Iron Stars - robert

Robert, an explorer in UNW service, recently given leave from the formal survey team for his own projects, wakes in his bunk in his apartment, dawn's light slowly creeping through the window

Robert yawns, stretches and wanders into the kitchen to get his tea brewing while he showers. Clean and dressed in his civvies, he sips from the steaming mug while packing his trusty pipe with tobacco, pondering his plan for the day. As much as he enjoys his work in the survey team he far prefers working under his own initiative.

(Do I have any ideas about what I can get up to? I don't know as much as I'd like about the world yet so any guidance is much appreciated!)

(there are quest hooks under endeavors and employment, or if you cant see it/aren't ready, we can do something smalller scale)

(I've read through them and they all seem a bit outside my ability/capability at the moment unless exploring offworld is something I can do with my current resources, if not I'm perfectly happy starting with something smaller)

(No problem!) A handful of smaller investigation jobs appear, but one sticks out, "A pioneering team is needed to explore the southern side of Gudrun's moon, in preparation for future development"

Taking a puff from his pipe, Robert sends a resumè in reply to the ad, noting he is ready to depart immediately assuming they have adequate transport to the moon.

A landing barge capable of in system flight, and three other pioneers will be meeting you at the colonial landing port tonight, giving you time before departure

Always happy to have some time to relax, Robert spends the day reading philosophy and testing out new recipes using the local plant life, calming his mind in preparation for his next adventure. When the time comes, he enjoys another pull of his pipe then flags down a taxi to take him to the landing port.

Robert, nursing his healing injuries, returns to his apartment in what feels like the first time in an age. "I'm fucking lucky to be alive..."

7:24 AM

He pulls out his trusty pipe and relaxes as he packs it. A quick look at his bank account through his compad shows that he is well short of his goal amount. "Better find some more work soon," he says, wincing as he puts stress on his wound.

7:25 AM

(I'm happy to do something solo whenever you have the time unless something better turns up.)

(I think cornelius is going to post something in a min here, we are working out some details)

7:25 AM

(it got off an a bit of an erroneous foot)

(Hahaha all good let me know, I'm happy either way)

(you got 6xp from the last mission as well, so if you have levelups to spend, might be a good time while we hang fora mnute)

(Already done)

(perfect)

Good luck Robert, too bad you can't pilot me out of this one.

Robert returns to his apartment, the strain of the past week showing on his face. He relaxes on his porch, smoking from his trusty pipe, his red cap laying beside him on a table. Once he feels more at peace, he pulls out his compad and makes an order for the grav explorer he has been saving up for.

7:28 PM

(Grav Explorer 125k Power 3/4 Mass 16/16 Hard 2/2 Microfusion Plant, Large Living Quarters Sealed Atmosphere Advanced Sensors Tool Rack Hydra Array Will this take time to build?)

(just 2 days_

(I'll wait for it to complete before I head out into space)

Of course Mr. Tanzer. I have a few matters to attend to, but two days should be plenty of time. I look forward to working with you again.

Robert I saw that you and the Captain would be going on another mission together, though calling him Captain, when you are Captain, could be confusing. Anyway I was curious where you were going. I wanted to see where you would be heading.  I have some on planet mission, and have gotten an offer to recover something from Terezino including transportation from the doctor.  I'm not sure if our missions will take us in opposite directions soon, so good luck on your venture. I was thinking of throwing a party to celebrate our successful foray against the Remnant, and wanted to invite you personally. Please respond if you're interested. Don't worry I will cover the costs of renting the bar and thus all drinks.

Hailey dropped off at the Ruins of Riven, Robert and @lictor are free to choose whichever of the on planet cities they like, to get information

8:11 PM

Shua has not been 100% open to the UNW, but the people are at least friendly

(Where is the singularity gun at?)

(what are the cities?)

"Steelhearth seems like a decent place to start our inquiries. Looks to me like a major population centre. I'll try and send a message requesting permission to land somewhere." (edited)

8:42 PM

Robert starts fiddling with the communications equipment, trying to find out who he needs to contact to be allowed to land somewhere near the city.

There is a landing pad outside the city that should fit your ship perfectly. A small diplomatic guard is dispatched to meet you on the pad, led by a smart mouthed corporal smorkle

2

Walking out of the landing pad, Robert raises his hand in greeting to the corporal. "Well met, friend! I'm honoured by the reception. I'm Robert Tanzer of the UNW, and this man with me is Ricardo. It's a pleasure to meet you." He offers his hand for a shake.

“Corporal smorkle. Diplomatic protection detail. These are my unimportant men”

Robert grins. "I've always wanted to say this. Take me to your leader!"

Ricardo steps out of the Wunderlust behind Robert. "Greetings, corporal."

9:25 PM

(on mobile, will turn on notebook in five)

(No worries. Im not long for bed. Took a sleep aid so I don’t focus on my chest feeling full)

(alright then)

The delegation moves into an angular diplomatic compound where two Robed members of the diplomatic corps are standing by to negotiate and receive visitors

"Greetings, I'm Robert Tanzer of the UNW, VP of Exploration for the Rigers Corps of Engineers. This here is my associate, Ricardo, member of both the same. I come here on behalf of the UNW, seeking access to your singularity gun. I have an offer to make to you, and I would be honoured if you would allow me to state my case."

They both laugh “there will be absolutely no foreign access to the singularity gun”

7:22 AM

“By all means. Make your case anyway” the other allows

"I understand your reticence. We do not demand access, merely the opportunity to make a deal. Should you find the terms unsatisfying, we will happily leave in peace."

7:26 AM

"The UNW has been in conflict with a powerful for, the Tenebrian Remnant. This polity claims the territory of the Tenebrian Empire; essentially, it claims to rule all known systems, including this one. In the most recent battle, we were forced to use nuclear weapons to neutralise the threats we faced, in order to continue our survival. This was not a popular decision amongst our people."

7:32 AM

Robert takes a breath, then continues. "We seek alternatives to nuclear weapons. Your singularity gun is the only known technology we can potentially access that will allow us a similar level of strategic potential without the major damage to the biosphere and life in general. We seek to learn from your weapon for this reason. We do not want to force these terms on you. We seek a trade. The UNW has the ability to build space worthy craft, able to bridge the gap between stars. We would like to offer you one that we can construct to your own specifications, while also working with your engineers to eventually get you to the point where you can build your own. While the offer of an interstellar craft is determinant on your acceptance of us investigating the mechanics of your singularity gun, we offer technological uplift regardless of your answer. I hope that you understand our good intentions and wish for protection of human life, and allow us to investigate your weapon."

"If I may - sir, we have seen what is out there. Once word gets out of your weapon - if it hasn't already- your planet will become a beacon. We are not the only ones with access to spike drives. There are forces in this sector who will stop at nothing to gain access to your tech. What will you do, when they come, and you lack a single craft to defend you? We propose a fair trade - access to some of your tech, in exchange for the ability to protect everything else."

"The Remnant, we are familiar with them, they siezed our ships for their own use. We know how to make starships,b ut have elected not to. This weapon, this weapon kills a sun. You speak of saving a biosphere, this weapon utterly annihilates star systems. The UNW is a valued partner, and you have no reason to fear its use on yourselves, but we will consider industrial espionage, or an attack on the gun as an act of war- and will respond accordingly"

9:49 AM

"Your offer comes from a considered place, do not confuse our refusal with hostility or anger, and remember, we are public officials charged with doing what is best for our planet, before all others" (edited)

"The Remnant are not the only threat. Your sector of space has enjoyed peace so far, but believe me - the danger is real. The UNW has met hostile alien civilizations with superior technology and... uncomprehensible beings with seemingly arcane powers. Quite frankly, we are outgunned and outmatched. Access to your technology might mean the difference between the UNW's survival and our defeat. And if we fall, then what will be of Shua? Will you stand alone against half the galaxy? Will you blot out a thousand stars? We can stand together. The UNW can be your shield, that you might live out your days and finish your works in peace - but we need your assistance."

1

"The gun is currently aimed at one of the flesh shaper worlds. We have agreed to help already- but that does not mean access to it. We're in this with you, make no mistake- but assistance does not mean the erosion of soverinty"

12:15 PM

(talk/cha or int, whichever you prefer)

(can robert roll? maybe he has higher bonus, I roll at 2d6+0 talk+1 cha)

12:19 PM

(otherwise i'll roll right now)

(He will assist you with a +2 since he also made an argument)

12:20 PM

(that way we don't need to wait for him, and you get a nice 20 ish % boost)

(ok. Fingers crossed)

12:23 PM

(sweet, a 12)

"Alright, here's what we can do..." the dignitary says. "When it comes time to fire the weapon, you may have inspectors on sight to see how it works, without the techical data of course, but youre free to observe or record whatever you wish while inside"

1

12:24 PM

(that is a huge breakthrough compared to how stone-walled other groups have been)

(alright. I'll back off for now so robert can catch up. do we know the timeframe on the weapon being completed?)

(its complete, but the shells are very very expensive, and time consuming to make, they were making it sound as though a matter of just a couple months now)

(alright. I have a couple of ideas and i want to know if they're valid. plan B: get a hacker guy on site as an inspector, try to download weapon specs wirelessly. plan C: spend some time with the locals, try to meet some grunts who work at the gun, bribe them for loadsamoney if they can steal the tech for us)

(As for the hack, most hacking of secure data like that comes from actually physically tapping a data line with either a black slab, or placing a line shunt there to download the data wirelessly later)

1:12 PM

(but in either case some kind of physical connection needs to be made first)

"While this isn't the result we hoped for, we thank you for this offer and will respect your reticence to share your technology with us. Let us know when you will fire the weapon and we will send our observers. I hope that we can continue to come closer together as allies and friends, and if you ever wish to once again return to the stars we will always be willing to offer our expertise."

(I will spend some time on planet and try to see how the populace feels about the no-spaceship, all-goes-to-the-big-gun policy, time to move to my own channel i think)

(I don't want to leave Hailey stranded on the planet, so I'm just going to wander around checking the place out. Is there any cool wildlife here?)

5:49 PM

(Actually...)

5:50 PM

"I plan to remain in system for a short while before leaving. In the interest of repaying the offer you have given us, I'm happy to use my vessel to help your people in any way that you yourselves are having difficulty with due to a lack of space worthy craft. Is there anything I can do for you?"

(Okay so Hailey is on her own then afterall?)

(Yeah I didn't want to ruin her adventure with her new robot friend hahaha)

(If there's nothing left for me to do here, can I return to Gudrun and gear up for the Olar expedition or will that strand the others?)

7:17 AM

(Hailey has the wanderer focus, we just don't know if any other ships come here)

(that will strand them, but there's a mission)

7:57 AM

"Well, if you're offering use of a ship, there is something you can do for us"

"I'm all ears. What can I do?" (edited)

“It’s rumored that the ledans have two system ships. We heard from the crew of the last UNW vessel that came here. We were wondering if you wouldn’t mind making a quick jump and confirming that. If they have them, photos would be helpful

10:31 AM

You’d be helping us settle a divisive internal debate”

"I'm sure I can do that for you. I'd just like to know that this won't be used to justify any further conflict with the Ledans. I have great respect for both your people's, I wouldn't want to help some radical faction start an incident."

“We promised we will not fire upon them, and we intend to stick to that. We would like to try to copy the design or reverse engineer what we can based on photos so we can make a small system floatilla if our own”

"I can't fault you for wanting to defend yourselves out here. This is a dangerous sector. I'll go get the images for you."

5:44 PM

Robert returns to the ship after sending messages to his fellow Engineers, letting them know about his short jaunt. He gets ready to leave the atmosphere and spike to Leda.

It is a day of spike travel to Leda, and you're deposited at the edge of Ledan system space. Only a handful of weak signals come from small settlements on the ground. Most of the world is forrested.

Robert edges closer to Leda, using the survey scanners on the Wanderlust to look for space capable vessels on the surface or in orbit.

There are two, rising from planet surface. Both are gunboats on an intercept course

Robert attempts to establish comms with the vessels. "Ledan vessels, this is Robert Tanzer of the UNW. I come in peace."

10:11 PM

While doing so he uses the sensor equipment on the ship to record images of the vessels, but makes no attempt to scan them.

"UWN Rober Tanzer, this is Leda system patrol." The two gunboats are still hundreds of thousands of kilometers away, but heading forward at speed.

"I see you're on an intercept course with me. If you feel my presence in this system is a threat, I'm happy to leave. I'm merely inspecting systems in this sector for Remnant presence."

"Standard procedure, we have to investigate anyone coming into local space. You're flying UNW colors, they've been friendly with us"

7:33 AM

"Do you require arrangements made for landing?"

"Understandable. No arrangements necessary, I'm merely passing through. I'll just be refuelling from the local gas giant and I'll be on my way."

"Safe travels UNW vessel."

7:49 AM

they flip their transponders off, and return to the far side of the planet. You were able to capture several recordings and decent pictures

Robert scoops some fuel from the nearest gas giant, passing the time playing chess against himself, then spikes back to Shua once the fuel tanks are filled.

8:17 AM

Assuming the return to Shua goes according to plan, he sends a tightbeam comm to the Shuan leadership that sent him on this mission.

8:19 AM

"I'm returning to the planet now, I have the requested footage. I'm simply curious as to how your planet can be simultaneously capable of spacecraft production but unwilling to engage in it while also needing to study the designs of vessels that are frankly inferior to those currently fielded by the UNW. I mean no disrespect, but you understand that I will need a coherent report to give my superiors upon my return."

"It pains us to admit there are certain technological works they are better at than we are, and you can report our shortcomings in your report, if it will help"

"I'll set down at a place of your choosing and pass on the images. The Rigers Corps of Engineers is always willing to help an allied world advance technologically; if you want technical advisors while building a defence fleet, we are more than willing to help out."

9:16 AM

Robert takes the Wanderlust down to the chosen landing pad to meet with the Shuan representatives.

The Shuans, led by their smart mouthed Corporal exit the diplomatic compound. One of them has a credit chit in hand for you

Robert transfers across the data with his compad. "Pleasure doing business with you lads."

25000 credits are added to your account. "The pleasure is ours" (Ricardo's mission is wrapped up, Hailey is about done)

(I'm happy to wait)

(3xp, 5000 creds of mission completion from UNW, all missions are done, so you all can head home)

Lift me out

Robert collects all the itinerants he calls his comrades, and takes everyone home to Gudrun.

Upon his return, Robert collects his grav explorer, and loads it into the cargo bay of the Wanderlust. He takes some time to relax, before getting ready to head out to Olar.

7:15 PM

(Aiming to go to Olar next, will wait a little while before heading out, let me know if you need some time to organise anything first.)

(Yeah we can give it a little to see if anyone parties up with you. I know phil is trying to get a squad together for Asta as well)

Apologies Mr. Tanzer, but I will be unavailable for your Olar mission. Please do keep me informed on what you find, I am of course still very interested.
-Regulus

1

(While I'm waiting, I'd like to buy the drone control link cyberwear for 20k credits, a Stalker drone with Environmental Power, Observation Suite and Stationkeeping for 6,250 credits. Does the cyberwear take longer than a day to install?) (edited)

(not generally, I usually base days on system strain it causes you, so 1 is plenty)

(Its looking like Olar is going to be a solo mission. I'm ready to get going when I wake up if you are.)

(Sounds good, lemme know when youre up)

(Morning friend!)

6:03 PM

Robert finishes gathering supplies and loading up the Wanderlust and it's Grav Explorer for the mission ahead. He enters the spacecraft, and settles himself into the pilots seat. Cracking his knuckles, he takes off, and prepares the spike drive for the journey to Olar.

(drawing now, whats your route looking like?)

(ok, all pretty)

(Sorry, uni got hectic. I'll be heading to Cratylus first for a quick scan and a refuel, then to Olar.)

(all good, just trying to figure out what I need to have ready)

(No rush, I'm easy, do it at your own pace

)

(the maps for both should be up)

7:39 AM

(let me know if you can't see them)

7:40 AM

The jump to Craytulus was previously ruttered and your time getting there is easy, and shorter. The blue/black planet drifts below you, the only patch of green is a several hundred kilometer strip around a city called Halcyon. The Exchange of Light proudly broadcasts that they have risen to take over its management.

Robert broadcasts a message in return. "Greetings, this is Robert Tanzer of the UNW. While I am only passing through right now, I bring an offer of peace and goodwill from the UNW. The Exchange of Light is still remembered by us, and we would be glad to engage in diplomatic relations with your world. I'm sure we could help eachother greatly. I will be returning through this system after travelling to Olar in the next few days at least, and would be happy to pick up any diplomatic delegation you have organised by then."

8:11 AM

As he broadcasts this message, he moves to refuel from the nearest gas giant, while keeping his comms open for a reply.

There is not a reply, but you can see that your message was received. The Exchange of Light is remembered as an organization that needed to talk every angle of an issue before taking action, and you can imagine even sending a reply goes through that process

Once the refuelling process is complete, Robert begins the spike drill to Olar, spending the transition time double checking all ship systems to ensure the vessel is ready for whatever it encounters.

(anything you're doing during the travel time, for downtime?)

During the downtime between systems, Robert studies the reports sent by the original probe before it's destruction. Concerned by the MES signature, he studies up on current MES theory, specifically relating to it's offensive application.

There are telekinetic disciplines that indirectly hurt targets by throwing them into things but very little that does direct damage, by conventional sufficed

8:06 PM

Studies

Confused by the lack of previous experience of direct damage caused by MES, Robert ensures that every single form of sensor and recording device is powered up and recording as soon as he enters the system.

(Is the surface map visible on the roll20 folder for Olar?)

9:31 PM

The ship exits the edge of Olar space with the planet and it’s two moons in their slow dance around one another.

(Yeah I can see it)

9:55 PM

Robert does a quick scan of the planet for any obvious anomalies. "So far so good..."

As he scans the new world, he edges closer to the planet, plotting a tentative course to stationary orbit above Saltwich.

Ruins litter the surface of the planet, and only a small number of actual settlements are detected on sensors

7:25 AM

THere is no communication to space

Robert lands on the outskirts of Sandwich, about 5 kilometres out. He gets in the grav explorer and takes it towards the village; he pilots it slowly, making sure to make his presence known.

Saltwich is an unwalled farming village, and you see people in the fields looking curiously as you approach. They are wearing worn, but modern clothing, though their tools and the farming techniques look feudal at best.

Robert gets out of the vehicle, walking towards the people of the village. "Greetings, I'd like to talk to your leaders."

"Who are you?" one of the farmers, 20m away, calls out, holding a scythe upright, a bit of grain clinging to the flat portion of the threshing blade

Staying calm, Robert replies. "I'm Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds. I come from another planet, one close to this one. I come in peace. I'm here to broker a peace agreement between our people's, and to learn more about this world."

"You'll find little of value here!" he chuckles "Follow the laneway, park outside the gatehouse, guards will escort you into the city. They do the same for my hay-cart"

Robert smiles and nods. "Thanks for the assistance." Taking the man's advice, he gets back in the explorer and follows the path towards the city. As he nears the aforementioned gatehouse he attempts to park his grav explorer and make his way to the entrance on foot.

A gatehouse and thick stone walls surround the freehold. Two guards in leather coifs and cloth armor each clutch a longbow, looking down below at you "Hail traveler! What is your business?"

"Hail! I'm Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds, a nearby coalition of allied planets. I seek a meeting with your leaders. I have offers that I'd like to make."

"You actually came here willingly? "

6:38 AM

"No one exiled you here?" they both laugh heartily

"I'm an explorer of sorts. I guess you could call it self exile. I take it you aren't too fond of this place?"

“It’s Home But Home could be better.

"I believe I have the means to make that happen. Care to let me in?"

One of them waves a hand to someone behind the gate, and there is a creak as the large banded wood doors open- revealing a modest village behind. There is a great hall, set against a cliff, and the dwellings/barns are centered around a well in the middle of town

Robert wanders up to the well, and takes a look around town, trying to get a feel for the place. As he soaks up the vibe, he pulls out his pipe and takes a few short puffs from it. (edited)

The mood is tense, and quite sad within the town of Saltwich. The buildings have modern bones, but have been rebuilt over with scrap-wood and thatch where envrionmental damage ruined some of the original structure. Nearly everything is coated i n a fine soil dust

Robert packs his pipe away and heads to the great hall in the cliff.

As you approach the double doors, two guards in scale armor with spears cross them in front of your path, while two others emerge from a side door- what must be their barracks. "good day traveler. We do not get many in Saltwich. If you're here to speed with the Elderman, we require that you do so unarmed."

"Seems reasonable enough to me." Robert hands over his weaponry to the closest guard. "Lead the way."

Youre let inside the great hall, with more spear carrying footmen in the alcoves. The Elderman is indeed, an elder man, sitting in a rough hewn throne, that still looks more comfortable than the rest of the furnature. The hall is cold. A large pit fire struggles valiantly to heat the stone building, but it not very successful at doing so.

"Greetings, Elderman. I'm Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds. We are a number of allied planets not far from this world. I'm here on a mission of diplomacy and exploration. Your world is unknown to us, and with all due respect, the level of technology on this planet is below that of our own by a significant margin," Robert pauses for effect. "I am part of an organisation called the Corps of Engineers. One of our missions is to provide technological development and assistance to the varied worlds of this region. I offer this to you now. We seek to take you back to space, Elderman."

"Back to space? what do you mean by that?"

"Your people came here from the stars, and we can return you to them if you so wish. Even if you don't want that, we can provide technological expertise to raise the quality of life on your world." (edited)

This world is home, and it always has been. We've been slow to develop, the disaster a few years ago now one in a series of many. The technology you provide will fail us again in time. We were not meant to move beyond the sword, the blow, the iron plowshare..."

"I don't wish to force anything upon you. My offer is just that; an offer. Perhaps, at least, you would allow our ships to land and trade with you? I'm sure your cultural artefacts are innumerable and worthy of study by our own people, and we have much to offer in return."

"And your UNW- how much traffic do you envision coming here?"

"I am no trader. I am merely an explorer. I am happy to organise a meeting with a UNW diplomat to hammer out a trade agreement. I want it known that our people seek no dominance over others. We will respect the wishes of you and your people."

9:27 AM

"While I am here, I do have some questions for you regarding this world and it's people."

"Of course, you've told us about yours. A bit, we will answer what we deem safe to answer" he replies, sitting back on his throne. He gestures for one of the nearby armsmen to pull one of the chairs from the feasting tables away for you

9:32 AM

so you can sit and be comfortable for your talk. The fact he remains on an elevated dais above you is not lost on you

Robert takes a seat, and spends a few moments getting comfortable before replying. "My first may be an odd one. We sent a probe to your system some time ago. On arrival, it was destroyed by what we call MES energy. You may know it as psychic energy, or even magic. This concerns my people, as to our understanding MES energy can't be used in that way. Do you know of any place or being on this world where such a blast could have originated from?"

His expression gets quite grim. "There's only one place that could project that kind of force - the hall of the damned. We all live under its shadow"

Roberts brow furrows. "What is this Hall of the Damned?"

"It's a haunted place. Spirits haunt the place. Even being within a few kilometers of it, you feel them watching you"

8:27 AM

"Those who go there come back changed"

"Are there any here in Saltwich that have visited this place? I would speak with them if I could."

He thinks for a moment.

8:54 AM

"You can try talking to Barker. He's usually out in the fields, outside of town. He's....he experienced something there, though. He doesn't say much anymore, just stares into the distance. There's no way he can see the temple from here, but he just looks at where it should be"

"Thank you, I will visit him as soon as I can. My next question is thankfully much more mundane. How is this world ruled? I noticed another larger community when I scanned this world. Are your people's united? Do you trade? I am a stranger in this land; I would appreciate any information you feel comfortable giving me."

"We trade with them but they're under another leader. Trade and even movement far beyond the walls can be dangerous"

"What makes it dangerous? These spirits? Are there other dangers in the wilds?"

"The wilds have their share of dangerous creatures, but they won't attack groups of humans, or those paying attention to their surroundings"

"I believe this is all I need to discuss right now. Unless there is any issue you would like to raise, I'd like to go talk to Barker now."

“Of course. Safe travels”

Robert leaves, collecting his weapons, and heads towards the location of Barker's farm.

Barker's farm is a cluster of dilapidated buildings, a barn, and a slowly rotting fence line. His plantings are haphazard and uneven, and as promised, he is standing at the edge of the field, looking off into the distance

Robert walks towards the farmer, calmly, without any sudden movements. "Hail, Barker! I'm Robert Tanzer, I come from another world. I would ask you about the Hall of the Damned, if you'd let me."

"approach" he says, dimly. He is aware of you, but not turning around.

"I plan to go there, to see what inhabits the hall. Whatever is there has powers beyond our current understanding of psychic phenomena. I've been told you visited the place yourself. Can you tell me what you saw?"

"Okay." he says blankly. "come inside. I will tell you"

9:00 AM

he begins ambling toward one of the dilapidated out buildings

Robert follows, a concerned look on his face.

The man half drags a rake with him as he makes his way to the house, pushing open the wooden door by essentially walking through it. You see an orange glow from inside as a fire is sparked

10:10 AM

(like a normal cooking fire, hes not burning his house down randomly)

Robert takes a seat at the nearest convenient spot by the hearth. "I'll be blunt, Barker. What happened in the Hall of the Damned?"

“I saw them. I saw the thousand mouths. It spoke to me”

7:40 PM

“It told me my future. It told me how I’ll die.”

"What are the thousand mouths?"

“One speaker. Many voices. That’s all”

"Thank you for sharing this with me. I'm going to travel the the Hall now. I may be wrong in asking you this, but do you want to return?"

He shrieks and tries to curl up in the corner of his hovel

"I apologise. I won't bring it up again. I'll see if there is anything I can do for you while I'm there." Robert nods at the poor man and takes his leave from the building. He hikes back to his grav explorer, enters it, and takes his seat at the controls. He briefly pauses, sighing, as a brief flash of worry crosses his face before returning to a look of determination. "No time like the present." Robert starts up the explorer, gets his bearings, and begins travelling to the Hall of the Damned.

The trip is projected to take about a day from here , though thankfully there is a road. Every 20 kilometers there’s a small turn off where travelers can park and rest This close to saltwich you see farmers and carts full of produce or dry goods going to and from the city

As the sun sets Robert turns into one of the rest areas and lands the explorer. He steps out briefly to throw his Stalker drone into the air, engaging it's station keeping mode and it's sensors, telling it to warn him if anyone or anything approaches the vehicle. He smokes from his pipe for a few minutes, then goes back inside to eat a quick meal in his explorers living quarters before going to sleep.

Night passes without any disturbances, though the drone does capture images of other faint cooking fires in the woods out in the distance- other travelers, keeping to themselves.

Robert has a quick breakfast in the morning light, appreciating the quaint beauty of this world, before bringing the drone down and getting into the grav explorer. He starts it up and lifts it up into the air, and begins following the road to the Hall once again.

The map is projecting you'll be there close to evening- along the way, in the early hours you see a large hay cart coming down the road, still a few days from Saltwich themselves

Robert stops the explorer, lands it, and gets out to greet the travellers. He shouts a greeting as they approach, raising his arm. "Hail!"

"Good morning pilgrim" the driver waves. "That's a nice wagon you've got there"

"It gets me where I need to go. Comfortable ride too, for the most part. You should see the spacecraft that brought it here." He looks at the haycart. "Your wagon's not so bad either. Where do you folks come from?"

"We're from a small farm not far from here, heading to Saltwich to trade some of our hay and animal feed for dry goods"

"How do you feel about your life here? I offered technological assistance to the Elderman of Saltwich, and he refused it. Do you feel the same about your way of life?"

“Technology fails here for some reason. It all crumbles or malfunctions. It fails. This cart. These oxen. I can rely on them”

"Interesting. One last question, traveller. What do you know of the Hall of the Damned?"

“It was an academy for specials once. Had an auntie that went there when she was young”

"What happened to your auntie?"

“Lost her a few years ago. Went mad. The whole place did. Messenger came to me ma’s farm to tell us”

"Messenger?"

“Yes. A lad on horseback with a letter”

Robert nods at the travellers. "I won't take up any more of your time, I'm sure you've got a long road to travel. Thanks for the talk."

“Of course. Be safe traveler”

Robert jumps back in the grav explorer and continues onwards.

The explorer is projecting you'll be at the hall by early evening, and the weather is expected to remain clear (any preparations you need to make before getting there?)

Robert stops the grav explorer a short while before the projected arrival time. He makes his way to his living area, and clears a small space on the ground. He sits in the space, crossing his legs, and shuts his eyes. He spends half an hour in this position, occasionally moving but otherwise motionless, trying to clear his mind, getting ready to meet what seems to be the embodiment of a dead psychic academy. When he finishes, he pops the top open to watch the sunset as he smokes tobacco from his pipe, then gets back inside to cover the final bit of ground on the way to the Hall.

6:40 AM

Setting the explorer to briefly go forward on its own, he suits up in his combat armour in preparation.

The now named hall of the damned sits at the center at a 5km circle of dead forest. Skeletons litter the ground everywhere, perfectly polished and clean even after three years have gone by. Animals and even weather seem absent from the area. The sky is a circle of blue grey, devoid of sun but the light never changes

Robert uses the advanced sensor array on the explorer to test for habitability in the area, hoping to figure out what is causing this if he can.

The readings are conflicting. One moment it’s temperate, then hotter than a sun. Moments later it plunges into almost absolute zero. Timepieces spin in haphazard directions

Robert stares at his viewscreen for a moment before subtly shrugging and pushing the explorer forward.

As you pass to within 5m of this defoliated circle the grav explorers power fails

9:49 AM

It gently turns to autopilot and comes to a soft landing

"I really should have seen that coming..."

Robert pushes his way out of the now grounded explorer, making his way outside. He begins inspecting his weaponry and equipment within the zone.

Your personal equipment seems to function fine for right now, aside from your time-keeping devices

Robert stares at the Hall, his curiosity battling with his better sense. Sighing, he walks towards it.

The hall is a gothic, dark looking cathedral like space, with several nacelles and cloisters built off its rear sides like barnacles. Crossing the threshold of the strange perimeter, there is a gentle whispering in the air, too faint to be heard clearly

Robert looks around, failing to find the source of the whispering. "Hello? I want to talk!"

The voices all go silent for a moment. Very clearly, as though someone is talking directly in your ear. “Why have you come here”

"To meet you. To learn. To talk. I am from another world, and we have never heard of anything like you. Can we have a conversation?" (edited)

There is another voice, male this time, at your other ear. "We are speaking" around you, the forest begins to cool down, your temperature readings still fluctuate wildly

"Do you remember the Scream? Do you remember who you used to be?"

(mental save)

8:23 AM

You feel the air around you swell and ripple with power, and the voices all begin chanting, shouting, weeping, and begging for mercy in a chorus of discordant noise

(Fail)

8:32 AM

(I knew this would go poorly but this was way to interesting to not check out)

(8 damage) The neural feedback is immensely painful as the voices all at once try to show you what happened to them here, each with their own story to tell

8:36 AM

Finally, one of the skeletons lying face down on the loamy earth begins to rise, adopting a sitting cross legged pose. Its eyes are lit by a pale purple flame. "Would you believe?" it says in a rasping, barely there voice, "That this was once a place of learning?"

As the voices rattle against Roberts mind he kneels, clenching his teeth in pain. He forces himself to do breathing exercises until he regains his composure, then stands back up, not as confident as he was before. He opens his eyes just in time to see the skeleton rise. There's a first, he thinks to himself, nearly chuckling despite the situation.

8:40 AM

"I thought that was the case. An academy for psychics, I believe. I take it you were one of them?"

"We were all one of them, once" The voice has changed, now a female voice, though it sounds like she is talking to you through the skeleton, from a great distance away. It is faint, and comes with great effort

"How did you become like this?"

The voices surrounding you rise in intensity again, into a screaming wall of noise. Finally, the skeleton speaks. "There was a call. Something in the void. A scream. And then..." the voices are all howling now, and the once placid sky above begins to churn with storm clouds

Robert notices the changing weather with a scowl, then looks back at the skeleton. "My people know of the Scream. It devastated everything we know of. There are more psychics now, though, and my world has built a new academy. They would be honoured to meet you. Perhaps they could help you, if you so wished? Perhaps it's time you made new friends?"

The storm breaks, and wisps away into nothing at the mention of your world, and the progress there. "Bring us a metapsion, and we shall speak again"

"I am friends with one. I can bring him here. Is there anything else you would ask me before I leave?"

2

"A metapsion, and we shall speak again" You feel like the local area has released a pent up breath. your explorer lifts off the ground again, power restored, and your measuring instruments are showing readings more in line with what you'd expect to find here

Robert nods, more in confusion than anything, and walks slowly back to the explorer. He inspects it briefly, and once he is happy with what he sees, opens a hatch and climbs in, making his way to the controls. "All in a day's work." He smiles and begins travelling back down the road to Saltwich, and his ship.

(3xp, 10000 credits)

(Would I be able to tick off "explore an unexplored star system" from my goals list?)

1

(sure can!)

(Brilliant! If Robert gets back to the ship unmolested I'm taking him back the way he came, hoping to get a reply from the Exchange of Light. I'm off to bed either way)

1

There is no reply as you pass by Craytulus on the way back home

(Can I keep explore an unexplored star system as a goal? Would like to keep doing it)

7:21 PM

Robert, once his ship is safely landed on Gudrun, compiles a report on Craytulus and Olar and sends it off to the engineers and the UNW administration. He relaxes on board his ship for a time, then prepares to get in touch with Reg.

Having sent a message, Robert makes his way over to the psychic academy to talk to them in person about what he's found.

(sure, we can make it repeatable)

Crane is behind the desk in her usual place but the academy feels a bit colder when you enter.

"Hey there. I messaged ahead to Reg, but I didn't get a reply. I'm here to talk to him about bringing a Metapsion to Olar."

Crane holds back a sniffle. “Regulus was killed on Acastus four days ago. I’m sorry your message went unreturned”

8:43 PM

“We are still making arrangements for a proper sendoff”

Robert seems stunned for a moment before replying. "I'm so sorry to hear that. Please let me know about the send off. I counted him as a friend."

8:45 PM

There's another slight pause. "I still need to speak to a Metapsion. I have a mission of great importance and I can't do it without one."

“Doona is away on business. You’re stuck with me. What’s the job?”

"Long story short; I met a group mind of dead psychics left over from the Scream on Olar that seems to have the planet under it's thrall to varying degrees. They seem unhappy, they've obviously suffered trauma. They're dangerous, but not actively hostile. Lastly, they demand to speak to a Metapsion. That's you, if you'll come with me."

“I’m going to talk to the Vapormills branch, see if they can spare their recruits. We will need some backup if it’s as bad as you say”

"That sounds like a good plan to me. Just don't choose anyone who's naturally aggressive. I want to befriend this being, if we can."

“I hope I’m making the right choice”. (Yan and one of his npc pupils will tag along. Good first mission for the Vapormills academy)

(Sounds perfect. Do we do it in a group thread or keep it here?)

I’ll have him come here, meeting you on the orbital platform )

9:14 PM

Crane hangs up her call and presses a hand onto yours. “Don’t breathe for a second”

2

9:14 PM

There is a flash of light and after a few seconds disorientation you are on Trivedi cloud orbital platform

"Stars damn it, give me more warning next time!" Robert takes a second to get his bearings, then smirks at Crane.

9:16 PM

"Impressive trick, I'll give you that."

He arrives with his pupil at his heels, his expression a little serious given the circumstances.

"Yan, I didn't know they'd be sending you! Good to see you again! I hear you've been doing good work out at the Vapormills."

"Ah. Mr. Tanzer. A pleasure. Yes, I am. I've brought my pupil with me to allow her to see what it is like handling such dangers as this."

"Then you're in for a treat. The group mind did a number on my brain when I was talking to it a few days ago. I don't think it even meant to hurt me." Robert looks over to Yan's pupil and sticks out his hand. "Robert Tanzer, explorer. Pleasure to meet you."

“Sorga” she says by way of introducing herself. “You have a ship? I’ve never been to space before”

"Aye, the Wanderlust. Only had her a few weeks now, but she's as fine a ship as any. It'll be great to have you all on board, the last trip was somewhat lonely. Shall we get to it? I can give you the grand tour once we've begun the spike drill."

He nods, gesturing for you to do as you please.

Robert leads the group into his vessel, and undocks from the station once he gets clearance. Once he is a ways out from space traffic, he begins the spike drill to Craytulus.

"I am still a little shaken from our encounter Mr. Tanzer. However I've learned in that time that combat was never really my forte anyway."

"Combat is a good way to get yourself killed. I try to avoid it where I can for just that reason. Sadly the universe doesn't seem to support my assessment, but I'm aiming to treat this as a diplomatic mission. We should be alright."

"I nearly died as it was, but yes if this is as I had saw it, then we shouldn't experience too much trouble. Now," he becomes a bit more contemplative, "Tell me what I'll be dealing with? You said it was a core-mind made up of dead psychics?"

"From what I can tell, the Scream wiped out this group of psychics like it did most of the others. This academy, however, seemed to combine their mental energies into a greater psychic group mind. It's incorporeal as far as I can tell, and it's been through trauma. It's also incredibly powerful. It refused to speak to me once I revealed we had psychics among us once more, and demanded I bring it a Metapsion. That's what Crane is for. I'm hoping you two can gain some insights from it, and talk to it from a place of understanding. I realise I'm way out of my league here." (edited)

"Hm." He looks over his pupil for a moment before looking back at Tanzer. "I'll see what I can do, but this would also be way out of her league."

"Then she's in good company. We're all learning here. My research tells me that the things this mind can do shouldn't even be possible."

"What can it do?"

"It destroyed a UNW probe a while back with an offensive blast of MES energy. It seems capable of shutting down technology at a whim. It can control the weather and maybe even time. I have zero idea what the limit of this beings power is."

"Well that kind of ability isn't exactly unheard of, according to my studies. However it is definitely unprecedented for something of that power to be able to manipulate metadimensional forces to such an extent."

"I told you, this well outside of my understanding. That's why I brought you guys along. I'll just do my best to keep you all alive, and hopefully keep the being calm."

"Of course."

(Jump schedule is the same as last time btw, Craytulus then Olar.)

The exchange of light remains silent on your pass by, and finally after a second jump, you return to Olar, close to the end of the month.

Robert takes the free merchant down to land a few kilometres away from the Hall of the Damned. Once the ship has safely landed, he leads the others to a ramp to disembark. "If there's anything you want to bring or anything you want to do before we meet this being, now's the time. I've got an armoury and an equipment locker; you're all welcome to take what you want, but I don't know what good any of it will do. Once you're ready, we can head out to meet our new friend."

He looks over Sorga before looking back to Tanzer, "We're ready." (edited)

"Then let's get to it. We will go on foot, had a small problem with the explorer last time I visited." Tanzer grins at them then starts walking towards the Hall.

"Of course, lead the way."

Approaching the edge of the psychic academy grounds, you all feel the breeze begin to pick up slightly, with the same half heard whispers. The voices all overlap. Some excitedly chatter, others are mournful and sad. Some sound like they are shouting from a great distance away

"I'm back! I brought a Metapsion! We'd really like to talk!"

He waits quietly.

(Bedtime for me. Do as you will or wait, I don't mind, if Robert needs to do anything his whole reason for being here is to try and befriend this thing somehow)

Crane moves forward, hesitantly, and as she crosses the threshold of the grounds, goes ramrod straight, as though struck

9:14 AM

(12v 8 mental save for Crane, she passes) Crane kneels after a moment, and begins weeping to herself, quietly in her hands

He steps forward and kneels down. "What are they saying?" He looks up and around.

"I felt it" she weeps "I felt every single one of them die."

"By the Weave..." He slowly stands up and steps forward a few paces. "If you all can hear me, as I'm sure you can, what happened to you was a crime unto itself. A crime that cannot be undone or rightly justified. If there is anything, anything at all, to ease your pain. We will do it in a heartbeat."

9:20 AM

"Name your price and we will pay it in full."

9:20 AM

"Name your conditions and we will do it without question."

9:20 AM

"You've suffered enough, and now is the time we will act to ease or even erase this suffering."

9:21 AM

"Name."

9:21 AM

"Your."

9:21 AM

"Price."

9:21 AM

He stands confident, solid in his convictions.

"The metapsion" you hear, by a cloying female voice. It sounds like she is directly in your ear

9:28 AM

"Through her vessel, we will live, and have a voice again"

He glances to his right before turning to Crane and narrows his eyes. "Can you handle that..? Their presence?"

in the trees, spectral forms begin to coalese, it is hard to make out their features but you an see by protections some are female, others male, all look on with a hunger you can feel

He looks over in the trees. "Why not me? Would you not take my body instead of hers?"

(mental save, as they probe to see if you're suitable)

(7 vs 12 - Failure)

(7 damage) your synapses burn as the spirits probe your mind, exploring the channels within, and trying to determine if there is space and talent enough there for all of them to reside. You feel that either you or Crane will be totally subsumed by these powerful wills if they're given permission to use yourself as a voice.

He falls to one knee, breathing heavily as he realizes how overwhelming their power was. Bleeding from his nose and ears. "I..cough know that we won't be able to handle hacks up blood all of you.. Our bodies could only handle a fraction of you.. The best coughs some more we can do for you is let you decide a voice for all of you and speak through them who will then speak through us. Your presence," he slowly stands to his feet catching his breath, "Is too much for one person alone to take on coughs a bit." (edited)

storm clouds begin to brew up above as the spirits begin arguing with themselves about who a better spokesperson would be. The conversations are happening far faster than you could manage to keep up with, only hearing choice words or phrases here and there.

He looks above and then around, "Let me be the judge. Send forward your best." He is holding his head softly.

"Is there no other way? Is this really what you would have wanted in life?" Robert looks troubled by this development.

(He asked them to prove themselves to see who’s best to speak which is what they were already fighting about)

6:07 PM

(So that doesn’t really do anything for the situation)

(If that was directed at me I was talking to the groupmind, if it wasn't CARRY ON)

"This is the only way" it howls "we wish to incarnate again, to continue our mission"

"Then bring forth your best, and I will take them into my own." He says calmly.

(Well, the risks have been laid out, mental save)

(I'm ready! As Mermaid Man has said: "BRING IT ONNN! BRING IT OONNNN!") (4 vs 12 - Failure)

Yan feels his soul, his spirit, being stripped away, his vessel now firmly belonging to Xu'Ganara, the Prophet. He coughs once, twice, and then a third time, Yan's voice now firmly replaced with his own wizened but gravely tone. "Now that the matter of a new body is settled, I believe I owe you a conversation, Mr. Tanzer, and Ms. Sorga."

7:09 AM

"You asked what we were doing here, and it is a tale I will tell, and it is research I will continue, now that I am able.... "Three years ago, a bit over, perhaps, my academy here, and academies across Tenebrian AND Black Sun space had been in communication. Both sides knew the value of the psionic arts, and that only if the two sides could continue to share information, could humanity as a whole advance. Clear sighted of both of them, wasn't it?" "Since we could speak, information was being passed around between the different schools. There was some kind of echo, or call, or cry, or voice. All of us had heard it in our trances at one point or another during training. So easy to discard, something so small, taken individually. It was only once we began to put these small, individual, easily brushed aside incidences together, that we saw the greater whole"

7:10 AM

"Something was out there, something that was trying to make contact. Contact for good? for ill? Did it carry a message of hope?

(A tear runs down and a salute A valiant sacrifice)

"We needed to delve deeper, we had a duty to understand, and to determine which of these things it may be"

7:13 AM

"We believe, here, that for some reason, these cries and sounds were being heard louder, and with more clarity. We devised a....gosh. I hate this term. We devised a ritual, channeling power not just from here, but from dozens of other academies around the galaxy, all sending their power through MES Space. We had an agent in almost every academy helping in their own way"

7:14 AM

"We....We made that contact. It is a warning, a hunting call. Something terrible is coming. There is a shadow, very, very far to the galactic south. It is slow, it will take years to get here, but it is coming, and we know nothing about it"

7:15 AM

"This presence did not welcome our contact, and the backlash from it, it sundered our galaxy. Tenebrian. Black Sun, whatever has risen after......It's like it knows....It knows that just enough light is all you need to see its suffocating darkness. "

7:16 AM

"If we seek further answers, we must head south. VERY far south, to the wraith nebula."

7:16 AM

The tale comes to an end, though Xu'Ganara shows no sign of relinquishing Yan's body back to him. (edited)

(Well.. That was a bombshell and a half..)

(hey if its going to cost you something, its got to give at least that much back, otherwise its just feel badsies all around)

(For sure, it did literally cost someone's entire spiritual existence. Would this count as a death though is the bigger question.)

(we could get into a whole metaphysical thing about the soul and what it means, but as far as control of the character, its an NPC now)

(Sure.)

7:23 AM

(Not really fighting for the character if this is the payoff.)

(ill add a handout to the psi academy stuff tonight with this convo, for reference. I'll add it to the scream notes)

(Coolio)

(Well fuck, that was a wild ride)

(You're welcome guys XD)

1

"So, that's the story as it stands now"

Robert stares at Yan's old body, stunned. Realising Xu'Ganara has finished talking, he rallies, aware of the sheer importance of what he's just heard. "I, uh, see why you want to pursue this matter. You're saying that the Scream, the thing that essentially wiped out civilization as we knew it, originated from this being you contacted?" Robert pauses again, his mind racing. "There's a hundred different things I want to ask you right now. They'll have to wait. If what you're saying is true, and I feel like I'd be stupid to not believe at least part of it, every single life I could hope to know of is in danger. I want you to come with me on my ship. You might have just killed my friend, despite him allowing you to, and I'm sure I'll have to tackle that eventually, but I need to take you back to the UNW with me to share this message. We need to mount an expedition to find and stop this thing. Will you come with me?"

"I will. I will repeat my tale, when you need me to."

7:48 AM

Crane is still on the ground, sobbing

"Crane, I'm sorry, but you need to get up. This is bigger than any of us. We are getting on the Wanderlust right now and I am taking us back to Gudrun. Xu'Ganara, you and I are having a chat." Robert stares at the new being in his friends old body for a few long seconds before striding back to the spacecraft, not checking to see if anyone is following. His fists are clenching and unclenching.

Everyone is following. Yan...well, Xu'Ganara now, takes her by the hand, and bring her to the craft. He is being very gentle, almost loving

Once everyone is on board, Robert seats himself at the controls and takes the ship up out of the atmosphere. He preps the spike drive, and remains silent until the ship is drilling through to Craytulus. As soon as his role in the jump is complete, he gets up, swears quietly to himself for a bit, and looks at Xu'Ganara.

7:54 AM

"Where's Yan?" The question is so terse it's almost a statement.

"He is in here, a passenger, along with the others"

7:55 AM

"He was warned. He accepted this willingly"

Robert sighs. "You're right. He made the call. That'll have to be an issue for another day. How did your academy survive the Scream?"

"Well, we didn't. The grounds, and the building is there. those skeletons are ours"

8:00 AM

"We fled, it was like our primal brains took over. We knew to run, but from who? from what? Then the entropy storm hit, the grounds aged 1000 years, as did our bodies.

"I'm not going to lie and say I understand that, but I'll take your word for it. I'm sorry you had to go through that, for what it's worth. Now, this creature, or being or whatever. What do you know?"

"Very little, I'm afraid. I wouldn't call it a creature, but it is a presence. It is alien, as in, impossible to fathom. It is an intelligence, a vast one, for all I know, it might have reacted as though we do when squashing a fly that has bit us"

(So an Eldritch Horror.. Cool)

"The thing you need to remember is, this shadow that is coming. It's not aimed. It is not acting with intent as we define it. It is simply spreading"

Robert is starting to calm down for the first time since Yan was taken over, though his muscles are still visibly tensed. He pulls out his pipe, and begins taking puffs from it, thinking. "Xu, do you mind if I call you Xu? I'm calling you Xu. This is the second worst day of my life so far. It's not your fault, but I want you to understand why I'm having a real bad time. Regardless, if this is out there, it's got to be stopped. I promise you I will do everything in my power to make that happen. I've got contacts in the UNW and am friends with the... ghost... that runs our psychic academy. I will argue for you in the Unity Council, and get you whatever resources you need to research this thing. I'll fly the damn weapon right into the heart of this thing and pull the trigger if it comes to it. Just tell me one thing. Can we kill it?"

"It would take psionics of immense power to disrupt, and...this is twice today I've needed to use terms I hate. We can banish it, if the right measures are taken"

8:23 AM

"There is a shadow that comes before it, one which throws society into disarray, this much we learned before our deaths. Strengthen your home. Strengthen the bonds between your worlds, and between one another, and recruit as many skilled minds as you can. That is your....our...only chance"

"That's a relief of sorts. If there's anyone that can pull that off, it's the people in the UNW. Speaking of which..." Robert moves towards Xu'Ganara, extending his hand towards the bodies new owner. He smiles a pained smile, and looks in the other beings eyes. "Welcome, Xu, to the United Nations of Worlds."

"Thank you Robert, for your care. Your friend is in here. He is watching, and I can sense his understanding"

(6xp, 10,000 credits Robert)

9:40 AM

(and 2 insanity points, which do nothing right now, mwahahaha)

7

(Welcome to the club my friend!)

1

(Let's see where this goes hahaha)

4:24 PM

"That is surprisingly reassuring, Xu."

4:25 PM

(I think I've asked everything I want to ask, I'm happy to skip through the spike drills unless anything happens on the way.)

You return home, a few days later with your new, but also old, friend aboard

After docking with the orbital station, Robert leads his motley crew off the ship. "I'll escort you all to the Academy. Xu, I'll make the necessary introductions and corroborate your story for you. You'll likely have to suffer few a lot of meetings for the next few days. I'm sure you understand."

“I do. You need to be able to trust me to prevent what’s coming. If you can’t take me seriously this whole escapade with your friends body counts for very little”

"I'm with you on this. The whole way." Robert stares gravely at Xu, before taking his entourage down to the Academy.

Crane retreats to her meditation cell and you hear the locking bar being thrown as soon as she gets in. Doona is on her way back from aliah with her wife, to take charge of the situation and provide some support

Robert flags Doona down. "A word, if you would? My friend and I have grave news."

She pauses in her fevered pacing to listen

"This man here may look like Yan, but he's taken a backseat for a while at least. This is Xu'Ganara the Prophet, embodiment of the psychic group mind made up of the minds of the dead academy on Olar. I know it's a lot to take in. I just call him Xu. He's revealed to us that not only did their academy accidentally trigger the Scream, but the thing that the Scream came from is spreading through the galaxy, and it's going to reach us in a few years. I don't think I need to explain why that's not going to be great for us. He wants to help." (edited)

'I see" Donna hunches over, in thought, reducing her already small frame. "I sense Yan there still. Diminished, but there. I believe you Robert, and Xu.

"Can you please help Xu settle in and begin his work? I've got to send a whole heap of messages to ensure the UNW administration is well aware of this new threat." Robert turns to Xu'Ganara and gives a weary smile. "If there's anything you need outside of the Academy, let me know. Count me as an ally. I'm going to argue for you in the Unity Council. I'll do everything in my power to end this threat."

Doona nods, "I'll handle Xu, you spread the word"

Robert nods in return and leaves. He makes his way back to his small apartment, and takes a seat, double checking the information packet he wrote on the journey back. Satisfied, he sends it to the various agencies in the UNW, even Kincaid himself, along with senior members of the Corps of Engineers. Finally, exhausted, he lays down to rest, quickly falling into a deep sleep. His dreams are filled with visions of stars blinking out, of people screaming, of a long call across the cosmos, a call of hunger.

(mwahahahaha)

(Let's see how many more insanity points I can rack up hehehe)

Waking up, Robert ignores his compad, wanting some small amount of time to himself before he starts his day. He sets his kettle to boil, and grabs some Dank Crew tea from one of his cabinets. As he places the container on the counter, his mind withdraws from the world. The kettle, steam coming out of the top, whistles it's readiness. Robert walks over to pour the boiling water into a mug, when the kettle sparks and the lid flies off in a loud bang, impacting Robert above his right eye, drawing blood. Robert finds himself back at the kitchen counter, putting down the container of tea. Confused, he looks over at the kettle. Wisps of steam are just starting to come out of the top. He steps away from it, listening to his gut, and watches it from the other side of the room. A few seconds after it starts to whistle, there's a sudden spark, then a loud bang, and the kettles lid flies off and hits the far wall, leaving a deep scratch. "What the fuck just happened?" (edited)

9:09 AM

Confused, Robert checks his compad, finally checking to see how his messages have been recieved.

1

The messages have been received and the matter is expecting to be discussed in the next unity council, when the dignitaries from New Moon return

@Robert INCOMING MESSAGE FROM JUDGE IBRAHIM AL-MANSOOR

Good day Mr. Tanzer, I would like to having a small meeting with you and Xu about the revelations displayed during the meeting. Of course if you do not have the time, we can schedule it for another time

I am here now if you have the time.

Robert puts his compad away and makes his way to the Psychic Academy to meet up with Judge and Xu.

@Robert “Hey Robert this is Hailey. Just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna be stopping home, and then heading to Tsatsos with Billy.l

Xu turns to you "You really promise all your officials aren't like this? I'm feeling very uneasy about this arrangement all of the sudden. You should here it in here. Everyone wants me to run"

(Can I finish this conversation and retcon it as being before Tsatsos?)

(Of course)

Robert sighs. "We aren't all like that. It's his job to see threats. For better or worse, you can do things that no one here can really stop if you choose. They pay him to be wary. They don't seem to pay him to be tactful." Robert leans against a wall, stroking his beard. "Its going to take some time for people here to get used to you. I don't think anyone really knows what you are." Robert pauses in contemplation for a moment. "Keep this in confidence, but even just being around you seems to have affected me. I saw into the future, Xu. Just this morning. Only a short bit, nothing important, but I can feel that energy inside me still. It scares me a little, what you can do. I trust you and see you as an ally, and I will defend your right to be here as long as you choose to stay and help, but you have to understand that you're an order of magnitude more powerful than anyone else on this planet. That's going to keep people on their toes until they get to know you themselves."

“I hadn’t thought of it that way. I still feel like a normal person. I think that’s what people forget about us sometimes. We have emotions and bonds. And vices. Just like you”

6:56 PM

“Only difference is I can also blow stuff up with my mind”

Robert laughs. "Show people. Once they realise you're a person... people, they'll warm to you. Just give it time." Robert glances at his compad. "I've got to run, Xu, the Engineers are running a mission on Tsatsos to stake our claim on the planet, and I'm expected to be there. I'll check in on you when I get back, we can grab a drink if you want."

7:09 PM

(Can I purchase a railgun to be held by my mech before I head off? Alternatively would I have one in my ships armoury?)

(You could purchase one up scaled enough for your mech)

7:10 PM

(That would be done before you leave for tsatsos)

(Brilliant. Consider it done, I'll update my creds soon)

Robert and the Wanderlust break off from their deployment on Tsatsos, returning to Gudrun

Robert puts his mech, Kamel, in storage, and loads his explorer back onto the Wanderlust. He spends an afternoon relaxing with his pipe, looking at starmaps on his compad. Eventually, he decides on an expedition to Akhlaqi, seeing it as a good early start on the great southern expedition to come later in the year. Realising that travelling that far into unknown space alone may not be the greatest idea, Robert decides to look into hiring on companions. I've been meaning to start building an exploration team for the RCOE anyway, might as well start now. I should start with a scientist, and some kind of security officer. Let's me focus more on actually exploring. (edited)

7:34 PM

(How would I go about this?)

(They've got hire costs in the book, we can pay the per month ones, and they'll be retained for a while)

(I'm having trouble finding the hire costs section)

8:24 PM

(Nevermind, found it)

8:27 PM

(I can only find per day costs. What book are the per month costs in?)

(just x30)

(So 3000 a month for a level 2 scientist and 4500 for a level 2 guard, sounds fine to me)

8:31 PM

With his bank account flush, Robert begins the search for the first members of his team.

8:33 PM

(Is there some sort of space classifieds?)

(We can do a connect roll, using cha or wis)

(3)

8:39 PM

(Lowest roll possible hahaha)

(Sorry no one likes you Robert

)

(I'm used to it by now)

(I'd be your hired guard, but you can't afford me)

(12 creds a day and lunch on me take it or leave it)

1

The ad is not answered for the remainder of the staff right now

Robert tables the idea for a later date, and heads up to the Wanderlust, to set off for Akhlaqi.

9:56 PM

(Order will be Aslief, Galatea, Akhlaqi)

(Grupp was wanting to check out Galatea if you wanna give him a ride

)

(Fine by me)

Robert, once again in his ships living quarters, is sat in front of a screen editing the footage he took of the lava wurms on Tsatsos. Travel preparations made, he has his compad out, waiting for Grupp to contact him or turn up.

Grupp arrives outside the ship, "Hello? Is this the Wanderlust?" (edited)

The docking port door opens. Robert appears inside the portal. "I don't believe we've met in person, Grupp. Welcome to the Wanderlust. She's a scrappy little ship but she'll take you as far as you need. What do you drink?" Robert motions for Grupp to follow him as he walks back inside.

A short, chubby piggen stands outside, four arms spread in greeting, two large brown hawk-like wings sprouting from his shoulders, "Ha, she's beautiful! I'll leave the handling to you though, last ship I touched blew up!" Grupp chuckles, "I'll drink just about anything, whatcha got?"

Robert leads the Piggen inside, to the galley. He pulls out a couple of small glasses and fills them with whiskey and ice, handing one to his companion. "Were you serious about blowing up a ship?" Robert eyes the alien curiously before pouring back a good amount of his glasses contents.

Grupp downs his drink and chews noisily on the ice, "First time trying to fly one and it just blows up! Right after I turn it on! Ha! What about you, I heard you went to Tsatsos with Billy eh?"

As they converse, Robert begins the motions of taking the Wanderlust out beyond planetary space to begin the spike drill.

6:30 PM

"That's... unheard of. I hope you won't be insulted if I ask you not to touch much on my ship. Tsatsos was an adventure, got hit head on by a charging lava wurm, I can send you the footage if you're interested."

"Lava worm! That does sound like quite the adventure, ha! I'll have to join you all for the next round!"

6:35 PM

"Billy sure picked a fun planet to become governor of!"

"It's certainly an interesting place. Happy to be away from it for a while, at least. Turns out getting hit head on by a giant worm isn't the best for your health."

6:49 PM

With the Wanderlust out of range of the planet, Robert begins the spike drill.

Grupp watches Robert closely, trying to learn how not to blow up a ship.

6:50 PM

"Are you still wounded? I can help with that you know."

"No, I patched it all up on the journey home. Say what you like about space travel, it gives you a lot of time to get things done. What exactly can you do, though? I didn't think Piggen could get abilities like yours."

(Give him like way too many limbs)

"Oh I can do all sorts of things. There were plenty of shamans back when piggen were spacefaring folk. That's part of why I want to find our homeland. I've mostly found out my abilities on accident or just experimenting, it'd be nice to have someone who knows what they're doing help out!"

"Do you have any idea where your homeland is?"

"Only south. Maybe when we get closer I'll get a better sense for it." Grupp shrugs, "Probably not as far as your creepy psychic monster, so we should be able to find them on the way."

Robert shivers at the mention of the cosmic horror. "We are commissioning the exploratory cruiser once the funds for it are freed up. It's going to take about half a year to build, but once we set off you're more than welcome to join the expedition, even if only partway."

"Surely we'll make some smaller excursions southward first. Carve the way for the big guns. I'm not sure I can wait that long ha!"

"That's actually part of what I'm trying to do now. This is the furthest South I've ever gone on the galactic plane since the Scream. After this mission, I'm going to see about pushing the boundary as far as I can in the Wanderlust. Maybe there will even be a way to establish a small station somewhere with the resources we already have? It's just me right now, but I hope to start building a team to work on this problem soon."

"I was planning on commissioning a ship for myself once I have the funds, I'm sure we won't be the only ones interested either. You should check with the piggen, there's a small pool to pick from, but those that actually try are generally quite good, ha!"

"I'll make sure to visit them. This being wants all of us dead, we should all be working together to stop it. Plus, it can't hurt to get some extra perspectives on things. Hell, I've been looking for a warrior of sorts to protect me on adventures, a Piggen would do nicely."

7:18 PM

(I'm happy to start skipping along the journey if you are, I'm very excited to explore a new world)

(Yeah, I already skipped anyway lol)

(Cheater

)

1

Letting grupp off at galeta, Robert then jumps to akhlaqi, spending a week on spike space to plot the route

9:56 PM

(If you put any damage on your mech it’s 500 credits per hp being restored)

(Nah I took it all like a champ)

1:57 AM

(Also don't have it on this mission, just the explorer)

2:02 AM

Robert moves over to his scanning systems interface and begins a deep scan of the system. "If I find out there's another cosmic horror I'm sticking to Gudrun."

The world below is a thick, untamed jungle. There are several wrecks down below scattered across the planet. Each has a small amount of power that is being generated

5:28 AM

(I don’t have a map yet because actual computer time this week has been LOL)

(Im happy to play it by ear)

5:44 AM

(Hope things chill out a bit for you soon btw)

5:46 AM

Considering the number of wrecks, Robert attempts to scan the planet for any anomalous forces capable of taking down a spacecraft.

There don’t seem to be any anti space or anti air defenses present near the wrecks or elsewhere

Robert shrugs to himself, and takes the Wanderlust down into the atmosphere of the world, seeking to land in a clearing near the crash with the largest energy signature.

The Wanderlust sets down, and within moments of the engines cooling, several figures emerge from the forest

2:00 PM

(Robert found Jawas!)

(It's the Mechanicum!)

Exiting his ship, Robert waves at the approaching humanoids. "Greetings!"

One of them attempts to talk back but the words come out as a guttural shriek

1

(Woah what)

10:07 PM

Robert stares at them for a moment. "Can you understand me? Nod if you understand me."

They nod

(I'm drawing now, finally)

1

(They look like jacked Jawas)

Robert pulls out his compad. "Can you type into this?" He proffers it to the strangers.

12:20 AM

(I like this planet already)

(Love the near perfect planet wide beach and the endless scavenger sites. Engineer vacation anyone?)

2

(That was because I changed the resolution on my monitor and didn’t realize I could scroll down still lmao

1

7:15 AM

(But it doesn’t look bad!)

(I’ve done it too)

One of them tentatively reaches forward to take the pad from you

7:15 AM

Stranger, welcome to our planet

"Thank you, I'm glad to be here. This world is unknown to me, I am the first of my people to visit. I noticed several crashed spacecraft when I was scanning from above. How did they all end up here?"

disaster. Many years ago. Then another one. Three years ago

"What kind of disaster? Is that how your people came to this world?"

*it is. Our colony ships were pulled from orbit by some irresistible force”

"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have any idea what this force was, or where it came from?"

South

Robert makes a mental note of the direction, then returns his focus to the people in front of him. "I promise you I will investigate this phenomenon while I'm on this planet. Before I do, I'd love to visit your settlement, and learn about your people. I also have some proposals for you that I believe you and your leaders will want to hear. Is this ok with you?"

7:14 PM

(Where am I on the map?)

(crash site 2)

(I'll go with them to their settlement if they'll allow ot)

Please follow

9:03 AM

The ten strong group of hunched, heavily augmented humanoids in their dark robes head into the jungle, toward a growing power signature. The walk ends on a hill, overlooking a scrap settlement built around the gutted wreck of an exodus ship. The powerful generator survived the crash, and the myriad buildings made of local materials and ship pieces spread out in a sprawl around it.

Robert looks on in awe, impressed at how they've managed to survive. He turns to the humanoid carrying the compad. "I have a question for you, before I do anything. Why can't you talk? What is the purpose of your augments? I apologise if my questions are in bad taste."

*Most were horribly injured in the disasters. The planet further cursed us with a wasting disease. Many need augments to function”

5:28 PM

(This would probably be lost since it’s not a visual medium but their augments are pretty rough)

5:28 PM

(Like just enough to get by)

Robert nods gravely. "My people may be able to help yours, either with medical supplies or even relocation to a new world. Please let me speak to your leaders, I feel there is much to discuss."

Youre taken by the hand into the scrap city, were dozens more augmented humanoids, and a number of jury rigged bots perform various duties. Everything is either greasy, rusty, or ramshackle, usually all three.

1

Robert takes in the sights. These people are in desperate need of help. This planet is like a prison. He chooses not to share these thoughts. "Who runs your camp? How are you organised?"

The Second Son rules our camp, we're bringing you to him

Robert follows, concerned at their situation.

you're led inside the cracked hull of the colony ship, through what was once one of the central accessways, to the remains of the bridge, where a hunched figure sits in the captains chair. The bridge stations and all other furniture have been removed for scrap and use elsewhere

Robert waves at the hunched figure after collecting his compad from his local companion. "Greetings, I'm Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds. I landed in a small starship a short while ago, your people brought me here to speak with you. I believe you are the Second Son?"

10:57 PM

He proffers the compad gently.

I am. You’ve come a long way for very little Robert Tanzer of the United Nations of Worlds. You’ll find no riches here

"I don't seek riches. I seek new worlds, and unknown people's. I take it you don't like living on this planet?"

"This planet will be our doom, but we are doing what we can" He surprises you by attempting to speak

Momentarily taken aback by the Second Son speaking directly to him, Robert eventually rallies and replies. "What if I could get you and all of your people off this world? The ship I came here on is small by my people's standards. Given enough time, we could transport all of you to a better world. I know a number of planets that would have you."

"In exchange for what? What is the promised price?" he coughs heavily after the question, sitting back down in his throne

"There is no price. I will be honest with you, though. We have enemies, and our resources are finite. You would have to work for a living, those of you who are able. The UNW always needs people willing to pitch in. Your people seem like a handy type. The organisation I work for, the Engineers, would happily let you settle on Tsatsos. It's a lava world, but we would give you good homes, food, medical supplies, anything you need. You could pay us back by helping us tame the world, build and maintain production facilities. Hell, I'm looking for people to join my exploration teams, I'd accept anyone able and willing." (edited)

What it Tsatsos like? he messages, the labor of talking too much

"It is hot, very hot, in places there are rivers of lava. There are great beasts that live in those rivers, but we have slain them before to stake our claim, they aren't a huge threat. It is a harsh world, but it is beautiful, unlike any world I've seen, and I've seen many. We want to use the heat of the world to power great forges, to build things on a scale previously unknown. You and your people could help us. Your constructions show ingenuity and practicality, and those are two of the traits that the Corps of Engineers value highly."

Can you stay? for a night? I need to speak with the nobles here

"Of course. I planned on exploring this world further, to contact other settlements and to find what caused these crashes. Staying a night is no trouble."

You're taken from the chamber, by two guards, to a stateroom that although not as clean as your own vessel, is at least solid, a high compliment from what you've seen of conditions outside.

9:42 AM

They take up postings outside, watching the hallway. outside, the trials and tribulations of another day in the life here continue

Before settling in, Robert pulls out his survey scanner. He begins to scan the air around him, hoping to discover what is causing the "wasting" the Second Son spoke of.

There is a contagion in the air, that long term, will cause cellular cohesion in humanoids to weaken, leading to the necrotizing of flesh

10:06 AM

(literally loosens it so much it falls off)

(Yum)

10:10 AM

Robert takes a sample of the contagion for later analysis, before settling in to rest, figuring he will need the energy for tomorrow.

You've dozed off long enough for it to become night time, when youre gently prodded awake

10:14 AM

The council is here. You are invited to speak, if you wish

10:14 AM

One of the guards looks at you, his organic eye looking earnestly.

Robert nods, and gets out of his bed, brushing down his clothing to straighten it out. He follows the guard.

Ten guards, with long energized polearms stand at attention, five on each side of the chamber. The leader remains in his throne, but is attended by three other hunched figures, their augmentations a bit higher quality than most others youve seen. One seems to be almost untroubled by the wasting disease, most of his body still organic

Robert nods at all four members of the council. "You summoned me?"

We did. The nobles wish to hear about this planet Tsatsos, and express some concerns

"That sounds reasonable to me. Would you like me to talk about it first, or respond to the concerns you have?"

We would like to hear of Tsatsos, and your offer first

"I won't lie to you. Tsatsos is a harsh world. It is hot, a lava world, with creatures living on it adapted to such a planet. Despite this, it is beautiful. The sunsets are magnificent, the sights like nothing I have ever seen. My organisation, the Rigers Corps of Engineers, has begun to tame the world, to turn it into the forge of the UNW. We are establishing settlements, and will soon build mining and production facilities. You and your people are welcome to live there, to help us create a new and great world, to join the UNW and even the RCOE if any of you so wish. It is a dry world, perfect to prevent the rust you suffer from, and free from the airborne pathogens that plague you now. You would be working with some of the finest engineers in the galaxy; there is much we can do to repair your bodies and your augments. Your skills as mechanists would be highly respected, and we would want you to use your talents not only to help us, but to make a better life for your people, and even the people of other worlds who need our help. I am aware that this may be a risk for you, but I can offer your people a new beginning forging their own life, if you'll allow it." (edited)

5

(That’s an awesome pitch. Not even gonna bother with a talk check)

2

7:47 PM

One issue remains. When do we leave?

"My ship can only fit five more people on it for the journey home. There are more ships back in UNW space that have far greater carrying capacity, but I would need to return to contact them and organise transport. I encourage you to form a delegation of no more than five people to come back with me when I leave. Having your people with me would likely speed the process up, and they could work with my people on beginning to establish a new community for your people to arrive at. It may take weeks, even months to transport all your people to Tsatsos but it will happen, you have my word."

One of the nobles, his retainer, and three other delegates will accompany you back

8:51 PM

After much deliberation. To you it sounds like mechanical crows complaining

"I was planning to head South before departing, to attempt to discover and neutralise whatever it was that caused you to crash. Would you be amenable to allowing me to do that before returning to my people to organise transport?"

We have no guarantee you will return. If you fall, we will be forgotten

"I understand. I will need to return here regardless, in order to contact the other crash sites. Please have your representatives gather what they need for the trip, there is ample room on my ship. We will take off shortly. Do you have the means to contact other settlements on this world?"

We do not, outside of direct contact

"I will endeavour to contact them on my return then. Have your people make their preparations, I will meet them at my ship." Robert walks out to prepare his ship.

The five thrall like creatures are waiting for you at the base of your ship ramp, once preparations are complete. they are screeching excitedly among themselves

Robert smiles and leads them into the ship, taking off and jumping to Galatea when they are ready.

The jump goes smoothly, and you're orbiting the transhuman world within the span of a couple days. Ground control is friendly, and you're free to land by which ever polity you wish

Robert, having spent the time in transit trying to learn the new language of his guests, sends a message to Grupp to arrange pickup. (edited)

(i was going to say my name too, like a crappy pokemon rendition)

2

(Mistakes were made Neko)

Grupp boards the ship, "Well hi there!"

(G'day cobba)

11:52 AM

(I'm going to bed if you wanna retcon it so you go skiing I'm all for it, probably won't be around tomorrow anyway)

1

(Actually, we can head back to Gudrun now if you want. I'll come back again later lol)

(Alright you take the reigns I'm very tired)

2

"Ah, hello there! You must be the company Robert mentioned!"

They all screech a welcome that is somehow both charming and horrific on more than one of your senses

Grupp smiles at them and turns to Robert, "Well that's creepy and adorable. Umm, so what are we doing with them? I mean, I love them already, I'm just curious."

"They're going to come live with us on Tsatsos. They're really quite lovely once you get used to the screeching. Their planet is awful, so I offered them a new home with us."

(I'd like to skip back to Gudrun so I'm ready for the ol shindig)

(yeah we did that in grupps too)

7:29 PM

The scavengers are quiet for the duration of the trip, seeming in constant awe of the vessel around them. They help keep it obsessively clean

(Giddy)

Robert stores the ship at Gudrun, letting Grupp off. "Alright, this isn't Tsatsos, but it is where most of the UNW administration is. We are going to have to talk to them to see what ships they can spare to get your people off world. I'm happy to do most of the talking, but they might question you. Feel free to interject if you wish." Robert hands them all compads from the ships locker for communication, then sends a message to Kincaids office requesting a meeting with any official capable of organising large scale interstellar transport.

FRanz, now governor of this world, can meet with you at your earliest ability to do so

Robert books a shuttle to take him and the scavengers to meet with Franz at his office.

There is a shuttle made available and an hour later, you and your delegation are at old colonial admin, now a complex turned over to Franz, for his business of administrating Gudrun

Robert leads his delegation inside, handling the formalities of the visit while giving any onlookers scrutinizing the Ashen Ones too closely a harsh glare. As they make their way to Franz's office, Robert spares a word for his companions. "I'm perfectly happy to deal with these proceedings myself, but I encourage you to interject should you feel the need. This is your home now, as much as it is mine. I want your input from here on out."

They all bow, as much as they are able, metal arms or legs scraping the floor occasionally

"No bowing, friends. We're equals here."

Robert leads them in to meet Franz.

Franz is surroudned by mountains of papers, but that might be his natural environment. He waves you into his office, and the governor guard escorts you inside before closing the door

What a handsome man. "Greetings, Franz. Thanks for slotting us in your day so quickly. I'd like to requisition the use of a large transport to move the population of the planet my dear companions live on to Tsatsos."

"I see your companions there. Do they speak? can they?"

"Not in a language you could understand. I've given them all compads to type with, they're perfectly capable of writing and listening, if you wish to talk to them directly."

"Tsatsos eh? what do they plan to do there?"

"Build a new life, and become part of the UNW. They're planet is slowly killing them. I offered them a new home."

"Useful skills?" he says, taking a puff from a long stemmed pipe. He pushes his tobacco box toward you, knowing you're an afficinado yourself.

Robert removes his pipe from a pouch and takes a pinch from the box, admiring his opposites taste in smoking implements. He lights the tobacco and takes a puff before continuing. "They are expert machinists and engineers. They built their civilization and adapted their bodies using the remains of their crashed ship. They'll be an asset to Tsatsos and the UNW."

"I see. Do they require any specialized care?"

"They've been suffering from the effects of some kind of flesh eating pathogen native to their world. I've got a sample of it on my ship, I can send it to a medical unit when I return. They'll need to be treated for that. Some might need work done on their augments, those parts are vital to their survival now."

"I see. Well, this might be a good way for the Taros to be a driving force. I'll authorize the ship if you can get President Albright to agree to opening the augmentation clinics to these new potential citizens"

"Never been over to the Taros cities, but I'm sure I can hammer out a deal. I'll send you a message once I've got a result. I appreciate the offer, Franz."

"He's a good man. I just want to make sure they have the capacity to treat and augment this many before we create a humanitarian crisis"

"I understand. I know it's a big ask, but these people need help, and would be an asset to our new civilisation. I'll make sure we don't bite off more than we can chew."

"That would be the only thing in my mind stopping this process. Let's make sure we get that end of things squared away,

Robert nods, and leads his entourage out of the building. As he walks out the front door, he books transport to the office of President Albright. "Friends, this is your chance to impress the Taros. Not only will your new home become a reality, you'll make some important allies."

They all are solemn, they do not speak, as it taxes them so, but they seem to be understanding you find

11:47 AM

Fine

When the transport eventually arrives, Robert gets in with his crew and spends the trip reading up on President Albright.

Albright was the president of Carinhold, the largest and wealthiest of the Taros cities. He has become vice president of the entire UNW, under Kincaid, but truly, in an equivalent, collaborative role.

12:09 PM

He is a fair man, and owes much to humans, especially Arimoto , for intervention in a city crisis.

Once the transport touches down, Robert takes in the city of Carinhold, before heading to Albrights office.

8:56 PM

(Would like to slot in buying some cyberwear at some point soon too, let me know if an appropriate time comes up)

)you’re in the best place for it actually(

(I wanted to grab Panspectral Optics and Bioadaption Augments for 25k all up.)

(Sounds good we can block out some time. Maybe get new augs for your friends too)

9:21 PM

(So they can returnwith proof)

(Good idea, I've got the cash to pay for them)

9:23 PM

(Should it happen before or after Albright? Guess I should talk to him first)

)your call

(I'll chat to him first)

Albright is luckily on planet visiting and not at the orbital platform ,

9:43 PM

And you’re admitted into his half packed up office under guard

"President Albright, I'm Robert Tanzer, it's a pleasure to meet you. I don't know how much you've been briefed on already but I've come to seek your assistance in handling a humanitarian problem. There's a few hundred thousand of my companions people stuck on Akhlaqi, and the world is slowly killing them. I've sought use of a large transport from Franz to take them to Tsatsos, but he won't authorise it's use until he's sure we aren't just creating a new humanitarian crisis." Robert gestures to the augments on the Ashen One delegations bodies. "I'm sure you can see both the level to which my companions are augmented and the haphazard nature of these augments. I'm here to see if your people can both improve and add to their augmentations and do so on a larger scale. If the Taros can't do it, no one can." (edited)

“The Taros could do it. The issue is doing it on that scale. Opening all the clinics to this project is going to be costly. Very costly. It’s going to prevent our own citizens from using them for quite some time”

"Is there any way that this could be made to benefit the Taros? I'm sure the RCOE would be happy to provide something in return, and the Ashen Ones here are masters at augmentation. It could be beneficial in the long run."

“There is something you could do for us. Or rather that the engineers could do for us”

7:11 AM

“We would like the rest of the taros cities connected by rail. Ad Astra began the project. If you do it in conjunction with them that is fine, but now that the violence is over, it is fine for us all to be connected

"I'm sure I can arrange that with the Engineers, I'll just need to discuss it with them first. Do you have an estimate on the cost of this project? I also ask that once we commit to this your people begin working on the Ashen Ones augments, as the sooner we can get them off their death world the better."

“Without knowing the true extent of your care it’s hard to say. That’s what is giving me pause here”

"Do you want to inspect my companions? I'm sure they will be amenable to an examination if treated with respect."

“If they’ll allow it” he says, looking down from his table at them

Robert turns to his companions. "How do you feel about this?"

They each nod and relax. Albright for his part is very careful, only looking at the joints and what is visible. "The work needed is extensive, and their stature means re-milling or redesigning parts to be proportional with them. I'd say at least 2,000 a patient, for the parts and the labor"

"There's a few hundred thousand of these guys on their planet. That's going to cost somewhere in the hundreds of millions of credits. Does the UNW have money like that lying around?"

"Unfortunately we do not with year end upcoming. Our fleet needs repair, and we are laying new hulls to replace those lost in battle. "

"Understandable, I know it's been tumultuous the past few months. Is there any way to gather such a large amount of funds? I'm sure the Engineers would be willing to do their bit, but even that amount of money is beyond our current means. If we were able to manage it, it would take us months to assemble the credits." (edited)

"You might try speaking with some of your powerful friends, perhaps"

"I'll have to make some calls, see what my allies are capable of right now. I'll be in touch once the funds have been sourced. Thank you for your time, President."

“If we can sort that out, as many as you can save will be welcomed as UNW citizens”

"Actually, before I leave, how practical would a sort of lend lease of some augment specialists from the Taros cities to Tsatsos be? Given the augmentation of the Ashen Ones is going to be an ongoing process even after the initial rebuilding of their scavenged parts, I feel it would make more sense for the Engineers to build facilities capable of performing these treatments on Tsatsos and getting expert help to train the Ashen Ones in running them themselves. It would allow the Taros to continue using the facilities themselves, prevent the Ashen Ones from coming all the way to Gudrun to get work done and create a new market for Taros cyberneticists to come and hone their skills. It also means no one has to scrounge up over half a billion credits before we can move these people off their death world."

7:09 PM

(Also Billy just told me the Wanderlust has a crew!?!?!?)

(I’m paying for a crew of 5 every month on the wanderlust lol)

1

“As long as they can return after training a few groups that shouldn’t be an issue”

"Thanks, I'll be in touch once I have a concrete plan for you. Hope the journey to the station is a smooth one."

8:38 PM

Robert leads his entourage out and sends a message to Billy regarding building facilities on Tsatsos. Once it sends, he turns to the Ashen Ones.

8:40 PM

"I'll pay for you all to get your augments reworked, along with any other work you want done. I've got the funds for you all at the very least. I want you to get something out of this trip, and it will be helpful to show your people just what we can do for them if they come with us." (edited)

*That is generous of you. We require nothing but the replacement of what we have. We wish not to abuse your gift”

"I understand. I've got a few augmentations I was looking to get myself, so we can make a day of it." Robert looks up the location of a nearby clinic on his compad, taking the Ashen Ones to it once he finds it.

9:19 PM

(Do you want to rp this out or just time warp through It?)

As he makes his way to the facility, his compad pings with a message from Billy. Seeing that the augmentation facilities on Tsatsos have been greenlighted, he sends a message to Albright.

10:20 PM

President Albright,

The Engineers are happy to build and maintain augmentation facilities on Tsatsos at the earliest possible opportunity. We would appreciate your people travelling to our world to help set up the facilities and train the Ashen Ones in their use. We would be happy to pay for their services, and we would be indebted to the Taros cities for their help. I ask that if this plan is amenable to you that you message Franz to state your acceptance. I would like to begin transporting our new friends here as soon as possible.

Regards,
Tanzer

(edited)

(up to you)

7:26 AM

An hour later, the approval permits are transmitted, you copied in, signed by Albright, Franz, and Kincaid.

(Yeah I would like to get on the mission with Hailey asap)

7:51 AM

Once the augments are complete (10,000 creds on Robert plus the price of my own) Robert escorts the Ashen One delegation to the transport after working with Franz to organise the necessary logistics. He introduces them to the captain of the UNW transport ship and explains their location and mission in detail. Once he's sure they're in good hands, he shakes the hand of all five of them, thanking them from trusting him enough to come. "I have a brief mission to undertake with a colleague. You're in capable hands here, and I'll be checking in on my return to make sure the first run has gone alright. President Rigers of the RCOE will meet you at Tsatsos and make sure you have everything you need. I'll see you soon, friends."

(lets jump into hers, but 3xp, 10000 credits for the gettingAshen Ones going)

(Brilliant)

Robert, returned from his tour of worlds, returns to his apartment from orbit. After making himself some coffee, the first thing he does is check up on the status of the move of the Ashen Ones.

The first ship is loading up on planet now, dispatched the first of the month as promised

8:59 PM

Boarding will take time as each is medically screened before getting lifter service

(I'd like to staff the Wanderlust with a crew of hand selected Ashen Ones. Is that something that would need to be done once they've landed in Tsatsos? I'm happy to wait.)

(No you can grab a handful)

(Take it I'll need to spike down to Akhlaqi? I'll probably head that way anyway.)

(Yeah)

Robert gathers his things, and takes a shuttle to the station the Wanderlust is docked with. He gets in, shakes hands with the RCoE members that have been manning it, and dismisses them to return to their normal postings. He then undocks from the station and begins spike drilling to Akhlaqi.

The drive is long, especially on your own. You steal sleep as best you can during the more stable parts of the jump, before finally arriving over the jungle world. The large colony logistics ship is in orbit, flocks of lifters going to and from, constantly, each packed with refugees

Wiping sleep from his eyes, Robert contacts the logistics ship. "This is Robert Tanzer on the Wanderlust, requesting permission to dock."

“Granted wanderlust. Come ahead slow. Support craft are loose”

"Understood, I'll hold off on the thrusters." Robert glides in gently, connecting with the logistics ship when able.

The airlocks seal together with a hiss and the light turns green, allowing you to cross over. You see two ships security officers and a junior naval rating on the other side

Robert offers his hand to the rating. "A pleasure. I'm Robert Tanzer. I'd like to speak with your captain, or anyone that would allow me to offer a job to some of the Ashen Ones on board."

“You’re permitted aboard to conduct business. This whole operation was your idea”

"Thank you."

7:13 PM

(I'm looking for an engineer, an armsman, a medic and three general deckhands. Would I just be able to put out some kind of call for them shipwide?)

(You can do that, yes)

Robert writes up an offer of work aboard the Wanderlust, seeking a capable engineer, a medic, an armsman and three general deckhands willing to traverse space aboard a small vessel and explore unknown worlds as the very first official members of the RCOE Exploration Wing. He instructs those willing to make themselves known to the ships crew to be taken aboard the Wanderlust for an interview. Robert releases it shipwide. (edited)

(Cha+connect 8)

There’s a scratchy knock at your airlock door as a number of ashen ones sit in the hallway

7:59 PM

They are waiting for their interview, and after an extensive process you get one for each role aboard

(I'll be gone for about a week, reception where I'm going is nonexistant)

1

(No worries bud. Safe travels)

7:15 PM

(Looking forward to you being back

2

(I'm calling the engineer Bull, the armsman Knives, the medic Doc, and the deckhands Crow, Hawk and Gull)

5:15 PM

Robert welcomes the crew to the ship. "I'm looking forward to working with you all. I'm sure that together we will be able to push back the boundary of known space, and get word of your people's skills out in the stars. Make yourselves at home, we are going to head out of this system soon."

5:16 PM

Once the crew is settled, Robert begins the spike drill to Lohitzune.

5:20 PM

(Bet you missed making maps

)

(Welcome back!)

7:23 PM

The drill is expected to take a week (what’s Robert doing?)

(Scouting report is up)

(Can I have Robert start to learn to decipher the language of the Ashen Ones in order to make it easier to communicate with them? Obviously he can't reproduce it but given they understand him he could have a sort of wookie situation going on)

(yes, 7/30 days for learning it right now)

(Brilliant)

8:35 PM

(Woah, there's a combo of planet tags, this place should be interesting)

8:36 PM

Upon exiting the Drill, Robert has his crew begin scanning the system. "There's a decent survey scanner on this ship, take your time and get to know it."

The ashen ones begin working the scanner, trying to get a better picture of what might be below

8:50 PM

(Program int)

(11)

At a point on the surface in the exact middle of the equator ,intersection the center point of latitude and longitude, some kind of incredibly large mining operation is underway. A facility there is generating and using a level of power so immense your sensors can't track all of it. Low, steady, tectonic shocks ripple out across the planet from this installation.

"No point coming all this way just to ignore the great shining beacon. I'm taking us in. Keep an eye on the scanners for danger and let me know the second we are contacted by anyone."

8:37 AM

Robert takes the Wanderlust down to land near the anomaly, making little effort to hide his presence.

(pilot/dex)

(15)

Two torpedoes on spinning contrails head skyward from a surface to space rocket battery, your quick reactions the only thing saving you from taking both rounds amidships

9:50 AM

The screen fills with text, one of your crew communicating with you The alert sirens never went off. Those shots were aimed. somehow they're tracking us (edited)

"Acknowledged. Are there any bodies of water near the anomaly?" Robert braces himself for more maneuvers as he tries to spot a place to splash down.

"600km out is as close as we can get. Looks like they're mining. Setting up by water would flood their tunnels" the sensor officer reports

"Alright, keep an eye out for any more attacks, I'm taking us down. Send out a wide beam broadcast letting them know we come in peace, and try and use the scanners to figure out where the torpedoes are coming from." Robert engages the ships thrusters and begins making a play for the coastline, attempting to get the Wanderlust safely underwater.

“Another salvo. It’ll miss. They aimed too high”

7:54 PM

The two thick contrails pass a handful of kilometers above you before the inertial fuse causes to vapor puffballs to blossom far away

"They don't seem to be great shots." Robert leaves their range and tries to come down in the ocean.

The ocean waters splash around your vessel, and you hide below the waves as things settle. Two atmoflyers streak overhead, and you're hoping they haven't noticed the choppy waters

Robert cruises the ship down to a deep enough altitude to resist any scans, and settles the ship down. He turns to his crew. "It looks like we aren't too welcome here. Now we're safe and I've had a bit of time to think, I'm tempted to retreat. I don't want to cause an interstellar incident to check out this mine, and I'm not sure we could make it there unseen with the equipment we have. I welcome any input, but I feel our best course of action is to travel underwater a ways until we are a good distance from the mine, then make a break for space to drill out."

The crew agrees, but is going to log the discovery and will transmit the information home

Robert nods, and begins the maneuver to leave the planet and begin the spike trip back to Gudrun.

Robert returns after a long spike journey to busy airspace, several ships docked at the cloud right now

(Robert uses the Drill time to continue studying Ashen speak)

8:15 PM

Upon returning planetside, Robert sends a message to Xu'Ganara, requesting a meeting with them.

(You’ll pick up a day for every hex you’ve passed through to get home along your spike route)

9:31 PM

Xu is now at the Vapormills academy, moving there to escape the constant threats from judge. Although he is gone now, CIS and it’s leadership have spooked him

(14/30)

9:53 PM

Robert books a shuttle flight to the Vapormills Academy, letting Xu know he is on the way and requesting a meeting.

Xu is ready at the academy, ushering one of his students, his only student- also, taros, to their room so you can speak

7:18 AM

"Welcome back Robert. I feel a bit safer with you around"

"I'm glad you feel that way. I'm sorry again about the treatment that the CIS has given you. I'm well aware of what you're doing for us here." Robert pauses for a moment, reaching for his pipe then stopping when he remembers he's indoors. "I was wondering if you'd be up for an expedition with me. I found a planet a few jumps to galactic south unlike any I've ever seen, called Canache. It's landscape seems to be a random patchwork of biomes that logically shouldn't exist, and while there are giant mountain sized statues praising some kind of psychic warrior kings, we found no evidence of life on the planet outside of the flora. I want to take a psychic there, and you're the one I trust most. Feel like heading there with me? If you don't want to, at the very least I'd love for you to recommend someone suitable for the task."

He breathes out deeply. “I’ll go with you. A world like that. So many questions.... I’ve reached about all the minds within me have been able to re create. It’s not complete as it was. But it’s as complete as it will be”

"I hope it's enough." Robert hails a shuttle to take them to the Wanderlust, and leads Xu outside to await it. He pulls out his pipe and begins to pack it. "My motives for asking you to come aren't simply about discovering what's on Canache. I'm hoping we can work together, that the RCOE and the Academy can work together. We are doing great work out there, but having students of the Academy helping us assist other populations could benefit both our organisations."

“It’s something regulus has been pushing and silvano before him. Small requests come in all the time

10:25 AM

“It’s about the big jobs though. That’s what’s going to normalize it. Right now they only equate people like us with adventures and lives of danger . People feel it’s beyond them”

10:26 AM

“It makes us just as alien as the slyth”

"I'm hoping a lot of this work will be less of an adventure and more of a humanitarian aid mission. It should go a long way towards helping establish the Academy as a vital part of the UNW."

5:46 PM

Robert leads Xu into the recently arrived shuttle and tells the pilot to fly him to the Wanderlust.

(Cruesa is going to be kicking off once the rest of the plan is arranged. Let’s pause here for now and we will see how and who is going)

(Sounds good)

(I'm happy to kick this off again whenever you're ready and rested from handling Cruesa)

(Yeah lemme re read and remember what we were doing)

9:34 PM

“Canache then. Well let’s take a look at some statues. So that’s all you’ve got to go on right now? Just that little bit?”

"There was also a corpse hanging from a tree on an otherwise uninhabited world. I know it's not a huge amount of information to work off, but I know myself enough to know this mystery is going to eat at me until I solve it. I also thought you could use a little excursion, you've been cooped up in one academy or another since you got to Gudrun."

“Your kind thoughts are appreciated” he smiles , making his way with you to the wanderlust. “Whatever is hiding there we will find it”

Robert smiles back. "Looking forward to it, friend." Robert walks on board the Wanderlust and introduces Xu to his crew, before taking the vessel out of orbit and beginning the spike drills to Canache.

7:09 AM

(Robert spends the time continuing to learn Ashen)

+Encrypted Message - Svenka Vilnovha+
Robert - I thank you for your dedication to making the UNW better. I was deeply troubled both by the loss of life and needless violence carried out by the Mercenaries under our government’s employ. I would certainly like to discuss what it is you and your organization do and if I could be of help in any way - our upcoming trip should prove to be very interesting.
- Svenka

(Assuming nothing happens on the trip to Canache I'm on 21/30 for ashen speak)

The ship translates to outside Canache system space several days later. xu looks visibly relieved to be off Gudrun for a while

Robert smoothly takes the Wanderlust down, landing at the same spot as last visit. He activates his Stalker drone and sets it to follow him, recording everything to show Hailey later. "I don't know what to expect here Xu, so tell me if you see or sense anything I haven't already described to you. Let's go take a look at these statues."

"They're hard to miss" he says, looking up at them, towering over the local flora

7:33 AM

"There is a power here. A concentrated amount. It's more intense than anything we've ever felt"

"Can you contact it in some way? Potentially study it?"

"I think so. I'll need some time to prepare, this will be an undertaking, even with our combined strength"

8:06 AM

After a few moments, the temperature around you begins to drop. "This is going to be...jarring. Are you ready?" he holds out a hand, to take yours

"Ready as I'll ever be." Robert grins and takes his companions hand.

There is hot cascade of energy that flows through you as soon as the two of you link hands. Your mind is transported into the recent past. The same number of figures as statues are on the horizon ahead of you, in the formation the statues are arranged in now, though they only number eight. In the center, some type of mechanical suit, akin to a mech, but with cleaner lines, and a far more esoteric and mystical looking appearance is hunched. The sky is aflame with the metadimensional energies unleashed by the scream, and around you, the entire planet looks to be unraveling, but for this tiny bubble of stability.

3:01 PM

Trees, rocks, scrub plants, even the water, is swirling around you, caught in that same storm, as the very rules underlying this worlds construction and natural processes are rewritten, the objects falling where the unfathomable whims of this phenomena demand.

Robert attempts to move closer to see in greater detail, not sure of how the rules work in this new space.

"Xu, do you have any idea what's happening here?"

Xu is concentrating his metapsionic powers on the statues back in real time and is unable or unwilling to reply. The figures lay a plaque down on the ground, and adopt the poses the statues currently have, before you’re returned to the present day

Robert takes a moment to collect himself before speaking. "That was an experience." Staring up at the massive statues, he considers them, remembering the details of the scene he just saw play out. He strokes his beard gently, thinking. "They aren't statues, are they? Those are the actual beings we just saw, just... rewritten, like the rest of this world. Is there any way you can contact them, bring them back somehow?"

“They’re human. I still feel the intelligences inside each of them, but they’re stuck somehow. Did you notice that the figure in the middle wasn’t a person at all? It reminded me of a mech almost”

(Is the mech figure represented in the statues? I forget.)

(It looks personish. Time and erosion have softened all their features and made it sort of hard to distinguish)

9:44 AM

(But there is a 9th central figure)

Robert approaches the central statue, trying to touch it. "What kind of mech was that? I've never seen anything like it before. Can you commune with it at all? Robert runs his hand along the figures leg, confused.

"nothing like I've seen before either" He takes a step back. "They got this way when metadimensional energy was released, more than they could cope with. I bet if we can engineer a more controlled, but similarly powerful release event, we can change them back"

"How would we be able to engineer something like that? I know Grupp has been meddling in Arcanotech, would that help? This might even be a way to start getting the Academy itself to do things offworld."

“He might be able to help. He’d certainly be a good place to start, at any rate. We should continue scouting worlds for information”

"Sounds good to me. Sorry to take you out so far just for a few hours on world, is there anywhere you'd like to visit on the way back?"

“We didn’t have an idea at all before. Now we do. Is there anything out this way you want to look into?”

"Mehani is unexplored and just one jump away. If you feel like an expedition to an unexplored system, I can take us there now. I'm going to have to engage in a whole lot of politicking when I return from this excursion so I wouldn't mind doing a bit of what I love while I'm out here."

"Mehani it is" He agrees, settling himself back in for the journey

7:17 AM

(you should be at 27/30 for Ashen with this trip now, i think)

(Sounds about right, should have it down pat by the time I get back)

7:33 AM

Robert claps Xu on the shoulder before giving orders to his crew, preparing for another jump. Once the Wanderlust has left Canache and begun the spike drill, Robert once again sits down and continues his language lessons with his engineer.

The world below, when you arrive, is a world that looks to be covered in an alpine forest. It is heavily mountainous, with conifer trees hundreds of feet tall. It looks to be entirely uninhabited

"You know the drill, get that scanner running and look for settlements or anomalies while we complete an orbit of the planet. Let me know what you find. Xu, any chance you're picking any MES energies up?"

"Nothing here" he says, "It is peaceful though."

8:07 AM

(program/int for the scanners, at a +2 due to survey scanner fitting)

(15)

The scanners confirm the planet is empty of settlement, and any sort of higher sentient life. Xu likewise detects no psionic activity here. This is, in every sense, an untouched planet.

"Its still a beautiful world. Reminds me of when my family took me to see the Alps when I was a boy. Let's at least have a look at it." Robert sits in the pilots chair and takes the Wanderlust down to land at any particularly fertile looking area.

The land below has many mountain valleys with crystal clear lakes. The air is chilly, but not freezing

Robert steps out of the Wanderlust, Xu and his crew following. He takes in the view, breathing in the cool air. After a few long, slow breaths he smiles. "You know, a man could make a home here. I've been thinking lately, there's so much unknown out there, so much danger in space, so many wrongs being done to innocent sentients. When I've got the means, I aim to make an organisation to solve those problems as best I can. Maybe this world is where I can make that dream happen?" Robert turns back to the others. His grin is still wide. "Let's camp here for a night, under the stars. How often do you get to be the only people on a world? Someone get some food and bring out some sleeping mats, I'll go search for firewood."

9:07 AM

(Sorry for being kind of aimless, I just think this is a nice planet and Robert would like to relax here for a bit. I'm not trying to drag you into coming up with something that isn't here.)

(I think it's kind of nice to find a planet that isn't actively trying to kill you)

(oh no worries! you do what you want to do, its my job to keep up with you)

(Ok I want to spend the next year eating pizza and playing video games)

The woods have a crisp feel to them and even on Gudrun, the air is clean, but not THIS clean. Birds chirp in the higher branches but flutter away before you can get a clean look at them.

9:09 AM

The trees look similar to terran pines, though with their colors exaggerated

As the sun sets and all of the Wanderlusts passengers are sitting contendly by the campfire, Robert breaks the silence with a question. "Xu, I've wanted to give you some time to forget about it, but I need to know. Have you learned anything new about this being that caused the Scream? Remembered any information that might be useful?"

"Our first brush with it was the pulse that destroyed everything. That's the main challenge I'm having with all of this. I've been quiet out here, but in my head, we've been speaking almost non-stop, about how to try to initiate contact again without...well....all this. The trick is, finding something that can absorb that kind of metaspace energy, without blocking the contact we will try to make"

9:33 AM

"The numetalum discovered on Terezinho has promise, if we can figure out how to make its MES and magic cancelling properties selective"

"I'll recommend to the RCOE that we explore it's potential some more, I imagine Billy will be more than accommodating to the research. I've also begun construction on the vessel that will take us to the Wraith Nebula. It should be ready to go in three months, give or take a few days. When we embark, will you come with us?"

"It's why your friend gave me this body to use. I'll be there for it"

"Looking forward to it." (edited)

10:04 AM

After a night spend camping under the stars, Robert and his crew pack up the camp and prepare the ship for takeoff. Robert casts one last wistful look at the forest surrounding his ship before the Wanderlust rises up and shoots out of the atmosphere. Plotting a course back to Gudrun, he mentally prepares himself to finish his language lessons.

(it's complete now, 3xp, 5000 credits)

(I take it I make it back to Gudrun ok?)

10:18 AM

Robert, returning to his home after another long journey, rests for a night, before sending messages to the rest of the Pelagson diplomatic team.

(yeah)

(Can we have a mission channel for the Pelasgon mission?)

(gotchu fam)

12:20 PM

up!

Be there soon Robert. Just wrapping up at Herb’s

9:18 PM

(map of where you were)

+Encrypted Message - Svenka Vilnovha+
Robert - Thank you for having me along to the Pelgason meeting - it was an interesting look in to their culture and situation. I do believe we could help them build up, with our without the Spike technology, but I fear they would not take it well if we were not to provide the Spike technology. That may be reason enough to avoid it. If you have need of my services, please reach out - I will be taking on the offer from Whitaker solutions to aid in further exploration, but I will keep in contact.
- Svenka

Returning to Gudrun, Robert gets his domestic affairs in order. Deciding to follow up on a plan to obtain a quantum core, he prepares to journey to Asta. Maybe I'll be able to help broker some kind of peace while I'm there... he thinks to himself as he prepares. (edited)

3:13 AM

(Would like to go on an asta trip. You mentioned Ricardo wanted to go to? I'm happy for a team up if he's free)

(Ricardo went and got the elders to sign a magical oath, so they cannot fight other humans, and are allied against the alloy host now. They haven't really been able to push against the robots much)

(I'd still like to go and see if I can talk to the alloy host or is that a bad plan?)

(Two people have tried and have been riddled with bullets for their trouble)

7:19 AM

(Two players, I mean, but its up to you)

(I don't like those odds at all. Probably not a great idea. I'm going somewhere else.)

7:33 AM

After researching into the alloy host, Robert calls the plan off. He instead returns to his ship and asks his crew to prepare the Wanderlust for a long voyage. With the start of the Wraith Nebula expeditions approaching in a few months, there was only a short time left to enjoy kicking about the galaxy in a small frigate, having the small scale adventures of his youth. He would head to Urreturre. It was time to find out what lay west of the Remnant. (edited)

7:35 AM

(Miriam - Thorfinna - Urreturre)

(We're looking at 18 days of travel, which include 2 new rutters.

8:42 AM

Thorfinna is a barren system, made of 3 planets, when you finally arrive. The surface is relatively smooth of each, and made of a dense rock. They are lit by two binary suns, which keep them at too high a temperature to sustain their own life. A wealth of minerals lay below

Robert and his crew do a thorough survey scan from orbit of each world, recording the data for any later expansion that may take place in this system, before continuing on.

(In the spare time I'm going to build a stalker drone with environmental power, medical support and heavy lift for 9000 credits)

(Alright, ill get my scouting reports together)

Entering Urreturre- Robert's ship decelerates at the edge of the system. Immediately, all sensor bands are overwhelmed with radio traffic, and conflicting calls to prayer. The title "Ghoul-King" is repeated over and over, as a prefix to different, possibly proto human sounding names

8:46 PM

A prayer drone floats nearby, awash in devotional parchments

(Let's get some insanity points)

9:16 PM

Robert begins to record all the various prayers floating through the system. Even if we learn nothing from this, it'd make a good opening to a metal song. Roberts crew engages the survey scanner so they can get some eyes on the world.

There is a spread of defense satellites covering the world, Pointed outward and the first of the kinetic iron rod guns is beginning to cycle up

Robert begins firing up the engines to engage in evasive maneuvers. In the meantime he opens a wide band channel, hoping to reach anyone willing to listen. "This is Robert Tanzer of the UNW. I come in peace. I wish to learn about the Ghoul-King. I bring news about the galaxy at large, and will share it freely. Please respond. I come in peace."

The first of the iron rod shots passes with a wide margin, though more defense satellites are waking as the alert is repeated through their net.

"Looks like they're very keen on being left alone. Log all scans, let's get out of here." Maintaining the evasive maneuvers, the Wanderlust pulls back, before spiking home to Gudrun. (edited)

On Roberts return, he heads to the main office of the Marshalls on Gudrun in order to enquire about the stealth craft he will be taking into Fleshshaper space.

(During travel time I'm going to build a void hawk drone with obs suite, holoskin, sensor transparency and extended flight)

Nancy Chu is in marshal headquarters on Gudrun, now in charge of far more than just the Lone Star, and is your point of contact for space related issues

"Nancy! I haven't seen you since the Regulus Fate fundraiser for the Academy. How have you been?"

"Well!" her smile brightens "It's good to see you. What brings you in? trouble?"

"Depends on how you categorise it. Marcion has given me access to your stealth frigate to gather intelligence on the Fleshshapers. I was hoping you could take me to it so I can begin loading it up for the mission into enemy space."

"Of course, It's on the orbital platform right now undergoing some upkeep but it should be done. We can head up whenever you're prepared"

"I feel I'd be remiss if I didn't offer younger opportunity to come. I understand that this mission is dangerous, but if you want to act as the observer for the Marshalls I'd be happy to have you. In either case, we should head to the craft now. No time like the present!"

"Indeed" she smiles "Come up to the roof, we have a lighter up there to get into space. Normally we keep our ships on the ground if we can, like the starport or on terezinho our base itself, but the Dark Star needed some work done"

"I can't wait to see her." Robert follows Nancy to the lighter.

With a whine, the navy blue and white lifter makes orbit, and you see the sleek, dark stained hull of the Dark Star in dock.

3:09 PM

It is blacked out, and if powered on would still be invisible to most sensors, It is a dagger of black iron, filed to a razor point, hanging in space

Robert takes the view of the craft in for a moment, in awe. "This is a fine ship. It should do the job nicely. Let's get aboard and begin preparations to leave."

(Marcion approves of this description)

The lifter docks, and there is a quick crew transfer aboard. Nancy vanishes into the hold almost right away to check supply levels

Robert takes a moment to meet the crew of the ship, hoping to use this chance to meet them before they are deep in Fleshshaper space.

The crew compliment are all trained spacers in as much anyone from the UNW can be. Two years in space at the long end hardly counts as veterancy, but they seem competent. There's apprehension heading into flesshaper space, but they know if successful the information gained will be a massive help

Confident with the assembled team, he takes his seat on the bridge, and engages the ships communications system to send a message to the crew. "I know some of you must be wary about a mission gathering intel in Fleshshaper space. You're right to be. We're heading into the den of an unknown enemy in order to learn how to kill it. I respect caution, I encourage it. I plan to come home from this alive, with information vital to the war effort. That fear will keep you alive. Don't be ashamed of it. Use it. You are a capable crew and we will come home. Prepare to cast off." Robert breaks the channel and begins giving commands to his bridge crew to have them begin travelling into Fleshshaper space, running as quietly as possible.

(Robert is in the captains chair then. Furthest they’ve been into 1N is elkano which was raided and cleansed of all life. We haven’t explored further)

(Aliah - Sotoudeh - Ivarra, ship will stop and do some scanning there before making another decision)

(Alright, gotta generate some reports)

(Sotoudeh scouring report is up)

7:22 PM

The world is a corrosive nightmare world below and no life registers on sensors upon the initial pass

7:22 PM

Continent sized acid rain storms lash a surface your sensors can’t get a reading on

"Let's get some scans running while we are here. I want to know whatever you can find out about this system, and I want to know if we can take the ship down onto the world without damaging it. It may be that this world wasn't any more suitable for them than it is for us, but I don't want to leave until we are sure."

The reports come in after several hours that the world indeed would begin eating away at the ship almost as soon as it touches the atmosphere

"Log this and make sure we send it to the UNW archives when we get back. Let's spike to Ivarra, get ready to turn off all non-essential systemss soon as we arrive." (edited)

(Have to do Ibarra still

6:14 AM

(Ivarra. I just went one planet at a time so you didn’t skip anything by force

(Fuck sorry I got confused. My bad, I'll fix it up and spike to ivarra)

The ship exits ivarra at the edge of the gravity well and a scene of horror stretches out before you. Fleshshaper picket ships, two of them, are already coming about, to intercept though you have some time before they’re in weapons range. Orbital plates the size of land masses float around the planet , all made of flesh, and three harvesting vessels slowly chew up and process the biomass. Uncountable small craft take off and land on the planets surface and you can see they’re continuing their grisly work. Drag nets the size of city blocks are carried aloft filled with avians pulled from the sky. Heavier ships hang back, all built for war, battleships and cruisers

6:25 AM

Wreckage from a large space battle floats intermixed among the fleshshaper fleet though it’s hard to tell what the vessels may have once belonged to- Remnant or some kind of local defense fleet

"Christ. This is a nightmare. Record everything, as much as I want to forget I ever saw this. That poor world..." Robert listens to the bridge crews reports on the situation, and ponders for a short moment. "Any chance we can hide in system somehow? Use this stealth ships capabilities to avoid detection for a bit so we can monitor this?" He waits for his bridge crew to reply.

(Program int If you want to try) “we can try. It’s got some stealth capability but I don’t know how they scan”

"Keep an eye on those picket ships. If we can't lose them, warm up the spike drive. We can't afford to get into a fight here."

(Does that factor the +4 the ship gives you?)

(Not at all hahaha I just woke up

8:46 PM

(15 all up)

(You don’t always get +4. You got that last time because of what was scanning and your size. I’ll oppose ina. Min)

(Its from emissions dampers and low emissions on the spacecraft?)

(Fine if it still doesn't count but that's where the +4 is coming from if it changes anything)

(Yeah, it has specific bonuses to avoiding detection and making the enemy have more difficulty detecting it)

(14) One of the picket ships drifts close, but is satisfied that the area is empty, and begins returning to formation, unable to detect you

Robert wipes sweat off his brow, his breathing slowing, calming. He stays quiet, watching the picket ship get further away on the sensor readouts. Once satisfied they're safe for now, he addresses the crew. "We managed to get a bit of breathing room, let's put it to good use. As appealing as leaving this system now is, we need to monitor the Fleshshapers and gather as much information as we can. I want to know how many ships are moving into and out of the system, whether they're using one of their wormhole ships to do so, and as much information about those wormhole ships as we can gather from range. I want sensors pointed at the planet with at least two people monitoring it personally at all times, the more we can learn about how they... harvest a world, the more ability we have to throw a wrench in the works. I want half of the special forces aboard alert and on duty spaced throughout the ship at all times in case they somehow board us without any warning. Finally, I want the Wraith shuttle prepped to go at a moment's notice in case we need it. Give me your best and I promise I will keep us all alive. You'll be heroes of the UNW when we make it home." (edited)

There are far too many small craft to count with just passive scanning. Active scanning can be done but there’s a chance for detection. The process of the harvest itself seems to involve somehow getting biomass from the surface into these orbital flesh sheets but how it is processed from there is unclear- only that purpose built harvesting ships are involved

(From a passive scan that’s about all we are going to get. We can do another opposed program/int if you’re going active

(Fuck it, I'm here to find all this out, I'll risk it)

2:20 AM

"Get the ship ready to get out of here as soon as possible. Run an active scan of the system and see what you can find out."

2:23 AM

(8 plus any modifier a survey sensor array might give me)

(It gives a +2 to make it 10)

4:54 AM

(12 to detect ). The report begins coming in and compiling when the picket ships turn around ahead, lights coming on and weapons powering up. “We have seven minutes before primary weapons range! They’ve seen us !” The sensor officer calls out

(Uh oh)

(Big oof)

(Yeah, get the hell out of there!)

(Dare you to fight them )

(You won’t)

(Ship has emergency engine boosters and two ecm generators, it should be fine if they run)

(Lets keep the meta to a minimum. He’s got the specs. Let him figure it out)

(Fair enough)

(Sorry for vanishing for a bit, studying has been taking it out of me)

(No rush bud life comes first

Robert stares forlornly at the sensor readout showing the approaching pickets before collecting himself. "I was hoping this wouldn't happen, but it did. Let's handle it. Get that spike drive ready, and start accelerating as hard as possible away from the pickets. I want someone watching all the sensor readouts, we get to see how they respond to minor threats in their occupied systems, it may be valuable information. Get the boosters ready, we may need them. Prepare a spike drill towards Kamal. This mission isn't over yet."

(Initiative. One of your pilot actions every turn has to be to try to escape. It’s one of the moves. You’ve got 5cp base since it’s a warship)

(Oh cool combats initiated)

9:35 PM

(Let me just read up on the rules quickly)

"Engage emergency thrusters! Get us out of here, and begin evasive maneuvers!" (Emergency thrusters engaged for 3 turns. Do Your Duty on evasive maneuvers, making it free. Evasive maneuvers 15, +3 to ships AC bringing it up to 16. Escape Combat 19 for contested check.) (edited)

(11 to try to catch up, fails, 1/3 toward escaping) The picket ship is falling behind the rapidly accelerating Dark Star, and it fires its flayer cannon . The projectile is a spinning organic cone, with three tentacles spiraling behind as it corkscrews through the void in a tight spiral.

8:07 AM

The shot is poor, and goes wide

8:07 AM

(Robert up)

(Same actions as last turn. 15 for evasive maneuvers so 16ac and 16 for escaping) "Great work crew, we're going to make it without a scratch at this rate. Hold fast and keep burning hard."

(16 vs 15 for escape, 2/3 successes) The craft again fires ts flayer cannon

10:18 AM

(9 to hit, which does not)

10:18 AM

The shot gets a little closer to home. the stealth cross section of the ship must be inhibiting it from getting a clear target lock

(Same again. 14 for evasive maneuvers, 18 for escaping)

The ship dives into spike drill, under fire, the flayer cannon shot missing

11:24 AM

(7 days of downtime)

"This is a fine ship, Nancy. I'm going to have to find a way to thank Marcion for lending it to me when we get back." Robert settles in his chair before pulling out his trusty pipe and packing it. Thinking better of smoking on the bridge, he retires to his quarters to process recent events. The UNW isn't ready for the Fleshshapers at all. The thought chills Robert to his core. After taking a moment to write a brief log of the events in Ivarra, he sends a message through his compad to all senior officers aboard the Dark Star, requesting they meet him in the bridge in ten minutes, then makes his way to the bridge himself.

(when this gets over, we can add it to the master report, if you;d like)

1:18 PM

(Rather than clutter roll20 with a second one)

(Sounds perfect to me, no need to spread it all out)

(so 7 days to Kamal, any projects?)

(Can I look into those weapons that the Fleshshapers were using? Try and get some info from whatever we recorded?)

(You can make some general observations but Im not sure how much scientific data is really going to be yielded from gun imaging data)

(All I can really think of then is trying to build some kind of stealth observation satellite to drop off in the system and come back to retrieve later to get long term data)

(In Kamal?)

(If there's anything interesting there yeah, if not I'll hold onto it)

Heading into Kamal your ship is pulled from spike, in sector 0406N by a large object, your connection to spike space abruptly cutting off

"Get eyes on whatever just pulled us out of spike space! All special forces get ready for a potential boarding action, and get the thrusters ready for use." Robert stalks over to the sensor readouts to see if he can figure out what's happening.

The scanning system is dead, but you find that you don’t need it. Two heavily damaged , large, capital liner vessels and a limping cruiser are in your path, the emergency disengage system aboard your ship preventing you from sailing through the formation and obliterating all of you

"Let's open a line of communication with them. We can bug out if we need to, but I want to know what they're doing out here. Open comms and tell me if they respond."

“It sounds like they’re trying to. It’s all static. Couple words here and there” the comms officer calls back

"Looks like we're coming to them. Prep the Wraith shuttle and organise a team of five special forces soldiers to come with me. I want everyone armed, but no use of weapons unless we are attacked."

10:06 PM

Robert gathers his equipment from his quarters and makes his way to the shuttle.

A message begins broadcasting as you climb aboard. This is Silvano Mazzio, formerly of the UNW. Requesting unidentified ship Identify itself, or we will open fire

7:17 AM

The cruiser, damaged as it is, is doing its best to come about, and impose its broadside between the Dark Star, and the damaged ships it is protecting

7

Robert patches into the ships comms with his compad, then sends a reply. "This is Robert Tanzer, currently of the UNW. I'm aboard the Dark Star, engaging in a scouting mission against the Fleshshapers. I'm not here to fight. Looks more like you could use a hand, if you don't mind me making an observation."

There is a bit of relief on their side of the comms, and you can hear it in his voice. "UNW isn't my first choice but I've got none to make now. I'm escorting refugees from Kamal, our formation took heavy fire trying to escape the gravity well"

"I'm hoping you won't mind if I take a shuttle over to your ship, I'd like to talk for a bit while we figure out what to do here. We will get those refugees somewhere safe, I assure you, I just want to know what's going on."

"topside docking port is the only one that work's right now. You'll have to come in through the lateral hold"

"We'll manage. I'll see you in a moment." Robert cuts the comms, and makes his way to the pilots chair of the shuttle, guiding it over to the topside docking port once it's free of the Dark Star. He gazes at the ships as he approaches, inspecting the damage to try and figure out what caused it.

THere are long inward bludgeons and in a few areas you see scars. Some educated guesses from the combat data you captured a week ago indicates the weapons fire was flesh shaper, likely a flayer cannon

Satisfied, Robert brings the shuttle in to the docking port and prepares to board the cruiser.

There is a hiss as the rocking rings lock together and you hear the sound of a ladder below being brought up to your floor access hatch

Robert opens the hatch, some of the soldiers watching warily from nearby.

There is a pale but ash smeared face looking up at you. A pair of cracked goggles sit on the mans head, his unevenly short hair matted with sweat and a bit of blood. He looks weary beyond comprehension

8:06 PM

“Silvano Mazzio, at your service”

"Robert Tanzer, a pleasure to meet you." Robert sticks his hand through the opening, offering a handshake to Silvano. "Looks like we came at a fairly opportune time. How can I help?"

"Two ships of refugees from Kamal. The Shapers hit their planet, hard. I did everything I could from here to buy time for the evacuation ships to make it out. We're all that did"

"Christ, this is all that escaped an entire world? Still, you've done well to get anyone out. I'll do whatever I can to get all these people to safety, what do you need? I'll also want to learn whatever I can from you about the Fleshshapers. The UNW is gearing up to fight them, and this mission I'm running is the start of it, we need to know what we are up against."

"These people need to be brought to safety, back in UNW space. There are 200,000 soul aboard, most in cold sleep. We had to lock as many as we could into stasis to fit as many as possible. There were two other vessels with us but they broke formation once we escaped, heading on a more direct course south"

7:45 AM

"I couldn't leave these people undefended to chase them down"

"You've done well, Silvano. I don't know why you left the UNW but I can respect anyone who risks their life helping refugees in deep space. I'm putting my mission on hold until we get these people to safety." Robert grins at his opposite, a confident look in his eyes. "First things first, what's keeping these ships here? Are their spike drives damaged or is there some other fault?"

"We had to exit spike and make some repairs, we had superstructure faults in too many compartments on the exodus ships. Anything you can do to assist and get us underway again would have me feeling a lot better.

8:29 AM

"I want to have drives charging if we're stumbled upon, however unlikely that may be"

"We don't have much, but I'd be happy to help jury rig these ships so they can spike drill again. If you can get a report on the damage I can see what kind of repairs we can effect."

"I can meet you over there....I'll teleport" he winks. "Just let me know what ship you check out first. I think the cruiser can get some of its own work going. Let me jsut talk to my crew a moment:

(Is there any major noticeable difference between the two ships?)

The first exodus vessel has part of its side torn away. It is sealed again but power keeps flickering. The second took a large hit amidships and two of its five engines are out , their fuel lines cut

"I imagine it's best to start with the most damaged ship. I'll contact my crew to have them prepare their repair supplies, and make my way over in the shuttle. I have no great wish to teleport again, once was enough." (Going to the second ship after swinging back to the Dark Star to gather supplies and specialists)

The engineering crew but for 2 , necessary to keep your own engines running and internal systems regulated, prepare to go aboard the damaged exodus ship. The airlocks all look to be working, and Silvano has promised to meet you aboard your chosen first 'patient'

Robert guides the Wraith shuttle towards one of the docking ports, and after a few moments manuevering the craft, docks to the capital ship. Gathering his team of engineers and a couple of soldiers, he makes his way to the docking port to open the doors separating the two vessels.

The sounds, and smells, of tens of thousands of humans in close proximity assail you all at once. Silvano and the ships captain, looking likewise worse for wear, are waiting at the docking port for you. He has a few of his own armsmen with him

Robert walks slowly through the port into the other vessel, then offers his hand to the ships captain. "Robert Tanzer, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'd like to have a look at your ship, with your permission."

“Of course. Permission given. Thank you for putting yourself at risk like this for us

"Think nothing of it. You've performed admirably getting all these people this far and keeping them alive. I'm just helping you over the last hurdle. Would you mind giving my engineers and I a tour of the ship?"

He directs you inside, through the main cargo deck, where a sea of awake refugees are trying to stay out of the way. "We didn't have enough space in cold storage for all of them. We unfortunately had to make some difficult choices when evacuating to not eat up our life support capacity"

Catching the captain's meaning, Robert nods gravely. "You got this many people away from a dying world. Sacrifices must be made in a disaster, unfortunately. Can your life support maintain this level of occupancy for long?" (edited)

“It can now, but it’s a strict life for those aboard. If we could get copies of your Rutter routes we could speed the journey back to your space immeasurably

"They're yours. I'll have communications transmit them to you. You'll want to spike to Wasim first, as there's a Fleshshaper harvest taking place in Ivarra back the way I came. Is there any damage to the vessel that's impacting it's spaceworthiness currently?" (edited)

"Two of our engines are out, and we're having some superstructure faults. Those need to be fixed before we can spike without risking the integrity of the ship"

"Does this ship have anything in the way of spare parts or resources we could use?"

"We have some, but it's in a hold we can't get to from in here due to damage. Someone's going to have to access it from outside"

"It's been too long since I last spacewalked. I'll do it. I'll grab a vaccsuit from my ship, but I'll need some directions while I'm out there."

“That sounds great” the captain says with some relief

8:15 PM

“We will guide you with instructions once you’re out there. You should be able to pull your ship close and spacewalk the rest of the way”

"I'll get started now. We can focus on the other problems once this is done, I want you spike capable as soon as possible in case the Fleshshapers appear. You'll hear from me once I'm in position." Returning to the Dark Star, Robert dons a vaccsuit and has Nancy pilot the ship near the area with the supplies. Once Robert is standing, suited up, in an airlock that is rapidly emptying of gas, he contacts the other ships Captain. "Ready when you are."

“Alright. I see your pilot has parked outside the damaged area. There’s going to be a bulkhead to cut through from the outside”

"I'm going to exit and scout out the damaged area, I'll have one of my crew bring some cutting tools out to me." Robert messages Nancy to have her prepare the necessary equipment and have it brought out to him, and waits for the airlock to open.

A small package of tools is gently launched in your direction, a saw and a long power cable notably

Robert grabs the tools and attaches them to his suit, before manuevering over to the damaged area to begin work. "I'm in position, ready to begin, let's fix this ship."

(Fix int)

(10)

The damaged bulkhead is cut away efficiently with their expert guidance and you see the broken hill section beyond- damaged power coupling box included

"I've gained entry, I'm moving in now. Going to try and fix this power coupling." Robert engages his attitude thrusters for the briefest moment, giving him the momentum he needs to slowly glide towards the box, attaching himself to it with clips when he is in range. "I'm gaining an appreciation for just how close cut your escape was. Beginning repairs now."

(We can keep the same fix, its a 12 with their help) They spend six hours delicately talking you through the repair work , and the power lines are reconnected with some spare parts recovered, and brought into you by a few spacewalkers aboard

6:57 AM

There is a rumble as the missing two engines come to life

"Two engines down, just some superstructure faults to go. You tell me the way and I'll go there."

"We can patch those with the ship stable and not rolling. I'd head over to the other vessel, we'll patch you in. As you said, if we're found, at least this way we can spike away, and finish repairs while the drives recharge"

"Sounds like a plan to me. I'm going to thrust over there now, let them know I'm on the way. Dark Star, stay near, I don't want to be alone in space if the enemy appears."

THe ship shadows you as quick pulses from your back mounted jets move you over.

Robert makes a quick visual inspection of the ship as he approaches, and sends a message to it's bridge making himself known once he is nearby.

The captain acknowledges your message as you float close, and you see several places where panels have been torn away by acid and tentacle hits from the fleshshapers strange organic ship to ship cannons

Robert ensures that the damage is recorded for later study, then contacts the captain. "I'm in position, what do you need repaired in order to become spike drill capable? We can save minor repairs for a safer region of space."

"There's a major superstructure fault down our spine. The ship broke her back during that last jump. We're going to need three joists welded together from outside

"Alright, guide me towards them, I've got the tools I need with me. Nancy, space is still clear of threats right?"

"No....wait. Spike nexus at northern system mandeville point...trying to get a read. Hurry up out there"

"Understood, keep an eye on it for me." Robert attempts to use his directional thrusters to approach the nearest point in need of repair as fast as his ability allows.

(Fix/int for trying to do this quickly but correctly)

7:51 AM

"Robert, its a shaper probe. Energy levels are beginning to rise"

(13)

7:53 AM

(I swear to god I've been rolling way better than normal lately)

7:55 AM

"Get ready to spike out of here Dark Star. I'm not leaving these people to die. See if you can distract the probe and protect the civilians, but head to Wasim before you're in danger."

The Dark Star begins moving into weapons range, Nancy assuming the captain's position from the pilot's chair

"Captain, get the nearest airlock ready to receive me just in case." Sweat trickles down Roberts forehead as he works, his suit leaving him unable to brush it off. "Silvano, lead the rest of the fleet to Wasim. I'll meet you there."

7:57 AM

(Captain being the captain of the nearest ship, realise I didn't ask their names)

A wormhole, a swirling vortex of black, veined in green, begins to open like a mouth, wide enough to swallow the fleet whole. You hear the shriek and howl of the void outside, tortured by the building energy levels. The welder in your hands slips, the joist repaired. "Get in here Tanzer! airlock 50m from you! There's not enough time to get back to your ship"

8:00 AM

At the mouth of the wormhole, the Dark Star presents its broadside, weapons firing into the darkness at the probe- as three Fleshshaper patrol boats warp into the space- immediately loosing boarding pods

"Nancy, get out of here! You've done enough!" Robert stares at the Dark Star silhouetted in front of the massive wormhole for all too short a moment before turning and manuevering to the nearby airlock as deftly as he can. As soon as he reaches the airlock he signals the vessels Captain to head to Wasim.

You hear Nancy's cold voice over the comms "Robert. Our drive isnt charging. That drone...it's keeping us in place. Get aboard. I'll handle this"

8:07 AM

Rolling away from her broadside run, Nancy lines the nose of the Dark Star up with the probe.

8:08 AM

Aboard the ships, background noise in your helmet, you likewise hear the same panicked exchange between the engineering departments and ship captains

Robert evaluates the situation, his heart racing. He looks back at the Dark Star, and processes what Nancy has said, what she's going to do. He tries to deny it for a second, fights the realisiation, before understanding that hers is the only plan available to them. His heart breaks. "Nancy, I'm sorry. You're all going to be heroes for this, everyone on that ship, and I'm so sorry. All these people will know who saved them, I swear."

"We might ride it out yet, prow's armored, but just in case, its been a pleasure serving"

8:22 AM

More voices rise in the background as boarding pods begin finding their targets in the exodus ship hulls.

8:23 AM

The Dark Star's engines power up, fuel dumped into them far in excess of safety protocols

"Godspeed Nancy. I hope you make it, truly." Robert forces himself to turn away, and engages the airlock so he can get aboard and help deal with the boarding pods.

Silvano is in the other ship, and you can hear him over the open Tac frequency, organizing whatever citizen soldiers he can to defend bulkheads around the entry points. He cannot be anywhere at once, teleporter or not. "Robert, think you can handle the ship youre on? Get them organized"

"Will do. Keep me updated." Robert enters the vessel once the airlock finishes filling with air, and runs in, trying to take stock of the situation.

8:30 AM

(Would it be reasonable to assume Robert brought his weaponry or would Robert be unarmed?)

(probably unarmed here, but there's weapons being passed out from the ship armory, which is the scene we're going to) Inside the airlock you're in the medical ward of the ship, and you see some sleepers being awaken from cold sleep pods. Single shot laser muskets of NMC design are being passed into the hands of some, though there are patterns of combat rifle available too, older, Tenebrian-Black Sun War patterns (edited)

8:55 AM

(I was intending to have one of the new characters make his appearance here as both of you deal with the boarding action)

(Sounds good to me!)

(Want to do it in their thread so they can build up some personal story?)

Sure thing

(I'd like to chat to Nancy and Silvano once the fleet makes it back to Gudrun)

At Wasim, the psychic academy’s former cruiser does not exit spike space with everyone else. The dark star and both exodus vessels have made the jump and made further repairs on route

(Hahaha fair enough, hopefully won't be the last of him)

10:26 PM

Transferring over to the Dark Star in Wasim once the repair work on the exodus vessels has progressed enough to not require management, Robert enters the ship and embraces Nancy in a bear hug as soon as he sees her. He's grinning wildly as he speaks. "You maverick! Do you know how many lives you and your people saved? You even made it out the other side unhurt! I could kiss you right now, you lifesaver!"

She wastes no time and kisses your cheek, pulling you tightly in. "I thought we were all dead. I didn't think I was going to see my home ever again"

2:04 PM

Pulling back, she straightens whats left of her burned uniform. "Ship's going to require drydocking for a month or more after this though. That probe had some serious bones in it"

Roberts grin slowly vanishes, replaced by a contented smile. "I wasn't sure any of us were going to make it out alive, especially you. Don't worry about the ship, if anyone gives you grief over it I'll take them to the refugee camps we're going to need on Gudrun and tell them that all those people are only alive because of your bravery and quick thinking. Honestly though, I'm glad you're alive." Straightening up a bit, Robert strokes his beard for a moment, thinking. "You've seen everything I've seen, you know what a threat those things are. I need to make a report about what we've seen, and you've proved that if anyone should command this ship it's you. I'm stepping back for the trip home, you're in charge. If I need more help against the Fleshshapers in the future, I hope I can call on you again."

10:04 PM

(I'm not really going anywhere with this I just think Nancy is super cool and deserved a hug, we can just skip back to Gudrun whenever you're ready)

"I'll be ready. I think we need to make some precautions before we dock too with this thing stuck to us. We don't know what kind of disease or other surprises might be lurking inside it."

"I wouldn't mind taking a few samples of it to take to some labs. A probe that can prevent spike travel is an incredibly dangerous weapon. We need to figure out a way to circumvent it."

"Who knows what they'll do with it. We do need to find a solution though. It makes sense now why we've heard so little from worlds being harvested"

"A lot of questions have been answered this mission, it's a shame there's so many more new questions raised by what we saw as well. At least we have a slightly better idea of what we're up against now, even if it is horrifying. It's going to be an interesting Unity Council meeting."

"We needed something new to fight about" she winks. "Last one had me counting sheep, all of you getting along and having an agreement and whatnot"

Robert laughs, smirking. "Yeah, it'll be nice to get everyone's blood flowing again. I guess a session without Cyrus or myself is a fairly placid one. Anyhow, we should get going. These refugees deserve a break from all this chaos."

Nancy pulls the ship to the edge of Gudrun space, and begins making comm calls to government and military officials so they can work up a proper response to the probe, and getting the Dark Star disentangled from it. It is eventually suggested that you leave the ship, and come into Trivedi Cloud for medical screening, as work there might take some time. You're all given clean bills of health by that night, and transfer down to Gudrun surface for some true rest

After a long and exhausting mission, Robert retires to his apartment to get some rest, though his dreams are filled with cosmic horrors and beasts of molten flesh. Waking up, Robert makes a mental note to seek some trauma counselling when he has the time. The world seemed a lot less dangerous when I was young, he thinks to himself as he takes a long shower. While drinking a coffee and smoking from his pipe, he remembers his trip to Akhlaqi, namely the being or device that managed to take down all the ships in system, leaving the Ashen Ones stranded. As there isn't a civilisation to rescue there anymore, the planet is ripe for some real exploration, namely finding whatever brought down the ships to see if it can be used as a weapon against the Shapers. Satisfied with this course of action, he messages his crew to meet him a few hours later at the Wanderlust, relaxes for roughly an hour, then makes his way to his vessel.

2

The crew assembles at the ship, many showing the dark eyes or sore expressions of those roused from rest and recovery too soon, but duty, as ever, is duty. "What's this about heading to a plague planet?" the sensor officer asks. "I heard the last team that went there ended up becoming mostly robotic"

"Stay on the ship and you should be able to filter the air reasonably well, the virus seems to need a decent amount of sustained exposure to take effect. I'll explore the place on my own so the rest of you don't need to expose yourselves to the plague. We will use masks with oxygen when exploring outside. The potential gain is too great to stay away, given the Fleshshaper advance. Get to your stations and get ready for a spike drill."

The crew files aboard, and within the hour the Wanderlust is clearing Gudrun system orbit, spike course charting. Data is being inloaded from the last expedition there, detailing wildlife, and local system hazards. The virus and the horrific deaths of most of The Scrapper's crew are highlighted especially.

Robert assembles his crew after sorting through the information. He is aware of the uneasiness most of them are feeling. "Here's the plan, team. I'm going to get in the grav explorer, while you take the ship down to the closest clearing we have to where we were last told the weapon that knocked the ships out of the sky was thought to be. I'll exit the ship in the grav explorer once you land, then you will all return to orbit and decontaminate the ship while I continue on alone in the sealed cabin of the explorer. Any concerns?"

"What if you're on the surface and that weapon, or whatever it is, goes active"

8:45 AM

"What do we do if its you, or the ship"

"If you're in danger, get out of here and get help. I can survive on the surface with the explorer for as long as I need to if it comes down to it. Don't risk your own lives if you don't have to."

"We'll do what we can to make sure you have a ship to come back to. We'll prepare for orbital descent"

Robert nods, then goes to gather his gear. He walks to the ships locker and takes an armoured vacc suit, his suite of drones and as many oxygen tanks as he can carry before heading to the grav explorer and loading his carried gear in the living quarters. He straps everything down before making his way to the cockpit of the explorer

(Mind highlighting a landing zone for me on the map?).

"Alright, Status lights look good. Vehicle deck is secure" you hear the running commentary of the crew

7:06 PM

"Everything below looks calm as well, so far no targeting. Got a landing area in mind boss? "

"Take me down near that palace-like structure. I'm not certain what I'm looking for is there, but I'm sure something interesting will be there."

9:32 PM

(Life happened for a couple of days, I'm back)

(all good, i know roll20 is hard for you to get to sometimes so it was kind of mean of me to make you dig for the map)

7:31 AM

The ship begins descending, and as it clears the cloud layer over the Palace structure, alarms begin to chime. "Something's making the air vibrate, intensely. We've got micrfracture warnings all over the hull! and its spreading!"

"I'm taking us down as fast as I can without shaking this ship apart! We can't go back into vacuum like this." Robert pushes for the surface as fast as the Wanderlust will allow.

You see the snaking lines forming, through hull imagers, and the integrity warnings going from their calm blue to yellow, and in a few sections, a harsh red. The ship continues to shake violently, throwing everyone not strapped in to the ground. (Pilot/dex)

(14)

The ship pulls out of the rough air current as a sonic pulse narrowly misses the vessel. The wanderlust spins dangerously, rolling three times, before writing itself, and coming to a skid at the western edge of the island, occuped by the dozens of kilometers long and tall stone castle like structure.

2

Once the ship comes to rest, Robert stops bracing himself and looks around the bridge. "Everyone alright?"

There is a broken arm, and some bumps and bruises among the crew, but no fatalities, thankfully.

After ensuring the broken arm is looked after, Robert gathers the crew and organises an inventory of their situation; what the damage looks like and what tools they have at their disposal being the main items.

The ship can be repaired. It is looking to be about a week's job with hand tools and the spare parts on hand. The supplies were secured before liftoff and aside from some spilled pots and pans in the galley, there is nothing running critically short. Ammunition may become an issue if there are prolonged hostilities

"Begin work on the repairs and set up a defensive perimeter around the ship in case you get attacked while outside. The priority should be ensuring living spaces are sealed so that we can use the ships oxygen rather than the outside air. Vaccsuits on while outside. I'm going to head into the large complex and try and find whatever shot us down so that we can leave safely. I'd still like to get some technology out of this, but my first priority is your safety. As soon as it's safe I expect you to go to orbit. Now, can someone give me a hand getting this grav explorer out?"

Two of them break off from opening crates of supplies, and head down to the vehicle hangar with you, weapons drawn, to help cut the mooring lines

Leading them into the vehicle hangar, Robert switches his eyes to thermal vision to see if there are any life signs or hidden fires around the ship.

Everything appears normal, you see some birds nesting in the tall grass near the vehicle departure ramp, but nothing out of place. The landmass, or at least this part of it, seems eerily deserted

Noting the lack of life as something to worry about at a less pressing moment, Robert makes his way into the vehicle hangar, cutting tools at the ready.

"Door looks like its alright, nothing jammed and the hydraulics are working fine! " one of the crew says as he looks at a ship status panel for the room

"Open her up and we will see if we can maneuver the explorer out. I'm surprised we got out of that this well off, it bodes well for us getting off this world soon."

"We had some skilled help getting it landed. we're only talking about this predicament thanks to you ensuring we're alive to. So thank you" There is a squeal as the ramp hydraulics lower, and the two rifle armed crew move to the end of it, checking corners before flagging you out

Robert smiles slightly. "I dragged you all into this mess, the least I could do is try and keep you all alive." Robert leads the small team into the bay, inspecting the grav explorer for damage.

The explorer was fastened to the deck with tie downs and the normal vehicle securing and mounting fittings that are designed to prevent this kind of damage. Everything looks to be intact

Robert calls for his crew and goes through the motions of releasing the explorer and getting it ready for self propelled motion, glancing outside every now and then. I'm going to have to find a way to deal with this virus soon. He is glad the vacc suit covers his face.

The vehicle is prepared and the suit integrity seems to be holding fine. No warnings appear

Robert addresses the crew that helped him in the hangar. "Go back and help the rest of the crew with repairs and stay in your vaccsuits. I'm going to do a patrol of this complex, then return, and we can all sleep inside the living quarters of the explorer so we don't use all our suit oxygen while sleeping. The explorer looks like it's stayed airtight so the virus shouldn't be a problem while we are in there. Set up a communications beacon so we can stay in touch." After they leave, Robert enters the grav explorer, engaging it's grav propulsion drives and moving off towards the palatial complex, sensors running on overtime looking for the weapon that knocked them out of the sky.

The area is incredibly vast and the air is silent as you keep scanning , until half an hour later when a flock of manta ray resembling birds approaches close to the complex. The air begins giving heat and turbulence warnings and the birds all drop from the sky, essentially microwaved, bodies crackling and stinking as their injured, corkscrew flight takes them to the ground

Robert, shocked by the deaths of these creatures, turns his sensors to the stretch of building nearest the corpses.

There is a large power signature, much more visible from the ground, when you scan this time, though it is rapidly bleeding away, the weapon having just depleted whatever reserves of power it needed to fire

Robert takes note of the area, then makes his way out of the explorer, bringing his stealth drone with him. Once he makes it out of the hatch, he engages his drone link, piloting the stealth drone into the complex, looking through it's observation suite rather than his own eyes.

The complex is very large though most of the buildings inside are under a deep canopy of trees, a legacy of neglect. (What kind of sensors does this thing have? Trying to be helpful but not give away info it shouldn’t be able to see)

(It has the advanced sensors module for vehicles)

8:29 AM

(Perfect). You see a very low power heat source close to the yawning cannon like structure heading skyward, the heat is rapidly bleeding away, and after a moment is imperceptible from the background heat of the jungle growing within the complex. A breach in its exterior wall is 1km ahead,

Noting the heat source as something to look into, Robert retrieves his drone and walks quietly to the breach in the exterior wall, his rifle held but lowered.

The suit is hot inside and foggy in the intense humidity, and you brunch through the underbrush under its rubber vulcanized tread. The air is thick, and the viral readings are intense this close to the fortress, though it is hard to tell you are standing inside it, thick as the jungle is.

Some of Roberts engineered secondary organs kick in, keeping him comfortable and capable in the thick sweltering air. Glad for the vaccsuit given the viral readings, Robert pushes on forward, trying to maintain course to where the energy signature originated. "Wanderlust, this is Tanzer. I'm moving into the complex. Let me know if anything goes awry, I'll come running, stay safe and if you lose signal with me remember that your lives come first."

(notice/wis)

(6)

Two diminutive figures creep through the brush ahead of you, 200m away, visible with the scanning equipment but not by eyesight alone

Robert switches his vision over to thermal and takes a knee. He handles his rifle but keeps it lowered. Then, realising he finally has a good time to try this out, he shuts his eyes, and looks into the future; what will happen if he calls out to the figures? (Precog-0, looking one minute into the future as if Robert has called out a greeting at them.)

They go to ground, scared but observant, one of them has a crude rifle raised, but seems to hesitate to fire

Robert straps his weapon onto his back and slowly stands up, before calling out a greeting. He raises his arms in the air with his palms wide.

One of them pops his head up, rifle semi raised, but wavering It attempts to communicate with you, and your work with ashen one has you understanding most of what its saying Come no closer! Scared of you!\

Keeping his hands raised and palms open, Robert replies. "I'll stay right here, I mean no harm. Can you understand me?"

It nods a yes I understand you! it chirps back *why are you here? *\

"I'm trying to find the weapon that keeps shooting down starships. Why are you here? I thought all the Ashen Ones had been transported offworld?"

(Maybe these are Ashen Twos since they're after One

)

2

2

1

the dead men keep the sky clean. The dead men watch this place. We hunt the land. Bring back animals for tribe

"Who are the dead men? Why do they keep the sky clean?"

like us, but electronics keep them going. False parts. They keep working, but they are dead

Robert nods, comprehending. "I believe these dead men are the very people I seek. I have come a long way to talk to them of matters of grave import. I would be grateful if you could escort me to them."

They both look at each other in fear for a moment (talk/cha)

(10)

We will take you to them, but we will leave after. The Dead Men wish not to be distrubed

7:12 PM

Are you ready?

"Thank you. I am ready."

They begin leading you into the scrub brush and as you truly make your way in, suit still intact, a door opens up against the wall of the very very large main stone building. Warm air wafts out, warm even through your suit. You can see the inside is modern and clean looking

Robert cautiously steps through the doorway, keeping an eye open for threats yet doing his best to maintain a calm composure. He briefly uses his cybernetic eyes to scan the room for signals or transmissions. (edited)

There is a variety of comm laser transmissions going back and forth across the cavernous machine spaces in this room, though the language is not even ashen one. It does however have some similarities. Three diminutive, shadowy figures back-lit by orange hot forge-light materialize at the end of the hallway

Robert raises his right hand in greeting. "Hail! I come to talk!"

The three figures begin chattering to one another , speaking too fast for you to follow but filling the entire cavernous hallway with noise. He comes for the answers, but we have no answers. Only truths The man is patient, he has risked much coming here

8:26 AM

the third remains silent

Robert risks a few steps forward. "Why do you shoot down the ships in the sky? Are they a threat to you?"

He does not know! one cackles HE DOES NOT KNOW! another screams with delight

8:39 AM

Their laughter seems to be all around you, though they have not moved from their position 30m away (edited)

"I admit I'm ignorant about most things on this world. I was hoping you could enlighten me."

(Lets get a mental save!)

(12v5, pass)

Your vision swims (but they dont puppet you, theyre just showing you) You see ships crashing from the sky, likewise brought down from the microwave gun, and the mushroom cloud explosions of soil and rock across the planet, seen from the peak of this facility, marking the landing zone of each vessel. You see further back in time, a haphazard array of shadowy , ill defined figures kneeling before a multi armed beast, who does not look like a slyth. He commands them in a language you know you could not understand if this was not being shown to you, to protect this planet, this installation, and the horrific secrets buried below from outside influence at all costs. "I will release the final protective seal on the pathogen before departing. You will be safe if you remain here. You will carry out this order, and your families will be told of the high honor you have agreed to"

"Amazing." Robert keeps himself together, barely. "Who was that being that commanded you to guard this place?"

The overlord. This was his domain once, before he moved on

"Why do you remain then? I come from another world, I have travelled this whole region of space, your overlord is gone. What is left for you here?"

(I'm going to use my Diplomat 2 power to shift them one step closer to friendly as soon as possible btw, it requires 30 seconds of conversation) (edited)

(You've had that already for sure, and yeah them showing you is the result of that)

9:24 AM

(Otherwise they were just going to make fun of you more)

9:25 AM

We are custodians of a terrible secret. You do not want this unearthed, human

"If all you wish to do is guard it, then I see no reason to challenge your mission. What of this planet, this weapon you shoot the ships down with? There is a thriving galaxy outside of this planet, and this weapon, this disease won't be enough to protect that which you seek to keep safe. More people will come, and one day someone will come with weapons strong enough to break through your defences. I don't want to see that happen any more than you do. I have resources at my disposal, and I can prevent anyone or anything from seeking to break into this vault in ways you are incapable of. We can work together, if you're willing to make a deal." (edited)

Deal? Deal for what, what can we possibly offer in exchange? (edited)

"Access to the rest of this planet, for limited settlement. I would also like to see your weapon, but I understand that it is likely something you wouldn't want me to go near. Can you stop the spread of this virus? Put it back in the bottle, so to speak? I'm just the first person to come this way, there are numerous other civilisations and entities out there that have both the will and the means to take what you protect, and as long as this world lies unclaimed they will be free to try. If you allow my Wardens and I to live here with you, I'll have the authority and influence to prevent anyone from coming near your vault."

We cannot, and for that reason we cannot allow offworlders to desecrate this sacred world with their footsteps. We have prevented people from coming near, and will continue. This world is closed

"So be it. Would you allow my craft to leave this world unmolested, so I can pass on your wish for us to stay away to my people?"

"We will hold fire, for you to depart"

"I will do my best to convince others to stay away." Lacking any feeling of familiarity with these beings, Robert merely nods slightly, before turning and leaving, content to make his way back to the explorer.

THey keep to their deal and allow you to leave unbothered. Your two guides seem surprised to see you. In a better light, you can tell they are ashen one, though their augmentations are very old, and they've adapted to the wilderness perhaps better than their other expats

Robert smiles gently when he sees his guides, as he wonders what a life such as theirs would be like. "Thank you for your services. I have some weaponry back at my ship that I can give you as payment if you'd escort me back there as well?"

They look to one another, and then back to you before nodding, and heading out in the direction of your explorer. THe drive back is slow and uneventful, the two of them saying little. They choose to ride on top of the explorer, rather than in it, and you get the sense that this will probably make decontamination protocols easier anyway. They seem to be able to keep their hands to themselves up there, only a few screens go black as they take the sensor components apart in their continual need to tinker

Grinning as one of the sensor displays drops out, Robert sends a message to his crew requesting they pull a few laser rifles along with some power cells out for his companions, then guides the explorer back to the Wanderlust.

Your two vacc suited crewmen have the weapons and power cells stacked up neatly 20m from the base of the ramp, and wave a hand as you approach. Might want to have your friends hop off. We're going to have a time decontaminating the cargo bay as it is. Don't want them getting loose aboard the ship

"Agreed. I'll send them off, then we can decontaminate everything." Robert stops the explorer a few dozen metres from the ship, then exits, pointing towards the gift pile once he gets his guides attention. "They're all yours, thank you for your assistance. I won't hold you any longer."

They both bow to you, hands full of 'liberated' components, and they begin digging through the pile of technological gifts

Bowing slightly in return, Robert leaves them to their spoils, returning to the vessel. "I've secured us safe passage off this world, and not much else. How are the repairs?"

“Enough to get back into space. We can handle the rest there and decontaminate once we do. A few hours before spike and we should be square”

"Let's load up and get out of here." Robert returns to the grav explorer to load it on the Wanderlust.

The hatch closes and the sprinklers in the ceiling begin spraying everything down with hot water and antibacterial foam. The crewmen In their suits and you also stand in the hangar under the cleansing rain.

Once the decontamination process is complete, Robert orders an immediate takeoff, taking the pilots seat for himself. He tries to keep his curiosity as to what is actually in that vault in check as he pilots the Wanderlust out of the atmosphere, preparing to return to Gudrun.

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

7:26 AM

The deconatimation goes smoothly, and after several days, you return to Gudrun, the ship repaired but for a few minor issues

Leaving the ship in the capable hands of some RCOE engineers, Robert makes a few calls to track down the Fleshshaper drone corpse, intending to study it. They'll dominate us in space unless we can overcome that spike drill dampener it seems to project. Discovering it's location and ensuring he will be allowed entry takes him a few minutes, and it isn't long before he is heading there in a hired gravcar.

Leaving the hangar with the Fleshshaper drone, Robert returns to the Wanderlust, quickly setting a course for Tsatsos to oversee the construction of the first Warden Hall. "Maybe Billy will be there, it's been too long since we've been in a room together. Christ, I'm busy these days." Robert stops muttering to himself as some techs give him an awkward look.

The ship plunges into spike space as you complete your inward monologue with yourself , heading for Tsatsos. You arrive five days later after an uneventful journey , to find the meager planetary defense fleet on high alert

Used to a much more relaxed state of affairs in Tsatsos orbit, Robert sends a message to Tsatsos fleet command, trying to figure out what's gotten the local defences this riled up. As his sensor readings start coming in, a sinking feeling forms in his gut.

You see reports from here, Tsatsos, and Sumati that some sort of shaper asteroid or orbital assault has been attempted and intercepted. The defenses here especially were ill prepared , just a hasty rag tag fleet and a sole ground defense gun participating in the battle

"It's started. I hoped we'd have more time." Robert takes his cap off and wipes away the cold sweat forming as he remembers watching the Fleshshapers devour a world. Collecting himself, Robert sends a short message to Billy letting him know that he's in system before heading to the site of his new base of operations.

(Did you want to let him respond or did you want to dive into something)

(Dive into something, he can respond in his own time, I figure I'm going to spend a bit of time setting things up if only to satisfy my own excitement at starting a faction if that's all good)

(Sure thing!)

Taking the Wanderlust down in one of the more mountainous and isolated regions of Tsatsos, Robert finds the perfect site for the Warden Hall; nestled against the base of a large mountain, on the edge of a wide rocky valley with a lava river slowly streaming along.

Its timely that you should pop in Robert. We need to build a fleet rapidly and I’d like to see you in a better place to fight alongside me as well. Build some extra ships and we will man them. I think we will have to go cheap and try to pump some out here. I know you have limited funds, but both of our ship slots should be full this month. Let me know if you need assistance setting up your base of ops. We need the Void Wardens more than ever right now. Especially in the absence of EI.

Landing the craft, Robert exits, his crew taking the time to relax after a decent spike journey.

1:35 AM

(How do I actually build it)

(Physically rather than mechanically)

(so we're getitng into the holdings and faction rules. this month your level 1 HQ, and base of influence on Tsatsos is building. If you want to play through the actual finding a location, you can, but otherwise the few initial employees and your small office happens in the background. Next month flip they'll be ready to go, and you will have 3 holding points to build something from SOG)

(Cool, I just wanted to have an idea of where it was going to be written down so I can reference it later. I'm actually drawing a blank as to where to go from here for some reason so bear with me hahaha)

(There’s a faction spreadsheet in the works, a master one for me so I can see what everyone has at a glance )

(How far away is month 5? I want to do some smaller stuff before the cruiser is built but I want to be ready to take it out as soon as it is)

(Last flip was 7/21, so we have a ways to go yet)

(Cool beans, let's take a look and see what planets I haven't gotten my dirty mitts on yet)

(No one has visited Yauvani (west of chloe) yet have they? If not I'll head there, exploring and looking for new tech, route thjodhild - Chloe- Yauvani unless there's a better route, too hard for me to see the route map atm)

(no one has been there yet)

Satisfied with the location and development of the Warden Hall, Robert returns to the ship and rouses his crew, a few grumbles emanating from them as they turn off the Soccer game. Leaving atmosphere, Robert plots a course for Yauvani. (Same course as above)

(Theres a shorter route if you like()

8:17 AM

(Also, no ones been to Parnika either, which is a bit closer, eithe rone)

(Yeah if Parnika is closer let's go there. I'm trying to not expand the UNW sphere too much so other polities have some room to explore themselves. Sorry I'm having map problems btw should be running off a laptop within a week)

(15 days in spike, with 7 of it being ruttering the new route

(Can I start learning Taros? Does it take less time because of diplomat 2 or is it still 30 days for balance?)

(its 30 days since its an alien language, if you were learning another human dialect like french or german or something,it would be faster, or even if you were to learn the trade languages of the NMC or pelgason)

(I'll start on Taros but learning those trade languages is a great idea for after, 15/30 for Taros, let's head to Parnika)

The world of parnika is below and one of its small villages is burning as the ship pulls into orbit. You can see the black clouds of smoke covering a large section of landmass around it

"I'm sure you know the drill by now, crew. Let's go see if we can lend a hand. Maybe even make some new friends?" Robert takes the Wanderlust down to the burning village, sensors looking for threats.

(Program/int for the sensors good sir)

3:51 PM

(You get a +2 thanks to having the actual survey fitting)

(16, did I pass?

)

The sensors manage to somehow pierce the gloom , and you see dozens of munitions plants are burning below, secondary explosions leveling factory districts, and clouds of black smoke dozens of kilometers high drift into the air Reports from the Remnant war show there was a trade route between here and the mega shipyard

Robert uses the scanners to check for any human or otherwise sentient life signs within range of the explosions before making a decision.

The area appears to be empty of life, both animal and human. Temperatures near the center of the burning industrial zone are close to 2500 degrees, anything in the immediate area would have been flash fried.

(If my ship is fitted for amphibious travel is it possible to fill the cargo hold with water while submurged then try and dump it on the flames?)

(there would be some pilot checks for taking off from underwater, while also much more full, but yea theoretically its possible)

"Let's see if we can put these fires out. These munitions might be necessary for the Fleshshaper war." The Wanderlust cruises rapidly to the nearest body of water, deckhands prepping the cargo hold by sealing it as much as possible. Once the hold is ready, Robert submurges the ship and opens the bay doors. Once satisfied he prepares for the return journey.

(Pilot/dex, or int, for either raw pilot skill or calculating a course that's going to let your not buoyant and now very heavy ship get out)

(11 with Dex)

The Wanderlust strains against itself and the crushing water pressure. Cracks running along the same places the microwave damage previously split back open, and more water floods the compartment. (10 damage to ship) The engines burn hot, steaming the water around you, and you emerge from the depths like a rising leviathan from a primitive folk nightmare tale. Trailing water droplets, steam, and smoke, the Wanderlust heads back toward the fires, belly full of water

"Hold it together, girl." Robert rubs a hand gently across a nearby surface, as if reassuring the ship. "I promise you'll get a break soon." The heaving vessel lurches through the sky, obviously struggling due to the added mass. As the Wanderlust reaches the site of the fires, Robert attempts to locate an area where the addition of huge amounts of water might prevent some of the munitions being damaged.

7:51 AM

(Not asking for you to make everything work for me, just attempting to use Roberts judgement as best as he can manage in the situation)

The console is bathed in amber and red lights, and status indicators, slowly outnumbering the green ones, but for now the ship seems to be holding. Your scan data refreshes as you pass over, and you see the eastward side of the fire has not spread as quickly as the others. It looks like there are some warehouses there, twenty of them in two rows of ten. You might be able to lay down enough water to stop the fire from closing in on them. It's not clear what's stored inside.

The Wanderlust flies low, preparing to strafe the eastward side. Once above the target area, Robert opens the cargo bay doors, flooding the burning warehouses from above while trying to maintain a steady course.

The water floods the streets and factories, dousing the advancing flames in a cascading hiss of steam. Temperatures on the ground plummet, but the scanning instruments fail at the sudden sharp increase in airborne particulates

Not wishing to put the ship under more stress, Robert backs off, landing on the far end of the eastern block of warehouses, wishing to take a look at their contents as long as the temperature isn't above boiling point.

Steam blankets the ground from the dissolving water, and the Wanderlust creaks and groans as it lands, metal settling along its strained spine. Your boatswain takes you aside. "Captain, we need to have a talk about the old girl, before we take off, at least"

Robert sighs. "Then it's a talk we will have. Let's have a look at this place first, we can discuss the ship when we get back." Leaving the ship, Robert gathers his equipment, setting out towards the warehouses to see what they contain.

(going on foot or are you taking your explorer?)

(Foot)

(He's in his CFU, he can survive most things wearing that if hes alone now)

The warehouse district looks to be safe from the fire for the time being, though youre soon drenched inside the armor and atmofilter with all the steam in the air. It feels a bit like being the crab in a pot. The warehouses are separated from the rest of the district by a chain link fence, but you see there is a gate on each cardinal side of the complex

His artificial autonomic systems kick in, helping him handle the heat and moisture better than a normal human body could allow. Robert walks over to the closest gate, keeping an eye out for any sign of life while wishing the damn heat wasn't screwing with his thermal vision.

There does not seem to be any life within the steaming mess of the local area, anything alive down ehre would have been overwhelmed by the heat and smoke long before your firefighting efforts. You can see in a few areas where even the pavement had turned molten and started to run

Satisfied, Robert pushes into the warehouses proper, hoping that his efforts weren't for nothing.

The first set, one to your left and right at the south end of the row loom first from the steam. They are shadows against the smoky backdrop

10:25 AM

The gate looks to not be fastened and easily can be pushed aside

Robert pushes through the gate and moves towards the warehouse to his right, using his environmental scanner to check for airborne dangers.

The air is humid but nothing registers as toxic in the immediate area. The warehouse is a two story building with a peaked roof, and the glass panes have shattered from over-expansion due to heat in the air. The ground is littered with wet glass chips, fallen outside the frames and left to be crushed into the ground. The main warehouse door is closed with a throwbar, evidently only locked from the outside

Pulling back the throwbar, Robert heaves the large door open, sweat running down his face within his CFU.

There is a bang as the lever releases and the door opens. Inside, crates of unmarked military issue are stacked to almost the ceiling. Some are marked hazardous materials, but 90% of the stock you can see look to be standard munition containers

Robert takes some quick scans of the contents to show to logistics officials back in the UNW, before heading back to the Wanderlust to chat with the boatswaine, shuddering as he hears the creaks of his ship when he nears it.

The boatswain is waiting, thick cigar hanging from his mouth, and a sour look on his face. "Captain, you're back.. Find anything useful out there?"

"Munitions we can use for the war effort. Not as exciting as I was hoping but any bit counts." Robert pulls out his pipe, fills it quickly and starts to puff away. "Speak your mind, boatswain, I don't need you to mince words."

"The Wanderlust, captain. Her back is breaking. We've got enough for a couple jumps, really just to get to home port, but those microwave lines. It doesn't matter what we try to fill or reinforce them with. They just keep opening up again"

8:01 AM

"Like a tech version of the disease the Ashen have"

Robert is stunned into silence for a moment, his tobacco slowly smouldering in his pipe, unattended. His face remains mostly impassive, though his eyes have a hint of moisture in them. "The old girls at the end of her life? I thought I'd have her for far longer. She was a good ship, she never let me down." Robert takes his cap off and holds it tight above his heart. He stands silently for a moment, then puts his cap back on and turns back to the boatswain. "If this is going to be her last mission I want to at least meet the locals. I'll take the grav explorer and see if I can find a nearby settlement. I'd appreciate it if you could ensure the Wanderlust will survive the journey home as best you can."

"I can patch her, but once we get back to Tsatsos, she's going to land, and stay there. I've got some ideas, if you like. She'd make an admirable ground floor or defensive blockhouse for our headquarters"

"That... is a great idea. I can't say I'm ready to see her go. Keeping her around is perfect. You're a genius, my friend!"

"I wish there was more I could do. Please believe me when I say I did everything I could to try to save her"

"I have no doubt in your abilities. I know I've put that ship through the paces, I just didn't realise how much damage we sustained on Akhlaqi. There's a place for you on the Vanguard when we return, if you want it."

"I'll make sure she gets us home. We can take as much as we can carry with us"

"I guess it's no harm loading up some goods now then." Robert organises his crew, bringing them with him back into the warehouse. They stand cautiously back while he investigates the crates of hazardous materials.

The crates are marked with a radioactive hazard placard, indicating some sort of nuclear device, or depeleted nuclear armament is inside

Robert uses his environmental scanner to ensure that there is no residual radiation around the crates, before having the crates carefully carried back to the Wanderlust. I wouldn't want this used on an inhabited world, but nuclear arms might be a decent stopgap against Fleshshapers given the effects of radiation on biological tissue.

The supplies are packed aboard and seem to be in fine repair for now. The master gunner promises he will look over them once you are underway to see what sense he can make from them. He is uncomfortable having radioactive's aboard, but you so often do not get to choose the company or cargo you keep on these types of expeditions, and decides it is better to bite his tongue

Sensing the master gunners concern, Robert takes him aside. "I'm genuinely sorry we are transporting radioactive material on such a small ship. In better times, I would never think about it. Sadly we are facing a war for survival and I need to make decisions that I normally wouldn't. If you think that there is a decent risk that this cargo is going to harm us while we are travelling back, we dump it in space, you have my word."

9:34 PM

(So I'm actually really pumped to get my cruiser it turns out, I might just head back now)

"I understand. I'm just eager to get this into proper storage. Are we claiming these munitions for the wardens? I'll fill out the paperwork on our flight back, have it presented for your signature tonight"

"It couldn't hurt to have some extra firepower. Make it so."

He spends the flight back to Tsatsos cataloging the munitions taken, more than enough to keep your meager fleet supplied through a few battles. Four nuclear cores that could be inserted into torpedoes are among the loot, orders packaged with them showing they were to be stored until such time as bombardment of a UNW world could be assured

(Can I add the travel time to my Taros learning?)

As the Wanderlust sets down at the location previously scouted out on Tsatsos, Robert feels his chest tighten. He turns off the ships engines knowing they will never be turned on again. He is about to say something, before the loud creaking of the beleaguered ship stops him, just for a moment. Smiling, he strokes the flight console as one would a tired child. "You've done well, old girl. So well. We've helped so many people, saved so many lives. Hell, given the state I was in a few months ago you probably saved mine. After losing Sarah it felt like I had nothing left to live for. You showed me that there was a whole universe out there that needed what I couldn't give her anymore." A single tear runs down his cheek, and his voice breaks slightly. "Christ, I didn't realise how much I love you, old girl. Thank you for everything. I may end up travelling in other ships, going to distant stars, but you will always be my home." After sitting in silence for a minute, Robert wipes the tear off his face and gets up, making his way down to the cargo bay to help unload the munitions for storage. Between loads he pings the UNW shipyard authority to request the status of the Vanguards construction.

8

9:49 PM

(I'm actually sad well done Neko)

Incoming Message: Billy

Hey! Congratulations again on your new venture, I’m excited to see the work you accomplish. I am going to be gone from Tsatsos for about a week, but should you be on planet, know that the RCOE facilities are still open to you. Let me know if I can help. We need the Void Wardens strong. 

To new beginnings and old friends.

(You can add the time) As the Wanderlust creaks and settles, preparing for its new use as part of your headquarters, you receive a report that the Vanguard is complete and ready for deployment. You’ll need to find a crew- but the flagship is ready for launch

Settling down in his cabin within the ship, Robert pulls out a screen and begins searching through any applications for the Void Wardens, hoping to form a crew with at least a few representatives from every UNW race.

Most of the recruits right now are Ashen Ones, eager to get into the heavens and be the first to explore and use new technologies the wardens are sure to develop given it is war-time. You do see a few merlons and a Taros

Robert personally pays for their transport out to the HQ on Tsatsos, eager to meet the first of the Void Wardens. He prepares to meet them all by changing to the new clothes he had made for his new position; a black spacers uniform, practical yet well cut, heavy boots, with a black greatcoat thrown over the top. His red cap remains.

Robert makes a mental note to keep an eye out for leadership candidates given the rapid expansion of the faction.

THere are none right now, but perhaps as operations begin, somne will find their feed under them and become easy candidates. The engineer in charge of constructing headquarters reports the Wanderlust is now part of the foundation, a larger reactor being fitted to the ships reactor to continue powering the weapons, and onboard power- the current system will be designated as a backup, just in case.

With the personelle and headquarters issues well in hand, Robert calls for a craft to take him to the berth the Vanguard is currently in to inspect it.

A cargo lighter equipped for passengers arrives to bring you to space, where the Vanguard is waiting (I think you should be the one to tell us what it looksm like)

2

Sitting by a porthole on the cargo lighter, Robert watches keenly for the starship as they approach the shipyard. As it finally comes into view, Robert is struck by a single thought. Magnificent. Its hull, while only looking moderately protected, is wrapped with the finest armour in the UNW, custom built by RCOE engineers to both reactively prepare for different types of weapon while also being able to autonomously repair at a rapid pace. Sheathed within the same protective coating rests the semi-detachable shipyard and repair bay, capable of repairing most types of damage to both itself and other vessels, along with limited ship construction capabilities. While not as heavily armed as a standard battlecruiser, it sports twin Spike Inversion Projectors on nested forward mounts. The forward hangar, while currently empty, is made to house a frigate class vessel, allowing the Vanguard to bring different frigates for different missions depending on need. Within the ship are a series of well equipped workshops, a capable laboratory, a healthy armoury, large stores of food and life support resources and some of the finest sensors the RCOE can produce. The Vanguard has a large profile, easily dwarfing the nearby frigates and shuttles swarming the shipyard. It hangs in space confidently, Robert thinks to himself, knowing the thought likely springs from his own bias towards the ship. The Vanguard was a perfect name for it, this is clearly a ship that wants to go forth. (edited)

1

The lighter begins angling its course toward the frigate bay, cavernous without the form of another ship nested inside, and the integrity field quickly reforms behind the vessel as it swings inside. Warm orange lighting, powering up for the first time, begins to click on in response to motion

"It's a shame that I've got to take you to war, really. One day I promise we will go South and undertake the journey you were meant for. Until then, we've got a war to fight." Robert seems to be talking to himself as much as the ship. Once the lighter docks, Robert leaves his seat and makes his way to the exit, excited to be in his ship for the first time.

(same thing here, not to make you do the heavy lifting but if theres a certain aesthetic you want your ship to have, probably best you laying the groundwork)

(All good just didnt want to presume)

As the docking bay doors finally seal and open, Robert strides through immediately, taking in the interior of the vessel. The halls are metal and utilitarian, lit by a series of lights built into the ceiling. Tough looking bulkhead doors are spread throughout the ship, splitting the ship into multiple different cells using their own atmosphere when shut, a process that can be done automatically or manually using various wheels and levers found near each one. There are smaller coloured lights mounted on the floor, capable of being tasked with lighting up various coloured paths for crew members to ensure they can get to where they're going quickly in an emergency. Most of the rooms are small and sparsely decorated, though a moderately sized crew lounge serves as one of the few places where form was put before function. Handholds can be found along most surfaces to allow for easy passage through the ship in case the artificial gravity shuts down. The bridge itself is contained within the centre of the ship in an effort to prevent the entire bridge crew being wiped out in battle by a lucky shot. Having made his way there, Robert takes his seat in the Captains chair, finding the seat much to his liking.

Sensors mounted around the hull begin coming online, projecting the exterior of the ship onto the bridge walls, so you can see through it, and you see the cargo lighter moving out of the way, in case you decide to launch. docking gantries are being disconnected, and fuel lines are pulled. Most of the controls still have the factory plastic wrap on them, and the ignition key for the reactor is on the engineers station in a small wooden box.

Robert makes his way over to the engineers station, gently pulling the ignition key out of the box. He inserts it into its slot, takes a deep breath, then twists the key.

Ignition is smooth, and the deckplates begin to hum as the reactor has fuel squirted into it for the first time. The reactor begins spooling up, and additional control banks come online with the additional power. The central holographic table begins running through its complicated boot up process, and a running list of ship system status indicators begins changing from a grey NO VALUE to Green

(Ive got a crew around now yeah?)

(yeah, there are more than enough unemployed, just depends how full you want the crew to be)

(150 crew, 75% capacity)

10:47 AM

With the crew finally making their way to their stations and settling in, Robert has them run quick diagnostic of the ships systems before leaving the shipyard. While he waits, he has one of his new recruits at the HQ to fly up his ID strike craft for storage within the empty frigate bay, hoping his crew was up to the task of securing a far smaller craft safely. Returning his focus to the bridge, he walks around, getting a feel for all the different stations and meeting his new crew.

(Up to you if you want to name your department heads or not, i can generate some if youre stuck) The bridge stations stretch out around the captain area, putting you in the heart of the action

2:38 PM

the ID fighter is loaded and secured with anchors to the deck. The blast shutters meant to be closed during spike flight rattle closed, and you feel the vibration of those doors clanking together even at the bridge, several decks removed from the cavernous launch space.

2

(I'd love to name the department heads. Engineering is K'tolla, a hardass Ashen One who knows her way around machines better even than most of her kind and takes shit from no one. Gunnery is Maxim Sokolov, a Taros with an unfailingly positive and sunny disposition even during combat. Comms and Sensors is Raoul Deepscale, a charismatic Merlon prone to cracking jokes during tense moments. Navigation and Piloting is Ashaki Rahal, a human woman and NMC refugee who survived the Fleshshaper attack on the exodus ships, quietly competent and hiding a caring nature behind a stern exterior. XO is Kaf'ka, a tall Ashen One standing nearly at normal human height, capable of staying calm under pressure and a true believer in the cause of the Void Wardens.)

9:48 PM

(Can you sticky that for when I inevitably forget what I named them)

9:51 PM

"Rahal, take us out, let's put these engines through the paces before we start spiking into unknown systems. Take us out to the closest asteroid field and we will test the cannons on one of the larger rocks."

Regulus/Grupp 8/30/2019 10:52 PM

"First Warden, there's something here, some kind of cannister" Kaf'ka says, presenting it to you. There is a RCOE ribbon and card attached to it

Surprised, Robert takes the canister from his XO, opening the card to read. (edited)

There is an inner cannister of nannites, with warnings and hazards on it, and a note, from billy

11:37 AM

Robert, good luck in the void. Use this only when you feel you need to. I hope to see you again soon. your friend, Billy

11:39 AM

Polymorphic Nanites: Usually found in two-kilo cylinders with integral input-output data ports, polymorphic nanites were a late-Second Wave development that promised to revolutionize manufacturing. When fed a design schematic us ing standard pretech CAD/CAM protocols, the nanites exude into the desired object, mimicking any necessary physical properties. The nanites can be used to create any object of equivalent or lesser mass, provided a datapad or the equivalent is available to feed them the schematic. The nanites are single-use, but multiple cylinders can be linked together to create larger objects. The workmanship of the nanites is good, but not exceptional; any available schematic of tech level 4 or less can be produced.

3

(Awww @Paxcyan Wilder (Billy) you sweetheart)

2

(Alright. Where are we headed?)

(Has Savita (near Cruesa) been explored? If not, I'll head there, I don't want to go after the Fleshshapers until my assault corvette is finished) (edited)

(there is a scouting report up)

8:55 PM

(It's been probed, surface map is something I need to draw yet)

(I cant find it, is it the scouting report that hasnt got its own named folder in the 1N sector folder

(No. I’ll find it)

(Actually yes, the one in 1N is Sativa. Got moved from its folder somehow)

(It was in the wrong folder because of a misspelling confusion. Sativa is 1N and Savita is central. No one has been to Savita)

10:31 PM

(It was behind the Remnant)

(Savita is what I meant. I'm the one who probed it)

1

(Actually looking back at my DMs with Neko I definitely said Sativa, but I for sure meant Savita lol. I don't see a Sativa in 1N. Apparently Neko's dyslexia is contagious)

(He said "there's a 1N planet this belongs to" in reference to the scouting report. I didn't actually look for it on the map myself lol. He'll sort this out in the morning.)

(I've got no idea what's happening hahaha)

(Mod fight!

whose channel is it anyways?)

(Yo let me get back to roll20. Everyone chill)

5

7:19 AM

(The report on its own belongs to Sarika in 1N.i don’t know where the folder itself went)

(Now theres a Sarika? Theyre multiplying D:)

(Did the Savita probe report get located?)

Inert Gas, useless for respiration Warm, tropical and hotter in places Immiscible biosphere Outpost TL4 (89) Terraform Failure (99) Xenophobes

9:46 AM

(this is the proper one for the world you are exploring)

(Awww Xenophobes. fuck it I'll see what Robert can do here then pop to a nearby world if it doesnt work)

9:50 AM

Robert orders the first spike drill of the flagship (and currently the only ship) of the Void Wardens, heading to Savita through Cruesa.

(When we get there assuming Im not in danger Im just going to do the usual scans for life/anomalies)

Scans echo across the system and the comms officers face pales as the reports come in. Underhill swarm on the planet. A large one.

"I thought we'd seen the end of these things," Robert quietly comments to Kaf'ka. He raises his voice, talking to the entire bridge. "Are they spread across the whole world or localised in any specific areas? Is there any sign of intelligent non-Underhill life?"

“Hives all over the planet. Almost no life but for their own”

"If it weren't for the Fleshshapers I'd be perfectly happy to leave this world alone. The sheer amount of biomass on this planet worries me." Robert reminisces about a time when biomass levels weren't something he was concerned about. "I think this world is a matter for the Council. We aren't equipped to do anything about this. Have the workshop fabricate a drone with solar panels and sensory equipment, and throw it in orbit. Maybe it'll pick up important details for the next people that come here. Once they're done, we'll spike to Shalini."

(I'm good to add all the spike travel days to my Taros yeah?)

(Yeah no problem)

8:01 AM

It takes about a day to complete the drone , and it’s launched out of the primary hangar to keep an eye on the planet. (I will check to see if I have anything generated for that world yet)

The probe reports nothing else over the day in orbit, as you prepare to depart for Shalini. The trip is several days, passing you through a turbulent spike corridor to the planet, or what once was a solar system.

9:41 AM

This area is a black hole, a large one, with a small orbital station here, observing it. There is power on within, and a host of communications signals, though they're directional, and all being fired into the event horizon

Robert watches the displays for a moment before speaking. "Deepscale, send them a message of greeting from the Void Wardens and the UNW, and let them know we come in peace. I can't imagine it's a particularly nice surprise to have a heavily armed cruiser suddenly appear in system."

The coded messages are sent out to be received by the station . In reply several moments later one if it’s large Radar dishes begins swinging toward the area of space your ship is in.

Keying himself into the comms, Robert sends another message. "Requesting permission to dock in order to talk. We're galactic neighbours, I feel it would be important to open a dialogue. I have a smaller craft that I can take to get to you if you'd prefer the cruiser to stay out of weapons range."

There is a brief pause. “Proceed ahead on Small Craft. Your flagship is to Remain at anchor.”

"Acknowledged. My craft will be departing the flagship shortly." Robert gets up, taking off his coat and throwing it over his shoulder. "Kaf'ka, you're in command while I'm off deck. Keep the sensors running while holding station, but don't do anything to antagonize the station. This could easily go wrong if we make ourselves look like a threat." Robert makes his way down to the frigate bay, stopping at his quarters to discard his coat and don his CFU. He enters the bay, getting ready to enter the strike craft and make his way over to the station.

The craft is in good repair and ready for launch quickly. (Just you going over? I believe those ID ships hold up to 4)

(I'll bring Ashaki (nav officer) because it's not like she's doing anything on the ship right now, along with a couple of crew members) (edited)

9:35 AM

Robert opens the entry hatch, climbing in, then gesturing to Ashaki and the other two Wardens to follow, before helping them secure themselves to their respective seats. Once they are comfortable and safely secured, he takes his seat at the pilots controls and disengages the various clamps keeping the strike craft secured. "Kaf'ka, we're heading out. Keep my crew safe while I'm gone."

"Of course First Warden. Make it back safely" The ship pulls away from the cruiser, heading toward the platform. Most of the sensor equipment is fouled due to the black hole, and you continue forward towards a docking hangar that is winching open, leaking a sickly yellow light out into the void

Cruising steadily towards the station, Robert initiates communications once more. "First Warden Tanzer on approach, requesting permission to dock."

“Permission granted fjrst warden. Enter”

6:36 AM

The turrets guarding the hangar entrance still track you

Eyeing the turrets warily, Robert slowly takes the strike craft into the hangar. Landing, he calls back to his crew, telling them to get ready to exit, then stands up himself, brushing some dust off his CFU, before heading to the exit hatch to disembark and see just what beast he's entered the belly of.

Two figures, hunched and partially mutilated open the hatchway, their space suits showing signs of constant repair. One is missing an eye, the other has a hand that ends in a mechanical tentacle

3

Doing his best to hide his shock at the appearance of the strangers, Robert raises a hand in greeting. "I'm First Warden Robert Tanzer of the UNW, I appreciate you allowing me to meet you in person. I've got much to tell you about the state of the sector that I believe you need to know. I'm also hoping you can tell me a bit about what you're doing here."

“First Warden. This is detritus station. Welcome. We are observing the black hole, trying to communicate through it”

(That's silly. Everyone knows there are no outward facing geodesics beyond the event horizon! My immersion is ruined)

"Communicate with whom, exactly?"

“The voice of the void. A beast. A visitor approaching from the galactic south. We wish to make ourselves known to it and worship its divine purpose”

Robert freezes up, a film of cold sweat covering his skin. It takes him a few seconds to reply. "You... you are trying to talk to the Scream Beast?" He pauses a second more, trying to put his thoughts into words while also forcing himself to remember his precarious situation. "I know of the being you are trying to contact. It was contacted before, by a union of psychic academies across the galaxy. That contact attempt caused the Scream. Do you have a leader? I must let them know all the information I have on this being, urgently."

"We know it caused the disaster. We heard the beasts hunting call, glorious and powerful as it is" Their words are cloying, and sibilant, and they smile with far too many teeth. It is the smile of a fanatic, not a friendly greeting. The other, tentacle fingers snapping and whipping gently, approaches. "We will take you to He-Who-Hears-The-Beast"

Glad he was wise enough to wear his CFU, Robert nods. "Take me to your leader." Before following the tentacled stranger, he turns and whispers to Ashaki. "Stay with the strike craft. If it looks like you're in real danger, get out of here and go back to the ship. If you don't hear from me for half an hour after leaving, have Kaf'ka fire weapons at the station, only enough to slightly damage it. I should be able to make it out of here if you do all of that." Without waiting for a reply, he abruptly turns and follows the Detritus locals.

They bring you through corridors rife with rust and some overgrown with some species of moss slowly working it’s way down the walls almost to the floor. Other examples of mutated crew shuffle by, bowing and moving to the side at the passage of your guide. Toward the center of the station you come to the bridge, where more of the crew are hard at work on a complex communication system. One of their number, the cleanest but somehow most heavily mutated sits in a chair in the center, plugged into some kind of helmet

Robert, slyly pushing his data siphon onto his finger, attempts to approach the communication system, aiming to give it a quick slap so that the siphon can download any information stored on it.

7:00 AM

As he does so, he greets the being on the chair, both out of courtesy and to cover his actions. "Its a pleasure to meet You, He-Who-Hears-The-Beast. I'm First Warden Robert Tanzer."

)lets get a sneak/dex for that one for shre(

(9)

They do not seem to observe your clever ruse

(Does the guy in the chair reply or did Robert just talk to a guy that can't hear him like a fool hahaha)

(I had to go back to work before I could finish this)

10:09 AM

“First warden tanzer. The beast knows of you. As do we. You are welcomed here , witness. “

(Ah sorry)

(Tried to be DJ cool guy and sneak it in)

5

4

"I appreciate the hospitality. You say the beast knows of me. How?" The discomfort Robert feels in this station only increases when the being speaks.

“You know of a being , many beings in one. You are a friend of them?”

"I did take him camping, so you're probably right on that count."

"Indeed. Your name is known to him, and therefore to the beast, and thus, to us. You have the mark First Warden Robert Tanzer. "

7:34 PM

"you grace us here with your attendance, will you be returning when he finally comes to swallow us, and return us to being whole?"

"I've never communicated with the beast directly. I didn't even know it could know an individual as small to it as I. You say it will make us whole, has it told you this? What else does it say? Could one such as I talk to it as you do?"

7:48 PM

(Using diplomat 2 once 30 seconds elapse to make them even more friendly if that will do anything)

"It knows of you. It may listen. It may speak, if you are truly chosen" The creature seems to not be able to stand up under its own power, but the helmet is taken from its head, connected to the ceiling and myriad communications panels by a crown of cables

Robert, his curiosity just winning over his fear, approaches, taking off his trusty red beanie. "I would speak to the beast, in the hopes it deigns to reply."

The helmet is placed on your head and suddenly you feel an immense cold. It’s not just the physical sensation of cold, but rather the absence of heat entire. It feels as though you’re alone, floating as the spec of human you are against the backdrop of an endless void. Something lurks behind the turgid background of stars, like a predator fish hiding at the bottom of a sandy lake.

Feeling the intense need to shiver yet somehow unable to do so, Robert tries to get his bearings. All attempts to use his panspectral optics fail, though he is not overly surprised. Pushing down the terror he feels, Robert does what he came to do. "I know you can sense me, beast. I've come here to talk, and to listen. Will you do the same?"

You cannot see anything but sense the beast affirming your question. It is listening

"Why do you seek to devour us?"

You have a sense of a depthless hunger, a hunger so intense and painful it is a motive force all on its own. The only thing that brings peace, even for a moment, is devouring other lives to sate its endless appetite, even if only for a moment

"We could work together, find a way to help each other. The whole galaxy won't sate your hunger, and we will defend ourselves. Why not help us find a way to banish your hunger? Think of all we could achieve together!"

You sense heat, like standing too close to a match, then a small bonfire, then a structure fire, and finally the open desert under the sun. It’s angered and you feel it’s emotional turmoil

"We don't need to fight! Tell me how I can help you, please! I refuse to believe a being as powerful as you is a slave to it's own hunger!" Robert is gesturing wildly into the void, as much to hold the terror at bay as to make his point. "We don't need to be enemies!"

You sense a thinning of the connection as the beast is either moving away or simply no longer interested in the exchange presented to it. You return to the bridge where the mutant crew looks on with a mixture of bewilderment, fear, and surprise

Robert attempts to take off the helmet while addressing the mutants. He does his best to suppress his disappointment; his relief to be unharmed certainly helps. "That was an... enlightening conversation. Thank you for letting me communicate with the beast."

"The beast communicates in its own way. You've accomplished much just to listen"

"While I'm here, I need to tell you about a threat that approaches this region of space. Have you heard of the Fleshshapers?"

“We. We have not” the stunted creature says, eyes feverish and hungry and the idea of new lore

"Only a couple of spike drills away from here is a biopsionic threat; aliens capable of recreating biomass as they see fit. This isn't restricted to their own bodies, they harvest entire worlds and hunt us in the void. You and your people likely do not have long before they come here looking to feed, I suggest you flee and find safety while you can. If you stay you will all be overrun and devoured."

“Do you know of any safe systems nearby?” Their leader asks, shifting as much as he can in the limited throne space available to him

"The only place I can guarantee your safety is at my HQ on Tsatsos. Your views on the scream beast are far from orthodox, I'm afraid. Most people in this region of space wouldn't take kindly to your beliefs, but I don't feel that any of you are a threat to anyone. I'd be happy to host you if you'd be happy to work with me in return." (edited)

10:35 AM

"Otherwise, if you have the resources, my people and I can attempt to help you jury rig a ship using the equipment on my cruiser. I want you to have options."

"This platform is capable of travel through spike. We will move ourselves out of the danger area, thank you for the warning, known of the beast Tanzer"

"I wish you safe travels then. Unless you have anything else you wish to discuss, I'd like to return to my craft. My crew will be wondering about where I've gone."

“Please, you are free to leave” he says with an indulgent click of his claw

Robert nods, then about faces, striding back to the strike craft.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

7:52 PM

You return to the craft to find it intact, but everyone has their guns out, and is watching the hangar nervously. They seem relieved to see you return

"Load up, we've done all we can do here. They've got the good sense to leave this area of space, so we should give them the room to do so." Robert wanders into the craft and begins preparations for the flight back to the Vanguard.

The trip back is quick and the station doesn’t turn it’s guns on you as some of the crew had feared. You dock with the vanguard again

Helping his small crew out of their acceleration chairs, Robert soon leaves the craft and his way back up to the bridge with Ashaki. Seeing Kaf'ka in the command seat when he walks in, he gives a curt nod before addressing his bridge crew. "While they do seem to worship the Scream Beast, they don't seem to be actively helping it, nor do I think the Scream Beast needs their help. They've wisely decided to leave this area of space to escape the Fleshshapers, so we can only hope that they won't find another black hole to communicate through. Leave their station be, but keep active sensors running just in case they change their minds and decide to attack." Pausing, Robert pulls out his data tap and palms it, then looks over to his Comms Officer. "Deepscale, I pulled all the data I could from their black hole communications system without their knowledge. I believe we should go over it while we're still in the same system, so we can act on any new information we find before they go missing in deep space."

"It might take some time, and they very well may escape the gravity well before I complete this, captain. Are you alright with that?"

"Such is life. Do what you can; if they leave, they leave."

They take down some measurements and the comms data they pull out is heavily encrypted and possibly magically infused

"I don't believe we have the means to figure out what this is with what we have here. Prepare to return to Gudrun." Robert sits down in his command seat and relaxes for the first time since they found the station.

The journey home is uneventful , but long. Code scrubbers are unable to make any additional sense of the black hole code aside from picking out punctuation

(Adding those transit days to Taros learning)

On arrival at Gudrun, Robert sends a message to the shipyards, ordering the Eisenstern Attack Corvette to rendezvous with the Vanguard and take its place in the frigate bay, while tasking a pilot with taking the strike craft back to Tsatsos. He sends another message to Sergei, the new head of Lazlow Industries, requesting a meeting while apologising for the delay in reaching out to him. Finally, he books in a small stint at a Taros cyberware lab to get some more work done the next morning, hoping to have his business cleared by then.

The lab is ready for you, but is requesting details of the desired work to be done. Sergei is likewise able to make himself available to meet, even if the hours end up being odd. He has been advised he may be contacted

Robert sends the lab his desired order, before requesting a shuttle to pick him up from the dock the Vanguard has berthed at to take him to meet Sergei. (Picking up Immunofiltration System, Pressure Sheathing and if that Ashen One communication system thing is available I'd like to pick that up too)

(Direct Interface? What S'kolli got?) (edited)

(Yes)

4:41 AM

(If thats the thing with the internalised compad that allows a person to access the Ashen One net thing)

(Dax has confirmed that it is the thing)

(It’ll allow your to access it. You know the Language so you can read the data just not needing it to talk)

12:07 PM

(Since your lungs are ok)

(Yeah sounds perfect, I just want Robert to be able to fully communicate with the AO given how much he works with them(

Sergei is awake and pouring some tea when you arrive, the first of the harvest in the spring that has dried. It’s an odd hour on their island settlement but he’s happy to finally be making some connections

Smelling the warm brew as he enters, Robert smiles, reminded of a month spent on a beach with a young woman years ago. "Greetings Sergei! Mind if I join you?" He gestures towards the teapot. (edited)

“I put it on for you. I was hoping you would” he says sheepishly. “Nice to see one of Svenka’s contacts coming through. I couldn’t be sure after she left, how things would be viewed”

"I care less about which government a person chooses to work with than their character. Svenka is a good person with a strong sense of justice, and she spoke very highly of you." Robert takes a seat and pours himself some tea, taking a moment to smell the steam wafting up from the fresh brew before putting the mug down. "If she trusts you, so do I."

Taking a sip, Robert continues. "If there is anything, hypothetically, that you want from me out of this, what would it be? Answer freely, I'd like to know what we can do for each other."

Lazlows stock has been tanking since the defection. It’s an open secret at this point even though the government hasn’t officially said anything”

"I've got an offer for you, then. The Void Wardens can buy out Lazlow Industries, and incorporate it. All staff will remain in their positions doing what they're already doing, but they can elect to also become Void Wardens themselves if they want. We need more technically minded people." Taking a long sip of the tea, Roberts eyes widen, and he smiles widely as he puts down the mug. "Sergei, this is the best tea I've had in years. Thank you. You've made me feel even more confident in the offer I was about to make. I want you to become System Warden of Gudrun. The Wardens presence here has grown somewhat, and I'd like you to be in charge of it all. Svenka spoke highly of you, and I believe we could achieve a lot by working together. You can still work with Lazlow Industries, I'd just be giving you overall authority over all Void Warden assets in this system." Robert leans back, allowing his offer to resonate for a moment. "Take your time to make your decision. I've no interest in trying to force your hand. If there's another way you'd rather I help you and yours, let me know."

“Lazlow is a mining company at heart, First Warden. We have specialized knowledge that’s true but not the kind to make a ship or serve a crew. Or fight. Your offer is generous but are we really the sort you want?”

"I have plans for an expanded set of mining operations, both planetside and in space. I want you and your men to use their expertise and to train others. I don't know the first thing about mining, so I could use help."

“I see. So the production arm of the wardens then. I’m beginning to understand your plan” he says, thinking for a long moment. “And where would be be based”

"If you want to, you're welcome to stay where you are. Otherwise you're welcome to relocate to Tsatsos, or I could fund the construction of a new base of operations for you somewhere on Gudrun."

"We fought hard for this island under Svenka and suffered a large amount of danger trying to stake this claim. If you're not requiring it, we'd like to stay and continue working on things here. We've all lost friends trying to make it safe here, and it seems a slap in the face to up and leave"

"I don't want to do anything to make you or yours unhappy. I see no reason why you'd need to leave here if you don't want to. I want to find an agreement that works for both of us; if you want to stay, you stay, and I'll use my resources to ensure that you can."

“This Islam’s is rich in minerals and there is what your people call a pre tech facility in the mountains. Myself and Svenka are the only ones who know about it

"I have a nascent stellar trading operation starting up; if you'd like, we could sell your minerals amongst the stars. As for the pretech facility, I'd be very interested in going and having a look at it. You're welcome to join me, we can treat it as a trial, see how well we work together."

“Alright. I’d recommend going armed. We ran into some traps the last time we did”

4:29 PM

“I’d have a medic handy too”

"They sound like reasonable precautions to me. I'll have a medic sent down from the ship with my rifle. Do you need any weaponry?"

“We have some small arms from the corporate struggle here. All off the books of course. You understand” he says, going to a painting on the wall and sliding it aside on hidden tracks. A rack of semi automatic rifles is perched behind it in a hidden cabinet, all in decent condition

"People need to be able to defend themselves," says Robert as he calmly nods. "Especially this far into the wilds." Robert takes a seat to wait for the shuttle from the Vanguard to arrive.

The small craft makes its way to the surface landing outside on an unused loading platform where crates of ore to be sent to the mainland would normally be stacked

"Lets go meet our medic." Robert leads Sergei out to the loading platform to greet the shuttles occupants.

The shuttle lands and the requested specialists emerge, the ramp closing again as quickly as it opened, giving just enough time for the passengers to disembark.

Taking the Taros rifle offered by one of the Wardens, Robert slings it over his shoulder before thanking the small Ashen One for bringing him his weapon. He quickly briefs the assembled specialists before looking back over at Sergei. "Ready for an adventure?" Robert has a look in his eyes that is more reminiscent of the younger itinerant wanderer he once was than the older, world weary First Warden he has become.

"Ready. There's a friendly bot living up there, but he...it? has been tight lipped about what exactly the previous inhabitants were doing up there. Something to do with psychics and the underhill, but that's all I was able to get"

Robert smiles. "I have something of a way with most people. Let's go see if we can learn something new from this 'friendly bot'." Without waiting for a reply, he turns and starts ambling towards the compound, far more carefree than usual. (edited)

“It’s a long walk to the top of the mountains. Any way we can take the shuttle?” Sergei asks , looking with wonder at the sleek ship

Robert laughs a little, partly at his own excitement to climb a mountain. "You're right Sergei, no point in wasting time. Let's take the shuttle."

The shuttle deposits you on a plateau 3/4 of the way up the mountain, leaving you at a small winding path that heads fo the psitech facility. You can see how this was so difficult to get to, especially back when the underHill claimed this island as their primary nest

Robert wanders out of the shuttle, taking in the scene. "I hear the fight for this island was intense. I'm beginning to understand it. A hive the size if an island? You and yours are brave for staking a claim here so soon after the battle." He gives Sergei an appraising glance, trying to get a feel for the man as he responds.

“The army was good about staying in contact and patrolling. and we were well led” he says, gripping his semi automatic rifle a bit tighter

"Hopefully we won't run into too much trouble then." Robert unslings his own rifle and begins walking up to the facility.

The facility is a squat, octogonal building with a single blast door thst seems to be the only way in and out. There are windows at regular intervals with their blast shutters lowered.

Robert wanders up to the blast door, checking to see if the opening mechanism is operational.

You see that Svenkas repair job has held and tbe@mechanism looks free to open and close at eill

Robert considers trying to simply see into the future to see what lies on the other side, before deciding to trust in the mystery of it all. He opens the door.

The door slides open as the repair bot fires a series of nails through the open hatch, hitting nothing. He pokes his head out. “Oh. Ahem. I’m sorry sirs.”

Robert smirks, staring at the bot. "Don't get many visitors, I take it?"

“They have more legs. And mandibles. Usually” it quips, loading a fresh strip of nails into the gun

"No mandibles this time I'm afraid. I'm Robert Tanzer, and this is Sergei, though you may have met before as I understand it. I just had a chat with our mutual friend and we felt like coming up to check in on this facility. Mind if we come in for a chat?"

“I don’t have any refreshment to offer you” the bot says with some measure of hesitation. “You’re welcome inside though. It’s good to have company”

"Your company is all I ask for. I admit I'm interested in hearing what your life here is like. How did you end up becoming this places sole occupant?" Robert moves inside calmly, as if he's visiting the house of an old friend.

“A long story. Suffice to say I don’t taste as well as my companions did” he says, leading you iwn side to a disused common area

"I'm sorry to hear that." Robert follows the bot inside. "What have you done here since then? How have you occupied yourself?"

"Low power mode, mostly. I have been asleep here for some time, once my companions were....devoured" it says, stowing the nail gun on a tool rack on the wall, and then going to throw the bolt closed at the buidings heavy metal door

"Would you like to leave? I can't imagine this is a particularly interesting existence." Robert pulls out his pipe, and begins packing it. "I'm sure there's a place for you in my organisation, but I'd happily find a new home for you wherever you'd like. Hell, you could stay here and work with Sergei if you don't feel like moving." (edited)

“This facility and the information it holds are my home. The information was stolen, however. By another psychic. About two years ago now.”

9:27 AM

“Since then I have tried to safeguard our home, in the hopes it may be recovered

"Who was this psychic? There aren't that many psychics who were on Gudrun two years ago, it can't be that hard to track one down."

“I can show you” it says with some weariness in its voice , “if you’ll permit it”

Robert hesitates for a moment, before nodding.

The bots eyes begin to glow as a projector lights up. Silvano is seen teleporting into the facility and teleporting again down the hall to data storage. There is some gunfire from within the room and two underhill drones are telekinetically catapulted out of the room

He emerges from the room, an elongated data core under his arm, before teleporting out

"I know that man. Silvano. Used to be part of the Academy before striking out to fight the Fleshshapers. I'm planning in heading out to the region of space he operates in soon anyway. I can try to recover your information for you. You're welcome to accompany me if you'd like."

“I would welcome a chance to recover what was entrusted to me. That data is crucial to this installation running as intended L

"I've got some surgery booked, but in a few days I'm taking my cruiser out that way, in order to make moves against the Fleshshapers. I can send a shuttle to pick you up if you'd like to join us, though I can't guarantee your safety. Out of interest, what was this facility?"

“This was a forward academy post that the Tenebrian empire hoped to found in secret. I was it’s caretaker. “

6:45 AM

“They had hoped to learn something from the underhill, or at least find a way to understand their telepathic connection”

"Honestly, this is research the UNW could desperately use right now. I promise you that I will make tracking down this information a priority." Robert looks over at Sergei. "Is there anything you wanted to do or see while we were here?"

"We didn't get eaten, I ddin't get shot with a nailgun, and we know the place is worthless until we get that datacore back. Doesn't seem to be much good in staying" he says, in clipped English

"Sounds like we've got an actionable plan to put in place then. Sergei, I'll ensure someone gets in touch with you to transfer our on-planet resources over to your compound so that you can begin getting your operation ready to expand with our help. If there are any issues, let me know, I want you to be happy with any arrangement." Robert turns back to the robot. "I realise I never got your name, I apologise, but you're welcome to either come with me now or wait for us to send a shuttle when my cruiser is ready to depart. If you want to stay, maybe spending some time with Sergei is a good idea, I'm sure you both have information the other could use. It'll be a few days before I'm ready to go, so you both have some time to make any decisions that need making before I leave. I must say, this has been a rewarding day, and I'm glad to have had this time to talk to both of you. Our nascent polity needs more beings like yourselves as far as I'm concerned."

The robot would like to join your expedition, it not having much reason to be here. Sergei needs to remain on the island to oversee ore shipments heading back to the mainland, especially with the influx of shipbuilding and development on Gudrun. The island was hard one, with no small number of lives lost, and he feels a strong sense of responsibility to the island

(I'd like to timeskip through the cyberwear stuff and go straight to being on the Vanguard ready to head galactic North if that's cool)

(Remind me what you were mounting again?)

(Eisenstern, an assault corvette, I can send you the specs for it if you'd like)

(No I meant what cyberware)

(Pressure Sheathing, Immunofiltration System, Ghost Talker Transceiver, and Holoskin Emmitter for a total of 70k credits and 5 permanent strain)

(Gotta Collect em all!)

(Sounds good. We can fast forward. So both ships and crews, heading where?)

(Heading up to Saheera on the fastest available route in order to link up with the NMC and provide support to their anti-Fleshshaper operations while looking for Silvano.)

The flight to Saheera is long, and you emerge to a scene of horror. A massive space battle must have resolved hours, or perhaps a day ago in this region of space. The NMC looks to have claimed some measure of victory. The planet below is largely featureless, with the occasional lone mountain, or scattering of forest here and there. A large NMC battleship, heavily scarred and still burning in a few small area from the fight begins to turn to face the new arrivals, the only remaining corvette of its escort flotilla limping to keep up with the bigger ship.

2

7:13 PM

Debris clouds are everywhere, wrecked NMC vessels and the drifting, lifeless wrecks of shaper ships float intermixed. Small shuttlecraft and sally-boats from the planet, and the tiny fraction of the victorious fleet remaining work tirelessly to hunt for survivors amid the wreckage- and put down any shapers still clinging to life inside their own hulks

Staring at the various displays showing the destruction and wreckage dispersing through the system, Robert takes his beanie off and grips in tightly in his left hand. "So much death..." He composes himself, before nodding to Comms Officer Deepscale. "Patch me into comms and send out a wide beam transmission, and make sure that it reaches that battleship." Once he gets the signal from Raoul, he begins to talk, his words being broadcast across the void. "NMC vessels, this is First Warden Tanzer of the Void Wardens. I am here to provide assistance. I have two warships and a functional mobile shipyard that can provide in-system repairs, and I will work under your leadership until this system has been secured."

7:42 PM

As Robert waits for a reply, he ensures that everything they can see in this system is being recorded and stored. People need to know what's happening out here.

(Can I retroactively have commanded my workshops to fabricate some kind of fleshshaper containment cell for the ships lab during the trip or is that too far?) (edited)

(I think that would be a bit meta given the situation

(Fair)

The ship sends an acknowledgment message after a moment. “Their radio is down but they’re tapping out a message in signal code. They’re saying...join formation and assist in whatever ways we think we can. Their captain is requesting permission to come aboard tonight when his crisis aboard his own vessel is handled”

"Fire back a positive acknowledgement and power up the system drive. Let's sweep the system for survivors. Save the humans, kill the Fleshshapers, the normal state of affairs. Have the Eisenstern leave it's bay and form up beside us, then begin moving through the wreckage field, scanning for signs of life." Robert finally replaces the beanie, happy to finally be able to do something to help.

(Let’s get a program int and I’ll let you know some hotspots

(9)

Your scanners show three spots. A shaper frigate seems to have been playing dead and is trying to float through the wreckage on Low power to the escape point. NMC crewmen aboard a shattered cruiser are trapped in the engineering deck, and their reactor is close to critical. A shaper Landing team may have slipped through the chaotic battle line and made it to the planet. One of the civilian shelters isn’t responding down below.

7:44 PM

(You can choose one to begin)

"Take us over to geo-synchronous orbit above the civilian shelter. If the Fleshshapers begin infesting the planet this might have all been for nothing. Have the Eisenstern redock, we'll need it's teleporter to get to the surface. Try and get eyes on the shelter if you can, the more we know going in the better." (edited)

(You can teleport to the surface as long as it’s not inside a building, if that changed things at all)

(Was planning on setting down outside the building so that works fine)

(Would it be reasonable for me to bring anyone down or would that be against the spirit of choosing the henchkeeper foci for that purpose which I havent done?)

(You can bring them down but they have peaceful human profiles and if it gets truly dangerous there’s going to be some difficult morale checks for them

(Sounds good, it just feels weird to me being the head of an organisation and leading two ships but when I need to go somewhere I'm all "seeya guys im out" heading off alone. Perfectly happy for them to just be there to do their jobs and not fight alien monsters)

(Sadly we had to institute the henchkeeper rule for a reason. Have to be consistent)

3:23 PM

Robert prepares to head down to the surface as his two craft make orbit and dock with one another. Air locks slide open and the security teams of both ships perform the proper checks to ensure things are safe

(I completely understand, game health comes first)

5:29 AM

Robert performs his last checks on his CFU, ensuring the built in jetpack is ready to go at a moments notice. He hefts his Taros Rifle, then gives a nod to the crew members coming down with him to set up a small defensive base camp, before leading them to the teleporter pad and heading to the surface.

(So theyre going to basically set up in the town square next door and wait for orders is how I’m reading it. Sound okay?)

(Sounds perfect)

The teleport is a prickle of stings against your skin even though the armor as your team materializes in the town square. The Victorian style buildings with their many front facing windows all look to be intact. The area is quiet. Not even animals or birds are making noise

"Set up a defensible position here and stay put. You may fire at will, but do everything you can to make sure it's not an ally first. If anyone makes it here, get them behind the barricades and start teleporting them up to the ship. I'm going to go searching for this places inhabitants, and given none of you have jetpacks like I do it's best I go alone but stay in touch." Robert gives a casual salute, then engages his CFUs jetpack in a short burst to get him on the roof of a nearby building to begin scouting the area.

The residential shelter vault is at the end of the street, and you can see its door has been sealed, the thick blast curtains lowered over the surely reinforced access door behind it. A barricade has been set up outside of civic defense cars, the open topped landspeeder like vehicles drawn up nose to tail. You do not see any soldiers manning this position. A row of residential buildings of varying heights- from 10m, to close to 20m, line the sides of the street. Cables with pennants, laundry, and small charms cross from window to window-across the street, making a colorful canopy

In an effort to keep himself safe, Robert decides to use his precognitive abilities, despite the discomfort their use causes. As he begins to tap into the part of his mind capable of seeing the future, he feels a sharp twang of pain, collapsing to the ground. Visions of chaos and death invade his consciousness, and the feeling he felt when talking to the Scream Beast returns, though the surreal nature of the episode has been enhanced. After what seems like hours, the pain fades and Robert gets back to his feet, surprised to see that only a few seconds have passed. As the pain receeds, Robert realises, though how he does is a mystery to him, that his precognitive abilities have been greatly enhanced to a level he can't properly comprehend. Collecting himself, he makes a note to talk to Reg about this new development, then tries to use his powers again, focusing on the fortified building. (Using Oracle with the question "What happens when I get inside that building?")

Inside you will find the shaper scouts have somehow made it inside and gorged themselves on the refugees

Wiping away sweat as he comes out of his precog state, Robert looks down, his face ashen. "Fuck. Fuck it all. I was meant to be bringing peace to the stars. Instead I'm just observing a swathe of atrocities visited upon innocents." He balls his hands up in fists, staring at the building in which a slaughter took place. "Those Fleshshapers need to be killed before they spread across the planet. Time to get to work." He engages his jets again and tries to land as softly as possible on the roof of the invaded building, his rifle at the ready.

Landing on the roof you see that a vent for the air conditioning had been pulled away. It is a large shaft, originally meant to be the main exchange line for the entire building. There were never any fasteners keeping the grate secure. Cutting corners doomed the people inside

Pushing the thoughts intruding into his mind away, Robert reminds himself that the builders couldn't have known that a swarm of flesh devouring aliens would strike this world and that this grate would become a line of defence. He keys into his comms and opens a connection with the Vanguard. "Kaf'ka, do we have any explosives capable of levelling this building in our armoury?" He looks around him, his cyberware sending a feed of his vision up to the cruiser.

“I’ve got four demolition charges in the locker. If you put them around the building you should be able to collapse it

7:05 AM

“That’s all we have though”

"We need them here. Their presence on this world is an extreme risk to it's biospheres continued existence. Teleport them down to me and I'll get them in position." (edited)

“Standby for transmat”’ you hear and a flash of light back at the spot where you came down signals their arrival. You hear the teleport recharge being called out in the background aboard ship

Robert jets back to the forward base, noting with satisfaction that his team have already begun prepping the charges. "I'll need three of you to volunteer to place a charge. I'll take the fourth, and the rest of you will get in position to provide covering fire if any Fleshshapers come out of that building while we're setting up. We do this quick and quiet, clear the survivors, and get back to the ship. I don't want anyone getting hurt here."

(Let’s get a sneak/dex)

8:10 PM

(It’ll just be based on you, for the team)

(That's an 8)

The team moves forward under cover , their quiet steps not alerting the feasting shapers down below. After a few minutes you hear the all - ready , and that the charges have been set

6:03 AM

(Also, if you want to capture any of the land speeders now would be the time. They’ll be also buried when the building comes down)

Using field signals to stay quiet, Robert directs the crewmen that helped set up the charges to liberate a landspeeder each, and waves a few more of the Wardens covering them over to gather the rest. Hopping in one himself, he stands and looks around him to ensure the rest of his Wardens are ready, then signals for them to start the vehicles and move out towards the temporary basecamp, doing the same himself. As soon as they've made enough distance from the building to avoid the blast, Robert detonates the charges. He can't help himself from slowing and looking back at the explosion.

(It’s five grav cars with a machine gun each and a ground. Truck with a rocket launcher. Think like the land speeder and gain speeder the Naboo have in stars wars. Basically floating technicals) The long lantern poles on the backs of the speeders jingle, along with the new moon cooperative pennants on each, depicting the moon phases on a navy background

Coordinating his crew, Robert has them gather the vehicles by the basecamp, then pings the Vanguard. "See any more signs of alien activity near us Kaf'ka?"

“None. That looks like them all. We are trialing the enemy ship trying to slip away through the debris field. If you’re quick getting back up here we might be able to run them down”

"Roger, XO. Port us up, we know where the vehicles are, we can pick them up later. Let's get that ship!"

Heading back to the bridge of the vanguard, you take your station in the captain chair, your deck officers begin getting their teams ready for combat and the bridge is bathed in the red light of emergency alerts

6:47 AM

(Initiative)

(5)

(2) ( you have 5 command points)

"Keep the Eisenstern in its bay, I want to see how the Vanguard stands up in a combat situation. Gunnery, power up the volley capacitor and open fire on the enemy, aim for damage. Engineering, give gunnery all the power they need, we can stand to take a few hits if they fire back, the armour needs testing too. Sensors, keep a close eye on the ship, I want to know if it does anything unexpected." (5CP base, plus 4CP from Volley Capacitors and -2CP to one Gunnery action from Support Department. 1CP Fire All Guns 3CP Fire All Guns 3CP Fire All Guns 2CP Fire One Weapon Total: 7 Spike Inversion Projector shots, all AP15 23/9 26/18 23/19 23/15 23/18)

The Spike Inversion Projectors, tied directly into the ships Spike Drive, lack the satisfying visuals of other weapons, simply tearing apart the realspace coordinates the enemy is occupying with a sudden and massive burst of MES energy. Were it not for the massive energy spikes coming off the Vanguard at the same time the enemy ship is torn asunder by MES shockwaves, it would be difficult to verify the latter originated from the former. Robert, almost wishing he'd mounted a large and flashy Spinal Beam Cannon to get the same instant feeling of destruction that he regularly got in the cockpit, waits with bated breath to see just how capable his cruiser can be in a crisis.

(Taking a crisis on the 19 damage, armor loss) A large section of the organic/metal weave is torn away by the ships gunfire and you see the slick and bloodied fleshmetal bones of the ships inside. Frayed nerves trail in long ropes like wires , faint blue pulses traveling through them but ending as sparks on the frayed ends. The ship looks heavily damaged, but begins coming about as ports on its side open and four large bone like spikes are fired through the void at you

6:53 AM

(21/12, 21/16, 23/14, Ap 10)

(None of them get through the armour)

(The armor subtracts that much from the damage )

8:10 AM

(If the AP doesn’t exceed your armor value) (edited)

(I subtract 20 damage from attacks against AP10)

8:11 AM

(I can pull out the sheet hang on)

8:13 AM

No this is a good test for the big battle

9:01 AM

Everyone’s rocking a lot of armor so that’s something to note

(OOC in parenthesis please

)

The spikes impact the hull but cause only superficial damage. The vanguard sails on in pursuit of its now gravely wounded prey

As the ship shudders while the spikes strike the hull, Robert keeps his eyes on the damage report displays, allowing for a slight smile when everything comes back green after the enemy broadside. "Good shooting, Gunnery. We've hurt it, now let's see if we can disable it without killing the damn thing. Try and take out it's propulsion system, if you can even spot it." (5CP + 2CP discount to Gunnery from Support Department 0CP Fire One Weapon 1CP Target Systems 2CP Fire One Weapon 1CP Target Systems 1CP Unused 2 total aimed shots against propulsion on the enemy ship, if no such target can be discovered I'll just treat the -4 to aim as general confusion. Both miss convincingly unless a 12 is going to hit) (edited)

(12 will not)

8:15 PM

(For it’s turn let’s get an opposed pilot/dex while you’re here to roll, then I won’t have to bother you later)

(Easy, 8, probably the lowest Ive gotten on a pilot check in ages)

(10, one success toward escape) The ship begins powering up its engines, knowing now that fight is ineffective against the Vanguard

"Try again, I know you can stop that craft! This is our best chance to study these living warships before they make it to UNW space! Engineering, get everything you can out of that drive, we can't let it get further away!" (Above and Beyond using Talk/Cha, 10, add 4CP 5+4=9CP and a 2CP gunnery discount 0CP Fire One Weapon 2CP Fire One Weapon 2CP Fire One Weapon 1CP Target System - Propulsion 1CP Target System - Propulsion 1CP Target System - Propulsion 2CP Boost Engines (8, success, raise Vanguard speed to 3 until start of next turn) 20/7 14/8 16/5 at AP15 all using Target System rules)

3:39 AM

(I've already halved the damage)

The ships strange engines flare out, sending it tumbling away from you. It collides with battle debris, knocking into the hull of a ruined NMC battleship. The wood overlaid metal splinters, as the impact sends both tangled forms spinning away, interlocked. The shaper vessel accordions on itself, rib supports snapping like broken wishbones, and its remaining fuel gore spreading out in a widening cone from the point of impact, staining the void around it a dirty green-brown

"Bring us in to that wreckage, scan as much as you can. If we can gather any of it's systems then do so."

(so the wreckage would have been scanned with little info found, and the Vanguard with its cargo of captured speeders would have headed to the battle of Haila after this, its aftermath is where we can pick up)

(I'd like to go visit Creusa and talk to the local leaders and then start heading South to make a play at reaching the Wraith Nebula, or at least blazing a trail. Is that cool?)

(Yeah let’s do that)

Leaving the Unity Council, Robert is lost in thought as he makes his way back to the Vanguard. I'm governor for a system of over seven million people. The thought rattles him somewhat. Upon reaching his flagship, he immediately sets course for Creusa, intending to discuss politics and administration with local leaders, somewhat driven by the need to justify his new position.

Cruesa has just one of its original three platforms left, a civilian station though air travel has been locked down for quite some time in the violent turmoil of the resistance movement against the UNW. Small scale attacks continue though nothing important enough to make it into the galaxy side news

Robert has Comms Officer Deepscale go through the motions of getting docking clearance while Robert himself takes one last quick look at his various proposals on his commpad.

5:41 PM

"Deepscale, try and get in touch with local government and organise a meeting somewhere. I want to go down and get a feel for Creusa from the ground. Well, from the sky city surface at least. I'm sure there's a host of issues I know nothing about and I'd like to experience them first hand rather than wandering into a room and telling a group of officials how to run their own system."

Deep scale has a meeting site on city A selected after a sweep of local leadership. There are few left, either killed by remnant werewolf teams for collaboration, before compliance , killed by cyrus’ orders directly, or simply have gone to ground unsure of who to trust

4:43 PM

The remaining few still working do so with their subcommittees and local leadership in disarray

Robert boards the Adder, taking it down into the gas giants atmosphere to dock with City A, calming himself before what he is sure will be a tumultuous meeting.

Three representatives; the mayor of each city , stand waiting to meet you. They are all human , two are male and one is a female. Their clothing is worn but the best they could muster and you see each of them wears a sidearm or knife. The woman has both

"Greetings, I'm Robert Tanzer. I'm afraid I haven't been briefed with your names." Robert extends a handshake to them all in turn.

6:08 PM

(If you cant be assed to name them we can handwave it)

(I will name them but I won’t name them right this second) They introduce themselves to you, cordially but coldly. “You’re hopefully here to be a bit easier to work with than your predecessor. No death camps or executions in the streets? The UNW isn’t well regarded here”

"I expect nothing less. Frankly, your treatment by Warmaster Adonis, as I believe he called himself, was a travesty, compounded by the fact that it all occurred under the UNW banner. While I did frequently argue with him in the Unity Council over this matter along with doing my best to subvert or block his attempts to set up what can easily be seen as a proto-fascist dominion over this system, I accept full responsibility for not doing more. The UNW has done wrong by your people and I intend to do everything within my power to make up for that." "Creusa is a unique and special world, and deserves to be raised up to prime position within the sector. I have a number of plans to help achieve that, and I'm willing to put my own considerable resources towards ensuring the economic and social rebirth of this proud system. Before I even begin that, I want to hear from everyone gathered here today. I do not intend to rule from the top down. Rather, I intend to form a decentralised structure in which local leaders can address local issues, congregating to address wider issues as needed. My goal is to be a guide and facilitator for this process." "I ask of you this; give me one year. I will do everything I can to catapult Creusa to the heights it deserves. At the end of this year I plan to hold a vote to determine whether the people here wish to remain in the UNW or become independent. I will ensure that this takes place against any objections that other figures in government may raise. I mean this sincerely."

8

(He just wants me to change the budget sheets again

2

(No rest for the wicked Neko)

They seem to agree to the proposals. Remnant attacks have stopped but for a handful of shootings and bombing of low level government offices. Ricardo Morris has remained on planet to help hunt down any fanatics, and based on the reports sent to you it sounds like previous intelligence efforts here have largely fizzled out

Sitting in a hastily assembled office on City A, cobwebs still amassed in the corners and guarded by a pair of marines from the Vanguard, Robert sends a message to Ricardo, requesting a meeting as soon as is convenient. Without waiting for a reply, he then drafts a proclamation to be broadcast throughout Creusa.

7:35 PM

This is Governor Robert Tanzer, First Warden of the Void Wardens. This message is broadcast with the intention of reaching all Remnant forces still operating in the system. This is a message of peace. There has been enough death.

Effective immediately, the surrender terms put in place by Warmaster Adonis are declared null and void. Any Remnant fighter, Chainveil or otherwise, may turn themselves in to any security station and receive the full protection of the law. While you will temporarily be held in custody, you will be given a choice.

Firstly, you may choose to undergo a trial for your actions. The most severe sentence given will be a life sentence in a Creusan prison, where all efforts will be made to maintain your wellbeing despite incarceration. Trials will be fair, open to the public with transcripts published and available to any who request them. Effective immediately, capital punishment is no longer a valid sentence in a Creusan court. Despite your current status as an enemy combatant, you will be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Secondly, you may choose exile. A colony has been established on Shahriar for ex-Remnant citizens that chose exile over integration. Any combatant that chooses this option will be transported to Shahriar with their personal effects, excluding weaponry, and will be given amnesty for their crimes on the proviso that they remain on Shahriar. While Shahriar is under the nominal protection of the UNW, you will not be beholden to UNW law unless you leave the planet. You may start again on a new world.

I implore all Remnant forces to surrender. We are fighting a war for survival against the Fleshshapers. We cannot fight each other anymore.

(edited)

5

That night , creusa enjoys its first night with no violence. A handful of fighters turn themselves in, and you were warned that the initial waves would be slow. Many are likely waiting to see if you word is kept. The news mentioning that there was no violence overnight is a fact noticed by all, however

Waking up in the morning on the Vanguard, Robert engages the air filters in his stateroom and begins his morning ritual of smoking from his pipe, drinking coffee and reviewing his daily plan. The night of peace is a pleasant shock, as he was not certain that his words would be heeded. Realising that the continued success of his proclamation rests on his ability to ensure his word is kept system wide, Robert steels himself to once again use his abilities. Opening the MES pathways in his brain, Robert looks into the varied and twisting probability channels that branch out from the present, a question at the forefront of his mind, guiding his exploration. Where do I need to go to ensure my proclamation is upheld?

8:56 PM

(Oracle, -1 effort)

You are shown a vision of this office. , of you writing at your desk and reviewing the cases sent to you from soldiers and police in the field as remnant surrenders are processed.

9:02 PM

Almost all so far are from cruesa itself and do not wish to make the trip to shariar, though three chainveil die hards hope to assuming their trials permit

To think I came to Greenbriar to escape paperwork, Robert jokes to himself. Finishing his coffee, seemingly hoping the caffeine will steel him for the long day of legal admin, Robert messages his bridge staff, requesting they gather the reports for his perusal.

(They’d just repeat the no violence overnight. If the void wardens want to recruit they can take 10% of 3% of the planet population into their ranks

(22,500 is what my maths says, I'm absolutely down for absorbing them into the VW)

(You suddenly have a larger force than Cyrus ever had in EP. He'd be so jealous.)

(Someone message him hahaha)

(way to go, plenty new VW staff, good job)

(They’re just available for use. They’re not all soldiers or anything like that. We would have to actually figure out who’s doing what if we get down to needing them)

2:18 PM

(But that’s who’s crewing your ships. , ect )

(Yeah sounds good, that should keep me going for ages. I'm not trying to make a personal army dont worry. Is there anything else pressing that I could do at Creusa right now? Otherwise I'd like to start making preparations to head south while doing some groundwork for the multi-polity council thing)

(We can head south. I think for now time just needs to pass to see how your reforms go)

1:31 PM

(I’ll occasionally send you issues that need decisions)

(Sounds perfect)

8:27 AM

Wrapping up the initial reforms planned for Creusa, Robert once again boards the Vanguard, making preparations to head South. Mounting the Adder in the frigate bay, the Vanguard begins spiking through UNW space, heading to map the uncharted. Passing through Gudrun, Robert sends a quick message to Xu'Ganara.

Xu, I'm forging a trail South to begin travelling to the Wraith Nebula. I'm not sure if the Vanguard will be able to reach the nebula on the first attempt or if this will merely be a means to blaze a trail for a second venture. With that in mind, I leave it up to you as to whether you accompany me this time.

Your friend, Robert

Robert, 

We have a chance to do something special here, and right a terrible wrong that me, and people like me, have unwittingly set loose upon the galaxy. We would be remiss, horribly remiss, to not accompany you to whatever end this venture may take. I will be at the Vapormills Academy branch on Gudrun, when you are ready

Robert messages Xu, letting him know that he is taking a shuttle down to Vapormills. Rather than wearing his First Warden coat and uniform, he opts to wear his old jumpsuit, looking forward to reuniting with a friend, even if that friend is a psychic groupmind held within a single body. (edited)

The Vapormills branch, housed in an abandoned and later repurposed elementary school, is largely still empty but for a few prospective students. Xu stands waiting for you at the doors, clad in a smile set of secure clothing

Robert smiles and brings Xu in for a short hug as he reaches his companion. "Still hanging about in this isolated little campus I see? It's about time I took you out of here again, and this time we will hopefully do more than go camping." Robert winks, laughing. "I'm going to be honest, Xu. This war is taking it out of me and I'm glad to get away from it for a time, as shameful as that is. I'm glad to have you with me, too."

"Shall we get to my ship? I'm sure we will have plenty of time to discuss things on the way, no sense wasting time here."

He nods and gestures. A hover pack with his gear begins following him out along with a floating disc like platform. “I’ve been preparing for another trip into the wilds for a while now. I’m hoping none of this becomes needed “ (edited)

"I've learned it never hurts to be prepared." Robert gestures at a waiting shuttle. "Let's load up, you can tell me about what you've brought on the way. I'll ensure some cargo space on the Vanguard is set aside for your gear." Robert leads Xu towards the small vessel, quickly typing some commands into his commpad to his flagship.

"Nothing too extravagant, but I did custom order a pressure pavilion. Twelve rooms inside, and if we end up setting up a field refresher, we can partition an area off for some privacy while bathing. Things got a bit ripe last time. So you gave me some general notes, where specifically are we heading?"

"Our first stop is Aslief, there's likely going to be something going on there that may need our attention. Next is Shahriar, where I'd like to check in on the ex-Remnant population, both to make sure they're surviving and that they aren't becoming a threat again. After that we head to Kuhuk, mostly because it's on the way but also because I want to investigate the current state of the megastation after the Remnant withdrawal. Ideally, we can make some diplomatic inroads with the current government as well as topping up our supplies for the next leg of the journey. From there we head to Zindilis, currently unmapped, and begin our foray into an unexplored sector."

He takes this all in as tou board the transfer ship. The group mind inside him is always having animated conversations , and when he gets a distant look in his eye, the retreat inward to join it has been made. After a few long moments, as you make orbit, he speaks again. “It’s finally time then. Putting a stop to whatever is coming and undoing what we unleashed “ (edited)

"We will make up for the mistakes of your pasts, I promise. While the Scream can never be undone, we can ensure the galaxy is safe from what caused it. With our collective efforts I do not doubt that we will prevail, friend." As the shuttle docks with the Vanguard, Robert is already busy coordinating the various preparations necessary for their departure through his embedded comms system. Directing a junior Warden to attend to Xu'Ganara and his gear, he makes his way to the bridge, while Wardens hurry through the tight corridors of the cruiser, all focused on their own pre-departure work. The importance of this mission is not lost on any of them. Entering the bridge is no respite from the constant movement of people, with the final diagnostics on critical systems creating a hive of activity in the command centre. Taking it all in, Robert smiles, giving a brief nod to Kaf'ka as he takes his seat in the captains chair. He presses a few buttons on his command panel, and a short buzz sounds over the ships PA system, causing all hands not engaged in immediately critical work to stop and listen. "This is First Warden Tanzer. We are about to embark on the greatest journey ever undertaken, to our knowledge, since the Scream. I couldn't ask for a better crew. As some of the first Void Wardens, you are the beginning of what will become a grand legacy in this region of the galaxy; future generations will look back and thank you for the peace we will bring to the stars. Right now, however, we have a task to achieve, one which will require your all. This journey will be arduous, dangerous and fraught with uncertainty as we chart a course to a nebula light years away. By reaching this nebula, we will be one step closer to saving the galaxy. Be vigilant, and look out for eachother. We will need to work as a single unit to make it back safely. I have no doubt you will be up to the task. Godspeed, Wardens." (Unless any complications pop up I'm ready to jump to Aslief)

3:06 PM

(Also I've had the loading scene in mind for RL months now and it's basically this but sci fi https://youtu.be/rkGBL5xdU6A )

LordNickinburg

Atlantis the Lost Empire: Launching the Sub

2

1

(hell yes)

8:11 PM

(re-roll token, too)

1

Shortly before you begin your jump a message from Reg comes through.

Robert,
I regret I am unable to join you for your journey south, if you do not reach the nebula this time I will do my best to join your next voyage. If you have a chance I would appreciate if you could stop by Sumati for me. There is a small island upon which you will find the ruins of a castle. I understand the fleshshaper fleet was fought off, but it is of the utmost importance that the fleshshapers have not landed on this island undetected. To the north of the ruins is a tunnel where you will find three mages. Tell them I sent you to see the pool, they will know what that means. Xu Ganara may go with you, but keep it secret from all others. If you are unable to make this stop let me know and I will make time to check in myself.
Best wishes,
Regulus Fate

(Slotting Sumati in between Aslief and shahriar)

Heading to Aslief, you make contact with the night world shortly upon entering the system. There is no defense fleet here, but a small trade platform seems to serve all the local trade needs. The world's development and place in the UNW seems to have stalled after the ouster of Commander Cole, and none have moved in to try to guide the planet into a better path.

9:03 PM

Reconstruction efforts are nearly complete on the surface, at one time, this world representing the furthest incursion into what would become UNW territory

"Hail the station and request docking clearance, I'd like to visit Aslief if we're passing through. It looks like this world is in dire need of some attention, too."

The station allows docking through a long docking ring and tube, allowing you entry. Fuel and a handful of spare parts used during the spike jump are replaced. Workers swarm the outside of the vanguard, inspecting surfaces for damage from the spike transit

6:54 PM

You find yourself paying far more attention to these kinds of services now than you ever used to

"Kaf'ka, I'll leave you to handle logistics, ping me if anything goes awry. I'm going down to the surface, I'm probably the closest thing to a government official to visit this place in months. The least we can do is see if they need any support while we're here." Taking his leave from the bridge as Kaf'ka settles into the command chair, Robert makes his way to the Adder, and settles into a passenger chair as the stealth corvette leaves it's hangar bay and descends to the surface. (I'm not familiar with Aslief, Robert would land at the largest population centre unless a more obvious site prevents itself)

Mission Stats: 🍴 60/60 days 
Vanguard: 💂 150/200 🛡️ 60/60 ⛽ 1/1 jumps (Spike-3)
Adder: 💂 30/40 🛡️ 50/50 ⛽ 2/2 jumps (Spike-4)

(edited)

1

(Thank you)

9:24 AM

(The scouting reports and surface map are up to date but I can give more detail if needed)

(I'll check it out after work cheers)

(I'll land near Cove Neck, it sounds like it took a beating but wasn't wiped out)

The city of cove neck is a city on the mend. Most of the art that once decorated this city was razed during the Remnant bombardment. Homes and offices are rebuilt in the blocks square cornered hab structure that prefab buildings are best known for. The city will be remodeling for decades to approach anything like the grandeur it once had, but for now everyone has a place to live and work.

6:41 AM

The eternally night sky is criss crossed by searchlights and drum fires illuminate the streets where actual light poles have not been raised back up yet

6:42 AM

The city is centered around a large town hall building, three floored and domed at the top of a large flight of wide stairs. You can see most of the exterior facade and dome is new

Taking in the scene, Robert is chilled by the scene. Just like the films back home, Berlin during that great war centuries ago. Making his way slowly to the town hall, he soaks in the sights that wouldn't make it onto a postcard, trying to get a feel for everyday life in the city before he had to talk to any of the elites.

The sky over aslief seems flat, with no moons, other planets, and a sun barely bright enough to be a major star. The planet is bathed in its own bioluminescent life, and artificial lights where the plants have been cleared away. The endless, flat, unbreaking dark has a somber mood falling over the planet, worse now, due to the deprivations of war- even with the planet on the mend. Volcanoes in the distance , too far away to threaten the city, paint the northeastern sky a pleasant orange

Robert, recording all of this with his cyberwear, transmits it to a databank on the Vanguard. One day, in a more peaceful universe, people will want to see what we did. It's time to start recording this. Once he is satisfied with the collected footage, he makes his way to the town hall, pinging Deepscale to get him to alert local leadership as to his arrival.

The town council and now the planet council is ready to meet. Three women and two men of varying ethnicities form the council

9:45 AM

And await what news you bring. You sense faint hostility in the air

Robert enters the council hall, nodding at the councillors. "I understand that my visit came somewhat out of the blue, and I'm glad you've all managed to make it here today. It's my understanding that with recent crises taking much of the government's focus, Aslief has been neglected. I'm here as a representative of the UNW to find out what we can do to rectify this situation to your benefit. This polity only works if all member worlds actually want to remain a part of it, and I want you to want to remain."

“Aslief was given what it needed when commander Cole left, and we have been running our affairs since. We pay our taxes to the UNW. No defenses have been raised here in space. No investment or projects have come in a long time. The UNW has taken our money and focused it elsewhere

"Your complaints are entirely valid, and I regret that this misappropriation of a resource fund that you yourselves have contributed to has taken place. The first thing I can promise is that when the next Council comes around, I will make a push for the government and large agencies to invest in your world, and other worlds left on the periphery, along with building worthy space defences. I'll damn well force them to ensure you're protected, for what it's worth." "Secondly, I want to make a proposal. I'm the leader of the Void Wardens, and recent ventures and funding have left us in a position where we can expand the industries and trade that fund our mission. If you allow me, I can begin funnelling resources here, building up necessary infrastructure such as hospitals and breaker guns, once we've got enough presence here to sort out the logistics. I've no interest in taking over any level of leadership on this world, I just want to ensure that the Wardens are seen in a positive light, so that people trust us and trust in our mission, and I am fortunate in that the Void Wardens now have the funds to make that happen." "The choice is yours, and I will fight for you in the Council regardless. If you have any other ideas as to what I and the UNW could do for your world, I'm very willing to listen."

The tension in the room seems to ebb, a bit. "The wardens would be welcome here, as we welcomed the Elysium group, and Whitaker Solutions. They're the only ones who remained, and even then, investment has stalled. We would need to see you're truly different, and truly a man of your word for the problems here to go away entirely. But you bothered to come down to the surface and to hold this meeting. There are no plans for rebellion here"

"Honestly, if you're ever at the point where you're considering rebellion I'd personally just let your planet declare independence peacefully. Regardless, I'll have the Wardens set up their initial site here in the next few days, and over the next few months I promise to do what I've said. I don't expect you to believe me until it's actually happened, however, as I'm well aware that actions are far more meaningful than promises. Is there anything else you'd like me to take to UNW governance? As you say, you're tax paying citizens. You've earned the right to petition the capitol, as it were."

“Let your project play out first. We will make our displeasure known in a more meaningful way if things don’t improve. The UNW saved us from remnant raids and we value that , maybe that’s why this turning of the cheek in appearance seems so hurtful”

"In that case, it sounds like a matter to revisit a couple of months from now, to see whether progress has been made. I'll be gone for a time on a journey to galactic South, but I'll push your case in the Council and leave detailed instructions to administrators in the Wardens. Feel free to communicate your desires to us as much as you wish, I seek to help facilitate your reconstruction, not simply throw resources down from the sky."

(Happy to move along if theres nothing else to do here, I don't have anything to explore in Aslief I just want them to be happy)

(Nothing else here for them to say aside from waiting to see if you follow through)

11:34 AM

(Shariar was next?)

(Sumati next to go to the site Reg messaged Robert about, then Shariar)

Over Sumati, the survivors of the fleet action against the smaller shaper incursion here are gathering in space over the planet. A hive ship and it’s escorts were destroyed in open battle thanks to the intervention of Sumati defense forces and silvano’s ragtag fleet. That latter group is gathering near the platform over Sumati, fueling up to head to new conflicts that need them

Shocked that he has managed to find Silvano by accident after failing to find him by searching for him, Robert hails the ex-UNW psychics cruiser, requesting a meeting.

Silvano does not consent to an in person meeting but is willing to talk in person , but is willing to exchange voice only comms with you as the two fleets prepare to separate

"Silvano, it's Tanzer. I'll skip the pleasantries as we both have places to be. You took some information from an old outpost on an island in the North of Gudrun. The robot that resides there would really like that information back, and can help us fight the Fleshshapers with it. I'd like to request that you transmit that information to my ship, so I can return it to the robot."

“You have no concept of the data you’re asking for. That facility. What the slyth were doing there...it’s just like on the station over Tsatsos or the southern communication tower on gudruns pole. They were forcing awakenings Robert. Forcing their minds to become conduits for MES energy. Unwilling hosts.

7:16 AM

“I have this data because it’s not safe anywhere else”

"Given this data is so dangerous, why do you keep it? What's stopping you from destroying it?"

“Would you destroy the records of how MES impacted a precursor race thousands of years older than we are? Answers are here Robert. Answers to do this safely but until we can control such a thing, it’s not safe anywhere but here. “

7:27 AM

“It’s been in my care all this time and not one member of my crew has shown powers that did not already have psychic talents of their own. “

7:27 AM

“If I’d planned to misuse it, it would have happened by now”

"I trust you, Silvano, that was never the issue. That research could hold the key to finding a way to removing MES from the Fleshshapers themselves. I agree with you that the knowledge is dangerous, and in more normal times I would leave it with you here, but we are under attack from a cosmic horror! People I love, people that I have a duty to protect will die. I need all the information I can get to stop that. If you leave, I will not chase you, but I promise you that if you send me this information, I will use it ethically to fight the Shapers, and will not allow any to undergo any process they do not consent to. I just refuse to let more people die without doing all I can to prevent it!" (edited)

“I don’t question that you’d honor any agreement made and not hand it out, but a copy could be taken from you. I can’t Robert. I expect what you’re trying to do, and I’ll help in whatever other ways I can, but not with this”

"Let it not be said that I didn't try. If you feel this strongly about it, I accept your judgement. Good luck out there Silvano, I hope our paths cross again sometime soon."

(I;m going to head down to the location Reg messaged Robert about once Silvano leaves, so as to not let him know where I'm going)

The small research base around the pool , on the abandoned island of Sumati’s southern sea, is quiet and the small band of mages here were advised of your coming

Robert raises his hand in greeting, walking towards the mages. "Hello! I'm glad to see word of my arrival precedes me, as I don't know why I'm here beyond Reg's summons. I'm hoping you'll be able to fill me in."

(Im assuming Xu came down too)

“Ah. Yes. The headmaster wants you to see the pool. It’s power wanes and waxes as cosmic cycles drag on. It’s blessed a few of your friends with its power so far”

"Lead the way then. I'll admit I'm intrigued to see what a pool with powers like this even looks like."

You pass faceless workers who legitimately seem to have no face., hidden beneath dust wraps and goggles. Your guide is a spindly mage in black robes, elongated and thin. He says little as he leads you through rebuilding castle ruins to the dungeon beneath. “The headmaster has sent you to visit the font of all knowledge. The font has blessed much this season. It may be dormant , but we will see. The shapers were surely drawn to it”

Robert stares at the faceless workers, lost in a reverie, snapping out of it quickly upon hearing about the Shapers. "It troubles me that they were even aware of it. How do they get information on us without us finding out? Does the Scream Beast have powers we aren't aware of?" Robert stops. He grins at the mage apologetically. "I apologise. Fighting the Fleshshapers has taken up much of my time lately. They're never really 'off' my mind these days. Your workers, why do they have no faces?"

(Robert doesn’t have metapsi does he?)

(He is still in the Concert of Minds with Metapsi-4)

(He would feel the pool then, the scream beast can feel it too)

As they approach the pool, Robert realises that the strange energy that he has been sensing since landing there is getting stronger. "This pool must emit a strong MES signal. It'd be like a beacon to the Scream Beast."

3:50 AM

(Happy to skip forward a bit unless there's more on the way)

“That’s what the headmaster has told us. The pool has blessed a few this season already , it’s glow is diminished but even like this, you can feel it’s power. You may be the last that it powers, should you choose to gaze into its grandeur”

"I can only hope I am lucky, then. I must admit I'm becoming used to having otherwordly powers; it seems anything can become normal in time." Robert smiles, feeling the energy of the pool grow stronger as they approach. (edited)

You see a pool that on its surface resembles some kind of milky gel. You’re reminded of the chemicals used to keep a body sustained during cryosleep. Threads of colored light fill the pool under the surface, splitting apart, joining together, forming complex geometric shapes and then seconds later drifting apart into nothing at all

6:42 AM

“The Font of all knowledge” another mage says, hidden in an alcove. This one is also tall and skeletally thin, barely visible except for his shining and rheumy yellow eyes.

If the energy Robert felt at first was a whisper, this is a cacophony. Staring into the pool, watching the shapes coalesce and dissolve, he can feel the pool as much as he can see it. It demands his attention, providing no room for negotiation. He barely registers the mage, unphased by his appearance. He takes slow and steady steps toward the font, almost unaware of the movements his body is making, as his eyes remain fixed to its depths.

The rainbow light bubbles and hisses As you look into it, the acidic effect feeling the same in your mind. Your meta sensory channels widen as new energy floods your senses. The pool loses its luster as the mages look on sadly, the water calming back to just an ordinary reflection pool

Robert steps back, feeling his mind expand, taking in the information pouring into it that feels like an old memory as soon as it manifests. Robert rubs his eyes for a few seconds, scrunching his face up tightly, before finally relaxing and standing up. He sees the mages around him, concerned by their reaction, feeling a pang of shock when he finally looks back to the pool. It's previous majesty replaced with mundanity. He was the cause. "I'm, I'm sorry. I didn't know this would happen. I should have looked forward, but I didn't want to spoil anything for myself."

“It May rekindle in the future. It has happened before. It may not. Honor this gift by using it for the doing of good; and this will not be a somber occasion”

Feeling the energies that have inhabited his body, flexing them with his mind, Robert nods. "They will allow me to save lives. Thank you for letting me visit the pool. I can see now why Reg wanted this place to remain hidden, and I'll ensure that my visit here is wiped from my ships logs. I am in your debt."

“We will be even if you do as promised. The site will remain as an academy branch, such is our oath, but the pool and its secrets should be kept between those blessed and us”

"I'm afraid that I must keep this visit short, I have a long journey ahead and a war waiting for me on my return. It was an honour to be welcomed here."

“We will see you again soon, honored friend”

Robert takes his leave from the mages, returning to the Adder, relaxing as it's pilot takes it back up into orbit for a rendezvous with the Vanguard, which has been restocking it's stores at the local station. Returning to his flagship, he spends a few hours ensuring that their supplies have all gone where they need to be, then orders the Vanguard out of orbit and to the edge of the system, making ready to spike to Shahriar. I'd be lying to myself if I said I was looking forward to visiting this voidforsaken planet, but someone needs to check in on those deposed nobles, Robert thinks to himself forlornly.

(Shariar doesnt have orbital facilities anymore, so we will need to begin tracking)

Mission Stats: 🍴 57/60 days 
Vanguard: 💂 150/200 🛡️ 60/60 ⛽ 0/1 jumps (Spike-3)
Adder: 💂 30/40 🛡️ 50/50 ⛽ 2/2 jumps (Spike-4)

The planet of shariar is empty now, with the orbital shipyard heisted. The remnant colony on the ground and UNW garrison nearby seems to be keeping to themselves. The pedagogue was recently here, sifting through the ruins of the psychic research facility you raided more than a year ago now, but the headmaster has since left the system

"First things first, let's refuel the Vanguard. Extend the scoops and take us in to the nearest gas giant, refuel for as long as is necessary. I'll take the Adder down to Shahriar while that's being done, and we'll make a point of visiting the Remnant settlement first. Keep active scanners operating the entire time we're in system, if the Remnant remnant is going to hit anywhere then here is as good a system as any. Let's get to it." As his officers nod and get back to their duties, Robert returns to his room to suit up in his jet-pack laden CFU before making his way down to the Adder. A year ago I'd just been given my first task by the Council, rescuing some psychics with people that have become good friends. Look at where we all are now...

The vessels begin working to perform their separate duties as you get your gear together. The surface has remained quiet thus far, though there are communications between the garrison and exile colony

Robert stands with the captain of the Adder. "Take us down to the Remnant settlement, broadcast a message of greeting as we approach. I don't want to surprise them but I also don't want them to have too much time to prepare for our arrival. I'm as concerned about them getting up to something sinister as I am about their wellbeing." As the ship moves towards the planet, Robert steps back, letting the ships captain run her own ship.

A small patrol in special vehicles sealed against the corrosive atmosphere is dispatched to greet you. The ship lands outside the remnant settlement in a small bubble dome hangar that seals over the top of you. Specialized nozzles built into the dome hose down the outside of the ship and maintainers , a skeleton crew of them, wait on the hangar sideline for the all clear

Waiting patiently for the decontamination process to finish, Robert slips his data tap onto his finger, just in case. Once they get the signal that it's safe to exit, he opens the corvettes hatch and takes his first step on Shahriar in a year. The reception is better this time, to be sure. He looks around for anyone that looks like an official of sorts.

A bookish looking official makes his way into the hangar area, dragging a worn cane carved from a spore tree branch behind him

7:57 PM

He looks very tired and like he would rather be anywhere m else

Robert extends a hand in greeting, trying his best to remain diplomatic as best he can. "Robert Tanzer of the Void Wardens. I'm here to check in on your settlement, to ensure that we're upholding the deal we made with you."

“Ah you’re looking to speak with the animals in their pen. We can bring you inside. I’d keep your wits about you in there though.”

He's not exactly wrong, is he? "I'd appreciate it. You need not concern yourself with my wellbeing, I'm far more capable of keeping myself safe than I may look, and I can't imagine the prospect of looking after a UNW official thrills you. I won't be here long, I assure you." (edited)

8:53 PM

(Also I'm formally stating that Robert is learning Slyth in his downtime during the journey, happy to start the count after this mission so as not to retcon)

(Yeah let’s do that)

9:58 PM

“Good. My charges are unfit for visitation. They live like glorified animals in that colony”

"That's what I'm here to try and fix. Regardless of what anyone feels about the Remnant, if we don't take care of the people here then they're just going to plot against us. I want them content and out of the way while we deal with real threats."

“Very good. We have a convoy that can take you in. You’re free to shoot any of them that annoy you or get too close of course. “

7:37 PM

“Please , you may sit in the lead vehicle with me”

Robert gets into the passenger seat of the lead vehicle, uncomfortable with the outlook of his new aquaintance. "I never got your name, or your role here. What is it that you do here, exactly?" (edited)

“I am the UNW Representative to these remnant left in exile here. I pass along their concerns and send in the needed reports when asked. “

8:49 PM

“Mostly I feel like a zookeeper. Just waiting for my specimens to die off so I can go home to more desirable duties”

3

Robert is silent for a moment, looking out the window of the vehicle. "You know, I've tried hard to be a peaceful man. I wasn't always one, and arguably I'm barely one now. Hell, I joined the military as soon as I was old enough. I've killed more people than I care to admit across numerous worlds. If it weren't for Sarah, I probably wouldn't be the man I am today. Everything I do, I do for her, because she can't do it herself anymore." Still staring out the window, Robert pauses again, then turns to the official, his eyes burning with a quiet intensity, anger shining out. "She taught me that all life has value." His voice is even, only slightly louder than a whisper. "I may hate these people and what they did, but even their lives have value. They have family, loved ones, pasts and futures. Am I glad that they've been sequestered onto a backwoods planet that they haven't the means to escape? Absolutely. They do, however, have the right to be treated as human beings." Robert shuts his eyes for a moment, and begins forcing MES energy down some of the pathways created by his visit to the pool. He and the official are no longer sitting in the vehicle. They are hovering in space, above a world being devoured by giant Fleshshaper ships, nets trailing along the planets surface, capturing biomass, destroying everything in their wake. Roberts eyes open, but they remain in space, Fleshshaper craft buzzing around them and the nearby world.

10:25 PM

"This scene is from my memories. Don't panic, it's an illusion, we are still in the car. I want to show you what inhabits my mind, what I deal with day to day, so that you know that when I say that what you've just told me horrified me, you know the depths of loathing I feel for you and for everything you do here." The illusion vanishes as their surroundings return to the mundane. "You have two choices. You leave this position of your own volition. Find somewhere where you have no power over anyone. I don't care where, as long as you aren't responsible for the wellbeing of any living creature. Alternatively, you stay here and I do everything in my considerable power to ruin your career and whatever else it takes to keep others safe from your self-serving apathy. The choice is yours. Good day sir." Without waiting for a reply, Robert engages the synthetic organs that allow him to survive even the most hostile environments and gets out of the vehicle to walk through the settlement on his own.

3

You don’t get to hear his reply as you make it to the guard shack at the front of the remnant habitation. The garrison there seems more professional and much more on edge. They’ll be the first to die if something happens inside the dome. And they know it.

5:24 AM

They do look a bit started at you walking out of the horizon toward them, without any kind of protective gear

Pulling out his pipe, Robert ambles towards the shack as he packs a new bowl, lighting it as he nears. "Hello! I'm Robert Tanzer. You may be expecting me." He exhales smoke into the acrid atmosphere.

“We are Mr. Tanzer. We are trying to plan security for your tour. It would help if you Gave us an idea of what you would like to accomplish inside

7:13 AM

“Word from headquarters didn’t come until you landed , as you may be aware already”

"I'm here to check the quality of life of the Remnant prisoners that live here. I'd like to talk to whatever kind of leadership they have, if any. I fear this place has been neglected too long."

“They’ll come to you if any are in there. They’re not exactly forthcoming with us as you can probably imagine”

"Right you are. Shall we?" Robert gestures at the entrance.

There is a hiss as the airlock opens and as you enter there is a batch of showers and blowers to cleans the corrosive elements off you and then dry you down. Inside, the interior door snaps open and you’re presented with a small town. Cottage like homes with some ornamentation line a grid like city plan. The blue field, golden dragon flag of the tenebrian remnant hangs in most windows

5:20 AM

The homes seem somewhat well maintained , a few even have gardens out front

Better than I was expecting, which is never a thought I expected to have seeing a Tenebrian flag. Let's meet the locals. Robert enters the dome and begins to wander through the street, keeping his eyes out for anything interesting while slowly moving towards the colony centre.

At the center there is a park where a tree from each of the remnant worlds has been planted. They’re all still saplings but some are already growing to a medium height. There are easels , flowers, and photos of soldiers , sailors, airmen and civilians in front of each tree along with dozens of scraps of prayer paper. A few candles in glass cases have also been lit and spread among the park

8:22 PM

It’s clearly some type of memorial to those killed in the fighting

Robert pauses for a moment, wondering whether it would be appropriate for a man who killed some of the people being remembered to stop at the shrine. They were normal people, most of them, trying to protect their loved ones, like most soldiers in history. He pulls a candle (Sense the Need, -1 effort) out of his gear, knowing now why he packed it, and gently places it near the memorial before lighting it. He closes his eyes for a moment and stands silently, before looking for some kind of civic building.

There is a town hall modeled after the one on Chloe at the back of the circle here, though there are no guards and the building seems sleepy

Robert enters, trying to remain casual in manner.

A clerk blatantly doing nothing does not even look up as you enter the room. A Remnant flag is draped over the wall behind him, and a staircase leads up to what you presume are more offices. There is no physical security that you have seen so far

Glancing at the clerk, Robert decides that continuing to hold the initiative has worked in his favour so far, and simply walks up the staircase without a word.

There are six offices at the top of the stairs. A small plant sits in a pot on a low table. It looks like some exotic fern taken from Terezinho. Only the door at the end of the hall is open and you hear someone typing inside

Robert approaches the far door, knocking once he reaches it. "Hello? I'm looking for whoever is in charge here."

“That would be me. Please have a seat. What can I do for you. Been a long time since anyone’s come to check on us

"If I'm being honest, I came to see whether we in the UNW had provided decent living conditions for you and your people or if we'd just dumped you on a deathworld and forgotten about you, and I'm leaning towards the latter, which I'll admit I'm not pleased about. I had words with the official that ran this place on the UNW side that resulted in me demanding his resignation from this post, so I'd like to offer you the chance to raise issues your people are dealing with here to someone who intends to actually listen."

“Aside from losing them war” he smiles. He looks weary and tired.

8:01 PM

“The people here are tired. Most of us have lost at least one loved one, and our homes after that. Fighting the UNW will accomplish nothing, even if we take the planet.”

8:01 PM

“Our material needs are handled by imports. We aren’t expected to pay tithes aside from the tax all citizens pay”

"I understand your frustration, war and death weigh heavily on the soul. I'm glad you see the sense in peace, there has been enough violence. What if we were to help develop some kind of local industry? It would give your people something to do, as well as provide them with extra funding for their settlement. Obviously they wouldn't be able to trade it off world themselves, but there's enough merchants traversing the UNW to ensure there would be a market for any trade goods you produced. Being isolated on this world doesn't necessitate being cut off from the galactic community, and you'd be able to buy what you want with the profits rather than relying on UNW imports."

1

“This planet is a toxic wasteland. It would be a massive undertaking to develop any kind of industry, even within a protected dome. Surveying alone would be horrifically costly”

"Aye, building on this world is a challenge, but your environment has it's admittedly rare advantages. Pollution is a non-event, the planet is already incapable of supporting life, you could run industries here that would be regulated into oblivion on any of the other settled worlds in the sector." Robert thinks for a moment, pulling out his pipe." Alternatively, as the last known fragment of the entire Tenebrian Empire, you and your people could keep your culture and art alive, and profit off it by selling it throughout known space. You'd be maintaining your culture, giving your people something to distract themselves from their current situation, and gaining valuable income that you could use to improve your living conditions. I assure you that I will do all I can to prevent the UNW from barring you from doing so." At this point Robert has a fully packed pipe, and is searching for his lighter. "I admit the plan is a longshot, but even in the worst case scenario you're left with art and a real attempt to preserve the culture of the Tenebrian Empire. What do you think?" He places the pipe and attendant implements on the table, saving them for later, not wanting to smoke in the poor mans office.

This seems to give him something to think about “If you invest in this place and make our colony prosperous, we would have no reason to raise arms or resent what happened in the war. It was a clash of ideas and we lost. If our culture and our children survive, that’s what’s most important now”

"I can certainly do that. The war is over, it's time we all rebuild, and I'd be remiss if I didn't help those who need an initial push to get going. Your children will lead good lives, I will make sure of it."

“ I can’t promise anything before ground is broken or we have more than words, but what I can say is as long as the UNW garrison doesn’t impede the work and we are actually given the rights you promise, there wouldn’t be any discontent among the people here”

8:12 PM

“You’d probably even get them to accept citizenship. I would”

"While I cannot say that such an offer will be made any time soon, I would like to see that one day, if I can convince the Council. You will have your investment, and you'll be able to start building a life here. You should make plans with your people as to what that life will look like."

“We get the news. We don’t see the council meetings aside from the televised clips. We can only trust you to keep your word. I won’t make an announcement of any kind here until things actually change. I don’t want to get peoples hopes up”

"I understand. This will take time, as with all things. I hope when we next convene we will be able to have more concrete discussions."

He stands and begins heading over to the door. “I’d say I was busy or had things to attend to but you’ve seen the colony. Id be lying to you. I do think we have said what we can be said, for now”

7:33 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Taking his leave, Robert doesn't spend too long in the dome, not wanting to overstay what may still be a tenuous welcome. He follows his escort out, and makes his way back to the shuttle, intending to return to the Vanguard.

You return to the vanguard (which was refueling with scoops I believe) and it is prepared to make the jump to your next destination

The spike drive powers up, fed with the recently acquired fuel from the local sun. Robert helps his navigation team plot a tentative route to Kuhuk, then engages the drive, thrusting the Vanguard out of normal space. Most of the varied officers on the bridge leave to attend to the more mundane duties attended to during the dull safety of a spike journey. Robert himself takes over part of the workshop to build two drones, syncing them with his own drone control cyberware. (Sleeper Stationkeeping Medical Support Observation Suite Environmental Power Expert System Ghostwalker Sensor Transparency Holoskin Observation Suite)

(The jump would give you enough time to finish the ghost walker or get half way through the sleeper but not both on such a short trip)

(~~I'll take halfway through the sleeper~~ Thats stupid, I'll build the Ghostwalker) (edited)

You arrive over the likewise Chem and smog stained wasteland of Khulk where the remnant once had the natives mining minerals and fuel gassed to keep their massive Star fleet going. The Ruins of factories have since been occupied by these now Stone Age former slave tribals , and from space you can see they’ve entrenched themselves quite well on the bones of their former life

10:14 AM

(Scouting reports and surface map up

The initial stages of system entry and recon have started to become routine on the Vanguard. Sensors are extruded, the Adder is prepped for atmospheric flight, a course is plotted to bring the Vanguard close enough to the star to refuel; all hands on board are well practiced. Robert, upon seeing the signs of tribal settlements on the surface of Kuhuk, begins suiting up into his CFU and collecting his gear for the trip to the surface. Grabbing his new drone, he makes his way to the Adder, which is only now completing it's final checks. He opens a comm channel with Kaf'ka. "You know the drill now, Kaf'ka. I go down and talk to everyone while you keep this ship and everyone on it safe and happy. Let me know if there's trouble, I'll bring the Adder right back."

11:07 AM

(Visiting the Soroth tribe first)

(Basic plan is to have the Adder make landing a distance away after getting some long distance optics on the tribal settlement and how they dress, then Rob will leave the ship guarded by it's crew hidden a few kilometres away, use his holoskin emitter to look like one of the locals and wander over)

Atmospheric readings show strong concentrations of metal in the air, along with heavy doses of ionized particles. Storms seem to frequent this world. The Adder lands a fair distance away from the encampment on the mostly flat plains. The ground is mulchy and soft underfoot

Robert tests his holoskin emitter, projecting the image of a burly tribal man over his CFU in an attempt to cover the armour. Once the projection is to his satisfaction, he digs deep, connecting with the shared link between himself, Dax, and Reg, activating a pressure field around himself to keep as much of the planets atmosphere out of his system as possible, relying on his engineered organs to keep him safe from the rest.

5:51 AM

With his safety less in question, he grabs a flop rifle taken from the Vanguards armoury, then begins to walk to the settlement, singing a simple song from his childhood as he goes.

The settlement is deeply entrenched into an incomplete space elevator. Only the base and ten stories of gantry had been completed before the Remnant abandoned the planet. The labor camp has been fortified with a 5m tall scrap wall with towers just slightly higher in an even ring around the inside

8:14 PM

The defenders have an eclectic mix of scavenged guns and throwing weapons

8:15 PM

Scraps of work uniform re woven with scraggly native fibers seem to be the mode of dress

Robert approaches the settlements gate, making no attempt to hide, yet walking at a measured pace. I feel naked without my beanie, he thinks to himself as he watches the scrap walls begin to loom up in front of him.

2

As you get to within 50m of Spear throw from the wall a sentry in the left gate tower calls out to you through canvas folded into the shape of a shouting horn

9:16 AM

The words are unintelligible but you have their attention

Damn, I was hoping they'd know English. Robert stops, not wanting to unsettle the people manning the walls. He raises his hands up in the air slowly, palms open and forward. "Hello! Do you speak English?" He yells as loud as he can, hoping his voice will carry the distance.

Your voice seems to carry and a small orb of metal is thrown down into the dust by the walls. The guards seem to relax somewhat and you don’t get the impression you’ll be gunned down for investigating whatever they threw

Robert approaches the orb, grabbing it if it seems safe to inspect it.

Stamped with the seal of the remnant home office, it looks to be a translator torc of local manufacture

(Does Robert know how they work? Does he just hold it?)

(It’s common tech. It goes on your wrist or your neck and it will translate speech back and forth)

Robert attaches it to his wrist. Let's see how well this works. "Hello! Can you understand me?"

There is a slight buzz and you hear your words projected on a delay. The tribal guard answers. “That’s better. Yes. I can hear you now. What do you want? This is Soroth Territory”

"I'm a traveller from a distant land. I've come to make contact with your people, on a mission of peace."

“Traveler from what land? The Remnant gods?”

"My people fought the Remnant amongst the stars, as they sought to conquer us. They did not succeed. We did not know of your people here until now, and we wish to help you. Our abilities exceed that of the Remnant, and our compassion is greater."

It’s hard to see what facial expression he might be making from his perch but he signals to someone or something behind the walls and the large doors begin to open.

9:27 PM

“We will see how you truly exceed them. Enter please for the trials , and if you pass we shall become friends”

Trials. If only they knew what I've already been through. "This is amenable. Please open your gate, and I'll show you what I can do."

You enter the camp and immediately to your right some sort of racetrack has been created for a foot race. There are obstacles along it, such as pits, a log wall to climb, hand over hand suspension apparatus and other track and field style obstacles

9:36 PM

In a trio of wide chalk circles pairs of Soroth tribals are wrestling

9:36 PM

Finally, in a rusted wire cage that is a 20m cube, two shield walls skirmish one another with blunted weapons

9:37 PM

It appears there has been an unfortunate fatality from this anyway but the war game continues

Robert does his best to keep his gaze level, though the sight unnerves him. He was always one to rely on his speed and wits to keep him safe; working out and building muscle never much appealed to him. Swallow your fear, Tanzer. These people deserve contact with the outside galaxy, and if this is what it takes, then so be it. "Your people are clearly capable, some of the strongest I've seen amongst the stars. Do the Soroth have enemies?"

“The Soroth have many enemies. The sorcery is bone speakers” Everyone in the immediate vicinity who hears those words spits on the ground instinctively

8:47 PM

As though warding off unwelcome magical attention

Sounds like they share the Remnant view on MES powers. Good to know. "These Bone Speakers, what can they do? Why are you fighting?"

“They disturb our dead. Use them for prophecy and power. Nothing is sacred to them”

6:52 AM

This talk of the unquiet dead has them all somber

6:53 AM

“If Soroth are dug up they cannot join the final games when time ends”

"Troubling. Assuming the trial goes well, I can see how we can help protect you from their desecrations."

“You are the guest of the Soroth. You may choose the method of your trial”

"Are there options, or am I simply to determine any method of competition?"

10:08 PM

Robert thinks for a moment. "What if I were to retrieve the remains of your dead from the Bone Speakers? Surely that would both show my abilities and help your brethren take their place at the final games." (edited)

This seems to give them pause. “Many warriors have tried outsider. But you are not Soroth. Not yet at least. Try. The worst that happens is you join the dead you go to save”

"I assure you, I will return with your fallen brethren. When I return, I'd like to discuss the future of your people on this world and abroad. I hope by then you will see that my words carry weight."

There is little else to say until you return with the promised bones, or join them, and the gates of the Soroth camp open to allow you exit back onto the red yellow sands

As Robert walks out of the encampment, he engages his internal comms, connecting with the crew of the Adder (the stealth corvette for reference). "I need a pick up. I don't know if you've been watching my visual feed, but I've promised to go retrieve the Soroth clans dead from these Bone Speakers, and I could use a lift there. Beam me up once you're airborne."

There is a flash of light as you’re pulled into the Adder, the ship itself at cruising altitude and out of easy observation from the ground

Robert enters the bridge, one more compact than that of the Vanguard, and clasps the shoulder of the Adder's captain. "Thanks for the lift. I was hoping we could try and get eyes on the Bone Speaker settlement from above, and observe them until the sun sets on them to see what exactly it is they're doing there. It'd be good to locate the bodies before I went down, too. Can we pull up to a geostationary orbit above them to watch them for a while?"

“There’s a lot of smog in that area. Sulfur fumes from underground. We tried getting some eyes on it while you were talking and most of the beams got deflected back at us”

"Definitely not ideal, but we can work with that. Can you spot somewhere to put me down nearby? I'll need a pickup when I'm done, so stay in the air. I don't know how dangerous this is, but I'd like to be able to get back to safety as soon as possible if it comes to it."

“We can set you down 5 kilometers out. After that the mist is too much. We won’t be able to ensure youre assembled properly if we go further in than that”

"Sounds reasonable to me. Beam me down, and stay in communications with me. I'd like to at least know someone's listening while I'm down there. I can't say I'm excited to do this, but diplomacy requires sacrifice, especially when you've killed the other parties gods."

(lets get a program/int, they;ll get you close)

(11)

The teleport locus is 5km Away from the area believed to be the bonespeaker territory and beyond that the fumes are too thick

10:25 PM

“It’s better than we thought we would get. Be safe down there. Please”

"It's more than enough. I'll make a hasty retreat if this goes poorly, I assure you. See you on the other side." Maintaining the pressure sheathing from before, Robert nestles into the lowest nearby ditch he can find, and pulls out his recently constructed spy drone. "Let's see how well you handle," he whispers, as he links it to his internal control systems. It's power engages and it rises up into the air, feeding him multispectral visual data from it's own sensory equipment. "Get me some eyes on that settlement, girl. You're looking for the corpses, and any detailed religious iconography you can find. Go get 'em." While being well aware of the fact that the drone is not intelligent and he will be controlling it in flight, he nevertheless is grateful for something to talk to while alone on this caustic deathworld. The drone speeds off, gaining altitude, vanishing as it's stealth systems engage.

11:54 PM

(5km happens to be the range limit exactly of the Ghostwalker drone, so it can reach the settlement but go no further.)

Through the swirling mist you see the dark stick thin shapes of a forest, though once the drone gets closer it becomes clear it’s not a forest at all but rather a collection of spikes ranging from 2-5m tall, each with the bones or decaying body of a human attached. Some are tribal, some still have tatters of remnant uniforms. A few are new moon cooperative, likely some kind of failed expedition judging by their clothing

"They don't seem to take kindly to foreigners. Looks like I'm going with the god gambit." Robert pauses, realising he's speaking to himself, then begins preparations. He spends time reprogramming his holofield to display a magnificent robe around him, the best mix of regal and deific that he can muster, and has his skin displayed as shining gold with bright red glowing eyes. Once he believes he looks as much like some wandering deity as he can, he prepares himself to tap into Reg's Concert of Minds once more, not enjoying the experience any more than usual, and takes flight. He practices raising and lowering himself in the air a bit before moving around in more dramatic sweeps, then decides he can't keep preparing all day and flies up into the caustic clouds, intending to lower himself through the clouds as majestically as he can near the bodies he has come to claim. I feel like a damned fool doing this, but I can't think of any other way that doesn't involve me shooting at them at some point.

A pack of ten of the hunched but muscular bonespeaker lackeys accompanies a spindly and wisely looking priest future through this artificial forest of the dead. As you observe from above he gestures to his companions at one of the occupied spikes, and they begin cutting it down. The body tumbles and the skull is pulled free, presented to their leader as an offering of sorts

Robert, spying the party, tugs at the energies granted to him by the pool, creating an illusory glowing golden aura around himself, complete with a halo-esque design behind his head, and begins to lower himself down while holding the translator torc in his hand. Here we go. "Mortals! What are you doing here with the honoured dead of my chosen people?"

The warriors begin to surround their hierarch, Spears wavering as they’re lowered , unsure of what is now standing before them

6:36 AM

Indecision grips them all

"Do not fear, young ones, I am feeling merciful." I'm going to feel very stupid if this doesn't work. "I am the new god of the Soroth, slayer of the old gods and regent of the heavens." I'm going to have to destroy all the recordings of this if I make it off this world. "You have stolen the vessels of my fallen children, and I demand them returned. You may keep those not of the Soroth, but I will not suffer a slight against my own chosen." I'd bury them all if I could, but I'm here for a reason.

The priest moves forward. “What name do you go by, new god of the Soroth tribe?”

9:18 AM

“We have spoken with the dead and heard none of this war in heaven”

"You may call me Tanzer." Always good to have a hint of truth in a lie. "What would the mortal dead know of the machinations of deities? Our war spread throughout the stars and my pantheon emerged victorious. I have taken the Soroth under my guidance and I will take their dead into my care, as is right."

(Using query the skull, the bonespeaker are adept at this magic so don’t need it to have a communication organ or be recently dead) The eyes of the skull turn a bright purple and it begins to chatter for a moment before settling into a quiet wait. “Slain, does this Tanzer rule in the heavens, where the Remnant Gods have gone?”

9:17 PM

The skull is quiet for a long moment. As though considering the question. “This Tanzer rules the...heavens” - it replies with extra emphasis on the last word

I never expected to be helped out by a talking skull, but I'm not turning down help when I get it. "Perhaps, in time, your people will come to know our true nature, and may even travel the heavens with us. You will find us far more accommodating than the last gods. For now though, I demand tribute, the bodies of the Soroth. I wish them placed in a cart, or on some sort of platform, I will take them from there. Understand, too, that the Soroth are under my protection. Changes will come to this world, and you would do well to adapt with them. Your skills at talking to the dead may prove valuable in the myriad lands between the heavens. Do not squander what will be a glorious future by angering me now."

2

11:41 PM

Robert increases the intensity of his glowing red eyes for a flash as he finishes talking, trying to drive his point home.

He gestures for his retainers to begin cutting down the required stakes. It looks like it will take some time. “Tanzer , new ruler of the heavens. You dealt with the old gods you say. Have you dealt with their enemy, the void presence as well?”

Robert, surprised at the words of the priest, slowly falls down to the ground to stand in front of the man. He reduces the severity of his illusions, no longer needing to dazzle the man. "I and my allies are fighting the void presence, all across the heavens. I myself have spoken to it, and found that it desires nothing but all our deaths. Our war has been inconclusive; we have pushed it and it's minions back, but even I struggle to find a way to end the beast. I and my followers, the Wardens of the Void, are currently on a quest to find a way to defeat the void creature and protect all life from it's hunger. I am surprised that one such as yourself knows of it, your magic is clearly powerful, beyond what I expected."

“The dead speak of it, they feel it drawing nearer by the day, though for them time has a different meaning. The bonespeakers have knowledge of such things. We lack the cosmic power to act. Tanzer of the heavens you must be all powerful to defeat that many gods. “ He fishes into his robe, and there is a stink of ozone as some kind of magical rift or pocket is accessed. A leather book emerges in his skeletal pale fingers. The cover is plain but shows the passage of ages. The spine looks to have been broken and re bound as new pages have been added over the generations

5:40 AM

“Contained here is a way to stop this. Only a god could do this. The speakers have tried. There are only a few who survived the attempt”

Robert extends a hand out, taking the book carefully, as if it could fall apart at the slightest movement. "If this book truly contains what you say it does, then you may have just saved more lives than any mortal could count in a lifetime. I give you my word that you and your people will be rewarded for this act, and I will return personally to ensure your reward is great. You have done the gods, and all beings throughout the heavens, a great service today." Robert tries to contain the awe he feels at the relic has has received.

“The bodies will need time. A day perhaps to ensure we have them all”

"Then I shall return to my chariot, and read this tome. Take the bodies to a site two hours walk from the village, where the clouds do not block the view to the heavens. I shall retrieve them then. I wish you good tidings, priest." Without waiting for an answer, Robert flies off, making his way to the original teleportation site. He activates his ghost-talker comms, connecting to the Adder. "Beam me up as soon as you have a lock on me, I've just been given something that may just save us all, and I'd like to get it somewhere safe."

There is a wrenching feeling as the teleport beam connects and you’re reconstructed aboard the Adder, seconds later Security is standing by already, nearly the entire ship compliment prepared to form a cordon around you

Robert releases all of the MES energy coursing through him, allowing his powers to dissipate, and deactivates his holofield. "I'd appreciate it if you could escort me to a quiet room. Post guards outside the door, through the hallway, and monitor me on a camera. Keep the door locked. We don't know what we're dealing with here, or what might notice it when I open it. Signal to the Vanguard to have it rendezvous with us as soon as possible." About to begin moving, Robert pauses, remembering his original mission. "The Bonespeakers are going to pile up the Soroth bodies some distance from their village. Make preparations to beam them up for transport to the Soroth settlement. I know it's grisly work, but it's the best way to make some headway on bringing these people into wider galactic society one day." (edited)

You’re brought to a room and given the space you need. Soldiers take up positions in the hallway and begin preparing for their guard duties

Laying the tome down on the table in front of him, Robert opens it up, attempting to read it.

The book has no language in it in any recognizable way, but more flowing symbols that seem to somehow intuitively lend themselves to your understanding of its contents. *The Howling Presence is vulnerable but only when it’s mortal servants of the flesh are destroyed. Rip out their heart and the beast will be weakened. Cast it into the howling nothing from whence it came”

4:30 AM

A complex banishment ritual is contained on the following pages as you understand them, and it quickly becomes apparent that even with the shapers destroyed , a large amount of psychic power will be needed to send the beast back

Making notes as he "reads", Robert pieces together the meaning of the esoteric text. We need to destroy the Fleshshapers by ripping out their 'heart' before we can perform the ritual. I don't know if there's enough psychic power in the UNW to even pull it off if we can even find this heart of theirs. I'll need to share this with Xu when the Vanguard returns from refueling. I wonder what this heart is, I know there's been talk of Goizane being the source of the Shapers. I need to think on this, determine where to go from here. Robert begins transcribing his notes into a document, hoping he will know what to do with it soon. He waits for the return of Xu and the Vanguard or for the beaming up of the Soroth bodies, whichever comes first.

(It would be the bodies first)

Once the bodies have been transported, Robert orders them beamed up, while still in view of the Bone Speakers. The Adder is moved into geostationary orbit above the Soroth encampment, and Robert waits for nightfall before beaming back down with them a short distance from the Soroth gates. He walks towards the defences, turning on a glowing lamp while equipping the translator torc.

The guard is a different one this time but by now news of your promise has spread through the encampment. The beam of light is hard to miss and news of your return with their unburied dead begins to spread

7:45 AM

What comes next happens quickly and is hard to process all at once You’re taken by both hands into the village and endless garlands of the stringy badlands flowers are placed around your neck. Drums begin to pound and some sort of beast that looks to have been a very large goat once is being roasted over the fire

7:45 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

7:45 AM

It’s quite clear that any danger these people would have once presented you is gone now

Robert spends some time engaging in the festivities, having brief conversations through the torc as Soroth come to speak with him, mostly enjoying the sense of merriment that he hasn't felt in some time. After some time, he requests to talk to the leadership, hoping to discuss the future of the Soroth with them before he has to return to the Vanguard. (That should finish the VW Cunning endeavour?)

(Yes , I have to update them tonight)

1:21 PM

The leaders gather quickly , your reputation for this great deed enough today to secure an audience with them. The elders are all men, though a medicine woman also sits as an informal advisor to this council

"Thank you for granting me an audience. I hope that my deeds have been enough to prove that I am operating here in good faith. I want to talk to you about the state of the wider universe, and the future of your people. This worlds atmosphere is toxic to human life, living here is dangerous, especially without any way of filtering out the caustic toxins from the air before you breathe it. I have a number of options for you, that could help." "The first is to move you to another world. There is an alliance of worlds that I call home, far from here, but reachable with our starships. We can transport the entire Soroth clan to any of these, and most would be happy to have you. If you can bear to uproot yourselves from this home, I can discuss these worlds with you further; I do not wish to presume or to pressure you, so I won't push the subject unless you allow me. I understand the reticence to leave ones home." "The second option is to continue to live here, but to accept our help and technology. We can, given time and resources, begin to raise you up to the level of technology that we now inhabit. It will not be a quick process, and there will be complications, but we could improve your quality of life immeasurably." "Thirdly, you may remain here and continue to live as you already do, but begin contact with my people. Whether you wish to return to the stars or not, I am sure that there would be many who are interested in your culture and achievements on this world. Bonds between people are being strengthened, and I believe it would be a tragedy of sorts for your own people to not be part of the network of peoples that we are forging." "Regardless of your choice, I also bring a warning. We are fighting against a powerful enemy that seeks the death of all living beings, and the fight has been hard. We could use allies, and your people have impressed me with their martial prowess. I am sure that any who volunteer would find a valued place in our war effort."

Debate rages between the elders for several hours after your address to them. After a vote and an impassioned speech about culture and the bonds of family to ones home, they agree to hire themselves out as mercenaries , it the UNW provides transport and training, and if the work is paid.

7:59 PM

Many are handy with a bow but the ways of fighting in combat armor with firearms are beyond them

While it was not the result he was hoping for, Robert nonetheless shows his gratitude at their willingness to listen to him. "Your warriors will have to get used to a new kind of war, but we will train them. We will likely need all the help we can get in the coming months." Robert says his goodbyes, promising that more people will return in time, and prepares to visit the ruins of the fort to the South, as he is still waiting for the arrival of the Vanguard from it's refueling mission.

10:58 PM

(Checking out the ruins of Fort Vigilant on the map, seems cool)

(The vanguard will be ready when you want it to be , just didn’t want to skip over anything)

5:20 AM

From orbit, the fort Is clearly the abandoned remains of a Remnant strongpoint on planet. Mine carts, tools , light trucks in neat rows, and a deliberate fire set to the bases command center show that the ruins are due to deliberate abandonment rather than some kind of catastrophe.

Looking at the images of the fort below, Robert reconsiders his earlier approach. "I was hoping for some kind of pre-tech facility. I've had enough dealings with the Remnant to last me for a while, I don't need to walk through one of their gutted facilities to remind me of them. Captain, bring us back to the Vanguard. We'll begin preparations to spike to Zindilis."

5:32 AM

(Sorry for misleading you!)

(All good. Let me grab what’s there)

(Bro take your time Ive got so much study to do)

Zindilis is an empty world, barren and without trace of atmosphere. It sits very distant from its system star, and the frigid temperatures on its mass at the moment prevent any kind of life from forming there.

Robert turns to Kaf'ka, a faint grin on his face. "There's so many worlds with life on them near Gudrun, you forget that most of the world's in space are like this. A shame, really. Let's run some scans before we move on."

He snorts after an hour or so of quiet scans on the bridge. “The inside of this thing is almost entirely made of silver”

"Turns out this planet wasn't so boring after all. Log the scans in case the Shapers die from silver bullets, and let's refuel so we can spike to Gudrid."

Your pilot pulls you aside during the refueling process. “First Warden Tanzer, do we think jumping to all these worlds blind is such a good idea with what we’re carrying? We’ve been lucky so far but there’s no way to tell what’s waiting at the end of some of these jumps”

"You're absolutely right. I'll admit I find looking into the future uncomfortable, but I've no excuse on this journey to not do it." Robert reaches into the future with his mind, combing through the web of possibilities to discover what is waiting for him in Gudrid.

Bolts of lighting and a blinding haze cloud your mind. You are shown a vision of the bridge, along with the frying smell of burning electronics. Officers shout, and crew rush to carry out orders you cannot hear

Sighing, Robert realises his journey South has likely ended for now. I can't in good conscience lead my crew into whatever that is, there is no way for the Vanguard to go further South without going through Gudrid, and I'm fooling myself by thinking I'm not running a major risk by not returning with the ritual tome. I guess it's time to head back to the UNW. I can at least make some stops a long the way. With a heavy heart, Robert announces the end of the Southern expedition to his crew over the ships intercom, and congratulates them all for coming this far unscathed. He instructs the bridge to plot a course back to Shahriar, intending to spike to Galatea afterwards to visit what he hopes will be the location of the fledgling galactic council before returning home.

(Program/int please as we enter shariar space)

(11)

Two wickedly pointed looking ships are in orbit over Shariar upon your return, devoid of any polity markings or transponder codes. The normal background comms chatter from the settlement and UNW garrison have all ceased, and flocks of transport craft are returning to the hold of the cruiser. They do not react and have not seemed to have detected the Vanguard

Adrenaline now coursing through his system, Robert quickly enters an Oracle state, looking into the near future to see what happens if he opens communications with the unknown ships.

Then unknown ships will answer the comms. Beyond that the web of possibilities is too broad

"Deepscale, open a comms line with those ships. I want to know who they are." Robert pulls out his pipe, packing it and lighting the tobacco while he waits for reply.

Of the two ships, the cruiser class vessel hails back.

This is Officer Nethersole of the Invictus. On behalf of the Tenebrian Remnant, this is your one warning. Maintain your current course to refuel and immediately spike out of this system. Any deviation from you will be met with immediate and overwhelming force.

(edited)

"This is First Warden Robert Tanzer of the Void Wardens. I want to know exactly what has happened to the people that live on this world." Robert takes a long pull from his pipe, then sends comms pings to the various department heads, telling them to prepare the ship for a protracted battle. (edited)

We owe you nothing. We are simply extracting valuable assets from the hell hole the UNW put them in. The connection is severed as weapons systems go hot in their place. Not firing yet, but primed. (edited)

(The surprise of detecting without being detected has worn off since we opened comms, if we do decide to start shooting we will need initiative)

(I'll leave it up to Robert. I'm in defense mode. Be warned, there's no plot armor here. I won't take it easy and will take every opportunity to kill Robert.)

2

(I expect nothing less, also I'm going to use whatever the precog power is that let's me go first in initiative)

6:40 PM

"Battle stations, Wardens, let us show the enemy just what the Wardens are capable of."

(

If your special book gets destroyed don't come crying to me)

(I know the risks)

(It will be an honor, then. May the best imaginary spaceship win.)

"I'm plotting a course that should get us a clean shot at them while we fire our first volley. You'll have time for a few extra shots, use them wisely." The Vanguards engines roar into life as it begins it's carefully planned approach, while the Spike Inversion Projectors emerge from their housings to begin tearing through realspace. (Pilot/Int Above and Beyond, 10, 3 extra CP. Engaging Volley Capacitors for 4CP Support Department: Comms Total: 12CP Defeat ECM for 0CP against the cruiser, contested Int/Program, I got a 9, rest of turn to follow once I have the result) (edited)

(8 v 9)

(+4 to all attack rolls this turn)

"Open fire! Let's knock them out of the fight before they can respond!" Energy begins coursing through the SIPs as they lock on to the lead cruiser. (12CP converts into 4 Fire All Guns actions which means 8 shots total at +7 20/12 21/9 26/13 25/18 25/18 CRIT/28 at AP15 against the cruiser)

(First off, art. Invictus)

(jesus)

(dont cut yourself on that edge)

3

(The frigate Nemesis IV )

(Crisis for the 28: [10] VIP Imperiled) The wicked barrage tears through the massive hull of the Invictus and deals nearly fatal damage as whole chunks of the cruiser begin exploding out into the void. Simultaneously, massive sheathing cranes itself back to reveal an impressive arsenal of capital-class weaponry.

(fuck)

(5CP+ Volley Capacitors 4CP = 9CP) (Fire All Weapons x3) Grav Cannon AP 20: (11/12) (16/16) (11/17) Spinal Beam Cannon AP 15: (5/23) (18/15) (21/29) Vortex Tunnel Inductor AP 20: (7/34) (12/46) (10/32)

The Heavy Frigate's torpedo tubes glow red as shot after shot fires into the Vanguard. (Same trick, 9CP for Fire All Weapons x3) (All attacks AP 20) Torpedo Overcharged: (18/14) (7/23) (10/21) Torpedo: (Crit/10->19) (14/25) (20/14)

(The Vanguard takes a crisis on the 29 from the SBC, 3, Crew Lost Damage after reductions: 6+4+9+15+4 = 38 (holy shit, still in the fight)) As the ship shakes from each impact, damage reports begin streaming in. The bridge, not in chaos solely due to the professionalism of it's crew, is tense, as green lights flip to red in rapid succession. Kaf'ka reports casualties near the cargo bay as it is glanced by a large energy beam, bodies venting into space. The ship groans as it's engines continue to apply force to the now damaged frame of the Vanguard. Robert turns to Xu, throwing him the arcane tome. "Get in the Adder and get out of here! I don't know if we're going to make it through this fight, and you need to make it back to Gudrun with this if we're going to stop the Shapers. I'll cover your retreat. Hopefully, we'll meet again one day, but if not, it's been an honour to have worked with you." Realising he doesn't have time to wait for a reply, he has a small contingent of marines escort Xu'Ganara to the stealth corvette, launching it as soon as he is aboard. It engages it's emergency thruster boost and begins accelerating away from the combat, trying to get around the other side of the planet to allow for a covered escape. Robert watches it's blip on the battle display move rapidly away from the combat, allowing himself a small second of satisfaction before returning to the nightmare playing out in front of him. "Keep firing everything we have at them! If we can take out the cruiser, we have a fighting chance at survival. We need to hold out long enough to get the book out of the system!"

9:11 PM

(Adder: Exits the Vanguard and looks tough Vanguard: Above and Beyond Cha/Lead, 11, +2CP for a total of 7CP Support Department: Gunnery, -2CP to next Gunnery action 3 x Fire All Guns for 7CP makes 6 SIP shots against the cruiser 21/18 19/11 16/11 at AP15) (edited)

(getting aboard, doing flight checks, and launching the adder out into space/getting it away enough from the vanguard to act on its own to me seems like their full turn. we flexed it a bit for the mission against the star forge so Kelvin didn't have real life days of nothing in front of him, but normally if youre launching something they dont act until the following round)

9:18 PM

(these are all inertia based maneuvers and even simple ones take a long time to set up)

9:18 PM

(Each round is only 15 minutes)

(my bad, is their turn just launching then?)

(just for the adder, the vanguard proceeds as normal)

(Ill edit that bit out, the rest of the turn doesnt change)

(In the future, you can launch 2 craft per turn iirc)

(right but the craft youre launching then dont' get to act I don't tihnk)

1

9:20 PM

(I didnt see anything like that in the book but i could be missing it)

(Yeah I shouldve launched last turn but I thought I could pop it out in a turn so I waited. Learn and live hahaha)

The last bit of life the Invictus was hanging on to is extinguished as the hull splits violently into several pieces under the coils of spike space. The Unconquered becomes the Unliving. The Nemesis IV launches the last of its magazine at the Vanguard, one of the shots aimed directly at the Spike Inversion Projectors. (Fire One Weapon + Target Systems on the overcharged torpedo. Fire One Weapon for the other torpedo.) (9/21 at your weapons) (16/21) (Time to reload)

(Taking the hit, 11 damage, leaves me with 11HP)

(Just playing QY, will stackwipe your fleet when I get back <3)

(I'm headed to bed before too long)

10:10 PM

(Kinda want to jump into voice just to hear your accent ❤️ )

do it

4

(OOC)

(i thought it was ooc :o)

Watching the destruction of the Invictus on one of the many displays scattered throughout the bridge, Robert lets himself feel a modicum of hope. We just might make it out of here alive. "Inspiring work, Wardens! One more barrage and we should have them! I promise you, our victory here shall be spoken of throughout the known worlds when we return home as heroes!" (Adder: 5CP Engaging Emergency Speed Boost, +2 Speed for 3 Turns Support Department: Bridge -2CP Escape Combat, contested Int/Pilot+Speed, got a 17 -2CP Crash Systems against the frigate, got a 10, -2CP if the frigate loses Vanguard: 5CP Above and Beyond Cha/Talk, 15, +3CP for 8CP total Support Department: Gunnery 3 x Fire All Guns for 7CP 1CP unused Using Alternate Outcome on one of the missed shots as it allows me to target allies as well. 19/10 22/14 14/16 CRIT/18 at AP15) Robert opens a comms line with the enemy frigate, hoping to end the battle without further bloodshed. "I request that you surrender and prepare for your ship to be boarded. I promise you that you will be treated fairly, and detained awaiting a trial. I have no interest in seeing any more deaths here today. Power down your weapons, eject all remaining torpedoes and submit to a deep scan, and we will cease our barrage." (edited)

1

(Hard to surrender when the ship is destroyed.)

(woah I thought it was a heavy frigate)

(Oh one of those shots missed. JK)

(Taking a crisis for the 18; [5] Fuel Bleed) (Rolled 10 to oppose Crash Systems, no effect) The battered Frigate doesn't respond to the comms line, and instead looks inward for a short respite. Damage Control (3CP): 10v7 - Regain 3 HP Evasive Maneuvers (2 CP): 9v9 - AC +1 (edited)

I warned them. Robert removes his beanie as he prepares to do the grisly work of winning a battle. He moves down to Gunnery, helping them create firing solutions as they approach the stricken frigate, using his experience in void warfare to ensure the enemy is destroyed as best he can. He engages his oracle powers, using it in short bursts to predict where the frigate will be when the SIP tries to tear it apart internally. (Adder: 5CP Emergency Speed Boost, +2 Speed for 2 Turns Support Department: Bridge -2CP Escape Combat, contested Int/Pilot+Speed, got a 10 -2CP Crash Systems against the frigate, got a 13, -2CP if the frigate loses Vanguard: 5CP Above and Beyond Wis/Precog, 8, failure, Alternate Outcome, 13, +4CP Support Department: Engineering -1CP Damage Control, 10, repair 4HP -3CP Fire All Guns -3CP Fire All Guns -2CP Fire One Weapon 22/8 20/12 at AP15) (edited)

(WAIT FUCK I FORGOT I COULD REDO A SKILL CHECK HANG ON)

(Not if you're partial expert) (edited)

(Im a precog)

(Oh from that)

(Is it effort for the scene or the day?

(I have 7 effort, Im not close to running out)

5:28 PM

(I can use one of my 2 reroll tokens if youd prefer)

5:30 PM

(Each person including myself that I target can do it once per day, Ive only targetted Gunnery so far)

(So if I had done my turn 30 minutes ago this wouldn't have happened?)

(Yep)

5:31 PM

(If it helps the end result was landing one more hit than before)

(Not pursuing Adder, fail Escape Combat) (Crash Systems: 10v13 fail, -2CP) Fire All Weapons x1 (18/19) (Crit/26) AP 20

5:56 PM

(Fix/Int 11 v 10 to resolve Fuel Loss crisis)

5:59 PM

(Crisis for the 12: [10] VIP Loss)

(Vanguard takes crisis on the 26, and soaks 9 damage from the other hit, 6HP remaining 4 for crisis, Engine Lock, no bridge actions until resolved on the Vanguard) The groaning of the ship has become more of a shriek, as klaxons and red lights flood the bridge. "This is it! If we don't take out this frigate right now, we won't get another shot at it! Fire all weapons!" Robert continues helping with the firing solutions, sweat running down his brow. (Vanguard: 5CP Above and Beyond: Int/Shoot, 5, using 1/2 reroll tokens, 13, +2CP Support Department: Gunnery Fire All Guns x 3 for 7CP 22/16 17/16 17/13 17/6 Adder: 5CP Emergency Speed Boost, +2 Speed for 1 Turns Support Department: Bridge -2CP Escape Combat, contested Int/Pilot+Speed, got a 15 -2CP Crash Systems against the frigate, got a 7, -2CP if the frigate loses PLEASE DIE)

(Technically that's enough damage to end it, but just so you don't think I'm BS'ing you, mechanically I have an NPC ability called Finest Hour that lets me get one more turn before biting the dust.)

(well fuck)

3

(It's what I was giving some of the NPC important ships in some of the other battles we've done, things like the titans, or important special ships, ect. We only very recently started dealing with distance rings, and ranges, so it was to allow some of these enemy ships to actually have a chance to act when theyre getting gang ganged on by PC's and the whole initiative order before they act)

(Im not complaining, if the Vanguard gets destroyed its good narrative)

(in this case, since there is such a massive disparity between a lvl 10+ pc, and the rivaling NPC only staffed ships, i gave both of them that ability, since there is very little that normally can be done to fend off opposed checks, ect)

6:42 PM

(and i know, but I like putting it all out there)

(Crash Systems 9v7 Success) The battered Nemesis IV brings its weapons to bear on the Vanguard, lining up its launch tubes with an exposed section of hull that has been beaten away from the repeated internal and external explosions. Fire All Weapons 3CP Fire One Weapon 2CP Torpedo (Overcharged): (14/14) (22/22) Torpedo: (19/16)

8:21 PM

(And now it's up to Neko)

(First off, does the vanguard have lifeboats)

(No)

(let get a fix/int from robert, we need to see if the vanguard outright explodes)

(9)

Both ships, functionally dead and running on the last dregs of power, turn to face one another. Robert Tanzer is sitting in his command chair, the edges frayed from the excessive heat. He looks over to Deepscale, about to order a channel opened to the Brotherhood vessel for a final address, but the Merlon's head has been crushed by falling ceiling debris. The Nemesis IV does not look to be faring much better. Aboard, Knight-Technician Alvaric is split in twain as one of the high tension cables holding up a viewscreen whip-snapped through the deck, bisecting him and two of his page-assistants like a swinging executioners blade. Retro-burns from both ships bring them to face one another, breached without and within, bleeding into the void

8:39 PM

The engine controls light up on the Vanguard's armrest control panel, the only system that works. Robert takes off his emergency oxygen mask, and lights his pipe. The fine blue-white smoke wafts through the bridge one last time. The oxygen scrubbers have been dead for minutes, and do not protest at this additional insult to their work. Looking across the bridge at the remains of his crew, Robert makes the only command there is left to make- toggling the throttle control up to FULL POWER

8:40 PM

Propelled forward as the straining reactor finally explodes, the armored front half of the Vanguard tears through the Nemesis IV, like a shield smashing apart a descending blade. The burning vessels explode in unison, blanketing deep space with hulks of twisted metal. For a moment, two new suns appear in the horizon over Shariar, before falling silent, and returning to the cold black of true space

10

(o7)

9

9

(It has been an honor, Robert. What a way to go.)

(Hopefully that was fitting)

(It was beautiful. It's been a blast playing Robert, and I'm sad to see him go, but he went out fighting.)

In the fractions of a second available to Robert as his once-potent flagship tears forward into the enemy frigate, Robert sees Sarah, his daughter, for the first time since her death. I tried to be what you wanted to see in the universe. I tried to bring peace to the galaxy, like you would have done. I tried so hard. Sarah smiles, and reaches out a hand to him. Robert, tears streaming down his face and quickly boiling due to the extreme heat, extends his own arm to his beloved daughter. As the Vanguard explodes around him, their hands make contact, and Robert dies, happy.

17

------- Many Years Later: Surface of Astinoos The room is dark despite it being daylight outside. The green shimmering life-shield remains in place over the planet and the meddlesome ship full of Greystar operatives left without finding much of anything. No trace of the great project was detected within the ruins of empty cities and towns. So many willingly gave themselves to the great work, and for the few people who remained in the woods and hills away from the forced interment and sacrifice of the population found themselves in possession of powers that even the academy found all together unnatural. Tetrogenetics, and a healthy respect of the Fleshshapers for the powers they controlled spread like something of a creed among the scant survivors, along with one name, the one held responsible for ending their reign- or at least setting the wheels into motion. Robert Tanzer. The body was once made of many mismatched parts, shaped in small ways, surgically crafted in others when the Teteogenetic powers could no longer be harnessed. It now is proportional, and human looking, but it is not the true body of the man known as Tanzer. He will be brought back, the cult members assure one another, brought back to stand trial, and the results of which will see him sent back to the void as a criminal, or revered here as a hero.

8

Pain. Sensation. Existence. All three are one and the same. Like flashes, explosions, fireworks. Nothing that could be seen. Felt. It had been some time since he had felt. He? A question, and he had the answer, but not yet. He was being put inside something. He had been inside something once before, he was sure, but this was different. Liquid to a solid. Wet. Painful. Was it pain? Or was this just what it felt like to be alive? Alive? Alive! Apotheosis, or the reverse. He was alive. Who was he? Time for that answer. He was aware of it, like one is aware of their dreams. He snatched at it. Not in a way that could be seen, but he was not yet ready to see. He held it, for a moment, before it slipped away. He grabbed again, with purpose. I want to be me! It remained, and whispered to him, in a tongue he couldn't speak, that which he was after. Awareness flooded into him. Not that of his surroundings; he was not physical, it was not yet time to see. That of who he was. A person. A father. A man with dreams, who died trying to achieve them. Died, and yet was here, alive. Life leaves little time for introspection, as I recall. Best I find out where I am, before I focus on the why. Robert, yes, that was it, opened his eyes. It was time to see. (edited)

8

4

Two chanting men stand over the body, their rites and whatever they have just conducted now over. They are robed, their features hidden in shadow but you can make out ridged skin, wrinkles, patches of scales and other variances not quiet native to humanity. "Robert Tanzer, You are awake. Do not struggle, you have been shackled in place, for we do not want you running from the trial to come. You have much to answer for" A dry voice says from the taller of the two figures. "But not before we tell the others you have awakened"

Staring at the shrouded figures, lamely testing his restraints, Robert can do nought but chuckle. A slow, gritty laugh. Whatever I expected, he thinks to himself, it wasn't this. He composes himself after a few seconds, but cannot ignore the fact that he sounds different, somehow. "You know who I am, so you brought me back for a reason. Who are you, and why am I here?"

There is a slam of the door and a rain of dew drops from the ceiling as the heavy wood and metal banded slab shuts. It seems for now, answers will need to wait- though you may be in peril by time it comes to get them.

Indecision plagues Robert. To stay, to talk; it feels right. He remembers using words as a weapon. His words always had backing in the past, whether with knowledge, might or a brazen bluff. He has none of these things right now. His words would be hollow, at the mercy of the context he knows nothing about and those who inhabit it. Words, it seemed, were a last resort. Better to escape. Even if he fails, he might learn something, something to give his words weight. Robert tests his restraints, harder than before. He pulls at them to see if they will give. He's still not quite sure what to do if they give, or even if they don't, but the best plans are made on the fly. As he pulls, he looks around, trying to figure out just what his new prison looks like. His prison in the form of the room, at least. His new prison of flesh must remain a mystery for now.

(exert.str)

!roll 2d6-1

Robert Roll: [5, 1] Result: 5

The restraints are tight but the fitting of this slab to its base is not. It rocks gently as you try to wiggle free and the cultists outside don’t seem to have noticed the sounds - at least not enough to come in and investigate

No time for deliberation. Robert attempts to quietly pull his restraints from their sockets, while keeping an ear out for the door.

There is a loud ping as you free one of your arms, and after a few long seconds, you can hear the locking mechanism of the door being fiddled with.

Pushing the fear down, Robert does his best to move the free arm back in place despite his limited movement, while making a show of attempting without success to remove the other. Make them look at the hand you aren't doing the magic trick with.

THe door opens and one of the hooded figures re-appears. "What was that. What did you do?" he asks, coming close, within almost arms reach to look around the room. You do not see his companion at the door anymore.

Holding his breath, Robert attempts to grab the man by his head then slam it into the table.

Unexpected, and un braced, the man quickly crumples and his impact with the stone table breaks your leg binding off. Free, with the ends of chains around your arms as weapons, you stand and come to see your full body that is not your own for the first time. There will be time to explore more later, for now, you are free, but your advantage is fleeting.

Don't hesitate. Don't panic. Memories of his past life flitter through Robert's mind. Is it a past life? No, doesn't matter, not right now. Keep going. He rolls off the table and lands on his feet in a half-crouch, trying his best to stay balanced in this new and untested hack job of a body. Disguise. Robert strips the cultist of his robe, thanking the stars that these people look just as mismatched as his own body must be. Pulling it on in a hurry, he considers hiding the man before giving up on the idea and making for the door. He attempts to open it very slightly, just to try and feel out whether anyone is on the other side before striding out. (edited)

The other menacing sentry you awoke to seem to be gone now, off doing whatever passes for errands within this den of horrors. The passageway is stone, perhaps a wine cellar once, or dungeon in a far less advanced age of this planet. You feel a breeze coming from the right side of the passageway, and the hallway slightly curves to stone steps going upwards where you can also see a faint bit of light.

Slowly pushing the door open, Robert carefully moves into the hall. The breeze brushes his face, pleasant against his new skin. The first pleasant thing he's felt so far, in fact. Sometimes the choice is made for you. Without looking back he makes his way towards the light.

You hear the sounds of something scraping on a table from upstairs. It almost sounds like somebody eating, and after a moment you catch the faint smell of meat, the richness of which is almost sickening. You do not hear any other voices or anything to give away that more than one person might be there.

Robert enters the room, walking quietly but without hurry, attempting to look as if he were just one of the cultists passing through. He keeps his eyes open for any kinds of weapons, improvised or otherwise, that may be in the room.

There are other place settings on the table with cutlery. You see forks, knives and even a spoon could be a weapon in the right hands. Seeing a few people already coming up from below the dining cultist doesn’t seem to be paying you much of a second look.

Robert attempts to grab a knife from the table as he moves past without the eating cultist noticing, hoping to pull it into the sleeve of the robe before leaving the room.

He seems not to notice much as you pocket it, heading out of the room to a gentle sloping hallway that looks to go up into a more conventional home, you smell the scents of cooking in the rooms beyond and it looks like you are emerging into a larder w here questionably shaped pieces of meat hang from the ceiling on hooks. They are salted and wrapped in cheese cloth. (edited)

Hunger. Feels different, somehow. This body has it's own quirks. Best not try and eat anything here, I've suspicions regarding the meat's origin. Eyeing the meat, Robert ponders his predicament, then takes one of the smaller pieces of meat off it's hook and stashes it under his robes. Best to take some with me, at least. Principles won't do much for me if I end up starving. There's too many unknowns in this situation. He feels the fear at the back of his mind, waiting for a chance to take over. Not yet, old friend. Robert moves forward through the house, looking for answers, or an exit. He hasn't quite made his mind up which he wants more. (edited)

From the larder the door opens into a kitchen and there is a cultist butchering one of the pieces of meat with his back turned to you. The meat is too cut up to resemble much of anything distinct at this point.

(Where are the exits in the room in relation to this guy?)

(East of this guy. We're coming in from the south out of the larder and basement)

Robert, hoping the robe will continue to hold up to mild scrutiny, tries making his way quietly and purposefully past the butcher. He keeps the pilfered knife ready in his right hand, and prepares himself to attack if called out. As much as I'd like to avoid violence, I need to reach safety. I can find out just what these people want to do with me when I manage to get away from them.

)sneak/dex)

!roll 2d6

Robert Roll: [1, 1] Result: 2

(lol

)

5

There is a clattering as the door to the larder opens , the hook set a little low and the door is snagged. The would be butcher turns around in surprise , not expecting anyone to be coming out of that door right now

Fear suddenly peircing his heart, Robert reacts quickly, leaping forward with knife raised in an attempt to kill the butcher before he can raise an alarm.

5:14 PM

(Attack roll or skill check?)

(we can do a melee execution, so skill check is alright)

!roll 2d6-2

1

Robert Roll: [6, 5] Result: 9

1

The knife blow is clean. It punches into the chest, down into the heart and lungs and the sudden lack of air keeps him from crying out for help. Gravity takes over and he slides off the end of the knife to collapse onto the floor.

Robert stands completely still for a few seconds, his arm shaking. Fuck. Fuck. Hold it together. Blood drips off the knife, red drops starting to cover the floor below. Come on man, you did worse than that in your last life. Just less... visceral. Wiping the blade on the robes of the dead butcher, Robert steels himself once again. Get out, then break down. There's an order to these things. He makes to continue through the house, looking desperately for an exit. Answers, it turned out, could wait.

The kitchen has a back door, leading to the sunny outside of the compound. You hear the steady thump and clack of someone splitting firewood outside, but you think it is on the other side of the house.

Robert paces outside as quietly as he can manage, keeping an eye out for more cultists. I need to get out as fast as I can, but I'd be remiss to not try and take something to help me out there before I go. (I'm looking for anything handy like an axe or a spade, anything he could reasonably carry on him quickly that would help in the generic wilds, as well as paths out of here)

There is a large saw edged shovel propped up against the tool shed, next to a path heading into the woods north, away from this place.

Robert grabs the shovel and runs, not allowing himself even a glace behind him. I need to put as much space between them and I as I can. Despite his continuing discomfort in this new body, it responds to his desires perfectly. It is ready to run.

9:19 AM

(Getting distance before he takes stock of the situation)

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [5, 4] Result: 9

Vanishing into the woods, the woodsplitter does not notice you and goes about his work. You rush into the forest, putting as much space between you and the den of horrors as possible. You feel strong in this body, but cannot shake the fact that it is alien to you, your mind struggling to get over the general wrongness of it all while also trying to sort through the adrenaline and survival instincts.

!roll 2d6

Robert Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8

Running for your life through an alien forest on an unknown world immediately after having being dragged back into existence in a strange body was not an experience Robert would have recommended. After a few hours of jogging through the woods he was forced to stop, his brain and body both needing a moment to recuperate. Taking a seat on the ground against a large tree, he shuts his eyes and breathes for a few minutes, relishing this first peaceful moment since his rebirth. His body now relaxing, he ponders his situation. I can't say this is a brilliant situation to find ones self in, but I feel that there is a path to safety somewhere. I have assets; a blade, a shovel, a robe. He hesitates. This body? I suppose I should finally look at it. Better to do it now than to live in fear of the possibilities. Robert stands and removes his stolen robe. He carefully looks down at his new flesh, and is horrified by it. A pastiche of parts, some from people, others seemingly designed for the purpose. Revolted, he is compelled by some new yet innate part of him to change. His flesh begins to move, the different parts swirling into each other as if they were liquid. Seconds after, his skin begins to ripple, morphing into something new. Robert finds himself feeling calm, far calmer than he should, as he knows he is controlling this on some level. He tries to remember his form, his old one, and his body hears him. Hears, and responds. (Casting Superficial Tissue Sculpture to try and look like old Robert using the roll above this post. 8 with a forgotten +1 because my Use Magic is 1 makes 9 out of 9, which just succeeds. 1/2 Changes) (edited)

7:46 AM

His new flesh listens to his memories of the old flesh, and shapes itself, feeling the rythm of familiarity until it manages to set just as Robert desires. He looks at his body once again, and it is just as he remembers before he died, however long ago that was now. The feeling of peace he feels fuels his drive to escape this world. He will escape. He knows it. First, though, he needed to find shelter, somewhere to plan. He shrugs off the feeling in the back of his mind that the thing he just did wasn't right. After all, there was much work to do. (edited)

3

7:48 AM

(Looking for a good spot to set up some little forest base. Also I had the goal 'Escape' on my google sheet, is that a good enough goal for 3xp or is it too easy given I kind of had to anyway?)

(We can take it, I am also awarding now the 3xp and 5000 customary of a mission as well, but you could have def played it way riskier, so I think the personal goal is good to take too) (edited)

!roll 2d6-4

Robert Roll: [4, 3] Result: 3

**Level Up**
Level: 2
Focus: Diplomat 1
Old HP: 4
HP Roll: 3
New HP: 5
New Skills: Dex +1, Int +1 for 3 SP
Current AB: 0

(edited)

7:42 PM

!roll 3d6-6

Robert Roll: [6, 6, 2] Result: 8

**Level Up**
Level: 3
Focus: N/A
Old HP: 5
HP Roll: 8
New HP: 8
New Skills: Sneak 0, Stab 0, Notice 0
Current AB: 0

New Spells:
Temporary Limb
Feral Guise
Means of Ascent

(edited)

Name: Robert Reborn ~~-----------------------------------~~ Race: Human Background: Identity Artist Class: Rectifier Level: 3 Max HP: 8 Max Sys Strain: 7 Base Atk Bonus: +0 ~~-----------------------------------~~ Attributes: ~~-----------------------------------~~ STR: 8 (+0) DEX: 14 (+1) CON: 7 (--1) INT: 18 (+2) WIS: 16 (+1) CHA: 12 (+0) ~~-----------------------------------~~ Saves: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Physical: d20 vs 13 Mental: d20 vs 12 Evasion: d20 vs 11 Luck: d20 vs 13 ~~-----------------------------------~~ Skills: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Notice (0) Sneak (0) Stab (0) Talk (1) Use Magic (1) ~~-----------------------------------~~ Foci: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Diplomat (1) Iron Hide (1) Petty Sorceries (1) ~~-----------------------------------~~ Class Features: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Magister ~~-----------------------------------~~ (edited)

8:34 PM

HP: 8/8 Sys Strain: 0/7 ~~-----------------------------------~~ Weapon | Atk Bonus | Dmg | Range | Ammo W1: Small Primitive Weapon | +1 | 1d4+1 | 2/AC15 | N/A W2: Medium Primitive Weapon | +1 | 1d6+2 | 3/AC13 | N/A ~~-----------------------------------~~ Magister Spells per Day: 3/5, 2/2 Changes Remaining: 3 Changes Maintained: 1 ~~-----------------------------------~~ Current AC: 18 Armor Worn: Iron Hide, L1 ~~-----------------------------------~~ (edited)

8:34 PM

Active Effects: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Superficial Tissue Sculpture ~~-----------------------------------~~ Prepared Spells: ~~-----------------------------------~~ ~~-----------------------------------~~ Known Spells: ~~-----------------------------------~~ Adaptive Modification Feral Guise Means of Ascent Superficial Tissue Sculpture Temporary Limb

(Okay I’ll do and read the big post ahain and get something proper here )

Running into the alien forest you do not hear an alarm raised behind you. The woods are quiet for the moment but your escape will be noticed before long. Finding relief, rescue, supply, all the concerns of trying to find your way home flow through your mind and you think that with the advanced tools and miniature society here there must be some kind of homestead or settlement nearby- but the direction is unknown.

Distance might not provide safety, but right now it was all Robert had. It was only once he felt there was enough between him and his captors that he let himself rest. Putting down his pilfered tools, he sits and leans against a tree, closing his eyes. There really is no time for introspection in life. I'll miss that. Getting to know oneself has been a worthwhile venture. He feels a chill, and opens his eyes again, looking down at his body. I guess I'll need to get to know myself all over again, given my self has been placed in this odd vessel. Revulsions rises, and is pushed down again. For better or worse, this body is mine. It seems to have both the will and the means to respond to me, though the manner in which it does so is uncomfortably similar to that of the Fleshshapers. Grupp, he had similar transformative abilities; if I can somehow get back to UNW space I'll be able to ask him about my condition. Stars know how I'll manage that. First things first, it's time to see what this body can do. Robert holds his hand out in front of him, fingers splayed. He watches as the fingers seem to respond to his thoughts, doubling in length before returning to their normal size. Hair grows out of the back of his palm, then falls off as he wills it. Interesting, though not especially useful. What practical skills can I tease out? He considers his predicament; alone in an alien forest with a spade, a knife and a robe, and as he does, his body hears him. His organs and muscles shift in small but meaningful ways, as hair grows from every inch of skin, leaving him completely covered in a thin but warm coat of fur. His sense of hunger and thirst seem to evaporate as if they were only an affectation to be cast off as needed. Curious. (Adaptive Modification for this environment, can survive in this environment and don't need to eat, drink or breathe, 2/4 changes)

7:56 PM

Survival now seeming like less of a worry, Robert turns his mind to the idea of shelter. I'll need somewhere to operate out of, even if it's just somewhere to sleep and leave anything I find before I can escape this world. He searches for a small clearing in which he can build a camouflaged shelter, and upon finding one spends the next couple of hours building a simple lean-to against a fallen tree out of sticks and branches, then covers the shelter with local vegetation to disguise it and provide some protection from the rain. He takes off his robe and places it inside, knowing the garment is good for nothing but disguise now he has a fresh layer of insulating fur. He clears the space around the shelter of sticks and leaf litter so he can move quietly if needed, then digs out a small pit under the log to store his tools in. Satisfied with the work, and feeling the exhaustion of his rebirth and escape, he finally allows himself to crawl into the shelter and go to sleep.

7:56 PM

Waking up, he brushes leaves out of his fur while planning his next move. There has to be some kind of semi-advanced society producing the goods I saw during my escape. I'll need to locate a nearby settlement and scope it out. Information and resources will be necessary if I am to survive, let alone get away from here. My body has been incredibly accomodating so far, let's see if it can help me here too. Focusing his mind once more, he entreats his body, telling it of his wish to take to the air. Limbs push out of his back, a vaguely uncomfortable feeling, before the flesh morphs into something approximating large bat wings, like sails of membranous flesh. I'll need to unpack this whole ordeal eventually, but for now, body, it seems we can work together quite well. He practices flapping for a few moments, then leaps into the air, his wings propelling him skyward as well as if he was born with them. Let's find ourselves a settlement. (Temporary Limb combined with Means of Ascent for a total of 4/4 changes, going to fly around looking for a town or something similar)

You see the clearing in the woods 2km north from here and it looks like a village has been constructed here. From the air you can see some signs that the first stages of nature have begun to reclaim it, and yellow fliers- now faded by exposure to weather and sun, are everywhere. You do not see any people here from the air, not even animals, or abandoned pets.

Gripping his stolen shovel close, Robert makes to land on the outskirts of the seemingly abandoned settlement, wary as ever of what appeared to be a ghost town. There has always been something unsettling about an empty village. The lack of people seems to drag it into being a liminal space, somewhere between civilisation and wilderness, never a comfortable place to be.

The settlement is littered with propaganda leaflets from the government that used to rule this world. It seems like they were some kind of scientific organization and posters of a brave knight holding a shield to knock back a shadowy looking talon occupy most of the image. DO YOUR PART. MAKE YOUR WAY TO AEGIS SCIENCE CENTER TODAY! LEARN TO DEFEAT THE ALIEN MENACE

Science Center. That's promising. This world at least had some kind of advanced technology at some point. Robert inspects the leaflet closer, trying to find some hint as to where this center is.

The science center looks to be located more toward the center of the planet based on the direction given, likely where a giant beam of jade heading into the sky is just barely at the edge of what you can see.

I'd bet all I have that that beam of light is this anti-alien science center. Robert grins. Not that I have that much to bet. I can't imagine I'd find much rooting through this rotten shell of a town. Best I move on. Robert leaps up into the air again, his wings conveying him upwards into the sky. He orientates himself towards the beam, and starts flying.

(d10 for me, we're crossing some unknown territories)

!roll d10

Robert Roll: [6] Result: 6

Moving north of the abandoned village you pass over an abandoned convoy. A mix of fifty civilian and light military vehicles have been left here on a road winding through tall acacia forest , with no signs of the people that left them behind.

Intrigued, Robert lands a few dozen meters away from the convoy. He readies his spade, but feels little fear; the place seems abandoned. He slowly walks over to the vehicles, aiming to poke around. Mechanical vehicles could contain useful items and information, after all.

There are no signs of violence here, the convoy seems voluntarily abandoned with most of the personal belongings left behind that were more than man portable have been left behind

Checking one of the military vehicles, Robert tries to find a way to start it.

The heavy duty truck has a half charged Type B power cell inserted in it. It looks to have about a day of energy left in it after sitting for so long, and the medical kit, long with weapons rack both look to have some of the gear left behind.

Somewhat concerned with the low power reserve, Robert makes an attempt to salvage any other leftover B cells from the other vehicles.

(fix/int)

!roll 2d6+1

Robert Roll: [5, 2] Result: 8

(As an aside I love that it says Robert Roll every time I roll, big fan of this bot)

You're able to form a complex array of wiring to transfer the cells all into one charge pack, and you;'ve made something akin to a battery reserve, giving you what you would estimate to be ten days worth of power for the vehicles, and for any other energy based equipment you might find. (edited)

Plugging the jury-rigged array into the least aged military vehicle, Robert hops in the driver's seat and begins driving towards the pillar of light. I'd be lying if I said this wasn't more relaxing, as novel as flying was.

The center console crushes when you put your elbow on it, and you find a foil wrapped ration inside. The chemical warmer still looks to be working properly, and you smell the scent of warm eggs. Moving toward the pillar of light going into the sky you pass through another village where it looks like the locals were immune to some of the propaganda being scattered everywhere. There is evidence of fighting on the sides of some of the buildings in the form of bullet holes, laser scars, and old blood from those struck down by the gunfire. A few bodies have been left behind, suits of pearl white combat field uniform cracked open by farm tools, stained with the mud and blood of a fight to the death in ages past.

(Christ I thought I posted in this ages ago)

2:32 AM

Deciding he'd earned a break, and that there was a good chance that the pillar of light wasn't in a rush to go anywhere, Robert takes a break, pulling over and exiting the car while munching on the egg. Damn food's getting caught in my beard. He wipes the egg residue off with the back of his hand, realising too late that he's simply transferred it to the dark black fur that covers him completely. Sighing, he begins poking around the ruins, looking for any sign as to why this world seems to be a shell of its former self.

You find more of the propoganda leaflets here and signs that not all of the population went to the Aegis center willingly. Closer to the facility you feel a subtle change in the air, like the presence of life though you’ve seen nothing here

I don't like this planet, if I'm being honest. Something bad happened here, and not just this massacre. I know it's got to do with that beam of light, or whatever is making it. Robert returns to the vehicle, and presses on.

You drive through most of the night before the beam gets close enough to provide its own light. The facility is ahead and is in sight after another hour, revealing one of the buildings has been heavily damaged by some kind of fire. The main building looks to the the source of the light, and it is flanked by off-site workshops, a dorm building, and what looks to have once been some sort of holding facility with an adjoining motorpool of heavy cargo trucks fitted out with cages instead of the typical canvas covered back.

Despite a growing feeling of fatigue, Robert feels compelled to investigate under the cover of night. Those truck-borne cages hardly inspire confidence in the hospitality of the facilities owners, if they're even still here. He exits his vehicle, shutting it off, and grabs the shovel he's resigned himself to using as a weapon. No firearms. I've got to stay quiet. He scopes out the facility for a few minutes, then begins to move in, quietly walking towards the dorm building. If anyone's still here, someone will be in there.

(notice/wis)

!roll 2d6+1

Robert Roll: [6, 3] Result: 10

1

You notice that nobody is living here after a brief search. The land seems entirely stripped of non plant life, and nothing stirs here. More flyers about giving your life in defense of the world and the honor of being the one to save your friends and family cover the area heavily (edited)

@Robert (here is your thread for now, we were almost away from the cult!)

1