Iron Stars - pearl

Pearl had stepped out of her lodge's shower, ready to greet the new day with plans to move back up in the world. The accommodations she was assigned were much lesser than what she'd been treated to in her life before the Elysium, but over the many months she adjusted to the conditions. The real trouble Pearl had was being given grunt work, a requirement to remain aboard and as a member of the empire. While she did pick up skills piloting, she mostly resorted to her old ways with talking out of performing work and instead mooching off others, whether with her silver tongue or sleight of hand to each their own varying success. Over her time spent, this behavior had given herself a bad rap, making her out to be a 'woman child' in most eyes not to mention her personal goals for the world. Pearl finishes drying herself off before combing her hair, which naturally curls at the end of the strands, and stares at herself in the sink-top mirror to give herself dental care and apply her lipstick, gloss, blush, eyeliner, and everything nice. After an application of deodorant and a spray of rationed perfume, she suits up with her protective undersuit before putting on her garb; a long-sleeved and puffy blouse, a pair of baggy breeches, a set of combat boots over high socks, a decorative longboat held together with a large belt, and finally her favored tricorn cap. "Alright!... Let's see if this goes well." With the extensive process complete, Pearl steps out of her bathroom to retrieve a gear-loaded backpack, a monoblade in the model of a cutlass, and a laser pistol, strapping the firstmost on her back, the second in a sheath at her side, and the third stashed underneath her coat

(I was asking about goals so i could think of a good beginning mission for you)

(I'm actually trying to compile goals right now. My bad.)

Your curtained off section of one of the less ruined of the homes is still shared with two other families, and you can hear them likewise getting ready for the day, though with less grandeur , through the thin curtains. Most of the days so far have been filled with rubble clearing duty, as the plans for the reborn city begin coming into effect. A group of miners tasked with beginning to extract metals further north left last night. Other resource camps are being established, and you see one particular listing that exploration along a river, west of the city, is something especially desired

"Ooo la la, what do we have here? Something that isn't grunt work?" Seeing the listing, they would take it off the bulletin "Just what I need to get out of picking up rocks all day... and away from that squat for a while." She makes sure to eat her morning portion, despite the quality of lack there of, before taking up on the expedition by heading to the designated meet point While they were making due with their conditions, it was drastically inferior to the life of luxury she lived before. Having to reside in such a cramped, lowly home felt degrading, and the daily cleaning up of the city was tireless, callousing her hands and feet, tensing her muscles, cracking her joints... It was not a position she desired to be in much longer, feeling they'll 'literally' die if nothing changes. (edited)

You and over thirty other volunteers arrive in the town square, though it does not look like a town, and the square is littered with rubble and building materials that were attempted reclaims from torn down structures already. A military officer standing on a crate surveys the group, a frown on his face. He is protected by two guards, Myrmidon warriors in power armor, their rifles held to their chests, and helmets on

Pearl, in contrast, keeps a smile on her face knowing the job offered on the bulletin, and threads her way through the crowd to reach the man in charge. "Excuse me! Pardon! Coming through! Didn't mean to touch those, miss! Sorry!" When she finally does get close enough, Pearl at the very least understands not to step too close with the geared soldiers protecting the officer, breaking apart from the crowd but maintaining a five to ten foot distance "Hello? Um, hi, I wanted to ask about the... uh..." Pearl holds up the flyer she ripped from the board earlier, to present what she means to refer to "This! I was interested in doing this job."

"qualifications?" the officer asks, looking down from his perch.

"Uh, qualifications?" She turns her head side to side, trying to think of what she's supposed to say. "I... I'm brave at heart! Yeah, that's it. " With that, she stands there with a proud pose, her hands planted on either side of her waist and puffing her chest

(talk/cha)

(... How do you make skill tests from these character sheets?)

(click the pencil in the top right corner, it will turn off edit mode)

8:53 PM

(and you can just click the skill)

(6)

"Brave at heart doesn't mean you'll be brave in a firefight,or be able to fix a broken engine. Any actual talents or skills?"

Her smile starts to dim, being disheartened by the first signs of rejection. "Well... I can fly a ship alright... I'm also sneaky!" She then starts making karate-esque poses, reenergizing herself

"Do you think you could actually take this seriously? You're lucky we're short on hands. The first sign you're not taking your duties seriously, you'll be tossed overboard"

8:58 PM

"and shot for dereliction of duty. It's happened in the Protectorate before"

Her excitement continues to visibly fade while she slowly straightens her posture "... I mean... yeah-- yes, I can take it seriously. I just like to have a bit of fun sometimes... sorry..."

"fun has its place, but not on a military patrol into possibly hostile waters. We know almost nothing of our neighbors, the wildlife, or even the natural hazards this world holds. I need everyone to be as sharp and dutiful as possible"

"Alright, then." Pearl holds her hands behind her back, idly kicking a leg slightly "If you let me go on this, I promise I'll be mature about it. Just... you know, a little excited."

He nods. "Alright, you...." and he points to you, and four others from the crowd that he either knows or has information about. "Looks like we have a crew. To the rest of you, thanks for your interest" He hops off the crate and his guard forms up. "Alright, follow me. I'll show you where we're preparing for this"

When they turn around to lead the way, Pearl fistbumps in accomplishment, following the unit to wherever may be

A small truck, one of the few running vehicles in all Mytikas heads out of the city, an hour to the west, where a patrol boat, taken from a ruin on Terezinho(think vietnam era) is tied to a crudely built moor. The vessel is in good repair, heavily armed with a twin barreled HMG turret above the wheelhouse, torpedo launcher, a railgun on a mount at the bow, and another HMG on the sides. A small depth charge array sits at the back, the compact Y gun only holding a few shells. It is armored around the deck rails, and four powerful engines sit in a housing at the back, corresponding engine room below deck. "So as you can see, we're going to be heading upriver into possibly hostile territory. We have a big stick with this boat, but we intend not to use it unless someone decides to make the first move. Contrary to popular opinion, we're guests here. We need to do our best to gather as much information as we can without starting an incident with loose trigger fingers. Everyone understand?"

Pearl breaks a cold sweat, examining the armaments' of the river boat and realizing the extent of the mission at hand, originally believing it would have just been a simple scouting mission that she'd have a chance to go river-side camping. She is, at the very least, delighted to be on a boat of sorts, to go with her pirating imagination on the trip, yet she feels underequipped comparing her own measly laser pistol to the heavy, ballistic based firearms mounted onto the vehicle. She turns her head to the man, swallowing her anxiety "Yes, sir..."

A gangplank is extended down to the ground, with wooden boards nailed into it as makeshift steps. A bare chested yeoman strides the deck after extended it, ensuring the weapons are greased and loaded, and that the necessary power connections are free from corrosion. "Not bad for something that spent 50 years at the bottom of the sea on Terezinho? eh cap?!" he calls out to the officer who led you here

Pearl decides to step on board, using the provided gangplank, to get a feel of being in and on something floating on the waters "I suppose before you can fly in space you've gotta sail on water, heh?" She would examine the thickness of the attached armor, thinking about how well she might be able to duck down and hide out any confrontation they appear to be prepared for

The armor looks capable of stopping small arms. You're not sure what the technology is like for the people that actually live here. You can only hope they're equivalent, or less well off than you

Pearl would then look over at the officials "Uhh, I don't have anything wrong with all these big 'uns, but... I'm not very good with recoil, if you catch my drift. Is it alright if I get to borrow one of those laser rifles you guys seem to always carry 'round?" (edited)

"These are military issue. We would be flogged for losing them" one says, curtly, stepping on board after you

8:46 PM

The rest of the crew bundles on, and as the ramp is pulled up, everyone begins gathering around the plotting table in the small, armored wheelhouse

8:46 PM

8:47 PM

(youre at the river to the immediate west of Mytikas)

Nekosmash 8/14/2019 8:47 PM

Pearl squeezes her way into the circle to get in on the plotting, or at least to hear what the other's idea is to do "... Huh... That's a lot of land to cover."

(each hex is 200km)

8:51 PM

"We're heading south to the river junction, and then west, we'll see how things look before deciding to head upstream to Artema, or downstream to Persepha. Two closest neighbors, would be a smart idea to see what we are dealing with"

"I 'unno, that's an oddly big ass tree right there." Pearl plants her finger onto the map, to the landmark she's referring to

"The garden, its a haunted place, based on what local legend is saying. Regent Adonis is exploring it now, on his own. We should give him the space to work"

"Ah, alright then. So by 'head south to Pensepha', you mean go further west, THEN south. Got it... How long are we expecting this to take, anyways? A week?"

"Two, probably, depending on what we find"

"Two weeks, two weeks... then, uh..." Pearl consecutively points at each of the involved crew, involving herself, taking her own headcount "Do we have enough food and water, and moreso, for the trip there and back?... And enough sleeping equipment to account all of us? I don't exactly know where you stanched the supplies on this ship yet." (edited)

"We wouldn't be entertaining ideas of an expedition doomed to failure because we weren't supplied" he says. "Bunks, the head, and the galley are below deck. It's cramped, there won;t be much privacy" (edited)

"I don't feel like privacy is gonna be an issue... And I'm already pleanty familiar with having the lack of already, so yeah. Alright then! I think that means we're ready to go!"

"... Unless... Some of you need to get one off real quick before we go. 'Cuuuuuz you're all gonna have me with you, and we don't want any 'incidents' going on, now do we?" She says this, well aware she's (from my understanding) a woman in a crowd of dudes, being the visually appealing type at that

None of them have anything to say to that, all clearly made very uncomfortable, and eager only to get to work, so they can return sooner. The captain sighs and heads to the pilot house, to speak with the engineer and get the hydrofoil moving again. Bits of their low conversation involve power, keeping it running, and the small stash of parts aboard. They're getting used to the vessel too, it seems. A half hour later, you're assigned to watch from the bow, standing near the forward railgun, and the ships engines turn on as the power plant finally ignites. White water in four trail churns behind it as its props begin to spin, slowly at first as it pulls away from the pontoon dock

Pearl stands her ground at the designated position, or rather squats to keep as much of herself covered by the protective barrior while still being able to maintain a good view of the boat's surroundings. She decides to sing sea shantes to herself, to shift into less situationally appropriate space shantes when she runs out of material, passing the time as much as she can

(lets get a notice/wis)

(I will get back to this when I get home, then.)

(6, again)

An hour into the trip, as you diligently keep watch, you notice a trail of bubbles trailing along the left side of the boat, keeping 5m from the hull without fail

"... Uh-uhh..." Pearl would turn her head to face the rest of the crew "Cap'n? I think something's under the water? She'd then turn her head back to the bubbling, physically pointing it out

You see, but not hear over the sound of the engines, him hand the wheel off to the first mate, and he begins heading up the deck over to you, following the line your pointing hand is making, down to the water. He takes a grenade off his belt, and pulls the pin, throwing it into the water. "Everyone brace!"

"Gah!" Pearl basically dives to hit the flooring, gritting her teeth, closing her eyes, and planting both hands over her ears until she hears the hopefully muffled explosion

You feel a cold splash of water, and then something wet hit the deck next to you, a barracuda like head, severed, mostly, from the body, with row upon row of jagged teeth. The eyes already look to be losing their light, and the jaws close and open with lifeless firing of nerves. The body floats to the surface of the river, eel like, and about 10m long, at least

After uncovering her eyes and ears, getting a good look at the dismembered head, Pearl would jump away out of sheer shock, bumping on an inner wall "Woah! What the heck is that!?" She'd then pick herself up, using the mounted weapon as a standing support, looking to see the remainder of the floating corpse in the waters before turning her head back to the captain. "That thing was in the river?? Again, what WAS that?!" Pearl would proceed to look around, now wanting a towel to, at the very least, dab dry her jacket (edited)

There aren't towels to speak of on the deck, and the captain has no answer for what this creature might be. Everything on Heras is as new to them, as it is for you. "We should try to preserve the head if we can. If we ever get a lab up and running again one of the researchers working there might want to take a look at it"

"Ugh..." Without a towel to speak of, Pearl decides to just take off her coat and shake the soak off "Well, I didn't bring a cooler with me, so I don't know what we have to 'preserve' a head."

"Down in the galley" the captain throws an oily rag in your direction, indicating you can use that to wrap it up. "There's a preserve unit for the perishable food we have aboard, just find a corner and tuck it in there somewhere

Pearl winces, catching the rag with one hand (trying to keep ahold of her coat in the other) and staring down the lagoon monster, groaning before stepping over, slinging her jacket over her shoulder, and reaching down to encase the head in the rags, proceeding to food storage with it as instructed "Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew..."

You can feel the jaws clenching and unclenching as the last of its life finally leaves its body, and you make your way to the galley, where a cook is hard at work getting the afternoon meal prepared for everyone on deck. He sees you approaching with the rag "What have you got there? something to add to the soup?" he laughs

"Eheheheheh... N-no, this?" She continues past the cook, looking for the fridge "I don't think it'd make for a good soup. Maybe an Asian cuisine, if I even knew what it was for. Got someplace cold and as separate from the food I can put this?" After a moment, she would sniff the air, with the aroma at least covering the skull's stench "What kind of soup are you making, anyways?" (edited)

"Everything soup. Just close your eyes when you're drinking it. I'm doing what I can for the taste. It's not pleasant but it'll keep you nourished. Still more than the people at home are getting"

Pearl raises an eyebrow on hearing what the chef has dubbed his dish "Isn't that something to make when nothing else actual can be prepared? Rather than, you know, when you're fully stocked on ingredients?" She glances at the doorway which she came before looking back at the chef "Besides... I may sound picky about it, but I'm the type who has a more refined palate. Can you try making something more distinguishable? Even if it's just a little something special for me?" (edited)

"You'll eat what the crew eats or you'll go hungry. We don't know how long we're going to be out here, and blowing through ingredients that recklessly might kill us faster than any other danger we might find. Its going to be a hard life here on Heras for everyone, for a long while, the sooner you make peace with it the happier you'll be"

She just sighs "Alright, alright... Just, I 'unno." While speaking, the searches through the fridge to make space for the wrapped head "We've been at trying to restore the city for... how long? I'm just worn from all the 'plant your head down and push through' stuff." After finding a spot, she's stuff it in and close it up "And still, we can't even go half an hour away without something coming out to kill us. Now, I get it as much as you do that there's little we can do about it, but... there doesn't seem to be anything we can really do to make this place feel like a home, y'know?... and the place is as adamant with making sure we can't feel that way." Pearl turns back to the cook "I'm not just being wild, right? Don't you think we'd be better off somewhere else? Like up there?" She'd point a finger up at the ceiling "... No, not on deck, up up. UP up up." "... Sorry." Having vented a bit, Pearl goes to head back to her position "I'll see you at dinner." (edited)

(Did you not want an answer then?)

(I'll still take an answer. It's not like Pearl can be told to stop)

4:33 PM

(*can't)

He shrugs. “It’s been less than a month since we landed here. You know that right? What were you expecting? And as far as space. We have a few ships but where would they go. There’s no fuel to refill reactors with, and we don’t know what’s around us, even in the local system. People talk freely around me while I work, like I’m not even here. I’ve heard probably more than I should”

"I wasn't really expecting TO land, or at the very least I expected to be kept on one of the few ships we DO have. As for fuel... well... Maybe we'll find some?" With that, she'd then finally go back up on top to refind her position at the railgun

You take your position and see the remains of the river serpent..thing...are vanishing rapidly as the engines pick up more speed.

8:27 PM

Heading west, you look out over the river, eyes instinctually drawn to the massive tree that can be seen for hundreds of kilometers around. As you watch, you hear a faint thunderclap of sound, and the tree begins to ignite like a torch in the hands of the planet itself

"What the... hell?" Pearl would, again, turn to the captain "Do I even need to point that out? Isn't that the same tree on the map we have?"

"It is. Think it goes without saying we need to change course and head south and see what the heck is going on out there"

9:33 PM

"The regent would be furious if we passed up such an important intelligence opportunity"

"Aye aye. Hopefully we can reach there soon... You said someone was already there working on something, didn't ya?"

"the Regent himself. He heard the local folklore about the place being haunted and had to go see for himself

11:54 AM

"You know how those lordly types can be" he says, as the engines roar and a rooster tail of white water follows the boat

Pearl would slowly turn back around to face the captain, raising an eyebrow "... You wanna clarify what you mean by 'lordly' types and how they are?"

“Don’t feel like being shot for treason today” he says. There’s more he is saying but the engines are too loud now. The onboard navigation has you arriving as close to the tree as possible within the next couple hours and the general orders have a small team going ashore to find the Regent if he is not already there waiting

Pearl is indecisive as to whether she wishes to remain on the boat, away from what may be causing havoc, or if she wishes to be involved going in, getting away from where the water serpents may be swimming, instead allowing her captain to make the decision for her so at the very least she can complain if it turns sour for her

The boat speeds along as quick as it’s able for the better part of two hours, the regents signal growing stronger, and then flickering out altogether . The water of the river changes from a relatively clear blue to a sickly green as you approach the tree and it’s local environment, and fog seems to begin gathering. Running lights on the rails automatically light up as the sun is dimmed by the dense green tinted fog

"Huh, everything's so swampy-feeling around here. Or is this just what happens at dusk on here?" Pearl decides to take initiative, not liking the vibes the environment is giving her, by taking hold of the railgun at her current position, deciding that if she sees something suspicious that it would be the boat's best interests that she just try to take care of the issue herself

The fog rolls in, thick and heavy, and radio communicators fail with Mytikas itself, and the orbital platforms above. "Stay sharp everyone" (notice/wis)

(4 using Scene Reroll)

Something screams in the fog, and you see a massive armored shape coming toward you. Between it, and you, the fog clears just enough,f or you to make out the forms of dozens of twisted humanoid shapes

"AH!!" Appropriately frightened, Pearl takes aim with her mounted weapon, going ahead to cut down the monstrous looking beings

(initiative)

(8)

(You're up. Railguns can fire suppression, which uses half of the ammunition loaded, and you have the chance to hit everyone. There's no cover, so they won't escape some damage)

(Since she doesn't know who the armored individual is, then that's exactly what Pearl will do.)

(ill roll their saves in a min here )

2:08 PM

(cant get to my phone at this second)

2:15 PM

(3d8 for damage, 7/20 pass the save and take half)

(6 for damage, and I don't know what 7/20 means)

(That's how many failed. Also thank god for the low roll on this one.)

(Yeah, I accidentally rolled 3d6 and got 14, so my reroll softened the railgun)

2:48 PM

(So... that means the seven that saved take 3 damage instead)

A hail of hyper-accelerated railgun rounds, heavy machine gun fire and a land launched depth charge cut the horde to pieces (Cyrus’s taking 6 damage. It’s all heavy weapons) Ghoul bits rain down, and scraps of burning uniform merge with the falling hail of sparks and wood debris from the tree. The captain calls out. “Regent! Get aboard! Quick!” And he points to where another pack of ghouls forms up at the edge of the fog bank

Cyrus kicks a clawing revenant away, his shoulder smouldering where the round had scraped it. He looks back for a second and then begins running for the boat hurdling a legless ghoul as he does. He reaches the bank and jumps, using what power was left in his suit to launch himself into the boat spear still in hand.

He runs an armoured gauntlet through his hair, pushing it out of his face. Itself stained by a mixture of dried and fresh blood, his own and others, black soot, sweat and general grime. Turning he looks at the Captain of the small vessel, a broad grin appearing on his face. "Apt timing Captain. My thanks, and good shooting, whoever was on that main gun did a fine job." He says nodding his thanks to the crew. "But it does beg the question, what in Hades name you are doing out here in the first place." Like a true officer, this is said casually as a statement, but framed as a question and to any soldier known to be treated as such. Though there is no malice in his tone, simply a thankful amazement at the timing. (edited)

Pearl holds her hands behind her back, crossing her legs in a stance with a gleeful smile, being complemented for her performance by none other than the leader(?) of the Elysium "We were just scouting, sir... We saw the fire from upstream, and decided to come down to check things out."

Cyrus raises an eyebrow slightly at the strange woman in the strange stance, glancing between her and the captain for a few moments. "I see, well, in any case. Good work. But now we best be going, leave this place to run it's course for a time. Captain I will be in need of your comms for a few moments."

"Theyre fouled this deep into the marsh, and with all the crap in the air" he puts his hands up to encompass the sky. "I think its time we made ourselves scarce"

"Righty-oh! Let's get the hell outta here, and quick! I don't wanna deal with any more boogymen." In preparation, Pearl remounts herself to the railgun, keeping an eye out for any more ghouls

(9xp, 20,000 credits for Cyrus, and the spear, 3xp, 5000 credits for Peal) The PT boat runs its engines almost to ruin making swift progress back to the city of Mytikas and the improvised docks set up an hour from the city. A flight of five cargo lifters heads skyward departing from city. Comms are still down in Cyrus' suit, and the boat radio is not powerful enough to reach the city, leaving their destination a mystery for now.

9:17 AM

A wooden gangramp is run out, allowing you to exit, and make your way down to the bobbing pontoon dock

Pearl would turn to Cyrus after they've sailed a distance away from the large tree ~~after spontaneously beaming radiant energy fueled by a level up~~ "Do you want to borrow my compad, sarge?" (edited)

As the boat begins to pull away Cyrus turns to watch the bank and the burning tree. His chrome armour dented, scraped, burnt and pot marked by shrapnel of varying types and makes. He looks down at pearl as she speaks and let's out a low chuckle. "You've left out a few ranks there, new one. But thank you all the same, the Captain will make the call to my ship, they'll meet us a little down river and I'll hop on board then you can be on with your expedition properly. What's your name?" He asks warmly (To give you a picture of things Cyrus is about 7ft tall in his armour)

(Oh christ)

10:10 AM

"It's Pearl... Pearl Sarya, of the former Saryan family." She opts to avoid calling Cyrus by title again, not wanting to be wrong again while not remembering what he goes by. Being a foot and a half shorter than the armored behemoth, she has to tilt her head back to look up far enough for eye contact "It's a pleasure getting to actually meeting you." (edited)

(pause, I just had the boat coming back to Mytikas, the point was her expedition was re-routed to get you, and bring you back, youre an hour from city limits right now)

(Okay good to know we'll retcon what I said then to that affect, either way I won't need the comm. Thanks)

10:17 AM

Cyrus smiles "I would offer you an arm to shake but I'm afraid my armour would, at this present moment, cut your arm to shreds. It's more than a little rough. Not to mention the gore of those beasts." He looks at his hands noting the mess and pauses in a moment of reflection" Huh, I suppose more than a fraction of this is also mine. I am Regent Cyrus Adonis, leader of the Elysium Protectorate, Champion of Ares among other titles." He says with a laugh making a dismissive motion with his hand. "Most call me Regent, or My Lord but I prefer Cyrus under less formal circumstance."

"Ah, right, regent. Got it." She gives him to finger gun motions "I'm actually surprised to find you down here. Y'know, on this hellhole of a planet? Instead of..." She then points up to the sky "... up there, were all the big ships are, doing the captaining." Pearl then lowers her hand and crosses her arms, puffing herself up "What were you even doing in there?"

Cyrus smiles "Looking for something, hopefully I've found it. As for the whole Captaining thing... Its not my idea of leadership. Or my style, I'd rather make a difference. I have people to deal with management of things, they do a fine job. I've been told it's more than a little reckless but I'd go insane if I was stuck behind a desk." He looks out towards the city

10:31 AM

"I best be returning, my Wife will have my guts for garters if not. On second thoughts, do you mind if I borrow your comm for a second or two?"

"Yeah, no problem!" Pearl rummages into her coat for a minute before extracting the compad, offering it forward "Just don't go flipping through my photos, or I'll tell your wife on you."

Cyrus raises an eyebrow for a second as if not getting the idea and then chuckles shaking his head as he take the Commpad and calls Cole's personal line.

"You better be on your way home" she answers, a safe bet on who is calling, as you are the only one who has this number. Cole has not made much effort to fraternize with even her guard since her ouster as Governor of Aslief

Cyrus visably winces as she answers "I'm about a mile out from the city. I'm a little banged up, was rough in there, but we'll talk about it when I get home. Got picked up by a patrol boat headed on an expedition down south."

"Oh! By the way, since we're heading back to the village, would you mind bringing with you a little something we have on board?"

Cyrus nods and ends the call with A: "I'll see you soon and we can talk more about everything then." *Before Cole can bite at him for his behaviour then looks back to Pearl handing her the Commpad. * "Thank you, what as it you wanted me to take back?"

"... It's a surprise!" Pearl throws up jazz hands before accepting back her compad "You'll find it all nice and wrapped up in the fridge compartment, just downstairs in the kitchen area." (edited)

"Spoken like a person that hasn't yet cultivated a healthy sense of paranoia. I like to know what things are before I pick them up, been blown up too many times."

"Okay, fiiiine. It's a disembodied head of a monster we murderized. Captain was having it preserved in the cooler until we got back, so it could be analyzed in a lab, but since we're heading back so soon I just thought it'd be more convenient if you just brought it with you."

"I'll take it, I'll speak to the captain before I leave. I don't know what his plans are for going forward whether you're just dropping me off or getting back out there. We'll have to see. Anyway, it's been good talking to you Pearl. Well done for today, I'm sure we'll see more of you in the future." He says giving a curt before turning to find the Captain and then leaving with the parcel tucked under his arm (edited)

Pearl would respectively go back to her post, sighing as returning back to town puts her back at square one in regards to the mission

(well, its up to you pearl, they're probably going to go back out, but the mission as intended was always going to be changed to you guys linking up with Cyrus so that you two could meet and it was also themey)

12:40 PM

(If you want to get into sometihng else, we can, its player driven_

(I wasn't entirely sure what would have been called for. Give me some time to think)

(You wouldnt have, i was just saying i didnt have anything else lined up and didnt intend to bond you to that course of action for the whole expedition, unless you wanted to be there)

(It's more that, from how I'm currently seeing it, Pearl's two options include backing out of the job to resume her daily rock moving duties, or stick with it and continue sailing for the expected time. Although, now that I think about it...)

12:47 PM

"Wait a minute... Lord Cyrus? Hang on, hang on, hang on..." Pearl decides to board off the boat, chasing behind Cyrus

(Quick question: Where exactly did the 5K credits Pearl earned come from?)

(Every mission gets a monetary award regardless of the mission scope. It helps prevent people from ignoring small missions that might look "less profitable") (edited)

After reloading the railgun, looking back to see Cyrus having made his leave, Pearl stands back up to look at the captain "Since we're back at camp, should we take the time to replenish what we've used? I could personally see myself heading into the market if we'd take the time."

"More than enough time. Some of you might not want to spend another night at home, you're welcome to sleep aboard if you'd like, but as for your question sailor Pearl, you've got plenty of time to hit the market"

"Faaantastic. Alright, then, I'll be back once I've gathered everything I'm or at least hopefully." With that, Pearl strolls off into town to perform some shopping, having a general idea what she's looking for: A laser rifle, to replace her pistol as an upgrade, if not managing to find a seller of the fabled 'shear rifle' Alcoholic beverages and delectable food, to ration for herself and to share with the rest of the crew throughout the trip

The shear rifle is not available, the few examples of it in Protectorate hands only belonging to the vice regent, and a couple of her bodyguards. The machine shops and computing banks needed to re-create one may as well be eons away, right now. (book price for the laser rifle, protectorate had enough backstock of those during its time with the UNW) There is not much in the way of luxury food, or any alcohol not given over for disinfectant in the field tents, you find, after a long search, though you do see two technicians in an alleyway filling canteens of something murky and green, for a few credits

"... Y-yeah, uh-- You can enjoy that yourselves Whatever... that, is, that is." Pearl heads back without luxurious snacks, making her wonder how long it'll be before she gets another taste of cognac, but at least is able to make herself feel safer with a bigger weapon. Back at the boat, she'd look around the barracks to find the sleeping space she can find the most comfortable to claim, preparing herself to rest up for the next day's work

Aside from the captain, and the navigator, who as it happens is also the executive officer, the remaining sleeping arrangements are hammocks, with a curtain that can be pulled around it for privacy. They are at least clean, and you can smell a slight trace of the chemical disinfectant used as you settle in. On deck, the watch officer pulls the gangramp up, with everyone accounted for- to prevent unauthorized boarding during the night.

https://youtu.be/RSAoJJzVXYY

(Is this you telling me Pearl is resting?)

(Yeah)

(hhoookay) Morning dawns, and you were thankfully not woken for watch duty during the night. You presume that means tonight you will be. You hear a few other people beginning to stir as the captain plays revelry music over the ships internal speakers

Pearl... eventually... would swing in her hammock to turn over and lift herself up, proceeding to groggily perform her morning ritual of washing and putting on her face. Of course, it being a boat, Pearl isn't even sure if there is one to be had. Whether there is one on deck which she is given a turn in, or has to resort to a bucket of water with a sponge, she'd eventually prepare herself for the day and find her post back at the railgun again

There is a chemical shower aboard, and you see someone has defaced the wall near the showerhead with a sticker. It is an astronaut with his pockets turned out, the caption "All out of fucks to give" is written beneath it. Evidently the maintaining crew has seen fit to leave it there. You make your way to the top deck as mooring lines are being thrown off, and the captain has resumed his place at the helm

Pearl gets a chuckle out of the sticker, which feels fitting given the situation. Up on deck, Pearl peers onto the river, keeping an eye out for any bubbling or fins cutting through the surface, cycling her shante singing back to the beginning like a CD returning to track one, although this time letting her volume be louder (edited)

The captain seems relaxed with the crew finally learning their roles, and the engines begin to spool up as they slowly take in more power, and the boat moves away from the dock. Speeding back out across the water, you see the articulated skeleton of the sea serpent like creature, now stripped to the bone from the feeding of fish and other subnautic scavengers

"Damn, a lot of hungry critters in these waters. I expected it'd take a lot longer for them to finish their meal..."

You hear the firewatchman to your left agree with you as he leans on the machine gun mount, looking at the skeleton in the water. “Weird how it floats though. Something special about it maybe” he says mostly to himself as the boat continues on. It comes to the river crossing, where the original intent had been to go west and then south to scout a native city

9:33 PM

“From here on out, this is the Wild West” the captain says to all of you. “Let’s try not to start an incident but if we are challenged or approached and you fire to protect yourself, or the team, then your use of force is justified. Are we all clear?”

Pearl would comment with the firewatchman "Maybe it was an airbreather? If it's endoskeleton had buoyancy, it would help it find the surface." At the intersection, she listens closely to her captain's instructions "Yes, sir. Does that include swiss cheesing whatever bubbles near the boat?"

"Just be careful with the ammo use, but yes. If you see something call it out. I'm not sure we'll be resupplied so easily out here. Dont want to get caught with thirsty guns if we really hit the shit"

8:09 AM

The boat moves on, coming to the large lake near the tree. Fogs of smoke and the ever present mist have withdrawn, closer to the gardens, revealing the wrecks of some former naval ships, now riddled with holes and beached on reefs nearby. One is very large, possibly once a battlship of some kind, though its citadel is burned and mangled, and its proud cannons are bent in submission to whatever powerful force destroyed it

"Hm... Maybe we should see about scavenging those, at least on our return trip if we have the time and supplies to spare. Who knows what sort of equipment we could discover on the battleship along?"

"If you think its worth a look we can make a detour. Our purpose is to scout, let's scout. Do you all think its a plan?" he asks, he looks gentile and paternal now that youre out at 'sea' ,trying to ensure the crew feels they are a WE rather than a collection of ME's (edited)

Pearl just looks around the rest of the crew to see their collective response. She believed if the could find an undestroyed armory, in tact military rations, or even a still aging bottle of booze, it would be a treat for the crew. The more good things she can bring everyone's way, the better of an image she can build for herself.

There is a vote cast, and it is split 3-3 for investigating vs not investigating by time the attention swings to you, as the deciding factor

"Well, I'm the one who brought up the idea, so..." Pearl raises her hand in favor of investigating "Let's hope it's not a waste of time." (edited)

The boat begins drifting toward the stricken battleship, and there is a hole in the bow large enough for it to pull directly inside of, just barely.

8:31 PM

Twisted metal, along with a damaged ladder leading up onto the ships deck, through a hatch , lines up near the bow

Pearl fastens on her low-light goggles, preparing herself to skulk around the damp and dark conditions within "Let's see what we can get!" With that, she'd take the lead heading over to the ladder, slinging her laser rifle over her back in preparation to climb up

The ladder bobs within reach, and then back out again as the waves lap the boat. you have to time your jump just right to make it

"Oh, you cheeky little..." Pearl would squat down slightly, swinging her arms back and forth to prepare herself for the jump, leaping up to latch onto the bars

you manage to snag the second lowest rung, feet hanging off , unable to latch on to anything but your handholds are strong

She kicks her feet, working on swinging her legs up to get a footing on the first rung or to try climbing up further with her hands first. Ultimately, Pearl would give up on the physical work and look down, back at the rest of the crew "Can, uh, one of you give be a boostie? Please?"

You feel yourself lifted so you can get your legs onto the rungs, and climbing up, you find yourself on the mid-deck of the ship. The hallway is narrow, with a ladder at the end leading to the top-deck, exposed to the open sky. THe galley must be the room on the left, some canned food has spilled into the passageway. It sounds like a badly tuned radio or some sort of communication device must still be on in there, as there is a faint, irregular scratching sound coming from the dark room

Pearl gets her laser rifle back into her hands, looking down at the others below to make sure they can follow her up before tip toeing into the galley to investigate, with the hints of potential loot already showing themselves. She feels fortunate for possessing goggles for the lighting, or lack there of, as she can keep an eye out for anything that might otherwise be trying to camouflage themselves in the shadows (edited)

(You're lookin out for it, so lets go into initiative rather than it getting a surprise round)

(7 for initiative) (edited)

(1) The creature looks similar to the undead type beasts you'd seen chasing the regent just a day ago though this one has something fin like on its forearms, and down its neck and back, ending at the small. It's arms end in a hand with four fingers, each ending with a long claw, made of a black bone like substance. it is 15m from you, feasting on ruptured containers and the other detritus of the kitchen, before dropping its stolen meal and growling at you

Pearl jumps in shock, getting a much closer look of the monster and without the protection of the ship nor the firepower. ~~It's like the first zombie scene of RE1.~~ She raises the barrel of her rifle and decides to run her circuits hot for a burst shot (Attack Roll = 12 | 11 damage)

(You’re fine I’m just busy tonigjt

(Oh, whoops. I meant to post that in a different chat)

The shots strike the deck near its feet in a neat line, the pinprick weapon impacts still smoking from the shots. It lunges forward trying to close the distance (5m Away. Action was to double move) You hear the sound of other hands clacking the rungs of the access ladder. Someone is climbing up

"Ah-ahh!" Without much room to distance herself from the shambler, Pearl would try to back up back to the ladder, taking a pot shot at the being (24 to hit, 10 damage)

This one hits , sending chunks of wet gore and shards of blackened bone skittering against the walls and floor. It lurches forward, hand claws swinging drunkenly toward you

(Pearl's AC is 13 if that's what you need to know)

(I just am not at a computer right now but thank you. I’ll roll soon)

(Oh, sorry.)

(9, solid miss)

11:35 AM

The slashing ghoul falls short, the damage throwing it off balance, and its body still burning and smoking slightly around the laser shots punched into it

Pearl backs herself up against a wall, firing a standard laser back at the flailer, hoping that backup would climb up the ladder sooner than later (6 to hit, 9 damage... probably misses, but lol)

There is a shot that passes dangerously close to your right, striking the ghoul in the neck and sending its severed head bouncing back down the corridor, away from you. It's teeth still chatter as it bounces. The first mate pokes his head back up, rifle still trailing a thin line of bluish-gray smoke. "You'd have had it on your own anyway" he claps your shoulder and moves next to you, passing you rifle raised, to secure ahead

"I appreciate the help either way. Thanks a bunch." With the first mate at her side, Pearl leads the way back into galley, deciding to try being light on her feet in case there be more than just the one hostile, despite the noise already made potentially alerting everything present to an intruder anyhow

"where was it?" he hisses, pausing in the hallway, on one knee and hugging the wall, rifle trained ahead, he is just a few meters from the galley door

"Just in there." She'd points her laser rifle like a laser pointer at the half-eaten mess within the room "We've been beaten to the food, it seems."

He sighs. "Damnit. Well, let's see if there's anything worth saving. " Keeping his stance tight, he swivels into the room, and it does not sound like he has been set upon by any kind of hidden beastie

Pearl would follow, covering their back while they proceed with their search "You have an idea where the armory might be on this thing? I don't think zombies would have an appetite for lead or energy cells."

"I've never served on even a spaceship before, but probably somewhere toward the middle, where the armor is thick"

7:30 AM

He pans into the galley, and while keeping his gun level, spares a quick glance around to see if there is anything for use. "Looks like some of the cans are okay"

"Sounds like we have another 'everything soup' in inventory?" Pearl chuckles to herself "We can probably sort through them once we're done with the rest of the place, since it's right at the exit."

"I don't want to risk running into more of those things and getting driven off, but we can radio back to them and have them send someone up to grab this. Let's push on, there's a ladder leading up to the main deck at the end of the hall here. Whos' going first?" he grins

"I can take the lead. I'm confident if I stay sneaky enough, I might get the jump on any more of the things I come across." Pearl heads over to the ladder and decides to climb one handed, keeping her rifle ready to aim and fire in the other while she slowly goes up, stopping to turn her head down and whisper "You better not be staring at my butt." She then looks back up to continue (May I make a Stealth/DEX check?) (edited)

(oh for sneaking? yeah for sure)

(12)

If he answers, you do not hear it, as the hatch to the top deck silently opens, and the green/gray sunlight of the garden fills the lower deck. You hear the waves gently lapping against the side of the wreck, and smell salt. The deck looks clear as you emerge in the shadow of its most forward triple cannon turret, the barrels bent, one splashed into the water, and overgrown with vines, encrusted with barnacles. The citadel of the ship is ahead, a long rusting stairwell leading up to its access door. The citadel outside is heavily scorched, taking the brunt of incendiary fire. The metal held, but the heat was so intense the paint bubbled.

Pearl, after setting the latch open and stepping out of the hole, carefully makes her way along the sloped walkway over to the stairs, making way toward the citadel

The citadel door is shut, and does not budge when attempted to open. It looks to be sealed somehow, possibly from the heat. The door itself has a flywheel to open and shut it, and is solid aside from a porthole just a few handspans tall and wide

"Aww, damn..." Pearl fiddles with the flywheel to find that the mechanics have welded themselves, heading back to find her partner catching up "That door is sealed, and unless we can burn through it... and I'm not comfortable to make the noise to blast through it... we'll have to find another way in." Pearl looks around, for any windows in the captain's deck that may have shattered, potentially giving an entry if she were to scale up

There are rough handholds cut from the battle damage, such as deep shrapnel scars, popped rivets and fallen masting, all leading to a broken window at the front of the citadel. It groans gently as the shipwreck bobs in the waves. It's hard to tell what its weight tolerance might be

Pearl looks up the series of artificial supports, and takes a knee to rummage into her bag for her climbing kit If the entrance is sealed tight, unless more of those things got up that way, it should be safe going inside from up there. So... I think I'm going to try and get up in there.

“Not sure what it looks inside but if you get up there and see there’s company, we can run back to the boat. I’ll have them swing it around in case we have to jump”

"Right on. None of them should be able to follow us down, anyway, unless they're willing to splatter on the deck." Pearl begins strapping herself with the harness "I'll put fifty cred on the table saying nothing alive is moving in there, though."

"Alright, Ill match that action" he says smiling, this may be one of the first real comradely moments you've had so far on this trip, and the moment lingers for just a second, as maybe he realizes it too

She smiles back, heading over to the wall, looking up before beginning her climb (Exert/STR if I'm correct?)

(str or dex, i think either one makes sense)

(Same modifier either way in my case... 9)

You deftly scramble up the shifting fallen superstructure of the ship and peek into the warehouse. There are no ghouls present, and you can see the ruinination of the wheelhouse. Broken controls, a half slagged ships wheel, and the bodies of shredded officers, captain included by what remains of the uniform litter the floor, but are in too manty pieces to reanimate

Pearl climbs in the window, getting her rifle back in her hands looking around the room, taking a moment to lean out of the opening and down at her spotter to give a thumbs up, to try and signify that the coast is clear inside. Afterward, Pearl would head over to the captain's body, kneeling down to check for any keys he may have processed at the time before looking for a way deeper into the ship from within

THe captains jacket is shredded but a heavy key ring with two keys, and an attached keycard both are on the same ring.

2:46 PM

There is a door here that is shut now

2:46 PM

leading deeper into the ship

She carries the key ring with her to the door, checking to see if it's needed to carefully crack it open, then taking a minute to take off and put away her climbing gear before advancing through with caution

You hear the creaking superstructure outside, as your companion copies your moves, using your path as a way up

8:32 PM

he enters the window, seeing you fussing with the keys. "We should check them for weapons before we go, just in case"

"I don't think any of them would have been personally armed on this kind of ship, but we can check them if you want... Not sure if this planet has anything high-tier to nab."

"We're not sure. Thats precisely the reason to check" He flips over the first mate, shredded from his perch next to the captain, and removes a chome plated revolver, with a small amount of rust on the barrel from a holster, pockmarked by shrapnel, but otherwise functional (edited)

8:43 PM

He holds it in the light, appreciatively

"Awww, you son of a..." Pearl pouts and crosses her arms seeing the other person getting to nab a really cool looking weapon. She herself wouldn't normally use ballistic based weapons, with her aforementioned distasted dealing with recoil, but she would have still wanted to just HAVE the revolver to wave around maybe. Nonetheless, she gets to work digging through the other bodies, seeing if she can out-loot them

(lets get 2 d 100, see wha turns up)

(11 and 47)

One of them has a patch in a shirt pocket, it looks like a squadron patch, showing a skeleton eating a very large man in a suit and monocle. It has EAT THE RICH embroidered along the bottom. You also find a small shortsword (medium advanced weapon) with a monoblade, tucked into a scabbard

1

"... H-ha, see?" Pearl holds up the patch "I got this coooool patch, tgat I can... I guess... Carry around? And..." She then waves around the shortsword "This! A monosword! Like... The one... I already have..." She sits on the ground on her knees, with a pouty look staring down for a moment before standing up "Damn it, I better find something SUPER cool in the armory." She stuffs the patch into a pocket and the sword into her backpack with the scabbard on, thinking she could at least trade them off to someone else more appreciative. Really, Pearl is just jealous of what her comrade found first, and she takes the lead over to the doorway getting her rifle back in ready position

"Alright, me open, you cover?" he asks, looking to you , to see you braced with your gun

"Yeah... Let's try to keep quiet, though. I wanna try to get a clean headshot on one of those things if there are any more, rather than draining through my power cell hot boxing this thing, if you get what I mean."

"it takes what it takes, Important thing is we stay alive. You can recharge one of the cells overnight if you run dry. " He moves to the door, and gently turns the key, and inserts the keycard. There must be residual power from an emergency generator still running somewhere, the door opens smoothly, and there is a staircase heading back down into the heart of the ship. A sign has three destinations set out at the landing below. Security to the left Surface Warfare Office to the right Crew Dormitory straight ahead

"Hm... Let's take a left. Security rooms double as armories, right?" After heading down the stairwell, Pearl leads the way in the stated direction, doing her best to maintain a light step

Rounding the corner to the security room you see one of the ghouls standing before the armored door, hunched over and facing away from you. It looks like it is resting

Pearl puts up her hand to tell... erm... she also thinks she should ask what his name is, but either way signals him to halt before raising up the barrel of her laser rifle, aligning her sights with the ghoul's head (Going for that scrumptious Execution Attack)

(It’s a shoot/dex check against a dc of 8, in this instance)

(10, so now the ghoul needs to make a Physical Save or be instantly mortally wounded, and if it passes it still takes 10 damage)

(Its dead either way in this case, for convenience sake if nothing else)

6:44 AM

The shot is crisp, and you take it in the head as you said you wanted to. THe body is lifeless. More lifeless now seems a better term, perhaps, and it slumps in front of the armory door, coming to its resting place

Pearl pumps her fist, moving up to the newly made corpse "Blamooo..." Waving her partner to follow, Pearl gets in position to aim into the upcoming room while they unlock and open the doorway (edited)

He repeats the procedure and the armory door swings open. The emergency lights in here work fine, and you see dozens of combat rifles, a heavy machine gun, and a locked display case sitting in the corner. The glass on it is opaque and looks to be reinforced.

"Heck yeah! Just what I was looking for." Pearl saunters in, examining the rows of armorments "I guess this must have been a Tier 3 ship, everything being so powder reliant." She then gestres at the display case "Try one of the keys on that... Y-you, um... What was your name again?" Pearl meanwhile heads over to the HMG, examining it over "I guess you also won the bet, with sleepy pants at the gate... Which means one of three things."

"Which three things would those be?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. He is likewise looking over the armaments. "All the fog and smoke on this planet. Kind of makes sense they'd stick with bullets. The beam scatters too much in a hazy environment like that"

"Well... One, there was an easier way in here that we could have simply walked in here. Two, those things are smart enough to scale the tower like we did. Finally, three... I've been underplaying them this whole time and, like, they actually ARE zombies? Zombies turned from the crew that were already in here, y'know. Somehow." "I guess you've got a point about the fog, though. Hasn't seemed to be an issue for me and the railgun, though."

"Projectile" he says, "The acceleration coils are magnetic, but you're not projecting the energy beyond the barrel"

"... Oh." That's really all she has to say on that matter, having thought she was shooting laser beams. She decides to take the keys and head over to the opaque cabinet herself to fiddle it open "Either way, that LMG is sure to fetch the crew a pretty penny, if not adding to what we already have aimed off deck."

As you tinker with the case none of the keys seem to fit the Antique lock

Pearl doesn't fret, as she knows how to bypass the lock anyhow... No, not by smashing it with a rock, although that could work. She rumages in her belongings, hunting for her metatool to use for picking the lock

(fix/int)

(6)

Youre able to pick the lock, and it snaps open with a click as the tumblers inside break. the opaque doors swing open, revealing a fine Stardust Micropellet brand shotgun, held firm in claw like hooks in the display case

9:46 AM

The “Stardust” system was a cutting-edge effort to use gravitic manipulation techniques in projectile weaponry. By giving a tiny flake of matter the mass profile of a bullet, a Stardust weapon never runs out of ammunition, albeit Stardust weaponry cannot burst fire. Stardust weaponry gains +1 on all hit and damage rolls.

Pearl gawks in awe at her findings, pocketing her metatool to reach in and lift the boomstick off the display handles, getting a feel for it in her hands before looking at her partner with a smug grin "Oh yeah, this beaut' is mine." She returns back over to him at the HMG "We've still got two more areas, if I'm right, to plunder. After that, we'll have to see about loading the big one onto the boat, and however many of these rifles we can."

"If the haul is that good the captain will probably authorize us returning home to unload before going out again, anything we can bring back to the city will help. Heck you might even get your own command with how fruitful this endeavor becomes. lets not cheat ourselves here. Anything useful, lets take it all, if we don't its going to rot, or someone else just as brave is going to profit. And we can't have that"

"My own... command? You mean, like, my own unit to lead?" Pearls eyes light up by the suggestion, letting herself get excited far too early and easily "U-um... yeah! Let's make sure to pick this place dry."

(I dont want to bind you to continuing to go out on the boat for random scouting, there's some mass combat stuff coming up that will have missions around it, ect, so i want to free you up for other duties)

3:09 PM

(Get you closer to stuff you actually want to do)

3:10 PM

"I'll pretend we never saw the boomstick, but lets carry back as much as we can otherwise. We can get some more help from the ship too:

(Oh. I was having Pearl refer to the Warfare Office and Crew Dorm regarding what's left to search. If there's nothing meant to be found there, we can skip over it then.) (edited)

3:12 PM

"Alright." Pearl takes off her backpack to try and stuff it in, keeping it as her own little secret before swiping up as much ammo and other weaponry from the armory as she comfortably can

(we can check those too)

3:15 PM

(theres plenty)

3:15 PM

"Alright, to deck, we empty our bags, we let some of those sops aboard the patrol boat get a workout in, and we push on. Sound good?"

"Righty-o!" With that, she works on carrying her load back the way they came, making sure to keep an eye out in case any ghouls have wandered in their route (edited)

The way back seems clear for now, but the pile of debris you climbed to get in here creaks and shifts on your way down. You've got a bit less confidence in its continued ability to hold. Piling your pilfered gear up on the deck takes only a few moments, and the patrol boat has swung alongside the ship, working on anchoring itself and getting a ladder set up so other deckhands can grab what you've piled up. It looks like they should have things going by time you make it back from your next run into the battleship

Pearl helps with lowering the equipment down from the deck and onto the dolly boat "Make sure if you want or need a rifle, you take a rifle for yourselves. First pickings for us, right?"

"We're not going to do anything but get this away from the water, we'll go through everything below deck once we're safer"

7:12 AM

The captain calls up. True to his word, the only handling of the plunder you see is them getting everything oiled against the touch of sea spray and the corrosion it brings

She glances down to see that, and respond "Alright, alright... By the way, while you were circling around the ship, did anyone see another cavity in the ship that could be walked through? Just, you know, out of curiosity." Pearl eyes back at the degrading footholds up to the citadel

"Nothing as big as the one we went into before. We'd be close to the engine rooms if we go further back, and I don't want to chance what might be leaking out of there. Whole ship is reefed. I can guarantee there are superstructure cracks

"Alright... because in the way the two of us went, we only had an 'Office of Surface Warfare,' I think, and the barracks to search through. After that, there's probably nothing more we can get out of this place unless we start hacking through the infrastructure."

He thinks for a few moments, both boats rocking gently in opposite directions. "Alright, check those out of it seems safe, otherwise no heroic measures. We've already come out of this ahead of the game. After that we'll push off and decide what to do in the safety of more open water"

"Righty-o." With the equipment being greased up below, Pearl returns to the wall to make a return trip inside, seeing if anyone else will follow before climbing back up so she can head back down the stairwell

You feel it shifting under the both of you once again "You told the captain the surface warfare office is next. What do you think, should we go for it?"

"Don't see why not. Then again, not exactly sure what would be in there... maybe scouting reports? What the heckie even is a surface warfare office?" Pearl would, again, take the lead along the way "Either way, we should check it out and the barracks right after. I feel like this'll be the last trip we can make in here before the shrapnel breaks off the wall outside."

He nods his agreement "In a battle the surface warfare office coordinates the engagement of other surface vessels and aircraft that threaten the fleet. They're the ones handing firing solutions to the gunners and making sure you're actually shooting at enemies. We might pick up some useful electronics for the city artillery, maybe. "

"I see, I see... so, like, radios and stuff like that?" She chats while casually walking along the way "Yeah, I can see that being helpful. Regent Cyrus apparently doesn't even have his own compad, so..."

“What were you expecting? His private number so you could just text him?”

Pearl just smerks "His wife wouldn't be all that happy with that."

He laughs, softly as he can manage in the cavern like ship interior. “Alright. Let’s figure this out. Looks like just a normal internal door. We gonna try to take this quietly again?”

"Sounds about right." Pearl readies up her rifle

(He's going to try to pick the lock then while you cover)

3:08 PM

There is a crunch as his pick snaps the tumblers in the lock , and the door shudders as the lock disengages

Pearl aims at the door, ready to be pointing into the room and looking out for any ghouls that may be trapped within

Two bodies begin to rise from the plotting table in the center of the room, the picking attempt disturbing their dormancy (initiative)

(4)

(4 as well ties go to PC) The ghouls are 10m from you, rising from their repose over the plotting table, scraps of tatered uniforms settling over bodies made mostly now just of bone

"Oh heeeeey! You need to die." Pearl runs her rifle hot, not having an opportunity to line up a clean kill, in hopes of shooting one down before they can both trample over them (13 to hit, 8 damage)

One of the ghouls is struck, as they both continue running toward you. Your companion levels a well aimed shot, knocking apart the one you'd already shot. It collapses into a loose pile of bones, life force binding it together ebbing away

7:42 AM

The remaining ghoul tackles your companion, knocking him heavily to the deck after raking him with his claws (19/6) . The gashes look bad, and very deep

Pearl is shaken with her companion being struck down, whipping her rifle in the ghoul's direction to protect them with a shot (22 to hit, before any modifiers, and 5 damage)

You blow out a section of the fused cage of bone that is its unnatural back, and caught in the midst of frenzy, your partner stabs upwards, long combat knife catching the light and shining brilliantly, plunging into the monsters chin and up into its brain cavity. The body goes slack, and bears him down to the floor under its weight

Pearl kneels down, setting her rifle on the metal flooring beside her, and goes to roll the corpse off of them "Oh my god, are you okay??"

He groans, arms and chest salvaged by the bone like fangs. His shirt is a tattered ruin of bloody rags, his crimson blood dark and pumping from deep rents. Most of the crew was former military, before joining up here, and have packed their own IFAKs, secured in leg pouches. He grabs weakly at is, gesturing for you to open it, and get the medical supplies within

She nods, hesitating with a lack of prior medical knowledge. While she has dealt with combat, Pearl had yet to be struck by anything, which she's now fearing might spell the man's end. Pearl grabs the IFAK and practically rips it open, rummaging it's contents Pearl works on pressing any gauzes and any bandage wrap available, trying to stop the bleeding (edited)

(Heal/int to stabilize him)

(8)

Despite your lack of training you seem to have done your work well. The bleeding stops and some color returns to his face. All the same,t his is not a safe place to stay. "Lets do a quick ransack, and get out of here. No doubt the sound carried"

"R-right, right... Do you, uh, want me to help you up? Or do you wanna have a lie down for a bit?"

"Prop me up near the door. I'll watch the hallway while you search" he pants, slowly finding his resolve

Pearl nods, dragging them over and hoisting them up so their back rests against the wall "... Really don't like the feel of someone else's blood... ugh... I hope this doesn't stain my clothes..." Getting them in place, Pearl glances into the room they had just cleared out

There is a central plotting table with actual wooden models showing the locations of friendly ships, enemy ships, and land based defenses at the time of the battle, where this mightly vessel was laid low. Computers cover the left side of the room, and the back of the room. Most of the panels have some kind of mircophone on them, with labels for which gun turret crew that link was connected to

"Alright, uhh..." Pearl heads over to the computers to see if she can boot any of them up, to see what sort of data they may be containing. Best case scenario, she can get ahold of scouting reports, which she could snag for the convenience of her team (edited)

Two of them look portable enough to be cut out and carried in a bag until power can be re-attached to them

"Screw it." Pearl decides to do just that, stuffing them into her pack after disconnecting them with the wires attached. Seeing nothing else useful that she believes can be taken from their places, she'd return to the doorway to help her injured partner back up "Let's get out of here... there can't be anything other than trifles in the barracks, right?"

"Don't think its a good idea for you to go alone" he says, coughing a bit. The phlgem is blood flecked

"Yeah... that too. It doesn't matter, I'm going to get you back to the captain." She leads the way carrying the man down, back to the stairwell and up to the captaining deck, where she would use the ropes of her climbing kit to make a harness around them and lower them down like a pully, setting them down as gently as she can below before climbing down to follow

You hear a guttural howl as the sling with the wounded man comes gently down to the deck. A pack of ghouls, you count at least six, alerted by the gunfire minutes ago, climb the outside of the upper deck of the citadel, howling and screeching down at you with green fire in theur eyes, they are 20m away

(Howling down? So Pearl was able to climb down herself before they revealed themselves at the window?)

(yeah youre both on the deck)

(Okay, was just a tad confused) Pearl works on hurrying the both of them away, dragging her partner by the shoulders while letting him aim back at the horde, allowing him to lay fire on them while she exacuates them back to the rest of the crew "We didn't come this far to die now! Cover me!" (edited)

He fires a burst up at them as you drag him toward the waiting rope ladder leading down to your ship. His injuries may make his own climbing difficult.

9:20 PM

The patrol boat sees what is happening and its engines fire up so it can pull away quickly

Pearl steps over the railing to get her feet onto the ladder steps, wrapping her arms around her compatriot's stomach and letting him sling his rifle "I'll use my feet, use your hands. Do not let us fall." With the threat of oncoming ghouls, she obviously wants to get out of there as quickly as possible, but at the same time does not want to compromise the electronics she managed to swipe. (edited)

You precariously hop onto the ladder, moving in tandem with your comrade as the pack for enemies hits the deck. You hear the dense thuds of their bony mass striking the wood and metal, as they pull themselves together. (exert/dex for both of you on the ladder and the heavy bag)

(... 1)

You plunge into the water, slamming hard into the waves after bouncing off the side of the boat. You see red clouded water above you, as your companion struggles. The bag with the electronics in it has been torn from your grasp by the fall, sinking deep into the murky water, beyond your reach

2:58 PM

The patrol boat moves up slowly firing controlled bursts at the deck, and a rope is thrown over the side

With the computers sinking, presumably destroyed by the water damage, Pearl doesn't bother making an attempt to rescue and salvage them, prioritizing the man above herself to swim up to and push up back to the surface with her, so that they may both board the dolly

(Does Pearl lose just the computers? Or is she losing the bag entirely and all it's contents? I had it mentally noted that the bag would have also been stashing her laser pistol, the monoblade shortsword, the Stardust Micropellet Shotgun, her climbing harness, and two type A power cells) (edited)

(Just the computers then)

(Just wanted to double check, because that would have sucked)

You’re fished out of the drink , and bundled on the deck by the crew who have remained aboard. You hear the concussive booms of heavy weapons fire as they spray the decking with their guns

7:26 AM

And prevent the ghouls from getting close

7:27 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Pearl coughs for air, rolling on the deck with herself and everything on her drenched and the makeup she had applied that morning bleeding, her heart still racing after the getaway "Th-thank you..."

Your companion is dragged below deck to be looked over by medical personnel. One of the ship crew also trained as an assistant begins making his way over to you. He looks unsure if you are hurt

Pearl just puts her hand up with a thumbs up "I'm okay, I'm okay... just... dizzy from the fall, is all..." Pearl is saddened that she had lost potentially important equipment with potentially useful information stored, having flubbed up the getaway. She'd soon lay still on her back, staring up at the foggy sky "... and wet. Not the fun kind of wet." After a minute or so, she'd pick herself up off the deck floor "I'm just gonna... head below deck and take five, and make sure he's doing fine now." (edited)

“Sure. We will push back out to open water and figure out our next move” the captain says, acting parental rather than commanding officerly right now

She heads on down and decides to go for the chemical shower again, deciding to rinse herself of the dirty river water and the running makeup. Her torn bag, which she realizes she'll need to replace once returning back to town, gets set by her bunk with her personal electronics being sprawled out to air dry. Pearl also decides to wash out her clothes and armor, letting the costume hang while putting back on her undersuit after her shower, and not bothering with a second application of blush and gloss for the day. Once all sorted and refreshed, after about an hour or two, Pearl would head into the medical bay to get a glimpse of the wounded man to check up on his condition

His arms and neck, along with a gauze pack on a facial scratch are heavily bandaged. He is getting an IV of heavy antibioitics, precious now, in light of there not being a way to mass produce more. He looks on the edge of sleep, and is shivering, skin prickled with goosebumps in the sterile bedbay air

She decides to take a seat beside him, thinking her company may be comforting. His condition send shivers down her spine, having been so close to being struck down in such a fashion herself... and Pearl has good looks to keep up! Rough scars across her body could ruin her visual appeal, and she hopes he doesn't have to deal with such a fate, at the very least his battle wounds looking cool after they seal. After a few minutes, watching him drift into unconciousness, Pearl would get back up and head to the upper deck, where she presumes everyone would be gathering to discuss their next plans. (edited)

The captain and the deck mates are sifting through the weapons you brought back, inspecting them for damage or defect. So far everything looks like it is already working or can be made to work fairly easily. Deck hands rub oil cloths on the more sensitive components to keep the moisture at bay and prevent rust. Luckily these seem to be chambered for calibers of hard rounds already available to the crew

Pearl sits down with the lot, having taking her break she feels obligated to catch up and work on inspections too, taking an unoiled rifle and getting to work "... So... uh... what's the count so far?"

“Recovered about fifteen long guns here and a few handguns. Plus that heavy machine gun you found. Brilliant stuff. All things we can use back at home”

"Yeah, that was definitely a huge find..." Pearl mostly just fiddles with the weapon in her hands, not actually knowing how to disassemble one and just occasionally rubs oil on it in places "How much food did we manage to get out of that ship's kitchen?... and what has everyone decided we should do next?"

“The regent is embattled down south. What do you think. Should we go save him again?”

"Oh, really? Yeah, we totally should!... Wait... were we really in the ship that long? He was able to pass us?"

"when you deploy via orbital lifter like they did, you can get anywhere pretty fast"

12:26 PM

(round trip would have only taken 40 minutes)

"Awww, that cheater. Let's get a move on once we've got everything all lubed up, definitely... by the way, can someone point me to wherever I can charge my power cells?" While she wanted to recharge her laser rifle's ammo, she also thought about slipping away with a rag back to her micropellet shotgun the oil treatment and make sure it would still be functional when she decides to pull it out on whatever

(alright, Ive got eli working on one mission, we're gonna do something else) A unit of allied troopers is being overwhelmed by the Ghouls, and although they estimate being able to hold out for another few hours, eventually their ammunition stocks will run dry. They cannot seem to break off from the hilltop they occupy, and will need some fire support to clear a path of retreat

"... Why is it always ghouls? Ugh... not like we can say no to that, anyways. Let's try and hurry to it."

"Better than going to war with the natives, for now at least. We wouldn't stand a chance" the captain says, "Get some rest Pearl, you went onto that boat twice, someone else can stand watch for now"

"I won't argue with that." Pearl sets the gun she was working on aside and gets up "See you all when dinner is ready or we get there, whichever happens first, then." With that, she'd wave to the crew, heading back to her bunk as suggested

You feel the engines pick up as the propellers bite deep into the water, and begins thundering off in the direction of the battlefield- in order to rescue allied troops.

There isn't much Pearl can do while she waits, other than making sure her shotgun will be opperational, airing out her electronics, and getting some shut eye. She starts to feel burnt from the tension, having gotten in danger three times in the span of the ship endever, wanting to accomodate herself with luxuries again more than ever. She still needs to meet with that Eli guy on getting a proper brewery going, and other pleasures come to mind. Pearl sleeps on it, looking forward to getting everything running once she can get back in town.

The sound of the engines dies out for a moment, waking you from the restful sleep you fell into at the sudden absence of noise. You hear the small wake silently lap at the hull, and whispered voices on the deck, with boots pacing back and forth. Someone is coming down the crew ladder to this lower deck

Pearl believes they've reached their destination, the footsteps indicating someone coming to fetch her, and so she works on throwing on her clothes over her undersuit and gathering her equipment

"pearl, we're about there. You've got a few minutes but we didn't want you to rush"

"A few minutes is what I need!" She checks on her compad, to make sure the water had aired out of it "I could use a quick bite before I get going, anyways."

The water looks to have aired out fine. “I thought so. Do that and meet us on the deck. Once we hit the engines again we are going to be in the thick of it”

"Righty-o!" With her low-light goggles wrapped around her forehead and her metatool kept on her wrist, she leaves behind her laser pistol, the shortsword, and her climbing harness at her bunk with her backpack being torn, letting her cutlass hang at the ready on her side and weilding her laser rifle while keeping her compad and power cells in pockets. Pearl decides to carry her micropellet shotgun with her, slung underneath her coat to be pulled out in a pinch, and with everything sorted Pearl swings by the kitchen, waving to the cook before grabbing and shoveling her portion into her mouth before heading up to the deck.

The captain is ensuring the support weapons are loaded and positioned correctly on the rails surrounding the surface deck, and is speaking in a low voice with the first mate. Both of them point to a paper map stretched out on a low plotting table by the wheel, and seem to have a difference of opinion on a concern you can’t quite hear

Pearl decides to slip on over, peering over the map trying to get a decent enough view of it while getting their conversation in earshot

They’re debating about the best Way to break the Allied unit out of contact with enemy forces. They evidently have a way to kill vehicles and the boat crew is concerned about shore fire

Pearl, honestly, cant think of a good suggestion to make. She doesn't want to suggest something to reliant on her own performance, despite her confidence, nor does she have a clear idea what the situation looks like. Pearl decides to leave it for the two to break down, slicking back over to her railgun position awaiting the orders they decide on.

“Alright. We have allied forces on a hill up ahead, we should be able to get within weapons range. They’re surrounded by ghouls. Long story short we are going to blast a path open for them so they can retreat. They’re running out of ammunition and they’ve got dozens of wounded.”

"Sounds simple enough... hit hard and fast?" Pearl would glance around at the rest of the crew "I'm ready, then. No time to waste!"

They man their stations with grim resolve and you feel the engines under your feet come to life as the boat begins drawing power for a rapid advance through the mist. Smoke from the battles ahead joins the ever present smog and you can hear the sounds of fighting on the wind. Ahead you see the peak of the hill beginning to resolve itself. A shield wall in the shape of a sphere sits at its peak as the allied warriors do what they can to make cover for themselves

Pearl raises up her railgun, ready to lay down fire on whatever might be swarming the position, staring up at the smoke hoping that doesn't mean they've come too late

Through the smoke, heading up a mountain side toward the shield wall, you see hundreds of ghouls, climbing under the lip of the hilltop. The defenders have no way of seeing them.

The color in Pearl's complexion fades, getting a pale look on her face intimidated by the charging legions even at the distance and obstacles separating herself from them, hesitating before aiming her turret at the spotted ghouls and laying down suppressive fire, hoping to cut down as many if them as she can, letting her actions inform the rest of the crew and the noise alerting the militia of their arrival, compromising the ghoul's flank while initiating the boat's distraction. (edited)

(20 halved for 10 damage)

The heavy gun is joined by the others on the boat that have the angle to fire right now, and as the first round of ammunition feeds run dry, dozens of ghouls are knocked from the cliff. The sudden noise from an unexpected quarter has the shield wall-locked allied forces changing their position, and in momentary gaps you can see those on the inside getting the wounded ready for transport

7:09 PM

"hit them again! again!" the captain yells, as deckhands run more ammunition up from the storage room below

Pearl continues laying fire on the armies of the dead, not letting up until her own drum runs dry and even then expecting a reload to be supplied to her shortly. The continuous fire proves to make recoil more difficult to compensate, but she does her best to keep the barrel level and flinging projectiles. (16 halved for 8 damage) (edited)

A pile 2-3 bodies deep begins to build at the base of the cliff and you see the allied soldiers finishing getting their wounded ready to move. The captain looks at the force tracker and smiles, sending the results to everyone. It appears a force from the myrmidon camp is likewise on the way thanks to your alert

Unsure whether that means they've done their part or that they've accomplished an added step, Pearl doesn't let up on the ghouls she still has eyes on... (and I don't know how long she can keep going, but from what I read in the rulebook Pearl still has eight more rounds of suppressive fire left in the railgun, so) she's really just waiting for her weapon to run dry or to be explicitly told to stop, whichever happens first

(You’re good. One more round so far you’ve done enough damage to keep the horde back. Cyrus is catching up on his thread now)

(Then one more round Pearl shall! 16, halved for 8 damage!)

(great! once i get a bit more direcetion from the big man i can move this up)

The smoke of so many heavy weapons firing blankets the deck In a rolling fog. Brass casings roll, some of them splashing into the water before the gunners mate has a chance to sweep them up. The brass is valuable scrap. A draconic howl cuts the air as black specs begin to break through the clouds far off, backlit by the setting sun. They grow steadily closer

Pearl raises her head to the cry, looking at the black specks "What the...? W-what was that? What IS that??" (edited)

A static breaks over the Captain's and ships radio simultaneously. A deep voice booms over the channels. "To all allied contingents in the A.O. This is Regent Cyrus Adonis and the First Company. Do not fire on our landing craft, marked on all joint maps as of now."

She takes the transmission has her cue to go at ease, especially recalling the last time she hailed fire with allies in the mix she nicked Cyrus himself. Pearl would then turn to the Captain to ask "What do we do next?" (edited)

The dropships pass overhead, preparing to land at the foot of the plateau, and the captain watches as the first of the warriors begins disembarking, seeking to make a corridor for the allied forces to withdraw. "Lets beach, see how many we can get out with us too. We can sort out pickups from the air once we're away from here. Let

7:22 PM

's try to evacuate as many of the wounded as we can fit on the deck"

"Righty-o!" With that, Pearl readies her laser rifle and heads to the front of the boat, ready to aid up and on any men carried over

The landing doors open as Cyrus and his own small team head into the battle line with the rest of the deploying warriors. Small packs of ghouls driven feral with the promise of combat and feed rampage out of the fog, slowly growing more and more in number as the noise of combat spreads (edited)

Pearl rushes off the boat, but realizing the fog she figures her laser rifle would prove ineffective and so she works on slinging it over her back while pulling her shotgun out from under her coat, ready to give it a test drive

"Form on me!" Cyrus booms across the battlefield as his warriors begin to form around him in a dense wall of steel and chrome. Suddenly, as if as one they all activate their energy shields golden light illuminates the entire area as the concave round disc of energy ignite. The phalanx is formed. You see, now as if awoken by the light the battle standard of Cyrus own Warriors "The First Born" basking in the glow of the conflict. Battle streamers commemorating the many conflicts hang from the main emblem, a mighty golden Sabretooth Lioness on a field black as the void, bordered by silver. Cyrus' raises his spear in the direction of the enemy. "In the name of Ares it shall be so!" The phalanx moves forward and they begin to open fire into the hordes. The ground nearby vibrates with the barking of weapons fire and the pounding of power armoured boots.

The patrol boat softly beaches itself as the first of the allied soldiers begins making their way down the hill. Many of them are carrying stretchers, and more than one has a bodybag draped over a shoulder, not wanting to leave anyone behind

Pearl, meanwhile, navigates her way up the hill to reach the squadran, to help carry the load of fallen men and to blast away any ghoul that may stray from the distractions back to them. She wants to make sure everyone, including herself, can evacuate as quickly as possible, aside from not wishing for anyone to fall to a ghoul she also finds the circumstance to be very loud. Her ear drums feel like they're ringing from the constant breaking of the sound barrior, and Cyrus' radiance, while proving to function as a great distraction, also mildly distracts herself. (edited)

As the cohort of Myrmidon Warriors led by Cyrus take over the front line and relieve the Hephaestans Cyrus nods to Korkova "Take over Brother, I need to speak to the Allied Commander here." He breaks off from his Honour guard and moves to find the leader of the Hephaestan contingent, he passes Pearl and half waves with his spear not stopping as yet

Aknowledging Cyrus with a nod, she passes him continuing uphill to group with the retreaters, aiding in escorting whomever she can back down to their boat on the beach

(alright, well with you moving in different directions after all, we can go back to yours cyrus) The soldiers passing you look grateful, you can see some of them are not strong enough to make it to the landing zone, your boat being the next best choice to get some of the more critical cases out of harms way, You see a stretched overturned into a small shell crater, two injured men struggling to right it and pull themselves up

"Everyone, downhill! Get to the boat!" Pearl (after realizing this was mine to respond to) heads over to the two men in particular, hooking an arm underneath one's armpit to hoist him up, helping them reset the stretcher for delivery

He looks grateful as you pull him to his feet, noticing some of his side has been blown away, or clawed, in this case. Blood soaks the side of his uniform, but adrenaline is keeping him going. The other, freed from the weight of his comrade and the stretcher itself, is able to pull himself out of the hole too, blood running from his ears. He looks around, off balance, and confused

Pearl gets a tad sick to her stomach seeing the different gore. Trying to figure out how to help the injured soldier and lead the dazed man at the same time, she reaches down to grab the stretcher's cloth, using it to wrap around the man's stomach "Can you walk on your own?"

"I..I think so. Lets get out of here!" he says, seeing another wave of ghouls preparing to throw itself against the myrmidon shield wall

Pearl lets the man run off to the boat after wrapping him up, taking the dazed soldier's hand and manually leading him down with the rest, keeping her shotgun in one hand with the stock pressed against her side, reading to blast at a given ghoul if need be

You get the chance, as one , horrifically wounded, crawls its way out of the loose ground 10m from you, groaning in a mix of anger, hunger, and fatigue

Deciding she may as well, to get a feel for the weapon's kick and sound, Pearl aims her shotgun at the mostly useless ghoul, blasting it before continuing onward with the escort (17 to hit, 21 damage)

Youre able to get back to the boat after expertly dispatching the ghoul, and with some help from the crew, about a dozen wounded have been evacuated, most able to get back under their own strength. The captain begins backing away from the beach, a very concerned look on his face

Pearl doesn't bother looking until she can climb onto the boat herself, offering a hand to the captain while catching a glimpse of whatever may be draining the color from his face "Come on, let's go, let's go! We've got everybody!"

You see several very large circles on a map, growing larger, depicting an orbital bombardment zone. The boat and the land forces are within the danger area ,

"... What... the... fuuuuuuck?" Pearl stares at the incoming bombing, looking back to the captain and ushering him to hurry back onto the boat "We need to go NOW!"

He is already ahead of you, the engines firing as hot as they’re able to push the watercraft and it skims over the River at a rapid pace. The concussive Force is incredible , sending a superheated cloud of water out after you , but it’s clear after a few tense moments that you’ll survive and outpace jt

Once they've out of the blast radius, grabbing hold of the ship itself to keep steady, she'd put her shotgun away back under her coat and head over to the captain "So... uh... I'm taking it that with all the wounded men on board, we'll have to go back to the city, again, to drop off the men and extra supplies."

3:30 PM

Pearl then goes to glance back at the beach they had made distance from, and then turning herself around in confusion, looking about before facing the captain again "... W... w-where's Regent Cyrus?" (edited)

His mouth drops, an expression of shock on his face. "Dead. They just confirmed it with drone imagery. Whole zone is atomized. Glassed. Nothing's left"

"..." Pearl just stares at the captain, then at the radio that just gave the broadcast, and again at the captain holding a befuddled expression "What? Are you kidding me?? He's just gone, like that!?"

"The ships he called in, nothing the protectorate owns is equipped for that kind of bombardment" He motions for you to come over, and looking at the comm terminal, you see that dozens of ship officers, ground staff, and observers back in Mytikas all tried to warn him of the kind of risk he was taking, but in the end, trusted him enough not to try to remove him from command. It is a course of action they all wish they did not just undertake

Pearl's confusion, looking at the conversation logs, gradually turns into disgust "... How many did he kill? Don't count the ghouls, there were too many of those to count."

"12,500 in just his own warriors, not to mention the slower allied forces waiting to evacuate, not sure numbers there"

Pearl covers her mouth in disbelief, looking back at the wastes that were once a defensible position and now obliterated. The more she lets her mind ponder on what had occurred, the more horrified Pearl becomes regarding the actions the Regent had ridiculously enacted. The people they had come to aid, providing a diversion and opening a route to escape, all but a handful gone. The people Cyrus had personally lead to the battlefield, meant to protect the injured standing in as reinforcements, taken down along side their leader and equally gone. This was a genocide. "... W-what... the actual... fuck...??"

"An error, to say the least. We should get our guests home, and then get back to Mytikas ourselves. Everything will change..."he says to himself, almost as much as to you. "Everything has changed..."

Pearl ponders on the disaster that had occurred before their very eyes, heading to the front of the boat to stare out into the waters path "War. I was always told war never changes." She then looks down, thinking a bit harder "... or does it?" She then looks back up to the river "The war has changed." Pearl squints her eyes and turns her head back to the captain "... Did it?" She then shakes her head and faces back forward "The answer is no... unless it is yes." "No, of course it is. Is war. Yes. No. Yes?"

He says nothing, and neither do the rest of the crew, as the vessel heads back out to the open river, making the winding route back to Haphaesta, where the wounded are meant to be taken. The stunned silence continues long into the evening, as it becomes clear that the Regent has fallen, along with his army, but so too has The Overlord

Pearl understands the deaths of Cyrus and his army, but has NO clue who The Overlord is, with the fact no one can bring themselves to speak on the matter not helping her understand who such a person may have been. Still, she spends the trip sitting silently at the railgun, until she is meant to cycle and rest in her bunk (edited)

The ship heads into the fortified harbor of Haphestea under the watchful eye of its waterway defense fort, and is invited to dock at a small launch dock, where a large medical team is waiting, along with a delegate, and what you count to be about 30 soldiers. The mood in the city is a mixture of relief, and somehow also tension

Pearl aids with unloading the injured and shell shocked militia off the boat and over to the awaiting medical team, taking a good look on how the city appears to be progressing compared to Mytikas

The city is perched on a plateau with a wide service road carved out of its south side, leading down to a rocky shore where this large harbor has been built into the cove. A defensive fort overlooks there cove and the large inland sea outside. The city is a fortress in its own right, taking advantage of the volcanoes nearby for power, minerals, and a steady source of forge fuel. The soldiers on the docks seem friendly enough when you turn their comrades over to them, though there is still a caution hanging over them a bit

The fact they had built their city so close to volcanoes worries her. While she is unsure how active they actually are, or how the city is protected if any were to errupt, she trusts measures were made in account. After all, with the last time she spoke to Cyrus, he showed disinterest in development. She coninues unloading until all the necessary men have been handed over, waving them goodbye before heading back to thr captain "So... When we get back to Mytakas, should we, maybe, take some time to just rest? Y'know, with the whole... You know..." (edited)

“That’s what we are going to do. We need to reorganize and see what is happening in the city before we continue making choices out here”

"Alright, just wondering... I need some time to wind down from everything that's happened." With nothing more needed in the city, Pearl would find her position at the turret again, awaiting for them to all set off back home. Hopefully, once they do, she can break off and go find Eli to get back to making improvements, unknowing of his current whereabouts

(I’m not sure what exactly is happening with that mission right now. It sort of never really got going

(I am not sure either, all I know is that he isn't in town right now and I think doing something with Bavid and Carmen?)

(yeah i just dont know if they're aborting or not since they ran from combat)

(If you want, you can give a reason for Pearl to be wanted to be sent after Andra as backup, since Pearl is also stealthy and talkative)

The patrol boat eventually makes its way home after a very long night of sailing, the engines almost empty by time it ties up at the docks outside Mytikas. With the death of Cyrus and most of the army attending him, the city is on high alert, and the militia, meager as it is now as the city's lone defenders, is rallying, occupying as many roadblocks and listening posts as possible. So far, things appear to be quiet, but word will spread of the battle in the garden, and the weakened position Mytikas now finds itself in.

7:33 PM

Regent Cole wasted no time in declaring herself mistress of the city, to ensure a smooth transition of command.

Pearl would hop off the boat once docked, letting the captain and their crew regather themselves while she does the same. She feels she should still should try to meet with Eli if he's in the town, and decides to head for the central hall, where they first met during the meeting. If he isn't there (and he won't be), she can at least attempt to commune with Cole or figure some means of relaxing without safe booze, private luxuries, or most other luxuries

Cole has taken residence in the temple just as Cyrus djd and although guard presence has increased there, civilians still look free to move around the area and enter if needed

Pearl would wave at the two guard dogs, avoiding petting them as she learned from last time. It's also at this time that, while she has been showering, she had forgotten to fix her hair and put on make up, and is having an internal panic attack, not presenting herself the best. She swallows her emotions nonetheless and pressing forward, she would find her way toward the throne, requesting entry from any guards along the way, to see about speaking with Cole. She mostly just wants to ask how she's handling the whole widow thing, but she also wants to see about getting a read on how they plan to continue going forward given the Regent Cyrus' former plans.

(No dogs in EP, not to be a stickler, but with one of the main themes of the game being loss and scarcity, certain things you'd expect to find not being there sort of makes it more real) Cole spends most of the morning listening to other functionaries and a handful of battle survivors evacuated near the beginning of the conflict. Precious few made it away in landers and gunships, and those that have are currently sequestered in base, under guard, less rumor begin to spread ahead of the official government investigation. Finally, you're permitted into her receiving chamber

(It's cool. It was more being flavorful, really) Pearl would enter the room, taking her hat off and holding it to her chest "Um... heeeey, Regent Cole, was it? Thank you for letting me meet with you." She would then put her hat back on her head "I just wanted to speak with you, partly because I was just curious how you're holding up... after... you know..." She'd lightly kick the ground in idle gesture "I also wanted to speak to you regarding what your plans are going forward. With the Khans, the ghouls, and everything else we were already dealing with."

She looks at you as you ask about core government secrets. "Youre....Who did you say you were, again? I have seen you around but I'm having trouble placing you. Who's squad were you assigned to last"

With that question, Pearl remembers that she never actually had been introduced to Cole before, only having introduced herself to Cyrus "... Oh-- oh! Wow, okay, big whoops on my end... My name is Pearl Sarya, former member of the Saryan family, yaddy yadda. I was with the scouting boat, the one that had picked up Cyrus from the big tree place a few... days ago, wow a fuck ton has happened in the past week come to think of it. Sorry, for some reason I just assumed you knew me, after meeting and speaking with him. He actually was using my comm at the time when he needed to contact you. So... uh... nice to meet you?" She holds up her hand for a handshake, despite being no where near close to shaking distance, before putting her arm back down

Cole stands up and her mood softens a bit "Ah so you were part of the crew. My late husband didn't single out any names, but praised you all as a whole. When he wasn't praising himself anyway." she sighs "I knew he was going to make me a widow one day"

"Yeah, I'm... sorry that happened for you. I actually saw him at the beach where it happened, before he supposedly called in for the bombardment. We passed each other at one point, while I was reaching a group of injured to escort to the boat for evacuation, and by the time I returned... well, we didn't have a chance to make sure he secured an escape for himself before the airships got near." Pearl crosses her arms, uneased thinking back on it with a sigh "I didn't know what was going on, and Cyrus didn't seem to tell anyone actually there what he was doing either. I just... I don't want to talk about 'him' or 'it' specifically right now, and I'm not sure if you're in any mood to continue hearing about it."

“Let it be a lesson in leadership and on the importance of taking expert opinions into account”

"Yeah... So, good to see you're doing fine." Pearl scratches the back of her head "Now that we've introduced ourselves properly, I wanted to ask you about what you plan to have us do, since... Well, not to be insulting, but Cyrus' actions did make himself out to be a loon? I'm just curious if you have a change in direction."

“Complete change in direction. We have no knowledge of what’s around us in space and we have hostile cities around us here on planet. Aside from Haphesta, which is hopefully beginning to warm toward us for our help and sacrifice. Cyrus had planned fo make some sort of incident in which the other cities would declare war, and fight them all at once. The Myrmidons were well trained and better equipped but not....not to fight the whole planet themselves”

"He-- what??" Pearl can't help but to let her jaw drop "Geez hooweaze... we don't even have enough units to engage in a world war, even before... he... wiped a bunch of his own men..." She takes a breather "Sorry... anyways, if that's the case and your change in direction means diplomacy over warfare, words over weapons, then I would be interested if I could pose as a sort of ambassador? If we believe what our oppositions are have ears for reason, I do happen to know my way when it comes to speech."

“That’s the only approach for us now. You said you dropped some wounded off in Haphestea. They would recognize you if you were to return there. Do you think trying to open a more productive dialogue with them is something you could handle?”

"Yeah, totally! I just need to know what exactly we want discussed, and I could speak with them. I'm just going to take a day or, at the very least, to wind down in Mytikas to wind down from everything a bit, and then I'll be ready to head on over."

“We need to foster a greater level of cooperation with our allies. We don’t need to commit to alliances now but trade, cooperation, any sort of small deal we can muster could bring us closer together”

"Alright, yeah, I can get that arranged. Just give me some time and I'll be ready to head out. On an unrelated note, have you seen a guy named Eli around recently? Y'know, skinny, slicked back hair, decorated with stickers, carries around a baseball bat like he's gonna go All-Star on someone's kneecaps?"

"He's out west of the city, near the rivers. Something about getting a pumping station going. I didn't get to finish reading the reports before the bombardment happened"

"I see... maybe I'll waltz on over and see how they're doing and speak with them" Pearl does a curtsies with her jacket "Thank you for letting me speak with you. I will come speak with you once I've negotiated with the Haphestians"

"Use your best judgment. You know better than most that this city is still largely a ruin. don't promise anything we can't provide, or anything that might make this winter our last"

"... Right... winter... Yeah, of course. I mean..." She scratches the back of her head "I'll have to think about what I can say we can give."

“Of course. Take the time you need before leaving. We will only get one real first impression

"Righty-o! I'll be going, so take care for now." Pearl would vaguely salute to Cole before heading out of the hall. Her current plan for now is to just try to meet with Eli, which is supposedly just west of the city toward the river, unknowing of actually how far away he is or the circumstances they're in. Nonetheless, she'd make her way to the river just outside of town, to see where he could spot him

(Alright their mission was aborted so if you’re determined to meet we have to see if he survives being sick. We might have to pause here for a bit

(Fair enough. Pearl wants to meet with Eli because he specifically asked for them both to, so they could collaborate on the brewery project. I'm fine if it takes time, since there really isn't much pressing her at the moment anyways)

Having taken a week to rest, Pearl would have leisured around using the funds she'd earned to keep herself comfortable. In the meantime, she has a shopping list that she'd use her time to try and acquire: Atmofilter T4 Backpack T4 Binoculars

(Those three things are available for book price)

Now being rested, reequipped, and managing to arrange for the brewery project, Pearl is ready to head off on her next mission on request of the new Regent Cole. In the morning, she'd return to the docks, knowing she'd need a lift to the city and so looks for the captain from the scouting jobs

The patrol boat has been repainted and it’s deck swept and cleaned since you’d seen it last. Some of the burns and shrapnel scars are cleaned up and buffed out making it look new. The captain is aboard, standing at the bow, along with the usual crew compliment. They are loading supplies aboard

Pearl would head over to the captain, giving a brief wave "Hey there, captain! I see you're getting ready to head out again... but uh, say, I'm probably not gonna be able to be part of the scouting this time. I actually need to get to Haphestea, and I was just wondering if I could hitch the ride there along the way."

“Of course. Cmon aboard. We can stop there for a night. Might do the crew good to have a day aboard shore”

"Thanks, captain..." She'd get onto the ship, looking around the remodeling "Hopefully this change of pace'll work out."

“Hard to believe the situation we find ourselves in now. I can’t decide if we are better off or worse” he says as you climb aboard

"Well, as far as I know there hasn't been any conflicts for the past week, so I feel that we're doing better. Can only get better once I can establish a, uh... whatever they call it with the Haphestians, a peace unity? Treaty?" (edited)

“Maybe” he says with a sigh “it’s one factor among many on this planet”

"It's one step forward, and you can't go anywhere without taking at least one... Unless you're legs are shattered. In that case, you're probably just crawling around with just your hands. That would have to suck."

he snorts at the joke, before setting his charts away. "We're going to stay clear of the battle site, for now. Still too hot, temperature and radiation. I'd expect being on this tub for a couple days before we get to your destination

"Alright. I'll do the usual deal, standing by the railgun and keep an eye out, then." She stretches before making her way to the position "Hopefully the radiation isn't doing anything wonky to what's already on this planet."

“We can only hope. I doubt anything close enough to get a dose like that survived the heat. Or the shockwave.” He says, The last of the supplies are loaded and their route is decided, amended to include your drop off in the hopefully soon allied city.

The most Pearl can do is keep an eye out and wait until they reach her destination. She's gotten comfortable working on the boat, and has been enjoying the comradery company. She can only imagine how life can get once she organizes her own personal crew to sail the dark skies.

The seas are calm despite warnings of river pirates. This close to the garden anyone with good sense is staying away. Under better circumstances this boat would have too. You come to the fortified harbor of haphestea and the boat comes to a halt near a buoy just inside the defense guns of the harbor. Two motorized launches of soldiers begin approaching from the fort a few moments later

Pearl's ears would have perked at the mention of pirates. Aside from that, after the uneventful trip and arriving to the city, Pearl would stand with her hands up, using her own distinct appearance to try and put the charging guards at ease by letting them recognize they are the very same boat that had saved some of their men. "Peace, peace, we come in peace!" She holds her hands in the iconic 'Spock' formation to help her statement

(It wouldn’t mean anything to them) The grim faced soldiers, most wearing filters or breathers keep their weapons low, but their demeanor is serious. One picks up a bullhorn. “Prepare to be boarded for inspection. “

Pearl stands there, glancing at her captain with a shrug, idling in place while they do what they do. She's sure it's just to make sure they aren't trying to smuggle something inside the city, and doesn't feel much reason to worry. They're in fearful times, and she can at least understand their desire to take precautions.

The motorboat, about half as tall and a third as long as your own vessel pulls up next to your craft and a ladder is rolled down for them. Six heavily armed naval infantry begin boarding the ship, weapons still low but tense now that they’re on the deck of your ship

"... Sooooo... What are you guys inspecting for, anyways? Just a tad curious is all."

“Contraband. This will just take a moment” one says as the others begin fanning out and looking through the ship. You can hear them calling out clear to one another down below

She idly kicks a foot, waiting for them to say that they're all good in the neighborhood "I mean... what exactly is considered 'contraband'? Booze? Dope?"

They say nothing and after a few moments of sweeping seem satisfied. “Follow us in. A delegation will meet you at the dock”

"Alrighty." Since she isn't the one who actually pilots the boat, she just gives the captain a thumbs up before returning to her post, now just awaiting to dock into the ports and unboard

The vessel is flanked into port by each of the small inspection craft and as you approach the docks several lights come on to assist your approach. True to their word a small delegation is waiting at the head of one of them, three diplomatic looking individuals flanked by a security force of ten. Their weapons are likewise loaded but held low. Their gear seems on par with what specialized soldiers would be using, with somewhat dated assault vests and compact automatic weapons

Pearl thinks she understands the logistics of their armament decisions; She was told the planet's fog often interferes with laser weaponry, so while they both use ballistic firearms to mitigate the issues when engaging in combat they also expect to be fired upon by ballistic weaponry. That is just her theory, though, and they may just not have the funding or development for more advanced equipment. In either case, once their boat docks, Pearl would get to stepping off and heading over to the group. "Am I going to be escorted into the city, or are you just here to do pat downs?"

“You’ll be taken in momentarily.” One of the guard says, his attention more@focused on the boat and rest of the crew. “We would however insist on a sidearm only if you feel you need to be armed in our city.”

"Oh, uh... Sure. Let me just head back and put away my other weapons real quick then." To remain polite, Pearl would board back onto the ship, heading under the deck to return back to her bed space. There, she would drop off her various firearms for storage, keeping her monoblade cutlass as her only weapon on her person. She decides to, after seeing the inspecting crew wearing masks, ready her own atmofilter having now lightened her own load, just in case there's currently an airborne issue. With all that set, Pearl would head back up above deck and back down onto the docks, returning back to the delegation "Alright, I should be set now."

“Thank you for your cooperation. We are going to be heading through a few civilian areas and we do not wish to start a panic with armed foreigners in the street. I’m sure you understand”

"Don't worry, I understand; Times of fear and all that. Actually, would you believe me if I said that was a law in my home city, too? You weren't allowed to own weapons... if you were a peasant. The military, clergy, and nobles-- such as myself --were permitted to be equipped, for obvious reasons."

“Obvious reasons?” One of the diplomats says, as the guards begin walking your group away, up a gentle hill away from the docks. “Was there some kind of threat that required you to be armed like that?”

"Well, the military needed to be armed because, well, they were the military. They needed to fight and protect." "The clergy needed to be armed to defend themselves from 'heretics'; people who might not believe they were following the right ways, or whatever, and seek to kill them to put an end to their teachings." "Nobles also needed to bear arms because, y'know... important people. They'd need to protect themselves in case someone attempted an assassination, or if someone was trying to spark a revolution."

You sense the group get a bit colder upon hearing your explanation and the questions stop, an awkward walk to the hilltop fortress where the main governing body of this forge city is hard at work

"... What? What did I say?" Pearl just follows along, wondering why they all suddenly started giving her the shoulder. It was absolutely normal growing up, totally. (edited)

As you’re led into the main palace area you see many in fine clothing greeting one another as “Senator” or “consul” , and they seem to be breaking into small groups to chat, eyeing your approaching and passing by delegation with suspicious eyes.

Pearl would return with a cheerful smile and wave, with this being the first time in months she'd been in a high class environment. It makes her wish she could reside here in Haphaestea rather than the rubble that is Mitykas.

You’re led into the palace proper to a meeting room, where a rounded off table set with the stones and sigils of each city, with a large seal in the middle representing what you guess is the planet. A few seats have been moved up to it, deliberately not directly in front of any, save that of Haphaeatea jtself

3:02 PM

A robed figure sits there, staff of his office resting against the table edge

Pearl would look at the guised individual, giving a small wave "Hello? Greetings?"

“Hello traveler. You’ve come far to speak with us. Please sit and we will talk about the future and about your peooleL

"Wonderful!" Pearl would do just that, looking around at all the options before choosing one to seat herself in "What's with the covers? Got a bad hair day or something?" It then hits her that she should take off her hat, as is ettequite when in someone's establishment on important terms (edited)

“Covers? What do you mean?” He asks, his long and leathery fingers pursed

"You're wearing... nevermind. Not important. It is fine opportunity meeting you."

He says nothing at first but bows his head. “you are our guest here in this city. I’ll allow you first question “

Pearl tries to think carefully about what she should start with. Given her lack of specific information, she decides to use this opportunity to gather some knowledge "What is your city's current view regarding Mitykas?" (edited)

“You’re occupiers. Perhaps with hostile intent. Your regents plans were made known to us after some captured scouts escaped your custody and returned home”

"I see... Then I believe it's in my interests to infirm you our former Regent, who was the one pushing forward the hostility, has been... Let's just say 'removed from office' by... Well... Nuclear self-destruction. Our new regent, Regent Cole, had taken his throne and we are now capable of the diplomatic approach, rather than the senseless warmongering of Cyrus' gauntlet. I suppose it's your turn to ask a question?" (edited)

“It is, and I am gratified to hear there is a change of policy at home. We were, as you can understand, alarmed, that invasion plans were being drawn up. We would like to know about where you came from. You said you were brought here from somewhere else”

"I presume you're referring to the Elysium Protectorate as a whole... They come from the galactic east-- which probably doesn't make sense without a space map, but just follow me here --having branched from something called the 'UNW'? I don't know much about their history myself, as I was picked up when Cyrus was still in charge."

“Tell me about the time since before cyrus picked you up then,” he says with a bit of disappointment

"Alright... well..." Pearl takes a moment to recollect her times before Heras. Hindsight says she should have spent some more time with Cole, to discuss the organization, feeling it's hurting her ability to properly represent the Elysium as an ambassador "I used to be a Tenebrian noble, of the former Saryan family-- My name is Pearl Sarya, by the way, I think I forgot to mention that --and I come from a planet called Cruesa. Not the most picturesque planet, mind you, but my living growing up was nonetheless peerless." "I'll gloss over all the fine details-- you're probably not interested in hearing my entire life story verbatim --but on my nineteenth birthday, I left the planet to go on a space cruise, y'know? Absolutely divine, had a blast. --but when it was all done and the ship was returning home, the planet was just... wiped. Basically gone. Another large spacecraft docked onto the cruise liner, and I was transferred over to instead be brought here, to Heras, for... reasons." Pearl gradually began to look down, depressing herself talking about it "No word to me on what happened, other than the fact my home and the rest of my family was gone, I was just brought here and expected to help rebuilding in Mytikas. All I could piece together was that we were fighting 'those nasty Khans'-- I don't even know who or what Khans are! Hell, it wasn't even until a WEEK ago, when I first got the opportunity to leave the city, that I even learned how this planet has a zombie infestation, apparently?? Like... sorry, sorry..." She catches herself, coughing into her fist "But yeah, that's basically it."

He nods "THat is a lot to take in when you're not expecting it. You've been wrested from your home twice over now. We had no idea Mytikas and its people were kept in informational darkness, as such, though you can hardly blame us for not making outreach when your plans of immediate war had been circulated."

6:54 PM

"I understand now, that your organization has changed, at least as you know it"

"Yeah... completely understandable. With that said, I believe the next thing I should ask is... well, is there anything your city would be interested with having as an import? Perhaps so we can establish trade between our two cities."

“A city with no power or water speaking of trade? When you develop your industry we may look at such a deal. There is one matter you could look into, if you’re willing, and it would go a long way toward proving your trustworthiness”

"I would be more than willing to look into it. What would you be referring to?"

“Chiron. Our mutual neighbor to the north. They have in recent years built a massive fortification around their city and all but withdrawn from planetary life. No one has even seen their khan in years. We want to know what’s going on there. Anything you learn, we would like to know, and in exchange perhaps we can help you with some of your growing pains back in Mytikas”

"I see, I see... Yeah, I can do that, maybe get a scouting team arranged from Mytakas if needed. Just information gathering, right? Go in, ask what's up, and come back?" "Just one last question, if that's the note we're going to be leaving this meeting on... I mentioned earlier that I know little from the Khans other than what former Regent Cyrus was saying. Could you, perhaps, properly brief me on them?"

“As far as how you obtain the information thags best left to you when you do. I’d advise against killing a bunch of people though. That seems to be what your regent was good at. As for our own ruler, Haphesta Khan is industrious. The city is constantly growing both above and below ground and as you can see we have done what we can to secure ourselves against our neighbors and the planet. The wilds can be quite savage as you’re no doubt well aware, and humans are nowhere close to the top of the food chain

Pearl nods... then goes a bit wide eyed, realizing the city she's in is currently being ruled by a Khan. She's not entirely sure if that's an okay or bad thing, but she can figure that out later "Underground, you say? You mean this city goes beneath the soil, and not just as mining and excavating resources?" "Either way, I suppose that settles our meeting for now." She'd prepare to get up from her seat, donning her cap "I will speak with you again once I acquire information regarding Chiron's hibernation. I hope to not keep you waiting..."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

6:31 AM

“When you return we will speak again. If the information is of note you’ll deliver your report to the khan as well, and you can meet them for yourself”

Pearl gives a small wave to them "I will be seeing to it, then." With the meeting wrapped up, Pearl decides she should retrace herself out of the room, presumably meeting back with the escorts outside, and make her way returning to the boat at the docks, where she intends to let the Captain know the gist of what they spoke about and see about borrowing the radio to relay back to Cole

The captain ushers the radioman out of the room to afford you some privacy. “Alright. All yours” he says before heading back to the upper deck and resuming watch

"Thanks, Captain," she says, before stepping into the communications room to sit down with the radio, to begin getting in contact with Regent Cole "Hello? Pearl Sarya speaking, am I speaking with Regent Cole, over?"

There is a tri tone beep signaling the line is secure before the regent affirms she is listening and attentive

"Yes, hello? Again, Pearl Sarya here, I've just completed the first meeting with a Haphaestea official. They are currently neutral with us in Mytikas, especially now after explaining our change in leadership and approach. They requested that we complete a task before we proceed with further discussion, as they are currently curious about Chiron; Haphaestea is curious about what's going on in the city, as they've seemed to have fortified themselves and completely withdrawn from the rest of the planet, no one having seen their Khan in years. I was offered aid with developing our city if we are able to come back with information. "

"Do you think you're capable of getting this information, Pearl? We recently sent someone to Chiron, a merlon named Andra. She is safe, and has advised us we have other informants in the city willing to work with us and pass along information, but overall, her mission was failed. I could use someone willing to take another crack at this"

"I could see about retrieving the information, although I do not think my current circumstance will allow me to immediately head to Chiron. I had hitched a ride with the scouting boat, and I do not think it is sensible to have them take me that far off their scouting course. Are you capable of sending a dedicated team to come pick me up and aid me with the diplomacy? In the meantime, I can spend more time in Hephasta as a visitor, to learn more about their culture. This 'Andra' could be helpful to join me on the trip, if they so wish, given they seem to have already been there... but what's a merlon?" (edited)

“Andra was told she would be executed as a spy if she returned to the city. Chiron is becoming hostile to us, anything that happens there must be covert. There are informants in the city already, I can send a cargo lighter to get you close, but assembling a crew will need to be done inside. Try to look up Garion the Great. The right people will find you after that”

"I see... then I'll need to make sure they believe I'm a Haphastian when I go. I'll be waiting here for the cargo lighter pickup for the time being. I should be able to manage on my own."

(So did you want to return to Mytikas first for anything you need, or dive right into infiltration)

(Given her current plan, Pearl would want to buy supplies from Haphastea; Mostly just clothes to make her story seem legit when she needs to say "I come from Haphastea" rather than "I come from Mytikas for Haphastea". Aside from that, there's nothing else I can think of she would need/want)

(That makes sense to me. If you’re buying anything aside from a local outfit make me a list and I’ll let you know if somethings not available )

There isn't much Pearl believes she will require aside from the disguise, but due to the nature of the destination she intends to find a pressure tent (100 cred), ten day's worth of rations (50 cred) and a medkit (100 cred) to be able to handle herself for any period of time she will have to be outside of city walls. To lighten her load, she would see about pawning off the monoblade shortsword she pilfered from the battleship. Once all the transactions are made, all that would be left is to enjoy what she can relaxing in Haphastea, socializing with the locals until her flight arrives

(Double book price on sell for the sword since it’s nicely made)

(

)

(did you want to talk to any more common folk here, or are you keen to move on?)

(I would be interested in doing that if you're okay with it, as I'm presuming Pearl isn't going to be able to leave immediately after shopping and would have the time on her hands. I wouldn't mind glazing over it if you think it'd be better for the pace to get right to the mission, though.) (edited)

(I'm good either way, this is about what you as the player want to do)

(I wanted to have Pearl carouse, probably at an appropriate inn, to learn more about the city itself.)

The inn you are taken to near the docks had a name once but the sign has been so faded by the passage of time that you can’t figure out what should have been up there. A truly monstrously sized clam shell has been torn in half and one fan section is mounted above the door, easily your height. Inside several small groups of locals and dock workers drink, play something that looks like dominoes, and a few lounge smoking in hammocks by the rear windows

Pearl examines her options, and decides to head over to the bar counter to start herself off with a beverage. It does make her realize that, with the city already seeming possess alcohol, that attempting to trade booze to Haphastea may prove difficult if not fruitless if they come to that point. Nontheless, Pearl would try to order a 'fruity' drink to sip on, perking her ears to the conversations in the room

The drink tastes a bit like blueberry and cherry, this worlds version of it at least, but on low battery. Conversations around this room range, but most are pretty mundane. There are a few knots of concerned citizens thinking about the battle at the garden. Most have nothing but praise for how the operation was carried out, though casualties on their side of the conflict were significantly lighter.

Pearl, assuming the Battle of the Garden is their way of saying 'the time where Cyrus fucking nuked himself', concludes she won't be gaining any worthwhile knowledge simply from eavesdropping. Carrying her mug with her, Pearl would approach the dominoes table, to see about joining their game and striking up a conversation to satisfy her curiosity. "Hey, you fellas got room for one more over here?" (edited)

They say little aside from some basic pleasantries and move aside so you can sit down. The game looks to be exactly played like the dominoes you’re familar with , aside from the symbols on the actual planks themselves being native in design

"Rough day at work today?" Fortunately, having grown up with plenty of time for fun and games, Pearl was familiar enough with Dominoes that she could confidently pick it up, if only needing to figure what numeral numbers each symbol equated to

“today is always the hardest day, but not as hard as Tomorrow” one days, his hands covered in dried grease. He is missing a few teeth and one he does have in front is a veiny green

"Oh, ahahah, yeah... hm... doing, uhhh... mechanical work, do ya?"

“The cranes down at the docks. I keep them going, they break down all the time. Can’t keep enough parts on hand. Tough work”

1:49 PM

He has a rugged set of features and most of his fingers are cut slightly

1:50 PM

Someone to your left sets down a tile

"Ah, so you're an engineer! That must pay you well." Pearl would follow up with her own turn, placing a tile on another end of the train

“It pays but not what you think it would. That’s why I drink down here. I saw you being led up the hill to the capital building. You some kinda big shot from Mytikas?”

"I wouldn't say big shot, no... not yet, at least-- No, I'm just a messenger. Why do you ask?"

“You must be if you’re coming to this city from Mytikas. What’s it like there?”

5:57 AM

(I’m assuming there’s a deeper dive you’ve got ready here I’m just making small talk hntil you’re ready

"It's... developing. We hadn't been able to grow as a city until recently, so we're more like a heavily defended villa. We don't even have bars; people have been moonshining some sort of green guck to drink instead." "Your city here must be a lot better, with all the industrialization and, y'know, actual drinks." She'd drink from her bluecherry, eying over at the man (If you don't think I'm going anywhere, feel free to handwave whatever rest of the conversation for the pickup to arrive)

He looks around the table conspiratorially. “We might be able to help you guys get something decent to drink over there. For a fair price of course. You understand. Risk and all that”

Pearl raises an eyebrow "Oh? Well, I'd have to ask the higher ups if they would finance the imports... But what would it cost?" From how he's starting to behave, Pearl starts to get the impression the man may actually be a smuggler, but is willing to hear his offer out. It wouldn't be illigal, would it?

They chuckle quietly among themselves “Check with the higher ups. Yeah you’re Definitley governmental

"Okay, here's a different answer; I only have what's in my wallet. I can get money pooled from my city to finance the trade. Is that better?"

“I think we can work with that. You have some buyers on the other end?”

"We have people who would pay of a glass, if that's what you're asking. I'll tell you what: I'll get back to Mytakas, ask if this trade would be permitted, and when I come back here I'll meet you again for business. Will that work? Is there someplace I can hit you up later?" (edited)

“Someone is always here. Same table. Bring your dominoes next time” the engineer smiles

"Eheh... I'll also look for dominoes." Pearl decides to scoot her seat back to stand up, working on finishing her drink

Outside you hear the sound of the engines roaring on the lander as it sets down by the water. Just as you finish the last of your drink

"Yeah, I've gotta go. Oh, and, uh..." Pearl, real quickly, sets down another domino piece from her part of the table before rushing out of the bar to catch her flight

The cargo lighter has set down in the flattened area near the docks where cargo containers would normally be stacked up. Its pilot remains in place, but the side door opens, crew chief waving you aboard, though his features are hidden behind an atmofilter and tinted goggles

Pearl, having been carrying her bag of equipment, climbs right into the passenger section, finding herself a seat to cling herself into "Thanks for coming, by the way!"

“Always. We will get you as close tot he city as we can without getting you see. It’ll be a bit of a walk through the woods all the same. “

"Is there a cleared route from the landing zone to the city? Or am I gonna have to cut through shrubbery?"

“There should be some game trails. Andra, the precious scout, seemed to find them without any trouble “

"... Precious, huh? Alright, shouldn't be too difficult, then. I think I'm going to leave my energy weapons on this chopper, to lighten my load, if they can be stored somewhere to be retrieved when I make my return. Other than that..." Pearl leans back in her seat, to rest up before reaching their destination and to be ready to hike

(Should have said previous. Idk why correct changed it after the fact $

(Not any less correct, though)

The small craft sets down 10km from the city, careful to stay low to the ground. A forest clearing provides ample cover for you and for the ship as you make your way off of it, with your chosen gear. The crew chief gives a nod and once you are clear the engines fire up again, sending them skyward The growth here is thick, though a number of trails carved by the passage of animals snake through the woods, heading toward the plains to the north, and the city perched on them

Hopping off, leaving her laser rifle and laser pistol on the helicopter, Pearl holds her shotgun in her hands hopping off the carrier and waves to them for the clear before making a break for the trails, intending to travel along them. Six miles seems like a peace walk, and hopes to reach city walls before night fall despite being prepared if camping proves to be required

You approach the city walls as dusk begins to fall, seeing a number of small bikes with trailers, and some merchants on foot with waiting pack animals ready to be let into the city. The number of guards looks well in above what you would normally expect to see for something as mundane as gate duty

Pearl nears the entrance, getting in line if need be, holding her shotgun at an 'at ready' position close to her chest (albiet lower to account for her own physiology). She has her story, she is dressed accordingly, and Pearl is ready to figure out what Chiron has been up to, at least for Haphastea's sake

You are third in line when a merchant is dragged out ahead of you and screaming, is hauled over to the nearby city wall. The squad sergeant is looking over the papers and tugging at what what looks to be the corner of the small chapbook. It peels away, revealing that this is faked. He nods and the boom of a shotgun sends the merchants chest and guts all over the wall, as the body falls limp.

Pearl goes wide eyed witnessing the execution, covering her mouth and keeling over to try and hold off losing her lunch. She'd seen similar gore from river monsters and ghouls, but that was another person she just watched get disembroweled. She begins to suddenly worry, unsure if she was supposed to have documents on her person authorizing herself as an ambassador, but hopes that they'll simply tell her to leave if that's proves to be the case. (edited)

(You’d know they let Andra leave, so it’s at least on the table) You’re called to the front of the line after the three people ahead of you are let in. The soldiers are busy digging a pit for the body to be thrown into. “Papers and business in the city?” He asks, hand out

"Uhh... no papers, but I'm an ambassador from Haphastea. I was sent here to speak with Chiron Khan about the city's activities."

(45,245 credits would be the amount transferred.)

"... WOAH that's a lot of dosh..."

(now that you've seen it I'll take it off of my sheet.)

“I see. I see your people have learned the dangers of coming in disguised. That man over there is from janusius. He tried to enter the city with forged papers and had paid for it.

1

Pearl isn't sure if she's being recognized as a blatant Mytakian, if they're referring to a previous incident with Haphastea, or are just commenting on observation with the current Janusis case. She tries her best to remain her cool "Do you know what he was up to? Doesn't sound like he was to any good... at least from what I can hear, my ears are still ringing."

“Not sure but forged papers don’t symbolize anything good do they? So you’re here to talk to the khan? I can’t promise you’ll meet them but you’ll be able to talk to someone at least “

"As long as I can speak with someone who's in the know, it should be fine. I simply believed your Khan would know best what can be said."

He nods and gives you a look over “Did you come armed ?0

6:34 PM

“Cooperation , or lack of it will be noted “

She stares at him, deadpan, openly carrying her Stardust shotgun while having her monoblade sheathed at her side "... Two arms."

(I thought the shotgun was concealed for some reason)

8:42 PM

“Alright. Well I think it goes without saying that you’ll be asked to check them before visiting with the khan or any of the royalcourt

(Nah, Pearl was open carrying it, given that in her current circumstance it's not only her only firearm but she wanted to be ready to shoot in case she was ambushed by a ghoul or something) "Of course. Is there somewhere I will need to go first before heading into the palace, or is there a booth I can check these in there?"

“There’s an amnesty box in the palace forecourt but I’ll ask when we walk through the city streets that you keep your weapon shouldered. You wouldn’t want the city folk we pass getting the wrong idea at an armed foreigner walking through the streets”

"Again, of course." She would sling the shotgun over behind her shoulder, unless it doesn't have a sling, in which case she simply hugs it to her shoulder... then remembers to turn on the safety "If that is all, then I'm ready."

He nods and you’re taken inside the city. A gesture has you heading in the direction of a squat nosed jeep like vehicle, though the Pintle heavy weapon mount looks to have been removed for extra passengers. It looks clear everyone else is getting in “I’ll call ahead and let them know we are coming. If you have any questions now I’ve been authorized to give general information “

Pearl, being motioned, climbs into the vehicle "Alright, well... how has your city been holding up since seemingly locking down?"

“A few small internal disturbances but things have been quiet the last few months.” He says as the vehicle begins moving “The farms are producing again so there’s not much reason to have food riots”

"What happened to the farms? Was there a dry season up here?"

“Two dry seasons in a row, and then last year we had so much rain that the seeds drowned. It’s finally somewhere in the middle”

8:24 PM

“But for how long, who knows”

"How have your people not starved after all that? Surely there couldn't have been enough food stockpiled to feed everyone in the city for that long."

“Rationing. Things became tight. We had riots , and near the end even that began to fail. Truly we were saved by the gods”

"Your city had a holy intervention?"

“We believe so. How else could the crops be explained?”

"Well, I could not be so certain. I wasn't here for it, nor do I personally dabble much into agriculture, but it must have been divine to witness!"

(Not sure if pearl believes him or not. I feel like she would think he’s a yokel)

(It's more that she's humoring him to maintain cover. If she doubts, they might suspect she's not a Haphastian for not having faith in the gods)

(Got it) He says little else as the vehicle makes its way up the hill to the central castle mount. More guards keep watch outside and out front, a mix of halberd and single shot rifle on display

9:09 AM

One has a long crook with a lantern as night begins to fall over the city and he makes his way to you

With the vehicle slowing to a stop, Pearl would step out, making sure her barrel is kept aimed downward while the lantern man approaches her "Greetings."

“Good evening traveler. The gate says you’re here to speak to the khan. The khan is indisposed for the moment, but the city minister would be happy to conference with you and hear what you’ve come to say”

"I wish that he recovers soon, but yes, your minister should suffice. I presume you are here to lead the rest of the way?"

"Lead, well, I lead, but I am the person you seek. Please, walk with me, let us talk of Mytikas, you being here, and your plans for the future"

"Very well? Not why I came here, but we can do that too."

"What was your purpose, then? " he asks, intrigued, as he leads you down a smoothed stone brick walkway, through the palace gates and into the gardened forecourt. Palace workers are beginning to light torches, and a handful of lower tech light poles likewise illuminate the verdant space and its maze of hedges

Pearl follows the spokesperson, eyeing around the scenery "I have been sent as a representative of Haphastea. Ever since your city of Chiron had closed up, communications have been lacking. I've come to ask of your city's activities, to retrieve an update on what has been going on."

“Asking why we have withdrawn from the world. I see. How much do you know of the other city states? Would I be right in assuming little?”

5:55 AM

(You don’t have to note anything if you don’t want to. I planned to bulk out a more general handout with anything you learn )

5:55 AM

(It won’t be exhaustive depending on how the talk goes but it’ll be a lot more than you had)

"Unfortunately, we are also lacking in other city's knowledge. The ghouls have been rampant in the West, and Haphastea lost a foothold at the garden after a horde forced a retreat, only made possible by a Mytakian scouting boat. The rest... well... word has it that Mytaka's leader had committed nuclear suicide, along with what was his personal army, and they've changed leadership accordingly. Mytaka's is now seeking the peaceful approach."

“Little indeed. You’ve not been west then to the others ? This planet is a dangerous place and the khans have wills of their own. They plot and scheme in the shadows. I’ve got something that may help in my personal library if you’re interested”

6:34 AM

“It’s an older tome, but most of the information is still relevant”

"A tome, you say? I think I would personally be interested at having a look at it, if you'd allow me to."

He nods, and begins leading you to a postern door built into the base of the nearest tower. It is worn , and wooden, banded with metal in place of hinges and to keep the supporting planks together. He takes a torch from the wall, and gestures for you to follow him inside

9:01 PM

heading up smooth stone stairs, you wind around the tower inside, and he opens a second door, leading to a library like chamber. It is small, and looks to possibly be his personal collection

Following them into the study, Pearl looks up the bookshelves on the wall space "Are all of these regarding the planet's history?"

“Most of them. A few I’ve written myself. Some relate to more esoteric topics” he says, gesturing to one copy of a book called A Veil of Smoke

"So, you are an author, then?" Pearl reaches out to pull the book from the shelf, examining it's material and the writing

"I am, most ministers are." The book is made of tanned hide, animal in origin, and written in a tight black script, the first letter of every paragraph ornamental and filled with an ivy like goldleaf pattern. Loosely looking through it, this volume talks about a philosophical point of how the truth commonly lies somewhere in the middle of two differing accounts of an issue

Getting the general concept of the book, Pearl gets a feeling of coincidence. "Do you have a printing press or a monastarry for these? Or are all of these one of a kind?"

“We do have a press but it’s a labor to make another copy. Each page has to be individually typecast and set , and then pressed into paper. And bound. Copies exist but are almost as rare

"That is a shame." Pearl would close the book "Perhaps once a suitable engineer figures a way to improve on the system, these can be more widespread on this planet."

He sits back in a wooden chair that crea is under his weight, slight as it is. “Knowledge. My words even. Across the whole planet. Wouldn’t that be something. I would enjoy living in a world like that. Discussing ideas with Herans who live far from here

"I believe it would do this civilization great things if it were the case. People take knowledge for granite." She sets the tome down onto the desk "Is this the tome you were referring to earlier, though?"

“Ah you want A history of worlds known and unknown “ he says with a smile, standing on shaking legs and walking over to a different shelf. The book is more of a tome and is easily as thick if not slightly thicker than your head

9:50 PM

The cover is embossed leather with semi precious stones planed flat and worked into a mosaic of the planet and a beautiful glittering starfield

Pearl would accept the tome, deciding not to flip inside on the spot, already presuming what it's contents generally look like without inspection based on the last one "Thank you, sir. Something like this must hold special value, especially as you lack replicas."

“Consider it a gift to a newcomer needing to find their way. You were asking something else when you first arrived though, about why we have entrenched ourselves the way we have. “

5:18 PM

“It May be better to show you, than to tell you, but before that happens we would need some kind of commitment from Mytikas in return”

5:18 PM

(Like a cooperation agreement or something. This isn’t going to turn into a web of favors)

5:18 PM

(But they’re also not going to hand over state secrets for nothing but words)

"What would this commitment involve?... and how do you know I'm from Mytikas when I've insisted I was sent by Haphastea? Which is true, but... I even bought these clothes..."

“Your accent. If you were from where you claim to be you’d have sharper vowels, and more emphasis on certain consonants. (Didn’t you come clean to the gate guards too?)

7:37 PM

(When they shot that other guy in front of you)

(Pearl never explicitly stated she was from Mitakas, I don't believe. She's only said she'd been sent by Haphastea, and was half expecting them to assume she was a Haphastean.) "... Ah, well... fuck me, then. "

“Just that you keep what you see here to yourself. Tell them something. Anything , just not the truth”

"I'm taking it I'll realize why when I see it, but how can you trust that I wouldn't when I do return to them? After all, doesn't Chiron see Mytakas as an enemy, anyways?"

“This May do some to demonstrate your...change of heart...there is an oath you can take, that I can administer, that will bind you to our accord, and bind me to honor my word to show you the truth to your question”

"An oath?... Hang on, is this some sort of magical, psionic deal?"

“As you’d understand it, yes”

"Hmm... well... I suppose it couldn't hurt? How does it work?"

“Have you ever sworn and oath before? I just need to take your hand, I’ll say my part and after, you promise not to tell the truth to Hephaesta”

9:22 PM

“If I break my pact, the results will be terminal, as for you”

"So, if either of us mess up, we both die? Is there a way to end the pact later for, y'know, comfort of mind?"

“We could mutually agree to end it. If I mess up, I die, and you’ll feel it no matter where you are. The same applies for me, if you do”

9:26 PM

“But we both know that won’t happen”

"Does it end for the opposite person if one of them dies? Because I feel it would be difficult to make a mutual agreement if I'm dead."

“It does” he says sagely

"... In hindsight, that may have sounded like I was plotting malice-- nevermind. Guess there wouldn't be much reason not to agree to it."

He nods and opens a hand, with long fingernails to take yours

Pearl accepts the hand, half reluctantly, to follow through with the ordeal

You feel his bony fingers wrap around your palm. “I, Marius Rosenbern pledge to honor this pact and show this representative the truth of why our city has hidden itself behind these elaborate fortifications. Should the truth be withheld, or show in an incomplete manner, she may invoke the pact for terminal sanction. In return, she pledges to not reveal what she sees here to the hapehestans, though is free to fabricate what she wishes, do you agree?” He asks, facing you

9:10 AM

You feel a tingle, like a low grade electric shock running through your body

"I agree." Pearl flinches a bit, feeling the electrical sensation flowing through her

You sense the pact becoming formal, and he nods one more time, the charge slowly fading. "Very good. We have another short walk ahead of us, and then you'll have your answer"

"Alright then." Holding the tome under her arm, she remains by their side, feeling unsettled by the unnatural sensations she felt by sealing the promise

He motions for you to follow, out of his library tower, and to an antebuilding within the walls of thepalace. There are no lights on inside, and no torches lit in the holders outside, but the lamp on the crooked pole seems to be enough for your needs right now. Stopping at the heavy iron door, he fishes in his pocket for some keys, and after trying two that clearly do not work, it finally opens with a groan.

8:51 PM

Spiral stone stairs lead below, into the underground, and you hear the drip of condensation beading up enough to collect into droplets. It feels like a frosty breath is traveling up from the depths of the planet itself

"What... is this place? A mine?"

“Of a sort. It’s a crypt.” He begins leading you down, walking slowly on each broad stone step. “Heras was visited when mankind first gained the power of space flight, as you can likely guess by our being here. Mankind was voracious and wanted the resources this planet held. In mining, they mined deep into the planets crust. Some sort of obelisk or totem was found and unearthed. The stories differ on what exactly happened after that but everyone around where it was taken slowly went mad over time, and eventually it was smashed. In doing so, they released the Overlord, and released supernatural forces back into this world. We believe based on what we have unearthed ourselves that this city has been build over the overlords former tomb”

"So, you're saying that we're in some ancient god's grave?... Are these 'supernatural forces' what are creating blessings for your town?"

He says nothing but with a knowing smile invites you to follow him down into the depths below. You descend for some time, moments of constantly walking , but eventually arrive in a stone antechamber with an arch above it. The runes on it are jagged and alien, and hurt too much to look at for too long.

9:58 AM

He takes a long knife from his robe and pricks his finger , touching it to the stone. The runes glow a harsh crimson and seem to bleed off some kind of heat

"... Woah..." Pearl awes at the contraption, holding a hand up to shield herself from the headache "This... does not seem like it should exist."

“And yet it does” he says sagely, and he begins walking into something like a surface made of purple black cloud. “Follow me please, and you will be shown the truth”

3:35 PM

“And yet it does” he says sagely, and he begins walking into something like a surface made of purple black cloud. “Follow me please, and you will be shown the truth”

3:35 PM

“And yet it does” he says sagely, and he begins walking into something like a surface made of purple black cloud. “Follow me please, and you will be shown the truth”

(Did you mean to post that three times?) Pearl sticks behind them, presumably following them through the gate

(It only is coming up once for me, but i was having cell signal trouble at work earlier)

(It came up three times on my end, but no worries.)

You pass through the smoke, and begin hearing the sound of birds. a warm summer sun, two suns, in fact, is on your face and their rays cast the clearing into a relaxing red orange glow. The trees are tall here ad remind you of something more terra and conifer like. A small garage like building lies ahead, its shutter door lowered. The sage you have ee following starts heading toward it

"W-what the... fuuuuck?" Pearl is absolutely confused, having apparently been transported to an utterly different location, by a portal only powered by the man's blood. This was so wrong, but she continues to follow "Where are we?"

He gestures for you to look at the sky where a violent storm in space tears across the heavens, spreading a greasy orange red light across the sky. Crackles of jade lighting spread out and connect to other forks in bizarre patters. “We are behind a region of space cut off by a powerful MES storm. Even older than the scream. This planet is claimed by a group that calls itself the weeping company”

"The weeping company? Why are they called that, and why does that portal lead to here? How does it lead to here?"

We aren’t sure who they are exactly just that they live behind this gate, seem to be comfortable with violence and weaponry, and as for your other questions, we don’t know. What we do know is that they’ve been good trade partners and have saved us a few times when we could not save ourselves. If the whole@planet knew of this gate, the other khans would attack and seize it for themselves “

8:08 PM

“You know as well as I do any deal made in the aftermath of such a battle between the victors would come apart just as quickly. It was found below our city and thus for the sake of a peaceful planet , we are keeping it secret

"I was told at the gate that your city suffered from poor farming conditions, and that they were graced with a blessing. Was that really just trading for food from the weeping company?"

8:50 PM

"Why would the other Khans wage war over a portal to supple trade, as opposed to accepting trade with your city having access?"

“We didn’t trade for food. We traded for highly technical soil treatments that brought the ground we farm on back to life. High technology like that doesn’t exist on heras for intentional reasons. Possessing it would be cause for war

5:08 PM

“And they’d never except a power sharing agreement. They all wish to be the strongest alone. Ours is no exception”

"So, not even your own inhabitants are aware of the true cause... the suggestion it was a holy bringing was a vise. Makes sense, seeming that you appear to allow travelers to enter and leave the city, you couldn't risk word spreading to another city, I'm taking it."

“We couldn’t risk it. War would come at the hands of jealous khans, or our own citizens would revolt at us keeping the truth from them. They’d demand access to the gate”

Pearl rubs her chin, pondering on what it could all mean "So, what? Are all the Khans really that power hungry?... would your Khan act the same way if your city found out about something another city had?"

"Something like this? this scale? yes. This gate is more than just another way to trade. This gate leads to territory. Land, resources, peoples, and of course, new technology. We suspect The Weeping company thinks the same, ut theyre showig the gate a healthy level of fear, or at least are uwillig to get closer

"New technology even? I'll get back to that one. Why wouldn't the Khans aim for diplomacy? Some way to agree for everyone to have fair access to this world-- hell, it might even be possible to create more of those portals, linking each city to some part of this planet... or even..." Pearl rubs her chin again, getting some ideas "The gate technology on it's own would benefit your planet, let alone the rest of the universe, given a simple means of hopping from place to place without requiring lengthy space travel."

4:54 PM

"Point is, if there was a way to get this all shared... assuming the Weeping company are okay with it, I could assume they would feel invaded if nine settlements started coming in and claiming areas and resources, would the Khans still feel implored to conquer?"

“It’s not for me to debate philosophy or the nature of the Khans with you, astute as you seem to be. Speaking here, away from Heras as two people bound by a pact, I would say it’s because of pride. Each wants to rule alone. But this trade post is where we come to do business. Their requests are strange, and sometimes...questionable”

"Questionable? Could you go into detail what these requests have been so far?

“We were asked for prisoners once. Taken from skirmishes on the surface and convicts among our own population. We don’t know what became of them”

1

"Ohhhh no..." She takes a deep breath "If that's the case, assuming there's nothing else left to see here, I think it would be best to return to Chiron."

5:18 PM

Out of curiosity, Pearl would pull out her compad, to see if she can get a signal to anywhere

Your pad shows nothing and the time even begins counting backwards in random increments of seconds. All normal communication channels are down

"... Eh?? That can't be good either."

(If it’s bexsuse you’re on this side of the gate or jamming I don’t think it would be possible to tell)

5:40 PM

“Very well. I hope this helps explain our position a bit better, and that our agreement will help us build trust as two governments bound by the same secret now” (edited)

(Well, wouldn't the clock be an internal function? As opposed to IRL modern electronics, where the time is determined by connecting to the internet, there shouldn't be much of a reason the clock thinks time is going backwards.)

(You’re trying to base a realm of rampant metaphysical energy in logic )

(shrug) "It does shed light on why your city has really been on effective lockdown. The issue currently is to think of a good reason to tell Haphastea that isn't, y'know, a literal portal to another wherever."

He begins leading you back to the gateway , the warm twin suns at your back. “Anything but the truth. Did it sound like they had an idea of what we were doing behind our walls? Or their own running theory at least?”

(I actually can't remember, would need to scroll up) "Mostly just suspicious, given that your Khan has gone silent and your city holed up. I theory before I got here was that you guys were making extensive militaristic preparations."

“I’d prefer to let them believe that, than have them know the truth. Maybe it will even help ward off an attack”

7:17 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits.)

"I suppose I'll have to go with that, then. Would there be someone I could speak with to help collaborate with the false story? I don't want to just be making up information on the spot."

“Collaborate how? We certainly want to support you”

"I'm not the biggest gun nut. I know how to shoot one, but all the technicalities... basically, if there's someone I could speak with, who could help me with making a plausible story, and maybe helping with forging documents to legitimize it, it would help me assure the Haphastean Khan will accept the answer with less risk that he'd think I'm full of it. Does that make sense?"

(So you’re trying to falsify some@documents ?)

(Basically. Pearl wants to have "evidence" to back up what she's planning to tell Haphastea, not to mention proving she actually went to Chiron rather than loafing around for a couple days before going back completely lying her ass off.)

(Makes sense to me)

3:28 PM

“Alright. We can come up with some weapon schematics and falsify some reports of troop movements. I’ll see what we can do about some signals we purposely let them intercept”

Pearl nods "I'll make sure to let Mytakas, at the very least, aware that this is all false in case someone back there makes their own interception and... y'know, rightfully freaks out? Thank you for all the aid."

“Our deal said nothing about what you bring back to your own city. You may do as you wish with them. You have trusted us. We will do the same with you. You’re free to remain in town a few days more while we fabricate what is necessary for you”

8:38 AM

(It’s up to you if you want to fast forward through that or actually explore in character

(We can fast forward and just give the gist of what it's like staying in Chiron. Pearl would be able to afford lodging while the documents and transmissions are forged, and Pearl should be able to call up Cole regarding her findings and experience, not to mention letting them know when she'd be available to be picked up.)

Chiron is a city under lockdown and none of its citizens know why. Patrols of soldiers in heather Grey uniforms walk the streets. At least one in every squad carries a pole lamp, and the rest are armed with a mix of pistols and carbine like rifles. They seem to serve as something like a city watch. There is a nightlife and something akin to a tavern scene in town but the mood is subdued and not very jubilant. The inexplicable need for a curfew and lack of travel gives small meetings in bars a conspiratorial aura about them where such a thing shouldn’t exist

9:42 PM

Behind the scenes you know wheels of government are moving to supply you with what you need. On your third night in town you’re met by a palace runner and a satchel is given to you with everything you might need.

Pearl inspects the satchel's contents, assuring that everything would be in order before giving the courier a nod to thank him, stowing everything back in and sealing it once more. Pearl isn't quite sure whether the lock down is part of the ruse in the making, or if something else has begun, but Pearl intends to make an excuse out of it nonetheless. While it does seem that there is even more to the city than what an official could let on for her, she doesn't feel she can remain much longer while needing to return to Haphastea. She confirms that she will be leaving the city soon through her commpad, to arrange for the pickup to arrive at the landing zone. Before she heads for the gates, she collects the equipment she had stashed away, and allows herself to be escorted back to the gates if need be.

You’re taken back to the countryside and are picked up as promised. (Did you want to go to Mytikas first or just head right into resolving this

(Pearl wanted to head back to Mytikas first. Pearl wants to find a space in the city where, when she makes the trade deal for alcohol from Haphastea, the product can go and be sold like a bar. She's also looking to meet Andra, as they promised to show her what a merlon was.)

(Andra and Eli have pushed on to another mission , but we can do all the other points on your laundry list, though technically you guys have met in the last council meeting , even if it was just by screen)

(Then it's simply buying out a commercial building space, possibly asking around to figure out what kinds of beverages and how much Pearl should get, and possibly making a visit to the research center to consider donating funds for the current projects, if that's mechanically allowed, and pitching a project of her own)

(you can pitch a project. We do research points for completing them, so bringing back samples, draining found databanks, ect, not really anything with money)

(So, what would happen if Pearl handed over her stardust micropellet shotgun to see if they could reverse engineer it to make more?)

(we could make that a project yes. As far as what the end result would be, it would be beneficial to all of you somehow. I’m not sure I want relics being pass produced but it will lead to something good)

(I don't think it could hurt, then. Pearl will do that, then.)

Heading back to Mytikas you see your flight is one of several in the air right now, all jostling for position in the empty landing field east of the city

7:28 PM

Supplies and heavy equipment are being swarmed by workers, the first of several construction engines begins making its way to the eastern gatehouse ruins as your own cargo lighter sets down

Pearl hops off her ride once given the clear to, deducing this must all be from the plan agreed on with the previous council meeting. Having no need to meddle in the engineering, Pearl heads west toward the main city, getting away from the chaos of mobilization

Heading into the temple, you see a heavy amount of activity outside of it as well. The guards move aside to let you pass, and inside you see Cole standing in the center of the room, working hard at some sort of relief map of the local area

10:22 AM

Two men in firefighting gear stand before her and seem to have just finished listening intently

Seeing the supposed firefighters, Pearl's curiosity peaks, thinking that it might not have to do with the ship engine project "What the hell happened while I was away?"

“Meltdown in the ship reactor. It’s contained for now but be glad you were abroad.” She dismisses the emergency workers with a curt “be safe”

9:10 AM

“So what can you tell me about your trip?”

"Hoo boy, well... there's a lot to unpack. I think the first thing that should be mentioned is that diplomacy is yielding much better results than clandestine. I was let in on some rather valuable information... " She sits down with Cole to spill the details of her visit to Chiron, including the city's current status as told to her and what she observed, the supernatural gate to another land, her current state of being under arcane sanctioned promise, and the falsified information she intends to share with Haphastea instead of the truth

“Quite a web we have found ourselves in here. Two possible allies to us, but at possible odds with one another. Still. Two fewer armies throwing themselves at the city gates anytime soon. And I can’t help but want to explore that gate for ourselves”

"It's rather scary thinking about what we're getting into, cities being paranoid of other cities, good reasons or not... I couldn't say what would happen if everything came tumbling down. It does seem that, if we do intend to take permanent residence here, it's unlikely we can 'bring justice to the tyrant Khans' without basically turning everything into a huge mess. If we can maintain the façade, however, and be able to scratch everyone's backs, then at least we will be safe. I still need to return to Haphastea, but that's two down and... like... three or four left to go?" "I can only reiterate how intriguing the outer world was... but that too also makes me a tad scared. I wouldn't want to go back there alone, supposing what the Crying Company does."

"Its a house of cards, and it will come down, theres no mistake there. I intend to have us on top of the pile when it does. One or two strong allies, and a reform of what we're doing here in Mytikas, and we can start to breathe a bit. As for the justice thing, that was my late husband's gig. Not mine, and not ours. The planet should be unified somehow, and we need to do that before venturing very far afield into space, but I don't share the same crusader ideology he did"

"I don't think 'house of cards' and 'unified' mesh together. If we become truly unified, then there should be no expectation of the tower falling, and obviously if it collapses... well, you can't exactly be in unity with what's dead, now can you?" She leans back in her seat, putting a hand over one eye with a sigh "I can't remember all these different agendas..." Sitting back upright, Pearl drags her hand off her own face "Anyways, on another note, I wanted to ask... you wouldn't happen to know about any currently vacant buildings in Mytakas, would you? Preferably someplace spacious, to be refurbished as a bar or tavern. While I was in Haphastea, I found some traders who were willing to sell some booze in bulk. As I mentioned regarding the gunk two meetings ago, it would solve the moonshining 'issue' while putting regulated beverages up for sale. I think I have plenty of credits on hand to purchase a starting stock, but obviously it all needs to go somewhere."

“There’s a trader pavilion down by the southern gate. Big building, the stalls face inside and people enter and exit through the north and south doors. Sort of reminded me of an indoor market. There will probably be another tenant or two in there eventually but you could easily take half the building for your brewing and operation”

"Fantastic. I'll take a look around there." Pearl would get up "I think that's about everything, unless there's something else I need to know about... oh, one more thing: Could you remind me where the research branch is? I have... uh... something, I would like to hand over, to see if it can be reverse engineered or something."

“They’re operating out of the basement here for the time being but im hoping to have a proper lab up soon”

"Alright. If you don't mind, I'll just head down there to share what I've got before scoping out the locale. I should be ready for my return trip to Haphastea within a day."

She nods, and passes over a deed , written on an electronic slate. "My gift, something to get you started. If anyone starts asking questions, show them that. You're owner if you decide you like the property"

Pearl gasps, accepting the tablet "Why, thank you, Cole! If I knew we'd be exchanging gifts, I'd have whipped up something before I came back."

“Not necessary” she smiles. “Once you’re set up I’ll even come down and have a drink”

"I would be happy to see you having a cold one. I'll see you there when it's all set up." Waving them farewell, storing away the deed, Pearl decides to make her second stop at the research center in the aforementioned basement, given she's already here

The research center is one only in name as you descend the dank staircase. Two researchers huddle over a table with barely functioning instruments that looked repurposed from medical equipment. Both are typing away on compads. Shelves that once likely held incense and unguents for temple rituals now have some sample of local flora, basking under dim lights that flicker every few seconds

Pearl looks around the room, rather underwhelmed by the lack of science and sciencey technobabbles, heading over to the two holding her hand up "Uh... hey, Pinky and Brain?"

1

They both look up from what you hope is their work. “Ah good afternoon yes how can we help you? Did you get lost? Almost no one comes down here”

"Nah, I'm not lost... just had a couple ideas, but I'm starting to think you guys are no where near equipped for it. I'll ask anyways." Heading over to the table, Pearl takes the shotgun slung over her shoulder off and sets it onto the table "I wanted to donate this-- or rather, let you borrow --to see if you guys could figure out exactly how it works, and maybe try to reverse engineer it?"

They both come over to the worktable and are careful to wait for you to set it down, rather than snatch it from your hands. "Starburst micropellet. They made some sought after weapons even before the scream ensured they'd be the last. Its something we can look into, but without more advanced equipment we're only going to be able to make a limited study." THe one you've dubbed pinky takes you aside. "I know there's a political balancing act at work upstairs, between appearing luddites while also ensuring we don't lose our technological edge. I'm going to be plain with you. This planet does not have what we need to do actual, proper, innovation. Commander Cole needs to send out the fleet. We have several planets within a short jump from here. Loot the stuff, trade for it, find it...hell, push it off a truck and then pick it up...however we get it, we need equipment to do this right"

9:36 AM

"Or pretty soon, we're going to be fighting with sticks and rocks like the rest of them"

"I get it, you can't exactly do your job other than just staring at what you've collected without all the cool stuff. Problem is, right now-- as it seems --I'm the main person working on that balancing act, and even if I took time off to go on a quick space trip... we only have the one ship in the sky from what I know of, and no more are anywhere close to being made as we've just taken the spare down for city power. I can talk to Cole about it, but I'm not wrong, am I?"

"One warship, yes , which she would never let leave, but there is a naval courier, and a free merchant sitting in orbit that will not be much use in a fight. They've been sitting in drydock for a month now, but Lars, the pilot Cyrus used to rely on, is looking for work. Maybe the two of you can convince that spider queen upstairs that we need to stop this isolationist nonsense"

9:55 AM

(and we can get you pirating for a purpose)

"Ohoho... Well, I don't think Cole would be against it. After all, isolation was Cyrus' gig, not her's... Alright. Yeah. I'll see about that. I just need to run a couple more errands, and then. That should be about it, then-- I still had a couple more ideas, but I they'd have to hold off until you get the goods you need anyways. You two take care." Tipping them her hat, Pearl makes note of what she was told of and returns back upstairs. Half way up, she ponders on the 'spider queen' comment, wondering whether it was some sort of jab or not, but decides to shrug it off.

Upstairs you can see that there’s a bit more activity in the common floor of the temple but nothing that stands out. It seems the problems elsewhere are being handled

11:07 AM

(Fast forward to your bar?)

(May as well, or we can fast forward to the trader ship if you want. I'm making the assumption that the locale is suitable, and if that's the case there really isn't a need to play out Pearl checking it out, just the fact she knows it'll work and that she owns it suffices.)

3

(Yeah that’s fine with me. So haphesta then. And we can stop at the bar on the way so you can talk to those guys)

(

)

The bar looks like it will fit your needs, and the cargo transport lands outside the city to bring you south. Armed with fake documents, false radio signals, and a few other minor pieces of evidence it feels as through you’ve done what you can to try to sell your end of the magical compact made. You’re helped aboard and before long are in the air. “You’re lucky we are heading south today. Strong winds coming in from the north. Caused a lighter crash already” the pilot says, passing time as the flight goes on

"Great... seems like we've been plagued by accidents ever since the mine disaster. I hope they're okay... someone's going up to check on them, right? Well, you probably wouldn't know yourself anyways."

“Sounds like a team is being sent. It takes time even with being able to fly there. Hope it wasn’t those same scouts that found the supplies cache. Would be a Terrible end to a good day”

2:12 PM

The lighter banks gently and begins making its landing approach to the fortified coastal forge city, buildings as black as its cliffs

"Alright, I should be in and out after just a couple hours. You keep an eye on the ship, and I'll be right back." With that, Pearl gathers her necessities-- opting to leave her firearms in the ship --and climbs out to enter the city, finding her way back to the meeting council to provide the information

(we can bypass making the official deal with the bar guys here too if you like, either one is fine, but i imagine itll be something like they row their goods up river to pretty close to the city, and some way to get them transported from there will need to be devised, incentive to develop for sure)

(I'm fine with that. I just need to know how much the initial transaction will cost, so I can have Pearl deduct from her funds. Since the bar will be making profit from the sale, which would go to paying the workers, maintenance, and restocking, I think this is the only payment that will be important to notably make. FYI, Pearl has over 60K in her name) (edited)

Heading through the bar to set up the deal, the smugglers here are glad to be doing some work that’s actually above board. River pilots and ghouls are still a problem and they do warn you that until the planet can find a way to stabilize itself some shipments may be lost. Last time you were in haphesta , a delegation came to the landing field with you. Today a jet black limousine with golden trim pulls up to the makeshift crushed rock dockyard row , and flicks its lights as you make your way out of the bar.

Pearl does intend to, eventually, figure out a way to put an end to the ghoul issue, but for now that is a risk she will have to accept. After all, Mytaka's craving for booze isn't going to satisfy itself. Her eyes widen a bit seeing the luxury vehicle, but getting the message she heads over to climb into the back, getting a feeling of home

The car is empty but for a small bar built into the right hand wall. The driver lowers the privacy screen for just a moment. “I’ll have you to the meeting as soon as possible. Please relax and enjoy the ride until then. Is there anything I can assist with during the drive?”

"I don't think there's much... are you able to play music along the way?" It doesn't take long for Pearl to make herself comfortable, deciding to take advantage of the built in bar to fix herself a drink.

He puts on something like a string sonata as the car makes its way through the dark metal and stone industrial city. The keep is a towering building, capped with gun emplacements and searchlights along a sandbagged castle roof. Several guards keep watch at an elevated above street level postern gate , a small flight of wooden stairs leading up to it. A woman in a white and navy uniform waits for you there, mid length blonde hair tied tight in a military haircut.

Pearl tries to keep herself at ease with the beverage and relaxing music, although she can't help but to feel a sense of threat while glancing out the windows and spotting the reinforcements. When the limousine parks again to let her out, Pearl tries to finish her drink before inspecting herself if she's appropriately presentable. Satisfied, she'd make her way out of the vehicle and over to the military captain, removing her cap "Greetings, miss... madam... ma'am... whatever it is you'd like to be called."

“General , if you please. I understand you’ve come from Chiron with some important news for us. I’ve called a meeting of my senior officers and we are all eager to hear what you have to say”

"I can do you one better, General." She takes the satchel off her shoulder, handing it over "I was able to acquire these. They should let you know everything there is to it."

Her eyes widen for a second as she sees the sheaf of papers. “This is. More. Than we were expecting. Please follow me inside. I’ll bring you right up”

Pearl nods, agreeing to follow the woman indoors "I don't remember seeing all those sandbags the first time I was here."

“We had to be ready. We didn’t know what kind of news you would be coming back with” She leads you up stone stairs into some sort of palace anti chamber. There are a few plush red leather couches and a small fire burns away in a thick block fireplace.

9:43 PM

Two more officers sit in this lounge smoking cigars and looking over a rough map of the planet

"Well, your anticipations might have been correct, so nice foresight on the defense department." Looking around the room, Pearl soon trails over to the red couch, seating herself angled sideways, leaned back and crossing her legs "It's been too long since I've even so much as seen this kind of luxury..."

A suited assistant comes over and holds open both a case of fine cigars and offers a decanter of a dark liquid with shot glass. “We will of course review the documents but we would like to hear what you saw in that city firsthand. “

6:57 AM

“There’s no pressure. Just general recollections of your trip. It’s incredible what you’ve returned with”

Pearl ponders whether or not she should smoke, opting against it with her inexperience likely only making her gag, but does allow herself to partake in more drinking "When I got there, security was brutal... there was a line just to get in, and I saw someone getting dragged on their feet over to one of the walls for a capital punishment. Needless to say, it wasn't a pretty sight. The man had apparently gone in with a forged documentation of his identity, and I may have risked the same fate had they not seen right through my own disguise; Apparently, I hadn't exactly tried pulling off a Hephaestion accent and knew I was Mytakian from the get go, but that ended up not mattering, thankfully. I was let in, and explaining I was an ambassador..." She continues to explain the story which had been created, and supported by the forged evidence, as opposed to the truth that would likely caused an abrupt cardiac failure if not sudden head explosion syndrome

“Surely that kind of extensive preparation is meant for one of our cities, now with the overlord defeated and the central highlands now a plain of glass. We should call the other city states to war. A pre emptive strike to humble their army before it can be unleashed on one of us”

7:16 AM

You sense genuine fear in the room at such a large buildup of forces

Pearl joins them in the sense of dread, but in her own degree. She thinks to herself: "OH FUCK OH HELL THIS IS HORRIBLE THIS IS MUCH WORSE THAN IF I COULD JUST TELL THEM ABOUT THE PORTAL AND THAT IT'S FINE BUT I CAN'T OR I DIE OH CRAP WAS PEACE NEVER AN OPTION?? AAAAAAAAAAAAAA--" before taking a deep breath and taking the shot "... How long will it take to organize such? We do have the proof of what they're orchestrating, but as far as I'm aware communications on this planet are rather limited." (edited)

“Months. Possibly longer. We would have to agree on a plan, and then levee and train forces. They’re so far ahead of us in just training alone. Throwing waves of fresh conscripts at those walls is going to just see thousands dead for no gain” (edited)

7:25 AM

“Maybe this is where we can use outsiders like you. Your technology could save lives, and help end this quickly. We are still looking at months of planning”

"I can relay the request back to Regent Cole, but I can tell you with near certainty that if you're asking for another one of those aerial bombings that I'd be returning to say 'hell-fucking-no'; That city is still populated with civilians."

(re roll token just for that haha)

(XD)

(pfft... who?) (edited)

(You pearl, you earned it)

(... Oh! As in Pearl gets a free re-roll for later. Got it.)

“We would never. The lightning storms ravaging the flood lands from that bombardment have made the region nearly impassable. Doing that to a second area with so many people...it’s impossible to countenance. We could never. “

6:07 PM

“This fight is going to be won by soldiers. Men and women carrying rifles and spears”

"Rifles and... spears? Not bayonets? Not simply combat knives as backup? Why spears?" She asks while deciding to pour herself another glass of the drink

“It’s our planets culture. That’s really all that’s to be said about that”

"Alright, I won't prod it then. In any case, I believe we have covered everything, yes? There were just a couple things I wanted to ask about, before I head over elsewhere to attend to other business I'm responsible for."

“You’ve done your job and delivered on your promise. We will answer whatever you want to ask”

"The first thing I wanted to ask was regarding something off-mentioned the last time I was here; I was told your city makes excavations underground. Was that just a fancy way of saying you mine for metals, or does this city actually go deeper than the soil, or something particularly interesting underneath Haphastea, perhaps?" "The second thing I wanted to ask about were with the ghouls. We all know them, how they have been plaguing this planet throughout... I was wondering what I could learn about them. Where did they come from? What caused them to sprout? If you get bit by one, are you royally screwed to be turned into one? Are there any theories as to how to rid of them entirely?"

The city extends hundreds of meters below ground in a well organized network of tunnels, population shelters, emergency service locations, and rally points should the city ever be attacked or in the path of a natural disaster. Sometimes strong storms do come in off the sea and make taking shelter necessary, though the storm seasons the last few years have been mild.

9:18 AM

As for the ghouls, they were creatures of the overlord. Without him controlling them they don’t act with any kind of overarching intelligence but they are able to exist without him as beasts. They’re natural creatures like anything else and do reproduce if they’ve been able to feed

9:19 AM

They bite to weaken and poison, but are carrion feeders. You are disadvantaged in the sense that your health is suffering and you will likely die, but will not rise as one of them

"Overlord? Who would that have happened to be?"

“Ruled Mytikas a long time ago. The previous champion of Ares. Dabbled in things he shouldn’t have , even for someone anointed by the powers that be. Ares , the khans, and their armies drove Him and his first ghouls into the countryside. We fought for years but when we won, he did too, and his ranks swelled with more creations and traitors willing to serve a new power. So the legend goes anyway. You’ve heard about the garden and seen the wrecks. There’s enough truth there for me”

"Champion of Ares, huh? Sounds strikingly familiar... like it was something the late Regent Cyrus called himself. You don't think the gardens hold-- or, well, perhaps held past tense, if it got destroyed in the destruction --a means to stop the ghouls, do you? I want to believe there's a way to eradicate them that isn't as tedious as putting a bullet into each and every one, and not as nuclear as... well, going nuclear."

“The gardens was mostly the wreck field from that battle. Clearing the area would have been impossible before but the bombardment May have vaporized what’s there. There have been ghoul sightings and attacks since, so something was either overlooked, or as you said. Bullets to every single forehead”

Pearl groans "Either pick through an irradiated castle, or hunt them all down like buffalo... tough choice. Gonna have to figure it out though; it would make everything a lot easier for everyone if they weren't around." With that, she stands from the couch "That should be about it. Thank you for allowing me in here, and perhaps we will meet again."

“I am sure over the coming months that we will. There’s going to be many more meetings on the situation involving our mutual neighbor.

5:29 PM

(9xp, 50,000 credits)

(BEAMS IN 'TALK +4') "Of course. I wish to see you well next time." Bidding Aude, Pearl would make their leave, returning back through the route they came, expecting to see the same limousine to provide her a returning trip back to the landing bay. She had to consider how would be the best approach to eradicate the ghoul infestation, while also worrying about a war breaking out, but now wasn't the time. She had business to attend to on another planet, apparently, and could not wait to put her crossbone cap on

(... Wait... can't get the +4 until I'm at least level 9... nevermind about that.)

You’re pulled from the city the way you came in and are in Mytikas again before long. The city is looking the beginnings of organized from up here , and you see the construction vehicles are hard at work making a wall around the city core.

Presuming the shipment hadn't arrived, Pearl would search around Mytikas for Lars, the aforementioned mercenary pilot, to see if she can convince him to join her cause. She'd be one step closer to plundering the endless black seas. Her first task, however, was seeing about liberating some research equipment from a more advanced civilization. How she would accomplish that exactly, she'll have to figure out

(Yeah it’ll be a couple weeks before they show up. You’re zipping around by air and they have to float it up river on a barge)

(That's what I thought, and I doubt any other PCs are in town at the same time as Pearl, so the only thing on her lists of current tasks is doing that favor for equipment)

(Andra and Eli are baxk now)

9:06 AM

(Would it be alright if, while looking for Lars, Pearl can happen upon the two? Maybe Pearl can ask if they want to tag along on her adventure, assuming they have nothing to attend to after their last mission)

Pearl feels something trying to connect to her mind.

"Eh-- What the-- HEY WOAH WOAH WOAH." Pearl puts her hands to her head, getting the odd sensation of someone coming into her head "What the hell??"

//just double checking you're accepting it right?

((I don't think Pearl knows how to 'refuse', but she's definitely confused)

"Hello Pearl can you hear me this is Eli, you have to talk, but it should go into my head when you do. Andra is also there, but can't talk. You're not still on mission are you? "

"Hold up. I'm not going to just stand here and look like a schizophrenic... for long. I just got back from my job, so where are you?"

"We just got dropped off, anywhere is good. Oh just get out your compad no one will know."

Pearl groans, pulling out her compad to pretend to be taking a call "Why, yes, hello, this is indeed Pearl Sarya. How may I help you, person who is definitely calling me over my compad-- wait, why didn't you just CALL me? Wouldn't you have had to of gotten my number from the last meeting?"

10:00 AM

"... Yeah, actually, you do! You're the one who wired me credits!" With that, she decides to punch in Eli's comm code to call him properly

"I didn't know you were here I can stop the link if that's easier for you though."

"Just... meet me at--" She gives the address of the establishment Cole had granted the deed to "--and we can be in person. I actually have some plans you might be interested in."

10:07 AM

Pearl would make her own way to the building, to not require telepathy nor comm-unications

Eli drives up to the address in the large treaded vehicle. "See it can sleep a big group and has real bathrooms, and bedrooms, and a full kitchen it's the best, but with so many lakes and mountains a bit limited."

Pearl waits leaning against an exterior wall, looking into her compad using the screen as a mirror while she fixes up her make up, before seeing the trucker drawing near, waving to the driver

Eli stops the food truck in front of pearl, turning it off then getting out with Andra. "I think you two met at the vote sort of, but now in person Andra, Pearl, Pearl Andra."

"Well, it's a pleasure finally getting to mee- ee- what the fuck??" Walking over to approach Eli exiting the truck, she halts and stares with wide eyes upon seeing Andra

"What she's a Merlon, you didn't read about them? I thought with the nautical theme?"

"Read about them where? Cyrus didn't bring any damn books that for sure... not that I know of, anyways. I thought it was like, I 'unno, a tribal thing? So wait, you're a sea creature?" (edited)

"Oh Cyrus and books, nah does not sound like they belong in one sentence." Andra bows a bit before reaching out with her hand to shake Pearl's. "So, I am Andra, the precious scout as some say. My face is a bit, well hurt. Shit happens when you crash some space ship." Andra let's her fins pulsate. "I am a Merlon from Terezinho. I can breathe and live underwater, but also among humans on land. I need to soak myself in water from time to time or else I am feeling dry. You are Pearl, aye? The pirate princess?"

"Indeed, I would be the 'pirate princess', more formally known as Pearl Sarya, former noble of the Saryan family, now corsair of the black endless seas, luminary of the stars." She accepts the handshake, in the midst of it rubbing her thumb on the backside of Andra's hand to feel it's texture "I've got to say, I've heard of 'there are many fish in the sea', but this brings a whole new meaning to that, Eli! A mighty fine catch, if I do say so myself..." Her free hand reaches forward, possibly intrusively, to touch the flourished fins

Andra's face is a mixture of amusement and confusion. "Does that girl really think it is appropriate to touch me like that? Well, well, I roll with it and have some fun myself." Andra's hand wiggles out of the handshake and rejoins her other hand behind Pearl's back. Both hands rest on Pearl's lower back as she starts to gently drag her closer and almost closes any distance they had. She moves her head close to Pearl's in a way that allows her fins to stroke her neck slowly and tenderly. Then she whispers into her ear. "I am nobodies catch, princess, unless I decide otherwise. If you continue to touch me like that, then I hope this bar has a well furnitured more private room in the back." Andra has an impish smile on her face while she enjoys the whole scene. During all of it, she stays connected to Eli, with a shared mind so he can't escape any of this either.

Eli seems about to gather his magic for something then thinks better of it. Reckless bravery now, wouldn't help things later. He looks away and while turning deeper shades of red. "I .. Uh should I go wait inside or something? This seems private like Andra said. Oh I really did forget something I'll be right back." Eli runs back into the the food truck and returns holding Chester's tusk. (edited)

Pearl gets a bit of a shocked expression being pulled into Andra, and and being given the impression the fins were a touch of affection of sorts. With a more devilish grin, she turns her head to whisper back "Sadly, I can't say much about furnishing as of yet, but I would make accomodations if comfortable privacy is in order, mhm~" After which, she'd tilt her head back to look over at Eli returning with a tusk "It is not why I asked for you two to meet me here, however. I had an opportunity that I wished to prose, so that I would not be traveling alone yet again."

"Sorry about that, I would have gone with you, but I thought you could handle yourself, where as the mountains are dangerous, Verkat told me that before stealing my grave bike and trying to kick me to death."

"So, first you lose a bike, and then you crash a plane... Maybe you're right, I probably couldn't risk an omen like that for negotiations. Perhaps you would be interested in a 'break' from this planet, as we attend to something relatively nearby?"

5:43 AM

Andra lets Pearl loose and looks her in the eyes, still with her impish smile. "Well then I am looking forward to that, Princess Sarya. You've got your first taste of Merlon but I guess I am getting in the way of the business you two have." She turns to Eli and grins. "You've got an interesting friend here Eli. I do understand your reaction from earlier now. As I said call me if you need me. I will be resting a bit." Before leaving the scene completly she turns one last time to Pearl. "Pearl, take care. Don't trust those natives here. It feels like they have more secrets than truths and everyone acts on their agenda, and their agenda alone." (edited)

"Sure, you don't have any extra people coming do you? I don't mean to be so pessimistic, but it hasn't ended well for teams I haven't picked before." "Wait you're leaving? I know you'll be here ,but..."

"Oh, you didn't wish to come along as well, Andra? I'm sure there's pleanty of room on the ship... well, I'm assuming, but I can ask make sure."

"How did you get a space ship?"

"I, I just had a feeling that I get in your way of business. Eli told me about your bar and I am not into alcohol. And the flying thingy. Where do you get a ship anyways? And you better don't let me fly one unless you have some death wish. I don't know when you want to fly, but I guess I need some rest. The last days were rather hard to body and mind. Eli can find me, so I am there if you guys need me." "To be honest Eli, I don't even know why our connection still persists. But it does. I guess I will find out why."

"You can always sleep in the Food truck if you want, won't be too far that way, and it does have a bathroom."

"Well, I didn't exactly get one, as much as I was told of someone who has one. Apparently, Cyrus had a private pilot named Lars who's been shit out of work for a month now. They're said to be still down at the drydock, and since Cyrus is totally gone-zo..." "I was asked to hop on over to another planet with more technology available, to somehow get some more equipment for our R&D department. Probably can try snagging some other goodies, too, while we're at it." "If you're not in condition to come along, then I can't exactly make you. I wish you the best of recovery... with the face and all that. I'll make sure when I come back, though, to give you a comm call."

"So if we're going down to dry dock why did you want us to meet you here?"

Pearl shrugs

6:02 AM

"... I 'unno."

"Well do you need a ride there? Oh how long do you think that would take, I should talk to Cole or someone about if I'm going off planet. I was thinking of doing that apprenticeship with the Green coasters." (You never said ic this was the bar right?)

"Green Coaster? Oh, you mean this place?" She goes over and puts her hand onto the door "Already covered. See, this place? Regent Cole gave me this sweet place to fit out as a bar. I even got a shipment coming from Haphastea; should be just a couple weeks until we've got BOOOOZE!"

6:07 AM

"Probably can try snagging some other goodies? Eli I like your friend. Pearl your a nice one. I will most likely be in town the coming week. Gotta see what they did with the spaceship and all. Good luck you two." Andra waves and walks away. A bit lost.

"OH!, I knew you could Pearl! This is why I gave you the money. Sorry things didn't go too well on my side with that, I had to stop my experiments when I was told not to drink that moonshine and didn't find enough Chestnutatos, then the crash lost us the fish shipment. This place looks great though."

"Someone told you not to drink the moonshine? So, it really must be bad for people, then... Yeah, I'm looking forward to this place all fitted out. I might even take Andra's idea and see about making private rooms. How could I forget, with the lack of space for those sorts of meetings in the ordinary home?"

"Well I think it was Andra, plus driving drunk seemed like a bad idea, was just a little at a time to test long term exposure side effects. Yeah so many to a cramped ruins is kind of a lot. Her talking about soak tanks and all made me think we might make a spa eventually or something, that seems a bit off though."

"So many luxuries, so little resources to develop with... Maybe a spa can be my next project. For now, let's head down to the drydocks if you're interested. I can't wait to get back in space!"

"At least check it out, maybe they could teach me some about piloting. Who know maybe Andra will show back up before we go."

6:44 AM

"Would you mind if I put this up somewhere in the bar?"

"Don't mind if you do."

"Thanks, I'll see about getting a place for it, but for now lets get to drydocks. Do you know how to drive?"

"I know a little bit, yeah." (Pilot 0) "C'mon, then." With that, Pearl skips on over toward the driver side of the truck, climbing up to open the door and hop on inside

Eli gets in the passenger seat eager to see the space ship.

Vroom vroom!

(It’s in space. It’s a heavy frigate. A lighter can take you up to it)

"... O-okay, we just need a lighter to take us up to it, then we can ask!" Pearl turns to Eli "Do you have everything you might need?"

"Yeah or I can get it. What type of mission will this be?" (edited)

"Retrieval. R&D needs research equipment to do their job, and I was asked to go off planet to acquire such."

"I can probably get most of what else I need there or on the ship then, I'm following you then Captain Pearl. Let me just cut a quick compad message to Cole. "

4:42 PM

Eli takes oit his compad and types a quick message. (I sent it in my thread)

Pearl nods "Let's just figure out where we can get an available lighter..." Driving toward the aircraft field, finding a spot nearby to park Eli's ride, she searches for their means of reaching the heavy frigate

Several lighters are belly down on the roughly trod grass field. Some crews are Lounging outside them, smoking or playing cards. With one crash already in recent days most of the flights have been grounded while everyone’s qualifications are checked. You spot one crew making their ship ready for space at the end of the row

"There's one!" Dragging Eli by the arm, Pearl darts on over to the crew, leaving the truck securely parked and locked up in a lot "Hey, yoohoo~! Can we...! Ah... Wait, hang on..." Part way over, Pearl finds herself needing to stop and catch her breath, choosing to walk the rest of the way over "H-hey... uhh, can we-- could we, ask for a favor, of you guys, maybe? Perhaps?"

Eli whispers to pearl. "You think it's alright if I port in my plasma projector, just if we're leaving planet maybe I should?"

"Your what now?" Pearl sighs, whispering back "Yeah, sure, go ahead."

"Okay, nobody panic, just grabbing some equipment." Eli focuses on his hand and a plasma projector appears in it. (This is my rifle level 1) He makes sure to point it at the ground. "I think that's it just didn't want to leave it on another planet."

“Ah hello there. A favor? Cargo to take to orbit or something?”

"Actually, we need to get into orbit to find someone who's up there. Wondering if you could give us a lift up there."

“Alright. Hop in. Don’t touch anything, crew chief will chap me if anything gets shifted back there. “

6:38 AM

You hear him mumble about killing him self before sitting through another rachet straps training class

Eli nods and walks in trying to find a place he can sit without disturbing the cargo.

Pearl follows suit, sitting next to Eli "Have you ever been to space, aside from when we all got pulled on board Cyrus' ship to get dragged here?"

"Not that I remember, maybe when I was little and in sim but I don't think that counts, Cruesa was pretty locked down for us non noble types by the time I could think about it, and the partisans was mainly an on ground thing. What about you?"

"Plenty of times. I've always loved space, and able to go on space cruises at least every one or two years."

There is a wrenching feeling as the powerful engines kick on and you’re catapulted into orbit relatively quickly. The greenish gold sky burns way to black, and the civilian platform looms. Several windows have been blown out and the repairs have generally not been made. This, and the defensive platform still have scars from the boarding actions and ship battle during the fight at creusa

5:19 PM

There simply has not been the time or tech to make amends

No matter how many times she'd gone through it, the experience has yet to not make her stomach turn. At the very least she knows she's getting desensitized to it, as it's been a while since going orbital made Pearl lose her lunch. She stares out the shuttle windows, looking at the civilian platform with a sigh "At last, I'm back off the soil..."

"Well, it's better than crashing, I'll give you that. Is jumping like this too?"

Pearl raises an eyebrow at Eli "... Where do you come from, again?"

"Cruesa, why isn't that where most people are from? What about, you?" (edited)

"... Cruesa. How do you not know what a 'jump' is like?"

"What do you mean? You said the teleport didn't count."

((Wait a minute, how did they get from Cruesa to Heras again? I thought everyone got on the civilian platform and jumped through space)

(I thought we were teleported just some of Cyrus' forces already left? Eli was only a partisan.)

(Cole didn’t tell the truth)

10:04 AM

(You were teleported by ares

(Everyone was on creusa or in space. An MES system engulfed the area. Cyrus, his loyal followers, the partisans, and the whole population of chloes industrial moon ended up here)

"... Nevermind..."

"Sorry, if you change you mind your stories about space seem pretty awesome."

"There's just been a lot of things to keep track of. Let's just get on that platform and find Lars."

"Sure, I'm following you, you're the diplomat."

The lighter makes its way to the landing area inside the civilian platform. There are few crews and few maintainers working here, most of the activity is grounded or planetside in the wake of the crash. The inside of the platform is clean but beginning to show its age. Two soldiers in void suits stand by an internal hatch

Pearl prepares to step out of the lighter, giving the soldiers a smile and handwave "Damn straight I am."

Eli stifles a laugh, smiling as he follows Pearl to the checkpoint. (edited)

(Sort of back, but on phone my part was pretty small. My dad and I had a seperate table in main dining and now were waiting in the lobby lol.)

Once it's safe, Pearl climbs out of the lighter to continue into the platform proper. Lars could be anywhere as far as she knows, but hopes that it should be a simple task

Eli follows Pearl, looking out at the platform.

The two guards say nothing as you approach and the internal doors open to a central Hub. A bar stand and it’s attendant pour drinks no doubt recycled from various ship necessary fluids. There is some business going on as maintainers and station workers off duty have a few drinks and reheated meal packs

4:45 PM

It feels like everyone who’s not doing their actual jobs right now is here

Pearl's eye twitches upon seeing the makeshift beverages. It only just occurred to her that, of course, that if there was a demand for beverages on ground level that the same would have been up here. At least now, having been reminded, that she can increase the order size from the Haphastea traders and arrange for lighters to transport the goods up here. For now, however, Pearl goes over to the bar stand, putting her arms crossed on top to lean toward the bartender "Hey there! You wouldn't happen to know about a guy named 'Lars' around here, do ya? If you know multiple, I've got time to work my way down the list." (edited)

“Hard to not know Lars. Tells everyone he can about being the Regent’s personal pilot.” “BECAUSE I FUCKING WAS!” a slightly drunk human in a Remannt pilot’s uniform yells at the end of the bar

"Seems like he's the guy." Eli laughs before trying to cover it with a cough.

Pearl can't help but to let off a laugh herself "It's funny because it's morbid." (edited)

5:08 PM

She then scoots over to sit next to him "I was told that you had a ship you can fly... and that your schedule got freed up."

“It’s been fairly free since my chief passenger just got glassed. Where are you trying to go?”

"Oh, nothing much... just looking to get off the planet for a bit, maybe grab a few things in one of the neighboring systems. Y'know, perfectly normal things." Pearl raises her eyebrows, tilting her crossbones tricorne "A supply run, really. Maybe we can even find you something better than filtered jet fuel to drink?"

“You’re going to need more than the naval courier. I think I can get the heavy frigate going. Crew is going to be a little light, but we might pick some people up. Tends to happen when you sail the stars”

"We can both help if we need to, passable airman, and eager to learn."

Pearl glances over at Eli, and then back at Lars "How many people do we need? Maybe ten? Twenty?"

“The thirty crew it needs to run are all on the station. I’ll get them together. The life support can hold up to 120, but I don’t think we need to worry about that right now. Short trip to get our sea legs wet , then home”

"So which planet are we going to exactly? Sorry, I barely know about this one and Cruesa."

(You guys have a sector map available. He’s just flying. You guys are the ships officers here)

1

(gotcha thanks I wasn't sure if there was a limit or pearl had a specific planet in mind.)

(Honestly? We don't have any scouting reports of any planet in the sector, aside from Heras itself, so...)

(Yes becsuse you have to scout them to get a report)

8:56 PM

(That’s how they get revealed. You have to go there)

"Radji, maybe? I' unno, I don't know which planets are Tier Four. Does it matter, or are you just asking for our current preference?"

“I’d need to know our heading so I know where to fly. Radji it is then. I’ll see you tonight , after I get everyone together and make sure the ships in good shape”

"What should we do until then?"

(We can skip ahead of you want, it really doesn’t make a difference)

(I'm good with whichever. Would this bar serve Eli?)

(Yes. )

(It very improbably by any means good for you, though. I'm fine with skipping ahead) (edited)

(skip it lol, but drinks purely for experimentation and comradery with potential crew you understand.) (edited)

(Yep. Also , I like keeping the scouting reports hidden until the world is seen because it’s both fluffy, and sometimes I won’t like my original idea for a place or want to move things around to what makes more sense. Having everything out in the open takes my tools away

(how many credits should I take off for that? buying the people there a round of drinks.) (edited)

(20)

1

Some drinks are had and you see people walking with purpose toward the heavy frigate. It looks every bit the skeleton crew Lars said would be available. A five strong group of war like looking taros are also headed to the cruiser, led by a pale taros with a black Mohawk.

6:34 AM

You can see lighter patches on their armor where myrmidon symbols have been cut off. They’ve also elected to use combat field uniforms rather than the suits of power armor most of their rank were known for

(Is it Scamander cause I actually met him and those myrmadons when I lost their grav bike, but I might pretend not to remember, he com blocked me.

)

Pearl is supposing that the crew are without power armor for a simple reason: Cyrus was a cheap bastard who didn't think it was that important anyone but himself got to walk around in power armor. She decides to get up and follow them, gesturing to Eli to let him know where she's going for once he's done killing his liver

(No, it isn’t)

1

9:00 AM

Pearl stands and begins moving in the same direction. The small taros group is undoubtedly headed for the ship. Each of them has a bulging rifle case , clearly more than one gun inside

Eli finishes his drink and hurries to catch up. "Later everyone, nice meeting you, remember Chestnutato drinks keep brainstorming. I'll name it after you if you get any good ideas."

Eli gets a message from Carmen at some point while he is either drinking or heading into the ship

Hey, I just remembered you are leaving soon. Hopefully this gets to you before that. I just wanted to tell you to be careful, with Bavi'd gone and Jeonia dead, you are probably the last real friend I have around anymore. Please make sure to come back safe.

Eli catches up to pearl, who is still trailing the mysterious taros toward the docked ship

(also is the space station in com range, I'll do that in Carmen's thread if I respond, but I wans't sure if it was like I got the message before we left and didn't notice or if I could still do that.) Eli whispers to Pearl. "Who do you think they are? ex special forces, but why stuck up here?"

(It’s in comm range of the planet like all other stations would be )

1

Eli checks his com pad and half listens while shooting off a message.

"I 'unno. Maybe they were pilots and ship crew, before being reassigned to maintanence while all the busy work happened on Heras. All that matters is that they're interested in doing work."

"You're right, I'm no one to judge people anyway."

Pearl leads Eli over to and into the ship, deciding to give herself a tour of the frigate, to familiarize herself with the interior layout "This'll be able to hold a lot of cargo, don't you think?"

"Yeah, looks like it could fit a whole scavenger caravan. Do you know what we have to trade or buy with?"

The taros pile in behind you, heading for the ship armory and the barracks close by it. You hear them talking to one another in low tones about past battles , but only a handful of details make it through the winding corridors to your ears

1

5:48 PM

(The fittings are on the EP admin sheet. It’s the only heavy frigate so it should be easy to see. )

"Credits, plain and simple. At the same time, I'm expecting that I'll have to put aside some of it to pay the crew for their time, so I don't know exactly how much I have..." Pearl stops herself at one point, putting her hand up to Eli, deciding to perk an ear to the conversations

Eli nods and tries to listen in too.

“Leave it to fucking Cyrus to go out like that and take most of Black Phalanx with him. I don’t know why that happened. He fell a long way from the man we used to be door kickers with. Remember that raid on the spire in Bladonna? That was a day. Magma grenades thicker than bullets in the air. “

5:53 PM

Someone else grunts back in recognition , remembering the same

Pearl scratches the back of her head. She supposes 'Black Phalanx' was the official name of Cyrus' personal army, but what was Bladonna? Magma grenades?

6:02 PM

She continues to listen into what experiences they had with the former Regent, until they trail off to something different

They talk about a few more details of the battle, especially the capture of a Taros First League leader , but then seem to settle into their bunks to wait for the ship to get underway

With that, she continues exploring the ship, deciding to find herself at the captain's seat, deciding to see what it's like just sitting there, to let her legs cross pretending to feel powerful "... Heck yeh..."

(Sorry if this is a dumb question, but... where can I find that admin sheet, again?)

(At the bottom of the roll 20 stuff.)

(Under the 'Dabloonscape Digital Combat Game'?)

(No Eli. It’s under rules and books channel pearl. There’s a post that says UNW admin sheet, but once you’re in it you’ll see sub sheets by faction

('Voice of Hermes' I'm guessing?)

(ah sorry, I didn't know either then, thank you neko)

6:57 PM

(I think it's the myrmidon trireme judging by the 30 crew and the voice of Hermes is a free merchant without an armory. you have to scroll the bar to the right or at least I did to see it.) (edited)

(Myrmidon trireme , it’s to the right of what you’re looking at pearl)

7:16 PM

(Voice of Hermès is a free merchant)

(My bad, had to scroll to the right)

Eli snaps to attention and salutes. "So what are the orders Captain Sarya?"

Pearl can't help herself but to squee "Play fitting music for trekking the stars."

"Um do you have something on you compad? I don't know if anything on mine is fit for trekking the stars."

Pearl pulls out her compad, setting it face up on the armrest, because of course she has music preloaded for the occasion (edited)

The rest of the crew begins taking their positions. Lars grumbles something as he sits in the pilots chair and lowers the control sticks toward his body. He adjusts a few things and gets comfortable. The lights dim slightly as station power is cut off and switched over to the ships own reactor. Systems checks happen between crew members without much needing to he said.

Pearl looks around, noticing that no one is kicking her out of the captain's chair, expecting that someone else would have taken up the role

7:29 PM

It is at that moment, Pearl realizes

7:29 PM

for the first time in her life

7:29 PM

she

7:29 PM

is

7:29 PM

da

7:29 PM

captain

7:29 PM

"... eeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEE~!!"

7:33 PM

https://youtu.be/MYvzKWNmZbg

Brian Sadler

Starbarians Suite - FULL THEME

Eli smiles at pearl giving another salute before trying to find some place to sit close enough that he can still hear the music.

(I think I need to ask if this circumstance falls in line with a couple of Pearl's goals... specifically "Earn the trust and loyalty of at least ten(10) daring starfarers to stand in as my crew." and, more importantly, "Acquire possession of a Frigate starship suitable for small scale pirating and travel.")

(You don't own this ship, youre just using it, and the crew is doing their jobs as members of EP, not your personal crew, but if this expedition goes well, you might accomplish at least the first thing)

1

"Let's begin undocking procedures and set our course to Radji. This is already so much fun~!"

"Aye aye, captain Pearl." Eli tries to look busy at his post and ignore the ex myrmidons he's sure are staring holes through them.

The taros haven’t emerged from the bunk deck and don’t seem to be in the mood to anytime soon. The ship clears the docking moors and begins making its way into deep space, the crew continually calling out status reports as they prepare for spike jump

6:00 PM

(Downtime activities at all?)

(None that I can think of, no.)

(Learning Taros? I would say something magic, but im not sure off the top of my head if that has to be all at once? Also maybe requisitioning some gear? )

(Do you want to pick one of those things eli?)

(Learning taros please, I'm sorry, I wasn't sure which I could choose.) (edited)

The trip to radji requires a new route to be drilled and the journey is a long seven days of micro jumps , each one adding more to the route to the new planet ahead. It takes seven days for the ship to emerge at the edge of Radji , during which time the crew works hard and largely keeps to themselves. (7/30 for taros eli)

1

(Can I ask who teaches me or is it just self study and observation with magic?)

(Pearl might actually be able to teach you, if Taros is one of the languages of the sector)

(I'm not sure how diplomat works with alien languages anymore neko questions Yay!)

(As long as it's common to the sector, then Pearl would have learned it on account of the feat. If it's not considered common, then nah)

(That’s not how we do alien languages eli. It’s been covered a ton in help As well. There are a bunch of taros aboard the ship but we usually don’t require going to those lengths. If you are expending downtime doing it it’s assumed you find a way)

1

(Thanks Neko, I'll go look at help. I wasn't sure if the little stuff mattered since we're trying to befriend the crew. I don't want to bog things down though.) (edited)

"Captain's log, day seven... I mean... relative to what planet, anyways? Don't all planets rotate at their own speeds? How exactly does one track 'a day'? Does everywhere in the universe just have a universal length of time that a day is, and just keeps track on their own accord? Anyways, we've finally reached our destination. After a well deserved rest, a scouting mission will be in order to determine if the planet is suitable for our needs."

The ship sensors draw up a largely undetailed map of the planet. Whatever is here either isn’t communicating with space, or can’t, but you see dozens of small towns and villages scattered across the planet scape

3:15 PM

(Simple map i hijacked rather than keep you waiting)

"So where are we landing captain, and I think it's just an agreed upon time while in space?"

(Ships would run day/night cycles based on how many hours they were on their planet of origin , if anything to keep the crew to time incumbents they’re familiar with )

1

"I think... if we land in the planes, between that forest and the mountain city?" Pearl looks around the rest of the crew "Is there an opening there for a lighter? Or the ship itself?"

"I don't think this ship lands, so likely a lighter."

"Any city seems as good as any... I'm ready to try and make contact." She gets up from the former Cyrus' chair "Who else here is coming along?"

"I am, but I don't think that's what you meant?"

"Well, who knows? Maybe you wanted to stay up here. Then again, I wouldn't want to be one of the people cooped up in here still after a week..." Pearl pouts a little "Total sausage fest."

"I guess you've done more exploring than I have, I just talked to you, Lars and the Taros who was teaching me Taros. Then I should head out with you for sure, besides we're friends, and partners and I'm supposed to keep you safe right?" (edited)

Some landing vectors are being calculated on the main screen, dozens of them being shaved down to just one , as the most efficient. It appears the heavy frigate can land and take off again without trouble (edited)

"If we land there, we should be good. Given we are looking to load this baby with goods, that would be ideal so we can load everything on land, as opposed to over multiple lighter trips. Any objections?"

"Not from me, but they're the pilots. I'd assume they know their stuff and can keep the ship safe."

(They wouldn’t plot a course they couldn’t follow. Was mostly just telling you the ship can land if you want it to. Cruiser and up can’t no matter what)

1

(And that's good news, for the reason Pearl just said.) "Alright... prepare to land!"

"Aye Aye Captain Pear course engaged." Eli mimes entering in coordinates and makes beeping noises.

Pearl goes back to her seat, but stops halfway, freezing up as she is struck by realization, turning her head back to Eli "... Captain... Pear? C'mon, that's hardly a clever jab."

"Pearl sorry, I'm excited to be on the mission, Sarya, or Pear if you want? I don't know which you'd prefer?"

"You said it again!"

"Yeah but you drew attention it after I said it by accident, I thought maybe you wanted me to call you that now, and isn't your name Pearl Sarya?"

The ship begins to shake and ready lights illuminate as the bow trims down, on its planetside run. Weather conditions on the surface appear clear and you’ll be landing deep into the night cycle on the surface. It should go some way into masking your landing

"Ah shit--" Pearl falls over from the shaking, crawling her way over to the captain's seat to pick herself up and sit down until they land

"Are you alright Pearl?"

"Yeah, I'm fine... just wasn't ready for the turbulence."

"Oh okay, I thought you said you flew stuff like this all of the time though?"

"Usually I'm sitting when going between atmospheres!"

"So how will we go out, armed? unarmed, is armor and stuff okay?"

(Yeah that’s a good thing to pin down before we change scene )

1

"Hard decision... I mean, we don't actually know how dangerous this planet is, wildlife wise. I think it'll be fine if we go equipped... just, y'know, no LMGs and explosives. The routine stuff."

"If you're that worried I can always just summon one of my guns later or something? Magic." (edited)

Pearl crosses her arms and pouts at Eli "Not every one of us is a wizbo, Eli."

"I mean once I summon a gun you can still shoot it, or I could inscribe one of your weapons so I could summon it for you. Also the courage or consecration works for us and a few more."

"Can you do that with everyone's guns? Like, we get into trouble, and we go 'oh nooo, we are sooo defenseless' and then you give us our guns back and then we go 'aha! It was a ruse! BLAMBLAMBLAMBLAM--!"

"Only ones I've spent time channeling into. I think I could do several in quick succession, summoning them into my hands. Andra said it was a bad idea to throw them though, I can also do weapons that aren't guns anything I could carry, so even a rocket launcher of heavy machine gun could work.

The clock on the bridge monitor shows a landing in five minutes. the conditions here are either too primitive to have radar detection or they’ve written off your descent for some reason. It looks as though you’ll be going in unobserved

"Huh... I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or a bad thing for our cause. Forget it, let's not go unarmed and unarmored."

"Well not being shot down is good. I'm sure we'll find something to make the trip worth it. Maybe candy or a soak tank or something, tubs are pretty low tech right?"

"What I'm worried about is if the place is another Tier 3, or worse, Tier 2. We might not be able to find the equipment we're hunting for in either case."

"Well we always knew it was a possibility, I think we have 2 options try and find some lost or hidden tech here if they don't have it or visit another world. Let's check this one first though we're already here, might as well get a full report right?"

"Yeah... we still have one or two other planets nearby. Just stinks if we can't find what we need here; It's already been a week!"

The ship sets down in a forest clearing, still knocking down several trees as it comes in to land. The closest settlement can be seen briefly in approach. There are the trappings you’d expect from a normal mid sized town. There is electric lighting at least, and you’re able to make out street lights and well illuminated buildings

"This might sound weird, but you think they have running water, if nothing else maybe we could takes some wire and pipes back, I don't know how they were doing on metal back home between the ransom, and finding the base I think we came out ahead, but always good to have extra."

"We'll see what they have to offer, and we'll buy what we need and what we think will be useful. How much cargo weight and space do we have, again?"

(We have enough for a handful of tons , which is good for off world goods on a very first mission. It’s enough for a solid trade or raid)

2:26 PM

(Next time the free merchant can come with you, but Cole wouldnt have risked two ships on a totally unexplored and unknown planet. She sent the one that had the best chance of coming home)

1

"So... atmosphere seems normal... let's suit up and go out. Shouldn't be that long of a march to the city from here."

"Sounds good to me, you're the space expert."

Pearl gets to figuring who, including Pearl and Eli, will be heading out and who will be remaining in proximity of the frigate to keep an eye on it

(It’s your call. Most of the crew is just crew, but you have those five special forces taros onboard)

"You think we should take those ex ops Taros. They seem the most capable. Earn their trust and teach them jack boots aren't the only way to get things done?"

Pearl strokes her chin for a bit, thinking on it "Hmm... yeah, you know what? I'll take three of the Taros. That'll give us a five man crew, and keep the ship well protected in case something unforseen happens."

10:22 AM

"Huey? Dewey? Louie? Let's gear up."

1

Korkova, and his two troopers gear up, each with an impressive collection of weapons. Each has a black combat field uniform and taros rifle. A matte black service pistol is secured to each of their belts Korkova chooses not to wear a helmet , instead opting for a Carinhold Fire Department cap (like a baseball hat). They each have radios and a small day back on their backs with two days of supply for themselves.

11:35 AM

They do appear to know what they’re doing

Pearl, with her undersuit already on and her mono cutlass at her side, goes to fetch her laser rifle and her equipment pack, including her own personal supply of rations "You've got rations too, right, Eli?"

"Sorry no, mine all burned up in the crash. Could I grab some and a pack, I can pay."

1:44 PM

"Also could I leave my guns on ship please, they're heavy."

"Fine, you can... I've got plenty of rations I can spare. I just need help carrying my tent."

"I'm not too strong, but I'm used to being a pack mule. So sure." (edited)

"Great!" She chucks her pressurized tent at him "Let get a move on!"

//so could i have a bag and some rations again Neko. No rush I know you are busy and or recovering from busy day.

(The ship has a locker. You can replace gear

5:05 PM

(If you’re taking mass amounts itll have to be refit when you get back to port)

(the main things would be a week's rations, a small weapon advanced if possible(survival knife) bag(tl4 or regular) Binoculars(tl4 or regular), survey scanner, and 3 a batteries, meta tool, and maybe some rope.) (edited)

(That’s all available at TL4, it’s stuff from home)

//thanks

5:32 PM

//I will add that and pearl's tent

5:33 PM

//oh do they have medkits?

(No)

5:35 PM

(The taros took them)

(thanks just that stuff then I'm just doing encumbrance Tetris, Eli will leave his guns on the ship though, they are on planet as far as he knows though.)

(Are we good?)

(yes just still putting it on sheet..// done with sheet) (edited)

5:51 PM

Eli walks back after readying his pack you notice he doesn't have a gun on him only a survival knife. "Well it's a little packed, but better too much food than too little."

Korkova looks at his watch and out at the village on the horizon. “We have an hours walk. Maybe a bit more if we slow things down. Let’s go slow and watch our steps. Anyone falling or getting injured is going to throw a wrench in things”

"Sounds good to me, i might be a little slow with this pack anyway. Should we be on the lookout for anything in particular?"

He shrugs “I thought this was your expedition” and begins taking up a point position. One of his soldiers moved to the number 2 spot in the column, the last waiting to close in behind the two of you

"Yeah, but you have more experience than I do. I wanted to at least consult you. Not taking others opinions into consideration is part of why we're in this mess right?"

He doesn’t say anything, focusing down the sights of his rifle and making a brief adjustment before continuing on into the woods

Eli just nods and tries to follow quietly.

Walking through the dark forest is a slow process. Animals seem to be giving you a wide berth however, and the trees have been kept back from the path you are using The village ahead and it’s lights sparkle through the blowing branches. , slightly downhill from where you all stand, now a fifteen minute walk from where you are now. Dense wood line and a rocky overhang ahead may make for a good overwatch position .

"You think we should have you 3 wait here keep a look out?"

"Eli, it's just a city."

"Yeah but we don't know anything about it."

"I didn't know anything about Haphastia and Chiron, and waltzing in saying 'how do you do fellow hoomans' worked pretty well."

"You didn't have an armed escort then either though did you?"

9:37 PM

"You're the diplomat though how should we do this?"

"We go in, we just claim to be traders from... uh..." Pearl looks around "... England?"

9:41 PM

"... Huh... okay, I don't exactly have a plan, so much as I'm confidant that we'll be fine. Doesn't really sound good, does it?"

"It sounds great, you'll be fine. I'll just try not to ask too many questions."

“ do we just walk on up then?” Korkova asks, checking the magazine in his rifle and dialing in the sight one more time

"May as well? Obviously, keep your weapons lowered, and..." Pearl would take her crossbones cap off, stuffing it into her backpack "That would be awkward."

Eli laughs then shuts one eye and makes a hook with a finger then speaks in a husky pirate voice . "Are ye worried they be thinkin' we be on a pirrrate rrraid capn' Purl?" (edited)

"To be fair, it's entirely plausible that they might think that, coming in with a gang armed and loaded."

"Oh yeah, sorry if that was too childish let's make some trades teach me some diplomacy master diplomat Pearl!"

"... Alright. Onward!" Pearl heads up toward the lead, alongside Korkova

11:35 AM

"(Yeah, I kind of forgot why I brought him along. Just mind him.)"

Eli goes back to following quietly.

The soldiers fan out, weapons on slings , hands free. Korkova has removed the scope from his weapon and Is using it to look at the village edge. It looks like you can walk right up to the outer homes, streets ending with dead end guardrails right at the edge of the wood line. Black iron lampposts in front of every house cast a warm orange glow over the street

7:16 PM

Ground cars are parked in front of most homes. Some have more than one

"... Wow, this... all looks actually... normal. I can't believe it. Starting to feel more like we'll get ridiculed for open carrying the closer we get."

Eli smiles quietly.

The taros push out from the treeline slowly onto the sleepy suburban street. A dog barks in the distance but the street otherwise looks how you’d expect it to at 230 in the morning.

"... Should we.. come back, when the sun is up? Or...?"

At the end of the road you see a few cars pass on a cross street. There is life here, closer to city center

"I don't know someone is always awake, but waking up the person in charge seems ..."

"Rude. I guess we have plenty of time to just go around the city, and get a feel for it's layout. Maybe we can figure out where we can get the goods we're looking for?"

"looks like they have power and cars at least."

"It's commonplace, too. No walls surrounding the parameter, either... hm..."

“Looks damn peaceful” korkova says, looking down the road. “I almost want to retire here”

"I still don't trust it, but I guess we'll see. It'd be nice to stay in a real house again even for just a little bit though."

"It actually makes me feel bad coming in armed, y'know?"

“We didn’t know what to expect. We still don’t. If we get challenged they’ll understand.” Korkova has his eyes on the end of the road. “Looks like some kind of bar or cook house down there. Think we should drop in for a pint?.

"You know what? Yeah, it's been a week for me and who knows how long that the rest of you got anything legitimate. I don't see any problem checking in... and hell, we can make sure they accept credits."

"You think they'll serve us though?"

"Why wouldn't they?"

"I don't know, age I guess?"

"... Ohhhh, riiiiiight." Pearl stands there with a deadpan look "None of us have valid ID either..."

"You could just do the talking and order us a pitcher or something though right?"

"I can... try? A pretty face doesn't work all the time, though, Eli... I mean, I know I'm hot, but..."

(I think we are getting bogged down In details that don’t matter a whole lot )

1

"Well let's go it'll be good to eat something not out of a packet."

"Yeah, screw it. Let's go~!"

Eli heads into the restaurant.

The bar is a somewhat trendy looking bar, with road signs nailed to the wall and a advertisements for trendy drinks peppering the bulletin boards around the place. A television shows some sort of soccer game but it looks to be a re run

"Well, I'll be damned... So far, so good; Definately inhabited by hoomans, too."

"Is that a good thing, meeting new races is cool."

"It means we'll fight right in, Eli."

The taros and their combat gear wisely decide to secret themselves away nearby, listening in and keeping in touch with radios and compads. The two of you don’t draw much attention, as humans and traveling a bit closer to civilian in appearance

"Well we can at least see some of their exports maybe by finding out the house specialty?" (edited)

Pearl just approaches the bar counter, finding herself a stool to sit at "Didn't know anyplace would still be running at this hour... got anything sweet tasting?"

“Sure. Plenty of sweet whites from ...I don’t know where. Our distributor I guess. Get you a glass?”

"One for me and one for my friend here."

She pours two glasses with generous portions and sets them on the bar counter. “If you don’t like it I’ll get you something else. It’s not for everyone”

"Thank you." Pearl would lift her glass, taking a small sip to get just a taste of the beverage "You don't know where it comes from, though?"

“It’s like twelve dollars retail” she laughs. “Some factory farm somewhere I guess. Nobody seems to care after a drink or two. Or threes

"Hm, yeah... did you say 'dollars'?"

“Yes. Mandate credits are worthless here. Mandates gone. So is the tenebrian empire. So are the black sun. We went back to what we know works”

7:00 PM

“You should know that though. You been living under a rock? Dropped out of school?

"Do you run tabs she's just worried cause she forgot her wallet or is going to pretend to."

“Ah sure. You seem like nice people. Just don’t tell anyone”

"Thanks, this seems like a nice place. People usually talk to bartenders do you know of any work around here?"

“Depends what you’re after. And how legal you want it to be”

"Thanks for the cover, Eli... yes, I know you can hear this, you fucker." "Yeah, sorry... no, you know how it is, it's 3AM; I might still be up and about but our minds still get a little fogged... but uh... I did, seem, to forget my purse..."

"However legal is fine just people that don't ask too many questions, and pay on time."

(Not unless you’re using that spell you have)

(Should we omit, then?) (edited)

(It’s fine you just can’t hear each other)

(So I couldn't hear that? lol)

(Yeah... Pearl would have just been mind talking when really Eli couldn't actually hear Pearl, her more just assuming not actually understanding how being a psychic works) (edited)

(I'll omit then because it wouldn't make sense thanks. and my talky mind thing is out loud.)

7:41 PM

(back to shady bar jobs lol)

“If it’s money you’re looking for I can tell you the central bank branch here in town is expecting a large shipment. Tomorrow morning. Well. This morning I guess”

"... O-oh! Um... I actually don't know what to say."

"You're alright with us paying you in funds from an armored car? Know of anything lower profile than that?"

“I’d have better information if I knew what you were after aside from money. That’s the easiest score I can think of if you’re not into small time robbery”

"Well... back in the town we come from, we're trying to kick off a project. Do you know anywhere that might have, like, laboratory equipment? Y'know, the good shiz."

"Or something that could make us popular quick instead of infamous and hunted?"

"... Not sure if there's anything that we can do to make that happen, Eli. Fame isn't something you can just 'get'."

"If we saved the town, and they said to be more specific, I want fame."

She thinks for a long moment. “Cypress labs. It’s outside town. On a hill, almost reminds me of an encampment. The guards come down and drink Here sometimes. They tip well but they’re a little short on the conversation” (edited)

"Aw so no heroic stuff, I guess maybe talking to the lab might be worth it, or who's the boss around here, seems like things are pretty open if you'd talk to two strangers about knocking over an armored car. Bank trying to take over your bar or something?"

“Something like that. I just keep my eyes open”

"Anything else, people attacking the town or hitting you up for protection money or something? Good guy work I guess?"

“Nothing like that. It’s pretty quiet here”

"Too bad, so secret underworld, could we just spend the armored car money, sorry my knowledge is mainly from old vids."

"Ooor... we can do both~ Eh, we have some time to think about it." Pearl finishes her glass, setting it back down "I'll make sure to come back and pay for these at some point, though."

"Yeah don't you worry miss, we'll come back and buy you a round too. Thanks for the info."

Pearl gives the bartender repeating finger guns as she backs out of the bar with Eli, regrouping with her squad outside "... So much for finding a soak tank, but hey, we know where we can get some lab equipment."

"I mean we still could get soak tanks and candy not too high tec and seems like the bank has people pretty under thumb if a bartender would point out an armored car to random strangers, you think it's worth looking into?" (edited)

"Well... I don't think paper currency is going to have much value beyond this planet, so unless we plan on coming back and using that cash to make later acquisitions easier, then we probably should just sod it. I wanna ask what the others think, though." (edited)

Eli laughs. "I meant more check out the banks hold on people. Unless you'd rather be gangsters than pirates now?"

(If they ever do get brought into the protectorate they’ll switch back to the credit, since it’s got value behind it ahain)

(The perfect crime, you say?) (edited)

(The truck itself would even be helpful. Mytikas doesn’t really have anything armored or military in nature yet. Just general use vehicles)

"I don't even know what you mean by that. 'The bank's hold on people'? Like, you think this is some sort of capitalist monarchy? I'm 80% sure it's just a bank for cloth currency. For some reason, I'm getting the strange feeling that it actually is a good idea to hit it. Y'know, mostly for the trucks themselves, and then we can do whatever with the cash."

"Well it seemed like that bartender didn't like them, or was setting us up? Why would she tell us to hit her big tippers at the lab? That shipment was soon and you'd have to do the talking. So are we hijacking some armored cars I've got my mask and goggles, and can port my guns in, but we should probably cover up our uniforms though."

"I... don't think you heard her clearly. It just so happens that people who work for that lab come to her bar, and they probably give 20% tips."

"Still seems weird right, but whats the musfion Pearl? Are we trying to approach with diplomacy, taking some armored cars or both?" (edited)

"... We're just here to get supplies, Eli."

"I...you... the bartender... you said the trucks would help? I'll just quietly follow your lead then, sorry Pearl."

The bartender clears your glasses and true to form doesn’t bother handing out a bill. She is scrubbing the bar top down with a stained rag. “I hope I see the both of you again”

Eli nods. "Same, thanks."

Leaving the bar, Pearl would go over and regroup with the rest of the squad "I'm thinking we hit that transport that's coming in later this morning, and then we can use the cash to buy what we're looking for."

"So minimal damage to the truck? How are we doing this?" (edited)

"... I... don't... know? I've never hijacked anything before."

"You sure you're up to this? You're the talky one."

(Korkova and the other two taros are around too, just out of sight, if you’re stuck)

"For the love of god, stop assuming everything can be solved by-- Actually, you know what? Your right, I'll stand on the side of the road and nicely ask them to pull over and let us tag out with the drivers. That'll surely work."

2:59 PM

(Pearl went to them to discuss how they should go about it)

“How much force do we want to use. I’ve got two ideas. One is very violent and messy, the other is going to take a little showmanship to pass off. And we will probably still have to lightly beat a few people”

3:01 PM

“We can always directly ambush the truck during its money retrieval when the guards are loading. That’s fairly easy and I think we have the edge with firepower there. It’s just evading pursuit and staying low after that. We could also boost a civilian car and have the two of you fake car trouble along its route. Block the road or somethjng. When they get out to investigate we move in and do our thing. Try to subdue them if we can and leave them In the car”

"I think the latter one will work out better. I can do some acting, and I'm taking it you three can do the sneaky and sleepy... where would you fall in the plan, Eli?"

"Wherever? I'm good at punching, and decent at driving, and making sure no one dies if anyone does get shot. I can give our guns some magic punch. Or do something if your still a bit nervous?"

Pearl turns back to Korkova "What kind of scene are you thinking of? Like, a car crash that conveniently blocks the way? Or just a couple of drivers shouting at each other, and also conveniently blocking the way?" (edited)

“Maybe engine trouble or a flat tire. Doesn’t have to be anything dramatic”

"Alright, I can do that..." Pearl turns back to Eli "You wouldn't happen to you speak French, would you?"

"Sorry just mandate common and broken Taros. I could understand it, would that help?"

"It's fine, maybe speaking Taros will work. I'm just gonna need you to be, basically, shouting angrily."

3:33 PM

"So... I guess now we need to find some poor sap's ride to jack?"

"Guess so, unless you think the bartender would lend us her car?" (edited)

"I... don't think she'd be very happy if we were to slash her tires and leave it at a crime scene. Especially since she's the one who told us about it, we would be directly linking her to the crime and potentially incriminating someone who could ID the two of us."

"Oh well pick one and we'll take it with us with the truck." Eli looks around for something sporty.

The bar parking lot has a number of cars in it ranging from a few convertibles to family vans, and everything in between.

Pearl looks around until she finds a vehicle along the lines of an Audi TT "What about this one? Got something I can fiddle the lock with?"

"I have a meta tool and magic."

(Sneak/dex to boost without settling alarm off. Or fix/int. You decide)

//i think they're the same for me net +1 probably fix int. But I'll specify with number unless pearl wants to roll?

((I'll roll, since I'm both an Expert and have Specialist for Sneak))

4:53 PM

((8))

The lock and alarm is disabled handily , not even leaving a scratch on the strike plate

"Alright, we're in! Now we just need to hotwire this babe."

(The sneak roll would cover that too. It’s working and no one is alerted)

".... Aaaaand..." She starts up the ignition, hopping out the seat to let Eli drive

The quiet but powerful engine comes to life, the headlights still off, but it is on

"Okay, tell me where to go, and don't worry about damage we can still drive it away."

"Sure thing!" Pearl runs around to hop into the passenger's seat "We're gonna need to find a place along the route to the bank that we can stop at and intercept the trucks, so..."

"Someplace out of the way. Hopefully people will just thonk they're crazy or it was an inside job ehen they say robbed by elves with lasers, but who knows." (What kind of roll would that be?)

(I don’t know what you’re trying to do eli, so I can’t really tell you. )

(just find somewhere on the route that wouldn't be right next to the bank or a police station or something?) (edited)

(I feel like you could just use your eyes to see a police station there

9:26 PM

With some information provided by the bartender, you have a few locations where you know it stops before taking money to the bank. It’s last stop is a few blocks from it, emptying the automated teller machine at a popular convenience store

9:27 PM

That is when it’s expected to have the most money on board

(makes sense.

)

"Okay so hit them while they are doimg the last pickup get the most money, easy right? Maybe ee can even pay for some fake id's from that bartender?"

"Yes... and sure."

"Alright we'll park a little in front of there then? Hopefully can try to get the second guard out while the first one does the transfer then the Taros drive off with the car and we meet up?"

"Yeah, block their way. If you ca, get out, and pretend you're trying to change the tire... and only speak in Taros, with a German accent. Sound like you're frustrated, I'll do all the explaining."

Eli parks the car then looks for a spare and jack to start changing it and starts yelling the Tauran curse words he knows in a German accent kicking the tire occasionally.

Pearl moves over to the driver's seat, rolling down the windshield so she can lean out with her arms on the rest watching Eli

The truck comes around the corner after a few moments of the ruse beginning. Traffic is light in this pre dawn and neither of the civilian motorists that do pass you try to help.

7:30 PM

It’s powerful headlights settle on you, and a third, set on the mirror light up as it tries to take on the scene. Their truck is too big to get by, and the engine shuts down after a moment, the air brakes making a loud hiss

With the trucks nearing, Pearl begins her act "Hurry up, honey buuuns! We're blocking the waaaaaay!"

"I'm trying, sorry,I don't know cars. I blame the dealer, like new damn crook." Eli lapses back into German Tauran cursing and kicks the spare.

The driver door opens , along with the passenger door. The passenger begins walking over to your vehicle. “Hey there! You’re blocking the road. Need some help?”

"If you wouldn't mind yeah. I'm pretty sure my girlfriend is going to kill me with how late we are, and I barely got the first tire off without getting crushed. Sorry about this thanks a million. Never buy used I guess?"

He snorts. “You went to the Fasil Brothers didn’t you? Yeah my dad fell for that kinda scam too. Those guys should be locked up” He moves over next to Eli and begins working at the tire, realizing it is not flat, and looking down in confusion.

8:18 PM

Back at the truck, you see Korkova and the other two taros sneaking over to the driver side, and the back of the truck

"I keep telling you, it's not the damn tireeeees!" Pearl tries to maintain the façade to keep them distracted for as long as possible

The guard stands up and as he looks at the truck, sees the taros backlit by the headlights. There is a loud thump as Korkova knocks out the driver with a collapsible night stick. “What the fuck” the guard says, reaching for his holster as quickly as training allows

"It's not the tires? I thought you said change the tires cause the car was leaning? I am bad with cars. Oh what's going on now?" Eli tries to distract the guard while he gets close enough for a punch.

(He’s going for his gun, if you’re punching , punch)

(

roll incoming)

8:41 PM

(13/3)

The guard is knocked back a step as your punches connect and fires his pistol at eli, tearing it free of its holster (18/8)

8:43 PM

The percussive boom of the solid shot handgun breaks the largely silent night air

Eli is shot but continues to try to close in and knock him out. (should we roll initiatives?)

(Pearl would be next since she hasn’t acted. I’m at least going to let her opt in or not. She hasn’t made a hostile action so he’s not really looking at her right now)

1

(Pearl is going to opt out of combat. She really doesn't have anything she can use for non-lethal) Pearl screeches as the guard draws his weapon and nails Eli, going to start up the car again

The engine flicks on , and so does the vehicle lights. Back at the armored car itself, it appears the three taros have managed to take the driver unawares , and alive. They’re busy restraining his unconscious form and throwing him in back

8:52 PM

(Now eli up)

Eli punches at the guard again.

8:53 PM

(22/10)

The guard doesn’t see the haymaker that knocks him out. His head bounces off the hood of the car, leaving a dent in the thin metal and knocking him out.

"Aww, fucking asshole! That's gonna need to get buffered out now... Eli, get the fuck in!" She opens the driver seat door and crawls back into the passenger seat

8:57 PM

"Or, wait, should we move him into the truck? Shit..."

"Get his gun at least I guess, he should be out for a bit help me put him in the back." Eli grabs the guards weapons then pats him down for anything that looks like it could call someone, and his wallet then tries to drag him into the car.

Pearl gets out the passenger side door, leaving both doors open as she runs around to help Eli, giving the guard the hogtie special with some rope taken from her climbing harness before loading him in and closing the trunk on them

"You can drive if you want. I'm kind of focused on not dying right now." Eli heads over to the passenger seat buckling himself in.

"Alright, alright." Pearl runs around the car again to get back into the driver's seat, buckling in and closing the door before driving off "Anything interesting on the guy?"

Eli looks through the wallet he took off the guy.

There is a flip phone that was broken when he hit the ground. It won’t turn on now. The wallet has his driving privileges card , his weapons certification and permit to carry , His employee ID card and a picture of his family.

9:07 PM

Along with sixteen dollars in this worlds paper currency notes

"Well now I kind of feel bad, but hey bar tab, bath and butterscotches, right? and these should make fake id's easier."

"We'll borrow the ID's for reference, and give him back what's his... maybe even give him a little extra for his trouble."

"Yeah I guess, for the phone, but he did shoot me, that hurts."

"It's his job, and you did swing first." She glances at Eli for a moment "How are you doing there? Not gonna bleed out, are you?"

"I don't think so, but I'll feel better without a bullet in me, probably?"

The lights flicker on the truck and Korkova sends a simple message. Its ours. We need to get out of here

"Eli, pull out your compad; I can't text and drive. Tell them 'Making way back to the ship. See you there.'"

Eli texts Korkova the message. Making our way back to the see you there.

The ship crew is already warming things up when the car and armored truck crash through the trees. The town is very much on alert now with sirens and lights sounding close. The ships ramp is down and the crew chief is waving both vehicles inside , A glow cone in each hand

Pearl drives their sports ride up the ramp, parking as far into the cargo bay as she can to give plentiful room for the armored transport behind their trails "Let's get you to the medbay..."

"Thanks, I'll try not to bleed on you too much."

Getting out of the driver's seat, she goes around the front to help Eli out of his side of the ride

Eli accepts the help and starts making his way to the infirmary.

The ships ramp closes and as the first rays of sun break through the trees, the heavy frigate makes its way back to orbit, the stolen armored car and sports car crammed into the hold. (3xp, 5000 credits)

5:17 AM

The mood aboard the ship lightens and is even relaxed once you are away from orbit, holding position in deep space

(is this enough of a between missions to do a level up?)

(Yes)

1

(cool I'll post the details in my channel so I don't clutter up pearl's then. Thanks Neko.)

1

(so pearl how did you want to do the next bit, I don't want to just use my new spell to heal me and make us not need to sleep or eat and stuff without checking with you first.)

(Well, we have time to wait around for heat to die down, so making it so we don't need to sleep isn't very necessary. It depends if you just want to heal yourself, and I think it would be seen as advantageous for the crew to not require eating)

(Well I didn't get the one to extend food since I was thinking more for super emergency situations, and the little stealthy atmosphere bubble seemed better? This is like every other week as opposed to a week with a day in between, also you run faster and march way faster.)

(So... it puts everyone into a time acceleration bubble? Doesn't seem very useful, since that will mean it'll take longer perceptually for the heat to die down.)

(sorry it's a couple spells the level 1 spell I picked up lets you make a little pressurized bubble that stops dust and stuff It seemed more useful in the event of space catastrophes than the food one. The one makes you not need to eat sleep or drink and good at repetitive physical exertion or something so small scale move speed goes up 50% and marching scale goes up 300% it's like super magic perk pills or something. I also can intercept radio signals. The orbital drop one seemed good for investigating the irradiated garden place when we go back also not dying in space since they never gave us space suits?)

(Just do what you think is best. I'm not very good with magic.)

(no worries it is done Just waiting for the next part. Have to learn Taros sometime lol.)

The taros and everyone else meet on the bridge about an hour later, with Eli listening in on a conference call style setup from the medical bay

9:13 AM

Korkova and the taros special forces look pleased with how things went. “We do have one matter, of the man in the trunk of the sports car to decide what to do with. He’s in the medbay now, sedated. We also have the other two from the armored car. Same situation there. It feels wrong just to kidnap them or bring them home with us. And I’m not sure they deserve to die just for doing their jobs. I’ll leave that up to the captain. Things on the planet are likely going to be hot right now. In that town at least. I don’t think anyone was identified, and the only people that got a positive ID are currently sleeping off their injuries in our custody”

9:13 AM

“We do need to go through the money carefully and make sure there aren’t dye packs or anything else they might use to indicate it being stolen”

"I think we should return them back to their homes, or at least somewhere they can easily be found. If posdible, we should amnesiate them so they don't ID us to the planet's authorities, but other than that I feel bad enough already having abducted them so far."

"On the topic of IDs, the one in the car had a physical one in their wallet. If we have the resources, it would be desirable to borrow-- and I mean BORROW --their ID cards and see about making forgeries for the lot of us."

"We should take into account whatever we do they'll, be somewhat on the hook for the money and truck. I doubt losing their Ids will be a big thing, Also I know I throw around the word magic a lot but amnesiating people is beyond me, and I've sort of kept away from mind control spells."

“Forgeries would be beyond anything we have aboard the ship. We would have to probably look planetside again, and the more time that goes by the more time they have to realize somethings happened”

"Wouldn't the easiest thing to believe be that the 3 guards just stole the truck though?"

Korkova shrugs. “I’m merely suggesting we can’t take too long making up our minds

7:01 PM

“And pointing out that however we slice it, making a forgery of these cards isn’t something we can do aboard ship”

"Alright, so scrap the idea of making forgeries. Cyrus wouldn't have happened to keep amnesiating agents on this ship, or something that could be used for something like that, would he?"

“We could ply them with some extra painkillers, make this whole experience a little foggy for them. It’s a pretty fantastical story to begin with.”

"If you think that would work, I request it. Maybe when we come back here after returning to Heras, we can bring some more specialized drugs."

"Did you have any ideas on how we'd approach the lab yet Pearl?"

Two of the taros head off the bridge to see to the hostages and safely administer the drugs. One is the teams combat lifesaver , the other is the most senior scratch trained in first aid

"Not... exactly, no. I'm planning on using this cash to buy the equipment we need from them, so the next thing we need to do is what Korkova said; go through the funds and make sure none of it is or gets compromised."

"Okay, shouldn't be too hard if it's paper right? they were still transporting it to the bank."

7:45 PM

"Plus we have the ones from their wallets for reference."

(Not counterfeiting that either eli. Just making sure there’s no dye packs or anything done to mark the bills as stolen. Think modern day)

1

(yeah no that is what I meant too, sorry just to make sure it all seemed right and wasn't die packed or marked. since I assumed the ones in the wallet wouldn't be?)

(No that’s his personal money)

1

(Speaking of which, will inspecting the cash call for a skill test? Or is it just time?)

Heading down into the cargo bay, Korkova has the doors of the armored car open but has not disturbed any of the cash bags yet. He has removed the alarm system from the vehicle mostly because it annoyed him

8:08 PM

There are ten very large bags of money all zip locked with a mechanical key lock

"... Oh yeah, this should be easy." Pearl takes out her metatool "I should be done cracking these babies in a jiffy!"

(Fix/int, roll will cover it. We don’t need to do 10 rolls)

(8, was banking on Sneak/DEX but rolling with it) (edited)

You handily pick the locks, which ends up being the easy part. Inside there is a complex mechanism that essentially sprays die all over the offender and the money, rendering both covered in a thick layer of blue ink

8:17 PM

You’re able to remove these mechanisms cleanly for later use on something else

8:17 PM

(It was more for disarming the shenanigans. The locks were never the obstacle. So fix. )

(Fair enough. Hindsight was that I should have let Eli do it) Extracting the ink bombs and carefully setting them aside, she turns back to Korkova "How much are you estimating we have here, anyways? Twenty-four million? Probably less than that?"

“I think we have about two pallets here. They must have been about to stop at a bank nearby too, if their measurement is the same as how the mandate did things , it’s closer to 200 million”

8:23 PM

(Credits to dollars is 1:100 , ish, per our glorious lord and savior Kevin Crawford)

(you're fine I don't have fix so just 0 and my luck is awful sometimes lol.)

8:26 PM

"200 million, maybe we shouldn't push them back into credits so soon?"

"Sounds like plenty for the shopping we need to do. We need to get our drugged hostages back onto the ground, so they can be returned home, and get to the lab and make a transaction for the equipment we need. After that, we can return back to Heras to deliver the goods." (edited)

"You sure we should take them back before we buy things?"

"... I mean... depends how long we can keep them drugged for. Really, we're already making a pretty huge risk by trying to spend all the money we just got."

"I mean we stole it in the first place, so... Also I wonder if we could spend it in another place, and she did say the lab was pretty hush hush so who knows?" (edited)

"Well, we also need to pick up some candy..."

"Oh right and a soak tank, what kind do you like, I like butterscotches."

"I like chocolates~! Oh, and cotton... and ice cream... aaaaand--"

"and what?"

"Truffles."

"What about white chocolate?"

"That too."

"Welp let's go get some candy and bathtubs!"

Back on the bridge the crew is making ready for re entry and landing once again. If it happens now, per local time it will be during the day

"Candy, bathtubs, and research equipment! Woo!"

"Woo! How much of the money do you think we should take, and should we avoid them seeing the Taros?"

"I think if we have everyone dress in plainclothes this time, we should be fine?" (I'm presuming the Taros are human... right?) (edited)

10:02 AM

"As for how much? Not sure. I guess lugging around hundreds of thousands of dollars would look mighty suspicious after the recent robbery."

(Taros is the race, they are not human, they're space elves.)

(hoshit)

Taros https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/Sy7Urk9Q4

The Homebrewery - NaturalCrit

"... Maybe... I 'unno, they're really obvious, huh? Damn. Maybe if we... cover their ears? Would that work?"

"What like helmets or head wraps or something?"

"Maybe hoods? Would that look weird?

"You mean like hoodies? Might seem kind of off for a lab facility? We probably don't want to seem too civilian there anyway."

"Well, we can't just slap bike helmets over all their heads and call that good, either."

"Well like military ones, she said they were soldiers there right?"

"... Hm... yeah, maybe we can do that. You can probably change into appropriate armaments, and if I can find something I can change into a lab coat to look like a sciencey gal."

"Oh I should probably wear something without bullet holes right?"

"Prooobably... anyone got some armor Eli can wear over that?"

(Their combat field uniforms have helmets that cover the ears and back of the head, with a space in front for an atmofilter and goggles. )

2:13 PM

(And there would be space medical garments in the ship infirmary that could be close enough)

Pearl would go to change into the medical garments, tying her pink hair back into a pony tail If only I had a cute pair of spectacles... This should do, though.

Eli switches his uniform for one without bullet holes and ideally without an E.P. logo, and a helmet. So he matches the Taros. (edited)

There are a few matte black sets of armor and uniforms in the storage lockers. You find one that should fit. In better garb, you reappear on the bridge.

4:41 PM

“So, we ready to head back to the surface?”

"I believe so. If everyone wants, you can all take a small wad of cash for your pockets, maybe grab something you see in a store. Aside from that, the plan is to reach the lab and initiate an exchange."

“So we have a few goals. We bundle the guards off on the side of the road somewhere , they’ll be found. The money is insured I’d imagine. They won’t be on the hooks for it. We have to find a way to get to the lab and transport the goods out. Landing there directly is very dangerous and they’ll be looking for those cars we boosted”

"Right... and we're seeking for enough equipment to supply an R&D department, and moresome when including the soak tanks, which may prove difficult. Spending leftover funds and loading the ship with luxuries such as candy is secondary."

(There’s running water in the city now. She can have a bathtub made for her if the soak tank ends up being a mission breaker The lab gear is the real focus, )

2

(Good to know)

(I think you're both forgetting the butterscotches lol)

1

“We should pick another landing site. Close but not exactly where we were before. I can handle that” the pilot says “as long as we are ready to begin”

"Sounds like it, maybe we can buy or acquire another transport from the Lab? We have enough money for it."

He shrugs “I’m not the one to ask”

"Oh would we have enough room if we came back with a truck or something. That's the question I meant for you."

"We have two-hundred million total to spend, I think we have plenty to buy a transport off them." (edited)

"Well lets get going then. You think I should try to listen in to their comms or something?"

"They may not have comms, at least not the kind we use. Go ahead and try, though."

(Program/int if you’re gonna try, eli)

(I was going to use my magic, gotta flex these spells sometime lol) (edited)

7:19 PM

(Radio Intercept Protocol The caster gains an intuitive awareness of any radio transmissions, comm calls, or other technological communications being made or received within one kilometer, provided they are pertinent to their current activities or interests. The caster does not receive a verbatim transcript of the call, but instead gets a sentence or two describing the general content of the exchange and the persons talking. This spell can crack standard military encryption; ultra-secure transmissions force an Int/Cast Magic skill check at a difficulty of at least 11. The spell lasts as long as Light Focus is maintained, plus ten minutes per character level.)

(Theyre certainly ultra secure)

(cool roll incoming and I'll mark off the slot then.)

7:37 PM

Eli concentrates on the signals below.

7:39 PM

(11)

The lab is getting information from it’s satellite campuses across the planet. Most of the data is in reference to a space flight project they are working on, but you’re only getting small fragments of information

"Oh cool, seems like they're working on a space program, we might not even have to give them any money."

7:45 PM

(He is maintaining the focus just incase something comes in about the ship or bank robbers or something.)

(We good to land now?)

(Yes)

(yes)

(Was there something you wanted us to do before landing or just waiting until you had more free time? Also would you two care of I went back in civvies at some point to pay our bartab and stuff, I know that's not part of the current mission, but seemed important to do before we left at least, and bartender might know where to find candy. They seemed like a cool potential contact.)

)no I just forgot to do this.(

9:24 AM

The ship comes down in the midst of another forested clearing about as far from the city, but this time to the south. Korkova and one soldier will take the guards to a spot near the road and drop them off before returning. The money is packed as neatly as possible into the back of the sports car for the both of you. 250,000 fits in the trunk without sending it overweight, enough for a down payment of more expensive gear if needed

"You want to be driver or shotgun?"

"I'll take shotgun this time."

"Cool." Eli gets into the drivers seat and heads towards the lab. (Sorry, I know it's been a bit irl, but still listening in on radio signals.)

(Nothing new)

1

The town is skirted through a route plotted by korkova during your down time, and you only see two other cars as you begin your way to the lab, using a road that winds up the back of the large hill to a receiving area

"Are you Dr. Sarya now?"

"Calling me 'doctor' doesn't sound really all that sciency... more medical, really. We're trying to get engineering stuff, so..."

"So what head scientist Sarya or just Boss or something?"

"Yeah, 'boss' sounds right."

"Okay Boss it is then."

2:38 PM

Eli pulls up to the receiving area.

Two guards with slung small caliber weapons begin approaching the vehicle. One holds up a hand for you to halt (edited)

Eli stops the car and waits for them to approach.

The two guards stop, one at each side of the vehicle. “This gate is for official business only. What’s the reason for your visit”

Pearl rolls down her window a bit, looking out at them "Trade. We're looking to take some equipment off your hands... for a modest price, of course."

“I see. Proceed in. Park in front of the main building. I’ll call the chief out to meet with you. He’ll be interested”

She nods, rolling up the window and turning back to Eli "You heard 'em. Remember to look professional."

You’re brought into the main lab area where a three story glass and metal lab building is flanked by an array of satellite dishes. A small outbuilding that looks heavily guarded is nearby. A technical and six guards are keeping an eye on it

1:05 PM

It’s heavy machine gun is not pointed directly at you, but close

Eli nods as brushes himself off after parking the car trying to look professional.

"When you park the car, I want you to step out and go around to let me out. You're the guard, you're the escort."

"Oh I planned to, but wasn't sure if I should wait until their boss got here, anything else?"

"Just make sure I do the talking. Right now, you're just muscle. You're not too concerned about my business, you're just doing your job sticking close to me, and that's how you get your paycheck." "I want those gunners to see us. We'll wait outside the vehicle for the boss." (edited)

"You think I should keep a lid on the magic until it's absolutely necessary then? Or start flashing it around?"

"Yeah, keep a lid on it. No need showing any unnecessary cards... we don't even know if anyone on this planet knows magic is a thing."

"Yes, Boss. I'll get the door for you then." Eli parks the car, then gets out making a show of looking around and noting the gun and guards before opening the door for Pearl.

Pearl steps out, walking past Eli to let him close the door before crossing her arms, looking around

Eli closes the door, and continues to look around the area like he thinks a professional bodyguard would.

The lab doors grind open slowly , and a lab coated scientist with dark glasses and two more guards emerge. He sees you straight away and wastes no time heading over

“Hello hello hello I’m Doctor Rufaro. Welcome welcome. The gate tells me you’re here looking to buy something. Something we might have”

5:54 AM

The man is very animated and speaks with his hands

"Yes, we were wondering if you had any equipment you could spare. I'm looking to start up a project of my own, but I need to fill the workplace with things to use."

“Equipment. What to sell?” He thinks out loud but clearly to himself. “A project you say, what kind of project?”

"A new product chain. I don't feel too comfortable just sharing the details."

(Might be slow responding heading to lunch with my cousin in a bit, but I think pearl is doing most of the talking anyway lol.)

“And I don’t feel comfortable at all giving out my equipment to people who just show up. You’re working on something yes? I must know a little”

Pearl thinks for a moment before remembering why she was personally interested with research equipment in the first place "Weapons. Bleeding edge stuff."

He snorts. “Alright.” And presses a button on a remote. The garage buildings front door opens revealing boxed equipment. “I guess you’ll just know what you need then. Payment prior to leaving of course”

Pearl looks over at the storage, then back at the boss "Would you happen to have a vehicle more suitable for transporting what we're taking that we may borrow?"

“There is a flatbed around back. A staff member can drive it for you”

She nods, and gestures to Eli for him to follow so they can both look through for what they need

Eli follows, taking in the lab as they pass through.

(Well, I don’t know what everyone’s stats look like, but the lab folks at home weren’t too specific about what to get. We can do a know/int or know/wis if you just want to wing it, or we can figure something else out)

(4, rerolled using Pearl's Expert ability for a 3, rerolled again using the Reroll Token for a... 4)

1

4:50 PM

(Needless to say, this encounter wasn't the best for Pearl's luck)

(Sorry I was waiting to roll until after walking dog. I wanted to look at new frontier medicine rules first though so I didnt ask redundant questions.) (edited)

(I dont know what that is. If you’re referring to worlds without number , none of the content from those books has been approved or reviewed by myself or any of the mods)

(Eli can still roll, can't he?)

(Yeah I just don’t know what he asked me)

(Sorry wasn't there new rules on which medicine we could make now?)

(Yes)

5:25 PM

(It’s in the downtime handout, and in the iron stars book but idk how that applies here)

(I was thinking of asking if I could do an int/heal to look for medical lab stuff and wasn't sure if those rules would apply or help in any way or not.)

(They wouldn’t it’s just new stuff but you can roll that skill)

(Thanks Neko, I'll make sure to read it anyway, roll incoming just got on pc. Also thanks for telling me you didn't understand what I said I'm trying to work on that.) (edited)

5:35 PM

(7 Heal+Int)

There is an eclectic mix of equipment picked at random between the both of you, most of it leaning more toward chemical and medical equipment. The truck pulls up and loads as a quartermaster checks off items taken from storage. “Alright. Your total comes to 400,000. Half now. Half on delivery”

5:40 PM

(A lab is 8 fac creds which are 1:100,000 in terms of credits and you’re just taking random gear here. Not enough for a full lab , so I’m just basing it on that)

2

"Your the egg head is there anything missing for a med or food lab, it's just a side project."

Pearl just shrugs, clearly not sure what to say

The quartermaster also has nothing to add. “Payment?”

7:46 PM

(You didn’t tell him what you’re doing. No details were shared aside from we are making weapons. He’s got less idea than you do)

(That's why I was asking now? Guess I should have before, but I was trying to be more quiet.) "Did you want to take it yourself or should we give it to the driver?"

"This way." Pearl heads over to back to the car, popping the trunk to get at the funds "Nick, count them out for our friend here, will you?"

(We had two chances, and then we had skill rolls. The opportunity is passed now)

2

"Ok Boss." Eli walks to the back of the car and starts counting stacks of bills. "Do you have a bag, or palate, or something or did you just want to take the cash in hand?"

(its bundled from the armored truck)

8:38 PM

(and there's not enough here for payment in full)

(for the half up front though right since he wanted 400,000 it'd be 200,000 and we have 250,000?) (edited)

(youve got the half, just not all of it)

1

"The first half I mean."

The quartermaster stands there, and looks on "They seem bundled already. If you've run out of fingers and toes I can count it for you"

"Didn't know if you'd trusted pre bundled. Just leave those and we should be good, rest will come back with your driver."

it does not take long for the truck to be loaded, and the guards at the gate wait to open it. The sportcar is a lot lighter now, with the money out of the trunk

Eli opens the passenger side door for Pearl.

Pearl steps into the shotgun seat and buckles up while Eli closes the door for her

Eli walks around and gets into the driver's seat and buckles himself in before starting the car. "So are we just taking them back to the ship, or doing something else?"

"It would make transporting the simplest... and it would be difficult to try explaining that it's just a cool looking miniature facility. Then again, I could probably bullshit my way to making them believe that? Maybe? The issue, though, would be if they came back at a later point and noticed everything was gone."

9:41 PM

Pearl decides to give Korkova a call on her compad "We made the trades, got some help transporting the goods. Think we should bring the helpers to the ship?"

"I mean they know ships exist just don't use them themselves right?"

9:42 PM

Eli looks around then moves close to Pearl and whispers. "Secret space ship project remember?"

"Emphasis on 'secret'. Meaning they're not supposed to know about it, either."

"Probably they do here, why do you think they're so hush hush about things? Just a guess, but an educated one I think."

How many with the truck? Korkova sends back

"One or two."

Lethal force is an option, if you think it is necessary, Captain

Pearl sighs, thinking for a moment before sending back a message "I'll try to pull an excuse out of my ass, but if you don't think they're buying it, you have my permission to put lead into their brainpans."

Korkova and another shooter will post up somewhere between where you are now, and the ship (since it sounds like you don't want them seeing it)

(Yeah, it's a pretty shit situation... but Pearl wants to keep spacial involvement confidential as much as possible.)

The team will be in position, if you cannot think of anything else. Korkova cuts the link

Pearl pockets her compad, thinking about what her story will be

(Saw this. Just can’t move on until things firm up a bit

2

The two vehicles keep driving, the small sports car in front of the larger truck. You both look at it for several minutes and it’s clear it’s just a driver

"So we're just taking them right up to the ship still right?"

"We are. I'll make an excuse that it's just a fancy transport aircraft, and send them off if they buy it."

"I'm not worried either way we get out of dodge and have some stuff for later." In driving to the ship then, please tell them were coming." Eli drives to the ship.

"I already did, don't worry. Korkova is setting up a contingency in case they don't buy it."

"I mean we can almost just leave them unless you think we need a flatbed that bad? Would only make them want to buy our tech more. It's your op though."

"Flatbed?"

(The transport truck)

"It's not that we need the flatbed, it's that I don't want them to know about pre-existing space activity. They can keep their truck for all I care, but we need them to get it all to the ship because... y'know... it's a lot of equipment."

"I mean we could stop him here and get him out of the truck. Then drive it ourselves. He might get a little annoyed but he's only one person at the end of the day, and it'd be better than killing him and taking the truck if we ever want to trade with them again."

"... I... think you're confused? We need to get them to the ship anyways so we can give them the second half of the pay, anyways. I don't think there's any reason to convince them that we should take over driving the flatbed. The whole reason they're having someone else drive it for us is to make sure we pay the second half on arrival."

"So we don't just have to kill them? Sorry, I guess i should have expected it. Just I haven't killed anyone before... I think. Well at least we got the trucks. Korkova was going to do it right?"

"If we can't convince him the ship is a perfectly normal aircraft, yes. We don't want to kill him because... well... I don't want to just kill people unnecessarily. He's just doing his job and could have a family of his own! Also, killing him would mean pissing off that company and making it impossible to do further business with them."

"Oh, does Korkova know that? Sorry I know I'm asking a lot of questions. Just this kind of stuff makes me nervous, and we're supposed to be professionals now."

(He’s not going to shoot unless the driver becomes hostile or you tell Korkova to shoot)

1

Eli nods and pulls the car forward continuing until they're at the ship then hanging back so that the Truck can get to the loading area and it can be positioned to block again if need be.

When they do, Pearl lets herself out of the sports car, awaiting for the assistant's arrival to work her magic

The truck turns around and backs up to the ship , as close as possible before shutting off the engine and hopping out. He’s armed with a pistol, on his belt. “I believe we have the matter of the second half of the payment”

"Of course." Pearl gestures to Eli "Head on in and fetch it for him, will you?"

"Sure Boss." Eli nods then heads to the ship to get the money.

(can I just come back with the money? it was like a palate's worth right or something or should I just have started loading it into the truck? Sorry I was a bit confused and I think Pearl was sending me away in case stuff happened?)

(No, she was just telling you to get the money for the sake of doing so... and in case the driver asks any questions.)

(should I wait for neko then you think or say he comes back with the money?)

Eli returns with the other half of the money, heading down the ramp of the ship with the heavy duffels. “This is something impressive you’ve got here. No wings or anything.”

1

9:05 AM

“The lab would love to have a look over whatever this is”

"Maybe another time. Besides, this one's just a prototype."

Eli loads the duffels into the cab of the truck then goes to stand by Pearl. "So what are those eggheads making at your lab anyway?"

“Hey now, fairs fair. You guys wouldn’t share any information with us. I’ll wait while you guys unload the goods. Then I need to get back”

"What about the side projects can you talk about those?"

"Stop being nosey, Nick. Just load the equipment into the cargo."

"Ugh fine. never get to ask an questions. load the truck empty the truck. " Eli goes on grumbling theatrically and starts unloading the equipment. (edited)

You’re helped by as much of the crew isn’t essential and the process takes about a half hour. The driver himself watches the work but doesn’t do much of anything but stare

Once all of the equipment is loaded, and all of the funds have been transferred, Pearl sends a message to Korkova reading "Driver doesn't suspect anything, just things the ship is a cool looking aircraft. Clear to return back to the ship" before returning to the aforementioned driver "Alright, we've got everything, and you have your payment. Take care."

“You too. Next time bring a truck” he laughs and heads into the cab. After a few minutes silence returns to the clearing. The ship is too far away to hear him now

"... Alright, that was easy. Wish we got better goods, but... guess we're gonna have to scout around for different labs."

"Carp we forgot to ask for a tank. So what's the plan now back to town or new place?"

(The ship is out of room)

(We still have room for people though right? Crew space?) (edited)

(You’re full. No one and nothing that wasn’t on the ship already or wasn’t part of the cargo you’ve stolen or bought will fit)

1

9:03 PM

(The ship technically doesn’t have cargo space. I’m basically stashing the excess tonnage where those people would normally be housed since you’re running with a skeleton crew. Next time we can bring the free merchant or both)

(Ah thanks Neko that's why I wanted to ask, oh well next time.)

"Well... I guess we need to return back to Heras to drop this off for now. Not much we can accomplish with the ship cramped like this." Pearl heads back into the ship to settle down and change back into her usual attire, waiting for Kokorva and her companions to return so they may all return to orbit and prepare for the return trip

The scouts return a few moments after the all clear js sounded and begin posting back up in their claimed billet. They don’t join you on the bridge but they do send a message congratulating you on a job well done.

9:11 PM

In orbit, news finally comes in as the ship awakens its scanners to prepare for the route home. Commander Cole is dead, assassinated in a daring attack by suspected Remnant pirates posing as merchants come to Heras to trade. A swarm of large spider like creatures accompanied the raid force though seem to have been dealt with. The attackers were able to withdraw with light casualties observed.

9:11 PM

An emergency meeting has been called for all Mytikas notable citizens to determine a way forward

Eli turns to Lars. "We don't know anything about the ship how far gone do you think they'd be by now?"

“Without knowing their departure course it would be a needle in a haystack to track them down. You’re better served making them meeting. Revenge can wait”

"FUCK!"

(By time it gets to you in this hex at least a day would have passed. )

2

Eli sighs. "It always does. Maybe we can convince some of the other Khanate's it's not us who are the invaders though?"

Lars is a pilot, not a political strategist and continues making the adjustments for the spike jump back to Heras

"Do you know the soonest we could land or get in touch with them, see about other people lost in the attack?"

(6xp, 10,000 credits

9:18 PM

“Sending a message and getting a reply will take as long as just heading back with a jump this short. We should be there about this time tomorrow”

(Going to prod about Goals again. Specifically, by this point, the alcohol traders should have reached Mytakas.) "Well, hovering around here isn't going to do us any good. Set coordinates to Heras, and let's try to celebrate the accomplishment we do have."

"Thanks Lars. I guess it's just a matter of waiting now. You mind if I head to the armory? Mark up some of your weapons? I can pay you back for what I use."

(That ones done now pearl.)

9:25 PM

(Additional 3xp for you)

9:26 PM

(Theres 42 of you here now. I don’t have everyone’s personal goals memorized. The prodding is the only way to let me know)

9:26 PM

“Not my ship” Lars snorts, and the complicated math needed for a spike jump begins running on a secondary monitor

"Wait, are you actually the captain Pearl, should I be asking you? Sorry I'm not sure of the chain of command especially with Cole and Jeonia dead. I guess that's what the meeting will be for though?"

(Sounds about right... at the same time I don't want to seem like a nuisance about them, especially since multiple are seeming to mark off back to back recently) "I'm the captain of this ship, I can say with confidence. Captain of the Elysium?... Uhh..."

"This is the Elysium now, are we changing names? I'm just going to go carve up stuff in the armory then. We can get into politics when we get back. You're the fancy talking one anyway."

"... Yeaaaah..."

The ship moves to system edge and after a brief countdown enters spike space. You arrive back at Heras a day later, coming in to dock at the military orbital platform where the ship is taken inside to be unloaded, refueled, and serviced

(can I have used my downtime to consecrate some weapons Neko? I was thinking a two handed advanced melee as a chain sword, then maybe a sniper rifle or one of the taros ones, and a hmg. I'm not sure if the armory has them or that's a korkova and ex special forces exclusive thing though?)

"FUCK--" Pearl, again, gets knocked onto her ass, having neglected to prepare herself for the jump The ship docking back onto the platform, Pearl gets to work arranging for a lighter to bring Eli and herself back down to ground "Too bad we couldn't find any water tanks for Andra... but hey, at least everything on the mission went as smoothly as it could."

(There aren’t any taros rifles aboard the ship that don’t belong to someone already. But the rest are fine. Just pay the book cost for them since the armory will have to be restocked

2

(will do thank you Neko.)

9:45 PM

"Yeah, I'm glad everyone got through it okay. I was starting to think I was kind of a jinx with all of the deaths on mission."

Pearl huffs "Maybe I'm just lucky... the amount of failure the Elysium has been dealing with, and to it's degrees... it might all be a lost cause."

"That's a lot of people to write off though. We're scrappy, we can pull through this."

"Pull through what!? Cyrus obliterated himself, Cole just got assassinated, we don't have a leader! We're just people now!"

"So what just everyone for themselves? First thing is check that our friends are okay, then we need to see how much damage was caused. Then have a measured and appropriate response." (edited)

"All I know is that we're in a pretty shite situation. Just... I don't know, man."

"This meeting will settle it. So you thought of how we'll get into the other khanate yet?"

@Deleted User With Eli, Andra, and Pearl returning back to the surface of Heras, the former going off on some errands, the latter would head back over to Andra "Before you head off back to your own thing, I thought I should talk to you real quick."

10:01 AM

Andra already fully packed turn to Pearl, smiling. "Sure Princess. What's the matter?"

10:06 AM

"I just wanted to let you know, before we split... just thanks for spending time with me." She scratches the back of her head "Jokes aside, I know it was mostly just days on end trying to get back here after getting thrown horribly off course, I'm glad we got to spend that kind of time together while we had the chance. That's really all I wanted to say."

Andra drops her stuff and hugs Pearl gently. She kisses her and sighs. "You know I like you, I really do. I actually have to thank you for showing me that I still can have those feelings. Should we spend time like this together again. I would love to get to know you better. It was fun. In another life I wouldn't leave you standing here but in our life that would be to dangerous. You will always be my Pirate Princess."

10:23 AM

Pearl smiles, embracing Andra and returning the kiss "I look forward to our next opportunity... but for now, I just needed to get that off my chest, in case something unexpected prevented us from meeting again." Once they've held each other for a few long moments, Pearl would let them loose "Good luck with your own tasks. I've got a Brotherhood to hunt."

(wait aren't we all hunting the brotherhood this is just a short break, right?)

(I thought Andra was branching off, and that's why we were moving back to your channel)

(I thought it was just so I didn't muddy up either of yours with checking in stuff? Isn't that why we came back to Haras?)

(I'm confused)

(I don’t know then either. I thought you all had personal stuff before linking back up)

Andra looks at Pearl. Her eyebrows raised. She moves her lips without saying something until: "What? I just. I, erm, I thought that I am the only one who wants to hunt them asap. You guys wanted to come back. Wow. You let me say those words to you although we see each other again shortly. Bummer. Wait I got a message." She reads Eli's message. "Dafuck is wrong with you teens. First it sounded like he thinks I am dumb for following them directly, now he is in. I don't get you two. Still I am happy. Fuck we're going on a hunt. I love it." She hugs Pearl and shares a kiss with her. "Well princess, you know I said this ship is the best for that, but if you say otherwise. You are the captain. You could ask Regent Promodmo or whatever it was if he has something better for us. I am going to talk to the Dr.. Let's say we are leaving tomorrow? I should stock up a bit and we will meet again tomorrow wherever you are with our vehicle. Gonna soak tonight. We'll stay on touch if something changes."

Pearl scratches her head "I thought you... nevermind. Crap, I confused myself, sorry... well, still, I thought I should say what I did while I still could, so my stance still stands. Yeah, you go do some grocery shopping, I'll do mine, and we'll meet back up to board the new ship."

1:31 PM

"Yeah I hope your silver tongue is enough to convince the Regent." Andra takes her stuff and leaves. Happy that she is not alone in this.

(I think it’s just Andra and pearl going back out to hunt the brothers down now, we can pick up when you’re ready assuming you’re striking out solo)

(I'll get to it, just being busy with a bunch of other things lately)

(All good. Just catching up)

@Deleted User @Rodger Landon (Corn) (Message here when you both are ready to resume the Brotherhood hunt, apparently the only ship in the Elyssium's name with weapons is the Voice of Hermes)

(EP can start building ships again with the endeavor they just completed, part of what they do this month will be to lay down a second ship)

(sorry I wasn't going to go on the brotherhood hunt, I would have said something sooner, but I was running errands and trying to fix a toilet for most of today.)

(I know Andra and thorn are heading out when you’re ready to)

(Wait, we can? Does that mean I can claim that goal?)

(Yeah, I thjnk right now the government is the only body on planet able to afford to build and maintain one since even a modest ship is hundreds of thousands of credits, but you’ve got ship building again with that last endeavor completed) (edited)

(I guess while I'm at it... "Work my way up the Elyssium chain of command" and "Earn the trust and loyalty of at least ten(10) starfarers" to see if I can hit that level up before we set out)

(You’ve got both of those)

(Shweet.)

6:37 PM

Once they are ready, Pearl heads back up to the space station with Andra, arranging to man the Hermes

6:38 PM

(Is that thing able to jump more than once without another ship?)

6:39 PM

(It has a Spike 2+1... which... I think means that was the ship Pearl was already using)

(No, it doesn’t have fuel scoops, the free merchant would have to come too)

6:39 PM

(But it can hang back if there’s danger)

6:40 PM

(Once you guys bring some planets in and get some stations up we won’t have to worry about that, since you’ll have ship service depots along most of your routes)

(It's all coming together)

Hey Pearl. Sorry for keeping you waiting, wherever you are right now. We got the permission to take the Voice of Hermes and that Free Merchant with us. You are officially captain of those. Oh and we got some extra personnel. I guess you can take care of that stuff now. I am going to have some delicate diplomatic talks in a minute. I'll be meeting you at the Hermes first thing tomorrow morning.

That is fantastic. I'll be up here getting the crew in order, you just do whatever you need to and come up and on board once you're ready.

(While we wrap up in my channel, I am coming over here already to give Pearl a chance to do something.) Early in the morning, Andra packs her things. She decides to take Ruby with her, although that shouldn't be necessary with Roar taking up her slot now. She takes the CFU with her as well but doesn't wear it right away, as she deems it too bulky to be fashionable at all. She tries out her new hunting makeup before traveling to the space station. As soon as she is up in space she looks for Doctor Thorn or Pearl, whomever she finds first. (edited)

2:10 AM

(Andra's hunting makeup)

Sitting in the captain's seat, getting everything organized, she turns her head to Andra boarding the ship "Oh sweet! Finally done with your-- woah hoah holy shit what the fuck."

Andra looks dead serious. "You look like you have never seen a merlonian death squad before." She waits for a short moment before she starts laughing and smiling. "Most likely because there are none like that. But to be honest. To instill the fear in your enemies you have to become death itself. Should it come to short ranged combat, they need to be filled with fear. Every bit counts when it's us or them. But of course I won't be running around like that during our spike travel, just today. How is it going? You like this ship, captain?"

"Hell to the yeah, I do. Honestly, it feels great finally getting to captain a ship. It might not be my own, but soon? Soon I will have a ship I can call my own, and that will be the day..." "Speaking of close ranged combat, I'm glad you mentioned that; I picked up a good number of void carbines and appropriate ammo to stock the armory, so in the event a boarding action does happen-- whether we board them or the other way around --we won't eject ourselves into the vacuum of space. Make sure you've got one before the conflict happens."

"Maybe we steal a ship out of some dead brothers claws. And I will remember the carbines although I always prefer to use my trusted weaponry. And in the end, we shouldn't try to look for a fight. If it happens, it happens, but it should be our priority to not risk our assets. We should locate them, asses their strength and numbers. Maybe infiltrate what we find, maybe create chaos." She gets closer to Pearl. Her voice is rather concerned when she starts to whisper. "They trashed a ship to destroy our temple. Someone who does that should have more than just two ships. So between you and me. I guess we die if aim for openly fighting them. You are dear to me. I won't want to risk your life in something like that." Andra speaks louder again, so others could hear her as well. Way happier than she is. "Chaos? Uhm, did you bring explosives?" (edited)

"Aside from that, Thorn should be here any minute. I get myself a cabin and then we will be ready to go I guess." Andra finds herself an empty cabin and drops her stuff. She looks at her ring and closes her eyes. "Damn E, I hope you are doing good, whatever you do." She sends him a short message before it's to late to do so. And walks back to the bridge. While they wait for Thorn she asks the pilot (Lars?) how long the trip to Koraa-S will take.

(Lars) You hear the hatch shut as thorn and the last of the crew lingering on the platform board the ship. Lars is predicting the course to take three days. He is not going to try to trim it this time. There is little need

"Yeah, last time was a huge mistake, even if we got lucky."

"It wasn't his fault. It was a decision we all made. Doctor Thorn, I hope you had a good night and are as eager as we are to find these monsters."

She nods and takes her place at the navigation table. (Three days of downtime toward whatever you’re working on)

(Merlon 13/30)

(Pilot 13/90)

Korea-S is a planet of lava and endlessly flowing tides much like Tsatsos. The planets atmosphere is magnetically charged and the world is tidally locked, causing the superheated landmass to experience rainfalls of burning metal. Entering the atmosphere would be suicide for anything but a highly specialized craft. Space itself seems quiet around the system, though it’s hard to tell with the planets magnetic field

"Well, I think it's safe to say they wouldn't have stayed here."

"... Huh. I didn't exactly think this through." With an awkward smile, Pearl looks over at Lars "Are there any routes here that, um, maybe they took? Eheh."

Andra sits down, disappointed and thoughtful. "I mean that would be the perfect place to hide. Not the planet but the system itself with its sensor masking attributes. But most likely they have jumped further away from here. If doctor Thorn has no idea I would leave it up to you Princess to decide which spike route we should take. "

“Im getting something” thorn says, her eye looking out into space. “Ships have passed this way. Recently. Not the ones fleeting Heras. Something bigger. And another ship. Military grade engines “

4:26 AM

Her eye clicks and makes a sound like a low whine as she surveys

Andra curses in Merlon before looking at Thorn. "Thorn, can you see the direction these guys where headed? Did they jump to Heras while we jumped here? Or somewhere else?"

“No. No. They didn’t go to Heras. They just passed through and then headed south. I see where they’ve come from. We should be prepared. A spike jump takes half an hour to set up , and thats outside of combat conditions. We might be taking a big risk here”

Andra's cursing intensifies and she punshes something in front of her that she deems non-critical. "Why? Just why? Damn. Without you doc, we would know nothing and maybe guessed the right spike vectors. With you, we know that it is possibly worse than expected and that jumping there could be suicide. Fuck. I want to go there, I want to see how bad it is, but I am not going to risk and potentially waste anyone's life here by spiking after them." Andra stands up grinding teeth. She is angry. Everything she wanted was find them and if there was a chance, hurt them. As much as she cares for herself, she does not want to risk Heras, and in that case two ships, Doctor Thorn and a capable Captain, who is way more than that to her. "I can't decide alone here. What about you captain? Do you have any idea? I am no pilot, yet, but could we jump a bit shorter to start of with a higher distance, should something await us there."

“Spike doesn’t pull you out until you hit a certain point in a gravity well. You either come out of spike, or you don’t. There’s no tampering with the distance”

7:07 AM

(That’s why ordinarily you can’t spike to a hex with no planet in it. There’s nothing to mass-lock you)

(That's 14/90 Piloting right?

) "That's why I am still learning all that stuff. So what are our options. Aborting the mission to risk nothing. Or spiking with a plan. We could pretend that we stole the ships for the Brotherhood or something like that. But if they are there, and many it's hit or dead with the pretending"

Pearl takes a deep breath "At least two ships against one... and one of the former are military grade... fuck. We'd be hoping one of the two ships is just a transport, for supplies or whatever, but I'm already not liking the odds with us only having the one gun and possibly going against two at the same time."

Andra links with Pearl and shares their mind. Pearl can instantly feel Andra's concern and anger. "That is riskier than I wanted it to be Princess. But we knew from the start that it wouldn't be easy. Do you think that we could even fight one enemy ship? I mean, I can man a gun. You are the captain I am just the figurehead of this ship. Even if we don't spike, those guys could strike Heras anytime."

"Honestly? I was banking that it was going to be just the one, and at least then we'd have some simple options. It does really suck going three days out here, just to head right back after deciding it was a bad idea... but I don't intend on initiating a suicide mission. If we try fighting them and it turns out we're overwhelmed, we won't be able to prepare a jump to escape in time. Maybe for now it would be best to keep the ships at Heras for now and play defensively; wait for them to come to us and attack if need be. Work on constructing ships more suitable for combat, and more of them. Not sure how much it'll cost, but it'd be a whole lot safer, and we're capable of that sort of construction now so..." Pearl gets up from her captain's seat, heading over to Andra to give her a hug "I'm sorry for basically wasting your time. We can't afford to get overwhelmed."

Thorn looks out the front canopy into space. She hasn’t said much but her eye has not stopped making noise. “This isn’t a waste. The ships headed into UNW territory. They’re not going the way we are. My point was, I don’t know what lies at the edge of this next jump. Whatever choice we make we need to commit and prepare while we have a safe system to breathe in”

A smile forms on Andra's face. "Yay, that sounds good. Pearl that is great news isn't it?" Andra walks over to Thorn and gently knocks against her shoulder. "Good job, you are amazing Doctor Thorn. So what do we do? Pretending to be one of them or preparing to shoot them into dust. I prefer number one. I think it gets us further, but if we fail we might not be as prepared or positioned to fight. But maybe I am completely wrong here. What do you think Pearl?"

"Well.. We have firearms appropriate for boarding actions. Lars, how confidant are you in orchestrating a force dock?"

“We would have to disable their engines. They’d need to do the same to us. There’s too many possible axis of maneuver if we don’t take their engines down first. It would be too hard to lance them with the boarding tubes”

"Doctor, could you do that? I mean disabling their engine. " (edited)

4:21 PM

"So... if we disable their weapon systems, we could then follow up by disabling their engine, since it should take them too long to escape with a jump anyhow, and should make it safer for us to perform the maneuver."

"I mean, if we disable their weapon system we could just outright destroy them. They are pretty strong in combat should we board them, they could be at an advantage."

"Only if they have appropriate weapons for it, however... if they just use any ol' firearm, they'd be putting themselves at serious risk damaging their own ship in the process. But I suppose you're right, if we disabled their weapons there wouldn't be much of a need to board them."

"They do have their special pistol powers. Don't underestimate them. But if they can't shoot, they can't hurt us. We just need someone to disable their weapon systems."

“The ships weapons would need to be the one to do the disabling. I can’t hurt a ship from the outside”

Andra looks at Thorn, upright, arms crossed and a wide grin on her face. "Well, no matter what I am shooting with, I hit. I mean there might be a different approach here on board of a space ship but still, I never doubt my ability to strike. If you can keep our systems alive, I take care that their's aren't. Captain, are you in for a hunt?"

"Yeah, I think I'm ready."

"Princess, I need you with this. I will protect you no matter what it will cost me. But please give it your all, don't just think you are ready, be ready. We can't afford to hesitate in a critical situation. And remember, you are the captain of this ship. I can shot the guns, big or small doesn't matter. All that matters is that I hit the target. You are the face those others will look at on the bridge. I know you will be the captain we need. Let us make that work."

Pearl takes a deep breath, returning to her captaining chair "I can't be any more ready than I am right now. We are going to jump, and hit them hard when we do. Disabling their weapons will give us the edge we need, and we can always give chase if they decide to jump to another planet in a futile attempt of escape. I trust that your aim is as true it can be." (edited)

"Great. Let's do this together." "Well, then let us spike. Everyone be ready when we get out on the other side."

The jump is quick, taking a day as the trail is followed. The planet on the other side is haloed In asteroids and a comprehensive defense satellite network. Though primitive in design, getting close to the planet seems a good way to be shot down. Even as the sensors come online, the massive amount of space objects are evident

Andra with her warpaint on, mans the ships weapons when they emerge to real space again. She sees the info on one of her displays. She speaks via the com system of the ship. "What is this? Are those defense satelites? Is there any ship around here? Doctor Thorn, Pearl, can we disable them or do I have to shoot them one by one?"

The system seems recently traveled and there is a small entry on the planet that shows up on the navigation console

5:35 AM

(There’s a scouting report up for Erdoza)

Andra scratches her head and looks confused. "So, uhm, sorry I guess I should have read the text on the display as well. So that doesn't sound like it's the base of the Brotherhood and they seem to have simply passed that system right? Man, do I get things right here? Do we know where those guys left to?"

(You can’t jump through planets so you had to stop here and refuel before pushing on)

(Got it.) "I guess, I'll let you guys do the thinking and navigating while I wait for something shootable in my sight. We'll be spiking again soon I guess."

"Yeah, doesn't look like the Brotherhood could have set base here, even if they wanted to. Let's just refuel and press forward."

“Alright. This could be it. Our next jump takes us to where I’m seeing a lot of the traffic jumping in from. “

"Then let's be prepared for anything." "You remember what you are doing?"

"I'll be ready as soon as we arrive. We should be well-rested when we arrive there. So everyone, use the time until we arrive there to rest." Pearl can feel Andra's determination. "I know what I will be doing, shooting them hounds. I will be aiming for their weaponry first, if possible. But their weapons won't matter if they explode before they can retaliate."

The jump to Savita, the source of the traffic , is five days. (Assuming pearl as captain and Andra as gunner for what stations we are occupying on the bridge, with npcs filling out the rest?)

(That's the plan, I'd say. Lars(Pilot) and Thorn(Sensors) should be enough to fill the other spots right?)

7:04 AM

(18/90 Piloting) Andra tries to spend as much of the five days with Pearl. The uncertainty of what's to come makes her enjoy every moment ten-fold. The moments she doesn't spend with Pearl are used to further familiarize with the ship's weapon system and to double-check and clean her own guns, just in case. She is confident and ready to deal with what's to come.

(2d6+5 for planet based detection, with +2 for the program/ int of the brotherhood comms officer @Dax Withers Against Thorns +4 total for Program and +2 due to the frigate size of the ship. It doesn’t have any additional stealth features. Total of 11 for thorn vs brotherhood scan result)

(Brothers of Fenris scan total 4+7= 11) (edited)

(They’re undetected for now but aggressive maneuvers or generally not keeping a low profile will raise the alarm. I’ll post shortly

(Wait, against who--)

10:16 AM

(Wait this is another player's ship isn't it)

(No it's not another player. I have been running the Brothers of Fenris for almost an entire year now. You're the first to know.)

5

(Oh... Okay, phew.)

Bridge: Lars Captain: Pearl Comms: Thorn Engineering: NPC Gunnery: Andra (edited)

(Npc would do engineering)

(Just thought I'd make the message for reference. Might be good to pin, presuming we have a lot of future space combat)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 3/18/2020 10:46 AM

(Also, I should mention thanks to Pearl's 'Star Captain' foci that her ship will start each round with 2 CP)

The planet savita is before you, a hostile climate shows up in your scanning database along with a serious infestation of underhill. A heavy frigate and free merchant patrol the northern side of the planet, and do not seem to have been alerted to you yet

"Alright... those are the Brotherhood, Ms. Thorn? Are we able to confirm from our current situation?"

“I, I believe so. Look at those ships” she says quietly

(Free Merchant)

4

1:23 PM

(Heavy Frigate)

4

Andra seems to be trigger happy but is still keeping back. "Captain, any commands? They are who we are looking for. This is our chance to strike!" "...or run. Whatever you prefer princess"

"I'm confirming whether or not the plan will work out" "I'm presuming only the frigate is equipped with weapon systems. If so, we will be clear to strike and disable them first."

“Without a more thorough scan all we can do is make an educated guess like that.” Thorn says. “I don’t see anything obvious on the free merchant”

"Never let that free merchant come close to any of our ships. Just to be save. I saw what they do with ships like that."

2:25 PM

"But no matter what, scanning, shooting whatever, we should act before they realize that someone is there or worse before they get the first shot."

"I think we're ready, then. Aim to disable, Andra."

(Alright you guys get to go first since you’re charging in. Space combat is fifteen minutes a round, so we don’t really have surprise per say, but you’ll get to attempt your gambit before they do anything )

2:54 PM

(7 cp between2 for pearls ability and the 5 a military ship normally has)

(So no rolls for initiative, just take turns starting with them now, right?) (edited)

(Yeah that’s the only realistic but fair way I can think of. Half an hour of unopposed actions just seems way to sloppy for the brotherhood)

Pearl will start off by using Support Department for Gunnery

3:01 PM

Lars on the Bridge may go second Thorn on Comms may go third Andra on Gunnery will go fourth Engineering will go fifth, on standby (edited)

(Since we are using a set amount of starting CP the "Do Your Duty" action has been removed)

(Oh)

3:03 PM

(er)

3:05 PM

(Fixed?)

(Yup. Generally speaking the PC Captain of the ship will decide the actions for NPCs. So you would be directing Engineering, Thorn and Lars in their actions or lack thereof)

(Our combat rules are slightly modified from the book because the book assumes you'll have a PC in each department. We have a set amount of CP because that's what NPC ships get.)

(Hm... well, I don't actually know what Thorn's and Lars' skill ranks are, so I don't know how much of an affect something like Crash Systems may have)

(Unless Neko says otherwise, NPCs are generally +1 for associated attribute, +1 for skill and +1 AB)

(Alright then...)

(NPCs are at a +2 for skill checks and +3 to hit)

3:12 PM

(Thorn would be different.)

Pearl uses Support Department on Gunnery Lars will use Above and Beyond, piloting the ship to a more optimal firing position Engineering, likewise, will use Above and Beyond, flipping power between the engines for the maneuver and then back to weapons in time for the attack Andra will go afterward, and they may make their actions as appropriate

(Sorry to keep raining on your parade, NPCs cannot take the actions listed in the General Action section)

Pearl uses Support Department on Gunnery

3:16 PM

Andra's turn because literally no one else can do anything else beneficial right now

(NPCs are, by design, not special. They're supposed to just fulfill positions as expected and allow the PCs to shine through with the more interesting actions. There will be more chances for things to happen in other departments as combat progresses.)

(So, with just one multifocal laser, no matter how many CP my department has I can just shoot once, right?)

(You may make as many attacks as you can with the CP you have for your ship. So you have 7 CP for this round. 5 (base) +2 (Pearl's Focus). She also used Support Department on Gunnery, which means one of your actions will cost 2 less this round. I don't know what weapons you have on your ship, but you would be able to use the Fire One Weapon action once for free (Because of Support Department) and every shot after will deduct 2 CP from your 7 CP.)

(The Hermes has only one Multifocal laser, but now I know thanks)

(There isn't much else that the CP can be used on this round, so feel free to spend all 7 on Gunnery actions.)

4:04 PM

This is your ship pearl and Andra. , the free merchant that’s fueling you is keeping back

4:04 PM

Out of the battle

4:05 PM

(Ac 17, Armor 20, hp 50)

(Wow so I was rolling for the Hermes. Doesn't matter hits first. So I am shooting three times with the gravity cannon. Three times targeting the enemy weapons for a total of 9 CP (7 +2 from Pearl) . Hit rolls are 9 15 10 rolling damage if something hit)

(All 3 shots miss.) As the massive grav cannon gravity fields miss their mark, the shots seem to rouse the two ships into a rapid response. Both ships turn to bear their weapons upon you. Heavy Frigate Nemesis II Volley Capacitors Activated (Gunnery +4 CP) Fire All Weapons x3: All attacks AP 20 Torpedo Launcher 1: (21/20) (18/10) (20/20) Torpedo Launcher 2: (5/21) (18/11) (6/18) Free Merchant Nightingale I Volley Capacitors Activated (Gunnery +4 CP) Fire One Weapon x4 All attacks AP 10 Flak Emitter Battery: (15/8) (7/11) (16/7) (10/9)

(The flak all misses, four torpedoes hit. They can take a crisis for one of them to avoid the damage )

(I would recommend one of the twenties if it was me)

Pearl will take Keep It Together on the third hit from TP1, taking 41 damage and suffering a Crisis (edited)

(d10 for crisis when youve a moment)

(10)

(VIP imperiled) A ceiling girder, carved to show an intricate scene from Cyrus' past that probably never happened, falls, its beveled end thrown forward with enough force to lance Dr. Thorn through the chest, pinning her to the deck like meat on a skewer

8:00 PM

surrounded by smoke, and sparks, she is somehow still alive, breathing heavily, sheeted with blood and sweat

8:01 PM

9

"Holy fuck! Thorn, are you alright!? Let me rephrase that; are you conscious!?"

She tries to raise a hand in acknowledgement, but it is weak (doing something to help her would be the deal with a crisis action, that one of you can take, it would be your turn again. If you guys want to coordinate in channel or talk things over that is certainly fine, I know the situation takes careful planning)

8:03 PM

(Just so we know how the command points are going to be spread, and we can resolve everything all at once)

(So I could try to heal her with my Nexus gift. But I guess Resolving a Crisis is a skill check, right?)

(So my idea to resolve this crisis would be to link with her and use Symbiotic Healing, not to end the crisis but to stabilize her even more so she doesn't die if we can't save her this round or keep her alive should the saving cause even more damage. Then either Pearl or I could use Lead to command bystanding crew to get her to the medical station (if there is one) by using available tools to cut the girder.)

(This is kind of a stretch and taking too many actions for what resolving the crisis really is, since you have a bunch of people doing things. Here’s what I think we can do to make it fit the rules. Since you’re doing something about it, engineering can resolve the crisis with a check, by trying to cut the girder off. We can explore what thorn does in later rounds. Aside from engineering actions since they’re handling the crisis for the moment, you can use your CP anywhere else) (edited)

(That sounds good to me, but we should wait for Pearl, she will be the first to act that round anyway)

(Lars can do evasive maneuvers or something if you’re willing to spend command points for it, engineering can do damage control , same thing there. Have to decide what it’s worth to you since it takes away from shooting Comms is down because of the crisis) (edited)

(I don't think it's worth the 3 CP for a mere 3 HP)

(That’s all fine. I just know it’s our first time in space combat so I’m just throwing ideas out there. Ultimately decision is yours)

(... Actually, you know what)

8:30 AM

Pearl will use Support Department on Bridge Lars will use Evasive Maneuvers for 0 CP Engineering will use Damage Control three times for 9 CP Comms are inactive "Andra, I desperately need you to go help Thorn. I know fuck all about medical attention."

"I.. You sure? Well, I am going to save her then." Andra races to Thorn as fast as she can, knowing that her missed shots played a major role in this mess. Seeing the impaled Thorn makes her gulp. (I guess I can do the Deal with a Crisis myself then. Fix/Int?) "Don't die on me Doctor. We will get you out of here and then that thing out of you. Everything will be alright, it's just a scratch."

(If you’re wanting to deal with it by medically stabilizing her and we can just handle the other stuff later, that will count as resolving the crisis )

8:44 AM

(Since you’re not shooting this round we have options

(Well, the medical approach would be my Nexus Gift as I am rather bad at healing the normal way.)

(ThTs fine basically it’s any use of a skill, that’s just what you’re doing this round)

(Yeah, I opted to push it off to Andra because Pearl has fuck all anything relevant for the crisis.)

(That’s perfectly fine and a smart move. Just trying to take it step by step so we are all in the same place as combat continues)

Andra stands above Thorn and grabs one of her hands. She looks into her organic eye. "You won't die from that. I won't allow it." Andra ends the connection to Pearl and links with Thorn. She focuses on her and tissue seems to repair and the bleeding seems to stop. (Symbiotic Healing: Commit Free Nexus Effort for the day as an On Turn action to heal your partner for up to 1d6 lost hit points per two character levels you have, rounded up. You may use this gift once per round. healed 13HP)

(She's stable, and the background work of getting the girder and stuff off of her she can take care of with your help for the remainder of the round, crisis is handled, Now we get into everything else)

(We can do the fix rolls for the damage control when there’s a minute, I think that’s all we have left for this side of the combat

(The fix rolls, and the Evasive Maneuvers by Lars. I assumed you were going to handle those rolls because they're NPCs)

(It's your ship and they're your NPC crew, so you are welcome to make the rolls for yourself if you like. If you'd rather have Neko do it, he will. It works either way, just let him know.)

8:06 PM

(They roll skill checks with a +2)

Lars: 9

8:30 PM

Engineering: 10, 11, and 11

(All 4 successes. AC is +1 this round and you regain 9 HP.) (I'll post my turn shortly.)

Sensors ping red alerts from your comms station as new targets come within firing range of your ship. Visual scanners show three more heavy frigates and a second free merchant crest the horizon of the wasteland planet below. Oddly, the new ships don't lock their weapons on you. The reason becomes apparent when a single torpedo from Nemesis finds its mark and rocks your ship, sending it into chaos. The last signals you see before the computers go dark are the boarding pods launched at your ship from the new arrivals. (First torpedo attack was 20/22, knocking your ship to 0HP. I'll let Neko resolve this and work out the way forward.)

(At 0 we can execute a fix/int against dc 10 to stop the ship from exploding. It becomes a hulk with no systems working at that point which includes the lifeboats. The ship doesn’t necessarily explode instantly but remaining on board is to die. there’s enough time to make it to the lifeboats without saving the ship. They’ll land on Savita, but I think at that point pearl and Andra will pass from the view of the story for right now. Their chances of surviving brotherhood kill teams sweeping for them and the rampaging underHill swarms are very low, but you never know. They could re emerge some day as the story dictates (edited)

9:29 PM

(This whole mission isn’t for nothing. I make any loss of a PC worth it. Really it’s just a matter of tying this off in a way that’s a fitting end )

(So we don't need to do the fix/int and could instead imediatly rush to the life boats?)

With the explosion of their ship imminent, Pearl is filled with dread, going horribly pale in the flashing red lights and blaring alarms. Looking over at Andra, she speaks over the intercoms, stammering over herself and ultimately shouting: "Fuck ship! Fuck ship! Get leave!" before heading over to Andra, quickly seeing if she can help pull Thorn out of their predicament

As soon as Andra sees Pearl rushing over to her, she starts to slightly shake her head. Before starting to shout to battle the ravaging sound of the soon to be exploding ship. "We need to go, we need to evacuate. The Free Merchant needs to flee as well." Andra cancels the link to Thorn and grabs Pearl's arm to pull her closer. She speaks lower so only Pearl can hear her. "I can keep her alive for a while, but that is draining. Many people will die before they even get to the lifeboats. She is dead weight. And we have no time. We need to get to the lifeboat now, there should be one close to the bridge."

Pearl looks between Thorn and Andra, ultimately mouthing a 'fuck' before running off with Andra, taking their word for it deciding she doesn't have the time to debate over it. Linking with Pearl, Andra is rushed with the sinking, despair feeling Pearl is having

1

Feeling Pearls despair makes her rush even faster towards the lifeboat. Snippets of her talk with Mr. Fate come to her mind. "This may be the end my princess, but you are not alone and never will be."

"Just... keep the link up. If we don't get out of this alive, I'm banking that it'll help us go to the 'same' place in where knows." Ultimately, the two hunt for the lifeboats, making their attempt at escaping the imminently exploding ship together

1

2

There is a flash of light as the Voice of Hermès engages its spike drive, jumping away just as the first of the boarding craft would have hit the hull. Without Thorn’s help, it will be a dangerous journey back for that ship , if they make it home at all. A new constellation briefly flickers in the stars over savita as the lifeboats deploy. Howling toward the surface in trails of re entry fire , and underhikl drone looks up at the sky. The simple beast looks up at the sky, and roars

(When youre ready, we can definitely look into another character. I'm eager to see new ideas for sure. I always make a PC loss worth it. The effects of this one just wont be as immediate)

(I will get to you when I'm ready. Right now, I'm just going to take a break from SWN; unrelated to the salt, been a mixture of feeling burnt and getting overburdened by other things lately)

I’ll get a sheet up for you this evening. I’ll just throw it outside all the polity sub folders since we don’t know where you’ll be yet

2:55 PM

But at least you’ll have somewhere to jot everything down

All set. Sorry about the wait. Last night got away from me

Alright, I will work on it at some point.