them to"

"You're right, more right than I realized. This is how i ruined my first marriage, not leaving the field, not taking a safer job. I'm not going to mess this up with you. We can still do administrative work, go talk to dignitaries, things like that, but most of the time we can spend at home. The only question is which house would you rather be at?"

“As far from Gudrun as we can get”

He smiles at her "Will Terezhino do? That house by the beach?"

"We can go swimming everyday, run things from the office remotely, just spend our time relaxing. And in a few years, maybe someone else will take it over completely."

9:35 PM

"Plenty of fresh fish."

"Sound good to you?"

"It does" she smiles as she sits back in the grav-couch. "I don't think I'd ever want to leave"

"Sound great to me." He smiles at her before kissing her.

10:24 AM

They spend a few days in Gudrun for the council meeting, meet with the General from new moon, then head to Terezhino to start the new, peaceful chapter in their lives.

(the council meeting will be further back in time, some people have only had a week or two in this month so far since you were skipping several days at a time scanning cities)

10:26 AM

(so if marcion wants to interject during the meeting he can still, you'd be back already, but if you need to do anything else with Marcion, we'll have to wait a while)

(Ok, I was just trying to get a nice ending there)

(You did, just clarifying)

(I wasn't expecting to RP the next meeting with new moon) (edited)

(So, whenever you get a chance to give me a new sheet, ill start working on my new character)

(Alright, this one is moved out of storage)

(Thanks)

After the Unity meeting Marcion and his staff head back to Gudrun, meeting at the Marshal HQ to plan out their next steps.

8:01 PM

He tasks Jerud and Madison with re-analysis of the intelligence gathered by the Dark Star over Rawhani, bringing in any new information Stev might have sent them, while Nancy gets the fun of finding crews and interviewing them for the new ships finishing up this month. (edited)

8:02 PM

Afterwards, he finds Wind

(Nothing new from Stev aside from what's been known, but due to other faction actions, the remainder of the corp assets have been discovered and are on their sheet in the intel folder)

(ok)

8:11 PM

When he comes to her door, he knocks and walks in "So, what did you think of the meeting?"

"Same as ever. People talking, little getting done. Shepherds only of private interest"

"The joys of being in charge I suppose. Everyone looking out for their own interests as opposed to what's best for us all. I almost threw my chair at Billy over that 'You don't need to know' bullshit." He sighs, then hands her his compad with the message and information from Svenka on it "Almost forgot to show this to you. We lost another agent to their own stupidity, though it wasn't as bad as Tania." (edited)

"This is like a bad dating game. We can't seem to find the good ones"

"Yeah. I might have to start going back out on diplomatic missions at the very least."

8:02 AM

"I've only got two agents again, I don't really have a choice."

"Too few of us and too many duties. I almost wonder if continued recruitment is worth it"

"You aren't going to be upset with me, after all I did promise to stay stuck to my desk a few months ago."

"IT needs to be done. We won't have a life at all if we don't get a handle on these problems out there"

He walks over to her and gives her a kiss. "I'll be careful, I'm not going to leave our baby with only one parent, I promise."

Marcion gives her a hug "I'm going to head over to Pop's. I've been considering the need for some kind of satellite surveillance system for a while. We finally have the money for such a system, and some ships which can deploy them. I'll meet you back at home for dinner."

“Alright. I’ll see you later on then” she says, shuffling some paperwork

He heads out to Pop's shop

Pops is getting the last of the riverts on a set of combat armor polished and oiled when you arrive. He takes off his gloves and walks over, eyes smiling as much as his mouth is

"Afternoon Pops, looking busy as ever." Marcion says with a smile, shaking his hand.

“How can I help you Director?”

"I've been considering construction of some kind of satellite warning and surveillance system for each of the major systems in the UNW. I finally will have enough ships to rapidly deploy satellites, I just need the satellites and equipment to monitor the information they read. You were the first one I thought to come to with this request."

“We have platforms doing those duties for planets already, and they do it far better than satellites ever could due to the enormous onboard power, and space for computing. Most worlds are covered by at least one by now. “

9:28 PM

“Early warning though is another matter entirely. It’s far more complicated. We can litter empty space with beacons and tracking satellites all we want. They’re cheap enough to make and move it’s almost irrelevant. The issue is communication speed and time between detection and us knowing”

9:29 PM

“We don’t have anywhere close to the computing power needed for UNW wide instant comms”

"Is this an issue of funds or an issue of research?"

“Research, and raw materials. We physically do not have the computers or computing power and it is far beyond anything we can manufacture without pre scream methods”

"Do you know of anyone who has a lead on where we could find a first step towards this technology, or is it more down to just finding whatever pre-scream parts we can?"

“I’d refer you if I had a lead. For now I’d say we are going to have to act like vultures. Grab whatever looks high tech that isn’t nailed down and doesn’t already belong to us”

Marcion thinks for a second. "I suppose now we have a reason to deal with those robots that tried to shoot Svenka down after all."

He shrugs "That's all I know. We just dont need to go through the expense of launching satellites around the planets when we already have things that do a much better job"

"Alright, thanks for your help Pops, you take care now."

He waves a hand, and gets back to completing the rivet work

Marcion drives home, wheels turning about this computing issue.

On the way home he contacts @Svenka [Tig/M’Ranni]

9:02 AM

Miss Vilnovha,

I would like to meet with you while you are still on planet to discuss more about the machines you ran into on Miriam I believe. At the moment the UNW lacks the resources for developing a proper early warning system to protect us from fleshshaper incursions. I believe these machines may hold the key for the computing ability we need.

Marcion Delgato,
Provost, United Marshal Service.

+Encrypted Message - Svenka Vilnovha+
Attention: Marcion Delgado 
I am on planet for the next 3 days - in Prime today, but will be leaving for the northeast late this afternoon.

Please let me know where would be best to meet.

This can wait until you get back, since I will want to have my stealth vessel ready in case we need it.

He arrives home around sunset and heads into the house, getting jumped on by Ace when he walks in the front door. "Hello, hello, yes I'm happy to see you too." He says, petting the dog on the head. (edited)

Ace barks happily before going back to his blanket in front of the window, and laying down

Marcion looks around to see if Wind is home yet.

Wind is home, cooking furiously over the stove

(Like, cooking while mad?)

(cooking fast)

He walks up behind her and gives her a kiss on the cheek before asking "Need a taste tester?" (edited)

she takes a wooden spoon from the pot and you get a taste of the dish. Its the one you made for her one of the first times you spent time together after hours, its not as good as yours, but shes trying

"It's good, much better than the first time." (I imagine she mostly burned it last time) "A nice surprise to come home to."

3:21 PM

(Or at least burned the bottom of the Paella)

"So, it turns out building an early warning system is a wash for now. We don't have the computing power to connect the satellites."

“You know what to go after now at least. That’s something” she says, serving the dish for both of you and throwing a chew to ace

"The problem is finding the tech necessary to start the research is all going to be in ruins or robot infested places like the one on Miriam."

10:11 PM

"If we can manage to find the tech necessary, then maybe we can rush research of how to replicate it fast enough to get an early warning system setup before the shapers just showup on our doorstep."

"And you think you have an idea of where to find some?"

"Yeah, places full of dangerous robots most likely. I'm going to talk to Svenka when she gets back from the Greystar meeting, see if she is interested in looking for this stuff."

"Can't believe those scumbags managed to get control of a planet, and now we are going to have to work with them. If that Kensh guy ever shows his face back in the UNW I'm going to arrest him again." (edited)

"different issue we're talking aobut now then" she says, setting the plates out

"Different yes, but tied together. Anyway, enough shop talk, how are you doing today?"

"Fine I suppose" she says, picking at her dinner "Shop is what we do, and i dont mind being busy. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it I can before this one comes along"

"I know, I just need a break from it tonight, that's all." He says, picking at it much the same as Wind. "We really should take a visit back to Terezhino sometime soon. Even just working from there for a few days is enough for me to get recharged."

"If you want to. We only just left a couple weeks ago. I've always liked the springtime here"

He laughs to himself. "Has it really only been two weeks? Time flies when you are busy apparently"

"I think I'll be good tomorrow, a fresh start is always helpful in bringing a new perspective to problems." He says as he starts eating his dinner for real this time.

9:57 PM

After dinner he and Wind share some time relaxing, watching some kind of TV before bed.

A re run of the maze is on tv, the first season you realize, as the camera focuses on Dr thorn whacking some kind of wolf creature

They both head to sleep

You sleep. Morning comes. Nothing happens overnight

Marcion and Wind have breakfast before heading across the base to the headquarters building

He calls Jerud and Madison in for a quick briefing to discuss the early warning system

And the current status of the former remnant worlds

3:17 PM

"So, after speaking with Pops regarding the viability of an early warning system, I learned we simply do not have the computing resources to facilitate such a system. I will be talking with Svenka Vilnovha about returning with her to Miriam to see if we can find such technology amongst the machines currently on the planet, but that will have to wait until she returns from Acastus. In the meantime, what is the status of the former remnant worlds. I know Cruesa is doing better now that the two figures responsible for leading the resistance against us have been removed, but what about the other worlds?"

“Everything west appears calm. There’s talk of not moving to incorporate them for some time but still pulling out. We just can’t sustain the financial burden right now”

"Hmm. I think perhaps a visit might be in order. I want to see for myself the state of the systems. If they are relatively tame, we can look to establish a proper station on one of them. Let the spaceport know to get the Lone Star ready for transport. We can also give the Starlifter its first mission, start transporting our men back from the planet."

(when did construction start on that, and where are the plans?)

(It started last month along with another corvette, I sent the plans to Shriven, I contracted with Billy to build them)

4:52 PM

(It's a mostly empty corvette designed for troop and vehicle transport, the other one is designed for combat and extraction from hostile locations)

(The lifter is done. The other will be done end of this month)

"Any other points before we head back to business?" (edited)

(So you’re heading to the Remnant former worlds then?)

(Yeah, for now)

8:10 PM

(The Lone Star and the Starlifter are heading to Cruesa)

(Would it be possible for Marcion to have learned at least some Taros during the time he was retired from active play? Regardless, he is going to use his in-transit downtime learning the language)

(He wasn’t an active character, so im hesitant to allow just random pick and choose advancements during retirement. No one else has been able to)

(That's fine, he can start from scratch)

With no other pressing business, Marcion departs for the spaceport, then to Cruesa aboard the Lone Star, spending his first bit of real downtime in months beginning to learn the Taros language

(6 days/30)

++Encrypted:Unknown - voice message++
4 heavily armed cyborgs - I need backup if you can make it here. Location attached.

Creusa is calmer than last time any kind of report came in from this place, most of the garrisons have been consolidated, and locals are beginning to step forward to take over policing for themselves. An interim governor, one who was found to be least odious after mutual negotiation, was elected, and things seem to be stabilizing here- especially with the deaths of the two most outspoken resistance leaders

Marcion checks his messages while they move into the spacedock, seeing if any beat him to the planet

3:07 PM

While he does so he schedules a meeting with his SWAT team leaders and a meeting with the governor

(Beat you to it?) (edited)

(Messages take three days to travel to Cruesa I thought)

(Just checking if anything was sent to him by the office while he was in spike drive)

(no)

(Ok)

4:21 PM

He heads out to where his SWAT teams are located

The teams have pulled back to hub A, clustered around a landing zone. They've had little work to do for a couple weeks now and are beginning to grow restless

Marcion meets the assembled team leaders in a conference-room style tent "Hello everyone, happy your teams are still mostly in one piece. I have arranged for transportation to get you all back to Gudrun within the next three weeks along with your equipment and men, you all deserve whatever rest we can provide. What are your opinions of the planet now that things are quieter?"

They debate among themselves for a few moments but the debate seems to conclude with the local level of violence is low enough, such a specialized response force is no longer merited here, and this post has become a waste of the team's capabilities

"That was my opinion as well. We have a new transport corvette waiting in spacedock, decide amongst yourselves which squads will be heading home first. I trust you all to know which squads deserve to get home first. Are there any other concerns you want to discuss at this time?"

they have none, the security issues here theyd normally have used this time to discuss have long since been dealt with

Seeing no more matters of importance to discuss with his squad leaders, Marcion heads over to meet the governor (edited)

The interim governor is very busy getting the planet running again, and is currently in the middle of a large meeting where the merits and risks of reopening civilian air traffic are being weighed. The Pro- opening side seems to be of the upperhand when you get close to his audience chamber

Marcion sits and observes the proceedings

The debate goes on for another two hours before the pro side eventually wins the vote by one, and air traffic is expected to begin again by week end, rising incrementally as security force monitoring also rises

When the debate is over and things have settled down, Marcion steps forward to speak with the Governor

He waits for you to speak to him

"Good Afternoon, my name is Marcion Delgato, provost of the Marshal Service. Thank you for offering me some of your time, I know you are busy right now. I'm looking to potentially install a small station on one of the platforms, enough to man an early warning system once we get the computational problems worked out."

"Only one of the defense platforms remained when that storm drew back and we re-established contact with orbit. How many men are we thinking?"

"Not many, perhaps ten at the most to start. It's not an immediate priority, we need to complete the research necessary for instant communication between systems. I wanted to start laying the ground work for the station next month. In the future I would like it to grow, just so we could support some kind of a response force here if the shapers show up."

"For when the shapers show up, and not for quick deployments down to the surface if theres a protest, or the people act out in any way? "

Marcion sighs "The only instance where I want my SWAT teams used is if lives are at stake. I have not been happy with how long they were needed here, but too many idiots making too many bad decisions led us to that point. I hope now that the people have some semblance of government around, they will trust you all to do what is right on their behalf. I can station some regular marshals here to help serve as mediators and peacekeepers, but for right now I see no reason to keep a SWAT team around, they need a break."

"You asked me about an early warning technical team on the platform, but now you're berating me for your SWAT team being needed here, which I've not tried to convince you to keep here, mind you. What exactly are you trying to get from this conversation Provost? If your team is here to monitor local space for trouble, they're welcome here, but if they're used as an orbital iron fist for maintaining UNW oppression, I can't promise cooperation"

"I apologize, it was not my intention to blame you for anything, I was blaming those in charge of the initial operation who are now missing. The people here have legitimate grievances in my opinion, and we need to hear them and fix them if we are to move forward. My people would only serve to protect local space and assist you with any criminals you needed help with. I hope you understand we are on the same page. The shapers are coming, and we need to be as prepared as we can be for their arrival."

"That said, we will accept and do whatever we can to aid a monitoring team left here"

"Excellent. I appreciate you giving me some of your time, good day."

2:01 PM

Marcion turns and heads back to the spacedock.

(I think the starlifter would be able to carry at least three squads along with their equipment back to Gudrun since it has the vehicle transport fittings and 280 tons of cargo space, would it be able to carry the remaining two as well or is that too much in one go?)

(You need to look at the actual life support capacity as far as bodies , as far as their stuff, probably 1 trip)

(Ok, he can transport 3 squads then)

3:15 PM

(The rest will have to wait)

(Gotcha) the three squads are picked by lottery and begin getting their gear together for the ride home. 280 tons of equipment is also selected for transport back , if the marshals have that much left here. As the ships are loaded you see the first small group of civilian lighters cleared to take to the sky once again

Marcion heads back to Gudrun

(6 more days of travel back. so youre 12/30 for the language youre working on)

(Alright, I'll let this sit here for a bit, give the other threads time to fight things)

(Leaving for the hospital in 40 mins, so it will be a while anyway before I am fully with it again)

(No worries, by time youre back the rest will catch up)

Marcion arrives back in Gudrun after just under two weeks of travel, and begins checking his messages (edited)

You have a report from a man named Dorian who recently encountered mysterious assassins in carinhold. There is a suspected TFL link

(Would he have gotten word about Fermia at this point?)

(Yes)

He makes his way to the Marshal HQ and looks for his staff.

The staff is there and hard at work

"So, it would seem I've missed a few things while I was on Cruesa. Let's start with Fermia, what happened?"

“The report has already been made Provost. It’s up to Governor emalji on how he would like to proceed”

7:52 PM

“He seemed to want to keep it in house. That’s two operations we have botched there”

"If you call a rescue from hostile territory after a shuttle crash a botched operation, I suppose that makes two. Moving on to this news of the TFL, have we done any checking out on this story?"

“It literally just came in provost”

7:55 PM

“But the police report from carinhold has the same number of alleged attackers”

(Would the reports of shaper probes have come in yet?)

(No thats happening right now, the rocks at least. Lets allow Rona and Robert time to finish their project before we have intel just come mushroom stamp everything)

(Ok)

"Alright, I'll go check it out, I've been hoping for a nice bit of detective work recently."

8:36 AM

"As far as Cruesa goes, things look stable enough for us to put down an early warning station there once we get the technology for it figured out."

8:37 AM

"But, I'll go meet with Dorian and see what's up. Thanks for the good work while I was gone."

8:37 AM

Marcion contacts @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) for a meet-up regarding the assassins and TFL.

Provost Delgato,

I’d be happy to meet with you regarding Carinhold and TFL. Where and when would you like to meet? Currently in the middle of an errand but will be free once I wrap it up. 

-Guerra

Marcion travels to the Carinhold office and waits for Dorian.

11:20 AM

He checks in with Wind before he leaves to see how she is doing

Provost,

I’m currently in Central if that eases your travel plans. Unless you have business in Carinhold.

-Guerra

(edited)

You receive an alert saying Dorian Guerra is waiting for you in the sitting area.

Marcion heads out for Vapormills, looking on the way for cybernetics shops and empty apartments overlooking the club area. (edited)

(lets get a connect/wis )

(3, I really need to put some points into that shit)

You're unable to find an apartment in that heavily coveted area of town that won't utterly strip the Marshal budget for all it is worth in a matter of days. Vapormills especially is dotted with cybernetics shops everywhere, and those are just the legit ones you can find. They range from small mom and pop workshops with just a handful of neighborhood clients, to large, Tri-Green esque monolithic augmentation companies servicing thousands or tens of thousands routinely

(He's got a million credits lying around, but from the sounds of it even that won't cover it)

9:49 AM

Marcion starts visiting the cybernetics shops, starting with the larger ones, looking both for any clues he can find as well as potential replacements for his missing leg

(Think of it as the las vegas strip but merged with hollywood.)

(Yeah, i gathered)

(Missing leg? )

9:53 AM

(oh you have your augmetic but you want a new one)

9:54 AM

(i thought you meant you've been hobbling around on just one)

(Yeah, something that actually attaches, like proper cyberware)

More than one UNW member has gone to a very pleasant clinic called Mint, which falls on the spectrum closer to the mom and pop side of the experience, only a few patients are ever in house at one time, and each is given a private room for recovery. Limb replacement is one of their very common services, especially during the underhill wars, and previous periods of city state conflict

Marcion walks in to the clinic and starts looking over their brochure to see what kinds of replacements there are.

10:24 AM

(aka, I havent actually looked at how this works because im a big dumb dumb) (edited)

10:26 AM

(Is there anything special he could get in this leg, or would it just be a leg?)

(Just a leg, it would just feel a lot more normal, like the one you lost)

10:49 AM

(also, the UNW has bioscopics that can regenerate limbs. so thats an option too)

10:49 AM

(Siegfried and Doona both have that power now)

(Ah, well, he will still visit this place anyway) (edited)

The clinic is very clean, and very mint green, true to form. several packets sit on tables showing services available, but they all seem fairly mundane, more therapeutic, than enhancement based.

He takes a packet with him before looking for a secretary or staff member.

There is a receptionist typing away in a uniform of the same calming mint color. He looks to be updating some patient records, and he reads off a serial number under his breath, something evidently recently implanted in a client.

11:46 AM

"Timing charge pack for an artificial heart valve" he says, noticing your scrutiny. "You'd be amazed how many of these we go through a month"

"I'm sure I've seen the like, used to live on a planet filled with narcotics."

He nods sagely. "Ah, so you might be aware. Help you today sir? need some information about a procedure?"

"Yes, I've been thinking about a replacement for my current, very outdated, prosthesis on my left leg, something that doesn't fall off every once in a while."

1:23 PM

"Along with some other information." He says while discreetly showing his marshal badge.

He looks at the badge and is savvy enough to not blurt anything out right now, in front of the other couple clients in here. "Well sir, if you'd like, we can get you into an examination room right now"

"If you have one free, then by all means, lead on."

You’re brought toward the back of the small office where a room is waiting. It is the same Mint color. The door shuts behind you both softly. “So I’m not sure how much of that was you actually being interested in replacement limbs and how much was you trying to get information discreetly”

Marcion pulls up his pant leg to show his current prosthesis. "It was a bit of both."

10:58 PM

(I imagine it looks like a beat-up version of modern stuff now, but to them is incredibly outdated tech)

10:59 PM

"It worked out, I've been procrastinating on getting this leg looked at and replaced." (edited)

"I'll take some measurements and readings if you dont mind, while you get into the...more delicate..portions of this meeting"

"What do you know of revenant wiring?"

He has a distateful expression on his face. "Enough to know how terrible that is"

"Anyone relishing in it's terribleness around here? Someone was attacked by a group with this particular kind of cybernetics, we are looking to figure out where this stuff comes from and put an end to it."

"No one we would work with, or on" he sniffs, as he passes a laser measuring device around the leg, and around the joints especially

1:38 PM

"No reputable augmentation shop here, in Carinhold, or even one of those backwater holes like Egons, is going to be making anything like that. Great way to have a lynch mob at your front door"

"Who would I go to if I was looking for less than reputable? Can't hurt to get these people off the streets anyway." (edited)

"The thing that usually does in back alley chop shops is the bio waste . Removed limbs, improperly discarded bandaging or gauze, used needles, that sort of thing. They're out of business quick without a fast way to dispose of the byproducts of augmentation surgery. Ruling those out, I'd look into any location that offers a quick way to dispose of trash"

Marcion nods "Good to know, I'll look into it. I've got to say, it will feel nice to have a complete leg again. I still remember when my dog got the bad habit of gnawing on it during the night when he was a puppy."

He snorts, as he takes another series of measurements. "Advice helpful? I wish I had more to give you. This might sound silly but you've almost been too good at your job. The only criminals left are the very very smart ones"

"Comes with the territory. They always make mistakes though, it's just a question of patience and attention to details. Criminals and terrorists always want something, and that greed is their undoing."

"There is no better feeling than seeing the faces of the leaders when you kick their door down at 2 am to arrest them out of the blue, especially when you show them the one piece of evidence you found two months ago that got you on the path."

8:46 PM

He sighs. "These people might not choose to give up, based on past experience with them." (edited)

"indeed they may not. Well, the good news is, i think we can do something about your leg"

"I'd hoped so, how will this work?"

"We have your measurements now. Down to the micron. It'll take about a day to fit the implant, and...we're going to need to cut a bit more off, the stump thats there already. We're going to have to shave a bit back to get the old connector out"

9:08 AM

"It won't be much, but you're going to feel raw for about a month"

"Raw, but I'll still be able to move normally correct?"

10:09 AM

"If not I'll have to wait a bit for this, at least until I'm done with this case."

"You'll be able to move I'd expect better than what you'd consider normal right now. Normal for someone who has not been maimed, so an improvement"

"Let me call my wife first, let her know what's going on. Didn't expect you all to be ready to do this immediately."

“We aren’t” he says, taking a step back. “Oh it’ll take about a week to machine it and wire it to connect with your nerve endings, based on the measurements we took. The procedure itself will be about a day under the knife”

"Oh, well, that should give me the time I need then. Thanks for the help, and the information."

Good afternoon, Provost. 

I’m currently on my way back to Central to grab some equipment. You’ll see a new hacker amongst your ranks, old friend of mine. The Sons of Corn have agreed to help infiltrate Silicon and should be in Vapormills in a few days. I’ll be in Vapormills sometime tomorrow once I’m done in Central. Anything you need me to grab before we meet back up? 

-Guerra

Shame about the overlook. I’ll see what I can scrounge up in the area, though it may take some time. I agree about the endangering lives, but it may be worth a look inside the club. My vote is to address it when we’re all in town. Glad we have another lead though. Definitely worth checking out in the meantime. If you want backup, I’ll be flying in today. Meeting with Pops and grabbing my SHTF gear.

-Guerra

(Are we keeping the plan as is then? I have parallel messages in opposing channels with two different plans)

(The plan I considered is having the hacker work on the signal while the observer drone passively collects data on movements in and out of the bar from a few exits for a few days, since the next meeting isn't for a week or two based, I may be wrong. While that happens we can go investigate a few of the bio-waste plants. Then, if we still need information, we can have the sons enter the club with a SWAT team or two on standby.)

8:58 AM

(That correct @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) )

(My thinking was the Sons can lay some groundwork connections with the club. Nothing aggressive, just kind of making the rounds and hearing what gossip there is. If you’d prefer we stay hands off at the club, we’ll keep the Sons on deck instead)

(Thats fine, we can do that)

10:32 AM

(Maybe different members of the group different days)

(Cool. And if nothing pans out, we raid the place)

Marcion heads home for the night, updates Wind on the plans and his new leg, before driving back the next day to setup his ghostwalker drone above the city with stationkeeping. After that he starts identifying locations dealing with bio- waste throughout the Taros cities.

(lets get an administer/int)

(7)

Your search turns up the notable places, the three main hospitals in the city, a recycling plant, and bio-waste facility specializing in recycling food waste into biofuel and other materials

Marcion messages @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) to meet him at the food recycling place later.

Dorian acknowledges the message

Marcion heads out to the food waste recycler

Reclim's Recycling is a biowaste recycling plant made up of over a dozen composting buildings, an incinerator, and office, and a very large pit where some of the unrecyclable materials picked up with normal collection are being held. These are all small buildings and spread out in a ring around a large manufacturing plant, where the recyclables are blended into new and reclaimed materials

(Is there a taller building, or are they all about the same?)

(The central factory is the biggest)

A car pulls up beside Marcion, obviously a bit of a beater. Dorian climbs out of it, dressed as casually as you've seen him wearing a jacket and button down shirt. He nods to Marcion in greeting, "Afternoon, Provost. What's the word?"

Marcion sighs, looking over the complex plans on his compad "Well, its a big compound, searching it all will take time. Normally I'm good at coming up with bullshit ways of getting into these places, but today everything I think of sounds like something these people will see through in a second."

Dorian fumbles a bit with the passenger seat before pulling out his observation drone. "Funny, in a frustrating way, how that happens." After a few quick taps on his compad, the drone shoots off into the sky above them (stationkeeping and at long range), "I've found that a little bit of truth goes a long way into making a lie work, though. What's stopping you from flashing that badge of yours?"

(Is this place government run or private?) (edited)

(You won't know with what's available and with what you've done so far)

(Ok)

(We can always go up and knock, or look up the owner on the Gudrun internet)

"Still not sure if this is a private venture or government run, that makes a big difference. The could just tell me to fuck off if it's private, alert their buddies, and they disappear. Even if it is government run, the can still delay us enough to leave. We need some kind of low-level bureaucratic nonsense to get our way in, like some spot inspection of the facility."

10:26 AM

Marcion looks up more information about this business specifically, who owns it, when it was founded, if it has government contracts, etc.

10:26 AM

(If he can do that)

(we'd need another admin/int for this since its being done on site)

(Ok)

10:30 AM

(9)

10:31 AM

(Feel like i need to get some more points in Admin) (edited)

“What are we looking for here? Anything in particular? Or general malfeasance?” Dorian is head down in his compad, adjusting the position of the drone until he can get a bird’s eye view of the facility.

The facility is privately owned but deals with numerous recycling, waste management, and manufacturing contracts with not just Vapormills, but all Taros cities aside from Golgis, who has a similar, state run initiative of their own.

(How long until nightfall?)

"I was told backalley cybernetics shops use biowaste recyclers to hide their operations. The other locations seemed a bit too legitimate, this seemed like the kind of place to use if you want to hide things quickly."

“Hmm, makes sense. Like laundering money. Are we thinking they’re performing the implantations here? Or just dumping their waste here?”

"Dunno, if I had to guess I'd think the whole operation. If they need to teardown fast they can just throw their equipment into the pit and set it on fire. Harder to dispose of equipment in a hospital, and the regular recycling plant doesn't deal with biowaste."

12:19 PM

Marcion reads more of the information about the plant. "We could just come in saying we are from the UNW and are looking to secure a new contract. New government contracts bring all the greedy snakes to the yard."

12:21 PM

"We still have some biowaste from the shaper probe sitting in storage, can't imagine anyone would say no to being the exclusive contractors for dealing with any potential fleshshaper waste left lying around."

“If their whole op is here, it’s probably sequestered from most of the plant. It’s good cover but you can’t pay off everyone who works here. Another option is we sit, wait, and watch,” he nods his head in the general direction of the drone, “They may receive shipments separate from the rest of the plant. We track those separate trucks and sneak in after dark to see where they’re going. I can do that. I’m up for the official approach, too. I just don’t think we’ll get anywhere near illicit activities that way.”

"Normally I would be all for patience, but we are on the clock. There might not be anything here anyway, and I do need to get that fleshshaper stuff out of storage, Dr. Light is complaining the smell is hampering his work environment."

“Your call. I’ll help however you need.” Dorian punches a few commands to the drone, having it track incoming vehicles to the facility and marking their destinations.

"You can always sneak into the compound if you see anything suspicious."

“Works for me. I can go in tonight, hopefully after most of the staff have gone home.”

"I can arrange to bring the shaper biowaste tonight, you stay here and watch the base. I'll get a swat team or two on standby."

“You got it, boss. I’ll let you know if anything gets weird.”

Marcion calls up the base and has them get the biowaste ready for transport, checks in with the hacker, and has two swat teams put on standby for operation that night.

12:41 PM

(I figured they could fly and hang out just outside the city limits, then make their way in if we need them.)

(Do you want to run this in tandem?)

12:51 PM

(Question is for Marcion and Neko)

(Whatever makes life easier for neko)

(To clarify, is Dorian sneaking into the facility at the same time you’re talking to the facility about getting rid of fleshshaped remains?)

(I thought he wanted to wait, but we can do it at the same time)

1:25 PM

(Waiting would let some pieces get into place)

(The waiting was at least until night to get some recon done with the drone. As for the timing, it’ll be up to you. Could be useful to have Dorian go with to the meeting and then sneak in on a different day if we think there’s something afoot)

(Maybe, but then Marcion would have trouble making it super official and proper, plus I think they know who you are.)

(Psh it’s not like I’ve been going around giving my full name to everybody I meet /s. I’ll be your overwatch then. Find a building nearby and get on the roof with my long gun and drone)

(Marcion has a rocket launcher drone as well)

1:42 PM

(If shit really goes down)

(let me catch up to you guy)

(Never)

(The biowaste is on the orbital platform in a secure lab, an actual cargo lifter would have to bring down what's left, its still a space-fighter sized chunk of random crap. No way to truck that in from the ground without a massive contamination hazard. Governor Franz would veto that operation if it involves ground transport.)

(He would be fine with a lifter bringing it down directly to the place)

(Still have to go through arranging it with them. you havent actually talked to anyone here yet)

1:48 PM

(so if a random lifter just comes down tonight they're going to be like WTF)

(He is going to talk to them first and schedule it for later)

(just wanted to be clear where we were at, good plan, lets just do it right)

(Then Dorian can go in when the lifter arrives)

(I like that. Their eyes up when I’m coming in from the ground)

(Alright, you've got the ball, lets kick it off)

Content with the plan, Marcion drives up in his truck bearing Marshal insignia to the front gate

Dorian finds an elevated position near the facility and makes his way to the roof. He brings a tarp from his survival kit, to break up his silhouette. He settles in, rifle at the ready and watching Marcion through binoculars and his drone.

Doran settles in on top of a nearby water tower, where the facility draws its water needs from. He settles in, as Marcion drives up to the front gate. The gate is down, and a small guard shack with a guard watching soccer on TV sits next to it, the sound of the game very loud,

(Does the guard ask why im here?)

3:32 PM

(Or is he just oblivious)

(He hasn't done anything yet all I did was describe the scene as you drive up)

Marcion sits and waits for the guard to notice him

The guard finally feels your eyes on him after five minutes, and he turns the game down. "Oh , hello there officer. Help you?"

"Hi, I need to see whoever is in charge, let them know it's about disposing of some hazardous bio waste."

"You don't need to bother the man at the top for that" he says, handing you a clipboard to take down your information. "fill this out, and ill bring you to the contracting department"

"Even if this stuff is coming in a lifter from space?"

"Even if this stuff is coming in a lifter from space. We need to make the proper arrangements, and be paid for the work"

"Just making sure you all accept this stuff." He takes the clipboard, parks, fills it out, and heads with the guard to the contracting office, looking around as he does so.

Dorian’s voice crackles over the comm, “You missed a box.”

Marcion double checks his paperwork, rolling his eyes when he sees the empty box.

11:01 AM

He messages on his compad to Dorian. "Keep your eyes on the buildings, if they start moving things it will be once I'm inside."

Received. I’ll have the drone get photos of anyone looking important or out of place as well.

(Also, just so we don’t get caught out with this later, I’d like to be able to allow Marcion to view the ghostwalker’s video feed as he needs to. I’m also cataloging weird trucks, buildings getting fewer deliveries, and getting photos of managers/supervisors or people out of normal uniform. Plus tracking Marcion as best I can through the binocs since the drone is busy looking at everything else.)

The contracting office is the first one inside to the right, next to the gate and there are three clerks typing away on data machines, imputing contracts and tracking shipments of waste coming in, as well as manufactured product going out. The pace of the work seems fast but one slides away from her computer and heads over the counter. “Help you sir? Thanks Yimieal. I have the customer now. Go back to your game”

(Lets get a notice/wis Dorian while we wait)

(9)

(I'll let you guys finish this before i move forward)

(It’s your thread, I’m just here as backup haha I’m sure Neko will let us know if Dorian spots something)

Marcion gives her a smile "Hi, I'm Marcion Delgato, I'm here about disposal of some hazardous biowaste." He hands her the clipboard with information.

(neko is busy, cutoff is next week and i have nowhere close to the deals i need to have)

(No worries dude, you take care of business)

(Yup no worries. I’ll be doing stuff this weekend so my responses will be delayed anyways)

Outside, the plant seems to be operating normally. There is a small truck, about the size of the marshal mobile, marked in private security colors. ..

(Id like to mark it, and track if it starts to move. Have I seen security guards? Are they armed?)

You can see someone driving the car. He is wearing an over the shoulder holster but you cannot see what is in it.

(Ah it’s moving I’ll keep watching it. Private security colors different than the uniform of the other security guards?)

(its different than the city police)

(Alright. I won’t distract Marcion with the info yet. Just going to keep watching him)

"'Hazardous biowaste? " she says, getting a binder out from under the counter, and taking some blue forms out of it "Can you be more specific of its origin? I'll need it for the hazard placard"

2:05 PM

(Like those diamond signs you see on trucks now)

"It used to be a fleshshaper."

"It was killed in battle and experimented upon to better understand it, but now its sitting in a sealed storage bay in orbit."

"I see, so we're talking strictly a disposal contract then, nothing for re-manufacture?"

He nods "Exactly. This material is useless now thanks to the tests we ran on it, but there is still significant risk. Treat it as you would an infectious disease or radioactive waste, we don't want any chance of this stuff getting loose and contaminating the planet." (edited)

"Is this going to be a problem for you all?"

”She might need a moment to process the whole ‘alien biowaste’ thing, Chief,” Dorian’s voice crackles in Marcion’s ear.

"It should not be. And how is it being transported here?"

"Cargo Lifter, directly to this compound."

"We can ensure it is disposed of properly. The fee is going to be considerable due to the tonnage and complex quarantine procedures we'll need to undergo. I trust the UNW will not have a problem paying?"

"No, but I would like to request regular updates on its disposal and some inspections periodically. Governor Franz would be very upset with me if I did not include this stipulation."

4:09 PM

(I don't think its out of the realm of possibility that Marcion and Franz have spoken about disposing of this stuff multiple times since it was brought back.)

(We didn't do it so I mean, dont take too many liberties, but so far youre being reasonable)

7:27 PM

"Alright, well, a few more forms, and we'll have you on schedule for tonight. A disposal team will be on site"

7:27 PM

A half hour later, the forms are checked, and the documents are processed. The facility is on alert for the shipment coming tonight now

(I was thinking something along the lines of Franz calling him up every so often asking if he's gotten rid of it yet, and telling him not to contaminate the planet with it.) (edited)

(The governor isnt going to spend his time on that)

7:32 PM

"Are you needing any other assistance this afternoon officer? pardon my inquisitiveness but it seems a bit strange for an officer of the law to be doing routine clerical work like this"

(Or some bureaucrat at his office of some kind)

7:34 PM

"There really isn't anything routine about disposing of the remains of a creature that was once part of some monstrous world-devourers. I like to make sure things get done right, and if everything goes well here you might be getting more business of this kind."

"I'm sure the president (of the company) would be happy to hear it. Here's a copy of the information we took down for your own records. Have a pleasant afternoon officer

Marcion nods, wishing her good day as he leaves. He gives the place another look over as he walks to his car, meeting up with Dorian on the water tower again.

9:27 AM

"Anything interesting?"

(Seen this, waiting for neko to let me know what may have happened/turned up)

You mark the private security truck and a tower , a short one, on top of the main processing building where three more security officers are stationed. One watches the skies and the other two keep an eye on the complex itself

(Just to clarify, these guys are different than the guard(s) Marcion may have ran into?)

(No. They’re all private security)

(Ok cool. Are they all armed? And if yes, with what?) (edited)

One has a marksman version of a taros rifle. The other three have carbine taros rifles

Dorian marks their locations, and apparent area of responsibilities. (That seems pretty heavily armed for a waste recycling plant. If there isn’t anything else of note, I’m good with jumping to Marcion arriving)

(There isn’t anything you haven’t already seen)

“Hey, Chief!” Dorian calls down to Marcion while tearing down his OP, “Weird shit at the place like you thought.” He climbs down the ladder to meet Marcion at the car. He spends the next several minutes going over the guards seen, specifically the roaming car patrol and the tower trio. “So, what’s the game plan?” Dorian asks. He’s disassembling the DMR and packing away the tarp.

"Hmm. Too be honest, the security isn't the indicator it would seem. Hazardous waste and scrap parts are always valuable. We will have to see if anyone meets with them before we bring the lifter down. They might try to sell off the waste so the TFL can use it in a bomb of some kind."

“Do you want me to stay here and keep an eye on things?”

"Yeah. I've got to get some kind of security detail ready for this transfer, I'll meet you back here an hour before the lander leaves orbit."

11:27 AM

"If you see anything, give me a holler, I'll get here as fast as possible. My SWAT teams should be on station already."

“You got it.” Dorian climbs back up the water tower, after reassembling the rifle. This time he brings a bag with some rations and extra power cells for the drone.

(Just before we get into people with guns dropping from the sky, can I get a hard number on SWAT and armament?)

(2 Squads of ten, each armed with 8 mag rifles, a sniper rifle, and a Heavy weapon, in this case an LMG, plus their two gravfliers)

12:00 PM

(They are sitting just outside city limits in a field waiting for a go order)

(All I needed to know)

12:02 PM

(Alright, proceed

(Just waiting to see if anything interesting pops up in the meantime.)

(Same with you Dorian?)

(Would it be fine for the lifter to have a few regular marshals, armed with some laser pistols or something, come down, just to escort the material until it was transfered?)

(Yup, tracking the guards and looking for anything out of the ordinary. If I see something weird and SWAT gets their go-code, I’ll just be overwatch)

12:06 PM

(Otherwise I’m also plotting my approach and trying to find a way that offers the most cover from the guards watching the grounds)

The tower denies a stealthy approach to the complex and as evening comes the flood lights on its exterior wall click on, bathing the surrounding area in a haze of warm yellow light. A short hour before the lander is scheduled to head down something like a towncar approaches the gate and speaks with the guard for a moment, before the gate lifts and its allowed inside. It parks near the office building where the claim forms are normally filled out, and it’s engine is idling

”Provost,” Dorian radios to Marcion, ”New vehicle on site. Could be important. I’ll shoot you the imaging. Also, I don’t think I’m going to be able to infiltrate the plant when the lander comes down. The tower trip will almost definitely spot me.” (edited)

Marcion drives up before climbing up next to him to observe the town car.

1:09 PM

(Did we see anyone come out?) (edited)

(You see what I described you saw)

(Ok)

Dorian hands over the binoculars, and goes onto the rifle scope, “it’s just sitting there, menacingly.” There’s a light note to his voice.

"Does your drone have an observation suite on it at all?"

“Sure does,” he hands over the compad controlling the drone.

Marcion maneuvers the drone, at range, so it can get a view into the cabin of the town car, going through the various sensors to learn as much about the vehicle's occupants as possible.

1:17 PM

"If those people are still there 15 minutes before the lander sets off, I'm going to call in one of the SWAT teams to land at the gate when I drive up."

1:18 PM

"Or if they seem to be carrying weapons and such."

“It’s your show. I’m worried having a SWAT team roll up might escalate things beyond our ability to contain this, however.”

"We will see. They are trained to apprehend, and only use lethal force if necessary. Hopefully, the car is here to pick up someone." (edited)

“Gut feeling?”

"Black towncar idling right before a major shipment is about to come in, and nobody is getting out, none of the security is checking it? Doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy."

1:28 PM

(Let's let neko catch up a bit.)

Dorian doesn’t respond verbally. Instead he settles the stock a little more comfortably on his shoulder. His breathing slows and he begins double checking the ranges to the towncar, tower trio, and the roaming patrol car. (Sounds good! I’ll have my phone on me all day, so shouldn’t be a delay in me responding) (edited)

(Well you saw them stop at the gate and linger to talk to the guard , so in the interest of clarity the statement “no one checked it out” is not true)

9:33 PM

(But there has not been any follow up from inside either)

9:35 PM

The car continues to idle for several more moments and half an hour before the shipment from orbit is due to come down the doors open and four figures emerge, along with some kind of cyber mastiff. They head for the factory building itself rather than the contracting building , backs to you. They seem dressed beyond what the workers here would normally be wearing , and don’t fit the part of management

(Human or Taros?)

(Can’t tell. Not facing you and wearing concealing clothes)

Marcion continues observing, looking at the windows of the factory for activity. 15 minutes before the lander is set to arrive he heads back down to the compound, and tells the SWAT teams to gear up and start making their way over on the gravflyers, but to stay at least a minute's flying time away from the compound. (edited)

The security forces have changed in the hour leading up to the assault, and the guard on station is still watching the sky with binoculars. "Sir, we're going to be spotted if we're that close" one of the team leaders says, as the final elements of the plan come together. "We can circle that close, but you're going to lose the surprise you're hoping for once we go airborn"

"Circle just out of range of their vision, we want that element of surprise if you all need to come in."

“Just so we’re all on the same page, Provost. What are the rules of engagement here? Are we treating everyone as TFL sympathizers? I’ll be honest, I’ll be uncomfortable shooting folks on their day job.”

"We only shoot those who fire on us. We are here to arrest, not kill. This isn't a military outfit, we don't go shooting up places indiscriminately."

12:25 PM

Marcion heads up to the front gate.

(alright, so kicking off the op? lander coming now?)

(yup)

There are lights in the sky as the lander makes its lumbering descent, escorted through the atmosphere by two fighters, just ensuring it makes it to Atmo safely. Marcion walks up to the gate which is now watched by a younger and more attentive guard

"Evening, everything set for this delivery?"

"Everything is ready, we are just waiting on the product to arrive. Do UNW marshals normally escort garbage runs?" he asks, not taking his eyes off the datapad he is looking at. Another soccer game is on, the Trivedi Tigers and the Prime Numbers in an exhibition preseason game

"They do when it is dealing with fleshshaper remains. You never know what this kind of stuff can be turned into, I don't want to take any chances with it infecting the planet somehow."

"Care to step inside and supervise the procesS?

"Was planning to." Marcion says, stepping inside the compound, giving the guard booth and the area a look over.

The guard is younger, and more alert, his uniform and weapons match those seen on top of the tower earlier, but he is not one of the ones you noted, either in the car, or watching before

Marcion waits for the lander to arrive.

The lander sets down in the middle of the complex, and a number of small utility trucks, six in total, emerge from the factory, their beds wrapped in bed liners that will be burned when this is over

8:05 PM

Each has a driver and four laborers hang on the running boards

Marcion looks around before contacting @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) "See anything up there?"

(Let's find out! haha)

Dorian sees the same things marcion sees, though the guards in the tower are paying close attention to the disposal project, at the expense of their other scanning duties One is clearly talking into some kind of pocket microphone, and would be invisible from the ground, due to where he is perched

"Looks like your delivery has everyone focused. Nobody's doing anything overtly suspicious, just paying attention to what's going on."

"Keep an eye on the factory, I'm going to see if I can make my way over to it."

8:44 PM

(Is there anyone directly watching Marcion right now?)

(Not that you can see. Dorian can see the guys you can't and they're watcing the project. You're in the area, so yeah, there are probably people watching what you're doing, but only in the sense of you're physically in their line of sight)

"Received. Let's see your ninja face."

Marcion starts slowly moving around the open area, looking like he is inspecting the work being done. When he reaches a point where he is out of line of sight from the tower and other guards, he will move over to the factory and sneak inside.

(Oh we're def going to need a sneak/dex for this)

(Is there any way to give him a boost with me helping judge their observation?)

(He's not rolling against the people outside seeing him is all i can say, but no)

(4)

(Well that's fair haha)

(Sneaking ain't Marcion's strong suit)

(It'd be easier with 2 legs)

(lol)

A siren begins to whoop as you trip some sort of alarm beam, cut from its receiving optical housing by the opening door. You hear a number of workers both inside and outside the plant responding to the sudden, very loud alarm siren

8:55 PM

"We need hazard suits over here! now!" the closest voice calls out as a sweaty and out of breath foreman rounds the corner

8:56 PM

"Officer, you of all people should know better than to just poke your head into a hazardous materials disposal facility. Honestly"

(ohhhhhhh noooo) (edited)

"So why did the group who came in from the town car earlier not require the same precautions or trip the alarm?"

8:59 PM

"I was just looking for the bathroom."

9:01 PM

(Colombo mode, activated)

"We are not required to divulge our client's and their privileges to outside organizations. Even to you, Provost"

"Even if those clients are involved in illegal cybernetics, conspiracy, terrorism, attempted murder, I could go on?"

"Proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Do you have evidence? Do you have probable cause?'

(Can I get a read on this guy?)

(In what way?)

(Like, is he nervous, or just a brick wall?)

You see a small pin on his coverall "Proud employee owner for 5 years" it says on a small bronze plate, stitched into the heavy fabric. It seems he's an informed citizen, using his rights to defend what he feels is one of his own personal investments

"Perhaps you should lock the doors to your hazardous materials facility, or maybe mark where the bathrooms are." Marcion says as he walks back out of the building to his truck, looking over the open ground.

"I think that went well. At least they didn't shoot you."

(Is there any identification on the town car?)

9:12 PM

(Like, plates?)

(No plates, but I'd say by 2668 they'd have found other ways to identify cars. you can try to get a read on it)

(Would that be a roll, or just a matter of looking over the car?)

(The drone can probably read it as well if you don't want to get too close to it. Related: are those people still inside the car?)

(They got out and went into the factory)

(right, thanks)

“Thinking out loud here, but I feel like that car skewed our options a bit. We can finish the delivery, letting your alarm trip be excused as a faux pas. I’ll track that car once they leave. Or, we go hard and loud. Call the teams in, raid the place. See if those guys fight, or run. I can try and disable their vehicle if they run.”

"We track the car, assuming they don't just abandon it. We have nothing except suspicion as an excuse for raiding the place, we aren't doing that."

“Got it.”

The alarm is squelched after another few moments, as the first hunk of the probe is pulled free and carted inside for disposal. The side door opens again, and the group from the towncar emerge, walking confidently back to it. The engine starts up at their presence , slowly rolling forward to pick them up.

“The mystery gang is back, Provost.”

Marcion has one of the flyers track the car at range using its observation suite. (edited)

“100 credits says they go to Silicon.”

"Not really a betting man, at least not on a case."

11:49 AM

He has the drone scan the car for identification of any kind.

(We're going to need an opposed program/int here, from whoever is flying your drone vs the car)

(12!)

The car is registered to the owner of silicon, and has the club address listed as the registration address, nothing untoward in the registration appears

Dorian relays the information to Marcion, “I’ll consider this at least a partial win for now and add it to your tab.”

“Do you want me to tail the car with one of the teams? Or stay on station?”

The car begins pulling away, let out from the factory in short order, without a conversation with the gate guards, and begins pulling back toward the city. The driver is driving safely, and traveling at an acceptable speed relative to the posted speed limit

"I've got a gravflyer tracking it."

8:44 PM

Marcion begins shadowing the town car's path on parallel roads, making sure to stay out of view while the flyer sends updates on its location.

“Alright. You do that, I’m going to Silicon. Call if you need me.” Satisfied that the offloading won’t run into anymore issues, Dorian breaks down his perch. He gets in the rented car and leaves the scene.

(shadowing it how, with the drone? are you driving the marshal mobile?)

(He's driving his truck and having one of the gravflyers use its 2km observation suite to track it)

At 2km, even flying high, the car spots the flyer and begins moving to deeper parts of the winding road back to town, trying to take advantage of the dense tree cover. It reports a position to you not far from where you are driving , but has no further updates

Marcion curses himself, and swaps to his drone in town, trying to pick up the vehicle as it approaches silicon.

The drone flying close to town is embedded in a Vapormills drone swarm , disguised as a package delivery bot. It takes station near silicon during your drive back, though with also driving your car you’re unable to effectively operate both vehicles at the same time

9:37 PM

It’s autopilot locks the controls as you overcorrect it’s pitch while also trying to steer your ground truck down the forest roads. The car exits the forest and merges on to the main road 30km from town

(Heading towards the town?)

(Yes)

7:03 AM

(Vapormills is the only settlement in the immediate area)

He parks at a parking garage near silicon and tracks the car with his drone.

You;re forced to keep the station keeping active as you drive into town, the road too narrow and winding to be able to pilot both vehicles simultaneously. Even an expert would have trouble. the car is in north vapormills by time you get the link back, but the passengers getting out of it are not those you saw at the factory.

Marcion messages @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) "The people getting out of the car are different than the ones who walked into the factory. Something weird is going on here."

1:41 PM

(Is north vapormills near silicon or no?)

"Did you lose track of the car? Did they spot you?" (edited)

(It is the same car right?)

(yes)

Briefly lost track of it because they spotted the gravflyer, but picked it back up with my drone. It's the same car, but different people got out.

1:49 PM

(How far are they from the club?)

(opposite side of town)

It's on the opposite side of town from the club.

No surprises there. Probably switched out after spotting the flyer. These aren't amateurs. They wouldn't have survived the original purges otherwise.

I doubt they swapped out, they would've had to have people waiting to take over the vehicle standing by the side of the road leading back to town.

What's the alternative?

They swapped people out at the factory, maybe new volunteers went in, new cyber assassins came out.

1:56 PM

Marcion checks in with the hacker at base about the signal, seeing if he has cracked it yet.

(We saw the group go back in the car)

(Could we tell if they were the same people getting in at the factory neko?)

(As the ones who got out?)

Marcion keeps watching them, seeing what building they go into.

There is no change in the signal. It is still not yielding information. These individuals go into a fairly nondescript apartment building, entering the ground floor lobby and vanishing from the drone's observation as the door closes

Marcion looks up the address, seeing if there is any information on the ownership of the building.

Found our guys at Silicon.

The other guys got out at some apartment building. Go ahead and have your boys head inside, see what they can see.

The building is registered to the Triangle Squircle Property Management Company, who owns a few random apartment buildings around the city- catering mostly to medium low to low income families

He checks who owns the company.

8:28 PM

(If possible)

The company owner is not listed

You continue watching the apartment building through the drone, and the people who went in have not come back out

He calls up the marshal base and has two marshals come and watch the apartment building. He then heads back to the car park near the club and moves his drone back over it.

(So what is the drone observing right now, or trying to observe)

(The club, looking for any activity, seeing if there is any business in the back, anyone looking shady. Just waiting to see what Dorian finds atm)

the drone sits in station keeping mode, waiting for an update from Dorian, when after an hour or so it detects Dorian being ejected from the premesis, before the doors slam shut once again

(lol)

Meeting the Sons for a quick debrief. I’ll let you know what they found. As of now, the suspects went into the vip hotel attached to the club. Probably staying there. Dunno what sort of resources you have but we should probably watch it, and start building up a suspect list. See who those guys interact with, who they listen to, etc.

Sons got us some info. They’re out, too dangerous for them with not enough payout. TFL holding a recruitment meeting penthouse floor of their hotel. My recommendation is we observe, and follow to see where they take the new recruits. No flyers. Drones only.

2:26 PM

If were lucky, we find their training camp(s). If we’re not, hopefully we find somewhere we can raid that’s not in the middle of a city.

Hopefully. I'll have the flyers stay well outside visual range. Perhaps we can even use the scanners from my ship to track them as well. We can raid the hotel later once we have solid evidence of TFL activity, or have local police do it depending on the probability for armed resistance. I'll meet you at the parking garage tomorrow.

5:00 PM

(Would the Dark Star be able to assist with tracking at all?)

(No it’s finishing repairs I believe)

(It's done)

5:32 PM

(Finished at the start of the month along with the new corvette)

(The only other problem is you’re trying to track a person sized object through an incredibly dense city from space. This could be possible with some incredibly high Program checks but overall this is kinda the Gordon stare door I wanna keep closed)

(I meant like tracking vehicles once they leave the city or something)

5:47 PM

(Basically using it like a surveillance satellite)

(Like I said. High Program checks. Not impossible but difficult

(Alrighty)

5:54 PM

Marcion heads home, spending the night with Wind before heading back out to Vapormills in the morning, setting up his drone above the VIP hotel, waiting for Dorian.

(We can do some talking at home if Dorian is going to be talking with svenka)

(I’m not sure what the plan is there just yet. That’s why I asked)

(Ok)

Dorian's bike rolls into the garage. He's wearing his riding gear, but otherwise seems dressed as usual. The pack on his back seems bulkier than usual, and he sets it down with a thump after he walks over to Marcion. Dorian reaches into the bag, and pulls out a thermos with two beat up cups. "Morning," he says and offers a cup of coffee.

Marcion hands him a homemade breakfast sandwich in trade "Morning."

“This is good! You make it?” He asks in between bites.

"Old family recipe. You ready for today?"

"I might need a handful more of these." Dorian leans against the wall, "Yeah I am. What's the plan? I have my drone, some binocs, and a long gun. Though I'd rather not start shooting anyone here in town."

"Watch the place, look for terrorists, track them, bring in the cavalry once we find their training camp and try to take most of them alive if possible."

"Sounds like a plan." He begins unpacking his drone, then throws it into the air and directs it to a stationkeeping position where the angle allows to look into the penthouse but out of sight.

The drone begins to monitor over the penthouse area, and for the moment things appear sleepy inside. There is not much activity around the building. This is a nightlife district, so this early in the day, the lack of action makes sense

“Oh,” Dorian says offhandedly, “Svenka Vilnovha is somewhere nearby. She’s back on planet and offered to be overwatch. Not sure where her perch is, but she’s in the area.”

“I have eyes on you both, Dorian. I don’t know Marcion’s frequency, let me know if we have a standard channel we are using” A drone makes itself apparent, flashing lights and then goes back to being silent and stealthy.

Dorian waves generally in the direction of the drone and nudges Marcion to do the same, before patching Svenka into the shared comm freq.

"How are things going Svenka?" (edited)

“Interesting as always Marcion. Happy to help. The League needs to be cut down.”

"Prefer to arrest them if possible, but that's proven to be difficult to accomplish in the past."

“I have flop-rifle equipped drones ready to assist and I have overwatch with a rifle. If things go truly south, I have a more lethal option that I would prefer to avoid.”

"If things go truly south I have SWAT teams on standby. We are here to watch them, track them, and figure out where they are training. Once we know that, we can figure out how to apprehend them best."

“You are in charge, I’m just here to make sure you 2 don’t get yourselves killed.”

"Appreciate the help. Got some coffee and sandwiches down here if you ever get hungry."

“It’s ok, Dancer,” Dorian whispers to his drone, “We’ve got cool toys, too.”

“I’m fine, but thank you.” Svenka stretches and gets ready to be in the same position for a long time.

(Good to continue?)

(Yup)

(^)

The morning drags on, and slowly, the district begins waking up. You notice someone coming down the street, working class clothes very much at odds with his surroundings

Marcion tries to get a picture of his face by maneuvering his drone.

“Here to check the pipes, you think?”

"I doubt it."

Dorian snorts and continues scanning the area.

The drone is high in the air, and the individual has no reason to look up. He heads inside, no way to tell where he is going

8:49 PM

A car pulls up a few moments later, and two more figures, two Taros women this time, likewise dressed in a manner not fitting the surroundings, arrive, and head inside as well

Marcion drinks some more coffee, waiting for a bit longer to see how many more go into the building before the meeting is scheduled to start.

Svenka gets a spy drone into position to listen in on whatever is happening (if possible) and Shares the audio/video

(program/int, opposing theirs)

9:29 PM

(Mediocre on them with an 8)

(15)

It sounds like there is a meeting happening iniside, right now everyone is introducing themselves, but it sounds like online username handles and not actual names.

8:50 AM

there are 5, so far, exchanged back and forth. It matches the number of people who have arrived over the course of the morning \

(Recording)

(TopTaros, XxHumeyHaterxX, UNWsuxxx)

1

Svenka adjusts to get into a position to see the meeting, as best she can

Dorian casually leans against the wall, looking between his compad and their immediate surroundings.

There is not much talking going on inside, mostly just confirmation that everyones affairs are in order, before they are sent out for training. They do not say where the camp is, but all intend to leave together to be brought there in an hour

(Are there any ways they could be leaving that we wouldn’t be able to see? Like underground garages. I’m imagining both the club and the hotel are on the street.)

(No, everyone else has come in and left through the street, and even these ringleader types came and went that way)

12:20 PM

(so You can assume if there was a less observable way, they'd have done it)

(Good. How fast can drones move? Will my ghost walker be able to stationkeep on whatever vehicle they use and keep up with them? Assuming groundcar)

(in open speed the car is going to be faster, you make up for it by since youre flying, you can see them beyond visible range of the ground, but eventually you will lose them)

(No such thing as a tracking device

)

(nothing that i am aware of, and without their transport even being here, i dont think it would do any good anyway. Not enough time to attach it by time youre aware of them leaving)

(The only creative use I can think would be to attach a remote link unit to the vehicle, but we wouldn’t be able to

)

(Could always have Svenka link up with Marcion ship to do some program checks with that)

(Yes... give Svenka root access to your ship)

2

(Shes directly in position near the club too, its hard to miss even a cargo lighter coming down to pick someone up at this point)

(If we have to, we do have a stealth shuttle we could send down once we set out, pick her up out of their visual range)

1:10 PM

(But that's more of a last resort than anything)

1:10 PM

(How many ghoststalker drones do we have? 3 in total?)

(I have a bike and I am a supporting character in this mission, so don’t worry too much)

1:11 PM

(Svenka has 2 stealth and 2 ready to deploy combat drones.) (edited)

(theyre going to be making eyecontact with it though, okay yeah its stealth via radar but not to the naked eye

(Again, last resort thing)

The meeting continues for another little while as they ensure that any last minute arrangements needing to be made are completed. A utility truck with an extended cargo compartment rumbles down the road, the same logo as the recycling plant is on the side, and it stops in front of the penthouse, two workmen in tan coveralls heading inside, a grav cargo pod between them

Marcion sighs at seeing that "We have to find the camp these guys are going to, otherwise we have nothing as far as evidence is concerned."

(How big is the cargo pod?) “True. Though we have some decent connections between the plant and what we suspect are TFL elements at this point.”

“Let me know what you want me to do in all of this. The drones can follow to a point, and will be able to keep track a fair ways out, but if it’s a long trip, we are in trouble. I can follow on bike, but I’ll need to be careful. I’m remaining in position for now.”

(think like 8 feet long and 4 feet tall, its a good size but not impossible to get through a normal doorway)

(DOES Svenka know what the speed would look like for that thing? Could our drones keep up?)

(For the truck? the drones would be able to keep up if they drive normally)

"We can follow them a few kilometers behind, swapping drones as needed. I'll ride in your car Dorian, mine stands out a bit."

(alright, so following in a car, and tossing new drones into the air as needed ? )

(Yup, svenka might stay on her bike tho)

(And on a bike, a few roads over. Yep)

(Alright, Dorian? thoughts?)

(I’ve a spare helmet for my bike, it’ll help keep my hands free for navigating)

2:33 PM

(Ghostwalker on stationkeeping trailing the truck)

(So you're all taking your own vehicles? )

(Course they both have bikes, i forgot)

2:47 PM

Marcion looks behind him and sighs "Fucking bikes man."

2

2:49 PM

"I can't ride one of those things, so I guess we are taking the truck. Maybe we can stop in at a hardware store and buy some spraypaint to make it not look completely like a marshal's vehicle."

2:49 PM

(It says Colonial Marshals on the hood and front seat doors)

2:49 PM

(With a big star on it if i remember correctly)

2:49 PM

"One of these day's I'll actually remember to buy an incognito car."

1

2

2:50 PM

(I've been meaning to do that for the past week of rp, and keep forgetting)

As this conversation about the transportation arrangements goes back and forth, the two recycling plant workers are making their way back outside, with the cargo pod carried between them on instapoles. They do not seem to be struggling with the weight

Svenka packs up her rifle and gets down to her bike, watching through the drone and getting ready to leave

"Doubt they have the people in that storage pod."

2:55 PM

"Unless they have some kind of help to carry it."

“Let me know where you want me.”

(How big are Svenka's spy drones?)

“Marcion, why don’t you hang back and help guide us. I’d rather not waste time shopping. Svenka and I will ride the flanks, make sure we don’t lose it.” Dorian heads to his bike, turning it on.

"I'll keep watch as best I can. Chances are high they will be driving somewhere into the mountains, that's where the last training camp was."

3:03 PM

Don’t know how big, assuming they are fairly small.

3:03 PM

“The other consideration is that this is a diversion” (edited)

"I was going to just have Svenka leave for now, and have Dorian stay here in case there is another vehicle."

3:04 PM

(Just curious if she could have one land on top of the truck or something)

3:05 PM

(Without them noticing, but i think it might be too big)

(theyre small enough where one or two can be packed by adventurers at a time, is what the book says)

3:05 PM

(sounds like theyre at least arm length at the smallest, which makes sense)

(So it's possible?)

(It’s possible)

“Understood - ready to follow.”

“I’ll wait in reserve.”

"Could you maybe get one of those spy drones onto the truck in a hidden spot?"

3:10 PM

"Then we should know where it is at all times."

The two porters set the pallet down for a moment, and begin opening the back of the truck, in preparation to lift the pod inside

“I can try... but it’s risky. Go?”

"Do it when they are in the truck if possible."

Svenka sighs and gets one of the stealth drones into position close to the truck, close enough to get it into position on the top of the truck when they get in, but far enough to try to remain hidden in the meantime

(its an 8 to notice a drone if its that close, they got a 9) As the drone begins to hover into position, and the truck moves, one of them adjusts his mirror, and catches a full glimpse of it slowly descending toward them to nest on the truck. He begins driving evasively, accelerating fast, while the other leans out the window, bracing a pistol.

“Fuck” Svenka starts her bike and gets moving to stay close but out of sight. “we’ve been made”

"Damnit. We need to capture these people now, otherwise they will all go to ground." He calls in the two flyers and has them get airborne while he gets into his truck and sets off after the recycling truck.

3:19 PM

He calls up the base and has them get three more squads gear up in hazmat gear and head to the recycling plant.

3:20 PM

"Sending some squads to the recycling plant, we can't let them get rid of evidence and disappear."

3:20 PM

(Rip doing this quietly)

(I need some clarity here. Your flyers in the area, which are a thing now i guess, who is aboard, what are their orders. Are we using deadly force here to bring the truck to a halt? )

(Only if absolutely necessary. I was going to have them try to herd them into an alley and have the troops get out and surround the vehicle.)

The truck is two blocks away from your lookout point when the group of you mount your respective vehicles and give chase, the drone, and soon, flyers, will be relaying trackign data if they are able to keep a visual. They drive aggressively, weaving through traffic, and not stopping at intersections even when the light is red

(How heavy is traffic today?)

“Orders? I’m keeping on them a few blocks over based on the drone feedback”

"Try to get them boxed into an alley. If they keep driving this erratically, we will be forced to do take them down with force, they are a threat to the populace at that point."

(heavy, major city in the middle of the morning)

(So these guys are basically about to cause massive accidents and casualties?)

“We could let them get away? We have eyes on them from above”

(You're assuming a lot. They're driving like idiots because you have planes and drones right up their ass)

4:11 PM

(Theyre not doing anything you're not forcing them to do, given the context of the situation)

"Yeah, just back off, get drones in the air and try to track them. These guys will cause some major accidents if we keep chasing them like this."

4:12 PM

Marcion has the flyers back off

Received, backing off, Dorian attempts to shadow the truck by running parallel about two blocks apart.

"We have enough evidence at this rate to search the recycling plant. You two stay on these guys, I'm going to head back there and get searching."

Deploying from Trivedi Cloud, the three squads of Marshal operatives in sealed armor are landing at the compound, unannounced, as first shift is in full swing. Workers are being detained and held inside the landing craft until identities can be verified.

(We can split up at this point)

4:16 PM

(Let them take their own thread)

(okay, so youre investigating the plant and they're following the vehicle?)

(Yeah)

4:23 PM

Marcion starts making his way there, making sure there is a spare hazmat suit for him.

There is a spare suit for you when you arrive and you are able to fit it over your gear. Workers are being escorted from buildings at gunpoint and detained

Marcion gets his suit on, then looks for the bosses.

"We found the bosses yet?" He asks a nearby marshal.

"In the lander, they;re secured"

"Good. Anyone start searching the lower parts of the facility?"

"We're still sweeping offices and accounting for personnel, we've only landed a few moments before you arrived sir"

"Alright. I'm going to talk to the bigwigs, get a squad ready to search the factory, I'll join them once I'm done." He then walks off towards the lander and finds the bosses.

They are inside as with zip ties around your hands and ankles, and two men with assault rifles standing behind you it’s hard to go anywhere

9:48 PM

They are facing the lander wall and cannot see your approach

(Is the foreman there? The fat one?)

(Yeah)

Marcion walks in with a sigh. "You know, you could have just affirmed you were dealing with the TFL when I was here last, and this wouldn't have happened."

“There you go making assumptions again marshal”

9:51 PM

“Are you a writer by chance? You’d do well with that imagination of yours”

"Then explain to me why one of your recycling trucks stopped at the VIP hotel next to silicon right about the time a recruitment meeting for the TFL was wrapping up, the men carried out a container, and then one pulled a pistol while the other drove off at maximum speed winding through the streets of Vapormills at rush hour all because a surveillance drone showed up in their rear view mirror. Oh, and we learned about the TFL meeting from the group of people who showed up here last night. Either you don't keep very good control over your people, or you are in on this and trying in vain to keep pretending you don't know what I'm talking about." (edited)

“I’ll let my lawyer and a jury decide if I know what I’m talking about” he says, flashing a smile before turning again to face the wall

"You had your chance to come clean. I'd say after the devastation the TFL inflicted upon the the delegations at the Bladonna Sitdown, most of the casualties of which were Taros, a jury is unlikely to look kindly on you" Marcion says as he walks away, meeting up with the squad getting ready to head into the factory.

They are formed up at the main factory doors, ready to head inside,. THey are doing a final weapons check

"Right folks." Marcion says, strapping on his laser rifle and making sure he has easy access to his concealed monoblade "You know the drill, sweep slowly and carefully, check your corners, make sure your weapons fire is controlled to hostile targets. There may be civilians still down here. Take any targets alive if possible. Everyone ready?" (edited)

the squad checks off one by one, and stands ready , waiting for your signal

Marcion calls over about the recycling truck to one of the other marshals nearby before giving the 'go' signal.

the team pushes open the door and begins sweeping inside to an empty foyer. The recycling room and employee areas are beyond. There are no contacts here, and the inside is made of an amazing amount of concrete. Wires in the ceiling trail, and cut in and out of walls at random, making the place feel like a rat warren. It is difficult to see what most of them even connect to- they are far beyond what would be needed for lighting or running the handful of computer systems the factory is using

Marcion begins looking for the path deeper into the factory.

(I need three luck saves)

(Two successes, one failure. Rolled a 3, a 10, and a 17)

(1/3 of HP is lost) A powerful explosion, expertly prepared as a final measure against discovery, is triggered. A TFL operative, deep in the facility control room, wiating for the inevitable makes his final prayers, and makes a phone call, pressing the green SEND button. Marcion looks up, to see a blue spark spreading through the wires in the ceiling, spiderwebbing out through all the other wires. THere is a rumble deep within the factory, and a blinding flash of heat and light as you are thrown from your feet, blasted outward. He sails, back pressed flat and driven windless by the impact, as the building falls, collapsing on itself as the demolition charges go off in their set sequences. Dust spills from the falling building, blinding everyone, and everything in its punishing white/brown cloud of haze. Grit chokes your mouth and nose as you try to pull yourself up. Your replacement leg is gone, but thankfully nothing else seems to be

(Are all his men dead too?)

(yes)

9:24 AM

(You're a heroic individual as a PC, so you get some breaks where normal NPC's wouldnt have a chance)

Marcion rolls around on his back, ears ringing from the blast, and starts to look around and the dead marshals next to him, before looking down at his legs to see his false leg is missing. He sighs and tries to sit up.

9:29 AM

(Are the rest of his people okay? The ones not in the factory?)

Your arms feel pallid, almost jelly like, as you pull yourself up, but they hold, for now The comm web is silent, and aside from those you can see around you who have been pulverized by the blast, you are unable to raise anyone else electronically, and can't see anyone either.

He starts crawling his way towards where he remembers his truck to be.

9:32 AM

(Does he still have his weapons at all or no?)

(your blade yes, the rifle would have been blown from your hands. if you still rock your revolver that would have stayed on you too since its belted and holstered)

(Ok. He has all three)

9:37 AM

(Does he encounter anyone on the way to his truck?)

(lets play and find out)

9:50 AM

Marcion begins to crawl, organic leg scraping against the ground as his arms propel him across the dusty carpet of debris (notice/wis)

(9)

10:00 AM

(On the road, so responses might be slower)

You see two shapes in the gloom, wandering in the swirling dust storm, looking confused and as dazed as you are. Your ears are still ringing loudly, and a trickle of blood from your nose drips down your face and into the dirt you're crawling over

Marcion tries to call out to them, but he can't tell if anything came out or not.

You're not sure if they can hear you, or if you're making any sound yourself, they make no moves toward you, continuing to stagger on whatever fevered directions their concussed minds takes them in

He keeps dragging himself to his truck

You arent sure which way you are oriented in the swirling dust, and you continue seieng the figures moving in their own shocked silence. There is a flash of light, and one of them falls over, followed by a second, and that one falls over as well. Two taros are approaching, pointed ears sticking out from gasmasks and goggles, and they begin reaching for you

Marcion pulls out his revolver and points it at them, not shooting for the moment

They continue, one reaching down and crossing the last of the distance lower to the ground to roll you onto your back

10:32 AM

(any checks or combat at this time, with your wounding, disorientation, the horrible local conditions, and confusion, is going to have some associated penalties and I can elaborate more as things develop)

(I wasnt planning on having him actually try, if anything he would pass out at some point from the concussion and shit.)

(just trying to make things clear ahead of time)

10:34 AM

(you know me by now)

(Yup)

10:34 AM

(Can he even tell who these people are at all?)

10:38 AM

(There should still be two flyers around somewhere, since the only orders they got were to back off from the truck, so they could go help with me or the truck)

(Can he tell a little more about what these guys are wearing now that they are closer?)

10:49 AM

(Cause honestly having him just give up is not in his character, he would put up some kind of fight if these are terrorists trying to capture him)

(flyers cannot see into the dust cloud, and are out of reach from you with all the interference in the air)

10:59 AM

They are wearing hazard gear, which none of the already apprehended employees here would have had time to put on. There are no markings or company logos on the chemical protection smocks they are wearing.

(The marshal stuff has markings on it right?)

(I'd imagine it would be like modern day police gear really, the futuristic enhancments being the materials its made from more than the shape or designation)

(Alright)

11:01 AM

Marcion goes to shoot the one rolling him over

11:02 AM

(I've got Alert 2, but let me know how you want to play this out?)

11:03 AM

(Also sorry if im a bit all over the place today, still waking up, slept for forever after the drive last night)

(You can still go first with alert 2, that hasnt changed, but there is a -4 to attacks due to your injuries and the conditions)

(Ok, I'll roll in a bit)

(14/5)

The revolver booms in your hand. If your hearing was working properly, it would be a deafening blast, but this wounded, you can feel it more than hear it. The shot glances one of the advancing figures, scoring a flesh wound on their arm. Their hands both move to try to restrain you (exert/str or dex at -2, they dont have a bonus due to the heavy protective gear)

(9)

Their heavy gloves grasp at your armor for purchase, and your senses begin coming back to themselves, as you fight off their advance, knocking their reaching arms away from you

Marcion drops his revolver and draws his sword instead (Armsman focus) using it to attack the one he injured before

(just at -2 now, as your senses are starting to come back)

(30/5, think thats a nat 20, since i rolled at +10 factoring in the minus 2)

12:43 PM

(Cant check on my phone)

(we can say it is, thats fine)

(I think thats 9 damage then)

1:01 PM

(If we double the dice)

1:01 PM

(Yeah, cause i rolled a 4 on the d8)

the struck figure falls into the dust, kicking up yet more of it as their body tumbles, you;'ve opened a significant rent in their chest. The other produces a collapsible machine pistol held in a chest rig, and fires

1:05 PM

Tries to fire, as fate would have it, the dust in the air fouling the action of the gun. Nothing comes out as the trigger is pulled

Marcion hesitates no longer, slashing towards the figure

(Still at -2?)

(yeah)

(29/6)

The technician takes a step backwards, wounded but not killed by the strike. (24/7) The machine pistol crunches as the fouled cartridge is ejected, and he looses a burst at you, this time hoping to connect

Marcion groans as the bullets impact, reaching for another slash

2:32 PM

(25/7)

The blade cuts down, sending him to the ground, missing the arm right before the elbow.

Marcion grabs his revolver, looks around to see if there are any others, and where his truck is

you get a glimpse of it through the drifting dust, 50m from where you are standing now, before the dust rolls back in to block it from view again

Marcion hops over to his truck, sheathing his sword and using it like a crutch, before getting in and driving outside the dust cloud

2:53 PM

(He still has his right leg, the left one is the missing one)

(yep, i made sure to say it was just th eone you already lost)

3:18 PM

(we're going to need a pilot/dex here for sure since everything is a blinding cloud and literally litered with people and obstacles)

(8)

The dust continues to rain down drifting in dense clouds of detritus and debris. Dirty deposits decoupage across the windshield, decidedly making your vision difficult. The looming shape of a wall comes out of the darkness too late as you slam into it, the marshal mobile unable to brake before hitting it. (10 damage)

(To him or the truck?)

(To you. Truck is now inoperable)

(Okay)

(You just got in a car accident)

7:52 PM

(Essentially)

Marcion braces himself as much as he can before slamming into the airbag. He groans as his shoulder dislocates from the impact, then groans again when he wrenches it back into place. He looks around for his binoculars, eventually finding them in the passenger footwell, picks them up, then throws them back down when he notices the lenses are cracked and falling off. He looks around for any hostiles using whatever mirrors are still functional.

You do not see anyone near the vehicle, and realize its a miracle you didn't run anyone down when you tried to drive out of here. The black shape of one of the landers is nearby, 20m to your right, out the passenger door

Marcion makes his was over, around the truck, checking the entryway for terrorists.

you still do not see anyone in the fog. The lander door has been shut, but you hear the sounds of people within, trying to figure out what is going on. Someone is trying the radio over and over but not having luck

Marcion bangs on the door "Open the fuck up, your boss wants in."

You hear someone inside scrambling for the door interlock, and the hatch swings open, surviving marshals pulling you inside

6:44 AM

In the crew bay, the prisoners are all face down on the deck, hands behind their backs, including the plant manager you'd been exchanging words with earlier.

"Well." Marcion says with a sigh as he slides down the side of the lifter. "That was an experience."

(How many marshals are in here?)

(3)

7:09 PM

“Glad you’re mostly okay provost” one says, helping you into one of the troop seats , noting your missing leg

"Well, I guess the secret is out, I've been walking on a false leg this whole time, worked out in my favor I suppose." He says with a chuckle. "We need to hold this door until some reinforcements arrive, terrorist reinforcements are already here." (edited)

"I haven't heard any gunfire or anything out there. You sure about that Provost?"

One of the marshals is looking out the back hatch window of the flyer. "Uh, sir, we might have a couple possible contacts out there at the marshal mobile. Hard to see, they're in protective suits, whoever they are"

Marcion stands up and looks out the window towards his truck.

two figures, backlit by the slowly advancing wall of flame seem to be looking through the truck, paying close attention to the ground around your drivers side of the vehicle, and looking into the driving compartment itself

"Well, looks like they are still looking for me. They shot two of the other marshals. When they get here, one person open the door, the rest of us will pull them in and subdue them."

9:15 PM

"I want more information, and those dickbags are unlikely to give me anything besides legal loopholes and double talk." He says motioning to the bosses on the ground (edited)

"I can try to lure them in" one of the marshals inside the ship replies, "maybe flash the running lights or something"

"Do it. There is a chance they may be friendly, so don't kill them."

He watches to see how they react

They look to fall into cover when the light begins to flicker at them, but they’ve definitely noticed the lander

10:03 PM

The pilot is unwilling to take off if he cannot see what is around him, and does his best to ensure the prisoners are secure in the meantime

"Damnit. Figures they would be the smart ones and stay away."

“Should I keep trying?”

"Sure."

They throw a handful of glowbugs out in reply, scattering by the lander

8:42 AM

“Sir?” The pilot asks, trying to figure out what to do next

"Open the door, I think I might know who they are." He will walk just outside and shout. "Your rifle is overcompensating for something Mr. Guerra!"

“How did you know it was them provost?”

"I don't, but they aren't acting like terrorists or marshals. They are acting like two scared and confused civilians."

After confirmation that it’s Marcion standing in the doorway, sans leg, Svenka nods to Dorian and approaches the lander, rifle still held, but down. (edited)

(Joshua?)

Dorian follows, sweeping the area around them. He waves in greeting as they get closer, “Marcion! Glad to see you’re still kicking!”

"Just get inside before we all get shot."

“You shouldn’t be breathing this in, or letting it touch your skin. Neither should your crew.” Svenka gets onboard, watching the dust clouds for any other movement.

"Well, my hazmat suit got blown off me when some suicide bomber blew up the factory, along with six of my men."

10:54 AM

"Why I tried to drive away, you saw how well that worked."

10:55 AM

"We need to get biocontainment in here asap and burn the whole area to the ground."

10:55 AM

(Did the fleshshaper waste go into the factory or another building?)

(into the factory, but you're not sure if its already been disposed of or not by now, its been a couple of days

10:57 AM

(and it was their only project)

“Are you all that’s left?” Dorian asks, surveying the few Marshals inside the craft.

"Nobody is sure. I killed two terrorists right after they shot two other marshals, but the other landers should still have a few."

“What exactly are we dealing with here, why is this area so toxic?”

"It's biowaste disposal, and their most recent project was waste from the fleshshaper probe we experimented on. The factory looked empty in the few seconds before it was blown up, but I don't know if they finished it. I miscalculated, never should have brought it here."

“You gave the TFL fleshshaper biowaste? As in fleshshaper flesh!? Shit. What could they do with that? Could they resurrect it?” She turns to Marcion “That was a bad call. There is something odd, something cult-ish about the TFL... not just an anti human sentiment, but something else.”

"We didn't know they were tfl at the time, and its just rotting organic matter at this rate. The whole operation moved faster than I expected and it needed to be disposed of."

11:12 AM

"And honestly, I don't need to be judged by you about this shit, I already lost at least 8 men, got blown up, shot at, and almost killed."

"My wife will give me all the judgement I need." He sighs. "Let's just wait here for more help."

“This has gone bad, Provost. Very bad. Dorian has a lead on the TFL ‘Farm’ that you should follow up on. And regardless on whether you think it’s my place, you need more judgement than your wife. This falls into more of an official kind of investigation. I fear what they could do with fleshshaper biomass... but that will be up to you and the council to decide.”

"Well shit, if you cared so much, you could have stayed and helped with the investigation. Instead you just left and came back just long enough to complain."

11:36 AM

"Things with the TFL always go sideways because we actually follow the law and they don't."

The pilot begins cycling the engines up. "That fire is geting close, and emergency services are too far away. We're going to have to risk a takeoff"

Svenka takes a deep breath “Fair point Provost. Let’s get out of here”

Marcion is helped into a crash seat, and everyone else takes their positions while the engines power. There is another downdraft of powerful engine wash, as it takes off, heading up to Trivedi cloud where additional security, and an emergency medical and hazamat team are waiting. The same hangar where the probe was originally worked on has been continued set aside for processing you as new arrivals

Once radio contact has been reestablished, marcion calls up the two swat teams and has them move to secure the site, then calls up Franz to inform him of the events and to coordinate containment of the area.

“If you no longer have need of my assistance, I’ll prepare to depart. My ship is en route to transfer the prisoners to your capable custody.”

(6xp, 10000 credits everyone)

(Woo level 5!)

2

(Woo level 10!)

2

The prisoner transfer is completed , the marshals less than gentle in the taking of everyone into custody. Marcion is wheeled to an operating room where his wounds are going to be looked at and his replacement leg fitted from the cyberware shop planetside -as theyd already taken his measurements.

Marcion wonders what kind of look he is going to get from Wind when he wakes up. Before he goes into surgery he has orders put up to have all the marshald checked for contamination from fleshshaper waste or any other hazards.

He settles in for the surgery.

Marcion's surgery goes well, as far as you can tell, the new leg joint sore but secure. You are given strong painkillers and the recovery is expected to take about a week before discharge

12:54 PM

In a hospital in central, Wind comes to visit, sitting in a corner chair when you open your eyes. She has her sword belted on, and you can only imagine how many people she had to threaten to be permitted to keep holding it in here

"Hi there." He says groggily. "Good thing I was already looking to get this replaced."

1:39 PM

He looks around for some juice or crackers to munch on as he smacks his lips to get rid of the dry mouth.

she says nothing, but hands a small plastic cup of water from the bedside tray out for you

He sighs as he takes the cup. "I'm sorry. I didn't expect something I should have, again."

4:31 PM

"Got lots of people killed, almost myself too."

4:38 PM

He takes a sip of water, just looking for a reaction from her.

Her reaction is impassive, and she has yet to actually say anything. she does take the cup back from you and place it on the table. "There are bigger problems than that going on. There's talk of a formal investigation"

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't there for the mission, all I know is what's been told, but some actions were taken that the government is viewing as a blunder"

"What specifically?"

6:17 PM

"The people getting blown up or disposing of biowaste that needed disposing of before we even knew for certain the place was their hideout?" (edited)

"You're getting upset with me for bringing you the news. We'll find out together if this becomes more than talk. I'll be here for you no matter what" she says. "We both will"

6:19 PM

she runs a hand over her stomach, now that she is starting to show a bit (edited)

He sighs and smiles. "I'm sorry. I'm just so tired of this job. I can't get reliable agents working for me so I have to deal with independent people showing up whenever they want throwing wrenches into plans and accelerating things."

6:23 PM

"I miss the old days, you and me out there. Maybe we should have waited, we got things done together without the casualties when it was just us and a small squad."

6:24 PM

"How are you doing?" He says, changing the subject.

"Better, now that I don't need to use the bathroom every five minutes. I am so happy first trimester is over. I had my appointment just a bit ago since I was already here, everyone is healthy"

"Good. I'm glad. Hopefully all these crises will be done with soon, then we can focus on ourselves instead."

"You can always hand things off" she says, letting the comment hang

6:37 PM

"You offered to do it once before, back when we thought Terezinho was going to be our long term home"

"I want to. There was one person I worked with on this mission who I think would be a good fit for the organization. Madison and Jerud did a good job running things during my break, I could let them take back over while I find a replacement. They are both good at their current jobs, but I want someone with the right sense of justice to take over, someone who will keep Desmond's legacy going." (edited)

6:42 PM

"I don't think I have a choice though, I'm getting too old to be getting blown up every other month, eventually something might actually kill me."

6:42 PM

"And I can't let that happen."

"No" she agrees, her tone sharp , "You can't let that happen at all. People here need you too"

He sighs in agreement, settling in for some rest. When he wakes up, he calls @Karre Mondragon(Timothy) for a meeting.

Provost,

Got your message, getting ready to depart Gudrun space shortly for Rawhani. Is this something we can discuss over comms?

No, I'll see you when you get back. Stay safe out there.

You too. Don’t take all the glory before I get back. And watch your back.

Marcion spends some time at the hospital in central until he is healthy enough to move back home to Terezino, where he has a call with Jerud and Madison, informing him of his decision to retire from the Marshal Service. He then sends a message to Kincaid to inform her as well before spending most of his time fishing, swimming, and doing whatever else he deemed enjoyable with his wife. (edited)