Iron Stars - shriven

(Shriven walks into the airbase.) Maybe today I can get near a cockpit. It isn’t quite a space ship but hey flying is better than drinking, mostly... “Shriven reporting for duty, Sir.”

“Shriven, I’ve got an assignment for you”. Adam Lyndon, acting squadron commander, sits behind a desk. There is faint techno music playing from a desktop radio that never seems to be turned off. “I’m going to keep it fast since lives are at stake. We have an exploration team that called in They’re In contact. Some kind of monster. There’s a dive bomber in hangar 3. More information will be provided once you’re airborne

shriven tries not to jump for joy “Understood sir! Permission to prepare for departure?”

11:07 AM

I wonder what it could be, well it can’t be to hard I mean it won’t exactly be firing back at me so what could go wrong?

“Grab your gear. Grab a bail out bag just in case, and radio in when you’re on the flight line” (edited)

Shriven rushes out grabs a bail out bag, his lucky laser pistol and a radio just incase. He runs through the preflight checklist and double checks armaments. Everything seems to be in order. “Preflight check complete, requesting permission to take off and head to programmed destination.” Come on let me kick it! Time to finally show what I can do!

“This is tower. Your callsign today is going to be super 1-1. Upon takeoff, turn south and you’ll be talked on by ground elements once you’re in range. Begin taxi when ready”

“Roger,Super 1-1 taxiing for takeoff.” Rolls out of the hangar and is nearly overcome with jitters. man it has been to long Shriven rolls over to the airstrip mutes radio and punches it. “YEEEAAAHHH!” Unmutes radio after calming down. “Super 1-1 reporting Take off successful, setting corse to 190 degrees. Orders pending from ground forces once in the AO.”

11:45 AM

(So the cool thing about this game is that even a 0 in a skill means you can do basic stuff without needing to check. Out here it’s a nice sunny day with no strong wind. Easy takeoff weather. A chance for failure would be a freak accident or so rare that a roll would just be a stumbling block. So you can just take off)

(I was trying to show off with a perfectly clean takeoff.)

11:55 AM

(First real flight and all)

The sleek dive bomber rockets down the runway and takes skyward, the only dark shape in a relatively cloudless sky. You pass over the colony, from above gaining a new admiration for the efforts made to fortify it

11:59 AM

The plane levels off on a southward course. Though hundreds of miles away on the ground, and not visible to the colony yet, there is a thunderstorm ahead

(Just confirming the next thing will be some kind of interaction or a message from you. I’m kind of on autopilot otherwise right?)

(Yeah had to look a few things up)

The thunderheads slowly expand in your front canopy as the plane gets closer. Two options present themselves, brave the conditions or go around, and spend extra time

This storm isn’t to bad, I mean it can’t be worse than battle right? “Tower be advised, Super 1-1 is entering some rough weather and may lose radio contact. ” (going through it)

(Pilot/dex for real this time)

<14>

12:45 PM

storms getting bad but not to bad “Tower, Super 1-1 experiencing severe turbulence, staying on target. No expected delays on my ETA in the AO.”

12:46 PM

(Heck yeah near crit to show off I love roll20 right now.)

12:46 PM

(That’s totally coming back to bite me later but right now I don’t care)

The bomber glides around the worst of the turbulent air. Radio contact is intermittent but they’d expected not to hear from you so there’s no alarm.

12:56 PM

The storm passes after twenty minutes revealing a dense swampland below. Rolling banks of fog obscure large portions of the oozing soil.

You hear the sounds of a soldier calling for help over the radio.

Finally a target “Roger, Super 1-1 here for back up. Heard you boys had a unwelcome visitor that you wanted to get rid of. What’s your 20?”

(Head Into judge thread. I’ll have Malik talk you on)

Leveling from 1-2 HP rolled <4> Foci StarFarer 2 (bringing Pilot to 2) 4 points unassigned

1:30 PM

Leveing from 2-3 HP Rolled <1> 8 Points unassigned now assigning to Trade 0 -1 Trade 1 - 2 Trade 2 -3 ~~Shoot 1 - 2~~ (swapped to +1 cha & talk-0) Leaving 0 points unassigned (edited)

1

So on day 4 while Malak is with herb and melora, What is shriven up to

Shriven realizes that it may be helpful to start trying to get some half decent pilots around him. So he starts talking to the miners during the down time about if any of them have any desire or experience to fly. During that time he launched into battle stories from the war. While drinking a little to much of his weekly ration in one go. (edited)

8:50 AM

"When i first signed up they tried throwing me into a patrol boat and that was fun but the captain got a little upset when i was making it do circles around the corvette of the Vice-Admiral that we we serving under. Who wouild have guessed that a stunt like that would make me 'reckless and a hothead.' Anyways he had me shifted to a fighter which i was much happier with. None of those rules of engagement and someone watching over your shoulder. I got into a few scrapes and had a fun time with my squad mates across the galaxy jumping around with the Admiral's Carrier and fighting what they kept calling a strategic withdraw. All that mean to us was that we fought longer than the big ships which we were all fine with. Till the day we ran out of places to withdraw, Earth. Then we began to fight in earnest. I lost alot of good friends that day, I was just about to gun down a Carrier that my squadron had been picking off," (edited)

8:52 AM

“Then I looked straight up and saw a huge salvo coming from earth, I knew I had no chance to dodge it so I did the only thing I could think of, I jumped right inside Earth’s gravity well. Didn’t know where I was going or anything. Ended up flying in the spike for 3 days before I came out and all my systems were down.”

None of the miners want to fly but one has a brother in the colony, wounded in the last battle with the underhill when his VTOL went down. He lost a leg. It’s been replaced but he’s a bit too slow for combat flying, and wants to get back into the air so badly

“Really? Who is your brother? We could probably use him here. Any idea where I could find him?”

“He’s been trying to find work. Usually in his hab, real close to the factory district. “ A pin is dropped on your compad map with the address

(I’m thinking we should move on to day 5 as Malak is already on planet. So sleep, load cargo, and Malak and head out)

(Right. So what are you doing on day 5 with him dropped off)

Shriven heads straight over to the pin to talk to the pilot brother. Shriven knocks on the door, “hello, I heard there was a pilot here.”

“Was a Pilot round beer” a harsh voice says through the door. It opens slightly and shriven gets a glimpse of an artificial leg

12:35 PM

“Whatcha want?”

“First to buy you a drink. After that I think I have an offer you will be interested in.”

His mood noticeably improves at the mention of drink. The door shuts and you hear a chain being removed

Shriven waits for him to open the door to talk him to the bar

The door opens and the man emerges in tattered looking clothing. His fake leg is the cleanest thing about him due to the fact it’s stainless steel. “Alright lets get that drink then”

“Let’s go! I know a great place around the corner.” As they enter the bar, shriven turns to him, “What’s your name and your poison? I’m a pilot as well and we got to watch it for each other”

(Can I also RP elsewhere and just assume it is after I recruit him?)

(This won’t take long). “I’m Shane. If you’re out here looking for me I’m assuming you know enough of my background already. I’m interested in the details of this job”

“Well it would mostly be rather monotonous, flying a helo and maybe one day if your up for it a starship. But first we will just do some nice and easy puddle jumping with the helo.”

2:43 PM

“I will warn you that it is off planet.”

“What do you think? You interested in getting back on the cockpit?”

“More than anything. I never thought I’d fly again. I can work with a helo. Won’t be as fast as I’m used to but probably safer for everyone. What’s the pay?”

(Scrolling through books...)

(He’s skilled. Looking for the book page for base)

2:59 PM

(He’s a technician so I’ll go with 10)

1

“Well I’m thinking 10 a day as it is the going rate for a great pilot.” (edited)

“How does that sound to you?”

“10 for now. If it’s a good fit I’d like more in the future. For now I just want to fly again”

“Sounds good, grab your ruck and meet me at my shuttle.” Drops pin on his pad. “ I’m hoping to head to the planet in the next hour or so.” (edited)

He finishes his drink, and heads home to pack

an hour later, he is ready on the launch pad, eager to see a new world and get back in the cockpit

Shriven wanders over and directs the dock crew to load up the helo. While they are working on it he reaches out to the miners. “I have 8 slots left for this trip how many of you want to go this time, I will bring your trucks over the next 2 trips.”

As many as can fit (8) will go with you today, the others will remain home to keep tabs on the trucks.

8:04 PM

They'll try to arrange passage to at least have them shipped up to the orbital platform before tomorrow to make it easier for you.

So i pick them up and head out. Shriven makes random small talk to the miners asking if any of them know of any other pilots. After the flight and landing shriven helps unload the helo to get it set up for operation tomorrow.

They only knew about the one you have now. Jared assists you with setting up the Helo, taking the rest of the day to get everyone situated. Jared performs a few test flights, and gets used to the controls. He seems pretty relaxed with it by the end of the day

As soon as shriven can get a nights rest in he gets up and loads the 8.5 tons that are left on the planet and prepares to head out. He lets the group know that he will be back in a few days not immediately.

They’ll make some improvements to Home base while you’re gone. The CCE in particular wants to put up a palisade

“That’s a great idea! I will be back as soon as I can.” Then punches it back to Gudrun.

When shriven lands he sells the ore. (edited)

(You can message Seung for how he wants to do this but anything posted in the group thread is common knowledge)

Shriven messages @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) “Hey, I heard you were looking for pilots. Do you have a minute to talk or grab some food?”

“I am. If you have a moment can you meet me at the harvest spirits?”

“Sounds good first one is on me.” Shriven hurries to Harvest Spirits to try to get a table.

There’s plenty available due to the odd hour. Just a few gamblers in today playing slots.

Shriven goes up to the bar and orders a beer for him while he waits and asks a new beer be dropped off when another person walks in and sits with him. (edited)

A tab is started and Seung is due to arrive shortly

Seung enters the bar with Agata looking around. He walks up to the bar. “Any one here by the name of Shriven Baron?”

Shriven stands up. “Hello, right over here. Pleasure to meet you, Seung right?”

“Ah, there you are. Hello.” Seung walks over putting his hand out. “Yes my name is Seung Whitaker leader of task force phoenix.”

11:28 AM

“You’re the pilot who contacted me correct?”

“Yeah I am. I used to fly for the military but after a last minute blind jump out of the battle of earth I took an early retirement. I heard your looking for good pilots and I am one.”

11:39 AM

“I have flown everything from most ground units to fighters to corvettes.”

"I see. Then you'll be useful. I have a need for pilots of two frigate, and a cruiser sized ship. We plan on leaving in 24 hours if you would be able to join and work with us." (edited)

“I would be happy to help. Is there salvage rights?”

“Salvage rights? I can promise you being paid and perhaps a new weapon and armor if you need it, but you would be the pilot of a crew of 10 or 50. I couldn’t promise you salvage rights at all, maybe some of the supplies we take but that’s dependent of what they have. You’d be working for me either as employee or contractor.”

“I was thinking more as a partner, the mining guild has a ship we would be willing to send with the fleet for a share of the haul.”

“Do you actually care about this colony or do you just want to profit? Do you realize how big the remnant is. That your partnership is a single man flying what is probably a fright ship?” (edited)

“I care about this colony, but someone is profiting. Even if it is just from the sale of the goods I’m just asking for a % of the take of what we are looting in the end. Are you saying that you aren’t compensated? We have a plasma cannon on a merchant true but you won’t catch us slacking when it comes to the battle.”

“Profit? I do what I do for the good for the colony. Everything i’m given I put back into the task force for the protection of the colony. I won’t call you partner if you decide to bring your own ship, and understand if you decide to act alone because you are only hoping for salvage or to gain vessels I won’t waste resources saving you if it would cause harm to my own people. Otherwise compensation can be spoke about afterwards not now when you don’t have anything to show but words.” (edited)

(Btw I love this RP,) “That’s fair bit to talk about specific compensation now but I think if you ‘won’t try to help’ is a little harsh, treat us like you would any of your ships if damaged and we can figure out how to move forward. I’m not asking for above and beyond just common courtesy.” (edited)

(Did I miss understand what you are saying? Are you saying if we go off and try to steal salvage then we will be on our own? Or if you come good luck? Your not mine.)

“I will make sure you live as long as you work with us and are willing to talk. If you do that much then I will go above and beyond to help you if possible. The last pilot we had from outside flew off leaving us high and dry in a tense situation, and could have possibly gotten everyone killed. If you wish to be like her and disregard everyone for your own wishes then I will have think of my people first.” (Seung won’t just let you die because you’re not under his umbrella but you wanna come. But if you do something that puts him in a bad situation for your gain or that harms his people then he will be less willing to help you.)

1

“Seems reasonable, I just need to know the command structure and to know that I’m not considered a disposable militia and well more talking about how good I am probably won’t help either of us. So what are the coordinates that you want us to meet up?”

“It would also be nice to be included in the meeting even if our voice is ignored.”

"No one is disposable we all have our jobs and talents, and we all do them far better alive then dead. As long as you work with me rather then against me I can promise I will do my best to ensure you live. When it comes to command structure I will be leading this. As far as I know you are the only ship joining that won't be part of my fleet. We will all be meeting above Gudrun in just under 24 hours so if you have anything to set in order you have some time, but not much. If there are any meetings I will ensure you are apart of them. Sil of the psi academy will be there, as well as Cass of of her own group, and Saul the marshal will also be there. All of you working with us will have your own voice."

“Sounds good Sir.” Shakes his head and mutters, “you can take the solider out of the military but you can’t take the military out of the solider.” Then loudly says “Okay we will see you up top. “

“Alright. Just remember the remnant stand to destroy our freedoms and way of life. Kill those they believe did wrong when really they have no true idea. That’s what we’re fighting for. Our freedoms on this planet and in the colony, and for those who were born psychic.”

6:27 PM

“Don’t take them likely and don’t forget they’re going to shoot first when they see us if they find out who we are.”

"So why are we going out and picking a fight with them? I thought this was just about grabbing stuff and getting out. Sorry i haven't been paying attention for the last couple months. My wife ... the scream.... ummm I.... So yeah" Shriven is noticeably awkward, "Why are we going out there to them?" (edited for spelling) (edited)

“As far as I know they came to us. They’ve already made clear their plan. I’ve spoken to one officer so far although I know there was one here before for a time. They plan to wipe the galaxy of psychics any way they can. We go to Aslief because they are taking their people to be slaves on their ships as dispensable crewmen. I can’t stand idly by when something like that is happening. This is just like what happened already here on Gudrun I took action then, and I plan to take action now.”

Shriven looks noticeable upset, "You mean they are using human SLAVES!!! Im in!! I dont know what i can do right now but I'm in. Let me know what i can do. We need to stop this now! I wont stand for it. Wont stand for it..." at the end of the blow up you hear him breath out one word, "Ana." (edited)

“Good then now that you know the stakes I need to go finish preparations. I hope you do the same if you have any. That is unless you have anything else to ask.”

With no further questions asked Seung gets up walking out with Agata to head back into the colony.

Agata is ready to go and brings you back to colony central

(Sorry forgot to post I was done.)

(Alls good)

(Neko, Can I RP backwards during this last week to fill in some gaps in what I’m understanding about the galaxy right now?)

(Sure)

Shriven walks up to one of the officers, “Hello, hey I have been a little out of the loop, where are the admiralty at on greenbrair?”

“They’re a ship based group. Surface ships. A lot of them have signed up for space duties though, now that they really don’t have a home to go back to. We kept them supplied for a long time before we helped them solve their problem with the underhill. Didn’t stop the Queen from sinking half their fleet”

“That makes sense, so how long ago did we take care of the underhill?”

“Just a few months ago. Almost a year to the day of the colony’s founding. We had been fighting them across the planet since we landed”

“So the admiralty didn’t take back their land base at all?”

“Their overqueen was lurking on the island of theirs. The land was too heavily contaminated during the battle”

10:02 AM

“So they elected to formally join with us instead”

“Thank you! Do you know much of the piggen? Are how numerous are they? Are they still independent or did they join as well?”

“They’re independent. They probably always will be but we have come to their aid a few times”

“Do we know how many settlements they have?”

“Just the one major city in the desert now. Most of the outlying groups fled there for protection when things with the bugs got serious”

“And what’s the current fleet that are capable of spike?”

“This fleet. The home defense fleet which is a cruiser and three corvettes, and the recovered colony ship. Really it’s just a mass transit ship now”

“Do we have any other rutters outside of ahial, Gudrun and now aslief?”

“Miriam, and the deep space sector we took the platform from.”

(and Rawhani)

11:43 AM

(and I assume Tsatos)

(Yes. Thank you)

“Do we have AA reports on those trip, or just the surveys?”

“Anti air intelligence wasn’t really the focus of those trips” is all the information the deck officer can really provide

(Sorry after action reports)

“They’re very long and detailed. A lot of it isn’t public. If something comes up I’m sure you’ll be advised”

“Thank you so much for your time.” (Those were the major wholes in my understanding so I’m good for now thanks)

)yeah the missions on those planets were very long. Like a month at least of real time(

Quilla, a piggen warrior and fourteen other task force marines are aboard, serving as ship security. They’ll be boarding the enemy ship with you

“Okay men, there may be some stiff resistance but remember every ship we take is one that we can use to defend our families. So let’s go get this one! CHARGE!” Then shriven realized that the door isn’t quite opened yet... pauses for a moment then rushes in.

Stumbling into the corridor carved by the boarding tube, the transport security team is waiting, in a firing line with combat rifles raised. (Initiative)

10:00 PM

(2)

(This is where I die a glorious death)

10:00 PM

<3>

You’re first. Then the task force marines. Then the enemy squad

(Is there any cover?)

(No you hopped out of the boarding tubes into a hallway)

10:06 PM

(Has to punch through somewhere open so you guys can get out)

(How far away is the enemy group? Close enough to run up next to me?)

(Within move distance yes)

(Both directions?)

(The enemy squad is in front of you. Friendly troops behind you.)

( Can we put a pin in this till the morning RL?)

(Of course)

1

Shriven dives to the side and fires at one of the defenders. <13 to hit 7 damage>

One of the defenders is hit by the shot, the task force marines open fire a second later

7:14 AM

The wounded soldier is finished off, and another is killed by two shots. The rest of the hits wound every member of the ship security squad. They return fire (two at shriven, rest at the task force , 8 shots in total

7:15 AM

(Shriven takes 10$

(Yep. They hit. 14+1 for ab)

Shriven drops to the ground out cold.

7:17 AM

(So do I eventually wake up? I’m laughing so hard. If I wake up there is going to be a lot of swearing about guns and how pilots should stay on ships...)

One marine is killed (three hits one crit) two others are wounded

7:20 AM

(You’re mortally wounded. The squad medic is going to try to stabilize you)

(Is this why pilots don’t last?)

7:20 AM

(I’m laughing so hard right now...)

The marines advance slightly so the medic has some bodies in front of him while he works. He fishes a Lazarus patch out of his medkit and begins working

7:22 AM

The medicine begins working and shrivens heart starts beating again (you’re still knocked out just not dying anymore)

1

(Counts as critically wounded) The task force opens fire again

7:31 AM

Killing two more of the enemy security detail. The rest surrender, half the squad dead.

7:32 AM

And the medic likewise gets a patch on the stricken marine

7:32 AM

(You’ll wake up later in the infirmary, and I’ll give you the results of the boarding action)

1

(So I was reading up on healing, I have 2 options right? 1 week of nothingness or a bioheal cough cough sil.)

(Yeah one week of long term care or bioheal with strain which rolls off anyway)

(As soon as Sil is done with what he's doing, and he puts in another call for who needs help, I hope someone will tell him Shriven is down and needs healing.)

(I do too I’m unconscious and I don’t know what the crew does.)

(You’re stable. With the battle still happening they’re not doing anything but triage right now anyway)

(Stable conscious or stable keep waiting?)

(Stable unconscious)

(Has it been 10 minutes since I went down?)

(Sil is about to heal Shriven in #deleted-channel )

Shriven walks onto the bridge. “Can I get a sit rep (situation report) on the boarding? Is our team still active are there any remaining hostiles?”

“Everything left is being boarded. Ground teams are reporting decisive victories at the nuclear base and the orbital defense base. The psi academy was evacuated”

“Is the ship I boarded secure?”

“The ship WE boarded is secure” quilla says. “Your glorious charge saw you take two rounds to the chest. We handled the rest”

“We all did our part, I was more trying to specify which ship I was referring to. I guess it would have been more accurate to say is the ship that nearly killed me secure.” Shriven gives a smug grin.

6:12 PM

“Anywhere else we can be of aid?”

“The southern belle is boarding the last of the torpedo boats. Everyone else is either also being boarded or destroyed”

“Greenbrair fleet, we need to secure the entire planet so no RIO ships are able to sneak off. Please take high orbital positions around the planet so we have full coverage.”

The ships aren't responding to orders. Several communication officers from other vessels ask if Seung is on the flagship, wanting to hear the orders from the captain. The detection officer on your ship reminds you no other ships have been detected

“Quilla, how many prisoners do we have onboard now?”

"The three techs we took from the left side of the ship, and the five soldiers from the cruiser we boarded"

(Shriven leveling to 4,5 and 6. Hp +3 Total hp 13 Talk -1 (2 pts) 2 points unspent To lvl 5 Hp +5 Total hp 18 Foci- Diplomat Talk-2 (foci) 6 points unspent To lvl 6 Hp +5 Total HP 23 Know 2 (1,2,3) (edited in removing the unspent.) ~~Talk 3 (4)~~(Okayed by neko due to culture being know) Trade 3 (4) Unspent 0) (edited)

3:23 PM

After an exhausting day of fixing things he thanks Malak and laughs at his reference. “See you back there.” Shriven takes Anamem to Greenbrair to try to get it set up with some atmospheric thrusters.

(So Shriven left the fleet?)

(I’m hanging around for a day repairing if needed but unless something requires me I’m planning on it. Figured they would all leave before me. I was going to go dark for the rest of the day.)

(We'll still figuring out what's going on. I thought everyone was on the bridge with us.)

(Darn time being linear. . . I technically never left the bridge but wanted to type the rest out of what I was doing on the other channel so I don’t have to after reading what happened. I am trying to not have to type on here after I leave work today as my wife is at home sick. Sorry for being confusing....)

3:49 PM

(Does that make sense?)

(ok, I know it's difficult.)

The free merchant arrives at Gudrun a bit sooner than the rest of the fleet, and is already being pulled into anchor around the orbital platform when everyone else spikes in

Shriven hops out and smiles, “Well time to go track down an admin/accountant that I can trust.”

7:52 AM

(Connected roll? Or something else?)

(I find they're more effective if you give them an old man name)

1

(K I’m looking for an Albert or Alfred.)

(mine is a Martin)

(Still hoping for an Alfred that wears a tux so I can build a bat cave

)

While shriven thinks about where he can find an accountant he wanders to a bar.

There are two bars in town, the harvest spirits in the north district owned by the Baron, and the barons brewhaus, in the central colony near admin, owned by the same person.

Harvest spirits it is.

8:13 AM

(Do I need to RP to track someone down or can I connect roll it to find a target then RP from there?)

(Rp. Connected isn’t always going to work)

8:14 AM

(You’ve for to be connected to the community to have connections)

Shriven walks into the Harvest Spirits and sits at the bar. “Hey barkeep, I take a pint.”

The barkeep this evening is the baron himself, and he pours a heavy pint of an amber ale. He looks immensely proud of the establishment. The walls are full of photos of colony life, taken over the past year and few months. A dried bloody shield hangs on the wall, above the bottles of liquor

“Evening Baron, any chance you know a good accountant that is unhappy with their current prospects?”

8:25 AM

Shriven chuckles at himself while staring at his mug.

“What kind of a project did you have in mind” he looks put into the crowd thoughtfully

“I’m looking for an admin or accountant who can oversee future growth of the AMC interests on planet and help keep track of who is selling what. Eventually hoping to have several kinds of ventures that he would be in charge of managing.”

“In other words not my typical drinking buddy.”

“Hmm. I know one. He’s not the most socially graceful but if you leave him alone and let him work, he will steward your money wisely. I contracted him to get the brewhouse accounts set up and he made it so easy I didn’t even have to hire someone to manage there”

“Thanks for the tip, what’s his name?” (

Alfred or something old I have on good authority that it helps

)

“Alfred Ansontin. Like I said. Pay him and leave him alone and he will make sure things run smoothly”

“Thanks baron, any idea what his favorite drink is? Want to make a good impression.”

“He’s pretty refined. Makes me a bit nervous at times even. Let me see here” He fishes under the counter and produces a bottle, one clearly made pre war. He pours two shots and calls Alfred over, denoting the two drinks are for the both of you

Shriven stand up when he notices Alfred is in the room. “Hello Alfred, I’m Shriven. I have a proposition that I think you will be interested in.”

He looks you up and down for a moment, and then looks at the drink on the bar. He then looks back to you, and delicately sits. He hasn’t spoken a word yet

“I heard your an wizard when it comes to business. I represent the Aliah Mining Conglomerate, we are interested in building a series of holdings that will allow us to benefit both the colony and the sector. We are looking for someone to act as the local President for this arm of AMC.” (edited)

“I see”. He knocks back the drink and looks both surprised and pleased by the vintage. “I’d be willing to help but I have something to ask in return, think of it as keeping me on retainer. I need a 5,000 credit downpayment to settle some personal debt. My current job is below me but it’s steady pay, allowing me to make my payments to the bank, and having that off my shoulders will make me feel more confident. “

11:48 AM

“I don’t want to risk my estate on something so uncertain, I’m sure you understand”

“I do understand and I think we would be willing to do that. Would you also be open to a relocation off planet if necessary? Not immediately but possibly in the future.”

“If that’s where I’m needed. I’m used to travel”

Shriven notices a call coming in from Seung so he cuts the conversation short until tomorrow. “Sounds good, I can make transfer of the 5,000 today just let me know where to and we can get started tomorrow on getting the headquarters set up. I look forward to working with you.”

He sends you his information and drains the last of the drink, and is still sitting at the bar when you stand up to leave

1:06 PM

(Task force is fine for the talk)

Shriven arrives back in the bright light of the bar upstairs. Alfred has ordered himself another drink

Shriven is a little unsteady so he walks over to his new president and sits down.

9:29 AM

“Baron can I get something with a little less kick this time?”

He produces a chilled bottle of amber ale from below the bar and slides it down the counter

Shriven grabs it and pours himself a glass. “Thanks Baron.” Shriven turns to Alfred, “So do you know where I can gather together some colony supplies to sell to Aslief?”

“There’s plenty of materials for sale in the warehouse yards. Most of it sits for a while since there aren’t a lot of factories. Should be able to pick it up reasonably”

“I will go see what I can pick up. Hopefully I can get a deal considering where it is going to. You may to try and track down some info while I’m gone. I need you to figure out how we can get a head quarters up and running. Then track down some manufacturing guys that would be willing to make some medical equipment. It won’t be this week so don’t offer them positions just figure out who’s whom. I don’t know what it will take yet to get ready but that’s why your here right?”

“If that’s what you say my job duties are. It’ll take about 10,000 credits to get everything established. Get that into a business account for us and I’ll see what I can do about renting an office on the space platform. Most of the trade is going through there now”

“I will get you that after I get back from my supply run to aslief. I need the credits for that. It shouldn’t be more than a few days before it is in the account.”

“Very good. I’ll keep some notes on who’s who but without an office I’ll be little other use. If I’m not at the bar I’m at my hab” A pin drops on your compad map

“Do what you can. I will get us set up as fast as I can. I will see you when I hit planetside.”

Shriven gets up to leave. To head out to find some of those supplies. (edited)

The warehouses are packed, despite being newly expanded and remodeled. The mines and lumber camps are exceptionally good at collection, where the bottleneck comes from manufacturing. Dealers are offering bulk sales for material to try to clear some excess

11:36 AM

(We will use the prices you already rolled, just flavoring the discount you got)

1

Shriven walks up and looks for the man in charge. Noticing everyone going up to and being sent away from this crowd shriven moves that way calling out as he approached. “Who’s in charge here? I’m looking to buy some supplies for Aslief.”

One of the hawkers climbs a small assortment of crates to stand above the crowd and waves you over

“I’m shriven, looking to buy a good quantity of colony supplies to ship to Aslief. Are you able to help me out with that?”

“Plenty Of raw material for trade. We need to move this fast so I’ll give you a good rate (so trade result. Buying at discount for as much as you want to spend)

“I will take 250 tons. Load it up on the Anamem up on station. How long will it take to get it loaded I would love to be spiking by tonight.”

“Just a few hours, a couple lifter trips should do it”

“Sounds good. It was a pleasure doing business with you. ” Shriven settles up and is ready to head to the Anamem.

12:32 PM

On his way he swings by the newly minted section of the station and looks around at some of the business fronts day dreaming about getting a Head quarters set up. Envisioning lines of staffers all working diligently tackling the piles of paperwork that would be shriven’s worst nightmare.

12:37 PM

After a few hours of wondering around Shriven heads to the ship.

12:41 PM

(Is there a tower/traffic control?)

(On the space platform there’s a control hub, and that’s where the goods are being shipped)

Once Shriven confirms it has all been loaded he takes the Anamem out of orbit and jumps to Aslief.

It’s a day of spike travel and you arrive exhausted but alive. The cargo is fine and no troubles are encountered as you close distance to orbit

1:00 PM

“Unidentified ship, state your name and intention”

“Anamem here, I have supplies for trade. Is this planetary defense?”

“It is. Anamem, a flight path is going to be projected onto your HUD. Deviation from it will cause us to fire upon you. Please acknowledge instructions”

“Flight path received and confirmed. Requesting permission to approach.” (Stupid auto cucumber...) (edited)

The flight path looks to be taking you down outside the orbital defense base itself and there are two clicks over comms , permission granted.

Shriven flys it on course. When he lands “Anamem powering down. You boys have customs or something here? If so can you send them my way? I have some supplies to trade.”

A number of heavy duty cargo trucks make a snake like line out of the base, and form up near the hold of the ship. A Jeep leads the convoy, and an army officer is riding in it. His dress uniform is battered

Shriven opens the cargo bay and walks to the end with his hands in plain sight, waiting for them to pull up.

The uniformed solider gets out and begins approaching the ramp. "Greetings captain, I understand you're here to conduct some trade? I'm with the quartermaster corps here.

“Yeah I brought 250 tons of colony survival supplies. I hope to be able to barter it with you.”

"What are you willing to take exchange in? "

“I’m here to help I’m not picky it just has to be able to be sold on the other side. I will make as many here to help the recovery as I can afford.”

"We don't know what sells on your planet, so how about credits?|

(Would the credits transfer?)

(Yes)

“Works for me.” (Trade rates right?)

(Yep the one you rolled)

9:19 PM

The account shows a credit transfer once the supplies are verified as legitimate

9:19 PM

And it takes several hours to unload into the trucks

Shriven try’s to make small talk but is to tired so end up just going to sleep. As he is on his way he ask, “Hey, Quartermaster mind if I stick around for a few hours of shut eye before I spike back out?”

“Stay as long as you like. I’ll have a few squads set a picket so no one approaches while you’re asleep” They spread out to ring the vessel, forming s security cordon

“The security really that necessary? RONI still running around here?”

“We aren’t sure, so since we aren’t sure it’s better to err on the side of caution. Best case and most likely case here is this is all unnecessary”

“Roger, thanks for the consideration.”

Most of the supply convoy heads into the orbital defense base and you fall asleep to the sounds of construction

8:10 AM

The world is blanketed in eternal night, so your only sign of time passing is the watch on your wrist. Ten hours have passed.

Shriven wakes up and heads back to Gudrun to find himself a co-pilot these runs are rough. “Planetary defense, Anamem here requesting permission to spike out of system.”

“Permission granted, and a request, if you have the time”

“What’s on your docket?”

“Our ground sensors are still a bit scrambled. Do you mind just doing a quick scan on your way out?”

“I would be glad to. I’ll radio back anything I find.”

Shriven takes off with the flight path they directed, scannning all the while.

(Program/int)

<7>

The scanners don’t detect anything out of the ordinary on your way to the system edge

“You look clear to me defense. See you when I can gather another load.”

10:08 AM

Shriven spikes towards Gudrun.

The ship translates into system a half day later, and as you arrive both platforms are open to docking

Shriven sends Alfred a com, Hey Alfred, I’m back and have the start up cash for the office, let’s meet in an hour at the Harvest Spirits.

10:56 AM

Shriven heads that way

Alfred is there when you enter. The state of his rosy face makes it look like he was probably there before he even got your message. Despite his complexion he seems level headed

Shriven walks up to him and shakes his hand, “I have the cash and I think we are ready to get the office together to try to track down another pilot or 2 to help me with the trade runs.“

“I’ll find a space for us on the platform. This should allow us to get a small storefront”

“Also I’m going to give you half of the funds we need to get a production center going. The colony really needs some more medical supplies so let’s focus on that.”

11:50 AM

(This is just how the book describes it so I’m going to just RP it...)

11:52 AM

“When we get it up and running I want you to supply the colony as much as you can and use the profit from that sale to be able to pay salaries, including yours. I will want a shipment each month I can take and sell offworld but I will leave how much in your hands.”

“Any questions or problems you foresee?” (Can I roll a connected roll to try to use my contacts I made on the raid to find an unemployed pilot or just RP it?)

“For now no, but I’ll get working on it and if complications arise I’ll keep you informed”

(You can roll, with int as you try to recall what conversations you might have had)

<11>

You remember a conversation over dinner on the second night of spike travel, while the relief pilot had the con. He mentioned a few of his friends also living in the colony that used to fly crop dusters on the last planet they lived on

“Well Alfred, I am off to find myself some pilots. I’m looking forward to seeing the headquarters set up and ready to do business.”

Shriven gets up and walks out. He sends a com to that solider

Hey, Shriven here. You had mentioned you had some friends that used to fly. Can I get their com ids? There would be a beer in it for you next time I see you in the spirit.

(edited)

You’re given two names, each just a few blocks from each other in the southern hand

2:04 PM

Habs

2:04 PM

“I expect to collect on that drink. And soon”

How does tonight work for you? It may be a crowd though.

2:07 PM

Shriven travels to the southern habs to find these two. Shriven knocks at the door.

A woman’s voice says to come in, and you find the occupant hard at work putting the finishing touches on a prefabricated table. “Oh I thought you were my downstairs neighbor annoyed at the pounding. How can I help you?”

“I am shriven, I’m looking for a few pilots for some good pay that shouldn’t be to hard. I’m a far trader and I need a few relief pilots for some long hauls. I was give this address, do you know someone who would fit that description?”

“I’m the only one living here. I flew commercial flights back home during the war. Cargo lifts and vip planes mostly”

“Well would you be interested in coming aboard for a long haul in spike? I can offer you 120 a day.”

“How long is the term? Just one trip?”

“Let’s start with a month then go from there. If you like it you can stay on if not then I’ll give you the credits and we are settled.”

2:49 PM

“There will be 3 of us making this first run.”

“Hopefully...”

“Alright. I’m in for a trip at least”

“How about one 2 day to get you used to the ship before we take a week long hike somewhere together.”

She shrugs “your wallet”

“I think I know the other one you’re looking for. Do you have an address already? Want to see if my hunch is correct”

“Yeah I do.” Shriven shows the address. “Is it who you think?”

“It is. He’s a good man. Bit of a chem habit before but the planet forced him to go cold turkey

“Thanks for the heads up. I’m gonna go and try to get him to come with us. The ship is Anamem. When you can get ready to ship out.”

9:27 PM

Shriven makes pleasant goodbyes then heads to the other address and knocks.

The pilot makes her way to the lifters. Shriven knocks (evasion save)

<5v9 failure>

The door blows off its hinges, pinning you underneath. Two men fall on top of it, brawling

7:12 AM

Their weight drives the air from your lungs

“Uff, get off. What’s the meaning of this?”

The two men continue to brawl though they roll off the door partly so you can wiggle out form undeebeah

7:50 AM

Underneath*

Shriven stands up and looks at what hit him. (Can I get a name to yell?)

Their brawl knocked the door onto you. They just have hit it from the other side during their fight. Your contacts name is khovo

“Khovo, is that you? What you fighting for?”

“This. Bastard. Stole. My. Cane. “ khovo says, bashing the mans head against the broken door with each syllable

(How old does khovo look?)

(Mid thirties)

“Think he got the point yet? We can always just take him in for attempted Robbery. Might be better than getting thrown in yourself for attempted murder. If not need some help?” (Yes I realize I’m trying to rationalize with a guy in a fight.)

(Talk/cha. The dc is lower for your attempts at resolving it)

<10>

The fight breaks up, khovo realizing his fortune is going to change for the whole lot worse if he continues his beating

“Well Khovo, I see you can fight, any chance you want to fly again? I’m looking for another pilot.”

“I think me getting off world for a while is probably the best thing for me. What’s the purse?”

“I’m going with 120 a day. I just need you to keep your head down till we take off. Ship’s name is Anamem up on the platform. I will fill you in up there about the specifics but for now just know your gonna be a spike pilots relief. Shouldn’t be to hard.”

“Alright. I can do that. I’ll head for the lifters now then and I’ll meet you on trivedi cloud

9:53 AM

(The platform)

MarkdownContext { Depth = 1 } “Well looks like the only thing left to do is to pay up on that drink.” Shriven Grins “It is always a good day when work forces you to go and drink at the Harvest Spirit.”

The bar is very busy that night, news of the battle at aslief is being celebrated

Shriven looks for his contact or a table if he isn’t here. Shriven looks also to see if the baron is there.

The Baron is here, and your friend from the journey to aslief is sitting at the bar with him

Shriven walks up and says “Baron tonight this gem of the fleet drinks on me. He saved me days of tracking down some pilots.”

“Also Baron, I have a question and a possible proposal for you after I finish this up. Will you be around near closing?”

“Of course. I usually close it down myself. I’ll be around. Just remind me closer to the end of the night. I get caught up sometimes”

11:04 AM

He puts two bottles of ale on the counter

Shriven drinks away the hours drinking and telling old war stories. Trying to keep track of names and faces.

11:36 AM

(Unless something interesting happens I’ll jump to the baron convo.)

You are just finishing listening to a story from a pilot who fought In the recent battle against the underhill overqueen, ending with his plane splashing down in the ocean, torn apart by flying underhill drones

11:49 AM

The bar begins clearing out. Leaving a tired looking Baron

After the guy finishes his story I head over to the Baron, “Hey Baron, is now a good time?”

“Ready as ever. What’s in your mind?”

“I’m going to be heading off planet to a miners colony and I don’t know what your liquor stocks look like or what kind of mass production that you have back there but if you have any cases that aren’t moving fast enough I would love to take them off your hands. Maybe even start doing this consistently. If nothing else getting a group offworld that loves your liquor as much as we do here could be good for business.”

“Well. I’ve had my own supply issues all through last year. I opened by own brew house in town to try to meet that stopgap. What I really need is more produce. If you find anything not native to this world. Or better yet anything terra originating. I’d be willing to cut some deals”

“I will keep my eyes out for a source. I’m gonna head offworld and hopefully I can track some down for you.” Shriven gets up from the bar to head out.

“Till next time baron.” Shriven heads back to the Anamem to fly and check on the prices with the miners of Mariam.

(So you’re heading to Miriam)

(Yeah heading to Miriam for the price check for Malak. And maybe picking up some freight if I can get it at a good price.)

5:40 PM

(Just a There and back trip to make sure the crew actually knows how to fly...)

5:41 PM

Shriven checks that the Anamem is ready for take off and that his 2 new pilots are bunked. Shriven turns to the pilots. “Let’s all head up to the cockpit where I can walk you through the spike drive controls. Just a nice refresher.”

(When I’m running through the refresher do they both seem to know what I’m talking about?)

The pilots see that the core mechanics of flight on a ship like this are the same, as it is likewise designed for atmosphere, but they will need some time to adjust to the much bigger size and slower control responsiveness

Shriven decides they are probably ready for overseen spike drives. So he takes them out to the edge of the system and spikes to Miriam. Giving the 2 of them a chance to each have a few hours learning the ins and outs of spike space.

They have a bit to learn in identifying the flows and eddies of spike space but they manage the controls without putting the ship in danger for the time they're given with them. The ice world of miriam slowly spins below you as you exit spike space

On coms shriven says “Miriam control this is Anamem of Gudrun. Requesting permission to land.” Shriven turns of the com and to the other pilots. “On the off chance they have a control or scanners pointing out way.”

"Anamem, this is The Hub. " the transmission is crackling, you are at the bleeding edge of long range comms. "We read you. What is your allegiance and purpose for visit"

“Friendly trader looking to buy some goods.”

"Anamem, you might be disappointed, but please proceed to land."

10:15 AM

(The hub is a different city than the one charles and his base of influence is situated at, he is further south at Silent Springs)

Shriven takes the Anamem in to the hub to track down the miners. “Roger that Hub Control, heading your way.”

The hub is a very large dome city situated on an ice shelf. You can see the tops of sky scrapers sticking out of the snow below, exposed slightly by the rising temperatures. In a few years this world may become a flood zone.

1:24 PM

A ring of flares has been laid out on one of the more stable parts of the ice shelf

Shriven lands the Anamem where designated. Once landed he tells the pilots, “Decide between yourselves who has first watch on board and who is on seconds you can each go in when not on duty but I expect someone to be with the ship while I try to track us down some cargo or intel on Asta.”

(While I’m out wandering around can I pick up a couple mag pistols as my first stop?)

Shriven heads out looking for some cargo and a few other things if he can find them. Mostly he is looking for a supplier of some sort.

The hub is a large city and you can see hastily built. A pressure dome of immense size covers the top halves of buildings that the snow had not buried. Walkways and light strings cut between them all.

Shriven heads into town trying to find a market or at least a bar.

The market is a cleared square where ropes of overhanging lights criss cross. There is snow even inside the dome but packed down to such a degree it makes a solid surface. There are a number for stalls in the market, selling vegetables, spare parts, salvaged electronics and weapons. The upper skyscrapers inside the dome appear alien in origin, though you learn quickly humans had come in to settle after them f

Shriven goes up to the spare parts dealer and ask, “Where do you get your parts from? Im trying to find a supplier for a large order or two.”

“The machine shop here makes enough to keep life support and the few factories here open. Most work to keep enough food to eat and enough power cells to go around.”

“So has anyone gone and looked down in these building?”

“That’s where most of our pre scream salvage comes from. Pioneers teams regularly go down to bring things up for us to use”

“What do they do with the salvage?”

"Most of it is used rightg here in town for various things we need. The parts keep us a little bit more comfortable. The world is heating up though, slowly, and we aren't sure what it is going to look like once all this snow melts for good. We are a solid 100m at least above where the actual city streets were just a few years ago"

“Where can I find these pioneer teams?”

“Most of them assemble in the square here every morning and organize into teams to go below. They’ve packed up for the day today but you can catch them tomorrow”

“Is there any leader or just different crew leaders and can you point me in one of their directions?”

“Different crew leaders. This time of the day they’ll be at the tavern. A few might be on perimeter detail.

Shriven heads to the tavern.

The tavern is a Germanic looking brewhouse, when you look at it not all that different from the harvest spirits. You feel a bit at home

Shriven looks around and try’s to find a loud and rough group that look like pioneers. (Rough, unshaved, the like.)

You find one group where the snow on their beards and shoulders hasn’t quite melted yet. They’re engaged in a raucous game of liars dice

(What are they gambling with?)

Shriven begins walking over to them. “Gentlemen, how was today? Can I stand you a drink?”

They eye you warily. At the table you see they’re playing with a set of hand carved dice

(What are the stakes, Credits or parts or just chips?)

The gamblers are passing around small piles of aqua colored glass beads

11:13 AM

“Pull up a chair offworlder

“Thanks what does it take to get some stake in this game? I’m hoping not more than I can afford.” Shriven chuckles.

“Oh the pebbles. The person who has the most at the end of the night is exempt from pioneer duty tomorrow. You’re not part of the crew and don’t have the responsibility, so we can’t really cut you in. You’re welcome to stay and chat though

“I’m Shriven, so about those drinks?” Shriven looks around for interest. “I’ll buy if you all are willing to answer some question. I’m trying to track down a supply of pretech parts in exchange for some credits or medical supplies.”

"You men know anyone or would you be interested?"

“We might be interested. Even before the big freeze we were scavenging the buildings here “

“You guys still pulling in a decent amount? Or did the freeze put a freeze on you?”

“Are you guys going down tomorrow? If so then mind throwing me one of those stones? That way top 2 would opt out instead.”

“It depends on the day. You’re welcome to come along tomorrow if you’re feeling adventurous”

“I’ll be back.” Shriven heads out to the market to check on a mag pistol. (edited)

There are a handful of arms salesmen in the market place and mag pistols seem to be fairly common

“I’ll take 2.” After paying he heads back to the bar.

Shriven then proceeds to spend the rest of the night getting to know these pioneers that he is going with the next day.

The pioneers are a pretty stoic lot and the conversation you notice doesn’t center around them much. Pioneering is a dangerous job and losing people down below the frost is a real danger

Shriven heads back to the ship after a good night out.

8:17 AM

The next morning he heads to where he was told to meet them.

When shriven walks into the square he looks around for the crew that he was drinking with.

They’re assembled in the town square, nine of them with you replacing the tenth. Only a few are armed

“So where do we go from here? Is it all downward from here?” Shriven chuckles at his own joke.

“It’s downward. We are going to move to the unmarked district at the edge of town. We have three buildings set aside for us to delve into. We will do one today”

“Sounds good, anything I need to be watchful of?” (edited)

“Just pay attention to your surroundings. Pay attention to the layout inside and just try to keep your nerve. Well. You’re new. It’s your pick. Building a is a residential skyscraper. Building b was a storage silo of somekind. It’s empty now but there should be some type of building at the bottom. C was a corner store once, we have an access tunnel down to it”

“Let’s go with the silo.(B) Storage tech sounds pretty good to me right now.” (edited)

"B it is. Fall in and follow us" The ragged column gets to the end of the street, where the ragged silo roof has been kicked in. One of the pioneers throws a climbing rig over the side.

“Down we go. Hopefully this will go better than every other time I haven’t been in a cockpit.”

"Got any stories to share while we suit up here?" the man who seems to be acting as head pioneer asks. He hands you a climbing harness. It seems a fairly simple array of buckles similar to a parachute, without the backpack

“Sure why not, there was this one time when I was back with the squadron, we were fighting this group of zenos that had a cruiser and 2 squadrons to our squadron and a carrier. No big deal right. Well our carrier got orders to bug out mid fight. By that point we were down 6 of our 18 and they were down to 1 squadron and the cruiser. We ended up having one Hell of a dog fight picking off the fighters then the last 7 of us started picking off the engines and weapons of the cruiser. It was a blast to see these Zeno try to repair their engines and guns as fast as we blew them out. After a few days our carrier came back for S&R but found us dogging the cruise which those Jar Heads cleaned up and the fleet gained a nice new ship. Well once they could get the crater that was once an engine back up and running.”

2:12 PM

Shriven looks wistful, “Sure did drink great that month.”

"Quite a story. Well, sounds like at least one of us knows how to use a weapon. Is everyone ready?"

“Ready here, let’s see how bad this can be.”

(Exert with strength or dex, your pick)

<5>

(do you want to use your reroll?)

(Forgot I had that, yes)

2:34 PM

<7>

The harness stops the descent as everyone free falls over the side. The line slows you down and the small antigrav motor keeps you from hitting the floor at high speed. The pioneers begin unclipping, leaving ten hanging lines, and they spread glowbugs throughout the room.

2:44 PM

A single door is the only exit. It is metal, and has a wheel lock on it rusted with age

“Nice ride, anyone got a key for the door or we need to upon it with some good old fashion to torch work?”

(you're at the base of the silo, the X, this is the factory/neighborhood warren buried under the snow you're exploring)

2:47 PM

"Going to have to torch it I think)

“You guys have one handy? I can give it a shot but I left my tool kit back at the market with the merchant who wanted 200 credits for one.”

(Hey, I’ll be here playing along as one of the pioneer guides. Just going to catch up a bit and read along then pop in.)

A man in his late 20s steps forward and pulls of a bag and starts digging around in it for a minute before pulling out some odds and ends. “I’ve got a toolkit here if you’re wanting to try your luck with the door.”

“I’m passable with it if none of you have any skill I know my way around basic repairs but that’s it.”

Simon sits for a bit to see if anyone steps forward before offering to give it a shot. (What skill would this be? Any chance I could try and fix the door enough to open? Or is this beyond fixing?)

(Fix/int)

<11>

Simon steps forward, tools in hand, and manages to pry the locking wheel off the door, opening it up into the space beyond.

3:18 PM

A darkened hallway branches north, and south (edited)

(Can you pin the map for me? So we don’t have to track it down.)

3:20 PM

“Let’s head north.”

(I did, its the blue X)

Nekosmash 10/2/2018 3:20 PM

(for where you came in)

(Thanks)

The first indication you have of another space in the glowbug lit hallway is a door on your right. The door is an iris hatch and strange alien glyphs adorn the frame

3:22 PM

(Does my know all sector languages help with this or just dwarvish to me?)

3:23 PM

“Think looking in here would be safe?”

(all i can say is it doesn't look like anything you'd be familiar with)

Shriven looks at the leader of the pioneers. (The old man.)

3:30 PM

“Well safe-ish...”

(In my time on the planet would I recognize the glyphs from other places on the planet or are they specific to the ruins in this area?)

(specific to this place)

“Torch guy what’s your name. Last night was a little foggy.”

3:39 PM

(As I’m a cultural know guy can I roll know/int to try to decipher if this is a warning or just a sign?) Shriven walks over and touches the runes.

“It’s Simon. If you don’t mind we can try opening the door. It will likely get you closer to that tech you’re looking for than those words will.”

Shriven mockingly bows and steps aside. “All yours.”

(Does it look like the hatch could be torched in the same way?)

(There’s nothing directly keeping it sealed. The unknown runes are what’s giving everyone pause)

Shriven is still bowing and letting Simon lead in.

(Is it possible to take a picture of the script on a data pad in case we want to reference them later?)

8:59 PM

“Does anyone not want to keep going because of the script?” Simon looks to see if any of the others are trying read or decipher the script.

"All you buddy."

No one is sure what it means

“Here we go then!” I’ll open the door

(Evasion save)

9:56 AM

(For both of you(

<failure 5v19> (as expert I can only reroll a failed skill check not saving throw right?)

10:13 AM

Sorry <5v14> still failure

(Only skill check)

10:21 AM

The room caves in, snow pouring from the broken ceiling to fill the space below, hitting both of you for 5 damage as you are knocked against the wall. The snow settles, and the pioneers begin digging through the infill to get you out. They push on to clear a path through the mess. Whatever was in that room is buried.

After shriven gets dug out, “Darn snow. Think there was anything inside here? Should we search through the snow or just move through?”

10:24 AM

(would posting updated maps as you do stuff be more helpful than just finding the pins?)

1

(I think it would be) Simons knocked out under the snow.

One of the pioneers grumbles and produces a patch from his medkit

10:31 AM

(6, tied DC) Simon feels a shock as his heart starts going again, winded, he gets up

“Wow that’s rough. Sorry guys. Next time I’ll remember to check the door before opening it.” Simon sheepishly gets up and fills into the back of the group.

“Think anything under there would be worth it otherwise I’m thinking we need to just keep going.” Shriven looks around for any nods or shrugs.

"If we take that snow away, more is just going to come in and fill the space. We shouldn't push our luck for something uncertain"

“That sounds wise, let’s push on and next time let’s have someone else open the door.”

Shriven gets up and starts walking in the same direction he was before he got snow plowed.

The hallway branches off, dimly lit to the right, and dark ahead, though beyond the junction, continuing north, you can see a door on the right.

Shriven walks up to the door and inspects it.

11:18 AM

(Is it safe to assume all the doors here are iris unless you say otherwise?)

(Yes)

11:18 AM

(Ok so you're ignoring that hallway to the right and pushing north?)

(I want to follow the wall that the door was on whichever that takes me)

The runes on this door are either missing or have rubbed off over time. There is just some rough metal where they used to be

Shriven knocks on the door and takes note of the sound for the next door. “Might want to step back guys this may end up with me in a drift again.” I was for them to step back or object.

They take a couple steps back. Two of them deploy instapanels to stop the snow from filling back into the hallway if needed

11:31 AM

The iris door opens, into a control room full of dead terminals. A broken bipedal maintenance bot sits in a cradle at the far right of the room

“Looks clear, I see a bot.” Shriven walks slowly into the room.

11:37 AM

Shriven walks slowly gun drawn as he approaches the bot.

The bot is bisected down the middle, eaten away by rust. It appears quite dead

Shriven holsters his gun. “Looks clear in here.”

11:55 AM

“Come on in lets gather what we can.”

There are some old clipboards with the paper wetted and dried so many times it flakes away when they're disturbed. There are a few type A cells in the room, and a smashed compad. The bot shifts slightly and falls over as someone brushes past it

“We all clear in this room? Let’s keep clearing this place out.”

(Yeah if none of you are interested in what little junk is there)

(How heavy does the bot look?)

(I'd say like 60 pounds or so, its human sized but a lightweight frame)

Shriven pulls the bot pieces out to the hallway and stacks them along the side of the wall. “Incase we don’t find anything else of note in here we can grab it on our way back.”

12:28 PM

There is another door just a bit further up the hallway on the left, before the hallway comes to an end

“One last on down this way. Let’s go get it.” Shriven walks up and knocks on the door listening if it sounds the same as the last one. (They all will probably but with a low wisdom he is trying to be clever...) (edited)

It sounds the same as the one before it

Shriven opens the door.

The hatch only opens wide enough to get a head or arm inside. The mechanism seems frozen somehow

When I use my compad’s light to look in what do I see? (Also is there any long non-my arm things in the hallway I can stick through the hole.)

Simon will try and hang back at the room with the dead terminals and see if he can fix any of them enough to power on. Maybe route power in a way to fix it and get some info on the silo.

One of them looks to be in better shape than the others, there is a small circular slot in the desk for a power cell\

I’ve got some power cells on me. I know there were some around too. I’ll try the ones already there but if they’re drained I’ll use my own to power the console on and see what I can find.

The last one you try of what is on the desk gets some very dim hallway lights on, and gets the iris door open far enough to get people in and out one at a time, with just a tiny bit of contorting

I’d like to squeeze into the room carefully and see if I can find anything more of interest.

Shriven turns to him. “You don’t want me to go first?”

There are some sealed crates inside, each looks like it can be carried by a person, but they are decently sized. There are more runes on them, but it is hard to tell what is within

2:34 PM

(You can see that much through the open door/glowbug light, but the room is pretty gloomy still)

“Oh yeah. That would probably be for the best.” Simon steps to the side to let Shriven in to check boxes.

Shriven goes in. “Looks like we found a cache.” Shriven walks over and knocks on one of the crates. (Apparently it’s gonna be a thing...)

“What do you think is in these?” Shriven looks for a handle or button.

There is a seal (think like a cooler, you can see the gasket where it seals but can be opened) but the way to open the crate is not clear

Shriven tries to eyeball the size of the whole vs the crates. “Simon, I don’t think these will fit without some of your torch work. Unless we open them. What do you think? I’m leaning towards opening them.”

(Yeah your summation here is correct)

“Sounds right to me. You want me to torch them open?”

“Let’s give me a chance to poke around and try to figure out how to open them.”(Can I roll a know or a fix or something? I’m thinking I’m studying the runes trying to use them to figure out how this would open. Maybe even go with the physics of how a box with a gasket would open.)

(Based on how you're describing it, I'd say know/int)

<5> (looks like we are torching it.)

3:20 PM

(Rolled snake eyes...)

(Am I right about failing hard?)

(You just can’t figure it out I’m waiting for Simon to decide what he wants to do)

(Sorry I’m back now) Simon follows Shriven’s cue and pulls out his torch to try and open it.

10:30 PM

<9>

Shriven steps back. “Well it’s Xeno to me. But I think I can figure it out eventually. Can you try to not cut the letters?”

The box opens nearly across the gasket and the top pulls away, freed by the torch. Inside are some smaller cardboard sleeves, each full of a brand new fuel pump. It looks easily adaptable to vehicles or starships

“Nice! Looks like pristine tech. Let’s get the rest of these open and hand this stuff out to the rest of the group. Then head back up with our find.”

(So basically this will be 20 tons of goods in this room). The pioneers make a line similar to an old earth bucket brigade and stack the crates up neatly for transport to the surface. A makeshift dunwaiter is lowered to raise the boxes

Shriven heads back as apart of the bucket brigade.

The crates are raised throughout the afternoon and you’re left with 15 tons after the city takes its cut.

Shriven turns to the pioneering crew. “What do you think about storing some of this stuff up each month and trading it for offworld goods like medical supplies or liquor?”

"It'll take some time to finish unloading that store room, by time you come back there should be enough to be worth the trip. We don't need medical supplies or drinks, we have enough of that to go around, what we really need are building materials" (edited)

At some point during the process of unloading the room, Simon will turn to Shriven; “So where are you headed from here?”

“Back to Greenbrair to drop something off then back here for a day then on to a new planet. Star charts say that it is called Asta or something. Why ?”

“I haven’t been off planet in quite some time. I’ve got a few things I’d like to get done but lack the resources and contacts here. Hoping to stretch my space legs again. Mind if I tag along? I’m low on credits to cover my fare but maybe your ship could use some work and I could earn my stay in that way for the time being? I’ve never know a ship to not need one thing or another and I’m pretty handy with mods and tools.”

“Sure, I can do food for the trip but beyond that your gonna be on your own.

3:22 PM

Would you be looking to join me on Asta or just back to Greenbrair?”

“I’ll head to Greenbrair and feel things out from there if that works for you.”

“Works for me. I’ll head back to the ship and get this stuff loaded up then we can head out.”

Shriven turns to the rest of the pioneers, “Gentlemen it has been a pleasure. I’m looking forward to future dealings.”

They nod and break off to begin heading baxk Home or to the pub

Shriven heads back to the Anamem and gets everything loaded. He makes sure everyone is on board. He shows Simon his bunk, “Here is where you are staying. I know it’s a small room but it’s what you get. Let me know if you need anything else. I’m gonna go get us heading out.”

Shriven heads out to the cockpit, “Hub This is The Anamem requesting clearance to depart.”

“Anamem, this is hub. You’re free to head out.”

3:01 PM

(3xp, 10,000 credits )

Shriven punches it heading back to Greenbrair. “Roger Hub, see you on my next trip.”

the link ends, and you are back at system edge

Shriven jumps the Anamem to Gudrun.

Gudrun space is busier than you’ve seen it lately, the pillar of salt and the escort squadron freshly arrived as you enter the system

“Wow, I wonder what happened here. Looks like I need to check in with Alfred.” Alfred, I have the other 1/2 of the money for the factory. Have you found the staff to build and run it?

Alfred replies that with the rest of the money he can finish his efforts

Shriven heads to the cloud to see about some minor upgrades to Anamem. (Can I use a workshop during my down time to build a masterwork armor from scratch.)

(What’s your fix rating)

(0)

(No.)

(Figures but I thought I would ask. If it were a 1 or 2 then yes?)

(0 is a minimum level of competence. 3 or 4 would be what you need, representing becoming one of the most accomplished experts)

1

7:36 AM

(You’re asking about relic armor basically. A newbie blacksmith with basic tools just isn’t going to be able to do that)

The shipyard is open right now, and for a fee (book price) the modifications can be made relatively quick

Shriven has the Anamem land at the dock and turns to Simon. “I’m going to be here for about 24 hours then going to take off towards Asta. I will send you a comm if you aren’t onboard when I’m leaving but otherwise we are square here. Good luck and hope to see you again.” Then heads off to the shipyard booking office. (edited)

1:20 PM

Shriven is wanting to add a fuel bunker for this trip so refueling won’t be an issue. (And a refuel of that fuel as well.) Along with a workshop for modding equipment. (edited)

The shipyard can have the modifications done in about a week. (Usually it takes longer) as you are the only customer

(I thought shipyards worked at 25k per day and up to 100k per day if they were highly motivated. I’m okay with adventuring here rather than offworld but just wanted to confirm.)

(For now since it’s a new shipyard with an inexperienced build team it’s gonna be like that for now)

Shriven sends a com Hey Simon looks like I’m gonna be on planet for the next week. The Anamem won’t be ready till then.

3:29 PM

Then Shriven heads over to track down what Alfred has done with the shop.

The trade office has been established on the orbital platform, as promised, as it is the hub of cargo coming on and off world.

4:29 PM

@Crispy , you're at the homeworld now, so let me know how you want to explore. Will make a thread if needed)

Shriven stands outside of the trade office wanting to go inside and see but to emotional about seeing his wife’s dream come into reality. Eventually he steps in to see Alfred. “Hey Alfred, have you heard anything about that news flash of the missing miners? Have they been found yet?”

"They haven't found anything just yet. Someone apparently took the contract but then left the system, so it's back up for bid"

“Any chance you know some mercs that would be willing to join me in it? Daughters of the lily or something?”

"They're hiring, but its 2,000 credits a day, each. They're quite skilled from what I understand"

“Ouch is the contract worth that kind of outlay? I mean it will prob need what 6 of them? For at least 3 days? So almost 40k needed to break even? Or should I go talk to the contract provider?” (edited)

“Is this a search and rescue or recovery and discovery.”

“There’s no reward posted but I’m sure there will be one. And they’re not sure. They’re hoping they’ll be found alive. It’s only been about a week and the workers had supplies with them for an extended stay”

“Well That changes everything. Can you reach out to the daughters try to negotiate a bulk deal. I know it’s unlikely but I’m going to go head out and talk to Exector Dorlin. I will com you from there.”

“And Alfred Thank you for getting all this set up.”

“I’ll see what I can do. They don’t strike me as the negotiating type”

“Sounds good. I will reach out when I get there. Take care.”

10:11 AM

Shriven heads out o to track down executor Dorlin in Vapormills after grabbing his combat armor.

You’re directed to the city center of Vapormills upon arrival (if you’re flying there’s a cost). She’s preparing for a meeting but has a few moments for appointments

Shriven will take the normal way (train?) then schedule a meeting.

(Sure). It’s a day before the train arrives in the city and by then time is set aside for you. Executor dorlin is mostly cybernetic, a lifetime of war having replaced many of her organic components. The only thing on her that seems to be natural is the top half of her head and her hair

4:14 PM

)so eyes and up(

“Hello, Executor Dorlin, I’m shriven. Hopefully the one that will solve the problem of your missing miners.”

4:18 PM

“I just have the barebones version. Miners missing in former hostile area, they have supplies but no voice. What else do I need to know?”

“Well, we know that the former inhabitants of those ruined cities left some valuable stuff behind. Some of it still patrols the streets there as they did in life. They may have run into something. It’s happened before”

“How many guards did they take?”

“I’m looking at taking a small squad of 6 or 7 to try to find them. Do you think that those former patrols would be able to be handled with a group of that size?”

“They’re not acting with any kind of organization. All kinds of weird science was happening out there. I can’t advise as to the size of the group. The CCE are pioneer crews. They all know their way around a weapon”

“Were they going after anything in specific any area of town or just track them in general?”

“And how many of them went out?”

“They were looking for salvage. I don’t know if they had anything specific in mind. Three trucks went out”

“Sounds good. I will be back soon with the miners.” (Do I already have a map /general directions to the city otherwise I will ask now.)

(You have the world Map and you’d be given which one they went to anyway since you’re going after them)

“Have a good day Executor.”

Shriven prepares to leave the room.

She gets back to work, as the door shuts you hear her making corrections to a speech she’s about to give

Shriven coms Alfred.

Alfred, how did your conversation with the daughters go? Can they meet our needs of 6 of them for this rescue? Also does that provide a truck for the expedition?

(edited)

Shriven heads to a tavern to check out the local life.

Alfred returns the message. “They hung up on me when I asked about a bulk deal and aren’t returning any other calls”

“Fun do you have the number for me to give it a shot?”

He forwards you the frequency

Shriven sends a com.

Hello, this is Shriven Emaje, I am looking to hire 6 of the daughters for an undetermined length of time, but hopefully less than a week. To go on a tracking and rescue mission to save the miners. I am asking for a face to face meeting if your normal terms of 2k a day each is not acceptable. I hope to keep this as a medium to low risk mission. In and out with little fuss. I look forward to future dealing with your Organization.
Shriven

Shriven shakes his head, “Hopefully they will at least respond. I need a drink to clear my head all this cash might just be going to my head. Gotta go find my roots.” (edited)

(2k a day was the price. Your saying it’s not acceptable? Couldn’t figure that out)

(Yes it is acceptable but if they want to negotiate cause I ticked them off to get more then I am requesting we do it face to face otherwise I’ll just pony up the cash.) (edited)

“2k is the price. Payable to this frequency. The money will be used for rebuilding efforts in atrovia”

Shriven wires the funds to the frequency. Can you meet me at Vapormills tomorrow? Here is my com locator so you can track me down here.

“The contract is sealed. Your contact’s name is Mist”

Shriven heads off to a bar in the area to burn the rest of the day. Then finds a hotel or a place to sleep.

The main hotel for guests in town is located near the central city hall, and is a large marble building. Several attendants with loremaster devices stand outside directing travelers

Shriven walks into the hotel. “Can I get a room? I’m just staying for a night. I’m off in the morning.”

“250 credits for the night sir”

“Very well. I’m to tired to do much.” Shriven heads up with his pack and wonders if the bed is as comfortable as he just spent on it.

4:27 PM

Shriven flops in bed and sleeps deep for what he assumes is the last peaceful night of sleep he will get in quite a few days.

In the morning, early , there is a knock on the door. A note is slipped underneath, sealed with wax. The wax print is of a beautiful lotus flower

Shriven gets out of the bed and heads over to the door. After getting his clothes situated he opens the door and looks out.

There is no one standing there. The only evidence of their passing is the sealed note they left behind

Shriven bends down and opens the envelope and shuts the door.

The note says your team has arrived. They’re waiting for you at the airport as only one was allowed into the city with tensions still so high

Shriven grabs his gear and heads to the airport.

At the airport there is a sleek, black windowed and black paneled truck waiting there. It is devoid of markings, but very different from the other vehicles you;ve seen in the city so far.

6:39 PM

It's lights flash for a second upon your apporach

I pull out my pocket knife and flash the moonlight back at them as I approach. I start walking towards the passenger side door.

The side passenger door of the truck opens, and a woman exits. she is pale, as all taros are, with elfin ears, and a tri lens replacement for her eye, the mount affixed to the left side of her head. She is wearing a very slim suit-mech styled design, and a two handed sword is affixed to her back. You see panels on the wrists of her suit where presumably other weapons are stored.

“I’m shriven, if your ready I think we should make introductions on the road.” Shriven starts hopping in to the truck. “What should I call all of you?”

The driver is the only one who replies. "They're initiates, and must remain silent until their advancement to full sister. You can call me Mist"

“Very well Mist, you understand the mission objectives? Locate the miners and extricate them from the AO. Secondary objectives are to track down what caused the delay and to map as much of the AO as possible.”

"our majordomo, who you and your....servant....were communicating with was able to fill us in"

“Any questions that you have or we good to roll out?”

"Let's be off. We need to get this done." She puts the truck in gear, angling it north, out toward the desert and city ruins

“I’m sorry if this sounds uninformed but is there a group of sons or brothers of the lotus? Or do only the daughters fight for Atrovia?”

"Our order fights for all of Atrovia. Males are welcomed, though their bodies do not survive the initiation process. They serve the Lotus in other ways"

“Well, good thing I’m not..... ummmm anyways. Good to know. So Mist how far out are we?”

“It’s only been a few minutes. I’d get some rest. We have a long drive ahead of us”

Shriven pulls out his compass and reads a book on leadership.

It’s a ten hour drive when the truck finally pulls up on the outskirts of the ruined helldiver city

“Looks like we are nearly here. Do you have any tracking skills? Or perhaps some drones to fly over watch for us?”(How big is/was the city? Mileage or people to give me an estimate if you don’t mind.)

(City was roughly 10 by 10 as far as miles)

8:19 AM

“We have to find their vehicles first which shouldn’t be hard even with all the rubble

“Sounds good lets do that then. Do we need to split up or just move in then track them down?”

“Let’s split up. Teams of two. You’ll tag along with me and my most junior initiate”

“Roger, let’s get heading out. There were reports of ghost patrols in the area but you probably already know that.”

“We did”. The truck turns off and parks outside the ruined curtain wall of the city.

12:09 PM

The other five daughters pile out of the back, donning their suit mechs and grabbing supplies.

Shriven hops out and dons his combat armor. “I’m ready over here. Do you already have a mesh net set up to map what we can of the area and keep track of each of the units? ” Shriven looks around to check to see if he is going to need to do climbing.

“We have a much higher operational awareness than your colony. Just let us do our jobs” mist says, a bit annoyed. She directs the two other search teams to different sections of the city. “The three of us are going together. City center. There’s a spire there we are going to climb. See what we can of the surrounding area”

Shriven grin, “Understood, I’m not yet used to this land based stuff, generally I’m in space where locations are a bit more omnidirectional. I will try to stop with the inane questions. Lead on Mist.” Shriven picks up his pack and prepares for the hike.

Mist leads her team through the gate and their rail rifles emerge from wrist housings for them to hold. They split into smaller teams. They go through rubble strewn streets towards the spire

Shriven looks down at his mag pistols and shrugs. He follows Mist trying to walk quietly and consistently failing.

(Can I do that? RP that I’m bad at moving silently?)

(Sure). You draw some dirty looks and an especially loud tumble brings the group to a halt. Rubble shifts and settles, kicking up a cloud of dust.

4:47 PM

Something nearby begins to rattle

Shriven looks towards the noise then looks over at Mist. Shriven then mimes gunfire in that direction.

(Can I roll notice to figure out what it is?)

(Notice wis to try)

<6 not going to reroll>

The sound comes closer and a half melted buggy comes wheeling around the corner. It’s weapon mount begins chattering, kicking up dust as he rounds fall short

6:51 PM

(Initiative)

<5>

(murderbuggy got a 6. Daughters will go with you)

7:21 PM

There is a thunk of metal as the machine gun reloads, and fires again

7:21 PM

The shots stitch a low wall in front of the initiate , and miss.

(your'e up, then lotus)

(Mag gun to the murderbuggy) shriven moves to find cover then aims his gun at the buggy, <13 9dmg>

(Are their people on the buggy?)

(no)

8:21 PM

The shot sparks off the front of the buggy. Mist readies a strange looking laser weapon that extends from the underside of her gauntlet. the initiate readies a grenade, and throws

8:21 PM

damaging the vehicle, knocking wiring and metal fragments loose (8 damage)

8:21 PM

(Shriven up)

<19 13dmg>

8:39 PM

Shriven fired another shot at it. (edited)

“Mist what is this thing, is it a bot?”

“Yes”. The shot cracks some glass around what appears to be the drone core.

9:45 AM

Mist fires the laser from her undergauntlet, exploiting the damage you caused to melt the core. The buggy comes to a halt

Shriven aims at the buggy as he asks, “Nice shot. We good to move on?”

(Do I hear anything else?)

(No. I started that new job so if I’m not answering I’m doing work stuff)

1

11:36 AM

“I think that’s it. Let’s grab that gun. Just in case”

(I’m just clarifying. No rush. That gun is mounted and big so I can’t carry it right?)

(You can carry it just -4 to hit if you’re not spending a round bracing it first. But it’s a heavy weapon so full damage to vehicles)

11:47 AM

(Your mag pistol was not doing a lot)

Shriven heads over to the buggy to detach the LMG. (Fix? Or just grab and head out?)

(Fix 0 would Let you just grab it)

11:57 AM

The gun is a bit heavy but the action and ammo feed looks clean.

11:58 AM

“We still have a bit of a ways to go before we hit that spire. Initiate, anything moving?”

11:58 AM

She shakes her head no

Shriven puts the LMG over his shoulder. “Hopefully I can be a little more effective with this.” Shriven smirks, “but probably not any quieter. Following your expertise Mist.”

(No rush but is it a Light machine gun 2d8 or machine gun 3d8?)

(Machine gun. The heavy weapon one)

After figuring out how to strap it to him shriven turns to mist, “I think that we are finally ready to head towards that spire again, you were talking about.”

“Alright. Let’s be off. Quietly this time.

5:33 PM

The next hour is spent picking your way through rubble packed streets. Blackened vehicles and half melted robot bodies lie everywhere. In some piles you can still feel faint heat

5:34 PM

Rubble falls off a building overhang at the end of the street before the spire

Shriven tries to pick his way carefully but the strides of the mechs are just longer. Eventually he walks normally and makes less noise. “Figures.” Shriven mutters.

The rubble continues to fall, and finally the squat building at the base of the spire explodes outwards in a shower of stone

7:31 PM

A tracked bottomed bot, coveredin dust and severely dented rumbles out, grenade launcher on one arm still smoking. It's top half is more humanoid in appearance, the other arm ending in a long barreled flamethrower. Its shoulders have additional weapon mounts

7:31 PM

(you, sisters, bot for combat, keeping relatively the same order. It is 30m away)

(Cover nearby?)

(Nothing meaningful)

(Anything that I could use as a mount so I don’t have to go prone?)

7:34 PM

(Ie trash can, pile of bricks, burnt out car)

(it has a bipod)

(Now that’s clever....)

7:37 PM

(Iniative or can I post up before hand?)

(Keeping the same order, you, sisters, robot)

Shriven spends the turn setting up the bipod.

The daughters advance to 15m on the war-bot. Mist readies her anti-vehicle laser, and the initiate readies another grenade from her belt, and throws

7:51 PM

The grenade goes off short of the bot, but the shrapnel causes 10 damage

7:52 PM

(Shriven up)

Shriven pulls the trigger and is surprised by the recoil. “Man this thing kicks.” <14 12dmg>

The heavy rounds knock some metal plating loose and sever some wires, but not enough to impede its function

8:09 PM

The robot first fires its grenade launcher at the initiate

8:10 PM

She is wounded lightly, rolling away from the blast

8:10 PM

(9 on her)

8:10 PM

As it fired, Mist moved up to its left side, vehicle laser forgotten, she readies her energy katana

8:11 PM

The shoulder weapons fire, now known to be similar to wheatcutter belts

8:11 PM

(also striking her for 9)

8:11 PM

Shriven is up

Shriven pulls the trigger again and loses control of the aim, “Shit, stupid bipod.”<11 16dmg>

The shots go wide this time as the gun fires it’s second volley. Mist swings her energy sword at the robot, her face is scratched and her suit sparking power from the elbow joint due to the wheatcutter hit

9:24 PM

The sword misses as the robot torso swivels out of the way. The initiate likewise draws her own blade and charges

9:25 PM

The expert swing severs the grenade launcher. The robot ignites the long flame thrower on its arm and bathes the initiate in liquid fire

9:26 PM

The suit holds for a few seconds before seals begin to melt and the cascading flame gets inside. As the fuel runs out and the noise stops you can hear her screaming as she’s burned inside the armor

Shriven yells, “No!” As he fires off another round. <12 10dmg>

(I want to instant action to fire again at the -4 Can I?)

(Sure)

“Die you stupid bot! You can’t do this!” <19 13dmg> (already had the -4 on it.)

The fuel tanks on the back of the bot ignite, bathing the robot in fuel and burning debris.

11:53 AM

It seems to seize up as the heat melts the joints

Shriven gets up and runs over to the initiate then looks at Mist, “Can you do anything for her?” (Is she still on fire?)

The fire has gone out but the person inside is still burning slightly. Her wounds are mortal. You can already tell.

“She’s nearly gone. Is there anything we can do for her? I’m not versed in your spirituality so I don’t want to step in and my actions affect her adversely.”

“Help her to her knees” mist days

Shriven moves to do so.

She takes a canteen and washes the blade of her energy sword.

1:55 PM

“Step back please. The joints will hold her

Shriven backs away and can’t take his eyes from the moment.

You see Mist and the initiate exchange some words you cannot hear.

2:56 PM

With a swift downward motion, mist severs the initiates Head

“She died... well.” Shriven finds himself uttering. Still shaken by the scene. Not knowing what else to say.

“Do we need to gather her body on the way back?”

“Help me get her equipment. The suit is ruined but her sword and gun”

Shriven walks over to help with the weapons. "Unless you have an objection I will carry them as i have room for them for now. Then lets head out." (edited)

She doesn’t object to the gun but she takes special care to recover the sword and place it on her pack. It only takes a few moments to detach the small laser weapon

(I just put it in my pack.) “Let’s keep going before we find a pack of these things.”

The base of the spire is just a few hundred meters from the grisly scene you left. At the base of it, mist produces a pair of grapple launchers. You see a third also in her pack but that’s no longer needed. “There should be some windows or vision blocks somewhere up there. If we leapfrog floor to floor we should be able to climb this pretty quick”

“Okay let’s do this.” Shriven shutters at the though of that height without a cockpit around him. “Only one way to get this mission complete , onward and upwards.”

(Exert/con for the climb)

<10>

Shriven and mist, handhold by handhold begin to climb the crumbling spire. 1/3 of the way up you have a commanding view of the city already

(Can I roll an notice?) “You see anything out there or should we keep going?”

(Notice wis)

<7>

It’s hard to pick much of anything out between the half standing buildings and the blanket of monotone slate colored rubble. You’ll have to get higher. There’s a slight tremor that gently rocks the spire.

“I can’t pick anything out so let’s keep going unless you can see something.” Shriven says to Mist.

As shriven climbs he asks Mist, “So.. exhales what caused the food shortage that you would be willing to contract another exhale your team out?”

“Merchants growing trade crops rather than food for too long, there were some prolonged droughts and finally the city grainaries ran out”

“So, exhale are the daughters a civil organization? Apart of the city’s infrastructure?”

“Think of it as a council of concerned citizens”

“What became of exhales the merchants? Are they still in the city or did they get run out?”

“Most were made examples of. There’s a handful left subsisting off dwindling savings. A few genuinely tried to do the right thing and bring food in from other places. The people know who they are, and were spared. It just wasn’t enough.

Shriven laughs between deeps breaths, “No good deed goes unnoticed. Have the Daughters been able to find food to purchase? Or has it not been long enough to be able to get valid contracts and food shipped in?”

“We find it where we can. That’s what our contract money goes for

“Makes sense.” Shriven keeps climbing.

Another tremor shakes the tower. It’s felt more acutely as you close in on the top

6:40 PM

You’re able to keep your footing

Shriven gasps, “Are... Those.... common.... here?”

"No, No they're not. This area is very tectonically stable"

Shriven looks down. Dreading what he thinks he might see. (When shriven looks down does he see anything... large?)

There doesn't seem to be anything out of place from where you're looking.

“Let’s track down that truck. So we can get out of here. I feel... exposed.” (Truck not ship...) (edited)

Almost to the top" Mist says, a few meters higher than you are

Shriven sighs and keeps climbing. (edited)

its another 15 mins of climbing before reaching a derelict observation deck. From here, you can see the entire city. at the northeastern edge, there is a large sinkhole. the wrecks of two trucks clearly visible at the edge. A third is tipped onto its back, at the edge of the pit

8:03 PM

theyre painted a matte black/grey, hiding them effectively from ground level

“Looks like we know where they are now.” Shriven looks down. “Man I really wish right now I would have sprung for that Icarus Harness. Oh well, do you think we can get there with the team today?”

"It'll be close to nightfall even if we drive around, which I think we should do"

8:10 PM

"We might save some time by going through, but who knows what else is out there. Up to you though, its your money"

“I think it is worth it to go around. I don’t want to see another initiate... yeah let’s go around.”

(so 10k for another day, as there is one less to pay)

8:13 PM

The team re-assembles at their low profile truck late afternoon,

8:14 PM

"We're driving around, the city has too many dangers and our employer has agreed to extended the contract another day" Mist tells them. they say nothing in return, but get into the back of the truck

Shriven asks Mist, “What was the name of that initiate that was lost? I’m planning on sending her family directly what she would have made for the rest of the contract. Unless that isn’t what she would have wanted...” (edited)

"she had not yet been reborn as a sister, her old name was lost long before she joined her rank. Many have no families"

“Then take her share as a gift in her honor. It doesn’t seem right somehow to not.”

8:20 PM

Shriven then hops in the truck.

The truck skirts the ruins of the city, the initiates in the back all manning long guns, watching the ruined walltops.

“So how long does one stay an initiate before being reborn?”

"It all depends. Sometimes a brother or sister can make it in a few high profile or expertly done missions, others take on less glorious duties for far longer before being found reliable. Luck plays into it a bit, as you can see"

Shriven mutters “when doesn’t it.” Shriven asks, “if I may ask how long did it take you?”

"Three years, almost exactly"

“Wow, That seems fast. Took me more years then that to make it through officers school.”

"Well, my last mission was incredibly dangerous, and very important"

“I’m glad you made it though. I was hoping that with enough arms we would be able to keep this mission away from that description. But...” shriven shrugs MarkdownContext { Depth = 1 }

Shriven slouches over and tries to get a few hours of shuteye before something happens.

Youre roughly woken up a few hours later, with predawn light filtering into the cab

Shriven snaps awake and asks in a whisper “What is it? Are we there?”

“Almost there. Grab your stuff. We are coming up on where the convoy was, the ground is going to get pretty rough

Shriven straps back into his pack and straps on his machine gun.

she raps a pair of binoculars on the dashboard "See if you can make anything out"

Shriven looks around with the binoculars. (Notice?)

(yes, with wis)

<7>

The three vehicle wrecks loom large in the binoculars. You notice smaller stone shaking and tumbling into the fissure they’re parked in front of.

“There is a fissure. I didn’t think this was native to the area? Let’s get over there and talk to them and find out what is keeping them from leaving the area.”

As you arrive you see blackened bodies in the cabins and the trucks have all been heavily scorched. The flame marks were difficult to see from a distance with the urban camo on them already.

4:15 PM

Twelve bodies burned to almost unrecognizable forms dot the area. The ground rumbles again. This time far more violently

“Let’s split into 2 teams, one looking for what did this and the other focusing more on survivors. Both teams, we need to accomplish both objectives. Let’s do this.”

Mist hops out, and instructs the others to form into two teams, yours once again filled out with a nameless initiate. This one has kept their helmet on, so you're not sure what they look like underneath, or even what gender they are.

9:46 PM

"Do we go into the fissure, or poke around up here?"

“Let’s stay up here till we secure a perimeter. Hopefully find some survivors. If we can’t find answers then we will proceed down.”

Three of the initiates unlinked climbing gear from their suits and repel down into the crevice. Your team scans the top. Flame seems to be the only thing used on the vehicles. The dents or more concentrated burns usually seen with small arms are absent here. The fissure rumbles again. This time it is violent and one of the initiates down there is knocked from her feet

“Looks like there aren’t any answers up here. We need to find the rest of the mining party or at least some answers. Down we go.”

The initiates at the bottom of the pit prepare to secure the climbing lines for you when the ground under them cracks. Stone explodes upwards in a shower of broken masonry, and you see the three of them vanish in a mist of rolling, chattering machine teeth and a gout of superheated flame

9:31 AM

The vehicle rises from the ground on twin tracks, the inside glowing a sinister orange red with the Contained fire within

9:32 AM

(So it’s still in the pit but facing up at a 45 degree angle. So it can spray fire at the lip of the crevice. Naturally it can move up when it’s time as well)

9:32 AM

(It’s surprise round was eating your friends. Let’s do initiative)

The Flame Tank has a 7

“Spread out, I think we know what happened. Let’s lake that thing out.”

Mist dives out of the way as a rolling curtain of flame breaks against the edge of the fissure. The front of her suit is singed but the damage appears to just be superficial. The tank rolls up to the top of the fissure, crushing the wreck of the nearest CCE vehicle under its considerable bulk

11:35 AM

(You’re up)

Shriven spends his turn setting up the bipod. To be able to actually aim this gun.

Mist and the initiate both sprint towards the machine, jumping onto its back, energy swords in hand

1:06 PM

The tank fires it’s wheatcutter belt at the intruders on its back

1:07 PM

The initiates suit protects her from most of the damage (11 damage to her suit rather than health)

1:07 PM

Shriven is up

Shriven releases a short burst at the tank. <15 11dmg>

The rounds spark off its armor plating, knocking a few of the drill teeth out. The orange glow from within still flickers menacingly. The sisters each plunge their long blades through the top, points sinking deep into the armor.

2:15 PM

(13 damage in total)

2:15 PM

The flame tank settles in its tracks and fires a gout of flame at shriven and his gun position. (Evasion save)

(5 damage) the flame shot goes a bit high, still glancing shriven

4:10 PM

Though not with the direct force of the weapon. (Shriven up)

Shriven sucked behind the small rock he was proping the bipod up on and then fires off another round at the tank. <18 8dmg>

The drill mechanism halts as the rounds hit it, stopping it from burrowing. The sisters plunge their blades in once more. The rocking of the vehicle fouls a strike for one but mist sinks her blade true. Burning fuel drips down the side of the vehicle as she gracefully tumbles off the roof to escape the flames.

5:00 PM

It wheels on her and fires it’s main weapon

5:02 PM

Her suit ignites. She fares better than the initiate the day before and her cool head allows her to eject from it. Fire suppression systems swamp the flames while the panels blow off. She emerges from the smoke cloud in a bodyglove, still armed with her energy sword in one hand and an archaic looking laser pistol in the other

5:02 PM

(Shriven up)

Shriven fires off another round. <16 13dmg> “We are almost there.”

The damaged side is further caved in by the gunfire. Something crumps deep inside the vehicle as it is hit and black smoke pours out of the grill and exhaust

(Is it still moving?)

(Yep)

6:57 PM

Mist fires her pistol at the machine

6:57 PM

The laser bolt bounces off the armored flank, despite the damage

6:58 PM

The initiate plunges her sword in, not able to punch deeply with the spreading fire coming closer, she likewise vaults off the truck

7:04 PM

(2 damage for her)

7:04 PM

The flame tank fires its flame cannon at Shriven, as the others are too close

(Evasion success 14 v 9)

(5 damage from partial for the flames)

7:08 PM

The flames cook over the rocks again, staining the front with burn smears

7:08 PM

(shriven up)

In his haste shriven pulls the trigger while coming back up from cover. <6 9dmg>

The shots go high

7:16 PM

Mist fires her pistol again- (10 damage) The exposed side caves in. The tank grinds to a halt

7:16 PM

The fire pours out from inside, engulfing the tank as the engines go quiet, leaving only the sound of your heavy breathing, and the crackling of flames

Shriven waits a moment then yells, “Everyone still mobile?”

Mist and the initiate both head out of the smoke towards you, both have injuries but are still walking wounded at least

Shriven walks over near the fissure. “You two down there still with us?”

(You saw all three of them get devoured by the tank)

7:34 PM

(when it used its surprise move at the very beginning)

7:34 PM

"Its just us" Mist says, looking at a tracker embedded in her arm. It is an elegant piece of cyberware- almost invisible unless you knew what to look for

“Was that helldiver tech? It looks like it but I vaguely remember being told it was all neutralized.”

"It was, rogue unit it looks like. These cities are full of underground vaults. Anything left in storage not destroyed went feral"

“That brings me to three questions: first do you think they can still be controlled? Secondly do we have any kind of seismic prewarning system? Finally do we have any way of mapping this fissure out with bots or anything?”

"Your people are under the impression they're not linked by any kind of central intelligence. We don't even with our suits, and we don't have mapping gear with us, not what is needed for this. We found the crew , we will log their fate. You are welcome to stay but I am considering this contract filled, and I am taking my team home"

“Works for me. Let’s head out. Can I get a ride back to atrovia or one of the cities?”

"We will take you back to Vapormills, Atrovia is a warzone and the responsibility of a guest will hamper my reporting in."

“Roger, Thanks.”

(6xp, 50,000 credits from CCE for contract fulfillment)

(Woot! Thanks Neko for an excellent adventure.)

(Glad you had fun)

Two days later, you find yourself back in Vapormills

Shriven heads to the train station to make it back to Gudrun.

8:42 PM

(Anamem should be done in 2 days which is just enough time to get back find a body guard type and then head out to Asta.)

The train ride is a day and is very relaxing. Good food is served in the dining car and you get to sleep in an actual upholstered bed. You arrive in central the day before the Anamem modifications are due to be completed

Shriven heads to the city to confirm that the report of rogue hell diver bots were received.

The CCE copied your report and has shared it with greenbriar admin. The helldivers as an organized group have long been shattered and rogue technology haunting the streets of their broken cities is a long verified fact. The report is filed but with so many people witnessing the deaths of their leaders first hand, a further investigation is not ordered at this time (edited)

Shriven thanks the administrator that transferred this information. Then heads to talk to the Baron.

The bar is lively tonight, and people are celebrating the completion of the direct rail link between Dahab and Greenbriar central.

9:14 PM

It’s a squeeze but your able to get a seat at the counter

Shriven buys a drink and scans the room looking for any ex military types to talk shop and just relax with.

Two men sit at a back table drinking. A third glass is poured at an empty seat. Nobody is sitting there and the drink doesn’t appear to be touched.

(Is there a 4th chair there?)

(No)

Shriven asks the baron for a bottle of good whisky and 4 cups. Then after getting the heads over to the table but doesn’t sit at the chair. Shriven sets down the bottle and slides the 2 glasses towards the men and places another empty glad beside the one sitting at the empty chair. “May I stand you all a few rounds? For those no longer with us?”

They seem appreciative of the gesture. They’re silent for a moment in homage to the empty chair. “You military?”

“Ex-pilot but that part of my life I thought was behind me. What about you two? Part of any active forces?”

“Ex admiralty. Our ship went down during the fight to take the overqueen out”

9:45 AM

“We were at sea for three days before a patrol boat picked us up”

“Well then here’s to luck survival.” Shriven pours a round and toasts it. “I remember that experience, ‘cept mine was a blind spike jump that left me floating. Took 2 days for me. Not an experience I’m hoping to ever experience again.” Shriven pours another round, “So I’m going to jump to the alterer motive so we can drink and talk after, I’m hoping to find a marine or 2 for some easy security on a merchant ship going off-world. If you know any otherwise we can just drink.”

“We used to do that on our ocean vessel. What’s the purse and length?”

“I’m not sure the length but at least 12 days maybe up to a month depending on conditions when we get there. I’m offering 120 credits a day which includes grub for the duration. I will even pay you whenever we are docked back here at base if you sign on for a longer stent. I think it will be about 75% offworld and 25% local over the next few months if you are interested. There are currently 2 pilots who have signed up and who can help guard the ship to a limited degree, I don’t really trust they will be able to fire a pistol the right direction but hopefully that won’t be needed. Just trying to cover my basis.”

“Well, we are interested. When are you scheduled to leave next?”

“Day after next. If you want to sign on for the longer stent I will just consider you have been working for me since the beginning of the month (the faction turn for easy math) otherwise we can go on a day by day rate.”

“Sounds good. Let’s see how the trip goes and we can talk more”

“Roger That, the berth is Anamem, we will leave at noon day after next. Do you have gear or do I need to pick some up for you?”

“We just have our carry gear which we can do ourselves”

(Is that combat armor and a wep?)

(Weapon and some form of armor. They’re not army anymore)

1

“Excellent! Well gentlemen let us drink through the night to celebrate the beginnings of such a mutually beneficial relationship, and to commiserate former relationships lost.” Shriven pours another round.

3:22 PM

(Unless they have something to say back I’m going to go bump into Jaxon as he is here too and is the first time we could have met.)

(Go for it)

Shriven looks down and notices that he finished the bottle. “Gentlemen if you will excuse me for w reload.” Shriven heads to the bar to get a new bottle.

Shriven heads back to the table with the bottle. “Here we go Gentlemen, a fresh bottle. To friends.” Shriven spends the rest of the night drinking and telling war stories. Eventually making it back to the Anamem.

(60 credits for the night of drinking)

(Can I just put 850 down for drinking and not worry about it till next faction turn?)

(why does the faction turn matter?)

(Just as a time keeping device)

(I'll just subtract it)

9:20 PM

The work on the Anamen is completed as you drunkenly sleep aboard it.

Shriven wakes up and decides to head around the city and try to track down a bit of military tech. (Looking for an Icarus Harness)

The market has standard colonial faire, the rimworld semi auto and secure clothing being the normal. The barracks does have a quartermaster, but gear is generally issued only to those on colony business. (Not that you cant try)

Shriven heads to talk to the quartermaster.

The base let’s you in as you’d served once before. You remember the way to the quartermaster. He is behind a bulletproof screen and waves as you enter

“Hey how are you doing today? I’m getting ready to go off world and I was hoping that I could help you and me. Is there anything you are running low on or that is on the wish list?”

"The things we make here I have ample stocks of. Always looking for new weapons to study though, Pops handles that and sends me the working copies later"

“I have an Atrian laser here in my bag if you are interested in it.”

(Are you just saying things or is this in a book)

(It was the laser that Mist handed me that I never got stats for from the dead initiate. I wasn’t planning on using it but I did throw it in my bag.)

“A hand held anti vehicle laser....I’d bring that to pops. He should study that”

“Where is Pops at? I’ll let him know you sent me to him. Unless you would rather just take it there.”

“I’ll just handle it. I can’t pay you until he decides what it’s worth but I’ll write you a receipt”

“I’ll keep my eye out for any other interesting tech. Oh that reminds me, do you think pops would be interested in some mostly destroyed Atrovian mech suits? I can give him the coordinates if they haven’t already been picked up.”

“Destroyed suit eh. There a body in it?”

“Last time I saw them yeah, there was one that is exposed to the elements but there was a set of 3 that are garbled inside a old Helldiver Bot.”

“I’m not going to defile remains. That’s incredibly disrespectful”

“Roger, I just figured I would mention it. I’ll check in next time I’m in town hopefully with a exotic weapon or two. Have a great day.”

Shriven waves and heads out to talk to Alfred.

12:43 PM

When shriven gets to the shop he walks in and asks the receptionist, “Is Alfred in?”

Alfred comes out of the back office after a few moments

“Hey Alfred, hows the factory coming? I see your all set up here.”

“I am. We are open just need to get some product saved up”

“That’s great! I’m hoping that we can increase our offices here. I’ll leave you enough that you shouldn’t have issues hiring the necessary staff to get it where we could increase our factory to a major output of medical supplies in a few months.”(Move HQ to level 2)

“I’ll see what I can do about getting some more space to work with”

“Excellent thank you for your diligence and hard work.”

9:51 PM

“I will see you when I get back.”

9:53 PM

Shriven heads to go check to make sure that Anamem is ready for the jump. (Just a reason to head back to Anamem.)

It’s been fueled, the modifications are complete and so are the small repairs needed to keep it running smoothly. Your security team and extra pilots arrive soon after. (Was Simon Going too. He sort of fell off the face of the game once you guys got back)

Incoming Message from Jaxon Remington: That sounds fine, I will see you tomorrow

Shriven realizes that he is getting sick and tired of walking around and probably another planet will be even worse. So he heads out to find himself a hover bike and some fittings he has in mind. Muttering the whole time about having to walk around.

(Picking up parts to hover bike, fittings and 10 type B power cells.)

It’s a half day at the market to find what you need. The parts are delivered to the Anamen gradually over the course of the evening and night

(Cost deducted) Shriven heads back to the ship for one last night on Gudrun before heading out.

( @Johnny2Cs ) shows up early evening, also spending the day in the market place collecting supplies

“Hey Jaxon, welcome to the Anamem. I’ll show you to your bunk.”

"Glad to be aboard. Lead the way."

“Hey, I was wondering while we are in spike would you be willing to assemble a hover cycle in the Hold? There’s room in the workshop.”

3:48 PM

As shriven walks towards Jaxon’s room.

Jaxon smiles remembering the old days with his dad tinkering in the garage. "Sure, why the hell not. Spike jumps are boring as hell if you dont have something to do"

“Excellent! Well in the morning we will jump to sumati so if you need anything go grab it now otherwise we will just sleep then jump.”(any last things you need otherwise I’ll just start the jump.)

(I did my shopping so we can 'fast-forward' to the jump)

7:47 PM

"Thank you but I come prepared friend

Shriven wakes up and checks that all the crew are still on board and the radios the tower, “Cloud, this is Anamem requesting permission to depart Greenbrair airspace.”

“Permission granted Anamem. safe travels.

9:10 PM

(This one is going to require a jump check)

“Roger Cloud see you when we get back.” (Yep it’s what I specialize in,

I get double my pilot skill due to my lvl 2 foci)

9:12 PM

<18> (HAPPY DANCE!!)

9:13 PM

“And here we go.”

The ship plunges into spike space on the week long trip

9:22 PM

(What’s everyone up to during the trip)

Shriven spends the time talking with Jaxon about/learning leadership as well as piloting the ship. (Working towards being able to learn lead.)

Jaxon works on the hover bike, thankfull ti have a project to kill the time. He discusses the finer points of leadership to Shriven, as much as it applies to rowdy construction crews anyway. (Jaxon has Lead 2 from Authority and Henchkeeper Foci)

7:45 AM

What is the year 3000 equivalent to clasic rock can be heard from a section of one of the storage bunkers that he has comendeered as his workroom

(There is an actual workshop on board.) Shriven sings along to several songs and pulls out some retro-neo-classic rock that he first back in his pilot days, ‘Another one bites the dust’ by Queen. “Thought you might enjoy this one too. That’s the only song that I have found survived by that group.”

(I think we are good to arrive.)

(do i have ti roll anything for the bike neko?)

)no you’ve got a week so checks are just slowing you down(

5:17 PM

The ship arrives at the edge of sumati system space. No platforms or space installations are detected

Shriven goes to see if there are any ships in the system other than us. ( program roll?)

(Let’s decide now who’s at what station)

(Good call.)

5:21 PM

Shriven is taking the pilot seat.

Jaxon is happy not to sit in spike drive anymore

(Go by the ship combat rules. It’s got the stations)

(Better at the fixing=engineering, programing=Comms or leading=Captains chair?) (edited)

5:22 PM

(Or shooting?)

5:23 PM

(But we don’t have guns so MarkdownContext { Depth = 1 } )

(assuming engineering for jax?)

7:34 PM

(shriven on the bridge)

(Yep for me)

7:35 PM

(Send the npcs to the others) (edited)

(just wanna confirm with jax, since no guns NPC's will staff other two)

Yes Jax will go to Engeneering

(alright shriven, you have the helm, program/int)

<9>

You do not detect anything in the area in terms of other ships

Shriven then turns and starts to scan the planet looking for cities or signs of life.

8:01 PM

“It doesn’t look like there’s any ships out here. But I’m starting to scan the planet.”

"Sounds good! Try your best to not get us killed while you're at it kid."

There is life on planet, with radio signals and other telecommunications.

Is there obvious cities or settlements?

8:30 PM

I’m trying to figure out where would be the best place to land to start making contacts and hopefully track down the mining expedition.

There are dozens of cities on the planet below.

8:30 PM

There is communication going between them, but nothing into space

“Jaxon, I don’t see any obvious signs where the Remnant are. What do you think about just landing at one of the cities and going from there?

"Do we have any way of getting them on comms from here?"

“We can but then we risk tipping our hand to the Remnant.”

There is a lot of communication from the middle of the main continent. The signals coming from the west and east both stop at this central area

8:36 PM

(Transmissions not going past it from their respective sides)

(Can we listen in on this communication to try to gather info?)

8:49 PM

"Well you think they will let us get on planet without identifying ourselves?"

(It'll be another program check)

8:51 PM

(Failure will alert them

“I’ll give it a shot.”(I have expert reroll so there that.)

8:56 PM

<8>(do I need a reroll?)

(You can if you want to but you have to take the second result)

8:57 PM

(I can't reallyt do more than tell you as is, its a mixed success)

(usually the GM doesn advise the players what to do lol)

(Jaxon thoughts?)

(i cant influence your decision, this is all techinally happening in a moment)

(I was asking if it was a fail due to the rerolling saying I can only reroll failed rolls.)

(I gave you as much help as i can give you)

(If it isn’t a fail then it is going to stand as is.)

8:59 PM

How long are you spending listening to comms

9:00 PM

between 4-16 hours

“Jaxon I’m getting some good info I think we should keep going for the next 8 hours. You agree?”

Jaxon shakes his head. "the longer we float in this comms, the more likely we get detected. We are taking a risk as is. DO what you want, but my advise is to find out a couple major cities and back out."

“Good point, I never was very good at this comms stuff. 4 hours for basic info it is.”

You learn about one nation on planet:

9:04 PM

Kingdom of Usea- God King Rawlts IV- Located on the western coast, highly mercantile and naval- it has formed a treaty with the Balak League recently to wrest control of the central highlands from the Coalition of Sovereign Territories.

9:04 PM

as well as some general information

9:04 PM

The world is plagued by warlords. Numerous powerful men and women control private armies sufficiently strong to cow whatever local government may exist. On the lands they claim, their word is law. Most spend their time oppressing their own subjects and murderously pillaging those of their neighbors. Most like to wrap themselves in the mantle of ideology, religious fervor, or an ostensibly legitimate right to rule.

9:05 PM

(In this case, the world balkanized long ago, the nations here are the strongmen themselves or direct descendants of)

“I like our chances with the naval merchants personally. Also they are probably our best bet at getting to the mining colony island without detection.”

'Agreed, the lack of central government will help mask the fact we dont belong, and given the composition of this planet they probably use the ships to haul cargo. With any luck maybe we disguise ourselves as people looking to head to this mining operation for work, or something of the like"

Shriven takes Anamem down near the western coast cities trying to avoid population center trying to land about 3 miles out or so.

(3 miles out from the coast or from the population center?)\

Coast and about 10 from a city

9:23 PM

If such a place exists

(each hex is 200 miles, so no)

Lol

On the way down, as you enter the upper atmosphere, the 'master alert' system begins chiming

9:24 PM

surface to air defenses on the ground have painted the Anamen

(Do I know the source?)

9:25 PM

(Of the missile?)

(Use

"Fuck I knew they'd paint us if we got close!"

(usean SAM sites, they're scattered around their territory, you've inferred there are several conflicts happening)

(Good not remnant.)

9:27 PM

Shriven takes evasive maneuvers.

(Pilot dex)

<13>

one SAM maintains lock, and fires

9:30 PM

(18 to hit, 6 damage) The telephone pole sized missile fires its primary charge 2m from the Anamen's hull, the flechette rounds within the warhead tearing at the hull, cutting secondary electrical lines and the redundancy fuel system

Jaxon quickly tries to run a diagnostics to make sure this bird can still fly, and to see if there is anything that needs his immediate attention (such as fires)

9:32 PM

"We can't keep taking hits like that kid! Get us on the ground!"

“On it.” Shriven pushes it Anamem down.

9:41 PM

(Can I do a directed com burst at the sams along the coast?)

(To do what, exactly

(Send them a message that we are traders to speak with their government. That we are bringing in cargo to trade.)

(broadcast what you're going to broadcast)

(Can it be a directed broadcast? Or are we low enough that I think that the remnant won’t pick it up?)

(I can;t answer that, if you want to try to mask it, its another programming check)\

(K just going to try to land then.)

(Close to the coast then is what we decided?)

(Yes)

The trees part some and thin out as you get close to the coast. There is a cliff free of trees (Think dover cliffs like, but normal colored)

“How’s it look back there Jaxon? We holding it together?” Shriven looks for a small depression on the ground so Anamem isn’t obvious from the area around it.

9:50 PM

(Did they seem tl3 or TL4 from the comms?)

"Give me a moment, Diagnosis is taking some time." (Do i need to roll to get an idea of where the ship is at?)

(TL early 4)

9:52 PM

(No Jax, your skill would let you figure it out pretty easily)

9:53 PM

The ship will remain in the air, and can take off again if needed, but it should be repaired before spike travel is attempted, the strain may cause the damaged sections to further open or degrade

"She'll hold, but we'd be pretty stupid to try to Spike in this thing. DEFINITELY recommend we try to avoid further missiles though eh kid?"

9:56 PM

"Ballsy as hell just flying onto a planet without trying to mask our presence first. We should be concerned they are trying to find us as we speak."

(Btw shriven is 32) “Should have shook that missile. But yeah they are probably looking for us. I’m torn between sending a message and going to talking to the nearest city.”

(Something you have noticed about shriven he is intelligent but not very wise. And I RP that hard.)

(Jaxon probably knows your ages but doesnt care) "Its fine, let me on the comms. i'll try to patch up this situation, see if you can get us a secure line to however shot that missile at us." He points to the security personnel "Form a permimiter around the ship, I want to know the second you get eyes on anything. And see if you can see any immediate problems with the hull that needs to be patched"

10:13 PM

(hes 42 btw the slightest bit of age showing on him with some salt and pepper in his hair and beard)

10:13 PM

(42 cause thats the ultimate number :D)

(there's only 2 security people)

(oh awkward i still get them outside)

10:14 PM

(dont tell me your skills thats meta man)

(SUPER meta)

(....)

(its fine just play it as if you didnt tell me)

“Go for it but I’m not a great at coms...)

The two security personnel hired grab their shotguns and head down the ramp, vanishing into the trees with some survey equipment

"your better than me I assure you, unless you plan on having me weld the damn computer."

There is a hiss of static as the line resolves into something workable. "Unidentified contact, state your business in Usean territory"

"This is the Anamem , we are a trade vessel sent to try to establish connections and trade routes on planet. Unfortunately our comms were malfunctioning when we came into atmosphere and we weren't able to contact you before you engaged us. We mean no harm." (edited)

"Hold for a moment"

10:39 PM

The line goes dead.

10:40 PM

When it returns: "Anamen, this is prime minister Narin of the Kingdom of Usea. You've made my life very difficult today"

Shriven rolls his eyes.

"Ah, yes. Well we can say the same, seeing as I'll ahve to spend the next couple of days patching up our ship. Still, we do very deeply apologize. If it suits you, we would like to come apologize in person, maybe even throw in a fine discount on some of our wares here as recompense."

"Out of the question. I won't get into the specifics, but the outside universe, and knowledge of it, is something this world at large does not need."

(what were we hauling again?)

10:52 PM

Jaxon contemplates the prime ministers words for a long moment. He looks over to Shriven and says (off comms) "Any ideas? It'd be best if we could convince him to speak with us, but at a minimum we need to not piss him off. I'd like to get off this planet alive."

(15 tons of industrial parts.)

Shriven pulls out his comm pad and writes

Ask her to send come here or to send a rep, we need to talk to some one face to face. We need to find a way to not broadcast our questions about the mining camp.

He spins it towards Jaxon.

"We...um...We completely understand and respect your decision, however as I mentioned we have taken some damage from before. IF it would be permissible, we would like to at least trade some of our industrial parts for some repairs. You could send us a representative if you do not wish for us to come near your city."

Shriven gives 2 thumbs up.

“Remain at location. We will be sending a delegation. Expect them in a few hours”

(I can skip ahead, or give you time to prepare, your call)

"Understood, Anaman signing off." Jax clicks off the comms signal and give out a big sigh. "Well that could have gone a lot worse. We are not out o the woods yet, and I have no idea how we find out whats going on the island, but for now we need to buy time...and with that I have some work to do."

12:46 PM

Jaxon wants to let the 2 security personnel know there is a delegation coming in a few hours, then he wants to start "breaking" The ship. The goal being to neatly disconnect a few things here or there so that the ship actually can not fly if the delegation officers look at it, but so Jaxon could spend a bit of time easily putting it back together

That’s not difficult for you to do, and some superficial damage is easily re created

2:09 PM

There is a steady beating in the air as four black spots appear on the horizon (edited)

(yeah i imagine its not hard to mask the superficial damage over the fact there is real damage caused by a missile lol)

2:29 PM

"Get ready guys, we have company."

(That and you’re in a spaceship so they probably won’t know what they’re looking at)

Shriven walks outside. “Now that it’s down to trading and hopefully just getting some information out of them let me talk to them.”

The four shapes resolve into helicopters. Two of them are clearly some kind of attack variant. The other two look to be transports. They begin their final approach to your landing zone

Shriven waits outside with Jaxon.

The gunships pass overhead, and the transports land. One is empty but the other has a squad of fifteen soldiers, each in all black body armor. They’re carrying modern looking combat rifles. One has a rustic suit of power armor and a Gatling type weapon with it. The ammo feed rattles with each heavy footstep. A man in a grey suit, impeccably tailored stands in the center of the armed party. The noise falls away as the helicopter engines turn off

2:41 PM

“Greetings” he moves forward, hand extended. “I’m prime minister Narin. I believe we spoke”

Shriven steps forward and says, “It is an honor and a privilege Prime Minister. Yes, my associate was the one that was on the radio. My name is Shriven and I am the owner of this ship. I hope we haven’t caused any uproar more than what can be explained by a training maneuver.” Shriven grins as he continues, “We have brought 15 tons of industrial parts to trade with you and hopefully open mutually beneficial lines of communication and trade.” (edited)

2:49 PM

(If I can use the diplo 2 foci on him?)

Jaxon attempts to suppress a noticeable wince as he notices Shriven ignore what the Prime Minester said before, hoping for the best

(it makes him friendlier but it doesnt mean hes going to grant you every single favor)

(Yeah not out to kill me for landing is what I was hoping for)

"Thats exactly the problem, is that now we HAVE to figure out how to suppress this. I think...well...maybe not you, but certainly your associate here can figure out why knowledge of a wider galaxy might be considered a bad thing to those who make the decisions here. That being said, we do see the value in discrete trading, done FAR from public eyes."

(Is he saying because i understand they dont have access to space travel? Whether that be voluntary or not)

(Yes, you're just not sure which of the two that is)

(right i figured i wouldnt know why)

"I understand that you don't want the public to have this information but information is powerful and with you having more power and access to items not available on world can help but to put you in a more powerful situation when dealing with any other powers on planet."

Jaxon gets close to Shriven and tries to say VERY quiet;y "Don't be presumptuous. We don;t know why they don't have space travel, remember he said our existence and technology isn't something they need"

"You don't get to decide what the public on this world should have, and frankly, I want you off this planet as soon as possible. You said you have cargo?"

“Yes I have 15 tons of industrial parts that I am hoping to trade.”

"What are you seeking in return?"

“Anything from house wares, parts or medical supplies and hopefully some information on a group of miners from off planet.”

His face darkens "Wait, there are more of you? where?" The men around him raise their guns, and the gatling weapon begins spinning up

3:25 PM

"WHERE DID THEY LAND? AND WHO ARE THEY? ANSWERS! NOW!"

Jaxon literally face palms

3:27 PM

He puts his hands up "Prime Minster please hear us out. Our motives were to establish friendly contact on the planet, and to find out a group who call themselves the Remnant. They seem to have a mining operation planet side and we are here to find out what they are mining out and why. They are no friends of ours Sir."

"You're the only off world contact we have had, and now you've just told me there are others here that we haven't detected. This could ruin everything. We have plenty of housewares. We will trade, and then you'll be leaving. I have to return and warn the King about this Remnant as you call them"

"We understand where you are coming from, but before you leave let us help each other. We can give you intel on this group of off worlders who i can assure you, do not come as well intentioned as us. In return all we ask is to help us figure out what their operation is about while you root them out, which is what we both desire im sure."

(talk/cha Jax, the DC will be lower since you're making a reasonable argument)

(welp this is gonna suck im sure)

3:34 PM

(holy shit an 11) (edited)

3:35 PM

(near crit) (edited)

"Alright, but this is our operation, and when this is done, you're leaving. There may be a chance in the future for repeat business, but it's going to be done on our terms"

Jaxon nods, slowly lowering his hands. "We understand, we have blindly stumbled into your world's affairs. You have my word we will do everything we can to handle this situation delicately. But hopefully, this is be beneficial relationship for both of us." He proffers his hand to the Prime Minister

Shriven nods

He shakes it. "Out of the two of you, I like you better" he spits on the ground, off to the side. "so , first things first, lets arrange a cargo transfer. How much are you looking to buy?"

(Roll on the trade table for sale and purchase?)

(Yes, friction is 8, because you've made him very upset)

Jaxon winces slightly, not meaning to have push out Shriven.

3:42 PM

(He's upset? Never saw that coming )

(There's been a scouting report on this world available in handouts for real life months, so i was a little harsher with just stumbling in, since the info was out there, and ignored)

3:43 PM

(Anything in the handouts that you can see, is something you know or is publicly known)

(We ONLY technically invaded another planet, tried to smuggle ourselves illegally without identification, and casually informed him that he has been invaded by outside forces)

1

3:44 PM

(In my defense, I left the decision up to Shriven on the approach, but he feels a bit differently now."

3:45 PM

(im just saying im happy we didn't accidentally declare war on another planet)

(The handouts are a good source of information, thats why I make them and update them as you guys do things)

(Yeah well ill be making sure to read them now XD)

(Rolled 10 sell 80% buy 110% so trading 15 tons of tools for 55 tons of houseware.)

(Yeah I just read the report... We literally did the worst thing possible here)

(And yeah I forgot about the report.... perfectly bad in every way.)

3:49 PM

(I actually had swapped them in my head Asta and sumati... re-reading the handouts.) (edited)

(can we add to the Scouting Report: Whatever you do, DO NOT just fly onto the planet! You will be shot at by SAM - Jaxon and Shriven)

(I usually do update if the dangers are something others are likely to run into, so there will be a line added about that)

“How does 55 tons of the housewares in trade as an apology for ... my actions... “

“I think we can work with that. So here’s what we will do. You’ll return with us to the capital. I trust we can leave the cargo in the care of your crew?”

Jaxon nods trying not to betray his nervousness at being carted off to the capital, "Yes, this is amenable for us."

Shriven looks back at his crew and nods.

5:47 PM

(Trying not to say anything that would land us in more heat.)

A small blackslate is procured for you, and some trade forms are quickly signed and authorized. "This helicopter and our men will remain to ensure the cargo is handled safely, another one is coming with the goods."

6:24 PM

"You two will return with me, climb aboard"

Shriven grabs his pack and hops onboard.

Jaxin does the same, looking back at the 2 crew members "Be safe, we'll be back as soon as we can." Gives them a quick salute and hops aboard

The helicopter ride is rough, and you pass over mountainous regions, before crossing through woodland. The capital is based in a very large stone castle, though you can see anti aircraft guns and various missile pods tracking back and forth for threats. The city is walled, and likewise boasts a very modern defense. A column of tanks is heading out towards distain mountains, where even from here, smoke rises

(That’s what 400 miles away?)

(something like that, I'm about to run my DND game so I don't have roll20 open right now, it was only a few hexes though)

Jaxon will sit in quiet trying to take in the area before him

Shriven does the same. He starts to wonder just how deep of a mess he jumped himself into.

The helicopter sets down on a cleverly hidden pad, and a short walkway leads inside the castle. A handful of soldiers keep watch. Along this section of the roof, armed with marksmans rifles and binoculars

Inside, you're led downstairs to a conference room. Banners of red and blue hang everywhere. A cunning looking man in a gold laurel crown, and full military uniform covered with medals sits behind a table, flanked by security staff

11:45 AM

"Please, sit" is all he offers

Hesitantly, Jaxon takes a seat at the table (edited)

Shriven hesitates when he walks in the room unsure if he should bow or not then just follows Jaxon’s lead and sits.

“I’ve been informed a few moments ago that there are more of you on this world. We need to know who they are and what they want”

"Well 'you' is a relative term Sir. These people are not associated with us. I am to understand you are a man of great import, may I please know who I am addressing, and what I may call you as to not show any rudeness."

“I am the King of Usea, any of the honorifics will do. Now you say these people are not related to you, but another group coming from the stars?”

"Yes your highness, They are a group that call themselves the Remnant. They are a group not afflicted with ourselves that blames physics for the calamity that befell out universe a short time ago,"

"That calamity happened here too. So, what do they want?"

(what do i know about the remnant? because i read teh handout on them but that didnt give all that much)

(well, you dont know what exactly they're doing here aside from digging for something, but they're very organized even in the wake of the scream, and they've been committing atrocities across the sector as they bring worlds into their version of compliance)

(werent we just in conflict with them as well?)

4:11 PM

(we as in the colony)

(Yes, a major battle was just fought at Aslief)

4:14 PM

(Resulting in a decisive Greenbriar victory)

4:14 PM

(Shriven was actually part of the naval battle there)

(Real life hitting hard today. Boss is MIA and we have a major release scheduled and I’m having to roll it out today.)

(All good Shriven do what you gotta do)

(Yeah no rush, i just mentioned it since Jaxon wasn't with us yet when you were doin all that)

"We do no know what exactly they want your highness, our mission was to not only establish friendly connections on planet, but to find out their intentions. Our intel suggests they have a mining operation here."

5:03 PM

"Given how this planet views outsiders, I imagine they most likely have help getting thier shipments off planet unoticed, but this is merely speculation your highness."

"Help, or evasion. We have a hard time keeping things as air tight as we would like. You sitting at this table across from me is testament to that"

"This is true, but we were most certainly noticed on our landing, not that we were trying to conceal our presence. We would like to share with you all Intel that we have on the Remenant you highness. We have worked out a deal with the Prime Minister that we would freely and willing share all we know on the group, in exchange you help us understand their motives on planet, while you get rid of the group in whatever manner you deem fit. We have no intentions on interfering in planetary affairs more than we have, but their mining efforts do concern us greatly."

“It’s a concern to us as well. They’ve slipped in largely undetected and they’re digging for something on our world- in our soil- and if these people want it and are as bad as you say, it could be anything”

"From what we understand, and mind you your highness we recently had conflict with this organization, is that they want to bend the entire system to their will. To their version of how things should be. THey might be pilfering you land today, but i doubt that is where they will stop. We on the other hand, have no issue with staying far and wide out of your planets affairs, minus perhaps a little trade here and there."

8:00 AM

"That being said I am merely an engineer and my friend here is an accomplished pilot. We will tell you all we know of the Remnant, but if you wish to have our assistance in this matter, you will have it."

“Your highness, I have some after action reports that I had written that are at your disposal. Though some tactical specifications have been redacted. If I may...” Shriven gestures to his back pocket in where he keeps his compad. (Hopefully obvious implication of me not being cleared to carry the non-redacted copies of what I turned into admin.)

(So you’re showing him the cargo hold massacres and the data from the ground as well?)

(The fleet, I didn’t see the massacre so wouldn’t be in my report, the situation on the ground afterwards.)

9:43 AM

(I was knocked out.)

9:45 AM

(Was only told about the massacres)

He reads the reports and watches what video logs are available. “Everything will change here if they make themselves known. I think we can come to an arrangement. Whatever they’re doing out there, it’s going to end, and we will sanitize the site.”

10:02 AM

“If you assist us, we may be open to further discrete arrangements”

"We would be happy to assist your highness, the only thing i would like to add, if you would permit, is that we are allowed to investigate their intentions with this operation. We will ofcourse share all details we find, and you are obviously permitted to deal with this group however you deem fit your highness."

“I’m going to call in some advisors. We will need to do this without the use of your ship, as I’m sure you understand”

"We understand completely your highness, no need to cause unnecessary attention."

He presses a button on the table and a side door opens. Two military looking figures, one in a suit, the prime minister and someone who looks to be a clergy figure all take their seats

5:11 PM

“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a plan to get these interlopers off the planet.”

Shriven nods to each as they are seated.

“The Remnant As theyve been called are digging on the no mans island on the northeast, from what data we now have. We lost track of the recon plane shortly after it’s first flyover. The site looked nearly packed up and they did it very rapidly. I think something spooked them. They’ve abandoned most of the works but there’s a Contingent left behind

5:15 PM

“The other issue is that the strike will be passing close to Coalition territory. We may need to fend off both these Remnant and coalition forces if they begin probing”

Jaxon nods "We feared they might be listening in on on the planets comms. They probably heard the chatter about you shooting us down and left while they could, at least for now."

“All the more reason we endure they have nothing to return to. So tell me, you came from a ship. How familiar are we with atmoflyers

"If you want me to fix the thing, very. Flying? You'd have to ask my friend here you highness. though i have been trained on how to fire some of the battery guns on these things during my time in the service."

“I was a naval pilot, I used to fly atmos when I was learning how to fly. If you give me a few minutes in the cockpit I should be able to figure out the setup.”

“I’ve got a two seater. Pilot and weapons officer. You won’t be leading the squadron but you’ll be the number 2 plane behind the flight leader. It has vertical landing so once the area is clear you can go in with the ground teams”

(Is this the military guy not the PM or the king?)

(Yeah one of the generals)

7:29 PM

(You’re a foreign asset so names are not really being thrown around)

“It would be an honor General to fly with your men. We will follow the lead plane for the rules of engagement.”

"I agree with my companion here, I would be honored to assist you here."

“If this works I’ll consider further arrangements with you. I’m going to be candid with you” the king sighs “news of the outside galaxy would create a calamity here. Even before the red moon incident a year ago knowledge of the wider world was and is suppressed. It keeps us in power, it ensures planetary affairs run smoothly, and the lack of knowledge that escape off world is possible means our soldiers will fight, our workers will work, and our would be rebels will not have the spark of hope they need to truly organize”

7:57 PM

“We have enough trouble with those bastards from Tondam”

“Understood your highness, if I may make one request, when this is over can Jaxon and I help you put a few buoys around the system that will both monitor for ships and give instructions of how to make secure contact with your government.”

“That’s worth considering. I’ll speak with my advisors while you’re gone”

“Thank you sir for your consideration.” Shriven bows his head.

“You’ll be heading to our carrier off the coast, departing from the roof. You’ll get some time aboard to get acquainted. Just keep your origins to yourselves. I’d hate to have to suppress things”

Jaxon not missing the true meaning of those words nods. "We will say as little of ourselves as humanly possible, rest assured."

Shriven solemnly nods at his words. “Certainly, Highness.”

“Alright. Let’s get this done” the general says

On the roof the helicopter begins spinning up and the security forces escort you to it

Shriven heads up to the helo. (Are our compads close enough to what they have on planet that they wouldn’t cause notice?)

(Definitely more advanced but not alien)

Jaxon heads up with the rest of the group

The heavy verti-rotor takes off from the palace pad, making swift pace for the coast, where a naval task group is being drawn together. The small fleet consists of a trio of escorts, a cruiser equivalent surface vessel, and the aircraft carrier mentioned during the briefings. When the sun hits the water just right, you can see a submarine at shallow depth below the waves, ranging ahead of the group

While we fly, Jaxon takes the opportunity to familiarize himself with the ships gun

Shriven sits there and contemplates the upcoming raid. If he has landed on the right side of the planet for this or not.

4:49 PM

(Silently.)

The carrier deck greets you with a heavy thump. A manual for the plane you’ll be flying is pressed into jaxons lap, weapon tabs highlighted.

5:36 PM

Shriven is given one as well with the controls detailed.

5:36 PM

“You’ve got a few minutes before briefing. “

Shriven quickly flips to the preflight checklist and the evasive capabilities in the book and pours through it.

The fighter is fast for being multi-role. It is capable of all weather operation, and night operation if needed. It has a flare dispenser, a vulcan type cannon- and six air to air missiles kept in a belly weapons bay

(Vulcan nose mounted or wing? Aka gunner or pilot controlled?)

(Gunner controlled but it’s in a pod next to the right wing root)

“Nice bird, can’t wait to get her in the air. How many flares does it have?”

“It’ll have five. They won’t always work but it might buy you a minute to think.”

Jaxon listens but sits in silence reads the manual thoroughly. One must know his equipment.

The briefing is called, and you're led into a spartan looking ready room. Folding chairs are arranged into rows, and pilots are beginning to shuffle in. A map of the continent and surrounding ocean is projected onto the wall

7:13 AM

Smoke from various types of cigarette fills the air as people begin getting comfortable

For the first time in a while, Jaxon realizes how long its been since last smoked given this choatic day and starts fumbling around for his cigs not being to find them

One is handed to you by the pilot sitting next to you. "Haven't seen you at any of the other briefings. New to the squadron?"

"Yeah, special assignment for this mission. Thanks." Jaxon accepts the cig but tries to say as little as possible. (I'm assuming that i probably have a very different accent/dialect than these people)

(different accent for sure) "Ah, well I won't ask anymore questions secret agent man. I'm Areash. Nice to meet you" he holds out a lighter and the briefing begins

Jaxon nods, takes the lighter, lights his cig, and walks away from him after giving it back. It hurts him to be this rude and secretive, but the less he says the safer they (and himself) are

Shriven comes in and sits next to Jaxon.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, and ladies, I'm going to keep this as brief as I can. You're all professionals, and I know you know what to do. There is an invader on this planet, on soil that rightfully belongs to us. We are heading into the radioactive denial zone, to destroy the enemy force, and secure their mining operation for our intelligence division. "

8:42 AM

several pictures of zoomed in views appear on the monitor

8:44 AM

"This invader has largely pulled out, but an insidious area denial system has been left behind, completed with autonomous anti- air guns. This attack will consist of three parts- We are passing close to COST territory, they will likely launch interceptors, thinking it is an attack. WE are, after all, at war with them. Bombers will be deploying stand off weapons to hit the anti- air guns from a safe distance- fighters, escort the bombers. Once the air defenses are neutralized, a flight of six helicopters will be landing troop reinforcements to secure the island, eliminate any left- behind defenders, and ensure as much evidence as possible is collected so we can determine what the enemy was doing here"

Jaxon pays close attention to the mission brief, ad makes a mental note to let admin know that this faction is at war with the "COST"

(Coalition of Soverign Territories)

8:56 AM

"The first flight group to launch will be designated "Shark" , six fighters, escorting a pack of twelve bombers. A second flight of escort fighters will be launching with a tanker, and AWACS moments after"

8:56 AM

"Additionally, we may risk running into an enemy surface patrol on the way as well, be prepared to shift operations at a moments notice"

8:57 AM

There is a large whiteboard on the side wall of the room, with the operations listed, Battlegroup Patrol (watching for enemy surface contacts) Bomber Escort Helicopter Escort (pick one)

Shriven whispers to Jaxon “Helo duty okay with you? So we can land afterwards with them?”

(Youre kind of a special case, they know you;ll be landing at some point)

Jaxon nods, Helo escort would make some sense, it would allow us some contact with the enemy, we can learn a bit more about the Remnant and these "COST" members. But Battlegroup patrol would allow us to be some of the first boots on the ground. You're the one flying, your call.

Shriven whispers back “Battle group patrol will probably be more useful. Hopefully the helos won’t ever need to have contact till they land. BG pat it is.”

He nods, "Sounds good to me"

You sign your name up, and three other crews sign up with you, completing the flight group. Your group is the first to launch, responsible for providing top cover as the rest of the air groups sit vulnerable on the carrier deck

10:48 AM

"Wheel up in forty minutes, grab what you need and get your bird in the air"

Jaxon gets close to Shriven after we sign up and speaks as quietly as possible. "Everyone thinks we are Spec Ops, or some intel division. Say as little as humanly possible to these people, or anyone that the King hasnt sanctioned us to talk to. I don;t think the King's threat of purging was empty."

Shriven grins “Spec ops, looks like we get to be the silent mysterious type for the remainder. Let’s head to the bird and play with the new toy.”

The four-ship flight has been sectioned off on the carrier deck. Technicians in various colored jump suits are fueling, arming, and doing their own ground pre-flight check lists on the airplanes. One of the air crews is already sitting down, exchanging jokes with the techs

11:50 AM

Yours is first one in line, sporting an austere factory gray paint job, and devoid of nose art or kill tallies like many of the other planes nearby

"Well Shriven, we got ourselves in this mess, let's see it through." Jaxon goes over and starts the pre flight checklist

Shriven hops into the cockpit after doing the preflight inspection. Shuts the cockpit door then runs through the preflight in the cockpit. “Let’s do this Jaxon. Kick some Remnant off this planet and figure why they were here in the first place.”

(They're baseline TL 4, so their fighters are essentially current 5th gen, maybe 6th which right now is all scifi, but think like a two seater f35 with appropriate scifi advancements)

“Tower, Cap 2 here ready for green light.”

Jaxon nods, ready in the gunner's chair. "Yes, let us deal a blow to these Remnant assholes."

The bubble canopy closes over you. shriven sits in front slightly Lower than Jaxon. Visors in Helmets link with the gunsights and important instruments. Ground teams back away “Alright spec ops. You’ve got the ball. The rest of the flight will be launching after, patrol coordinates marked on your HUD”

10:17 PM

The coordinates are a 200 mile ring around the fleet, skirting close to COST territory at its most southern point

“Roger, eyes on.” Shriven waits for the flag then punches it.

The plane is catapulted off of the deck, heading skyward, over the next few minutes, the rest of the flight launches and falls into formation with you (you're lead on this one since its a smaller squadron)

Jaxon is remembering just HOW LONG its been since he has done something like this. Making sure to keep himself calm and eyes peeled

The squadron clears the immediate airspace around the surface battlegroup- itself moving at full steam towards the island the Remnant was mining on. The ocean below is glassy and the most beautiful emerald green you have ever seen. The evening sun (it was afternoon-ish when you'd met the prime minister) shines off the water making the whole thing look almost like a diorama.

7:47 AM

(notice/int both of you)

(7)

<8>

8:22 AM

The adrenaline of being back in a fighter cockpit brings a calm and a clarity that he had been lacking. Shriven mutters, “Can’t forget what happened last time I blindly trusted.”

"What did you say?" You hear Jaxon say over our linked helmets (edited)

“Nothing just reminding myself to keep my eyes open. That attacks can come from anywhere.” (Referencing when he was attacked by an allied planetary bombardment over old earth.)

Jaxon nods to himself but doesnt reply

Shriven notices a brief blip on the radar screen, 100km out. Barely on radar

“Jaxon, I think there’s a contact 100km out do you see anything?”

"Not a thing but ill keep my eyes open"

“Spec ops to CAP, possible contact 100km out, requesting secondary confirmation.”

"We saw it, brief flash at 240, 100km and closing. Vanished from scopes right after"

(How many fighters do we have?)

(there are 3 others with you, making you 4 in total for your flight)

“Roger, let’s spilt into pairs and have Cap 3&4 sweep wide but maintain LOS while I and CAP 2 turn to investigate directly.”

"Lets do this!" Jaxon spins the gun around looking for targets

The formation splits, the second plane following you. 50km from the fleet, the formations merge. Flying just a few feet over the wave crests, four delta winged torpedo planes and two escort fighters are flying in full afterburner

2:13 PM

toward the task force. Their bomb doors are open

2:14 PM

(initiative)

2:14 PM

(shriven will roll it since he's flying)

<5>

interceptors got a 1

2:19 PM

(so your speed, in this case, is going to factor into making it easier to hit them, harder for them to hit you, as you are faster, Jaxon, you'll add an additional +2 to your to hit rolls) (edited)

“CAP we have bogies in the AO. Engaging now”

4:07 PM

(Sending to the other 2 who are in LOS but a bit off.)

(Sounds good!)

(So you’re either going to think this is cool or hate this. Since it’s two seater you’ll be taking your turn at the same time. Shriven describe what you’re doing for flying as far as maneuvers. Jaxon, weapons and all the associated. Modifiers based on what you’re doing. This is all gonna be kind of ad hoc. Just want to try something )

6:00 PM

The two interceptors break, one heading west away from the torpedo bombers and the other heading east. Each drops flares, fouling a lock on the torpedo planes.

6:00 PM

You’re 5km out from the bomber formation. The interceptors are 7, as they turn perpendicular to you

6:00 PM

(Missile range is 3km. Guns are about 400m long range)

Shriven try’s to fly in on the bombers.

Jaxon will attempt to fire at one of the interceptors heading towards the bomber

6:09 PM

(how exactly do i shoot in this game? XD )

(It’ll be shoot/dex. +2 for being faster)

6:10 PM

(If you get an attack bonus add that too)

<10>

6:13 PM

(4d12 damage. That’s a solid hit)

(didnt add the +2 you gave me)

6:13 PM

<20>

The missile hits the enemy interceptor, sending it tumbling into the ocean in an oily fireball. Shrapnel sprays out from the wave crest, hitting the water like a giants handful of pebbles

6:15 PM

The other fighter in your flight lined up a shot on the torpedo bombers, forging ahead

"Hell yeah! Let's show them who we are fucking with!"

The missile hits, narrowly. Black smoke follows the damaged enemy plane but the formation holds, now 40km from the fleet.

7:24 PM

The enemy interceptor drops a cloud of chaff, and the missile acquisition tone drops of to almost nothing

7:26 PM

(Shriven/Jax up). All enemies are in range for missiles. You’re 3k away from the torpedo bomber formation and 5k away from the remaining escort, though the missile system is having a very difficult time tracking it. The internal weapons master terminal shows five missiles remaining

“Jaxon bombers or interceptors?”

(Arent we the one with the bombers? the interceptors are theirs)

(There are enemy bombers and enemy escorts I thought. Their bombers are trying to hit our fleet.)

(Yeah the bombers that are friendly are handling another part of the mission. These are COST torpedo bombers heading for the fleet)

9:23 PM

(There were three different operations going on you could have been part of. Fleet patrol- which you’re on Friendly bomber escort- which was protecting Usean heavy bombers attacking the Remnant islands air defenses Or escorting the helicopters with Usean soldiers in once that previous operation was done)

9:24 PM

(Each one would have had you facing a different challenge)

Shriven tries to push the engines to get in range of the bombers with the machine guns. (So he can use more than just the missiles.)

(pilot/dex)

<9>

The twin seater barely manages to get into gun range, the sights coming to life inside of Jaxon's helmet. The gun pod on the right wing root swivels and tracks as his head turns

8:00 AM

9

8:01 AM

(obviously it stops tracking as it becomes in line with the canopy, so you cant shoot through your plane)

(With that being said, does that mean i can fire them or is our craft in my way?)

(You can fire the gun)

8:17 AM

(jkust trying to be descriptive with how its laid out since this is all homebrew)

(yeah no worries, I need another 3 cups of coffee since i barely slept. My ability to decifer anything is 0 haha)

8:18 AM

Jaxon whirls the guns around in a quick arc, firing the machine guns at the bomber. The HUD helping him guide the shots infront of the plane so they catch it as it moves

8:20 AM

(shoot/dex ?)

(Yep!)

(9 I somehow accidentally added plus 1 to the roll so it says 10 on r20 but its 9)

The pilot attempts to jink, but the stream of rounds stitches across the centerline of the aircraft

8:45 AM

(3d8)

(22 hot damn)

The previously stricken ship (your wingman's missile) is cut to pieces by the cannon fire, and hits the ocean surface hard. You do not see any parachutes or signs of ejection.

"Tango down" Jaxon smiles

“Great shooting.”

Your wingman lines up a shot on the remaining interceptor, hoping to get lucky, and is disappointed

9:46 AM

The torpedo bombers move to within 30km of the fleet, upon closing (3 more turns) they will launch the torpedoes in their open bomb bays. "CAP, they're too low and too fast for the anti-air defenses to track. We can't help you on this" the fleetmaster reports over the radio. "You've got to take them out"

9:47 AM

Interceptor is going to line up a shot at Shriven/jax (pilot/dex to evade)

<14>

The missile trashes, splashing into the water, missing by a wide margin

10:24 AM

(your turn)

Shriven tries to keep the bomber between us and the interceptors to limit the targeting of the interceptors.

Jaxon does his best to take out the bombers before they reach the fleet!

10:36 AM

(4) (Womp womp)

10:36 AM

(oh can i expert re roll this or no?)

(Yes, its once per scene, so for this combat youll get one, if you move to help other people, or land later on, youll get it back)

(7)

(4d12, you just beat his jink)

[32]

(splash) The missile detaches from the underwing pylon and plows into the second bomber, sending it spiraling end over end before hitting the ocean

The bombers close to within 20km, fleet defenses begin throwing flak into the air from dozens of guns, to force the enemy planes to stay low. The second two CAP planes vector in. The three allied craft each move in to engage the torpedo planes, the remaining interceptor continues vectoring on you, locking up for a missile shot

3:17 PM

(pilot dex shriven)

3:17 PM

(if you're not happy with the number, you can use one of your five flares for a +2_

<13>

(Btw really enjoying this combat. Anti damage is my favorite role in combat

)

The missile trashes, going wide and exploding harmlessly over the water.

8:07 PM

(You are up)

8:08 PM

(Only clear target is the enemy fighter

8:08 PM

(Your friendlies have the rest)

Shriven tries to keep the fighter in target for Jaxon.

Shriven catches up to the remaining interceptor, getting into gun range

Jaxon attempts to bring down the last available fighter

8:28 PM

(12)

(Hit. He failed his jink)

(for 25)

The rounds hit and oil leaks from a dozen holes in the aircraft. It turns and begins trying to disengage. The friendly Cap Planes fall into formation around you, the torpedo bombers handled. “Spec ops this is 2. radar hot. One new contact...30km out. Angels 20. Gods abo-“ The transmission ends as a missile shot from high angle reduces CAP2 to a burning pile of broken winged scrap

Shriven banks the pilot to engage what took out CAP2. “CAP turn to engage and avenge.”

(Notice wis both)

(thats a solid 3)

<2 rerolled to a 6.....>

The contact is not showing up on any scopes. Another missile, from the same angle destroys CAP 3. The pilot manages to bail out just in time

9:39 AM

The sunlight back lit the clouds and the giant enemy craft pokes through

9:41 AM

9:42 AM

Beam: 963.77m Length: 433.3m Height: 102.39m

9:43 AM

A dozen sleek looking fighters rapidly catapult from its central runway, diving on the fleet

(That’s seriously awesome!) “What the hell?”

“All operation teams. We have a new contact. COST has sent the Leviathan. Break from current engagements and defend the task group. Cap, they’re a few minute out at least. You’ll have to hold until they arrive”

(Our turn?)

“We can take them spec. Cmon!” CAP 4, the sole remaining plane in your flight sounds very enthusiastic

10:03 AM

(Yep!)

Shriven coms to CAP 4 “I’m going to draw their fire defensive flying for a bit try to take shots where you can.” Shriven tries to draw their fire while giving some shots to Jaxon. (Pilot/dex?)

(It depends what you’re firing at) (edited)

10:19 AM

(Going to be different things needed)

(Im trying to position myself where I can draw fire and still dodge away as I have more confidence in my piloting than CAP4s)

(That’s if they’re choosing to target you. So I guess what I’m asking is are you doing something to try to single yourself out for drawing fire? They’ve got five surface ships to worry about too. All packing a lot more heat than you are)

(I didn’t realize we were that close to the fleet. I’m going to try to buzz through their sights to disrupt locking on then)

10:32 AM

(Trying to screen the fleet)

(Alright. Pilot dex.)

<12>

The jet streaks across the targeting array of the airborne carrier. A trio of missiles meant to hit the ships below suddenly track on you as the closest heat source

(Do I need to do anything else or is Jaxon up?)

(jaxon is up)

8:13 PM

(The missiles are chasing but you can jink on your turn)

(Sorry i was at a concert and i think im deaf for life this time XD is the new unfamiliar aircraft the only target in range?)

(There are 12 enemy fighters and the airborne carrier. The fighters are in range right now. The carrier is very high up and it’s missiles are much longer range)

Jaxon fires at the closest available fighter (11) and shouts to Shriven "We need to get that big mother fucker out of here before they destroy the feel!"

The enemy pilot jinks, the missile exploding low, only peppering it with harmless shrapnel \

11:55 AM

(3 remaining)

11:55 AM

CAP 4 capitalizes on the enemy ace being out of position, and his missile has more success, sending the craft tumbling into the sea below.

11:56 AM

The airborne carrier opens dozens of micro-bomb bay doors along its belly. It is going to need a few moments to get into position for a bomb run

11:57 AM

The surface fleet and enemy aces exchange fire, flak and stitched lines of AAA fire cross-cross across the sky, chasing the enemy fighters. A missile fired from each escort ship heads skywards toward the sky carrier (edited)

"We got to disable those bomb bays Shriven! Get me there NOW!"

“Agreed, I have 3 nice tails that may just do the trick.”

Shriven tries to lead the 3 missiles that are chasing him into the Leviathan.

(This is going to be a pretty hard check, pilot/dex)

(Fingers crossed)

1:53 PM

<14>

The plane rockets to high altitude, pushing both of you back in your seats, and the missiles follow

3:38 PM

they plow into the underside of the carrier (12d12 damage)

<67>

Several of the front bomb bays are disabled, as the explosions ruin critical machinery, or cause secondary detonations. Fire suppression systems inside keep the damage from progressing to critical, but the underside of the carrier leaks smoke from several wounds.

4:35 PM

(jax is up)

"HELL YEAH! That's what i like to see!" Jaxon concentrates his fire o nthe bomb bays that havent been disabled yet

4:48 PM

(9)

Shriven comms, “Wasn’t sure that was going to work but worse case was they blew each other up.”

(4d12 Jax)

8:10 PM

(That hits)

(38)

“Hooah, nice shooting Jaxon!”

The sky carrier takes another direct hit, burning fuel spreading out behind it as its main tank is ruptured. It begins descending on a controlled course to the water below.

9:47 AM

The enemy aces vector in, seeing you responsible for so much damage on their command ship

9:47 AM

Three of them from different angles begin tracking your plane (dex/pilot)

"Oh shit! They're pissed now Shriven! Shake them!"

<11>

9:51 AM

“That’s one way to draw their fire.”

The missiles track on your craft, two miss, going wide, the final one striking near the plane, peppering you with shrapenel damage

10:09 AM

(18/30 HP left)

10:09 AM

The other aces and the fleet are engaged in a vicious struggle

(For future reference how many flares do I have in the ship? Yes I forgot about them...)

10:17 AM

Shriven tries to keep at least 1 of the fighters out of LOS so it is just a 2v1 rather than a 3v1. (Edited for typo and tense) (edited)

(5)

10:18 AM

(none have been fired yet)

(can i fire back at thier aces?)

(Yep, Shriven is trying to shake your tails, so you're up)

Jaxon takes a moment trying to right himself after all the maneuvers and the blast. Wiping some sweat off his brow, he aims and fires at the ships flying at him. (9)

10:27 AM

"you gotta shake these bastards or we are toast!"

Shriven slams the craft hard left into a barrel roll. “Trying, these guys aren’t slouches.”

(firing at one of the aces jax? just so i know whos dex to use)

(yes i am)

(one missile left, 4d12, that narrowly hits)

(6) oof

The enemy plane avoids most of the damage as the weapon explores prematurely. The carrier splashes down into the water, a gargantuan wall of metal and weapon emplacements, though the fires are out. It begins dueling with the fleet, one of the already damage destroyers comes apart under a barrage of macroguns and missiles immediately, its citadel bucking. Sailors on the bow and stern begun jumping into the water.

1:40 PM

The aces all pull back to the edge of the battle, reforming for a strafing run on the carrier deck

1:40 PM

(shriven up, there are 6 aces left, half thge squadron dead from fleet AA fire and your kills)

"Holy crap! I can't beleive we did that! No time to celebrate yet!"

(yeah, they can fly for 3 days continuous, before needing to land on water for refueling and repair, they're too heavy to land without that cushion)

1:51 PM

(Shriven up)

“Let’s go ace hunting. CAP 4 you still with me? Stay on my wing we are nearly out of birds so we are going in close.” Shriven proceeds to bring us in behind one of the Aces for a clean shot (Trying to give aid to the shot Jaxon will make)

CAP 4 plays his part perfectly, and as the bracketed ace jinks out of the way, he crossed Jaxon's gunsight for the perfect shot

2:02 PM

(either weapon is in range)

(Ill use the machine gun) Jaxon shoots his shot (6)

(3d8)

2:26 PM

(going to boost it to 10 with help from your allied plane and shriven's flying) (edited)

(happy dance thanks neko)

(that or he is over this encounter

jk jk) (17)

(Or he doesn’t want us to die...)

(that too)

(I was warned when I started that pilots don’t last long so I’m thinking it may be time for me to go boom here

actually the rest of the pilots did stupid things like trying to lead 3 rockets into the enemy. Oh wait I just did that....

)

(well, shriven used his turn to give you a better shot- so not honoring that is just plain mean, and he got CAP 4 to help, so I think both things should boost, whole point of the game is collaborative problem solving)

2:45 PM

(even if the problem is those planes over there shouldnt be planes anymore)

2:46 PM

The gunfire punches some holes in the enemy ace, he remains airborne for now, but splits from you in a rolling scissors

2:47 PM

Down below, the enemy carrier has several fires burning across its back as the fleet guns tear into it. wounded, it is giving as good as it is getting, and a second escort begins listing hard port, gutted by a concentrated barrage of ship-to-ship rockets

2:49 PM

The enemy aces begin their gun runs on the carrier deck- the high caliber guns tearing through personnel, planes, and stored ordinance on the runway. Their emblem of a hydra superimposed over a globe shines brightly, underlit by flames from the burning Usean battlegroup. (shriven is up)

“CAP4 weapons free if you have any birds left let them fly.” Shriven then tries to set up Jaxon again. “Jaxon after this shot I’m going to go try to pull off some of those rockets with our flares so make this one count.”

"On it!" (12)

2:59 PM

(machine gun btw)

(same target?)

(yeah)

(3d8)

(18)

The ace is struck, smoke and oil makes a trail behind him, and the canopy flies free as the pilot bails out (edited)

10:33 AM

with half the squadron down, and the carrier deck ruined, the aces deem their mission complete, and begin pulling from the combat area at full burn, heading for home. The sky-carrier, is still floating, though now starting to list to starboard, water flooding in where the previous missile strikes put holes in it. It has been fighting a savage combat with the remaining escort and cruiser, all three combatants heavily damaged. One of the tertiary skysweeper batteries targets your fighter with a spread of missiles

10:33 AM

(pilot/dex shriven)

"tagged 'em! Lets go help the others!"

<14>

(12 for AAA) Shriven expertly avoids the heat tracking missiles, directing them off course and towards the sun. Three cotton ball looking puffs against the backdrop of the sky show they explode harmlessly

10:56 AM

(shriven up)

Shriven then tries to intercept a few of the missiles and uses the flares to try to cause them to explode prior to hitting their targets among the fleet.

(shoot/dex for you shriven, firing flares to mitigate fleet damage)

<4 on shoot dex>

The flares divert a few of the missiles, but the remainder inflict heavy damage across the fleet. (Jax up, only target is the floating sky-carrier now)

Jaxon wants this sky carrier gone ASAP as its still using its firepower to damage the fleet. He aims and fires his last missile

11:34 AM

(11 for 19)

The missile impacts one of the macrocannon batteries, blowing it off the back of the ship. The cruiser, burning heavily, angles itself toward the floating fortress. "Cap 1, this is the captain of the Usean Dusk you're the only thing still up in the air. I'm ordering all non-essential personnel to abandon ship. We're going to ram that brute, but we need to you screen us so we don't get torn apart before we get there"

“Roger Usean Dusk, we will give you as much cover as we can.” Shriven proceeds to try to screen for the Usean Dusk by running the jets hot to try to drag some of the missiles off and using flares where able.

Anti-air fire, now solely directed at your plane, stitches skywards, and you realize you will need your full focus to just avoid being knocked out of the air. Flare control shifts back to Jaxon. (pilot/dex Shriven, Shoot/dex Jax- youll be up against a combined DC)

(8 for me)

11:47 AM

"GET THIS SHIT OFF US!"

<9>

11:48 AM

“This is a lot of heat coming at us!” Shriven is feeling the pressure

Its in this moment Jaxon realizes he could be sitting in Greenbriar, hekping build the farms for growing season. Instead he is fighting by the skin of his teeth to stay aive in a Piece of shit plane on a piece of shit planet

(luck saves each of you, and then I'll make you stop doing stuff I promise)

11:51 AM

(if you dont have it on your sheet let me know and I'll add it)

(what you mean? this has been awesome lol)

11:52 AM

(I dont have it on mine)

(you should now)

(Not seeing it)

(might need to reload the game)

(19 vs 15)

<1v15 failure>

11:53 AM

(Ouch pilots don’t last...)

A powerful force hits the plane nose on, spinning you violently off course, you realize you are upside down, as the cruiser barrels into the floating fortress, causing them both to crumple together in a squeal of metal so horrific, you can hear it over the screaming instruments and coughing jet engines.

(RIP)

(I bequeath you my ship and crew...)

The plane rights itself, 4000 feet up, and all insturments are dead. The left wing and left stabilizer are gone, and the eject warning chimes Jaxon, thinking quickly pulls the lever, punching out- the chute opens safely. Shrivens level fails- the ignition circuitry fried by the damage, as well as the system redundancy. The plane glides into the water, before violently kicking upwards across the water, bouncing like a thrown stone

(

maybe)

(20 damage)

11:57 AM

Shriven regains consciousness as the floating wreck begins listing towards the rear of the craft, water rushing in to flood the damaged sections

Shriven undoes his 5 point harness and looks up, “Stupid tech..” (edited)

(the front section of the canopy lid didn't come off, so you're in the cockpit, though now free of the harness)

Shriven then proceeds to alternate pulling the lever and trying to kick off the Canopy.

(exert/strength)

< 3 I’m so gonna die> (edited as it corrected to a heart) (edited)

(LMAO that would have been a weird message to come back to)

12:08 PM

The glass cracks, but does not break. Jaxon in his parachute serenly floats down to splash into the sea 100m from the plane

(Is there enough room to slip through to the back section or should I wait for Jaxon to act?)

(He's going to have to swim over to you if he wants to aid you, so whatever you do next will be happening during that time. it will be exert still, but with dex this time, so hopefully a little easier)

(Same bonus so it is all about the roll)

12:20 PM

<2

> (Jaxon I’m so gonna die without you)

While hes doing that Jaxon makes his way over the wreck looking to see if Shriven survivied

Shriven hit his head a little to hard so he is trying to use his elbow but it is bearly reaching the canopy.

(Only reason I can think he would be rolling a 3 and 2....)

Shriven looks awake but you can see the canopy did not separate. There is wreckage preventing him from worming his way back into the back seat area you blasted out of

(Can i use my meta tool to help me get teh canopy off?)

(yes you certainly can, fix/int good sir)

(11) Jaxon pulls his meta tool off his belt and begins using it to hack off the canopy the best he can. "Stand back kid! ill get you out!"

Shriven looks up dazed at Jaxon and stops flailing about.

The lid pops off under the touch of the metatool, Shriven floats up as water rushes to fill in the wider open cockpit

1:37 PM

The plane quickly sinks, the last view is the rear remaining stabilizer bobs back up for just a moment, before being sucked below, forever.

“Thanks, I got a little disoriented there.” Shriven looks around for a buoy or boat.

"that'd be putting what just happened mildly. can you swim?" Jaxon looks around for how far the shore is, and if there is any debris they can swim to and rest on

There is a small pack floating on the waves near where jaxon came down, that looks to be unfurling itself into a small inflatable boat

“I think so, I think I blacked out there for a minute.” Shrive starts trying to make his way over to the floaty

Jaxon will follow a bit behind him to make sure he gets to the raft okay

The raft is fully inflated by time you swim to it, and you're both able to get in with relative ease. A compartment built into the front of the boat unlocks as it senses weight aboard

Shriven lays down exhausted and makes sure to cough the water outside the raft. “I saw that going differently in my head.” Shriven coughs out a bit of water and blood. “Definitely different, what are our options, I’m beat to hell. What’s your status?”

Jaxon looks at Shriven for a long moment "Better than you i imagine. We aren't safe yet, not by a long shot. Lets get moving if we can." he moves to inspect the compartment

Inside the compartment is three days of fresh food and water, a flare gun with four rounds, and a chunky looking handheld phone

He stores the items back in the compartment for now, (do we know anyone's number from the army?) he takes a moment to examine the status of the attlefeild

2:51 PM

He's looking for who appears to be winning, other survivors, where our groups location is etc

(Not directly no) The cruiser and enemy sky carrier are both entwined around one another, the mass of metal is staying afloat, but sailors from both sides are either jumping off, or shooting at one another from broken gantries or decks with small arms.

2:53 PM

The ships themselves seem to be both most certainly out of the fight The carrier still has several deck fires burning, but the ship remains seaworthy, the remaining destroyer has avoided the heavy damage the other vessels in the fight accrued, and is steaming to the twisted shipwrecks to pull friendly sailors out of the water, and take prisoners

(I figured as much) Jaxon shakes his head at the carnage.... it all happened so fast. Still he wants nothing to do further with this conflict. (how does this boat move? are there oars or something?)

(there are oars, and there is a small motor on the back as well)

"You're gonna be alirght kid, we are getting the fuck out of here for now." He goes to the back and starts the engine. "That was some crazy flying you did back there."

3:00 PM

(for the record that 20 would have 100% killed me i got really lucky on that save)

Shriven is still a little dazed. “Mind if I lay down and let you pilot this for a bit. I’m a little.... yeah.” Shriven leans over the side and unloads a bunch of water in heaving coughs.

Jaxon looks concerned and tries his best to make his way to shore as quickly as possible away from the fighting

(Yeah that DC on luck is rough)

(if you guys were under artillery bombardment, it would have been several luck checks in a row, all things considered, lucky indeed)

(I think considering we are alive after all the bullshit stunts we have pulled since coming to this planet.... VERY lucky indeed) (edited)

(going to have to play the greenbriar powerball when you get back)(

3:03 PM

The shore is a long way off, but you can see several puffs of black smoke- the bombers have clearly done their job and leveled the left-behind remnant air defenses

“Might want to wait for a pick up rather than” shriven goes into a coughing fit. “Land on COST land.”

3:04 PM

“Or am I turned around?”

(is the shore where we are heading towards the mission area?) im not exactly sure of our locaion but that probably makes sense all things considered lol

(the shore you're heading too is the island on the northeast of the map, it doesnt belong to COST either, but since stuff is blowing up out there, theres at least something thats been shooting at your friends)

(Lead on oh healthy one)

(the destroyer is friendly, and far closer, and you;ve seen them hauling people out of the water)

(oh gotcha I wasn't sure about the destoryer) Jaxon steers the boat to the destoryer

The ship is picking up survivors and on your way you see someone in the water. Their voice sounds familiar. Like someone you were speaking with on the radio during the fight

Shriven waves then goes into another coughing round.

Jaxon steers the boat towards the voice

The voice is Cap 4. Jaxon recognizes him as the pilot that shared a smoke with him during the briefing room

8:16 PM

He’s floating on what used to be the right Aileron for his plane

Shriven calls out “Hey CAP4 great flying up there. Want a float?”

"Yes" he coughs up some water. "Please"

7:21 AM

"I tihnk my leg is broken"

Jaxon does his best to pull up to the man, and pull him onto the boat if he is able to. "Relax, we got you friend."

Shriven goes over to help pull him up.

Both of you together drag him inside. He lays on his back, chest heaving as he sucks in massive breaths of air, unimpeded by near drowning

8:28 AM

"Thank you" he croaks

"Rest." Jaxon commands gruffly "We're getting out of here.... alive" He walks back to the rear of the boat and starts driving it again

The destroyer looms and upon seeing you, two of the crewmen throw a rope ladder over the side. One of them shoots a COST sailor in the water 20m off your bow, who was bobbing in the wreckage

Shriven turns to CAP 4, you good to climb or you need a sling down here?

"I can pull myself along I think. You guys go first, I'll just slow you down"

Jaxon nods and starts to climb

Shriven climbs up as well.

CAP 4 makes his way up much more slowly after you. On the deck sailors are fishing people out of the water, collecting prisoners, and exchanging small arms fire with the handful of COST mariners still board the carrier. The wrecks aren't sinking, and at this range most of the gunfire is wildly inaccurate

Shriven looks around and then waits for CAP 4. When he gets up he puts his shoulder under his arm, “Here let me help you.” (Shriven wants to get to the med bay and this is a way he can go there without asking for directions.)

"Thank you, get me to medical will you? Should be below deck, around the belt"

9:16 AM

(belt armor is the heaviest, around the center of the ship)

Jaxon gts under CAP 4's shoulder and helps him walk since his leg is broken "Let me help him youve been through a lot." (edited)

Shriven looks at Jaxon and mouths “Thanks”

He points the way to you, and there are some midshipmen also showing stragglers the way below deck

9:23 AM

Medics stand by outside to take the most critical into care, Shriven and CAP 4 among them

Jaxon leans into Shriven before they take him "Remember... say as little as humanly possible about yourself," he whispers. "I'll go report in while you get treated and come back after."

Shriven appreciates the reminder, “Thanks, Spec ops reporting for med care.”

"No problem, get to one of the beds here" CAP 4 is helped into one next to you, and medics begin setting wounds

Jaxon walks out and tries to ask someone where i can speak to a commanding offier

There are a handful near the bridge with clipboards, it looks like pilots and oil slick sailors are reporting to them for roll

9:46 AM

so casualties can be collated

Jaxon shuffles in line with the rest of them. He begins to feel a bit weary as the adrenaline is starting to wear off

A few others are spoken to before you get to the front of the line. "Name, aviator? "

(We gave the generals our real names yeah?)

12:45 PM

"Jaxon Remington. Not an aviator, it's important i speak to high command as soon as I can."

(You did yes)

1:32 PM

"What news are you bringing them?"

"Its highly classified, but if you tell the General that Jaxon Remington is here and we are able to continue on our mission, and where he can find us, that would be sufficient"

1:35 PM

(I'd like to use my Authority Foci to make him comply if possible)

1:37 PM

(i rolled an 8 on it)

"come with me" You're led down a small hallway next to the stairway up to the bridge, to a secure radio room. A very large and chunky looking phone is hanging up on the wall.

1:38 PM

youre left alone and the door seals behind you

Jaxon picks up the phone experimentally. (does he hear anyhting?)

there is some static before the transmission clears

1:43 PM

"Usean Command. Please send traffic"

(jaxon served for a time, so he would understand more than me. is he telling me to send the message?)

(yep!)

(We...also never got the generals name....)

(Command is presumably in the capital, and an operation like this has everyones attention)

1:55 PM

(they'll get the message where it needs to go)

"This is Jaxon Remington, please inform the General we are safe aboard the Destroyer and ready to continue our mission. Requesting transport to the main island to fulfill mission parameters."

The line clicks for a few seconds, encrypting what you are saying. There is a reply-

2:03 PM

"Transport inbound in two hours. Operations on island a success, digsite perimeter secured, enemy AAA suppressed. Resistance within"

"Understood. We will be ready. Over and out." He hangs up the phone and makes his way back to the med bay

Shriven and CAP 4 are both resting comfortably now. CAP4 tries to light a cigarette before one of the orderlies knocks it out of his hand

2:24 PM

(both are conscious)

(Any hp regen or am I gonna have to just deal?)

(Youll have healed 10 by time the mission starts)

2:27 PM

(9xp, 20k credits for the first stage)

(Lvled up! wooo)

2:28 PM

"how you holding up?" he looks at the both of you

(Thanks! Neko, 3 away)

(.....fucking....christ.... 13 hp at lvl 6) (edited)

Shriven looks down, “Well they used enough gauze. Should be fine in a bit. What’s our ETD?”

Jaxon chuckles "Well you did survive a plane crash, don't know if you remember. We leave in 2 hours, get some rest while you can. They made thier way onto the island alright but they are still fighting it seems."

(We are going to RP this later, but you can add it to your sheets- also comes with a title, Usean Ace- which I;ll get into what it does at the end of all this)

(sweeeet)

(Nice!)

2:35 PM

“Roger that, wake me before roll out.” Shriven lays his head down and is out in a matter of seconds.

Jaxon smiles "CAP, Want me to help you to the deck to have a smoke? if you wouldn't mind bumming me one that is."

(I want every one of those 10 hp.

)

“Yes. You can have the pack if you get me out there for one”

6:34 PM

He looks like he is certainly craving one

Jaxon helps him up and out to the dock, sitting him on a bench or something outside when we get there

He lights two cigarettes, one for you, and one for himself, before pressing the half filled pack into your hand

7:02 PM

"Thanks for fishing me out. Hell of a job you two did"

Jaxon takes one of the cigarettes and takes a long pull before looking out onto the water. "Yeah, you did well too... hard to even imagine we managed to pull that behemoth down."

“That trick with their missiles was an inspired piece of flying. I don’t think the battle would have gone that well otherwise. Even damaged that thing savaged half the fleet”

"It was more like my companion being suicidal.... but it definitely got the job done." He can't help but laugh, recalling the insane stunt of flying the missiles back at the ship

"it was an insane but inspired effort. So, what's so important about that island? I haven't heard anything"

Jaxon does his best to casually shift his gaze back to the water. "Don't know, we just got our orders. Same as you. I find it best not to ask too many questions... Might not like the answers" He doesn't look the man in the eye as he boldly lies to his face

11:09 AM

He takes a long drag on his cig, enjoying this breif but odd moment of peice from the chaos he just emerged from

CAP 4 finishes his cigarette and exhales after a long moment. "Feel like helping me back below? I'm suddenly very tired"

"Yeah, I bet! Adrenaline only gets you so far. Let's get you into bed before the doctor finds out I took you out." Jaxon helps CAP 4 down to the med bay

Cap 4 is asleep almost as soon as you set him down. As is shriven. A midshipman comes to the doorway. “Wake up your friend. Your ride is here”

Jaxon nods and walks over to Shrvien, shaking him by his shoulder lightly. "Kid, It's time to go."

Shriven bolts upright and reaches for his side arm. Then finding it not in its holster looks around. “Oh, so it’s time?”

Jaxon grabs the side arm off the side table, handing it to the pilot butt end first. "Yup, hope you got some rest, we aren't out of this fight yet."

3:27 PM

He takes a step back and lets Shriven get out of bed / dressed

Shriven puts his armor back on and grabs his gear. “Not 100% but for 2 hours I’m feeling pretty good.”

Jaxon nods "That'll have to do i suppose. But lets stay away from the crazy 'imma fly the missiles shot at us back at the enemy frigate' kind of stunts going forward eh? I think you burned up 2 of your 9 lives there."

“Just 2? Well then looks like we have another 3 at least before I run out.” Shriven grins, “but yeah I’m not feeling 100% so I don’t think I’m going to be doing that anytime soon. Mind leading I’m still a tad turned around.”

"you sure you feeling okay? The midshipman is right here?" He points to the naval officer

“Well enough to move forward with our objective.”

"Let's go then" Jaxon's face turns solemn and turns to the midshipmen motioning him to lead on

Shriven follows.

There is a blacked out and sleek looking helicopter in the deck. Stoic faced infantry accompany it and you cannot see their eyes behind sunglasses like visors

He nods to the pilot and hops on the helicoper and helps Shriven get in too

Shriven hops in and is ready to go.

The helicopter lifts off. None of the crew say anything or even look at you, each is focused on whichever job they’ve been assigned. Smoke is still curling skyward from the island dig site, but you take comfort in knowing that if anti air defenses were still online the helicopter would probably be a flaming wreck right now. A pair of night vision goggles is given to each of you and darkness falls as the helicopter lands on the sandy beach. Usean soldiers have a small camp set up to receive you

Shriven attaches the goggles to his helm and swaps his weapon to his heavy machine gun. Then nods and Jaxon, “Ready?”

Jaxon afixes his goggles as well and hops of the copter. "Yup lets do this. He gets his rifle ready."

Three soldiers are standing picket outside a semi-rigid tent. A handful of wounded and a medic are inside

Jaxon approaches the soldiers. " Jaxon Remington reporting in. Can we get a sit-rep"

Shriven follows Jaxon.

"Enemy forces are entrenched at the bottom of the digsite. We have them surrounded but they've fallen back to some type of facility theyve drilled into"

9:27 AM

"They won't escape, but it's been room to room fighting."

9:28 AM

"So far, forces passing through have found the rooms almost totally looted. We think they've already carried off anything of value, and the remainder are just those left behind"

Jaxon sighs deeply. "Well they definitely knew we were coming, which was to be expected but still annoying. Who's the commanding officer here?"

9:30 AM

"Also have any of the combatants surrendered now they are trapped in the cave? Or are they fighting to the last?"

“No surrenders yet but when it looks hopeless they’ve resorted to suicide tactics. They’re die hards, whoever they are.” “We haven’t found much but does this mean anything to you?” He holds out a patch , torn from a uniform. It’s bloodied but the RONI insignia is apparent

"Not so much to me, What about you?" He looks at Shriven

(Would it be obvious that they have clearance to know if not I’m going to err on the side of caution.)

(They don;t know what it is period, everything they're seeing down in that pit and among the Remnant resistance is totally alien to them, they're already deep in over their heads)

“I’m not sure, but I would be sure to include it in your report.”

12:50 PM

“Where do you need us?”

"Well , you're special operations, I think you'd make a difference in the tunnel fighting down there"

"They're definitely not of this world. I don;'t even know how to treat some of these wounds" the medic adds. He is struggling with a patient who has been riddled with fire from a laser rifle

"Can't imagine what did those kinds of wonds. Maybe they have developed from strange technology we havn't seen yet... We'll do what can to help out. Thanks for the report."

2:49 PM

(Does my laser rifle look super out place? or does it look enough like a gun to pass?)

(it looks normal enough)

(okay) "Got everything you need," He asks looking at Shriven. "If so lets get in there."

2:53 PM

As he says the words he braces himself for whatever horrors they might find down there

(When I was in the med bay did I see Lazarus patches?)

(no, it would be equivalent to modern times, maybe 10-20 years in the future from now)

(welcome to TL3!)

(For some reason I thought they were TL4...)

(Nah thats why they are confused AF about the laser rilfe wounds)

You hear an especially large explosion off near the digsite, and the medic winces. "Better get a few more cots laid out..."

"Could've been building a damn farm about now..." He mutters to himself, making his way to the caves.

Shriven follows musing about early retirement from ground work.

While we are walking I try to quietly tell Jaxon “1 Lazarus Patch back right pocket Incase....”

He nods in acknowledgement walking forward (edited)

The pit is surrounded by grim faced Usean troopers. The growl of generators is almost as loud as the gunfire, and the pit is lit by a dozen flood lights on stands. A steady stream of casualties is coming out of the tunnel

6:23 PM

There is a small slope road where heavy vehicles had once passed in and out of the pit.

6:24 PM

Leading to the bottom, and facility entrance

Shriven turns to one of the more stable men being pulled out by the medics“What kind of resistance are they putting up? Any prepared positions or traps or just defensive retreats?”

"Second thing you said" he gasps, nursing a gut wound

7:56 PM

"crazy fucks have a death wish"

Jaxon puts a hand on the wounded mans shoulder. "We'll tag them back for you, don't worry. Just rest."

“What’s you name soldier? So I can give them hell for you.” (edited)

"i've heard the stories," he says quietly to Shriven, "But i didn't realize how far that went. We don't ant these fools getting anywhere near us."

Shriven nods, as he listens for the soldier’s name.

He passes out before he can give it. The medics hurry him past you off to the aid camp above

(Nice that made me laugh my wife looked at me funny.) (edited)

Shriven continues to walk near Jaxon, “agreed, I’m thinking defensive movement forward.”

He nods, "Yeah take it slow, keep our distance. Be very careful if they are cornered, breaches, and corners." He walks into the cave

The cave smooths out into a machines metal space. Bodies in Remnant uniforms and Usean guard uniforms lay intermingled on the floor. Many killed by close ranged pistol shots and knives

8:53 PM

There is the flash and bang of gunfire in the next room

“I’ll take lead I will take a few moments to drop my bipod. Give me a 3 count then follow I will cover your move in.”

(Can i search the bodies for any sort of equipment. Looking for grenades and that kind of thing specifically but ill take what i can get)

(Notice int)

(12)

Jaxon finds two grenades, a solid shot pistol with a full magazine and a long blades knife

“Ready Jaxon?”

Jaxon pockets the grenades and nods to Shriven. "Waste not want not friend. Lead on"

(Initiative? Or can I dive right of the door and set up my bipod then roll?)

Initiative

<5>

(4)

(Am I up? Or do I hear things in the distance?)

The Remnant stormtroopers are up first and you’ll hear the sounds of them engaging the usean survivors in the next room. The hallway ahead of you makes a 90 degree angle to the right so you can’t see what’s going on in there

Shriven walks up to the corner of the next room and rushes in and jumps to the side of the hallway and dives prone, trying to set his gun up on the bipod. (For nameless NPC #38!!)

(So move is move and then action is set up bipod. Jaxon is next, he can’t see into the room so I’ll describe it when the troopers go)

1

9:52 AM

(Since at that point shriven can see it at least)

Jaxon takes cover behind the corner and peers down the hallway leveling his Laser Rifle

Four Remnant stormtroopers in carapace armor are hosing the room with their backpacked powered laser rifles. Each is hidden behind goggles and a respirator. Several dead Usean soldiers litter the ground. Shriven is in cover setting up his gun behind some burned out computers on the left. There are two Usean survivors on the right

(Are they in cover?)

(No)

(Am I up? Or are they?)

(You now)

Shriven throws out suppressive fire on all the Remnant soldiers. (evasion to negate damage)

One manages to throw himself flat and avoid your sawing gunfire

12:10 PM

(Damage for the rest)

<13 damage> (or do I roll for each?)

(One roll is good just 13 for those who didn’t make it)

12:13 PM

The rest are hit though their plates soak up the worst of the damage. For now they’re all still in the fight

12:13 PM

Jaxon is next

Jaxon curses to himself and fires from cover

12:26 PM

(Burst fire 24 / 7)

(Did you have a preference on which ones you’re hitting? We have one unharmed and three with moderate injuries

(I'd be aiming at one of the wounded)

The ruined plate front comes apart under the shots, and a steady trickle of blood and combat stimms leak from the front of his gear.

12:41 PM

The two Usean survivors use the sudden shift to fire back, finishing the stormtrooper off

12:42 PM

The stormtroopers return fire, one at Jaxon, one at Shriven, and one at the survivors

12:43 PM

One of the survivors is hit by the high intensity laser fire. He’s wounded badly, the beams nearly taking his arm off at the shoulder

12:43 PM

(Shriven up)

Shriven keeps suppressing the soldiers. As he does he start seeing the machine gun running lower on ammo than he would like. (3 rounds of suppression left before reload.)

(Two pass)

<11 damage>

The trooper unlucky enough to not dodge is cut to ribbons by the machine gun fire, leaving the enemy squad at half strength.

12:55 PM

Jaxon next

Jaxon fires again at one of the wounded soldiers (non burst)

1:44 PM

(4/7)

1:44 PM

RIP

The shot hits a guard rail the soldier is standing in front of

The Remnant troopers return fire

2:12 PM

(Same thing. One at each)

2:13 PM

Shriven is able to avoid the shot. Jaxon is not so lucky, his foe seeing the source of the failed hits and delivering an aimed shot to his torso (12 damage)

(OUCH... im okay....)

Shriven yells back, “Jaxon you still with me?” Then fires of a shot at the one injured soldier.<18 11> “That’s for shooting at my friend.”

He falls backwards dead (one round of shooting left or are you out?)

3:15 PM

Jaxon up

(1 round left then reloading.)

Jaxpm grunts hefting his gun "Yeah, I'm still here!" He fires from the corner again

4:33 PM

(16/1)

the remaining trooper is winged by the shot, and begins backing up into the tunnel mouth behind him.

4:37 PM

He fires, shots spraying wide above your heads

4:37 PM

(shriven)

Shriven fires his shot as the machine gun runs out of ammo. <21 9> “Cover down”

The gun runs out of ammunition, but the final remnant stormtrooper is down, part-ways into the tunnel behind him

4:49 PM

the Usean troops run for the entrance you came in at, the lone two survivors of their squad

Shriven reloads, then calls out “Jaxon I made it through clean but I’m still walking wounded, how did your dance go?”

(The one on Jax got a crit. As far as armor they had combat field uniforms that look salvageable)

(Any interesting guns laying around?)

(I mean, their backpack powered laser rifles. You didn't see them using anything else)

6:00 PM

(might be more useful for jax than for you)

"I took a real nasty wound, Can't take another hit like that. I'll live though>"

“What do you think about stepping back and letting the grunts duke it out?”

8:17 PM

“Though we may want to grab 2 of those backpacks.”

(are those backback lasers better than my rifle?)

(yeah, 2d12 damage and no reload)

(oh damn) Jaxon Picks up on of the backback rifles, leaving his rifle behind. "Let's do this" (edited)

The backpack is warm from repeated use but you see there is enough of a charge in it to get you through this fight. Adjusting the straps, you head into the next room

9:22 PM

You hear the sound of voices in low conversation ahead

(Can i spot anyone or do i just see them?)

(only hear them, room ahead is dark)

Jaxon attempts to approach the group quiety and attempts to get an eye on them)

Shriven walks up with him.

(Sneak dex for both of you)

<5>

(6)

You see two Remnant troopers, covered by two others, affixing tube charges to the doorframe of the next room, meant to blow their concussive force down the tunnel toward the entrance of the hidden base. In such a confined area an unwary soldier would be blown to pieces before he even knew he was dead

Jaxon takes out one of the grenades and throws it at the 4 remnant troopers >:D

Shriven drops to the ground and preps his bipod.

(After seeing Jaxon throw the grenade.)

(Be with you guys shortly. Lawn chores today)

Two of the troopers hear the clink of metal on metal

12:06 PM

And duck deeper inside the tunnel

12:07 PM

(Shriven up)

(How many Remnant? Out of cover\in cover?) (edited)

(4 total. 2 in cover 2 out)

Shriven fires at one of the 2 out of cover.<22 14dmg> as he is finishing the burst, “Jaxon, fight or flight?”

1:59 PM

(And did jaxon’s grenade go off prior to cover?)

(Grenade went off first. This is your surprise round. Jaxon tossed grenade, you’re shooting. Now we do initiative)

2:00 PM

The rounds hit both of them, their armor keeping them in the fight for right now

2:01 PM

(Badly Hurt. Not dead) (edited)

1

<2 initiative> (Aka last)

(7 for Remnant stormtroopers)

(2)

(Lol)

Remnant stormtroopers are up. The two ducking into the tunnel emerge, (two hellguns on each of you)

2:10 PM

Jaxon manages to evade the fire, Shriven is grazed for 5.

2:11 PM

You hear one of them call to his comrades to blow the charges and you see one pull a compad from his pocket

2:11 PM

(I’m not sure who’s got the higher dex without my compute)

(Between us two or them? I’m at 14 dex)

(Between you two since you tied)

(my dex is 12)

Shriven aims at the soldier with the compad.

3:34 PM

<24 to hit 10 dmg>

3:38 PM

(Can I also snapshot at him if he isn’t down?)

(Your main action still has to be available that round, which you’ve used on your regular attack)

1

(Didn’t actually remember that part.)

)Jaxon is up(. The soldier with the compad shrugs through the pain, trying to dial in the right frequency. He is bloodied from the heavy machine gun fire

(did my grenade not go off?) Jaxon attempts to fire at the guy with the compad

3:56 PM

(23 /15)

(It did. It was the first thing that happened this combat)

(oh gotcha)

The soldier with the compad is shot through the head and goes down, the bloodied device skidding to a halt near his body

4:37 PM

The three surviving Remnant troops keep firing

4:38 PM

(One on each of you)

Jaxon is struck with a beam (8 damage) and the one targeting shriven goes wide. The third snap fires, missing wildly before running back down the tunnel and calling for help

(Jaxon goes down to -1)

(How far is Jaxon from being safely around the corner?

Jaxon could be dragged into total cover with your move

Shriven drags Jaxon to full cover. (Can I use my one lazuras patch on him this turn or do I have wait till next turn?)

(Dragging him is your move. Patch is your action. Heal/int)

<6> (woot!)

Jaxons chest hikes as the life saving medicine floods his system

(Can I drag/carry him out? 14 strength. On my turn of course.)

(Yes)

8:33 PM

The Remnant soldiers in the room blow the charges, bringing the base down on top of them. Dust and rock flood the tunnel and buffet you both in dust. The compad comes skidding across the floor to rest against the far wall near shrivens boot

8:33 PM

You hear the sound of tortured earth falling in on itself further in the digsitr

Shriven pokes his head out to make sure that there isn’t a hole that could kill us...

The way back outside is clear. The way ahead where the troopers were standing and the deeper areas of the base have been collapsed

(Are the 4 bodies that we killed in the first fight still outside the rocks?) (edited)

(Yep)

(Is there an tables that I can drag Jaxon and 2 of the pack guns?)

8:57 PM

As shriven is going around he mutters, “Need a medic or at least training for the meds....”

(There’s a few rolling desks)

Shriven carefully moves Jaxon on one of the desks and grabs 2 of the gun packs. As he pushes out the desk shriven listens for any movement noises hoping that he can get some help with Jaxon.

(Do I hear anything on the way to the medbay?)

You enter the previous room, still littered with the casualties of the previous firefight. The Useans have not even come in behind you to collect their own dead yet. Through night vision you can see the way out is still open, and a glimpse of the already overwhelmed medical teams trying to stabilize casualties

7:18 AM

they are hopelessly outclassed trying to treat the laser wounds

Shriven calls out, “Do you have some of that healing suave? I stabilized him I just need something to get him standing up.”

they look up in surprise as you wheel the table full of Jaxon and other assorted junk out of the tunnel. One of the medics comes over and helps you get him rolled into the cover of an open- front tent. Dust still seeps out of the collapsed base, your only memento of the encounter- the captured compad in your pocket

Shriven makes sure to pocket the compad and makes a mental note to open it under a controlled situation.

7:47 AM

Shriven waits for Jaxon to wake up. While he waits he asks if there is anything he can do to help or learn some basics.

"Pulse is good. Blood pressure is low though. This chest wound looks pretty bad,we need to get in there to cauterize the vein, stop the bleeding"

7:47 AM

"I'm going to need you to help me"

(Even with the Lazarus patch stabilizing him?)

(he's critical still, just not bleeding out)

“Roger how can I help?”

The medic briefly tells you what he is going to do, it sounds like a fairly easy procedure, he just doesn't have enough hands. Jaxon is lucky the round didnt punch through his heart entire.

7:50 AM

(9 with your help) after a half hour of tense nerves, and very careful movement, Jaxon is stable, and recovering

Shriven goes and tries to learn as much as he can from this crisis.

8:11 AM

(I know I will need more formal training but shriven has realized how exposed he is without a medical core behind him.)

You are able to pick up a basic understanding of first aid, though you'll need much more practice to become proficient (have the theory, just lacking the practice) Jaxon finally awakens, close to dawn

Jaxon groans grabbing his chest in pain as he awakens. "What the fuck happened?" He croaks

Shriven is working nearby and comes over. “You took a shot to the chest, the resistance we encountered blew the tunnel and the rest of the compound.”

“You feeing well enough to go report in?”

"Yep, that sounds about right, I feel like I got hit by a truck. Ugh." He grunts forcing himself to sit up. "So the bastards blew up the caves to cover their tracks?"

“Yeah.” Shriven looks around pointedly, “Not much we can do here.”

He nods. "Alright well I think I can walk if you help me."

10:34 AM

"And... Thanks for saving my ass back there."

“Least I could do all things considered what I pulled in the plane... Let’s go report in.”

"Yeah... Don't remind me." He chuckles but winces in pain from his chest. "let's go then"

Shriven helps Jaxon to the LZ.

While they are on thier way back (and alone) He quietly says to Shriven, "Did you manage to recover anything from the cave before we left?"

“Found a compad from the guy we killed before you went down. I’m hesitant to open it till we have a more space to do so. Would hate for it to yell something that gets everyone around us killed.”

He nods. "make sure you put it away and do NOT mention it to anyone. we may be working with these guys but this is our intel. Worse case scenario you tell them that its your compad that broke during the fighting."

“Agreed though I’m not super confident that we should lie just misdirect. I doubt we will be searched so as long as it stays right here,” Shriven taps his chest over his heart. “We should be fine. I also have a new toy for you. I grabbed 2 of those pack guns. I’m gonna take one back for Pops to review.”

"We don't have to lie to anyone just keep your mouth shut about the compad. And I'm sure they'll want to get a look at them. Good job."

A helicopter lands in the distance, back at the beach where you'd first been dropped off. The medics and surviving troops are too busy tending the wounded to pay you much notice

11:03 AM

the collapse has them trying to relocate patients and pull back from the dig, as their not sure what is liken to collapse

“Looks like our ride has arrived, let’s go see what the leadership thinks of this sojourn.”

"Yeah, nothing more we can do here." He hobbles his way to the copter

The same grim-looking crew picks you up, and the flight carries on in silence for several hours before bringing you back to the palace. The King and his war council are waiting for you on the pad

11:12 AM

As the engine shuts down, he raises a hand, asking for quiet. "Well outsiders, I've been monitoring field reports. I have my own opinions, but I want to know yours. Can you tell me anything about what they were doing out there?"

Jaxon, still clearly wounded and in pain does his best to stand before the King. "Your majesty, unfortunately due to the delay in our arrival from our plane crashing, and the Remnant collapsing the cave upon our arrival I wasn't able to determine what their intentions were."

11:17 AM

he coughs in pain after speaking for that length

"Understandable. I heard about the battle, you've done me a service in striking COST a serious blow. Do you think those outsiders remain? or have they withdrawn from this world?"

“Your majesty,” Shriven bows, “I am unable to speculate as we do not know if their original objective was completed. We can say that it appears that currently there is no current outpost that we know of on this world.”

"That was what I wanted to know. It is clear we need to enhance our capabilities if we wish to end this war. That flying carrier was a surprise and far beyond what we had projected them capable of. I think COST may be getting some help- perhaps our enemies are one in the same"

“That is very disconcerting your majesty. With your permission, I would request a open share of intelligence on the convergence of our enemies. I have given you what we have on hand and will have to return once we have more intelligence on any motives or plans.”

"I'll review the intelligence deal. I actually do have a request, and naturally the credits to back it, what can be done about weapons to match what has been used on my soldiers. Those energy weapons have been particularly effective, and if those are common where you come from, I'd like to buy some"

“I will gladly track some down for you, I also noticed that your medical staff had to exert an increased effort when dealing with the wounds those weapons produced. Would you also be interested in some medical supplies that may help with the energy required to treat such wounds?”

"I would, though my priorities are weapons first"

12:13 PM

(so +2 energy weapons, +1 medical supplies)

12:13 PM

(I have to make a handout for them now that the mission is done)

12:13 PM

6xp, 20,000 credits to both of you

(Woot ding! Is this also where we find out about being Usean aces?)

(Jaxon falls over and dies happy) jkjk

(yes. just wanted to be sure this was seen first)

(I just came back from lunch)

(Happy dance!)

(had to catch up on the convo) (edited)

(And I didn’t even nearly get us killed this time...)

"Also, one of my generals has something for you" The king steps aside, and the general who had taken the lead during the briefing steps forward. "We spent some time going over gun imagery from the battle, and you've wracked up 5 confirmed kills. That makes you both aces.

12:17 PM

Youre each handed a medal, a crescent made of coral, with crossed missiles behind it where on older era medals, swords would have been

12:18 PM

(The title Usean Ace gives you +1 to pilot and +1 to shoot when you're piloting an atmo or grav flyer, and for spacefaring ships that are fighter size, anything larger has different handling characteristics, so your experience wouldn't really carry over) (edited)

12:19 PM

(You'll both also have reduced friction for future trade deals)

Jaxon takes the medal and examines it for a long moment. Then bows slightly as he cannot bow very much at all "Your majesty this is an honor, thank you. Hopefully this can lead to a long and prosperous relationship between us."

Shriven bows as well, “It was an honor fighting along side your fleet.”

"You've done us a great service, and I hope as long as we can keep this arrangement from becoming public, that it can be fruitful for us both. My men will fly you back to your ship, and you're free to depart. The cargo transfer has been completed"

"We made sure to give out as little information as possible your Majesty. People believe that we were Spec Ops, and we simply did not correct them. Transport back to our vessel would be appreciated."

“Your majesty, if I may ask, have your scientist had any kind of breakthrough on the buoys?”

'We can launch things into orbit if we need to, we have just chosen not to previously. In light of recent events, we will be launching a few, on our own, so that we control the message" (edited)

“Thank you for your candor your Highness. With your permission may we retire?” Shriven bows

"We will get you back to your ship. The buoys will be in place in a few weeks, and we can talk again when you have guns for me"

"We will be in contact you Highness. Thank you again." He does another quarter bow and turns to leave with Shriven

The helicopter takes off, and after a few hour flight, you are returned to your ship. THe security personnel watched the cargo transfer, and nothing has gone amiss while you were out

“Jaxon you ready to head home? It will be much faster getting back since we know the way now.”

"Never been more happy to go back to building farms." He smiles passing the 2 officers "Did you miss us? Trsut me... you didnt miss too much."

Shriven takes the Anamem up to space. (While we are going can we gather some more comm traffic to try to understand what is going on with COST in general?)

(program/int)

<8>

You're able to skim a bit of traffic but it is heavily encrypted and solely communicated in combat cant- without a codebook or a prisoner to interpret what is being said, the words mean little the way they're strung together.

1:43 PM

(pretty basic opsec really)

(I was hoping for the general stuff you posted about Usean and the like.)

(All of their traffic is encrypted)

1

Then shriven jumps us back to Gudrun. (Do I need to roll? I have a 2% chance of getting a 9 or 10 which is as low as I can get)

(no its fine)

1:52 PM

(not on a ruttered route_

1:52 PM

The Anamen arrives back in Gudrun system space, heading in from the galactic southwest.

Shriven takes the Anamem into the cloud.

2:00 PM

“Well Jaxon it has been a pleasure, thanks for coming you really saved me out there, if you ever need anything just let me know.”

"Yeah same here, guess we gotta get that compad to admin and see if they can get someone to bust out the intel and report in on our potential trade partners."

“Roger, let’s head down and debrief.” Shriven hops on the 2 person gravcycle.

The lander from Trivedi cloud sets you down at the airport, and it is a quick drive to admin, where Franz is already waiting for you, no doubt keeping an eye on the sparse traffic coming in and out of system

"Its good to see you Franz. Hope you didnt miss us too much"

He smiles. "Looks like you both ran into some trouble out there. C'mon in, have a seat and tell me about it"

2:52 PM

He takes you into a side office, and pours three generous glasses of local scotch

“Pleasure to meet you Franz, I’m Shriven.”

"I've been following. Re-reading those after action reports from Aslief was all I was working on a few weeks ago"

“Well here is the short version, we went to Sumati to recon the activity of the Remnant mining that the probe located, when we got in system we spent 4 hour listening to comms chatter. After finding limited information we attempted to land inconspicuously near the Usean coastline. We were detected took a rocket and landed, once we knew we were discovered we contacted the authorities who granted us permission to act as a special forces unit of their country. During the process escorting the fleet to where we had identified the Remnant mining operation was we were attacked by a large airbases carrier. After downing it we landed on the mining colony and had contact with the Remnant, during the second set of hostile contact Jaxon took a shot to the chest and the Remnant blew the tunnel we were fighting in destroying all evidence, except this datapad.” Shriven holds up the datapad. “Jaxon was stabilized but the Usean lacked TL4 medical supplies to get him back on his feet. That’s pretty much our 2 week run to Sumati.” (Edit for spelling and format.) (edited)

Jaxon chuckles takinga long pull of scotch. "Well that's certainly the pretty version of events yes. We were even pinned as Aces in the Usean army too. True story"

Shriven blushes, “The after action report has a more...” Shriven clears his throat, “in depth description of my motives and actions including a log of the dialog with the prime minister and king of Usean.”

Franz takes the compad and plugs it into a small terminal in the room

7:22 PM

The screen lights up, showing outlines of the base hidden under all that soil.

7:23 PM

The plans appear to be for something like an incredibly advanced AI project, and you can tell it’s complexity by the scrolling lines showing dozens upon dozens of brakes worked into its programming

7:23 PM

“They found a defense monitor....” he breathes silently

“What’s that?”

“Back and this is even before the black sun war mind you, the empire had installed one in each system. It was a sector AI responsible for coordinating the movements of fleets, armies, and static defenses of all the worlds in its sector.

7:36 PM

It was designed to help aid military planners in the event of invasion from an outside force. If the Remnant has one, and they get it online. Or worse, it comes online and they remove the brakes....our days may be numbered”

7:37 PM

“I think it’s safe to assume that base held the core of one such system”

“Would the core be mobile? They pulled most of their team out just after we arrived.”

"The core would be mobile, yes, before installation that is. Once its hooked into wherever it's being housed now, taking it apart and setting it back up would take months. It'll likely take at least a few for them to get things together as is"

“So we have a sector ending AI on some planet that we haven’t been to yet?”

"Not ending. It won't order worlds destroyed, but its very bad news for us

8:00 PM

"The two of you may want to get the word out to other colony notables while I talk to the president about this. The others may need to alter their plans accordingly" (post about your mission in group so the others know what you found. Better from the horses mouth)

"So basically what your saying is we slipped and fell ass backwards into discovering the Remnant have a potentially unbroken AI?.... Lovely."

“If this information is right the brakes/ at least some of them, are still in place. It’s a very complicated process to remove them, they’d need a lot more time”

"But its safe to assume they aren't done. We don;t have hard evidence but they are probably working with this COST faction we encountered. Thier "megaship" we encountered was way too sophisticated for a tl 3 planet. Even the King was backed into a corner of allying himself with us after he saw what they had."

“Do you think he’s trustworthy?”

"He had the opportunity to kill us and be rid of this 'outside threat' after we divulged the information on the Remnant, instead he allowed us to go onto the island and investigate what they were doing there. There is clearly things going on where they don't want outside influence, but he has kept his word so far."

8:37 PM

"I don't think we will ever be best friends with the guy, but I believe he will not stab us in the back either."

Franz is taking notes on all of this. “Well. Pops is running out of things to do. If they want guns we can sell them guns. We don’t have the soldiers to spare”

"Sounds good, also note that we did try on several occasions, through surveillance on their airwaves and talking to the King, about why they were so adamant about being cloistered from eh galaxy at large. To say he was reluctant to give us any information would be an understatement. There is definitely something there. and whatever you do, DO NOT just fly onto the planet. Their SAM works just fine." (edited)

“Franz are you thinking that it would have taken a long time to get it detached from its current setup and probably hasn’t been removed yet?”

“I’m sure if they collapsed things, anything important had already been taken. They just didn’t want us to know what”

8:58 PM

“But it will take them a long time to get it set up wherever it’s going to. And then there’s the process of chainbreaking”

"I don;t understand the point of the leaving a contingency force behind then. Why not just colapse the place and run before we ever get there?"

“You said you were broadcasting before you landed ?

"We were attemping to intercept broadcasts. We did not broadcast ourselves. But that being said we have reason to believe the Remnant knew we were coming. Especially once the King began mobilizing his forces"

“I think you caught their rear guard”

"That much is apparent. But my question is, what were they guarding if they already made off with the AI potentially. Does the datapad give any clues into what else they were doing in there."

He presses a few more buttons. “The last message is telling them to make a final check for any servers or data drives left behind by the initial teams. Mopping up from what it looks like”

“Thank you Franz, if you need me you know how to reach me. I need to track down Pops and talk to him about some weapons.”

“Jaxon it has been a pleasure. If you want to go flying again just let me know.”

(We can go back to your thread Jaxon)

9:57 PM

Franz dismisses the both of you and dials Kincaid immediately. The door shuts and you’re left to head to the workshop

Shriven walks to the workshop and knocks.

Pops himself opens the door, older and portly, his face is almost always on the edge of a laugh

“Hello, I’m Shriven the quartermaster should have given you a hand held anti-vehicle laser. I think I may have another weapon that might be interested in.”

7:24 AM

Shriven pulls out the laser rifle backpack weapon.

"Ah so they've recovered their own slyth technology then. Troubling" Pops waves you inside. past dozens of people at milling stations, working on various weapons

Shriven follows him in. “You think it is slyth, not some R&D facility from the war?”

"It's their take on it, but we have something similar. " He takes a similar backpack powered weapon off the wall. It is of slightly different proportion, and the tag indicates it fires a crescent of directed energy rather than a stab-beam, but overall, it appears similar.

7:30 AM

"Design is based off recovered weapons from a Slyth armory we turned over on planet last year. We haven't been able to re-create a power cell with enough capacity for more than a few shots, so we had to add the backpack. Right now only our elite are issued with them"

“Looks like the remnant hasn’t been able to crack that but either. Well, would you be interested in the pack or should I go turn it into the quartermaster for redistribution to the elites? I would rather keep to what I know, got a nice heavy machine gun that serves me fine if I know somethings coming.”

"I'll take that off your hands, for a price of course, but I want to see just how far along they are, and how they've put it together"

“What are you offering? I’m always a big fan of credit but I’m also looking for an icarus harness. I have found myself to many times wishing that I didn’t have to worry about falling or dying of exposure.”

"I haven't been able to fabricate one of those here yet, but I've got something you might be interested in"

Shriven’s face drops at first but then lights up like a child on Christmas

He brings you to a different sectiion of the workshop. "How about a force pavis. It's a personal shield that will-well, it won't stop incoming rounds, but it will slow them down, and in the event you're critically wounded, there is sophisticated software in it that will detect the change in your body, and stabilize you. It'll need to be recharged after use though"

“Does the force packs have to be held to stabilize me or can it be in my back? If I know there’s going to be trouble I don’t usually have a hand free to hold a shield.”

"It's a belt"

8:03 AM

(Think like a wrestling style belt where the front is sort of bigger, in this case where the generator is)

Shriven blushes, “ohhh... yeah... that’s why it is very long and ummm... has a catch on it. Yeah I think that would work well for me. Do you need anything to be able to build an icarus harness or just the technical specs?”

"More than specs, we need the knowledge. I'm hoping someone from those corporate factories we just brought in has some ideas"

“I hope so as well. I will keep my eye out for any other weapons or armor, anything else I should keep my eyes out for?”

"Anything you think is interesting. worst that is going to happen is I already have it, and we re-purpose it for our people. So do we have a trade then, pavis for this remnant rifle?

“Absolutely.” Shriven reaches out his hand to shake.

The shake is firm and Pop's hands are rough with a lifetime of work in the forge

9:07 AM

The pavis is placed into a small carry case and handed to you

“Thanks Pops, let me know if I can do anything for you. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.”

Shriven takes the case and puts it on the hovercycle. He then heads to meet up with Alfred to sell the housewares he has and try to track down some supplies for aslief.

Alfred is on the cloud- in the small trade office your company owns. The clerks are busy figuring out import duties on the goods you're bringing in, and ensuring everything is above board

“Hello Alfred, I see your clerks are already ahead of me on this. I brought in some housewares. I’m hoping you can line up some colony supplies or materials or even ore for Aslief. I have a few other errands in the colony but I will be back before the end of the day to check if you found anyone selling any of that.”

“How’s the headquarters expansion going? Have you ran into any problems?”

"nothing so far, just waiting for the permit to be approved so we can expand into some more platform space here"

“Excellent thank you Alfred for taking care of everything down here. Next month or the month after that once I can gather up the funds I want to try to get our medical supplies factory to significantly increase its production. (Production center/major). I’ll let you know as soon as I have gathered enough credits to make it viable. Is there anything else I need to be aware of, otherwise I will be back later?”

"I should have the money in your account within the next day or so, otherwise I'll get to work on finding some deals for us"

“Sounds good I need to go track down some information so I will be in town for a few days.”

12:11 PM

Shriven shakes Alfreds hand then on his way out comms Jaxon (in his channel) (edited)

Alfred shakes the offered hand, and then sets about finishing paying the import duties on the goods

After sending the comm he heads to the academy ran by Mirim, the lab AI. When he pulls up he parks and walks up to the receptionist, “Hello, I’m looking to take a few classes. I need basic medical and programing training. When are classes available?”

Mimir, in her computerized voice replies Classes are available any time you wish, you'll be the sole student for each. When do you care to begin?

“Right now works for me, let’s start with the medical training.”

A side door opens up into an empty classroom. the desks are empty but 20 of them are set out. The main screen welcomes you to class

Shriven walks in and says, “My mom would be so proud finally going back to school.”

The lights darken and class begins.... (we can fade out since i dont know what im talking about from this point on)

(Sounds good.)

Class ends several hours later, and although brain-fried, you feel like you have a better understanding of what you were trying to learn

Shriven hops on the gravbike and heads to the Anamem for some shut eye, afraid that after all that study drinking would cause him to forget.

Shriven wakes up the next morning and goes to check in with Alfred and see if he tracked down someone who is selling some ore.

5:17 PM

“Hello Alfred, hopefully you have some good news for me. You happen to track down someone selling ore or supplies?”

“Your friend Jaxon has the supplies locked up for now. Renovating the hab blocks. I’ve got ore though”

“Excellent news! Will we be able to get it loaded by the end of the day?”

“Should be able to yes”

“Excellent, I’m going to go and pick up some lift meds and hopefully head to Aslief by morning.”

8:23 PM

“Once again Alfred thank you for taking care of this.” Shriven extends his hand to shake Alfred’s.

Alfred takes it. The lifters should have everything loaded shortly for your next run

Shriven leaves and heads to the market to buy some lift (the healing med) and Lazarus patches.

The market is bustling but you find an adventuring supplies store, set up by a pair of burly looking outdoorsmen.

7:33 AM

(book price for the supplies)

(Insert pleasant dialog between shriven and outdoorsmen to save us both the typing

) Shriven pays for the lift and patches. He hops on his hover bike and then pauses, I wonder if Malak is on planet. (To his channel)

(thank you for not making me type all that)

Shriven rides out to Malak’s camp, after a conversation he heads back in late at night. Heading straight back to Anamem. Prepared to leave for Aslief in the morning.

Shriven checks to make sure everyone is on board and the ore is loaded.

Everything is in order, and the Anamen is ready to depart when you are

Shriven comms the Cloud after getting permission to take off he shifts the Anamem to the edge of the system

PErmission is granted, and after a spike translation, you arrive in the space outside aslief

“Base control this is the Anamem. Requesting permission to land.”

"Anamen, proceed directly to New Taurus, do not deviate from route. Suggest taking radiation safety measures upon landing"

“Confirmed following directed route.” Off comms he says to the crew, “You all should be safe in the ship, just make sure she will be in one piece when I return.”

THe route is projected onto your display, bringing you down on a trajectory outside the missile base that was a scene of some of the heaviest fighting during the conflict here

(Does my combat armor take care of the radiation or does something else?)

(that and an atmofilter will let you walk around for enough time to conduct business

(I’m hoping to help with the remnant and track down who set off the bomb.)

The ship comes to landing outside the base. Commander Cole, and a squad of her most veteran warriors accompany her. Their power armor this time is absent the marks of recent fighting

Shriven walks out with his combat armor on but leaves all guns inside to make his intentions clear. “Commander Cole, pleasure seeing you again. I’m back but unfortunately I couldn’t track down any more supplies but I heard of the egregious actions of the Remnant and came to see if I could be of service.”

"I was hoping making a report would see someone from the outside come to lend aid. What was actually reported on your world? Trying to see what gaps I need to fill in"

“There were car bombs, terrorist attacks culminating in a nuclear device being set off in Harmony destroying the city.”

"Wow, open press. Well, that makes my job easier. The rad precautions right now are just that- precautions, but there's still fallout drifting in from when harmony was taken out. Wind is light today but keep an eye on your geiger counter"

“Roger, how can I help? Do you have any leads on the Rebels?”

'There are three Remnant cells on planet that have claimed responsibility for the attacks. We have flyers, included in the car bombing, we had a radio broadcast after the nuclear explosion, and we found a pyramid of bodies in the ruins of Cove Neck, with a third remnant division symbol left out in front of it. They're toying with us"

1:56 PM

"We can't seem to find where they're based"

“Have you captured anyone yet? Have any of them been sent to the mining camp?”

"Nobody captured no, a few shot and killed, but we haven't actually taken anyone alive yet"

2:07 PM

"I've impressed the need upon my security forces- I think at least one of those deaths was done while the subject was in custody"

“I understand your frustration, I have an idea on how we may be able to take one alive but it will require some time and some leg work on my behalf. To that end I have some questions, how are your civilians dealing with the fallout? Can I get some latitude in my pursuit of this objective and finally, can we continue this in a more” shriven looks around pointedly, “private location?”

"Sure, lets head inside" she escorts you through the base, past several chokepoints and guard posts. The silos here have long been emptied of their warheads- now in use on Gudrun as a last ditch anti-orbital array, but security here is still high. You're taking into a secure control room, and the technicians are cleared for a few moments- allowing you to talk

“Thank you for your discretion. How are your civilians dealing with the fallout?” (I’m looking to blend in and want to know what I have to work with.)

"Mass evacuations mostly, moving northward- it was already happening though- the southern cities fared very badly under Remnant occupation"

“So where are you seeing currently the most recent resistance?”

"Harassing caravans along the road, heading here, but its a big area and dotted with heavy woods and ruins of smaller towns

2:55 PM

"Lots of places to hide":

“Are there many civilian hold outs down in Santee or Cove Neck?”

"There are pockets in cove neck, living in the only intact sector, or among the ruins. Santee faired a little better,"

“Do they seem to be recruiting locals to their cause?”

"I don't see it happening- the slave camps and press-ganging barely just ended"

“Do you have caravans going to Santee still?”

“Yes. We do. Why?”

“I’m thinking we could stage a trap in one of the caravans. What kind of caravan have they been hitting most often or have you been able to notice a pattern yet?”

“It’s indiscriminate. They’re killing just for the sake of it “

“Can we get a couple squads to hide in a truck transport and try to ambush them? Hopefully we can capture one from that raid.”

"we have been trying that, just unlucky I suppose, they haven't taken the bait, or they've attacked in a different area"

“How many have you tried this with? More than 5?”

(You're asking how many people she has sent?)

(If they have had multiple failed runs that others locations got hit instead.)

"We send a compliment of soldiers to whichever refugee convoys we find, its been well over 5"

“Do you know of any convoys preparing to leave? I would like to try it with some soldiers that wouldn’t normally be chosen, maybe if you have some guards serving off near the mines or something. I have a feeling that the Remnant have spies in your ranks to be able to avoid them so well.”

"It's a possibility we have considered. Well, we can pull in a militia company. Maybe they'll think a volunteer group is softer"

“That’s my hope as well. Are you planning on outfitting them with combat armor or civilian armor?”

"Whatever the militia captain decides is an acceptable duty uniform is what they'll use. I'd expect most will look like hunters or farmers anyway"

“Roger, is there anything I can do to help you until the company is mustered?”

"It should only take about an hour. Hang out near the gate for a bit and they'll be around"

“While we wait, I have some ore for trade. I’m hoping for some Vehicles and a few religious supplies. If you don’t mind we can talk about setting up a trade.” (Insert conversation and negotiation that is the result of a trade roll.)

The deal is struck, and several vehicle kits are arranged for transfer. "These are pretty adaptable, you can make the pieces into almost anything you want, if you do arm them, the weapons and ammunition will have to be supplied by the end user. Won't find a better chassis anywhere though" (edited)

Shriven heads back to Anamem to put on his gear and has to leave his precious heavy machine gun loaded in his pack. (edited)

It only takes a few minutes for you to arm. You feel the ship rumble below you as cargo begins being exchanged, the snaking line of supply trucks winding around itself between your holds and the basse

Shriven spends some time record keeping them heads to the gate to meet up with the militia.

The militia captain is a portly man in a gallon hat, his ammunition belt struggling valiantly in the effort to keep his pants hiked up. The others with him are those too old, or too out of shape for professional armed service. They do, however, appear to be well armed.

11:51 AM

A closed roofed staff car, and then four open bed trucks are the assigned vehicles for the expedition, along with an armored scout car-armed with a rocket launcher in an open turret

Shriven rides up on his hovercycle, “Captain, I’m Shriven, I look forward to working with you. Are all of your men ready to roll?” (edited)

"Yes, we are going to head south from here, to Santee, and back, escorting a refugee column. It'll be slow work:

“Understood, when your men are ready we can head out. Who is your best scout?”

Two men step forward , the most rugged looking of the bunch. Each has a hunting rifle and scope.

“I can take one of you to help me scout on this. It is quieter than anything else we have right now so with your help we can go off road and scout ahead, hopefully without raising any suspicion.”

they talk among themselves, deciding on one of them to accompany you

Shriven nods when he hops on, “Welcome aboard specialist. Let’s get to it then.”

(so the planet is pretty heavily hilled and forested, the roads are really the main axis of getting anywhere quickly, which is why the remenant has been having such great success, how are you wanting the convoy laid out, where are people positioned, ect)

(Roofed truck, 10% of refugees, opened truck, 30% of refugees, opened truck, 40% of refugees, opened truck, 20% of refugees, opened truck. Armored scout car rotating between the middle 2 groups of refugees.)

12:49 PM

(With me and the scout off road where possible otherwise with 3rd group of refugees)

The convoy spends a day driving in silence, but for mandatory status radio traffic, and at nightfall reaches the town square of santee, having crossed the vast space in relatively decent time.

12:50 PM

Refugees begin filing out of the broken buildings as the trucks draw up, no doubt having seen this scene play out with their neighbors countless times already.

Shriven watches the whole thing play out as they prepare to leave he makes sure that the slowest of the group is in the front 2 groups so the whole groups won’t leave them behind.

The convoy leaves at first light, spread out in the agreed upon manner

2:13 PM

It is a slow process, and the trip back to Cole's base is expected to take 3 days at current speed

(Is there enough space for me to use the hover bike to go off-road to try to scout with a good enough pilot check?)

(yep, pilot dex)

<13>

offroad, you pass through the forest, alternating sides of the trail. It is late in the afternoon when you come upon an abandoned camp. The tents have long been taken down, but the scorching from a recent fire, and an inexpertly discarded ration pack clue you in that enemy forces were nearby recently

“Specialist, can you tell how many days ago they last used the fire pit?”

"Hours" he says, monotone. He is tense however, listening to the woods around you

(The hovercycle has proximity alarms out to 200 meters due to the advanced sensors are they going off?)

2:57 PM

(Alarm goes to my compad) (edited)

(Nothing is within that distance)

3:05 PM

"I think we're alone. at least right now." he sifts through the underbrush

3:05 PM

"six....no...seven sets of prints. heavy boots"

3:05 PM

"Looks like they were dragging something heavy too"

“Let’s track them I think the hover cycle will make better time and I’ll probably be quieter on it than off.”

(Survive/wis, +2 for the help)

(Before I roll, if I get to off the path will the specialist let me know so we can get back to the convoy within 2 hours?)

(Sure)

<6 with the 2>

The trail is winding and the brush works to obscure the passage of the men and their mysterious cargo. You pass the same tree a few times before realizing you’re stuck

After the specialist points out the same tree for the 3rd time shriven heads back to the convoy to advise them that there are hostile s nearby.

The armored car begins loading its main gun.

9:37 PM

The refugee convoy moves along, passing through the first of what look to be several abandoned villages that dot the route north

9:37 PM

It is beginning to grow dark

Shriven sets up for the night next to his hovercycle. He makes sure that there are men on watch for the night and sleeps next to his weapons.

(notice/int)

<10>

It is the middle of the night when a wretched gurgling sound awakens you, and something hot sprays against your face. you open your eyes, to see the man lying in the sleeping bag next to you grappled from behind, his rifle falling, and a knife, catching the moonlight, sliding across his neck

I grab my Mag pistol and fire at the owner of the knife.

(regular ol attack roll)

<24 11dmg> (wasn’t sure if I could get a shot off before iniative)

(yeah his turn was technically killing your comrade)

8:27 AM

The mag pistol makes a tremendous noise in the still night- and people begin to stir. Six black armored bodies are in the midst of the camp, performing their grisly work

Shriven also yells, “TO ARMS WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!” (edited)

(now we do initiative)

8:28 AM

(2 for Remnant Commandos)

<5>

(you're first)

8:39 AM

The shot commando is still moving, though wounded. He drops the body of your fallen comrade and prepares to engage you

Shriven fires again at him <26 10> (Do crits not do extra damage?)

8:47 AM

(Wow just reread the combat section and I didn’t see anything about critical hits. Should have noticed that before now. Though it hasn’t really come up for me till now soooo....)

(crits do double- we have been doing crit hits, but nothing goes wrong on crit miss)

8:48 AM

(seems silly you get less proficient with your weapon as you level up, just by virtue of shooting more)

(Then 20 damage

)

(go on ahead and describe how he dies)

Shriven blindly fires a second time lucky missing the armor completely and destroying his throat, as he falls shriven hears a gurgling. Shriven says, “Well we aren’t getting any answers from this one.”

a handful of hurried pistol and carbine shots from the slowly awakening militia are fired at the Remnant commandos, scoring a few hits, but most of the fire is undisciplined

9:03 AM

The commandos, stealth now blown, draw their own carbines and begin returning fire as they slowly withdraw back toward the forest edge

9:03 AM

(3 turns until they're there)

9:04 AM

Shriven is narrowly missed by one such energy beam.

9:04 AM

(you're up)

(About how many are there?)

(5 now, there were 6)

(Do they have cover as they withdraw?)

9:09 AM

(Either way) Shriven drops his pistols and grabs his machine Gun (it was readied beside him using my move action.) and drops prone and sets up the bipod.

(no, they were just moving among you cutting people, now they're just firing as they withdraw to try to keep your heads down)

The remnant commandos lay down fire as they back toward the woods, two militiamen are struck down by the accurate fire. your duck into prone position saves you from what would have been a chest shot, instead, only lightly scoring down your back (1 damage)

Shriven throws out a spray at all of the commandos trying to take as many down as possible. (Evasion saves) <12 dmg>

(3 fail, 2 pass)

9:44 AM

The commandos are well trained, but they're not expecting a burst of automatic gunfire to come streaking out of the darkness. One of them falls onto his back, a militiaman likewise firing on him at the same time. Two others are limping and bleeding, falling behind their comrades who had the good sense to weave away

9:45 AM

They begin probing the darkness, hoping to knock out the heavy weapon

(Horay for making a target of myself!) (edited)

(17 damage) One of the beams hits directly, scoring a hit that makes a mockery of your armor

9:46 AM

the other two strike one of the militiamen coming behind you to support, dead before his body finishes falling

9:46 AM

(1 turn away from slipping out, you;'re up)

Shriven is infuriated at being hit by cowards and bursts again at them <13 dmg> yelling, “Get that launcher at them! What’s taking so long?”

(the explosion in such a small area would hit friendlies)

(Even firing at the trees to remove cover?)

(They can do that- but not directly at the enemy soldiers)

Shriven yells“Fire at the trees they are retreating to! Remove some cover, give us more time!”

10:45 AM

(And how many saved from my suppression?)

(yeah i wasn't sure if you were suppressing or shooting one, let me roll)

(Sorry for the ambiguity.)

(2 pass, two fail)

<13 dmg> (Did the 2 that failed fail before?)

yes

(Did the other 2 escape?)

(Yes)

1:27 PM

(Leaving behind 3 dead, but it’s only been a couple rounds of combat, they’re all very recently dead)

Shriven yells, “We need a head count. Captain, are you still with us?”

"I am" he wheezes. He is keeping pressure on a recruit who had half his throat slit before the camp awoke to arms

1:45 PM

his arms are red up to the elbow

(Is the recruit stable or mortally wounded? I will use a patch of wounded or a lift of wounded to heal him)

(he's stable at the moment but trending dangerously towards his wound being fatal)

Shriven says, “Here let me give him this. It should help stabilize him.” (Heal/int?)

(yep_

<6>

2:08 PM

(Heals for 3 if it works)

The bleeding slows, and then stops, as the powerful stimulant takes hold. The recruit is pale, and needs rest, but he will live

“Captain we need your scouts to try to follow those 3 one is severely injured so unless they kill him he should be easier to track.”

“No way. We don’t know how many more of them there are and we have refugees to protect. You feel free to go. I won’t risk my men”

“Very well, I will see what I can do tomorrow morning.” Shriven knows he would be worse than useless trying to track on his own so he goes back to sleep.

Morning dawns, and despite heroic efforts of the country doctors and veterinarians that make up militia ranks, 12 were killed, and 3 injured from the previous night's raid. Most of the perimeter detail had their throats cut, those that were taken for information had been found hung the next morning by foraging parties. Their last moments must have been painful, the job was done inexpertly

When shriven wakes he kicks himself for not helping more. (Was tonight considered a good rest night? Aka do I heal my level in HP?) he tracks down the scout that travelled with him yesterday. “You ready to see what we can find out what we can?”

(Yeah you heal)

10:15 AM

“Yeah let’s see what we can figure out while everyone breaks camp”

Shriven goes with the specialist to see what we can find on the hover cycle. (Pilot/dex to not ruin the signs that the specialist is looking for?)

(You’re tracking so survival wis)

(I’m terrible like -2 to tracking terrible can I just follow the specialist?)

(It’s still a roll he’s just using his +2 to negate your minus

Shriven slowly goes over everything with the help of the specialist. <8>

The specialist finds a trail

5:04 PM

And begins leading you on foot into the woods

5:04 PM

You search for ten minutes in the direction the enemy force withdrew and you find the mortally wounded commando, now dead. He was placed against a tree, combat rifle in hand

5:05 PM

Meant to deter pursuit and allow his friends time to get away

“Can you tell how many there were here? Was it just the six?”

"Just the six, looking at the prints here. Any more of them and things may have gone a lot worse"

“Can we track them out from here? See if they were a larger group?”

“We can try to”. He finds the trail again and begins moving slowly.

6:19 AM

The trek goes on for fifteen minutes before the prints seem to join others. “They met here. For a moment at least, and then split up again”

“Any sign of that thing they were dragging? And about how many would you say there are total?”

“I’d say ten. Looks like it either changed hands or they unpacked it. Got some packaging material here. Crew served weapon of some kind” He holds up a loose round, caked in mud

10:06 AM

It is slightly bigger and longer than the rounds your heavy machine gun uses

“Where is the next probable camp site? We should head there and set up an overwatch if possible.”

"Well, they've all scattered again- I think we are going to have to wait for them to come to us. These men are clearly well trained, and despite this being my planet, it feels like we are in their backyard

11:07 AM

he takes another step forward, and there is the click of metal on metal. He freezes, and then looks down- color leaving his face\

11:08 AM

"Friend. I need you to take a step back, and then another one, and then you need to turn around and run away- as afast as you can"

“Roger.” Shriven walks back slowly. Then says, “ Do you want me to try to grab you off with the hovercycle? We can probably get you off but I don’t know if it will be enough.”

11:17 AM

(Is there a 100ft if straight path around him? I’m thinking trying 50 ft of rope under his arms across the chest and run it up as fast I can to yank him off and out of the range hopefully.)

(no, you're trapsing through the woods, its pretty heavily forested)

(Can I roll a know check to see how deadly these things usually are? If I could running tackle him off the mine?)

(Know int)

<15>

(It’s a ten foot blast radius)

(With my know is there any way to disable it or delay it?)

(You can try to disarm it by the pin where he’s stepped on it but they are tamper proof so a failure will set it off)

Shriven very much hates the idea of leaving a man behind so he pulls out his combat armor puts it on and says, “I think I can disable it. Let me give it a shot.” (I am currently more than 10 ft away. As I backed away.)

(Alright. What are you doing to disable it)

(Knowing what I do about the tamper proof I try to use my knife to disconnect the trigger pin from the bomb.)

(fix/int +2 since you know how this kind of landmine works)

<9> (I will expert reroll if that is a fail.)

(re-roll)

<13>

3:34 PM

(

)

There is a click, and the trigger pin falls apart- the mine is made safe

Shriven looks up at the specialist. “Let’s walk carefully back. I don’t want to have to do that again.” Shriven grins.

"I bet the woods are seeded with these things. They'll maim for generations to come if efforts arent made to clean this up. Certainly seems like something they;d do. doesnt it?"

“I wouldn’t put anything beyond their depravity.”

4:24 PM

“Let’s head back to the convoy.”

He nods, and after a short treck you're returned to the main path, where the refugee convoy has reconstituted itself

4:28 PM

they prepare to move out

Shriven reports to the captain, “Captain, we found landmines in the Forrest. If they are mining the area around the road I wouldn’t put it past them to mine the road itself. Look for any fresh repair spots or possible IEDs.”

"Alright, lets mount up and keep eyes open. Scouts ahead to help spot, we still have another two days of travel here"

“Do you have a map and can you show me where we are thinking of stopping tonight and the night after? I want to try to take a small group to try to set up some basic redoubts that we can use for defense.”

The captain pulls out a waterproof map of the road between here and the military base you are heading to. he circles two areas where the road seems the broadest, and most cleared.

“Okay, I’m going to ask around the refugees and see who wants to help secure the next 2 camps. I will ferry them back and forth on the hovercycle as we can be sure that it won’t set off landmines.”

7:20 AM

(I’m wanting to make 3 bunker like redoubts around the camp. Using lumber rather than sand bags.)

“Unless you have a suggestion Captain I’m going to go address the refugees.” (About how many trips/people do you think I can get to start working on the redoubts?)

(Your bike can only take one person at a time, but you can escort one of the trucks if you like)

(What would you say can fit on the truck? 9 men in the bed 3 in the cab?)

(yeah that sounds reasonable to me)

Shriven addresses the refugees, “Men, I need 12 of you to help build a security barrier to defend your families and neighbors Incase the Remnant come to strike again. It will be heavy work cutting down and building. Who can I count on for this critical assignment.”

Several volunteers raise their hands and before long you have a full compliment, prepared to move ahead with you to make a defensible place to bed down for the night.

Shriven walks over to the specialist, “You mind driving these guys? I will grab one on the back of the bike and keep a look out for you.”

"No problem. you're going to be the vanguard then?"

“That’s the plan.” (Can I roll a lead or something to figure out who would be the most observant of the 12?)

(i tihnk that would be notice more than lead, since youre looking for an attribute)

11:15 AM

(notice wis)

<5> (so I will take pretty much anyone.)

(yep) The truck fills up quickly with volunteers, and you take an additional worker on your bike

11:32 AM

the convoy pushes north, heading to the clearing, and arriving after 6 hours of driving. The route seems clear so far. (edited)

Shriven surveys the area and picks out 3 places about 500m apart and 200m from the tree line (if possible) to build the redoubts. He assigns all the men initially to cutting down trees then after there is enough trees cut for one redoubt he assigns himself and 4 others to build the first of the redoubts

(your fix rating is good so you can make a competent set of fortifications without needing to roll)

1:35 PM

The group works efficiently, and as the column rolls in at sunset, the project is nearing completion. A few people will have to eat dinner standing up to finish it, but by time everyone is ready for bed, they will be doing so with a degree more safety.

Shriven tries to get the convoy to understand that they need to stay in between the bunkers at much as possible tonight and not go into the woods for their safety. (Getting rid of random @ and “ ) (edited)

(I’m also planning on setting my bike up to give warning for 1/3 of the perimeter. 200m out)

8:26 PM

(The bike is going to be on the inside edge of one of the redoubts)

(is shriven going to stand watch at all?)

(3-6am near the bike)

)Notice int(

<9>

There is a faint glint in the woods, off to your 2 o clock, that you just barely catch.

Shriven uses his compad to signal the other redoubts of possible hostiles. (Not hostages silly autocucumber...) (edited)

Shriven the sets up his heavy machine gun in that direction in the prepared position.

The remnant commandos sneak out of the woods, to the edge of the clearing. One of them has a satchel bag with him, one arm tucked inside. They pause at the woodline, examining the fortifications

(How many men are awake with me?)

Two militiamen stand with you in this bunker, but you can;t be sure if anyone is ready in the others,

(How many are sneaking out of the wood line?)

(you sent the message but they haven't done anything overt, and you can see 5)

Shriven uses his compad to signal the other redoubts to hold fire until they hear the heavy machine gun open fire.

7:48 AM

Shriven plans on waiting till they are at least 20 meters out from the woods or turn to retreat to the woods.

Two of them are peering into the satchel bag, and one makes a chopping gesture toward the bunker you are sitting inside of

Shriven opens fire.

7:51 AM

(At the one that is holding the satchel.)

(alright, attack roll)

<7 11dmg>

The heavy gun kicks violently on the uneven redoubt wall, the rounds going high, over the heads of the remnant troopers. The other redoubts open fire at the signal

8:40 AM

(rolling, standby)

8:43 AM

One of the enemy force is cut down by the inexpert fire

8:45 AM

The commandos return , trying to suppress so they can withdraw The one holding the satchel throws it (evasion save)

<19 vs 7 success> as shriven sees it be thrown he yells, “Incoming dive out.”

(You're going to take half)

8:48 AM

(Of which ill have a number in a second here)

(

less than 40 less than 40

)

(12 damage) the militamen dive out at your warning, the wooden bunker exploding into a shower of wooden shrapnel, reducing it to just a broken wood base. The night is lit by fire from the now burning wooden structure

(Have they withdrawn from weapon range?)

(It'll be at -2 to hit but you can get another round in)

Shriven pulls out his pistol and fires off another shot at them. (As the machine gun wouldn’t still be set up on a mount.)

9:02 AM

<23 11dmg>

9:03 AM

(Ohh that’s a crit.

didn’t notice.)

(so it should be 22 dmg)

9:12 AM

(?)

(Yes)

The commando is knocked onto his stomach by the round. His companions do not seem to have noticed that he has fallen behind

9:20 AM

mortally wounded, the downed trooper draws a compact handgun from a boot holster, and presses it to his temple

9:20 AM

(your turn)

(Am I close enough to tackle the gun out of his hand with a dash?)

(exert str or dex, you pick)

9:21 AM

(a dash is going to use your action too, so depending on the check you can do it all)

<8>

9:23 AM

As shriven is running he thinks to himself that he really needs to get in shape because things like this keep happening.

Shriven dives into the Remnant commando, cartwheeling both of you off, toward the treeline. The pistol goes skittering away, far out of reach of you both

Shriven tries to do a quick search of his boots and belt for any other pistols or knives.

(he's struggling, hes not letting you search freely)

9:27 AM

The commando, very injured, throws a punch

9:27 AM

your armor stops the weak blow effortlessly

Shriven continues to search him. He can’t let this resource take its own life.

You notice the handle of a knife in his boot

9:44 AM

he hasnt been able to draw it, pinned by you

Shriven removes it and then tries to subdue him.

10:03 AM

Shriven is cautious though using his new found medical skills to make sure that he will survive the encounter and not push him to far.

(how are you subduing him>)

Trying to hold him still until help arrives and I can apply the patch and stabilize him.

Two other militiamen notice you are struggling with one of the commandos and rush over to help hold him down

10:49 AM

he coughs and swears at you all

Shriven applies the patch to stabilize his wounds. (Heal/int?)

(yes)

<8> shriven remembers Miriam talking about a shot to the core and how to do......

The wound is stabilized though the commando is unconcious;

Shriven asks the 2 militiamen to help him carry the prisoner back to one of the remaining redoubts.

He is brought inside, and the guards move outside, keeping watch on the surroundings

(What time is it? Near dawn?)

(like 3am)

Shriven looks at his watch and realizes there is to much time left in the night and they will probably notice their companion is missing. “Men, they will probably try to rescue their compatriot, we need to be on guard.” Shriven then assigns 2 men just to watch the prisoner and waits for another 2 hours after getting his machine gun set up next to the prisoner.

11:48 AM

(I want to watch for 2 hours then wake him to question him if he hasn’t before then.)

The fire turns to embers by 5am, when the prisoner begins waking up. THe sky is starting to lighten with the coming of the sun

When shriven notices that he is mostly conscious he says. “Good morning, I just wanted you to know that you were the only survivor of the raid before I hand you over to these nice angry people who you have enslaved and terrorized for the last months. I would be willing to help you out and give you a quick death instead of the games they would probably play with you but you have to cooperate or I may just hand you over to them. Nod if you understand.”

11:59 AM

(Going The your a dirtbag and your imagination is worse than what I could describe route.)

he nods

(Want me to throw all my questions or just stagger them?) (edited)

(Lets do one at a time to make sure I give you complete answers you can refer to later)

12:06 PM

(I'm sure this will have to be relayed at some point)

“How many groups do you know of?”

(are his arms/hands semi free?)

12:34 PM

(like enough to gesticulate?)

(Yes, I was thinking he had his hands handcuffed in front of him. Or the like with rope if no cuffs available.)

(either way lets me do what I had in mind, so thats good)

12:47 PM

He puts two fingers out, indicating two groups that he knows about

“How many men are in the group you were with?”

5 is shown

“Was the other group you know of, in this area?” (Added comms in edit.) (edited)

He nods his head yes

“How many were in that group?”

8

“Were you a part of the group that nuked harmony?”

he shakes his head no

“Does your group have any nuclear devices?”

He shakes his head no, again

“Do you have a permanent base or fall back point?”

"Sergeant knew it. "

“Was he with you on this last raid?”

"Yes. Was the one with charges"

his voice is gravely, and even with the aid of a lazarus patch, he is struggling for breath

“What was your orders when you were left on the planet?”

At this, he does not answer

“Were you ordered to find something?”

“No. Just to kill”

5:23 PM

“We gathered what we could from the people here. Orders were if couldn’t evacuate to resist. Fight back. Help would come”

“Do you know when you were expecting support?”

He shakes his head no

5:32 PM

He is breathless from saying so much a moment ago and his nose is bleeding again.

“What planet were you recruited from?”

He does not answer

Shriven turns and asks the specialist, “Is there anything I’m missing?”

6:01 PM

(If I’m missing something obvious can I roll to see if shriven would think of it otherwise I’m just going to get the work detail going for tomorrow night’s camp.)

(You’re not missing anything he has no idea about the mining project you and Jax were investigating. He was here already)

Shriven turns back to the prisoner. “What planet were you stationed at before coming to this planet?”

“Alcibiades”

“Is that a code name for a planet or station in this sector?

"It is a planet in the sector"

6:58 PM

he coughs, and more blood comes out of his nose and mouth

“So I have one last question, do you want to live? I may be able to get you somewhere that you can be safe.”

He spits a mouthful of blood in your direction, but otherwise remains silent

“Very well I will honor our agreement. Any last words?” Shriven pulls out his knife.

"Use a gun. Have some civility you fucking animal"

Shriven pulls out his laser pistol from his bag and executes the prisoner as keeping him alive is to risky.

7:34 AM

“Well men, let’s get rid of the prisoner and work on preparing redoubts for tonight.”

(did you want anything from his kit?)

(Yeah im going to review it all. Look for documents see if any tech is special.)

He has a monoblade that you'd taken from him, and a service pistol, though it looks to be long out of bullets. He is wearing a RONI patch on his left shoulder. In the musette back he was captured with, there are spare magazines for his combat rifle, an atmofilter, night vision goggles, a flare, and several days worth of rations and water purification tablets

7:55 AM

he also has a spare belt for the crew served machine gun youd found evidence of

Shriven looks over the uniform for any holes.

It's got a few small shrapnel tears, and some wear from tramping through the woods for a few weeks, but overall its in pretty good shape

Shriven pulls out a spare set of clothes and changes him out of his uniform and puts on the spare clothes. Then grabs the gear.

After the body is disposed of shriven turns to the specialist. “I want you to ride with me today. I have a feeling that the commandos may have an idea of what we are going to be planning and have some protests on the completion of those redoubts.”

(so you're wearing a RONI uniform?)

9:27 AM

(or civ clothes)

(I’m wearing my normal clothes just wanted to put the RONI in my pack.)

Shriven heads over to the Captain, “Captain, I would like to take 2 of you men with me when we go to prepare the redoubts, I have a feeling that the commandos will probably try to stop us from building those.”

"You're only taking two? or is this in addition to the truck?"

“In addition, I will need the truck the specialist and 2 of your men, along with 10 of the men to help with the work.”

"Granted, of course, and yes, I dont think that demolition charge trick is going to work again"

Shriven goes and gets the volunteers. “Do any of you have any hunting experience? I have 4 extra guns if you feel comfortable enough to not shoot yourself or our friends here.” (edited)

11:00 AM

(2 mag pistols and 1 laser pistol and the RONI combat rifle.)

They all have hunting experience

Shriven hands out the guns and ammo for each. “Let’s head out then.” Shriven and the specialist are going about 50 meters ahead of the truck to be able to scout for any unfriendlies or land mines.

(notice/int)

<3> shriven drives in a straight line ignoring all things due to a riveting conversation with the specialist about the local soccer teams on Aslief... (edited)

11:43 AM

(Let me know if I can take that out of (). )

(you can hahah, thats pretty much whats going on)

(Last night did I heal again?)

(yes)

(evasion save)

<19v7 success.> just as shriven was disgusted by the specialists understanding of the 5-4-1 formation he looked forward and noticed something off.

Just as shriven notices, the pile of trash on the side of the road explodes

2:08 PM

his quick reflexes swerve the bike away from the blast, the explosion thankfully being small

Shriven quickly coms the truck. “Ordinance in the area expecting hostiles.”

(initiative)

<4>

(3)

3:06 PM

Taking quick stock of the situation, Shriven notices a glint of glass or metal in the woods, 100m away

Shriven brings the bike to a stop dives off and yells. “Bogey 4 o’clock.” While he sets up the bipod while prone.

The sniper (using execution attack. Needed 8 got 9) shoots through the windshield and kills the driver of the truck, halting them 100m down the road.

6:56 PM

(You’re Up)

Shriven fires at the sniper. <6 13 dmg>

The shot gets swallowed up in the underbrush. The sniper lines up on another target

8:09 PM

The expert who had been riding on the bike with you goes down, shot through the head

8:10 PM

(You’re up again)

Shriven is jarred by seeing the specialist get killed in front of him but manages to fire off a shot. <8 17dmg>

The shots are once again swallowed up by the undergrowth. Militiamen and workers are disembarking from the truck

8:48 PM

The sniper misses, the shot puncturing a fire

8:48 PM

(Youre Up)

Shriven focuses on knowing that if he doesn’t do something the whole group is going to be taken out. <17 11 dmg>

You hear the shots make the sound of hitting plate. The shooter is pained and you can hear that even from the road.

8:55 PM

The follow up shot does not come, you hear sticks breaking and see foliage moving as the shooter seeks to break contact

(Can I fire in that direction in a spray -2 or -4 to hit him again?)

(It’s already -4 if you’re not set up. It’s your turn so you don’t need to snap fire. It’s -2 for the foliage so it’s -2 or -6 depending on your mg statue

8:58 PM

Status

(I spent the first turn setting up.) Shriven fires in the direction of the sniper but can’t pinpoint it <4 9dmg>

The sounds of running are faint. He is at least 80m away now by your estimation

9:01 PM

(He’s double moving)

Shriven waits to see if he returns or not. (Delaying attack Incase another target arrives.)

Birds begin chirping again after a few moments. The danger has passed, leaving two dead

Shriven gets up and hops on the hovercycle and drives over to the truck. Makes sure the other soldier is ready to drive. (Insert affirming conversation with the soldier to get him back to driving.)

The workers do not follow right away, taking a few minutes to respectfully bury the dead, and mark the sites for later recovery

7:19 AM

The redoubt site, the last one needed, is reached mid afternoon

Shriven makes sure to distribute the rifles of the dead.

Shriven leads the remaining workers in building the redoubts as with the last ones.

(lead/cha, as they're now quite demoralized)

<7>

The redoubt construction drags, the workers all frightened from the sniper attack, and horrified at the prospect their only warning will be them, or one of their friends dying next to them. The refugees catch up close to sunset

Shriven gathers up the weapons he handed out to the workers. Then goes to find the other specialist that was initially pointed out to him at the beginning of the convoy. “Specialist, I need you to take the first shift with this.” Shriven holds out the night vision googles. “I will come relieve you at 1. I’m going to get some sleep now.” (Shriven is planning on taking the shift from 1 till dawn.)

You're awoken at 1, promptly, the specialist handing you a cup of powdered recaf he has inexpertly mixed over the fire. It is bitter, but warm.

9:12 AM

"Nothing to report. A couple foragers shot a deer, so there's something to eat by the fire for you'

Shriven goes straight to the redoubt and sets his machine gun up and asks one of the men going off duty to grab the food for him. He slips on the night vision goggles and finishes off his recaf waiting for the food and keeping a watch out for any kind of movement.

The first rays of dawn begin warming you up, as watch passes without any trouble during the night

Shriven relaxes a bit. He was sure that they would have hit with as many heavy weapons as possible. Now with that night danger passed he prepares to travel with the convoy out in front of the first truck with the other specialist. First however he goes to talk with the captain, “Captain, one last day of travel, this will be the last chance for the Remnant to hit such a large party. Let’s keep our eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. I’ll be out in front hopefully able to spot anything for the group.”

"We should be at the base about mid-day. We just have to make it until then"

“Roger I’ll start scouting then.”

9:39 AM

Shriven hops on the hovercycle. Missing the conversation of the specialist from yesterday and heads out to scout.

The route thus far seems clear, though two hours into your drive, you pass a grisly display on the roadside, where seven citizens have been hung from a tree, a large sign crudely spray painted below them, spelling TRAITORS

Shriven stops his hovercycle and gets off then looks for large branches on the other side of the road. (I’m looking to throw large branches on the path as I suspect landmines are set to punish removing of the bodies.)

Remembering to look for mines, you do see a few anti-personnel mines buried in the undergrowth.

(Is there a path I could take to cut down the bodies and carry them out for a proper burial?)

(You've seen the mines so you can see where there are not mines, if that makes sense)

Shriven picks his way carefully to under the bodies to cut them down.

(take a re-roll token for being a good person)

1

11:22 AM

The bodies are gently cut down and laid out, buried as well as possible on the side of the road

After the burial service shriven hops back on his hovercycle to continue scouting Incase there is anything else concerning.

Nothing further is seen, and before long the broken walls of the defense base are seen against the blue-grey sky

11:49 AM

soldiers patrol outside, and teams with thermal scopes pan back and forth, ensuring nothing untoward is in the woods

Shriven pulls in and looks for commander Cole to give her the After action report summary.

The commander is in the courtyard of the base directing a sapper team against a broken wall when she sees you brought through the base

Shriven hops off his hovercycle and walks towards Commander Cole. “Commander, the convoy is safe and I have some intel that you will be interested in. Can we go inside?”

“Of course”. She takes you into a room normally reserved for interrogations and bids you sit down

“During the second time that the convoy was attack we were able to capture a prisoner he was able to provide some intel. There are 2 groups that are independently working in the area between here and Santee. 5 people are in one group and 8 in the other. They are littering the area with landmines and have orders to has he said quote, if couldn’t evacuate to resist. Fight back. Help would come. End quote. Neither group has nukes but neither group was involved in nuking harmony so it must be another group. They have one fall back point but the interrogation showed that the prisoner didn’t know of where. We also learned that part of the task force that was brought to Aslief came from Alcibiades. This was all the intel I extracted from the prisoner. I thought he was to great of a danger to the group to try to retain him in captivity so he was executed as an enemy combatant. “

“You did the right thing. We hate what they stand for but they can certainly fight. He would have been trouble”

“I did my best but there were several causalities on our side the first night. After we started setting up redoubts the casualties dropped significantly.”

“I don’t have a plan for the remaining 15 people but if you do I would be glad to assist.”

"They'll be taken care of here, working with our sappers to get the wall fixed. I'm going to have refugees start rebuilding the town around the base here, and then settle in. I expect more people from the rad zone or the southlands near by will start making their way here. I want housing and supply ready for them"

“Maybe I can help with that. I want to begin to build a small outpost of Ad Astra here on the planet that will help with factories and housing. Give the people here something to do in the months to come and build upon.” (edited)

“You risked your life and didn’t have to out there to make sure refugees made it in. If you set it up in town here so I can ensure it’s safety I’d be willing to let you set up a branch here”

“Thank you. I will do what I can to help you in this time of transition. Is there anything else that I can do for you when I’m off world?”

"The supplies you've brought in have helped. I'm going to get an official list together, and get it circulated to see what help we can get. I want to get industry here going again as well so we can actually have something of value to give for the help" (I have to get their endeavor list together)

(Does cole have one of the FTL com devices?)

(Messages can be sent through space but they take about a day per hex to get to where they're going)

8:57 AM

(I had eventually speeding up that communication as a possible future endeavor idea for greenbriar)

“I look forward to receiving your official list. Thank you for your time.” Shriven stands to depart and salutes. “Commander.”

she returns it, and escorts you back to the base gates.

9:08 AM

(6xp, 15,000 credits)

1

(Can I start setting up the HQ this faction turn or do I need to find a factor and wait till next turn?)

(if you can give me a couple real life days, we're hitting month end now)

9:12 AM

(I just have a couple missions ending and depending on how they go, the news might change)

(Figured as much.)

(it'll be a new faction turn, so you can organize your trades, endeavors, company growth, ect all at once)

(Sounds good.) Shriven is going to head back to Gudrun.

Trivedi cloud traffic welcomes you home, after a long mission on Aslief. A personal message from Kincaid requests you relay anything learned to colonial intelligence and the other notables (in group)

Seeing the transmission sent, colonial intelligence begins pouring over the information.

Shriven gets off the Anamem and heads to talk to Alfred to sell the cargo he has and to pick up small arm of energy weapons for the Sumati Cold War with the Remnant .

The goods are loaded, and the ship sets out from Trivedi cloud, full of supplies to assist in the war against COST, and their suspected Remnant allies

8:54 AM

You enter system space and do not yet see the beacons- it has however- only been a couple weeks since you'd last been here

Shriven begins to approach the north eastern hemisphere scanning for any other ships while approaching the planet. (Prog/Int?)

8:56 AM

(I’m trying to get where I’m close enough that transmissions will be semi blocked by the planet and then I will send an encrypted message to the Prime minister.)

(Prog int. yes)

<7>

You notice energy trails noting a ship has been here recently, but has departed several hours previously, back into spike

9:04 AM

The trail is too old to reliably have an indication of where it has drilled to.

Shriven makes note in his AA report then prepares to send the encrypted message to the Usean government.

You hear the tri-tone , and then static, indicating the encrypted line is open

“This is Usean Ace Shriven, can I speak with the prime minister or someone in leadership?” (Edit because Quotes help with talking ...) (edited)

Shriven, welcome back. You've come at an opportune time (edited)

“I’m glad I could make it back so soon. Do I have permission to land? I brought some of those supplies that we discussed. I am also not super confident in the security of the connection, I did what I could but I’m reticent to speak much more on this connection.”

If you can make it to the clearing where we had originally done business, that would be ideal

Shriven pulls up the logs from the last trip to confirm he has them, after finding them he sends the message, “Confirmed, will take same route in. Over and out.”

9:28 AM

Shriven then takes Anamem down to the planet using the exact same coordinates minus the evasive maneuvers. Then lands on the planet in the valley he did last time.

Shriven tells the marines and spare pilots to prepare the Anamem for trade and asks the marines to confirm that the area is secured from any kind of local wildlife.

Wildlife, even birds, have been scarce from what you have seen so far, and the combat team you have aboard is satisfied the area is safe. Before long, the helicopters arrive, and the Prime minister emerges. Two heavy lift units accompany the group this time.

Shriven is sure to wear the ace badge as he walks up to the Prime Minister. “Prime minister, it is a pleasure to see you. I gathered what I could as fast as I could to help the war effort. I have 190 tons of the energy weapons that his Highness had shown interest in. I also have some more information as to what the Mining was about.”

"What would you like in exchange for the weapons?"

“How about some colony supplies and building materials. We are trying to rebuild a planet that had been ravaged by the remnant. 50 tons of supplies and 169 tons of materials would be very helpful along with credits to cover the difference.”

He thinks for a moment and then hands out a datapad to sign. "The transfer will take a few hours once you've made your mark. Thank you for replying to us so quickly. These weapons may help keep the tide from turning against us"

“As to the earlier information I mentioned, we had a breakthrough and were able to get data that showed that the Remnant were after an AI that used to control the sectors military planning. It appears that they were able to pull the necessary programs and core out of the installation. This more than likely means they will not be returning in force other than to arm and equip the COST forces. We will do everything that I can to help facilitate you in this war.”

"We suspected they were getting outside help, they vastly outnumber us, we had the edge in technology and have been holding them, but that seems like it is eroding. Any additional support you can bring would be appreciated. Tanks, planes, ships, guns, we need more of everything"

“I will see what I can do. It may also be helpful for me to set up a factory to produce those here in Usean. I understand that right now it is out of the scope of this trade and support but I thought that I would mention it so you could see what would need to be done to facilitate this.”

"That's going to require some thought, and agreed, is outside the scope of this trade. for now, Anything else like what you've brought will go a long way"

“I look forward to our next encounter. With your permission Prime Minister.” Shriven bows and looks to retire back to Anamem and help get it loaded.

The ship gives a gentle shudder as the last of the crates are placed. One of the workers on the ground gives a thumbs up for you to close the compartment

Shriven heads back to Gudrun, where he drops off with Alfred the latest haul for storage. Then checking his messages sees the message from Charles. Seeing he already left he heads to Miriam to catch up to him.

(To #trivedi-inc)

Shriven heads back to the Anamem. “She sure does look good. Let’s get heading back to Gudrun. It looks like Seung is getting an armada together to hit the Remnant again.”

@Rey (Shriven) The battle for the control tower begins to rage, though sitting in the Anamen, everything feels quite serene. That is, until you notice, from a long distance off, that when the sun hits the water just right.... (notice/int)

<7>

"THat's too big to be a whale...right?" the copilot murmurs, as a long, tubular shape begins drawing close to the island from the north

Shriven sigh, “Probably not.” Shriven comms the cruiser, “I’m leaving AirCap to investigate a possible hostile super incoming. Will keep you advised.”

The water is a beautiful, sparking blue, capped like it is blanketed in diamonds. A shadow gradually grows larger in the water, rising from the depths before breaching the surface, 20km away from the island

8:41 PM

The shape is a submarine, a large one, and as water begins to drain and wash off its sides and deck, missile tube doors begin to slowly grind open on ratting gears

Shriven comms the cruiser, “Large hostile sub ready to launch missiles 20 clicks NNW of the base. Engaging.”

8:43 PM

Shriven turns to his crew, “No rest for the weary. Let take care of this thing.”

(It's turn was emerging, so you've got a shot if youre ready to take one. Ship weapons dont have a range, assuming because you're probably fighting at real long range unless youre boarding, so I'd say your tubes are good to go)

<11 14dmg> “light em up.”

(It's a hit!) The first torpedo streaks away from the anamen, blowing out the top nose of the submarine. a geyser of water soaks the crew on deck, and it begins to list gently to port side, though not enough to put it in danger of sinking. Smoke and intense light shine from the tube, and the first missile launches skyward, heading for the island

(Can I have the marines fire the torpedos and I try to bait that missile into exploding in the water or choose one?)

(You can do both, its pilot/dex for you and an attack roll for them)

“Fire the weapons at that sub, I’m going to be kind of busy.”<2 16dmg> <12 pilot>

The quick manueuvers throw off their aim, torpedo corkscrewing wildly off course, splashing into the sea. The sea launched missile is knocked off course by powerful downdraft from the Anamen, and likewise is knocked into the ocean, throwing up a geyser of salt water

(Did it retreat? I’m good just waiting so you don’t have to post extra combats. My family is in town from out of state.)

(No it didn’t). The submarine crew begins attempting damage control measures to keep it afloat. Another missile launches landward

Shriven tries to force the missile off again. <10> and yells back, “Take out that sub.” <2 9dmg>

The missile is buffeted by backdraft as the Anamen streaks by. Its safety systems cause it to disarm and plunge into the ocean, as its target becomes scrambled

5:10 PM

The marines are having a hard time drawing a bead on the enemy submersible with the intense acrobatics the ship is putting on. The submarine, emergency measures and damage control completed, for now, begins to crash dive

(One last shot?)

(Yeah you can make one)

“Get it before it goes under.” <9 22Dmg> (can’t shoot straight this combat....)

The torpedo splashes and detonates, but the submersible is too far down for any damage to be seen

"Shriven, this is the flagship. There's an unknown contact that just entered the system, do you mind accompanying one of the corvettes to investigate?"

Shriven sighs, “On my way.” Turning off the comms “Let’s see if your space fighting is better than our amphibious combat skills.”

Leaving the atmosphere, the scanner beeps once, then twice, before steadily locking on to the object. It is small, whatever it is, only about a third the size of the Anamen, though for now it is still too distant to be seen.

Shriven clumsily tries to identify the object with sensors.

(Program int)

<7>

The contact resolves on your screen into the profile of a naval courier

6:30 PM

It’s not declaring any allegence

(2 corvettes are traveling with me right?)

(Yes)

(Just confirming before I do something stupid... my understanding is that courier ships don’t have weapons I also understand that Q-Ship mod lets any ship look like another of its size but by you saying courier your saying no VISIBLE weapons. Right?)

(Right, and its of its size, so its not like you're going to roll up on it and its like LOL im a titan FU)

1

“Corvettes please stand down it appears I repeat appears to be a courier. I will approach to a closer proximity and try to engage in talks with the ship.”

When shriven enters into the same sector as the courier he opens a comm, “Unidentifies vessel, this is the trade ship Anamem. If you have non-hostile intentions please respond.”

The courrier does not reply, and seems to be on the most direct course for the planet possible\

The Anamem plots a intercept course.

(pilot dex, opposing their check to evade you)

<14>

(11) The Anamen deftly plots an intercept course, forcing it to break off and come about, bleeding momentum

Shriven receives a message from Charles. "Hey buddy, we've done some research into the alien body and the genetic materials we found. The body seems to be from a race called Fleshchangers, which were an enemy of the slyth. Ghiest described them as like their boogeyman, so definitely something to be wary of. I can give you more information about them if you want but belive me you don't want to know anymore than you already do. On top of that the genetic samples seem to be living people. We're working on restoring them now. Will keep you updated "

(Thanks for the update.)

7:17 AM

Shriven comms the corvettes, “Converge on my position, we are going to board her.” Then comms the courier while making it hard for the ship to run towards the closest rim to jump out. “Unidentified ship, identify yourself or I will need to assume hostile intentions, this is your last warning.” (How far away are the corvettes?)

(Keeping formation with you, picturing you guys around it in like a triangle shape almost)

Shriven comms the corvettes, “target their engines once I open fire.” Shriven waits 10 seconds hoping that the courier will respond. (edited)

Seeing that it is trapped, the courier begins trying to erratically weave and dodge, still trying to veer planetside

Shriven reminds the marines to “Target the engines once you do then weapons free.” <15 17dmg> (edited)

The vessel rocks as the torpedo hits its engines. They flicker once, then twice, and then begin cooling, power cut

Shriven comms the corvette. “Dock with the Anamem to gather our boarding team here (I don’t have boarding tubes...) so we can board the courier as one. I am expecting a dozen or so men giving heavy resistance.”

A shadow blocks out the stellar light as the corvette docks with you, and an airlock is sealed for you to transfer over. Aboard the corvette, the Taros ten-man police team with expertise in breaching is preparing their gear for the boarding assault

Learning his lesson from last time he confirms that his combat armor is on tight. Then sends Seung a message apprising him of the situation to clear his use of the boarding party.

1:47 PM

@Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) Shriven sends Seung a message

Seung, we have immobilized a non-responding Naval Courier out here. I am requesting permission to lead your strike team here to board the courier.

After getting the confirmation from Seung he sends one last comm to the Courier. “You have been disabled, we would like to avoid further conflict please respond.”

There is a short silence, before the link resolves into static, and then a stern voice"We have explosives. We will detonate them if you attempt to board"

“What is your purpose in coming to this system?”

"Don't owe you an explanation Greenbriar dog"

“You don’t owe me anything as a Greenbrair, but as a retired Lt. Col of the Tenebriar empire you do owe me a modicum of respect soldier. So let me ask again more specifically did you have direct orders to come to this system or is it apart of a scheduled drop?”

"It's part of a scheduled drop, sir, but I can say no more"

“I understand mission priorities and am hoping I can give you a path out of this mess with your honor and your life both still being intact. What’s your rank soldier?”

“I’m the vessels captain. I’ll die a thousand deaths before I let you board. Please don’t make me do this”

“Captain I would rather for both our sakes not to have to do that. Any chance we can talk about this face to face through video comms like the Gentlemen that the Empire raised us to be?”

“I can make that work. Allow me a moment to return to the bridge.”

Shriven also heads to the local bridge. Shriven while walking there says to the commander, “I need you to record and try to identify all the personnel that you can.”

He begins recording the conversation The link opens, a tired looking Remnant naval officer sits in a worn down bridge chair

"Well captain, you wanted to hash this out like the officers we are. Let's start. I'm assuming you're not just going to withdraw your boarding tubes and let me complete my mission, and I certainly cannot allow you to board, and thus fail my mission. I don't want to risk the lives of my crew, and I am sure you feel the same about your....well...I'm not sure how you feel about your crew"

“I do not wish to risk any lives nor do I wish to have to cut into your ship or wage war via your airlock. If I were to give you time to repair the engines would you leave the system or are you duty bound to try to exfill something or someone from the planet?”

"I am bound to deliver orders, and return with a report on planetary operations"

“Well I regret to inform you that by the time you can get the courier operational there isn’t going to be any active personnel at the base to be able to give order nor any operations at the base. Does that change your position?”

"Captain, I appreciate your honorable intentions thus far, but I cannot take the word of an enemy, nor return to make a report with your words being my only assurances of the situation here"

11:51 AM

15 seconds a message appears on Shriven's compad

“I understand, how long would it take you to get your engines back online?”

There is a slight breeze, and in the hallway outside, you see Sil and the ten man breaching team. Sil moves cautiously to look at the screen without being in it, and nods to you. He heads back into the hallway closing the door behind him. "About....It looks like an hour or two right now"

“Begin you repairs, I will withdraw the boarding tubes. Contact me when your done and we can continue this discussion. Until I see you again Captain.”

There is a shudder as the tubes withdraw. The video link remains open just long enough for you to see the Remnant captain;s expression drop, as taros boarding troopers move in front of the camera. Through the audio link you can hear him being taken into custody.

Shriven mutters, “Well I did it without loss of life. That is a better date than he and his crew could have otherwise gotten.” Shriven shakes his head. “Why do I feel dirty after avoiding loss of life? Isn’t that the best outcome?” Shriven turns to the Commander, “Can you get me over there to that ship? I want to talk to that captain and discuss his options.”

"Of course, firing boarding tubes"

12:09 PM

There is a shudder as the harpoon tipped bridge lances into the enemy courrier. There is a hiss as air pressure is stabilized. An amber light changes to green outside the boarding hatch

Shriven steps out, walking up towards the bridge. Listening for any ongoing combat.

The ship is quiet, and on the bridge, three Remnant ship crew are on their knees, hands behind their heads in surrender, one of whom is the captain

Shriven walks up to the captain, “I told you I didn’t wish to risk any lives nor cut into your ship. I came here now to discuss your options.”

The boarding team stands aside, allowing you to get close to the prisoners. "And what would those be" he sighs. He is tired, and it almost sounds like he feels like this is a game

Shriven turns to the guards, “Can I talk to him in the hall?” After he is taken to the hall and away from the other two shriven starts his speech, “As I see it you have 3 options; Option one, you fight and make a general nuisance of yourselves and end up dead, I don’t want that option nor do I think you. Option two, you now are POW with all the rights and limitations that are entailed in that camps, petty labor the whole gambit, I personally think that would be a waste of your talents. Which leaves option three, you spend the next month working with our intelligence group to talk about which current planets have Remnant bases and other assorted information, now you may be asking yourself why you would do that, and that’s understandable in your situation I would also be skeptical, but after that month many options would be open to you. One of those options could including that you and your men, if you chose, could be dropped off where you can make a creditable escape from a camp to another Remnant base. Another option would be able to start a new life from this point, I have to tell you Captain that retirement has its benefits. I digress, Captain the options are yours.”

"I'd like a moment to talk it over with my men. Option 2 might get me killed if we aren't all on the same page"

“I would expect nothing less.”

Shriven nods to the guards to take him back to his men.

Silvano comes out to you after a few moments. "He's willing to go with option 3. His crew aren't . What do you think we should do?"

8:46 PM

"we can't very well let them go"

“Isn’t there still that POW camp of Remnant back on the colony?”

"There is, only a few people in it right now. Think we should just take them all?"

“How many are in the crew just the 2?”

"2 crew, and the captain"

“I have a feeling Sil that there may be a lot more in that camp after today.”

“But yes I would say we take all 3 and we need to make sure to keep the Captain separate and happy.”

"Smart idea. Alright, I'll get the two aboard the brig on the flagship. We can keep the captain here for a little bit, maybe convince them he met with a bad fate"

“Sil, what do you think about this plan? I make a scene to try to convince one of the other 2 to take option three as the captain has said he would only be a POW we throw him in the airlock, you tele in grab him tele out as I pontificate on the reason I am doing this then after about 30 seconds I vent the now empty airlock. We would somehow need to let the captain know of the intentions and that we are doing this for his protection.” (Doesn’t he have telepathy as well?)

(He does, and thats what he will end up suggesting)

8:43 AM

"I can get a message to him. We will keep him aboard the brig on a different ship. Keep them separated so they really do think he's dead. Maybe once we get home we can incarcerate him separately too"

Shriven nods, “Let’s get back in there and start this little deception. Nod when the message has been relayed.” Shriven walks back in to the bridge glaring at the captain.

As Shriven and the captain size one another up, the captain's face wrinkles for a moment, before relaxing. Sil brushes your mind, letting you know he is ready (edited)

“Very well Captain, if you are choosing to not cooperate, we need someone to give us information. Sargent, grab him and his two friends, we are going to go to the airlock to hopefully loosen their tongues.”

They all look on in fear, the captain doing a good job of acting

As we approach the airlock shriven says, “Sargent throw the captain in the airlock, I will decompress the chamber.” Then turns to the crew once he is in the airlock. (Monologue incoming typing where I have spell check

)

The door shuts with a hiss of air pressure, and the two guards stand outside its doors as if to bar passage

“I don’t want to have to do this, I need information, the Captain has made it clear to me that he would have taken care of you if you were to talk, now that I have him ready to be removed I offer you this option again. Cooperate with us and we can grant you options, work with us and we can help you, there are plenty of options we can give you from a new start to a way to get back to your lives. The choice is yours of course but I hope that one of you will see reason. Especially due to the statement of your captain.”

9:33 AM

Shriven waits dramatically for a response, (till he is confident that sil has gotten him out.)

"fuck you Greenbriar dog" one of the crewman spits

“That’s Lt. Col dog to you.” (Am I confident that sil has grabbed him? Not sure how to gauge time via texting.)

(Yeah you can be sure by now)

“Are you saying you wish an execution like this?” As shriven presses the decompression on the airlock.

they both look aghast as they believe the captain has just been vented

“So let me ask you again, do you want to cooperate with our questions or are you going to be difficult like your captain?”

One of them is suddenly ill on the deck. "Please don;t vent me"

12:07 PM

"Ill tell you anything

“Very we Sargent take him to the bridge so I can talk with him.” Shriven then turns to the other one. “What about you what’s your choice?”

“No. I won’t talk” the final one says defiantly. “You can do whatever you want. I won’t abandon my duty”

“As you wish, Guards, take this one to the brig. I will talk to the other.”

2:59 PM

Shriven waits for the guards to take the recalcitrant crew away. Then heads to the bridge to talk to the willing crew. While walking he messages Sil,

Well that went well, now we have 2 cooperative crew who can’t see each other. Once again thanks for your help with this plan couldn’t have done it without you.

“What is the plan for the last one?” Sil replies

“Honestly it depends, if we have other POWs from the planet throw them in with them, otherwise I’m not sure. We do have enough ships to cover all the groups though.”

“We do, and we have their ship now too. Think it’s worth being a prize vessel?”

“Hopefully, unless they have some kind of failsafe onboard. Before we start poking around I would like an expert look it over. Meanwhile I think I’m going to go talk to the captain where did you stash him?”

5:10 PM

“I’m guessing he may have some information on what kind of failsafes it might have.”

“He’s on the cruiser, in isolation”

(Just checking Isn’t the cruiser in orbit of the planet and I can’t get to it right now?)

(You’d have to fly to it but yes. Sil ported to it, made the executive decision that they can’t accidentally come into contact if he’s in a separate part of the battlegroup) (edited)

(That’s good logic.)

10:50 AM

Shriven instead goes to the bridge to talk to the cooperating crew. When he enters the bridge shriven asks, “What were you supposed to pick up and do you know what orders you were giving to the planet.”

“The orders are on an encrypted terminal. We can’t open it. Even the captain doesn’t have the password. It’s to protect against. Well. This”

11:49 AM

“We were supposed to report on how operations on the planet were going back to the next relay node”

“Where is the next relay node?”

"Asta. The desert planet. Just in space though. Things...on the surface...robots

“Have you been down to the surface or only heard stories?”

"Stories. but I think they're real"

“Where do you base out of?”

"Alcibiades"

4:23 PM

(Same world as the other prisoners have said, I might have butchered the spelling)

Shriven sighs, “Is that a fleet stronghold?”

"Garrison world. One of them anyway"

“Were you able to do anything to the ship prior to it being boarded? Are there any safeguards that you know of?”

"No, we were strapped into our chairs trying to outrun you, and then you got aboard before long from there. The orders are encrypted, like I said, we aren't told anything about what we are carrying aside from where to deliver it"

“What do you know of Shahriar? Is there a base there?”

(I put up a new scouting report on roll20, easier than just re-typing, but hes cooperating)

“Good and what about Thjodhild? Is there a base there?”

"No" he coughs once. "It's a gas giant. Heard rumors they were going to try to refine fuel from it once, but never heard anything else"

“One last question before we give you some rest, you said one of the garrison bases where are the others in this sector?”

"I had a drill sergeant from Chloe once. Most of my recruit class was from there|

(surface map is up too)

1

(He just knows of abal... and Chloe as garisioms right?)

(Alcibiades and Chloe are garrison worlds that he knows about. Is that what you’re asking?)

(Yep.)

(Yeah the gas giant, those two garrison worlds and the relay node around asta is all he knows about.)

Shriven thanks him and has the guards take him to the brig on the corvette. Then shriven goes over to steer the ship back into orbit. (Expecting something to go wrong.)

Reports filter in from the battle below. News of robot/organic algamated horrors, slaves kept in poor conditions, and widespread research that would have been considered repugnant even in pre-war days sifts across the screen

(This is via messages from Seung and crew right?)

(Yeah like an open link to the fleet so as things happen or situations arisen he can give orders easily, or be informed about new developments in space. Space is quiet now that the courier is dealt with)

Shriven checks in, “Courier has been neutralize, ummm not that sil hasn’t let you know. On our way back.”

The fleet controller opens up a channel “Welcome back to anchor Anamen. How’s your medical facilities. Do you have any aboard?”

“Unfortunately Anamem does not. Unless the courier does. I haven’t actually done a full inspection.”

“we have some prisoners coming up from the planet and were hoping to spread them around. No worries anamen. I expect things down there will be wrapping up shortly. They’ll be hauling a lot of equipment out if you’ve got room”

“Cargo space we have, we are a little short on crew so I don’t know how many prisoners I can take.”

"They were slaves being kept here, nobody youd need to keep an armed guard on. I think most will be happy with a little bit of food and five minutes in the refresher"

“Oh, yeah we have room. I will see how many we can get packed in.”

"Very good Anamen, proceed to the surface, we will cover from above"

(I thought I was flying the courier?)

(I did not recall seeing that before, my bad)

“Proceed to the surface. Do what you can down there”

Shriven lands the courier and walks into the destroyed base looking for Seung. (Back to main chat #deleted-channel)

Shriven and Agata walk onto the courier ship. “Agata the crew stated that there was an encrypted message on board this terminal.” Shriven gestures to the terminal. “I would have tried for it but I don’t trust my skills to not cause some kind of automated self destruct of the message if not the ship...”

"Understandable. Let me take a look and see what I can do" (He has like a 4 in program I think, so no check) "Orders are...printing." Agata sounds a bit proud. Standing Orders Report on status of psionic interruption minerals on Terezinho, relay findings to Asta Command Node. Report to Khulk, rejoin fleet for push against alien threat

“By the light of the eternal stars! We can’t catch a break can we? Before we take this back to Seung can you do a check for any booby traps or autofails onboard. It would just ease my mind. Also is there a format for the in the system for what we should drop at Asta?”

"There is a format. I will make copies of it so we can experiment without ruining anything. It doesn't look like there was a self destruct here, just enough of a code to prevent casual access"

“Can you pull the jump history and Rutters from those jumps? I understand I’m asking a lot.” Shriven ponders other items of note. “And can you pull the personnel records for the captain and crew? It may come in very handy in further interrogations with them.”

"I'll have to work on the nav computer, on our way back. As far as the captain and crew logs, nothing is loaded. I don't think theyre actually crewing the same ship over and over, just ad hoc crews being assigned as needed"

“Very well let’s head back in and let Seung know that the Remnant is dealing with an Alien threat, maybe us maybe something else... let’s just hope it is us I don’t really want to have a boogeyman out there I don’t know about.”

12:37 PM

(and back #deleted-channel )

Shriven heads back to Anamem to get the atmo flyer loaded up.

Shriven re-boards the Anamen, leaving the courier in custody of Task Force pilots. "Welcome back Captain" the co-pilot says, breathing relieved at your return.

2:02 PM

"Everything secure down in the hold"

“Thanks, I will be right back I saw a young version of me back there that I think will need this sooner rather than later.” Shriven goes over and grabs the other Laser Lance and walks off the ship to find billy. (Off to #billy for a minute)

Shriven walks back on board and says to himself. “Hope that keeps that kid alive. One way or another I feel our paths will cross again.”

2:46 PM

Shriven turns to the Co-pilot. “Let’s get off this planet and get back to Gudrun.”

The ship pulls away from the task force formation, still at anchorage, and exits spike space a bit less than a day later, in Gudrun local system space

After getting permission to land at the cloud and following all safety procedures he drives off the back of Anamem on his hovercycle. Heading to Ad Asta’s new head quarters.

3:36 PM

Once he gets there he hops off with a “Hooah.” Walking into the head quarters he seeks out Alfred, amazed to see all these people busily doing paperwork to build the new factory.

Alfred is in the center of the chaos, answering questions, making calls, and conversing with Martin, the trivedi factory head, on the main screen who is involved in the same process

Shriven waits trying to blend in and watch the cogs of commerce wiz around him. Eventually when there seems to be a gap in the chaos he steps forward. “Looks like you are doing a great job around here. I wonder if you have any leads on other promising COO material. I have permission to open 2 new branches of Ad Asta from planetary governments. Got any ideas?”

“You ever think about opening it up to our piggen or taros neighbors? Otherwise I met a couple people from rawhani. Used to be lower level corporation department heads. Exiled. You know the story”

(Would that be considered another market on the world?)

(What. The Sumati factory?)

(No the tarps and pigged.)

6:21 PM

(Stupid autocucumber.... Taros and Piggen.)

(No it’s a market on another planet)

6:27 PM

(For the goal. We haven’t done far trading rules with them before so doing it now would be shafting a lot of prior peoples deals)

(I just assumed that Alfred was trading some of the medical supplies with them to help pay for his salary.)

(I'm sure he makes small deals here and there, but as far as the large scale trading in mind when the goal was made, sicne its on planet, those wont count as new worlds)

6:55 PM

(Domestic trade has largely been the colony's purview)

(Sounds like a great side quest to test those CEOs.)

"But my thought was trying to attract a foreign executive to our company. Anything works, we can recruit from here as well, if you see the spark of what youre looking for in them"

“Is there a Help wanted for the sector? I’m kind of new at this.” Shriven looks embarrassed.

"The endevor board we posted on has some things on it. The Taros have some jobs as well. The Piggen have been relatively quiet, but theres plenty out there" (Once I get the history project done, my next 'patch' is another endeavor board with jobs that once accomplished will make the planet willing to get rolled into the Greenbriar government)

“I guess I’ll go down to the camp and see if any department heads are down there and then head over to Golgis. Hopefully I can find at least one in the camps and convince one in Golgis to join Ad Asta. Do you think they would be okay with Anamem bringing Supplies and a Reactor for trade?”

"Not sure. They were pretty cold to us because we support unification, but you can certainly try"

“I have found that most doors open when you offer free gifts but thanks for the warning. Do you happen to know who I should talk to so I can find one of those department heads?”

"Id say either Franz or the actual camp supervisor himself should have a list of whos there right now. It helps us reunite missing families and knowing everyones background helps us place them with jobs here. He would know whos got the background you're needing"

“Once again your administration abilities astound me. Thank you for your work on this. I will let you know if I can open up a new market for some of the supplies the factory make.”

(Alfred is very much a Baron type of person where they just kind of know everyone)

“Well I’m off for now. Hopefully we can make enough inroads in the next month to be able to start hiring commuters from Vapormills to work as admins in the head quarters here. I have a feeling we could use the help.”

8:08 AM

(That was kind of a round about way of asking if that was possible.)

(What I was saying is I'm not going to let far trading with the other on gudrun factions happen, since no one elses deals are structured that way, and with each city state being separate, the wealth creep is going to get really high)

(I was more just trying to find a way to increase the HQ size and keep the one HQ/planet thing but just find a way to increase the HQ to level 3,4,5...)

(ah I've got you)

8:27 AM

"I'll see what we can do about it. Maybe open some kind of trade hub along the railroad for easy lander access. Worth some thoughts. Ill talk to the administrator there under Dorlin"

“Also can you see that the Colonial supplies, medical supplies and the Postech Generator get loaded onto Anamem. Thanks I know it is in good hands.” Shriven shakes Alfred’s hand then walks out. Then heads back to the cloud to see the engineers about commissioning some blueprints of 2 Atmoflyers and a Gravflyer that are obfuscated to delay any reverse engineering.

they're happy to have some new draft-work to do, and can work on them both, for a reasonable price (per our chat)

Shriven is overjoyed. He spends a good portion of the day going over the exact specs he wants on each envisioning how it will change the war on sumati. After throughly irritating the engineers with stuffing every fitting possible into the frames he leaves with a smile on this face.

8:51 AM

(Added a tab in the SS called blueprints to show what specs each are planned to have.)

(Great!)

(One heavy fighter, one ECM Jammer and one troop transport. I’m theorizing that it will give sumati a month or 2 of jump before the COST can swap their smart missiles for something more direct.)

8:53 AM

(As the jammer will make those missiles very dumb.)

(right, i think that makes sense, it'll give the Usean's a temporary bonus on their opposed tactics rolls, until the remnant catches up, if they do)

Though it is getting late shriven decides to head to talk to the camp supervisor so he can hopefully find at least one department head that he can see if he can trust on another world. (When I pull up what is the state of the refugees?)

Everyone is in good spirits. The refugees know they are only here while more permanent housing gets built for them, and that it is not a prison camp

Shriven asks some of them for directions to the supervisor.

9:00 AM

(Woops didn’t mean to hit send yet.)

The guards open the wooden gate, bringing you to a trailer in the center of camp, where the supervisor is out front, sharing a pipe of native Rawhani blend with a couple other elderly members of the refugee population

Shriven walks up to the supervisor, “Hello, I’m Shriven owner of the Ad Asta trading company I’m hoping that you can help me locate someone with a particular skill set. I need some department heads, people with good administration skills, the pay is commensurate to their skill level and drive. I was told that you may know of a few that may fit that description.”

"I know a couple actually, your timing is good. Let me spread these out for you" he brings you inside, and throws some personnel files out on the desk, spreading them open (administration.int)

Shriven looks at it and at first his eyes blur <4 but rerolling via expert> then focuses back on what he was doing and looks through the files. <8>

You decide on the one who looks most promising, former logistics officer of Saturnetworks, Emillia Zellastra.

9:59 AM

She had several accolades for exceeding production quotas before her exile into the desert, for sheltering a psychic from company retribution

Shriven keeps looking for a second best Incase she doesn’t pan out.

There is a man named Mirosan, the former second in command of the stack city, who has come along as part of the refugee compliment, who managed a fairly chaotic spread of conflicting special interests in the old city.

(Do either have families?)

(No one still alive)

Shriven looks up after narrowing it down to these two and says, “Can you set a meeting for me with the two of them or point me in the direction of each of them?”

"Theyre both here. Its probably easier to just do it here. If you have a minute i can go fetch them

Shriven waits for them to come back to the office.

While he waits he sends a comm to house draconis.

(sorry, had a meeting about health insurance, bah)

(Your fine I just took care of another meeting.)

They arrive, a few moments later, sitting down in the plush chairs. Emilla is lithe, long black hair and long finger nails made to points. She has a cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth, and has brought a compad to take notes. Mirosan is tall, lanky, and carries a dusty looking rifle, on a sling

“I have a proposition for you both. I am looking to expand Ad Astra to other planets and need COOs for those operations. Each one will start with a factory that you will have full discretion of selling the good to pay your and the worker wages. Each month I expect a surplus that I will pay 50% price for. Your salaries are dependent on how much you can output and sell. To that end I wanted to see how you would be able to sell something in a new place. If your interested that is.”

Mirosan does not want to worry about sales, he thought this would be more of a management role

“You are free to hire sales people. I’m pretty sure that’s what Alfred the COO here has done.”

12:03 PM

“Are you both interested?”

"That being the case, yes for both of us"

“Very well tomorrow morning meet me at the space ship Anamem, if you want to hire someone to sell for you bring them as well. I will front you each 500 credits miscellaneous expenses till then.”

12:11 PM

“It has been a pleasure and I look forward to see what you can do.” Shriven stands to leave.

They both nod and shake your hand, before heading back outside before you

Shriven heads to Baron’s new tavern to meet #kaleb

Shriven heads back to Anamem for a good night sleep.

Shriven awakens after a long, restful sleep.

7:35 AM

the morning is calm, and more news is coming in on a gently playing screen about the recent dismemberment of Tri-Green incorporated

Shriven gets up to go and check that the colonial supplies are on Anamem then wait for Emilia and Mirosan.

The supplies have been loaded, and after just a few moments, they both arrive, Mirosan first

(Did they hire any sales people?)

(they've arrived themselves, without anyone else)

“Mirosan, Emilia, good to see you make it. Are you ready to get started? We will be heading to Golgis in about half an hour.”

"We are" Emilia says. She hands you a clipboard with some names on it. "We took the initiative to call ahead last night. The city administrator in Golgis was pretty cold with us. but...They are having some trouble with their former head of transportation in the city. They'd probably not have spoke with us otherwise. It didn't sound like they were too interested in letting us set up permanent manufacturing roots there, but we might be able to leverage a transportation deal. Anyway. we have some names of interested parties, and we have a meeting out there"

8:32 AM

her logistics background is clearly showing

“That’s a great info, Mirosan do you have something to add?”

"I spoke with the provisional city council in Atrovia last night. They offered to pay double for the reactor."

“Excellent, well lets get you two settled here and head that way.”

9:27 AM

Shriven is officially impressed with both of these two.

(heading to Golgis, or Atrovia, based on the new information)

(Atrovia for now, I think seeing Mist may be nice.)

9:35 AM

(Is the trade holding in each city a factory or just a trade agreement? Or could it be either?)

(trade agreement)

Shriven comms the Atrovian airport requesting permission to land a spaceship in the area near the landing strip.

Permission is given, and the landing strip is cleared for you. Wrecked biplanes line it, clean up crews still working on breaking down the ruins

10:46 AM

Most of the hangars are intact, and have been used recently as medical treatment hubs

Shriven takes Anamem down. Then turns to Mirosan, “Your up on the reactor, I’m going to also talk to them about being open to medical supply shipments from Greenbrair.” Then to Emilia, “I’m going to lean on you setting up any logistics of getting this set up.”

(so to confirm, Mirosan is going to complete the sale, since it was his lead, youre going to try to drum up some new business, and Emilia is going to organize the work crew and transport once the deal is final?)

(That’s the idea, trying to negotiate a long term market for the medical supplies from the factory.)

Mirosan and Emilia part from you at the base of the ramp. Waiting to speak with you is a man in a junior officers uniform, and another younger taros man who is in something like priesthood clothing

Shriven walks down the loading ramp. Unsure of who to address first he nods in the general direction of between them. “Greetings.”

"Good afternoon Captain, Welcome to Atrovia" the military officer replies

1:31 PM

"I'm sergeant jans, this is pastor Crim. we together run the new city government here"

“It is a pleasure to meet you both. I hope the rebuilding is going well. I know that you are in recovery and came here to see if you would be interested in a trade deal for medical supplies from Greenbrair. We are just about to finish up a large factory upgrade and looking for additional markets that would be interested in them. I even brought a sample.” Shriven gestures to the 10 tons of medical supplies in the back of Anamem.

"THat is very generous of you, and yes, we would be interested in more relations. We owe much of what happened here to the timely intervention of greenbriar'

“Do you have somewhere we can talk about the specifics? I am looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.”

"of course, I think one of the hangars here has been empited of people"

8:21 PM

They haul back the doors. Cots have been folded up, and lined against the walls. There is a surgical table sanitized down, and moved off to the side.

Shriven walks in looking around, “Are you short on hospitals or is this just triage from the recent events?”

"triage from the recent events. The one in the city is still being cleaned from gas exposure. The building itself is fine, but some of the windows were left open during the evacuation"

Shriven relaxes, “Ahh that’s good, I was hoping that was the case.” Shriven looks for a chair and walks over and grabs 3 to set up in a triangle to talk. Then sits down, “As I was saying I have some samples of the medical supplies I wanted to give you one ton of medical supplies to show my earnest interest in setting up a flow of those supplies coming in from Greenbrair. We are planning on producing whatever is required.”

"this flow of supplies, is this being considered crisis relief, or aid, or are you looking to sell?"

“A little of both, we can’t produce them for nothing but we are also aware of the current crisis that you just coming out of. I was hoping to negotiate a contract with a steep discount now with that discount tapering off over the next year negotiable pending the recovery of Atrovian people and economy.”

They look at each other for a moment, the sergeant writing a note on a pad, concealed by his hand. he passes it over to the pastor, who nods. "Very good. We would need to work over some actual numbers, I'm assuming you have an accounting team, but on principle we can agree to the deal"

“Yes,” Shriven reaches for his compad to send Alfred’s contact info. “Here is the contact info for Alfred the COO who will allow more specific numbers. I wanted to pitch the concept and to be able to meet with you and see if there is anything else that you might need, from materials to supplies.”

"Rebuilding is moving along, we were able to get some aid from our fellow Taros cities as one of the conditions for unification. We need to give them a chance to play thier part as well"

“I understand, if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to reach out to Alfred. I can usually track most items down in a few weeks.”

"Good informatiion to have. Reconstruction will present challenges, as it always does. If we need anything we shall reach out"

10:28 AM

"For now, the deal for medical supplies will aid us until we can make our own

“I look forward to our ongoing relationship. Unless there is anything else I think I am going to go check on my people.”

"I think that's all we need for now"

Shriven stands to shake there hands. Then after general pleasantries have been observed he exits looking for Emilia and Mirosan.

Emilia and Mirosan are shaking hands with some others, and turn to face you as you approach

“So how did it go? I secured the bones of an agreement, did your trades go as well?”

"Reactor has been sold, double the price, as promised"

“Well done Mirosan. I think we are going to call it good for now. Let’s go to Anamem to finish this conversation.” Shriven leads the 2 back to Anamem and gives orders to unload 1 ton of the medical supplies from the surplus and sends a warning to Alfred to let him know to expect contact from the Atrovians. Once all that is done he sits down in the conference room with Emilia and Mirosan. “I believe that you have both shown your competence, so I have a question that I want the two of you to decide amongst yourself. There are two opportunities, one at Aslief, where you will be able to grow the company faster and in the open but the initial salary will be lower. The second is at Sumati, where you must not let anyone know that you are from off planet and will be selling military tech to a waring nation, that should lead to more immediate profits and depending on how the war proceeds possibly more risk. I will leave it up to the two of you on which each of you want to take. No need to answer me now. We are going to head back to Greenbrair for a day to change our loadout and give you some time to think. After that I hope you two can decide where each of you want to go.” (edited)

(did I give you a price for the reactor?)

(No but I assumed Black box fusion core 50k SoG?)

(Yep, great)

(More or less I want them to choose which they will be dropped off at.) Shriven looks at the two of them nods then gets up to go check that the medical supplies and reactor have been offloaded then takes Anamem back to Greenbrair.

Mirosan has been in several small skirmishes already, and thinks he would be well placed on Sumati

(Is Emilia okay with Aslief?)

(Yes)

After waiting the day to load up the Heavy Atmo flyer and Colonial Supplies to drop off at Asleif, Shriven checks to see that Emilia is onboard with any necessary items for her new living arrangement. He sends a message to Mirosan, I will be back tomorrow to take you down to Sumati. After getting the green light from the cloud and Emilia shriven takes Anamem towards Asleif.

Things on Aslief are proceeding as normal. Two remnant commandos have been killed since you've been here last, their crucified bodies hang on gantries outside the airport

1:52 PM

but the hunt is in no way done

Shriven goes to introduce Emilia to Commander Cole. “Commander, this is Emilia my new COO. She will be my hands here on planet. She will be overseeing the factory and office here on Aslief. I’m also charging her to sell the product of building materials here to help with the rebuilding of the community.”

"Very good. It will be nice to see some people getting back to work"

“I’m going to leave my heavy combat atmo flyer if you need it. I just ask that you bring it back with the tank full.” Shriven grins.

2:06 PM

“Also have you been able to find somewhere that Ad Asta can set up to begin construction? I’m hoping to leave some colonial supplies there incase of emergency.”

"Yes, I've got a plot near the base where we can keep your workforce safe. A big construction project like this is going to get a lot of attention, positive and otherwise"

“Excellent Commander, I should also let you know I have commissioned a group of Mechs that should be here to help clean up the Remnant presence between here and Harmony. They ought to be arriving in the next few weeks. Hopefully that will bring some more stability to the planet.”

"Reinforcements will be most welcome. How are things off planet? Hitting them hard I hope"

“We took out an outpost on Terezinho and have some intel that will hopefully hurt the Remnant a lot, however that’s about as specific I can get right now. I was hoping that we could set up some kind of information sharing system between here and Gudrun, intel and such. I know that right now you are trying to rebuild and intel isn’t your first priority however If you are interested I can see about setting up an agreement with Greenbrair and its allies.”

"If anything passes by, I'd be happy to share what we know, it's worked for us once already. Part of rebuilding is sensors and detection, after all"

“I will see what I can get set up when I get back. Unless you have any other questions I’m going to head to Gudrun.”

"Fine for now, and I'll be sure we get your factory protected. Always cheers me when I hear the Anamen has come into port"

“I’m always glad when I get to come here as well. Until next time Commander Cole.” Shriven salutes then heads back to Gudrun.

3:03 PM

(I feel like I burning through things right now. I know it is just because I have things that have to be touched all over the place cause I only have one ship but still.)

(You're not, things are moving along, and itll slow down when the turn flips, since youll have some holdings going)

1

Shriven takes Anamem back to load up Mirosan and the Postech building supplies. (Planning on selling them on Miriam to complete Trivedi’s task. On my way to Sumati.)

When you arrive in Sumati, there is a beacon on orbit, attached to a crude rocket, that dictates where to land ro meet with the local governmnet

(Can do the Miriam thing first? I’m 10k short of setting up the factory

)

(sure! everything is aboard, so you can break up the trip however you want)

(Rolling for trade <15> is my friction still 5? Or did it lower with the dungeon crawl?)

(4 now)

After finishing the trade we go to Sumati. Shriven follows ALL dictates and lands the ship on the planet.

The anamen sets down in the same clearing, matte black helicopters and the same government agent waiting

Shriven turns to Mirosan, “If anyone asks you are just new to town. Not from off planet, there are dire consequences if you forget. Let’s go.”

“I can remember that” he says very seriously. “I read up as much as I could on the way over”

Shriven is flustered, “Oh, umm yeah, I probably should have had you, well good. Yeah. Let’s go ahead and head out, you know who’s who here right?” (Rhetorical question.) Shriven walks over to the Agent, “Prime minister, I have brought a man who can be my agent here who can help set up and run the a factory that will turn out planes that are a step above of what COST is able to deal with.”

"I'm glad to hear it. The tide of war is turning against us, slowly. Whatever COST is doing, its effective. Theyve advanced 20 miles within the last month. Its unprecedented".

(The battle area is about 400 miles and they lost 20 of the 200 they had?)

(The battle lines have moved 20 miles closer to usean territory)

8:23 PM

(Cost is overrunning their trenches and whatnot, slowly, but it’s fast for the kind of fighting they’ve seen already)

“Once these planes can hit the air your forces should have a significant advantage in the battle for air supremacy.”

“Eager for that to happen. Anything specific we should know before building begins?”

“One of the planes, the support model, will make 5Km around it all missiles dumb. So any smart missiles or hydra arrays or automated bots won’t work. If you plan for it that should be a decisive advantage when 2/3 of the enemy armaments stop working. I should also mention that the designs are heavily obfuscated and are nearly impossible to reverse engineer in case it should fall into enemy hands.”

“And ours, as well no doubt” he smiles

Shriven smirks, “For now, but as trust grows it is often reciprocated. I hope in another couple months to be able to also make factories here that will be able to supply tanks and ships, if you are willing, and by that point I also hope that the Obfuscation is only for its originally stated purpose.”

“I agree. I hope one day we can dispense with the cloak and dagger as well. Perhaps once we overtake cost”

“I look forward to that day as well.” Shriven then turns to Mirosan, “Mirosan do you have any questions or requests?”

"I think I am ready to get started" he smiles " War is a bad thing, bad. but necessary. I look forward to helping this one end quickly, so no more lives are lost on either side. I expect the government official here can keep me appraised of whats been happening" he smiles gently.

“Very well, Mirosan, If you need anything don’t hesitate to message me.” Shriven then turns back to the Agent. “With your permission I will retire back to my ship and head back out.”

"Of course, Good to see you Shriven, Glad we didnt have to shoot you down this time"

Shriven grins, “I’m glad I didn’t have to make you miss, till next time.”

7:52 AM

“Though that last time was a pretty solid shot.”

He smiles. "We train hard. One smaller matter. we have dragged the wreck of that sky carrier...thing....back to port. We have a discrete team working on it, but if your people are interested, we would be willing to share the findings"

“That would be excellent, I was planning on heading back and figuring out some kind of automated system that would allow information sharing. If you would be interested in participating in such a system I would be glad to see how we can get such a thing set up.”

"Here, that is going to be...tricky, but I will bring it up with the royal family"

“Also please convey my desire to aid Usean in this conflict, I will return and hopefully have a working plan for the system that I can show you.”

He bows. "The kingdom thanks you"

Shriven also bows then heads back to Anamem to head back to Gudrun.

The flight is easy, and you return to fairly quiet Gudrun system space

Shriven heads back to the colony.

10:21 AM

(I’m gonna take a few hours to figure out what to do next.)

(sounds good friend)

Shriven spends some time working things out on his pad running numbers and trying to think things through. (Our conversation.) after realizing it is within his abilities he jumps up starting some nearby doves and hops on his hovercycle to head to city hall to talk to Franz.

Franz has an empty office when you arrive for your appointment, and you're shown in right away

Shriven walks in and offers his hand to shake, “Good morning Franz, I’m glad you could make time for me today, especially due to the short notice.”

"Not at all, please, have a seat. what can I help you with?"

“I realized that we are beginning to run into an issue, there isn’t enough housing and jobs for the current refugees, I was hoping to alleviate some of that pressure from Greenbrair by setting up another city about halfway between here and Vapormills.”

“I will of course be willing to pay for the settlement. What I need from you is the necessary permits and possibly some help with the administrative side of the process, I know Alfred will be heavily involved in the whole process.”

“A new settlement you say. Well, it will shift some of the pressure away for now” Franz muses. “Is this something you’ll be overseeing personally?”

“When I am on planet I plan on it but I tend to spend about 25% of my time planet side. I would probably have Alfred and his team of admins keeping up with most of the day to day items.”

“I see no problems with it, and it’s far enough away from@our neighbors to not look like a post unity vote land grab”

“Excellent I will get that going here with Alfred. Is there anything else I’m missing? Or that we need to discuss?”

“Get some roots in. We will likely offer space there to refugees first since they’re not established in the community yet, rather than split families or take people away from jobs they have now. Otherwise, I think that’s all I need to get started

8:38 AM

“Your project has our backing”

“Thank you very much Franz. Until next time.” Shriven stands shakes Franz’s hand and departs for Anamem and to head out to see Billy at Terezhino.

8:47 AM

Anamem gets clearance then heads to Terezhino. (And #billy channel)

(From battle over Rawhani) Shriven heads to the bridge of the patrol boat with 1 marine and 1 pilot.

The bridge is sparsely crewed. Almost everyone is dead or unconscious at their terminal from the hits taken. The captain himself, who surrendered, is looking very pale

4:34 PM

A piece of rebar is through his leg, keeping him pinned to the chair

Shriven hurries over to see if he can stabilize him. “Captain, May I provide medical care to you? We will do everything we can to help your crew.”

“See to my crew first” he winces. He looks young. Maybe a few years younger than you, and the officers ornamentation seems to detract from his stature rather than raise it

Shriven uses the 20 lift that he has to see to wounds and his 5 Lazarus patches until Melora arrives (unless she doesn’t due to other pressing needs.)

(I think she’s with Cyrus right now, but everyone who isn’t already dead you’ll be able to help, either stabilizing them or fixing them up)

(Are any of them pressed into service?)

(Just 2 Still Alive who were press ganged)

Shriven tends to everyone he can and once he gets them stabilized he goes back to the captain and says, “Well Captain I have taken care of your crew now it’s your turn.” (How many crew are left alive?)

(11)

8:55 PM

"Thank you" he struggles to say more. He looks pale and in a great deal of pain

“Captain, I am planning on putting your crew under guard in the cargo hold until we can get you somewhere settled. Is there any special requests that you have? You have every right under the Earth Accords.”

Billy coms over coms “Nice score, Shriven. Let’s see how we can fix these baby’s back up once we get back home.”

The captain shakes his head no, still woozy from the pain and generally unhappy about being a prisoner

Shriven has the marine stationed outside of the cargo hold with the POW and has the 2 press ganged prisoners interviewed to see if they want to join the crew in the other side with a wage. (Going to end up trying to recruit 30 people to man the ship and this is a start.)

Neither of them object. They've already been press ganged into service and you seem a far nicer overseer than the one they were serving. Both of them are from Chloe, but were not part of the Remnant Navy originally.

Shriven has both pilots take Anamem back to Gudrun. Both marines and the 2 new crew all take the patrol boat back.

The two ships of Ad-Astra exit Rawhani space, and arrive home a bit less than a day later.

“Cloud this is Overwatch, newly acquired prize ship. Requesting permission to dock. You all will be spending some quality time together.”

7:11 AM

“Also can I request that some colony guards are present as we have POW who surrendered in good faith.”

"Security team is standing by, proceed to dock Overwatch"

Shriven brings in overwatch and after getting the POWs handed over goes to talk to The crew chief about getting overwatch outfit with 2 sand throwers and a boarding tube.

"Some design revisions eh? Should be able to get those mounted for you, no problem. I'll make sure we scrape that insignia off too"

“Thanks chief.” Shriven then goes to check on the progress of the move and to see Alfred and find out if he needs anything in specific.

Alfred is ensuring the latest round of orders is carried out, a several way conference call is active right now, and he is a whirlwind, signing permits, reviewing contracts, and somehow still finding enough to say to make the various leaders laugh.

Shriven waits and just enjoys the chaos, once it appears he has a moment he approaches Alfred, “Alfred I see you are busy so I will try to make this rather brief. I need 30 men to crew a Patrol Boat I will leave that up to you, just make sure that the captain can be trusted to not run off with the ship. I’m hoping to have a promising young tech work on some blueprints. If a kid named Billy comes in give him space and any aid you can, I don’t think he will come here but you never know. Please commission 3 NCO Personnel carriers and 4 NCO Cargo atmos from the blueprint section of our network. Oh and I think it may be good to get our own train for the spur. I have a question though should we also set up a spur that goes to Vapormills? It might make the commute easier for those who choose to.”

"We can connect the other side of our spur to the main line heading there now to save money. Sort of like Dahab did, connecting their's to the rebirth section of the main line, and using what's already there for the rest of the trip. What do you think?"

“We may want to think more of growth than cost savings right now. Would it be to much to do 3 spurs?” Shriven walks over to the map on the wall and draws the following lines.

9:48 AM

(Leave it on the map those look great. Gosh i gotta clean up the other janky lines lol)

9:53 AM

(Each hex is 200 miles of space) "Well, the last quote I got from Franz was 1,000 credits per mile for the materials. Our route is much more efficient though...and the colony really isn't using that coal deposit along the line...let me see what I can arrange"

(MS paint is great for this.)

Alfred ends the calls he has going on and vanishes off into a side room. Ten minutes go by, you hear him laugh, and then hang up. "Alright, here are the terms"

(Ouch 20x200x1k 4,000,000)

"250 credits per mile, we are going to recycle the existing line running from rebirth, to the coal, to Taros lands, that main spur is going to pass through our settlement as long as we keep the spur to rebirth too. In exchange for a cost savings and the use of those previous lines in the build of our own, we just can't obstruct colonial traffic from moving through"

9:57 AM

(so that bottom rail line is going to get deleted, and the one you drew will be the new, and only spur, running to vapormills)

“Works for me while we are at it though let’s add a line to Atrovia I understand that will be at the higher rate but doubling the cost of the project will be worth the value added to the colony. And we should probably order 2 more trains as well.”

(if the game lets you draw on the world map, if your in a position to, feel free to fix my horrible art mistakes

10:01 AM

(Idk how youre doing the sorcery you're doing, but its pretty)

(I just need the raw JPEG and I can get it all pretty.)

(oh god, the world map is like 16 different pieces stitched together

(Might have to just pray for steady hands lateR)

10:10 AM

"I'l get our requests over to Kelbore, he's been servicing our domestic transport needs so far"

“Excellent, I think that’s it for now. Let me know if you have any questions.”

"Will do" He makes a gesture, and the outbound calls resume

Shriven goes and spends the day setting up trades for Anamem and the rest of the company. After locating sellers of food stuff, lasers and other goods he goes back to Anamem to sleep.

The purchases are brought to the Ad-Astra headquarters and placed into appropriate storage until you are ready for them.

11:09 AM

Awakening the following day, the ship is ready to depart, and there is only one message on your compad, from FRanz, asking what you'd like to name your new settlement

Let’s call it Prime Shriven then checks to see if Billy is back in town and messages Alfred to have the Drugs loaded on Anamem.

Billys ships have make spike translation, and are expected home at the end of the day today

11:27 AM

(he stayed an extra day after the battle to salvage)

(I think the plan is to talk with billy then head with Charles to finish the dungeon clear if we can...)

(Very good, if you and seung want to handle that other matter, now would be a good time)

Shriven Receives A Message From Cyrus

I heard you headed to Asleif before the battle over Rawhani I was wondering if you could share any intelligence you found about the Remnant left on Asleif with me, currently heading to go deal with them. First step hearts and minds and all that.

Shriven returns the comm as he walks to meet billy at the bottom of the lift.

(gonna happen in his channel from the looks of it)

(Yeah Sorry off to #cyrus for the comm and #billy to wait for billy.)

Shriven comms The Ad Asta office to have them transfer the funds and to ask him to order a shuttle as soon as Billy finishes it.

Alfred is on it.

(So billy is working on his various projects. Leaves you free now I do believe)

(Waiting for Seung to finish the meeting with Franz to do the other thing. But I’m not in a rush.)

(all good. you could always scout it out before he gets there? )

(Ahial or on Gudrun?)

(Aliah, he was digging in his camp)

Shriven loads up Anamem and heads to Ahial. After letting Seung know he is heading there to scout out the area and try to gather some local support.

There is a small Greenbriar diplomatic outpost adjoining the main Jademane village, where the Stormseer resides. Doona Ahn's wife, Irene, works here as chief diplomat between the colony, and the natives. The area is rustic, pagodas, and homes of pressed reed make a small, ordered cluster of buildings. A small wooden bridge made from the same crosses a wide river, and the opposite side is a flooded root paddie where dozens of the jade skinned aliens work to harvest with simple tools

(Messages in his channel.)

it looks like hard work, but they seem happy doing it

Shriven lands and goes to talk to Irene, “Hello, I’m hoping you can point me in the direction of some kind of local constabulary or Marshalls. Oh and do they speak Mandate or will I need some kind of translator?”

"They'll speak with you telepathically, but you'll be able to understand them, and them, you. As far as the Marshals there are three braves here who have joined and took the oath with Desmond. I'll refer them to you. What's going on?"

9:38 AM

she looks a bit alarmed.

“Nothing to worry yourself over I just wanted to confirm that what I was hearing is true and if so to have them join in a much larger operation to right some wrongs done on the planet.”

"Give me a couple minutes" She returns after a few moments with three Jademane, each carrying a mag rifle.

10:08 AM

You feel something like fuzz rushing over your mind, and then finally. Nice to meet you Friend of Irene

I am shriven and I have come as I heard there was a man who brought those who changed some of your people beyond their ability to function. Was this the case?

It is. He is still here, gnawing and biting at our world with his machines

I am here to scout out the camp where this is happening and to see if you wish to join us in removing this group from your planet, as well as accepting our apologies for the damage to your world.

They are a tumor on this world, but we cannot stop them alone. We welcome your assistance

If you will return with me to my ship we can scout out the camp and scout it out. You will not be leaving the system.

They bow, and begin filing in to follow you. This person, he came from your world?

Yes, and I once called him friend, but his actions have caused much damage not only to your world but elsewhere as well. We will take him back to our world to justice.

They say nothing further but you get a 'feel' for their emotions, and this seems to have pleased them

Shriven leads the men to the hill opposite the camp site and uses his hovercycle’s advanced sensors to see what is going on there and try to get a count of the men and defenses Incase this goes sideways. (Do I see southern belle there?)

(I guess at some point I’ll come in system behind you. Till then I’ll just watch here.)

(I would be just a few hours ahead. If at all as I had to go talk to the Kadememe)

2:38 PM

(Stupid autocucumber)

The southern belle is on the ground, being loaded with large containers full of ore. The three grav assisted borehole drillers work furiously, churning up large quantities of rock. other miners gather the rock, breaking it down and filling sandbags, hesco barriers, and mesh nets to make rudimentary walls. Several light vehicles with mounted weapons are dug in around the camp, but the miner guards don't seem too attentive

2:49 PM

A small notification appears showing the Task Force reinforcements have arrived.

Shriven messages Seung

I’m thinking brining in Anamem in this and using her to land in the midst may be good did you shuttle here of bring something bigger?

Seung messages back

 
Brought only a shuttle and 15 men. The shuttle should take anything small but it’s not armed at all.

(edited)

2:53 PM

(I tried lol.)

(` the other direction the tilda)

(Let me find that on an iPhone now.)

2:54 PM

(Kinda.)

I will load Anamem up and meet you So@we come in together. (hold down on the single apostrophe then it is end far left one.)

2:55 PM

Shriven heads back to Anamem and gets loaded up and hands the Jadamene weapons Incase this goes sideways.

There isn't an increase in activity in the camp below, they seem unaware they were being watched

“Ready to head in? I’ll let you take the lead with Malak I have the Marshalls along for the ride as well.”

“Sounds good Shriven. Once we land we’ll spread out and find him. Let’s try to not kill any if we can but if they fire on us they’ll get a mag round for their trouble.”

“Anamem has a little more armor so I will head in first.” Shriven takes Anamem down leaving room behind his wake for the shuttle.

Seung has the the shuttle follow.

(You just plopping down in the middle of the camp?)

(Yep, If they fire I fire with Anamem.)

A shadow falls over the Aliah mining camp, and the miners look up to see two descending spaceships, coming in very fast. The armored vehicles cannot raise their turrets high enough to fire on your sharp descent angle, and the lighter vehicle crews simply abandon them in their dugouts, running for the safety of the HQ

3:03 PM

Malak is yelling at them to reform some kind of rank. One of them drops, shot dead for running past Malak instead of following orders

3:04 PM

"Get in rank you pigfuckers!" he screams, but only a few manage to turn and stand ready.

(Do you want to roll initiative as we run out?)

(well, they're not engaging you, if it gets down to shooting, we will, unless you've already decided you're going in shooting)

As they land Seung runs out first around the corner of the shuttle into the open. “Set up a line!” He yells seeing Malaks broken defensive line.

The armored squad follows you, a mix of rocket launchers and taros rifles ready

Shriven pours out with his 2 marines and yells back at the marshals and the pilots, “Stay with Anamem and take some cover.”

"What do you want! Here to continue your witch hunt?" malak yells over the sound of the idling starship engines

3:20 PM

he is standing at the doors to his command center, and they close behind him as the last group of miners enter

Shriven waits for Seung to take the lead.

“You brought this on yourself dealing with Tri-green! Just surrender and the innocent won’t get hurt!”

"I took a contract. I'm not allowed to make money now?"

3:27 PM

"I'm not responsible for them or anything they did. I just transported them. I run logistics, but I'm not their employee"

“They killed people from Greenbriar did experiments on the people here. You have to take some responsibility for what you’ve caused.”

“I didn’t cause it. It’s not my problem” he smirks. “Now get off my land before I feed you to my men”

“Malak do you remember Aslief. Don’t turn this into a fight unless you want to join those men you vented.”

"I remember being there to haul cargo. That's what I signed up for. I was never supposed to be on that ship, and we both know it"

“You went in your own! You went to get spoils!”

6:25 PM

(At a movie now so have fun if anyone does Shriven.)

(We can slow it down, no worries, he's not done being a pissant)

6:49 PM

"I saw an opportunity and I took it. You were never in the army. You don't know whats its like. One final warning, get off my land or I'll turn my men on you"

“I was in the military and that was outside of your RoE (rules of engagement) if you were still in the military you would have been court marshaled right there.”

"Well I'm not, and neither are you. Ive had this conversation with you already, couldn't take the risk. Nothing happened then, and nothing is going to happen now. Get off my property. I'm not going to ask you again"

“We may not be in the military now but we still have higher powers we have to be held accountable to, the marshalls are here and you are under arrest. The plan is to take you back to Greenbrair where your case will be heard.”

"I'm not leaving, You dont get to step foot on my world and then decide to drag me away. This is soverign territory"

9:06 PM

(initiative)

9:06 PM

"You know what. fuck you both. I'm just going to kill you and call it a day"

<8>

(7)

(3)

)Shriven is first)

Shriven finds the nearest place to set up the heavy weapon (main action) and says, “Malak you don’t want to do this.”

“Put that peashooter away before you hurt someone” he smirks (anything else before he goes?)

(Nope, I don’t have a main action.)

Malak draws his mag pistol, shooting shriven (22 to hit, 8 damage), aiming for the leg

9:57 AM

(Seung up)

Shriven yells, “By the light of the stars your going to regret that.”

(Can I get an idea of the combat is he like hiding in a base or just chilling staring at us.) (edited)

(Staring you down at the main doors to his base. Basically he saw Shriven setting up his gun and casually shot him)

“Gunnar there is a door in our way.” Seung says as they heft their rockets. (5 have missiles they’re going to fire. 18/16, 33/5, 20/17, 15/8, 33/15 The rest are going to hold and wait in case anyone runs out.)

The door is blasted apart under the missile barrage, the doorframe groans as the heat warps it. Malak is blown forward by the backblast, face down in the mud

12:02 PM

There are some shouts of panic from the inside of the building but nobody tries to run out

12:02 PM

(If Seung has nothing else, Shriven is up. No rush otherwise)

Seung is going to run as far as he can towards Malak extending his arm array, and pointing it towards him and firing. “Stand down Malak!” (39/17 forgot to add burst on the roll.)

His body shakes as if possessed by a spirit, as the high energy rounds hit him. He groans under the pain but is still alive. “Fuck you. You fucking coward” he croaks. (Now Shriven)

“You’re the coward standing in a base and letting innocents die without doing anything!”

(Are any of the men moving to fight as well?)

(No the ones you can see are doing their best to creep away from you. They’re not sure if they’re next as far as being shot)

Shriven lokso and sees he is on the ground so he pulls out his mag pistol and fires while saying, “One good deed deserves another.” As he shoots him in the leg as well <23 9dmg>

There is a hiss of pain, and you can see he is critically wounded. He begins crawling toward you, knife in hand

1:26 PM

(he won't reach you this turn) Seung is up

(Is he close enough that seung can close the distance?) (edited)

(Yes, definitley)

Seung walks the distance stopping above Malak putting a boot to his knife hand. “It’s over Malak give up. No one needs to die.” Seung puts the barrel of his array to the back of Malak’s head.

"I won't be dragged back to face colonial injustice. Kill me here and be done with it"

“Just because you asked.” Seung lifts the barrel slightly disarming Malak by kicking the knife. “Shriven got any rope? Or do you wanna grab some from my backpack.”

Shriven Reaches into his pack and grabs zip ties. "These ought to do."

“Let’s get him restrained and see to his men. Gunnar come grab him.” Seung yells over to his team.

Shriven stands up and is going to try to convince the men to put down their arms and to come peacfully to Gudrun and continue mining there. (Lead /Cha?) (speech will accompany or should i just go ahead and give the speech first?)

(speech first, and ill lower DC accordingly)

"Men, Your actions today are encouraging. You had no part in his action nor in his Imfamy. If you will come out of the base and assist in the break down of the camp we will find you a new job on Gudrun, Mining raw minerals. Should you wish to proceed with this job. It will also be much closer to a rail line so you dont have to spend your down time reading and whaterver else you have been doing but real entertainment can be yours. All we ask is for you to come out and swear to help tear down this camp and go back to Gudrun with us."

They slowly begin filing outm of the building, still half expecting to be shot. they form slovenly ranks in front of you, many gripping shovels or picks

(Are they surrendering?)

(Yeah, they're just waitinf for some direction rather than randomly frenzy smashing things)

"Lets empty out those Containers of the Rocks you put in there then start to tear down the Compound. " Shriven begins to direct the men on how to tear it all down. Trying to leave the planet as uninjured as possible. (lots of words of specific things that were done under vauge guidance.)

(Lead/cha. THey're going to do it, but as far as how much of a footprint is left behind

(Seung is going to assist.)

(+2 to the roll)

<11>

The miners do expert work, using their talents to break human invention instead of rock. The buildings are skillfully broken down into rubble, and moss, lichens, and mushrooms will flourish on the mineral rich surface

"Excellent work everyone, I am going to go drop off the Local Marshalls and then i will be back to continue to help."

"Sir, we found something for you, in the rubble"

Shriven walks forward , "Interesting, what did you find?"

"Well, It...this..." The box is long, and rectangular, wrapped in paper showing warm mugs of beverage, cinnamon sticks, apples, and red cardinals, on a beautiful snowfield.

2:52 PM

To: Shriven From: Santa

Shriven smiles, "Anna always laughed at her gift, I wonder what it is this year?"

Inside, there is a small metal toolbox, painted an unobtrusive matte gray color. A selection of pre-tech tools are inside, enough for a tinkerer to always have what is needed on hand

Shriven Laughs, "I think that this may come in handy." Then he sighs, "well she would have loved this."

3:01 PM

(thanks neko

)

(I did this last year too haha)

(Yep although I think you did this one a little later.)

3:09 PM

Seung comes from behind Shriven. “You did a good job getting everyone here together. Might be even a better leader then me Shriven.” Seung cracks a smile. “So do you have any plans now?”

“I think I’m late to meet Charles on Miriam... so that. Do you mind seeing that these guys get in touch with Alfred on Gudrun? He will get them set up.”

“I have no clue who that is. It might be best you leave the instructions. I guess they’ll take malaks ships over but what to do with them then or the borers?”

“Let’s get the men and the Borers set up under the colony administration. My Agata, Alfred can see to that. I will set up an automated message when the Southern belle comes into Gudrun. I think we should wait to see what comes of the trial before anything else gets decided. But getting these miners off Ahial is paramount. Even if he is exonerated of all charges he won’t be able to come back here to mine.”

“Agreed. Sorry to put it mostly on you I came with only a group of soldiers we can take Malak but unless you have something else to shoot we’re not much help.” (edited)

(Judge is finally going to get to do his main job, lol)

1

“Take care Seung.”

“Good luck Shriven.” Seung heads back to the shuttle Malak in hand and his men behind him.

"can you take Malak back with you? I dont have the manpower to watch him and the men."

“That was the plan I’ll make sure he get’s there safe.”

Shriven drops the Marshalls off and he waits for them to make contact as he cannot initiate it.

Thank you, for removing this problem. I speak for my companions, when I say we are impressed with your restraint, especially when he said such awful things to you the lead jademane says

Thank you for your support. I deeply apologize for the actions of that one. We will see that he does not again try to maim your planet. What i can bring to help with the recovery?

Seeds. Bring us earth tree, earth flower, earth life, we will give them a home, and your people can be known for something new, and vibrant flourishing here (edited)

I will seek out a Beautiful plant that represents our people. Shriven Bows Until I see you again.

(6xp, 15,000 credits each, @Seung Whitaker (Severus/Marina) )

4:46 PM

(And shriven, of course)

Shriven heads back and sees that the the camp is removed in the best fashion possible.

The camp is reduced to as unobtrusive of a wreck as its possible to be, dredging the area to scour it might damage the undergrowth more, you realize

Shriven then loads up the Borers and the hab unit in Anamem and Southern Belle.

5:08 PM

(if it doesnt fit i will make a second trip.)

(It will fit, barely)

(Thanks for the Christmas fudge.)

5:20 PM

(Big fan of pepermint fudge.)

5:24 PM

Shriven leads the Southernbell to west of Prime to the Jaxonite there. (another train station will be needed... Adding to the sales log...)

(Oh the tool kit, +4 on fix. Also if you find tl5 devices you can repair them with regular components, if you don’t want to salvage them)

(Yeah sniped that from Charles' Channel) (edited)

5:40 PM

(do i need to do anything to get them set up or will they do it on their own? Im not claiming the resource it will go to the Malak, if he is found guilty then it will go to the colony.)

(Nope. They’ll be built on their own. And as for the miners even if he’s innocent in the end they won’t work for him again. He sort of just dumped them in the jungle and then left for three months so they’re not thrilled with him )

(LOL yeah he kind of did... On the bright side they will soon have access to Prime and Vapormills.)

5:43 PM

Shriven then heads back to Greenbriar and loads up the recreational goods. Then prepares to jump to Miraim knowing he is late to meet with charles.

The spike jump goes smoothly, and you arrive in system space over miriam effortlessly

Shriven lands at the hub and finds out that Charles is off checking a wreck. So while he waits he tries to trade with the locals.

After finishing the trade he goes and hangs out with the locals trying to recruit some of the delivers for the Overwatch.

(What's your pitch to them?)O

Not really a pitch as much as if anyone seems unhappy I would offer them a job “where it is warm, by a lake and where they would spend most of their time patrolling and occasionally in battle. It also pays well.”

7:18 AM

(Not Trying overly hard. Was going to try hard at Aslief when I get that way.)

You manage to attract three workers. They’ve been down under the city a few times where the most lucrative jobs are and the work is just far too dangerous

Shriven tells them “Gather your belongings and do you want your family to move to where you will be stationed?” (edited)

One of them has a family. The other two sadly lost theirs when the sudden deep freeze swept over the planet

Shriven tells the new recruits, "Head to Anamem they will be heading back to Gudrun. I will be here for a bit and they will get you settled on Gudrun." Shriven walks with them and when he get to the co-pilots he says, "Head back to gudrun and drop off the Cargo, along with these people. Try to make it back in 2-3 days. I will be here with Charles."

He nods and begins warming up the ship for liftoff

It lifts off, heading skyward, its new crew-to-be aboard

10:00 PM

The Hub itself is cold inside, but better than its surroundings, and the market is quite busy today

( @Rey (Shriven) ) You get a ring on your compad.

@Hoef McHoeffington Hello your honor, what can I do for you?

I'm calling concerning the prosecution of Malak Abd al-Muta. I would like to know what your perspective was on his arrest.

The arrest honestly was in self interest. I went and gathered the local authorities on Ahial, told them we knew who had flow the Tri-Green to their planet due to communication that I had at the time with Malak. We went to his camp where Seung and my crews confronted him with the backing of the local authorities. We talked to him and asked him to come peacefully, he said something about that never happening and he will shoot next, I took cover then got shot in the leg by Malak. In response Seung and his men opened fire. I also opened fire in response and he was left wounded and Seung and his crew took him into custody for transfer back under the authority of the local marshalls.
I may have forgotten some conversation but that’s the bones of it. Wait was this under oath or just a casual chat?

A casual chat. You'll be notified by my judicial staff to speak under oath come time for Malak's trial. However, I simply wanted to know the hardened details for Mr. Whitaker seemed a little more apprehensive with telling me. He also was very against the idea of a lesser sentencing, even though Malak wasn't directly involve with the experimentation.

(edited)

I don’t know a lot about civilian justice but I know if we were in a military tribunal he would have been found guilty and imprisoned for a minimum of 10 years for killing civilians outside of the rules of engagement at Aslief, and that would have saved us all from the fire and Tri-Green. But all we can do is move forward. I just would also advise that you look at the kind of damage that was done in a mere three months before thinking of sentencing. Though I am guessing that the input of a retired pilot turned trucker doesn’t really constitute a lot in the courts of law.

No. Unfortunately it doesn't, but you and Mr. Whitaker are key witnesses in this case. Therefore, your words will carry weight among me and the jury. However, as I've told Mr. Whitaker this before, this sets a dangerous precedence for acting on your accord. Greenbriar is a colony where freedom is cherished, but with freedom comes corruption. Al-Muta was a member of our colony, and as such was swayed by the veins of credit. I wish for you to not end up the same.

(edited)

I understand his rational for working with tri-green my reason and the reason I said that my part in the arrest was done in self interest was that I was also there on the ship when he vented the civilians, he even confirmed I was in charge and he countermanded a direct order and jettisoned the civilians despite my orders to give them time to surrender. Then he proceeded to say that it was a glitch to avoid any kind of fall out. He then proceeds back to Gudrun after a few weeks of destroying Ahial though mining he comes back and starts a fire that destroys a large acreage of woodlands. I understand that a single event of aiding a known mutilator of the people isn’t enough to justify the resources that would be required but I am seeing a pattern. Maybe it is a mental break maybe it is just a destructive pattern but you have to agree that that number of incidents are alarming.

There may be a trend in violent colonists, or perhaps there may be something more sinister at play. I'm unsure myself, but it's interesting to note the number of these incidences.

Unless there are any more question I wish you a good day and I look forward to your summons, please give me at least a couple weeks before you need me in court, I am not usually this close to home and it may be some time before I can extricate myself from which ever planet I am on at the time of the summon.

Of course. Good day Shriven, God's speed. Call ends there.

Shriven heads back to Anamem and the new free merchant splitting the crew between the 2 to get back to Gudrun.

The jumps go as planned, and you arrive at Gudrun the following day, the proud owner of two new vessels.

Shriven heads down to see how Alfred has done with the creation of S.a.r.a.h. Hoping the AI has finished being compiled and the shell completed for it.

Everything is completed, Alfred is running final checks as you rejoin him. "I figured you might want to do the honors" he says, noticing you enter the workspace

Shriven walks in, “Thank you so much Alfred, and yes I would.” Shriven looks down and sees an obviously mechanical droid (leaning towards C3PO look) then walks over to the computer and starts the initialization process.

The bot sits up from the table as the final programming pieces are downloaded. "Good Day. I am SARAH. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr...." The bot trails off, waiting for a reply

Shriven steps forward, “Shriven, it is a pleasure to meet you Sarah. How are you feeling? Is there anything that you need right now or are you ready for the tour?”

"I am ready" the voice says pleasantly (Assuming she can do like tones and everything?) "It is a pleasure to meet you Shriven"

(Yeah just a unpolished body so far. Didn’t spend enough to justify a near human look.)

9:07 AM

“Then If you would follow me.” Shriven then takes Sarah up to Insight (which is the new free merchant.) and shows her the bots that are connected to run the ship. “You should be able to connect and run these bots when needed. I’m hoping that you will be able to run them a better than their VI can.”

"Yes. I am capable of overseeing their function. This is an admirable ship"

“Thanks, I just acquired it. Do you mind spending a bit of time looking it over, I have a few thing I need to run around and do but will be back here by the end of the day to talk and figure out what we are going to be doing.”

"Very good Shriven. I will ensure all is functional and prepared for your return"

“Thank you I will see you shortly.” Shriven then heads to the lab to see pops and to work on seeing what shriven can do to help with that device that Billy brought back.

There is a young man there, still a kid really, who is busy working on a number of different terminals at once. A series of probes, sensors, and data feeds have been linked to the strange device- itself sitting on a brass pedestal that may have once been an outdoor torch stand.

(Is it billy or someone I haven’t met yet?)

(Someone you haven't met yet. Billy is in Golgis right now)

“Hello, I’m Shriven, I was looking for Pops is he in today? I was going to see if I could help decipher that device that Billy found.”

"You're looking for the workshop for Pops. Billy isn't here though either, he's working out in Golgis right now on a mining project. I'm Devnoc, part of his squad. I wasn't there when this was found, but he told me all about it. I'm trying to figure out what exactly it does:

Shriven smacks his head. “Your right, still I would like to pitch in where I can. I was thinking we could do some scans then try to build a rough copy that would try to duplicate one of the emissions that we are reading. My speciality is more aero-thermo-orbital mechanics but I can see what I can do.” (From being a fighter pilot and having to do compute complicated maneuvers dealing with each of those depending on the environment.)

(Right, and it was documented as emitting some kind of energy field/kinetic pulse, makes sense)

Shriven starts to work on his idea, measuring the reading and theorizing what would create that kind of kinetic pulse. Draws out a general plan of what he is going to try to build to duplicate that same field then goes to buy the parts to try to put it all together.(Going to try Dangerous artifices dc12 for 4xlevel points) (edited)

11:03 AM

<8, expert reroll 10, reroll token 9> (So it wouldn’t work... and no research points would be added...)

11:04 AM

(60k credits deducted for the supplies for the attempt.)

11:06 AM

(You know what I’m going to use my last token too...)

11:06 AM

<12> (Happy dance!)

11:08 AM

(Burned all my get out of jail free cards though.)

(How many RP does that add? I haven't sent my books folder to my new work computer yet)

(I’m lvl 12 so 48.)

(updated!)

11:16 AM

Shriven spends the afternoon furiously working on trying to understand the different energy fields the device was projecting, and narrows down the frequency for both. This will speed Devnoc's work

Shriven then heads back to insight to see Sarah. “Well Sarah, I think it may be time to introduce you to Mirosan on Sumati. But first we need to load up the Energy weapons that are warehoused. I will grab the marines from Anamem and let ananmem just run some supplies around for the rail crew and the building of prime.”

"Very good" sarah says, dispassionately. There is a ping as you are CC'd on an order issue email, telling the marines to assemble here, while the Anamen completes supply runs to prime

Shriven sleeps for the night knowing that it takes some time to get this all set up. In the morning he goes to confirm that the marines are present and confirms with Sarah that everything is loaded up. Then prepares to jump to Sumati.

Everything is prepared by morning, and ship has been loaded expertly overnight. The marines are getting settled into their new bunks when the ship enters spike, blinking out of Gudrun space-and arriving in Sumati local system. The nav buoy is still functional, and the coordinates its broadcasting are still the same.

Shriven takes insight down and follows protocol for contacting Usean government to notify them of my arrival.

Upon landing shriven asks Sarah to use the bots to prepare the weapons to be unloaded.

Its a short wait, as always, before the black helicopters appear. The formations seem to get larger and larger each time, with sturdier cargo models

Shriven walks out and greets the helicopters once they land. “Hello, I bring 180 more tons weapons for the fight. I was hoping that you might have some Postech building supplies.”

"Almost everything we make for materials goes to the front lines. Bunkers, artillery redoubts, medical centers, even duckboard for trench walls, its all going into keeping COST at bay. The ambassador smiles however. "Those planes you've created for us....we took some prisoners, the very sight of those jets over the battlefield is enough to make them soil themselves"

2:27 PM

"Not a dry set of khackis in the entire line we captured"

Shriven grins, “I am glad they are working out so well, how is the war going? Have you been able to take back any of the land yet? I know it has only been a few weeks.”

2:34 PM

“And How are the Balak allied handling your newfound technical advantage?” (edited)

"They've sent an ambassador, demanding an explanation. Our position has been that we are happy to give them one, the truth even, but we need some kind of a guarantee from them that an alliance will hold, and that they won't seek to turn on us to secure the advantage for themselves. That has been a difficult concession to get from them. Actually, if you're here, and can lend a hand, I might be able to make some of those import taxes you're paying disappear"

“I would be happy to. I am hoping we can solidify this alliance and push COST back to their boarders to be able to push for a possible end to this war. Granted huge concessions would be required from COST to that end but still I can see the end of the war in a year or less if we can keep this up.”

2:51 PM

“But while I am talking to the ambassador there isn’t any reason to delay getting these weapons to the front lines, let’s load them up to get out to help while we take care of the minutia of the deal if that works for you that is.”

"Of course" (+2 on expertise, since the goods are needed here_

Shriven directs the marines and bots to load up the cargo on the helicopters then hops on one of them while it all gets loaded. “We ready to head out?”

“A moment”. There is a spectacular light show to the north as a dozen contrails loft skywards from the area around the usean capital. They streak east at high speed. “Cruise missiles. Hurting a different rear trench every day”

After the barrage, the helicopters head toward the balak league, the formation splitting as the cargo choppers head home

“What can you tell me about Balak’s Government? Are they a monarchy as well?”

“They are. I’m going to let you in on a very closely guarded secret. Tondam, Cost, Usea, and the Balak League all inhabit this planet and all are monarchies. A few decades ago scouts from your empire came to this planet and settled down. An adventuring team if you will. They found a beautiful world rich in people and resources but could not agree on how to best use them. Arguments on who had rights to what drove them apart and now we have war”

“So were the Kings those scouts?”

"Indeed they were. THey're all still alive, even after these years have passed, and all still feuding"

Shriven ponders That then asks, “Do they still have a communication line between each other?”

"THere is one that exists but those hand-sets are probably not doing anything but collecting dust right now"

“Ahh Very well, I was just hoping... well it doesn’t matter.” Shriven sits in deep thought till they arrive.

The black and grey capital city of the Balak League, Sempester Court, looms out of a misty valley as the helicopter approaches. The craft heads for what looks to be an armored skyscraper, and lands on the rooftop helipad. Balak league soldiers, strong and hearty looking, salute as the doors open. Each has a nicely maintained bolt action rifle, trench club, field pack, and helmet/mask combination on their belt. Their uniforms themselves are the same storm-cloud grey as the buildings, a distinct change from the sea of Khacki that is COST, or the olive drab of Usea

Shriven steps out of the helo and nods towards the soldiers, then walks towards the open doors. (I really like this planet’s details great job on them!)

Inside, the air smells faintly of cinnamon, and a stern faced woman in a general's uniform looks over a map. It is awash in a sea of push pins, colors matching various positions of known enemy forces, and their own. You see a great number of grey pins are concentrated on this city itself. You also realize your Usean representative has been kept from entering the room, and seeing the vital intelligence within (thank you!)

Shriven walks in and bows pausing as he is uncertain the proper address.

1:46 PM

(Doh)

"Ah you're the one from offworld. Welcome to The Balak League. I'm General Evra. It's nice to meet you. We don't get many visitors from the wider world, as you've no doubt seen"

“It is an honor General. I am Shriven Emaje owner of Ad Asta company. I hope that I can help with the war with COST. I heard from a Usean friend that you may have some questions and I may have some answers for you.”

“You May indeed have some of your own and I extend the same offer. Ultimately I’m going to cut right to the heart of the matter. You’re helping Usea by supplying arms. I’ve seen the fliers. They didn’t come from this world. I want to know what your reasons are for wanting this war to end

“General, I will be frank with you. It is not so much that I wish this war to end as I am categorically opposed to those who support the other side. I have seen them do terrible things, mass genocide, leveling entire population centers and much more. I cannot stand by idle while they are supporting COST. I acted with the Usean Government to combat that threat not only to this planet but to all I visit.”

“So there’s a war in heaven after all. I’d wondered...” She trails off. “That’s the kind of knowledge we are trying to tamp down. Present company excluded of course”

“I agree and understand. However I do not believe that those backing COST have that same feelings. May I ask you a question in return?”

"Of course, name it"

Shriven gestures to the board. “What would take you to move forward with your plans and launch an offensive along side the Useans?”

"A formal agreement exists but I worry about being turned on when the upper hand is gained. There was a fifth one of us once, who met a mysterious end. Rawlts truly believes he is a god king, and conviently was the only witness at the event that claimed our companion's life. I do not trust him"

“I didn’t know that...” Shriven pauses for a sec, “What would it take though to ease those fears? If you could outclass them in armored vehicles and tanks would that help?”

“I’d need a way of keeping my city safe from attack if you’d like me to move my forces away from it, toward the front line. If he does double cross me, I want to know we can hold out here for a few weeks before forces can return from the front”

“What does that look like for you? A series of weapons and defenses to remove the possibility of nuclear or aerial attack? Or are you looking for a specific advantage in mobility that would allow you to react to such a move from them?”

Each of our capitals has a nuke snuffer, so radioactives aren’t much of a threat, but yes an advantage in mobility would be enough reassurance. My reserves would be back and on the city walls long before any Usean betrayers got here”

“How large a force would need to be able to be moved in the first repositioning?” (I’m trying to figure out how many gravflyers it would take for this.)

After a brief pause, “Would 500 men suffice in the first wave?” (17 gravflyers with upgraded engines totaling 1,955,000 to build) (edited)

"500 would be a good first wave. That would be enough to secure the gatehouses and man the defensive towers"

“I will see what I can do to get those sent this way. It may take a bit, do you have any other questions or is it my turn again.” Shriven grins.

Her normally icy exterior breaks into a slight smile.

8:06 AM

"Your turn again"

“What is your nations strength when not at war?”

"Strength as in population? Or what do we focus on for industry?"

Shriven looks a little flustered, “I’m sorry I should have been more specific, economically what is your greatest strength? I can see you have some great engineers but...” Shriven realizes he should let the general answer.

"We have long been a society of chemists, engineers, and great thinkers. We produce a great number of industrial chemicals, most are being used now for medicine, explosives, propellant, coolant..." she looks away from you and toward her honor guard for a moment "and don't for a moment think I don't know it can be used to distill some very high quality, but illicit, swipe alcohol"

“Great thinkers...” Shriven mutters to himself. “If I were to bring some designs for producing medical supplies that are advanced and for some fusion reactors do you believe that your city would benefit from such an influx of technical support or would you rather I not for now.”

"We've made the intentional choice to not use fusion power here, at least not until the war is over. It's too open to sabotage or deliberate targeting by conventional attack- and its within the snuffer field. Medical supplies we could do with- especially once we mobilize"

“Thank you for your insights, I want to ask one last question, You don’t have to answer and everything we have already laid out will be done as fast as I can. But I’m curious, You have been where I have so Im curious what makes you want to not go back?”

"The galaxy is such a messy place. I thought this world would be an escape from war, a chance to build, to create, to think, and one day, when we had matured as a collective, to return to the universe in another age of enlightenment. War was not something we were able to escape from"

Shriven’s face goes solemn, “I too wished to remove myself from war and the ravages of it, but I soon learned that war is one of the great trials of life. That despite being on a planet far removed from the rest of galaxy that war is present. I strive to help all peoples overcome the destruction of war, hoping that one day we will find ourselves without lack and in that state of over abundance being able to find a lack of reason for war, but my hope is dim in that regard. I can only hope that one day I will find some peace.” Shriven’s thoughts turn inward, then looks up and says, “I agree with the sentiment but I hope that one day we will be able to work together to build something stable, lasting, peaceful. That those who come after us dwell in and honor our sacrifice.”

"That's all I wanted to do here. If you can ensure we survive to see the end of this conflict, I don't see any reason why the Balak League and Gudrun cannot work together"

“Thank you for your time General Evra, I will work on getting you the grav flyers. I will have Mirosan who is my COO here on world send someone over to teach you how to maintain them. How long after you get those will it take to reposition?”

"Probably a week to get the entire reserve into the battle, but our strength will grow daily"

“Very well General, with your permission I will return to Usean territory to discuss this with Mirosan and see how long it will take him if we divert resources.”

10:41 AM

“Can I get a means of desecrate contact?”

"Of course. If you ever wish to trade directly, there's a cove....about here" she circles a place on her map, and hands it to you. "I've got some automated ...well, I don't wish to get too detailed, but there are systems in place where if you land, you'll be noticed, and us notified. It might take an hour or so for a delegation to get out to you, but we'll see it."

10:42 AM

"I'd advise coming in low, if you do"

Shriven grins, “I learned that lesson my first time coming to this continent. A little off topic but do you mind answering one more question?” Shriven waits for her to nod, then asks. “What is the disposition of Tondam in this war?”

"They haven't made a commitment either way. Knowing what I know about their leader, he won't be interacting with anyone until this is all over with"

“Again, Thank you for your time. I will let you know when I have some answers.” Shriven moves to leave.

You're not stopped on your way out, and the grey armored troopers escort you back to the roof, where the Usean ambassador is waiting. You're both seen to the aircraft, and the honor guard returns to duty and it pulls away from the pad, heading back toward the Usean capital.

When shriven lands he heads to talk to Mirosan.

“Mirosan, I am leaving you with about 2 million to help push out 17 of the personnel carriers I need to see the designs though. We need to make one change so they will be going faster rather than being more evasive.” (Swapping deflector array for improved engines.)

11:19 AM

“And while we are at that can you find out if they have any good liquor here that I can take back to the baron?”

"I'll see if I can ask around. They've given me some liberties to wander around the senior officers club, since most of them know about..." he gestures in a vague upward motion, toward the sky. "If anyone was going to have the good stuff I'd say itll be them anyway"

Shriven begins to work on the blueprints but doesn’t try to obfuscate the improved engines. Drinking lots of coffee and then thinks to ask one of the assistants in the room, “Is there a soccer team here?”

"On Sumati? Not anymore. We had one a long time ago but most of the players were impressed into service. Their speed and endurance made them pretty desirable for staff runners"

Shriven sighs, “Oh yeah... forgot about that... ” Shriven looks down at his coffee, “Must have grabbed the wrong flask for sugar water.” Shriven grins. Then goes back to work. Once Mirosan come back Shriven will ask him to tell the Usean leadership that Balak’s will be joining the war effort a few weeks into next month. Making sure that Mirosan knows not to mention the terms of the deal.

(your friction will go down by 1 here)

2:16 PM

Mirosan will deliver the message and continue his hunt for some type of quality spirit to bring back for your next visit

(Is there anything I can buy 180 tons of to take back to Gudrun?)

(not really, pretty much everything goes toward the effort. That's also in part why they dont have a trade report yet)

(Cash it is Then.)

Once finished with the blueprints, he asks Mirosan to set up transport back to the ship.

Shriven heads back to Gudrun.

Things on Gudrun are peaceful, and you have a chance to read over the news as the ship pulls into poty

8:21 PM

port

Shriven heads down to the planet to set up the sale of the pretech Junk and find some rare ore, supplies and building materials. (edited)

Then proceeds to run around the sector trading for 2 weeks.

When at Asleif Shriven stops to talk to Commander Cole. “Commander, I have a proposition for you. I know that you are wanting a space station to help defend the planet, I believe we have one of you are interested. I just ask that you would allow me to add a Shipyard to the station as well. I will pay for the outfitting of the station but would feel much better if your force would staff it. I will of course pay for the staff at the shipyard. What do you think?”

"I'd prefer to staff it with native Asliefites, especially with so many out of work, but the people here would owe much to the UNW if we were to get such a facility of our own. There are more than a few here who have openly mentioned a deeper political union. It would be hard to refuse after something like that"

“I agree, it should be staffed with all Asliefites. I was only saying that I would pay the salaries out of the proceeds of the shipyard that I was hoping to construct. If you agree of course.”

"That's very generous of you. I'll handle the salaries. We need to keep injecting money into the economy here to get back on our feet. Those workers will re-invest in the community, and we will keep the money on world. I've been taking some crash courses from our finance minister. "

12:21 PM

she looks pleased with herself

“I hope that Emilia has been of help too. To that end would it be helpful to do some public works projects here? Rails, roads, bridges and such?”

Sounds like my kind of Mission, do you want to meet up and we can talk about the specifics? I wanted to speak with you on the subject of Asleif anyway. Mostly about potential rearmament of the forces there as well as any plans for a space station you might have had. It's going to take me a few days to be ready for the mission I'm currently upgrading hardware and helping out Franz on something.
- Cyrus

(Are there already rails?)

(There aren't rails, the highways are on the map, and they have no surface navy or aquatic industry either)

2:15 PM

"We have highways, but rails would be an improvement. We never got around to getting out to sea either, not commercially at least"

“If I were to pay for the rails would you have the resources to get it done?”

"I have plenty out of work that would be better served getting them laid down."

“I will authorize Emilia to fund the rail project. (6 mil) just let her know if you need any more.”

(Harmony is still a radioactive ruin, just clean of Remnant, FYI for when you route plan)

(I wasn’t planning on running anything to harmony as I didn’t think there was a population.)

(There isnt, just wanted to remind. A lot's happened)

(Just running the trains parallel to the roads.) “It has been a pleasure Commander Cole, if you need anything don’t hesitate to let me know.” Shriven heads back to Gudrun to talk to Cyrus.

3:21 PM

(Of to #cyrus)

~~Shriven heads off to Ahial to continue his tour of all the planet he is trading with.~~ (edited)

(You’re doing the trades or anamen with henchmen are?)

(I thought I had to... I wasn’t going to do anything on the others so I was assuming that it would just eat 1-2 weeks of the month and I would spend the rest of the time talking to people on planet.)

(We can do that too if you’d like. You can totally have your henchmen trade for you though if you don’t want to sacrifice time. It works sort of like seungs people. He has then do missions on their own and they can do most things competently)

(K then Sarah on insight and the henchmen in Anamem will go with the Overwatch in support. Subtracting fuel costs for all the ships...)

5:27 PM

(Wow fuel gets expensive with that many ships... 72,000)

5:28 PM

Then after seeing Sarah and the crews off shriven heads to delphos to talk to the Piggen.

Stonetusk greets you warmly, as he owes a great deal to central

“Greetings, I am Shriven Emaje. I have come to see how I can help here in delphos.”

“I heard it mentioned that there was some piggen that were lacking employment.”

We have an airport now, and a rail line. Three production centers (minor) are due to open next month. Things are pretty good in Delphos right now. I would like to take some time and focus on growth. We lost many to the helldivers”

“I am sorry for you loss, it is good to see so much going well for your town. When all of those are up and running how many will still be lacking employment?”

“Let me think. The prisons are empty now but I’ll still have about 2,00

9:09 PM

2,000 without any kind of permanent living arrangement.

“I have an opportunity for you then. I have a city that is currently low on occupants. I can give you a sector of the city that would be a piggen town within the larger city. There are plenty of jobs there from factory work to trains, planes or the teaching hospital. The opportunities for learning are endless.”

"You're more than welcome to take the building team. That's 2,000 right there. I think their work here is about done at the end of the month, and after that they'll be idle. That's going to bring trouble"

"Thank you, I will make sure there is a daily passenger flight from Prime to Delphos. I will make always there is always a place and a job for piggen in Prime. May i ask you a seemlingly random question?"

"Of course. "

"Have you ever heard of Football or maybe soccer? It depends on if the people talking are fromer Dark Sun or Tenebrain citizens."

"I've heard of football. I've seen some of those offworlders you brought home playing it. It looks like great entertainment":

"Would you be interested in learning it? I have heard rumors of a league in taros that may be opening slots due to the unity vote."

"Yes. It will bring us closer to you, and to our other neighbors"

Shriven grins, "Show me 20 of your most athletic men and i will teach them the rules and some good fundamentals." Shriven is very excited and almost looks like a kid in a candy store.

Shriven begins to plan his speech to the hopeful team

20 of the palace guard are selected, being the most athletically gifted of the Piggen

1:27 PM

(I think for a statistic they'd be defense focused)

"Welcome men, You are about to embark on a very long and enjoyable endeavor. You have been selected to learn the gentlemens game of Football. The rules are simple. You cant use your hands to grab the ball unless you are the keeper of the goal and you use any other body part to move the ball past your opponents into their goal. There are alot of strategies to accomplish this but the most important thing is to not let the opponents to do likewise. You cannot attack or otherwise harm the opponents you can sometimes even get introuble for running into them . But no matter what do not let them score. A tie is considered a win if you are the underdog." shriven then begins to show them the basics of passing and shooting. He chooses the tallest 2 for keepers and works with them on how tney can use their hands and bodies to block the shots of the team.

1:34 PM

Shiven is lost for hours working with the team before he realizes that it is getting very late. "Well men, you have done very well. I can see you comming together well as a team. If that is Stonetusk's Intention which i believe it is. I will check in on you in a week or so. I am also going to have Alfred send over a few passionate people who might be able to help you with learning the game." Shriven goes to find Cheif Stonetusk

Stonetusk is standing on a ledge of the garden, looking down on the sunken court below where you have been practicing. "Looks like quite an interesting game"

“It is, I hope that you will join the league. I know that it may be a cost but it would allow you to gather some income from the ticket sales.”

"If there are games coming up, we hope to become part of it"

“Excellent, I will do all I can for the building team once they get to Prime. Do you have any questions for me?”

"I'd like to see you again at the end of the month so you can make sure we did this right. Do you think you'll have time?:

“I will do my best, I am planning on finding some coaches in central who can help guide your team but I will try to make it back.”

"All I can ask for" Stonetusk gives a tusky grin, and holds out a large hand to shake yours. "The efforts you and your friends are making to keep us included. It counts for quite a bit"

“I’m glad I could help where I could. Unless there is anything else I need to get back. It has been a pleasure.”

(3xp)

7:44 PM

"A pleasure, as it is with all human dealings of mine" he smiles, his command over english a bit stunted stil

Shriven heads back to Trivedi industries to the cloud to try to research more on that fighter before he sets out to continue his world tour.

(Doing an experiment then?)

Yeah...

(well pitter patter lets get at 'er)

(65,000 for the dangerous DC12)

(and not a re-roll token in sight)

8:52 PM

(big pucker factor on this one)

<14> shriven realizes how the physics of ship feels when being simulated and is able to help design the thrusters to better take advantage of the directional thrust.

8:53 PM

(4x13=32 research points)

(832 in the pool, 1000 needed for the complete understanding of the new design)

Shriven spends the day working on the blueprints then heads to Prime.

Prime is coming along nicely, and some markings have been set up to direct the soon-to-be-arriving Piggen to the town quarter designed for them

(Btw should the Postech industry from the faction be listed as at prime?)

(I'd say so since its going to be your home)

Shriven looks around and grins, going to go find Alfred at the new head quarters. Shriven waits at the edge of the bustle enjoying the view of all the men and women running around trying to keep up with the day to day tasks of Ad Asta. When he Sees Alfred with an free moment he walks up to him and says, “Well Alfred, impressive as always. I have found 2,000 Piggen that should be arriving soon. I’m going to head to the taros cities to be able to find hopefully another couple thousand people to move here. Oh and can you find 20 men to start a football club we will need coaches and support staff as well.”

“Shouldn’t be hard to do I’ve seen some people playing while waiting for work to be assigned. I’ll see who looks promising”

“On top of it as always, can you also make sure we send 3 coaches to the piggen in Delphos? I may have started a craze over there but we need to fuel it with some good coaches.”

“Sure. It’s good to support our allies. “

10:25 AM

“I’ll make sure some are enticed to head over there”

~~”How many workers can we employ right now with the factories, airport and everything?~~ (edited)

(It’ll be whatever holdings you have here)

(and if you want to move anything you own now, to here, we can just say that's done as part of getting the city up. Prime wasn't a thing yet when you conceived Ad-astra)

“Excellent, keep growing the HQ I think the next step is to build a military academy. UNW will need some unifying training center and I’m thinking we should make sure it is here.” (I think everything is at prime now.)

"Like a naval academy?"

(Fleet command from SoG) “Yeah officer training, marines, mechanics, the whole network of what would be needed to set UNW up with a true military. We train them others use them. Of course I’m going to have to get permission for it but that’s I think the next step.”

"I think a government holding alongside us here would be a big advantage"

“Are you running into any issues that need me to address or is everything running smoothly. I figured you would say if something was off but I thought I would ask.”

“No troubles this month sir. Just getting out beautiful city up and running. I think opening a ship academy to planetwide use would be an excellent goodwill gesture”

“Well Alfred keep up the good work, I’m going to go try to track down some more people to be here. Thank you for all your hard work.”

2:26 PM

After pleasantries with Alfred, Shriven hops on the train to Atrovia. On his compad he begins to work out several plays and ideas he saw back in his academy days of football.

The train pulls into the ruined city, though it’s busy now with the process of rebuilding. Nearly every street had some structure or two being erected

Shriven gets off the train and asks for directions to the headquarters of the leadership of the town.

7:45 PM

(Are the daughters in charge?)

(the daughters mysteriously have all vanished)

(Shall nottttt beeee dissstrracteeeddd....) Shriven heads to the city center.

8:56 PM

(Those quest hooks are real.)

The city center is slowly being rebuilt, the town hall being the first of several government buildings to be restored, though it has been restored lacking much of the ornamentation the previous one did

8:57 PM

Clearly, it is proof things are under new ownership

(Can I jump to the bar? Or will I not be able to get there in time for the drinks?)

(You can jump to it)

9:56 PM

(You guys can at least get something done while I'm off doing other things tonight)

After getting lost for a few hours he makes it to the front doors. “I’m Shriven Emaje, of Ad Asta. I would like to talk to your leaders about a possible opportunity.”

The door opens and you’re admitted inside a rustic waiting area.

11:08 AM

Several rough cut chairs sit in a neat row looking at the admin desk

(And it’s gone so I can’t RP off it...

)

(I'm about to message you)

1

1:58 PM

A message from Dr. Thorn appears

Hello, Dr. Thorn here. I don't believe we've officially spoken before, but I understand that Ad Astra has significant capitol and seeks to invest in local businesses. I'm starting a company in Central that I hope to expand to wider Gudrun and other systems, and I'm really in need of a ship and some capital. Please let me know if you are interested in a unique investment opportunity to benefit the UNW.

(edited)

We spoke last night I think, if I remember from those grizzly beers. Didn’t we talk about you contracting out a Free merchant or something in return for a share of the profit or something?

Oh yes! We talked about a free merchant I could rent and up to a 1,000,000 LOC, no-interest, with a 6 month limit to the rental, negotiable at that time. Full payment on the loan due at the end of the 6 months. I'll do... 5% of our profits. Throw in maintenance for the ship and you have yourself a deal.

(edited)

I must have been really drunk but a deals a deal. Anamem should be back by the end of the week. She will be available then. I look forward to seeing what you can do in that time.

You, sir, are either quite honorable or exceedingly dull, and given Ad Astra's success, I sincerely doubt the latter. A pleasure working with you. Please let me know when she arrives, and once I know my construction and operations costs... I'll be in touch

(edited)

1

(Nice)

(Thanks)

(edited)

2:20 PM

(You too)

Shriven then looks up from his compad to see the admin sitting there and walks over, “Hello, I’m Shriven with Ad Asta, is there any chance I can meet with your leaders?” Shriven’s head is still pounding from last nights drinking. did I really make that deal? Well either way it is good to see another company getting up and running.

"Shriven with Ad-Asta, well, what is the purpose for the meeting?"

“I wanted to discuss a few topics, such as the extension of the rail line, and the rebuilding of Atrovia.”

"I can get you a meeting with the combined council. Head upstairs, first door on your right"

Shriven heads up the stairs for his meeting going over the pitch in his head. He sees the door and knocks.

It's opened for you by someone departing the office, inside, a junior officer, and someone who is wearing a mismatched religious leaders uniform are sitting behind a long desk, papers and data slates everywhere

“Greetings from Prime.” Shriven bows. “I have come to discuss the rail that was recently completed. I am planning on going to each Taros city and getting permission to network all the cities together with the rails to help integrate the cities and allow ease of trade. Would you be open to having rail lines directly connect to Vapormills, Golgis, Egons and Carinhold?” (edited)

"We would be open to the project" the religious leader says, reclining back in his chair "Depending on the terms for their construction. What would Ad-Astra gain in return for the build?"

“I was just planning on being able to charge the standard transfer rates for shipping on these rails to upkeep them and pay salaries of engineers. Ad Asta’s chief aim is to build infrastructure and this is an excellent example of that.” (Not planning on anything really.)

The two of them whisper together for a few moments, the military leader looks to have some reservations, but is ultimately cowed or at least talked to reasonableness by his companion

12:06 PM

"For our section of the rail linkage, binding us into the one that runs to prime, and your colony, we can agree"

“What of the other Taros cities? Maybe I can help find a way to address your concerns.”

"You know of the civil war in this city?" the cardinal type figure asks,more a question than a statement

“I knew there was one but I thought it had ceased.”

"It did, but I'm getting to a bigger point-now that I know you're aware of it. The other Taros cities, that traded with our leaders, or in turn, bought what they knew was aid from elsewhere, at bargain prices, they were part of the systematic pillaging of our city, even though they didn't have occupation forces on our streets. They were willing to work with the old government to keep the status quo. The common people hold this viewpoint. We voted for the unity council, and will do what we must to abide by its decisions as a concession for the aid we needed, but it's by no means an endorsement or a statement of trust in our fellow city- states."

“I understand and hadn’t considered those implications thank you for that insight. I know the rebuild is moving forward but I was wondering if you would be willing to put the word out among your citizens that there are jobs and housing at Prime if they are interested. I don’t want to undermine what you are doing here only release some of the pressure of the rebuild.”

"Nobody is prevented from leaving, another lesson we have learned from our previous failed leadership. You're free to spread the word, as will we." One of them taps away on a datapad taken from the table. "This is a disposable pad. It will allow one-time access to the city wide- comm grid. Every electronic device will get the message, type what you want and schedule when you want it sent."

Shriven takes the compad, “Thank you for this. Do you have any questions before I begin to compose this message?”

A message from Dr. Camellia Thorn

Shriven of Ad Astra? Listen, a deal's a deal, but my head is clear now, and this news changes things. The ship you're offering can't fit the advanced lab I'll need for my work. It would get me around, sure, but it would require me to bring all of my samples back to Gudrun. This new merchant freighter design on the other hand looks very promising. I would like to renegotiate the terms of our contract, but if you decide to hold me to our current deal... I would understand.

(Let’s take this to your channel and we will assume I text this after this meeting.)

Seeing no questions shriven begins to compose the message.

Greeting Citizens,
                Your Council is kind enough to let me address you in this format.  I am Shriven Emaje owner of Ad Astra and current mayor of Prime.  First I wanted to thank you for you diligent work on rebuilding, it is truly impressive the distance you have come so far.  I also know that there is a ways left to go, for those of you who are tired or rebuilding I wanted to offer you a chance to come work at Prime, Housing and jobs are already set up for up to 8,000 people and more will be set up in the coming month.  I do not wish to take away from the great work you are doing here, I just want to offer another option an option for safety now. Whatever decisions you come to know that we stand with you.
May we all met again

The two personal pads belonging to the provisional council duo also light up, verification their offer was sincere

“Is there anything in this message you wish to redact? Else I will send it.” (edited)

“Everything looks good. You may proceed”

Shriven sends the message. “Thank you for that opportunity. Is there anything that you need?”

“Not for the moment. We appreciate you listening to our concerns. There is a unity meeting at the end of the month for all who wish to attend as we discuss the first taros League threat. You’d be welcome to stand with Atrovias court if you lack other diplomatic arrangements

“Thank you for your offer, I will let you know before the meeting. Again, thank you for your time.” Shriven bows, “May the stars light your path.” Then prepares to exit back to Prime.

(6xp)

6:54 PM

(20,000 credits)

6:55 PM

Prime is coming along well and the first handful of piggen settlers are trickling in, with the news many more are coming along - as their respective projects finish this month

Shriven wanders around messaging billy about the specs while he spends time waiting for the next departure. He comes to a small park in the city. I think Ana would really like this place. If she were only still with me. shriven has to sit down, Why did we have to be the first out of the cold stasis. She could have survived. shriven sits there losing track of time and realized he missed his train. So he heads to Ad Astra HQ to see where he can crash.

The Hq is actually finished you notice. Upgrades are already planned but it’s a solid enough structure to sleep in comfortably

Shriven mutter to himself. “Need to build a stupid house...”

10:23 PM

Then proceeds to sleep and wake up for the next morning’s train to Vapormills.

10:28 PM

While on the train he notices that the colony is requesting Pretech parts. (Who would I reach out to figure out why they want them and who to get them to?)

(Franz)

When the train arrives shriven asks around to find where someone could get cyberware.

Several different medical clinics exist in Vapormills, and its even considered an elective procedure at their hospital. (the only thing they don't do is implant actual weapons)

Shriven chooses one at random <3> (if it matters) then walks towards it to be able to get rid of the risk that he has been meaning to take care of ever since his first dark days with Malak.

The clinic is very pleasant and the faint smell of citrus wafts through the air when you enter. Two Taros clerks, one male, one female, sit behind the desk in mellowed yellow scrubs

“Hello, I’m hoping to get a lot of cyberware, do you have any openings this week? If you want I can give you the list. I have been looking through the catalogs...” Shriven stops talking when he realizes he is not giving them a chance to respond.

They are patient and don't interrupt you, but once you stop, the male reaches for your list "Let me take a look at your wishlist here, and we will see what we can do for you"

7:57 AM

(Yeah let me know what youre looking and and I'll let you know what they can make)

(Dermal armor TL4, pressure sheathing, Inertial Shunt Nodes, Integral Biostatus Monitor, Integral Commlink, “Proteus” Metamorph Impant totals 5 strain and 46,500 credits)

(Those they can all do, They can complete one procedure a day without risking hurting you- and this puts you also roughly in time with everyone else, since some fast forwarded a few days or a week-ish)

(Perfect then I only have a few more days till the PB is back.)

8:06 AM

“Sounds good lets get started. This is going to be a long week.”

Shriven doesn't remember much of the following days, but he awakens, at the end of the work-week, so micro-stitching being removed from his body, the skin underneath almost already intact.

8:15 AM

"Ah you're awake. I'll inform the doctor" the orderly says, sliding a tray with a tankard of water over to you

Shriven drinks greedily, realizing that he feels discomfort in places he didn’t know he had. When the doctor comes in he asks, “So did the world change while I was out?”

"Well, if you hadnt heard about the Taros First League before, they made a statement this week. Took a run at two important people from your colony"

“Thanks I will have to check on everyone to see how they are. Anything I need to know about maintance or are they all pretty much self sustaining?”

"Everything is self sustaining, give yourself a few days for your mind to re-align to all the changes, so no heavy lifting or anything like that. If you're a hobbyist at all, this might be a good excuse to take a few days to play with your model ships or trains or whatever you do" he says with some levity. (edited)

“Thanks for the advice Doc, I’m more of a talker now so I think I will talk to everyone.” Shriven gets up, feels a wave of dizziness, then rights himself and prepares to head to the Vapormills council chambers.

Executor Dorlin and her small council of city aldermen lead Vapormills when dealing with their own domestic business, and you're permitted entry to the central chambers once you identify as being from Central.

“Greeting Executor, I have come to Vapormills to discuss the rail that was recently completed between Atrovia and Central and to ask permission to build more to connect Vapormills directly with Golgis, Egons and Carinhold. It will take some time to get the logistics over here to get it set up but I believe the economic benefits are compelling.”

"Interesting" she thinks "For so long we have been limited to cargo flights. I'd agree with the links but the one to Egons. The violence needs to be over, but I'm not prepared to accept any kind of long term dealings with them. Wyand needs to prove he;'s not his father"

Shriven holds back a sigh, forcing his voice to remain positive but is finding a seemingly easy project is running into a lot of politics. “Would you be interested in having a direct link to Stratopli and Bladona as well?”

"Absolutely not, not with all the violence there right now".

“I understand your concern, once the violence is ended you would be willing to readdress that line?”

"We can talk when things improve there, right now we would be getting refugees we can't support, or worse, a direct line into the city for those who would hurt us for cooperating with you. I can't risk my citizens just because"

“I completely understand, the safety and welfare of our citizens should always be our primary concern. To that end, would you allow me to put out flyers or some kind of mass dissemination of information offering those down on their luck a place at Prime, paid work and free housing for 6 months.”

'You're more than welcome to advertise either in print, the airwaves, or both, its the least I can do after throwing up so many roadblocks"

Shriven grins, “You have been more helpful than blocking. I will go to Golgis and Carinhold to get permission for those connections as well. It has been a pleasure to talk to you, thank you for your time. May the stats light your path.” Shriven bows and turns to leave back to Prime to get his plane. (edited)

It’s a short flight back to prime and the city is coming along nicely. A handful more piggen have arrived over the course of the time you were in surgery, with the remainder coming at the end of the month when the last city rebuilds are complete

Shriven heads to the airport to get his atmo. Then heads to Golgis airport. As he approaches he radios, “Tower this is Prime 1, requesting permission to land and discuss an opportunity with your government leadership.”

"Golgis Tower, Prime 1 you may begin your approach"

11:27 AM

The traffic is halted on the runway below, allowing the jet to land

11:27 AM

A small convoy, made up of whatever security staff happened to be in the area, is hastily being drawn up on the tarmac

Shriven gets out of the atmo and walks toward the security staff and convoy with his pistols holstered at his side. Relaxed as he no longer needs to worry about swapping his armor depending on the area. As he approaches he greets the convoy and says “Wow, wasn’t expecting this much of an honor guard thank you.” (If no response he hops in for the ride.)

"Standard protocol now. You're safe here, don't worry" The officer in charge says, and the convoy pushes off towards the central Golgis government building. You pass through ancient stone walls, that had once belonged to an impressive castle, and toward the keep, where the government center now is

Shriven hops out of the convoy, “Thank you Sirs, the ride was excellent.” Then turns to the keep and walks towards the entrance. Then racks his mind for the name of the leaders. (Help?)

Karvil Durov is the city's Forgemaster, which as far as you can tell is an honorific given to their leader

Shriven recalls useful thing. I knew reading that briefing would be worth it. then walks in to the keep.

The keep is every bit as rustic inside as out, though in some areas modern equipment like communications gear, and modern conference rooms have been added. The forgemaster wears thick work clothes, and is sitting behind a desk, excusing a gaggle of ministers

“Greetings Forgemaster Durov, As you have probably already heard when I asked for this meeting, I am Shriven of Ad Astra. I have asked for this meeting to ask for your blessing on making a train line from here to Vapormills and Carinhold with the future option of adding more of the Taros cities.”

“Would you be willing to have a rail line connect Golgis to Vapormills and Carinhold?”

He is silent for a few moments, long-hand writing some calculations down

3:15 PM

"To vapormills and Carinhold only"

3:16 PM

"I don't want to waste your time, I can assume already know the reasons for the restriction"

“For limiting it to those two cities right now, Yes I understand. However I hope that one day there will be enough peace and that they can gain your trust so that we can connect more of the Taros cities.”

"It might be well enough its just a few at a time for now, things have not been rosy here either. There is peace in the mining camps again, but its shaken the city to its core"

“Is there any supplies or aid Ad Astra can provide?” (I feel like this is round 3 of 4 on this

)

(Takes hard work to world shape!)

5:09 PM

“We are always looking for new sources of metal to keep the forges running. That rail link is exactly what we need”

(Should totally make a power point presentation...) “I’m glad we could help. I believe that there is a surplus of ore in Central right now. So once it get up and going we can get you more ore.”

“More everting will keep the forges running, if they’re running goods can go out. Money comes in, and I can pay my workers to not riot

“Excellent, thank you for your time and permission.”

“It helps everyone”. The forgemaster shakes your hand. He’s one of the tallest and strongest examples of his race you’ve seen so far

Shriven shows on his face how impressed he is when Forgemaster Durov stand up, “May the stars light your path in this time of uncertainty.” Then turns to leave back to his atmo. (Via the convoy.)

The flyer is waiting for you, and the convoy has doubled in size you notice on your way out of the city. Golgis is apparently taking threats to its allies seriously

Shriven hops into his atmoflyer and heads to Carinhold. Shriven turns to the copilot, “I wonder how my reception is Carinhold is going to be. The last few have been interesting.”

The atmo is welcomed into the city, and another motorcade is assembled for you. Carinhold is regarded, with vapormills a close second, as the most advanced city state. It's leader, President Albright, has been a supporter of the colony, and general planetary unity since serious efforts first started being made.

Shriven relaxes as he steps off in Carinhold after talking with the Copilot. Walks up to the officer in charge, “Good evening, I hope I’m not to late to be able to get a meeting with President Albright tonight.”

The president is permitting you to meet with him, seeing your flight plan on file, he cleared his schedule, and you're taken to their central presidential building, a rising hyper modern armored office building

Shriven exhausted for some reason he can’t understand (doing book work on the side in RL) walks up the steps into the building. “Nice place.”

Inside, the security details leads you to a small office, where a middle aged Taros gentleman is waiting- sitting behind a desk, scribbling some notes on a map

Shriven walks up and reaches out his hand to shake. “President Albright I presume?” Shriven is more relaxed as he spends more time in the presence of powerful leaders.

8:45 AM

(I’m pretty sure this is him but I don’t want to start a speech on a secretary. Though it might be good for a laugh.)

"I am indeed. You're Mr. Emalje, coming to talk to me about a railroad, correct?"

8:48 AM

"The forgemaster from Golgis was actually just on the telecom with me talking about it"

Shriven feels like an idiot for not just trying to do this over video. “Umm yes... I uhhh... Yes,” Shriven clears his throat and composes himself. “I am here to ask permission to connect Carinhold to Vapormills and Golgis. Once that is compete I have some other questions as well though.”

8:52 AM

“I am trying to bring more unity through infrastructure, to unite people with what I believe one of the most powerful forces in the world, self interest and opportunity.”

He laughs softly, one of agreement. "I think everyone understands that, Taros, Human and Piggen alike"

Shriven grins, “Hopefully it will start to bind us together.”

“So what do you think about the rail line?”

"Well, I'd agree to Golgis, and Vapormills. I'm not willing to open it further

“Excellent, I will reach out to my team and get that started at the beginning of next month. As for my other questions I am wondering what specificly I could do to help Carinhold feel more apart of the UNW?”

"We need more bi-lateral work. Together. The lines between human and taros are if anything, more defined than ever with the Taros First League forming."

“I understand, I will see what is being done to help confront this dissident movement. I also wanted to ask about the Taros Football League, how does one go about getting a team registered? I’m hoping to put forward a team for next season.”

"The league office is downtown, close to the stadium. I'd do it for you myself but if it looks like a human team has political support behind it, those TFL imbiciles might gain some traction "

“It wasn’t going to be a full human team, I think there are a few Piggen and humans but most of the skilled players we could find were Taros.” (Unless thats not okay.)

11:46 AM

“Do you forsee a problem arising from that?”

"I don't , not with your proposal"

A Message Appears From Cyrus

Just got back into friendly space, coming down to land now. Mission is a partial success we've acquired good intelligence. We also capture 3 enemy officers.

“Excellent President Albright, with your permission, I will go register the team. Thank you for your time” Shriven bows as he says, “May the stars light your path.”

No problem, seeya later.

"Very good Mr. Emalje. I look forward to the sound of trains outside my window" and he seems quite genuine about that

Shriven heads to the administration building by the stadium.

The admin building is bustling, also offering sports betting services. There is a small side atrium where you can see player registration and other administrative matters are handled

Shriven walks up to the registration, “Hello I’m looking to register a team from Prime. We already have a stadium that should be done before the season begins.”

“Is there some kind of paperwork to get this going? Also do you happen to have a list of coaches that are available to hire?”

"Very good. I was going to ask about facilities" says the clerk. "I have a list of coaches who currently do not have a team"

(Hiring 2 lvl 3 coaches for 1.25mil each and 4 lvl 2 for 250k each and sending 3 level 2 coaches to the piggen. Total cost 3.5mil)

3:40 PM

(And I’m going to cover their salaries for the first season so they don’t lose money during that time.)

After finishing the paperwork and signing the coaches he confirms that they will all head to Prime and Delphos respectively. Then after confirming that he heads back to the colony.

The coaches will be wen route within the next couple days, ready to begin training the teams

Shriven hops on the atmo to go back to Central. While on his way back he messages Franz’s office to see if he can get a meeting about the pretech salvage.

Franz is preparing to head west, destination unannounced on a state visit, but is more than willing to have the discussion via telecomm

Hey Shriven. We've met just once before, and I heard you had a small shuttle you weren't doing much with. I was wondering if we could work out a deal for me to use it, either by buying it or not. Let me know what you think.

Shriven replies to Hailey, then opens a channel with Franz. (edited)

7:18 AM

“Hello Franz, I have some pretech salvage I heard the colony is looking for some. May I ask what we are looking to do with it?” (edited)

"We're looking to make some upgrades to the shipyard to improve the production speed. Kincaid and I were remembering something from our time at home, and we think with the right components we can re-create some of the assembly line"

7:35 AM

(so it'll boost to 100k of progress per day, now 4x book speed)

“Ahhh that makes sense, I will have them shipped over from Prime. Thank you for your time President.”

7:39 AM

Shriven then finishes his flight to Central to greet Insight and Anamem back into the system late tomorrow (I think this is day 9 right? Ish?)

(yeah right on the money actually)

When landed in central he heads to where Cyrus told him the intel was to go over it and see what he can find.

(was that in PC story swap?)

(Yeah)

(ill have to look at it)

Cyrus snatched prisoners who have yet to be interrogated. There is also a small report on the fleet over the world, more numerous but smaller vessels, supported by 3 orbital platforms. A minefield was in the process of being laid between them. The surface map has been provided (handout) The central fortress on the planet is immense, and protected by breaker guns, though outlying listening posts are lightly staffed. Cyrus and his small team overwhelmed one of them quickly, but reinforcements arrived within moments. He clocked a seven minute response time.

9:15 AM

The planet is heavily forested, and specialists looking to use stealth, rather than overwhelming force, may have better luck getting closer of enemy posts are avoided

(I was hoping to go over the paperwork that Melora grabbed for any reference for the AI.)

9:17 AM

(The ‘intel that looked relevant’ from our conversation.)

The deployment reports dont mention anything about AI specifically, but they show forces being drawn in from other areas, gradually, over the next 4-5 months happens before the start of something called "Operation Omnipresent"

After spending the day searching through the documents and coming to the conclusion that the AI is probably somewhere on the planet but isn’t due to finish being unbraked for the next 3-4 months. (Know int to not come to a false conclusion?)

(you have the right conclusion. You saw the facility first hand on Sumati where they dug it up, I think you can put two and two together)

He sends that information to the colony intel department then goes up to the cloud to greet ananmem and the return of the Ad Astra fleet (edited)

The fleet returns safely, everyone eager to be back in a civilized part of the galaxy

Shriven walks onto insight and over to Sarah (ai) you ready to go on an adventure? Let’s head to prime and load up some pretech salvage and head to places unknown.

10:26 AM

(Aslief then Shahriar.)

10:31 AM

(Loading up 180 tons of pretech salvage for the trip.)

Sarah is ready, and the salvage is loaded accordingly. (I believe Shariar is an unruttered route thus far?)

(Yep. Off to see the pretech cult. Bearing hopeful trade.)

(is the scouting report/surface map visible? )

(Yeah due to the interrogation I did with the captain of the courier ship. I thought that was where the garrison was so questioned him extensively so you gave me the report and map. Along with the 2 known garrison planets names.)

(I just wanted to make sure you could see it)

11:42 AM

Sarah has a course plotted, and you settle in for a long jump. (anything special going on during transit time?)

Shriven continues to study the slyth language (2 of 4 weeks complete.)

11:46 AM

(Are there any cities outside of the remnant bases in the map?)

(anything of significance is on the map)

(This May be a short trip.

)

11:53 AM

(I arrive?)

The insight jumps into the edge of Shariar system space. Four vessels, not bothering to hide their identities, are holding a close orbit. One of them is a cruiser, converted into something like a logistics ship. Two corvettes hang close to it, weapon batteries slowly tracking across the cold void, waiting for contacts. A fourth ship, a dark knife-blade shape, hangs at the far system jump point. Two large blisters on its dorsal glow with an eerie rose light glow.

(Are the sending remnant identifiers?)

(Yes. In the battle to take the pirate platform, some of you have actually seen the MK 1 version of the weird domed ship too)

Shriven shakes his head and sighs, “Well so much for sneaking in and getting some things done. I don’t trust our odds in this ship. Sarah, can we get some details scans of that ship about to jump out before we do as well?” (Should have been in my PB or shuttle and I could have done things differently but it isn’t worth the risk.)

(program int check, sarah if she has at least a 0 can give you a +2, against theirs for stopping it)

(Can she do it? She has a 3 and specalist 2.)

(okay)

<14>

(7)

12:23 PM

The ship is a new model of the psionic dampening one first encountered at the platform battle. This is not the same ship, but a new production line. Its energy readings are much higher, and Sarah also picks out several other ECM systems aboard, though they're currently off as the ship prepares to jump

“Sarah are you saying that if that ship wasn’t jumping that it would stop us from jumping out?” Shriven is terrified of the implications.

(Does sarah have the fittings to detect MES?)

(Nope)

"It could. If alerted it might play havoc with a number of sensors aboard. If you're asking me to classify it, I'd say it is a command and control vessel. This has been cataloged before. Our psychic residents should be warned"

Shriven nods, “Well let’s get out of here and let everyone know.”

The Ad-astra ship breaks contact- and jumps out of the system, the route however, is ruttered, allowing smooth transit back in future.

1:04 PM

(6xp and 30,000 credits for the exploration and your time)

(I’m going to have a family weekend so I’ll be back on Tuesday maybe sooner but probably not. If you need me DM me.)

(Alright bud. See you then. Enjoy it)

Shriven brings Insight back into the Trivedi Cloud. Checking his compad and seeing a lot of messages and changes have happened

(welcome back good buddy)

(It was a good time, kids had a blast swimming and going down the slides. My parents had a blast paying for it all. Overall win-win)

Cyrus and his Myrmidons are attempting to prove their worth, first mission as a new military unit. Strange readings of new energy are being reported all over the planet, and it appears while you were gone, Bladonna has possibly fallen to a coup

Shriven pauses and isn’t sure where to throw his resources. (I’m seeing 3 options, 1. join up with the Task force and offer air support. 2. Go covert ops with a group. 3. Ignore it all and go deal with things off planet. Is that about right?)

(charles just found their training camp, so there could be simultaneous raids)

10:04 AM

(but yeah, those look about the big 3)

(Is the end of the month unity council thing still planned to proceed?)

(Yeah. This one that just happened was an emergency session)

7:35 PM

(But if you’re off world you can join via video

7:36 PM

(If you wanna do it I’ll make sure it happens)

(I just want to try to be there if it is happening. I have nothing special to bring up nor do I know of anything worthwhile but more of a thing that I said I should do.)

(Want to do a soccer scrimmage?

Shriven heads to Prime to fly with the other 2 atmos in Taros airspace in preparation for any action.

The atmos bring the injured Meltis back to central where the skilled bioscopics of the colony will have him under their care. News of his rescue has been kept limited thus far

9:11 PM

You’re advised after surgery he is alive now thanks to your quick medical attention at the scene

Shriven grabs a quick bite and then hops back in the atmos to fly over near the Taros cities again, Incase there is a great need, he makes sure that they only have 4 to a bird so they can pick up any wounded if needed and so that they can each run 8 hour shifts while in the air for the duration. (His will have 5 incase he need to make another jump.)

7:57 AM

“Actually let’s make a stop at Prime, I’m going to send you on and I’m going to go check out a hunch.”

7:59 AM

(I’m thinking that those in Golgis May be a prime target for recruitment and I want to see if there is something I can do on my hovercycle.)

(Alrighty) the vehicle stops at Prime, the city looks a bit busier from above than it had before

Shriven hops on his hovercycle and drives it to the rail to make it to Vapormills before he follows the proposed tracks to near Golgis.

The track line is coming along, surveyors have the route marked, and you're thankful that there are no rivers or really much of anything in the way.

Shriven pulls to a hill overlooking the city hoping that he sees a calm scene as he drives to the gates of the city.

Things look calm. Trucks run with frequency, some of them now have Trivedi Tech logos on them.

10:51 AM

The gates of the city no longer have a military presence, but there are civilian toll workers, with a few police officers nearby, just in case

Shriven pulls up and asks for directions to a nice inn or bar.

You're given directions for the "Block and chisel" one of the oldest and nicest kept inns in the city. It is a lodge looking building, three floored, and made of a battleship gray stone, the western wall slightly falling victim to climbing ivy.

Shriven drives over to the block and chisel. “Nice place.” Shriven grabs the keys to his bike then heads inside.

Inside a bartender is cutting generous portions off a large roast. The air smells something like basil, and other more exotic spices. A small stewpot gently bubbles suspended over a fire. "Ah human, welcome to the block and chisel. "

Shriven grins, “I’m glad to be here. That as a warmer welcome than I was expecting.” Shriven walks over to the bar, “Can I get something to drink and the lay of the land? I’m hoping you can help me gauge the thoughts of your fellow Golgis.”

He pours a generous measure of a very strong smelling clear alcohol into a glass and slides it down the well varnished counter. There is almost no friction. "Drink completed. Ask your questions"

11:21 AM

He is not curt out of rudeness, but a focus on the delicate task of carving tonights communal supper

“What do you think about the son taking over?”

11:52 AM

(The name escapes me.)

"Ah out in Egons? Wyand always struck me personally as the more reasonable of the two. I'm glad he's in control of things"

(Aaannnnd that’s when shriven realizes that he is in the wrong place...)

11:59 AM

(Hahahhahahah im rolling laughing over here.)

“Excellent, I’m glad you think so highly of him, would you say that is the pervasive view?”

“I’d say so. There was little love lost for his father even out here. He shorted the city on labor contracts more than once”

“What do you think about the new rail line that’s coming in?”

"I'm happy with it. More ore coming into the city, or leaving it, is more money changing hands. Quality of life is going to improve for everyone."

12:59 PM

"If we could get some kind of deal to move it off world, I think that would go even further"

(Nice hook there.)

2:35 PM

“Really, I though there was a shortage of ore right now here?”

"The mineres are at peace again. They're working hard, for better pay and better conditions. THey've been more productive than ever"

2:38 PM

(Connor fixed the issue here)

“Well thank you for your time, I believe I have what I was looking for.”

"Be well traveler" the bartender smiles, and goes back to lovingly preparing his feast

Shriven hops on the bike and heads to the airport, he walks up to the staff, “You mind if I call in a starship to pick me up? I need to head back and would rather not have to take an Atmo.”

"Not a problem, there's enough landing clearance on cargo runway 3. I'll warn the tower something is coming down so they don't get jumpy"

Shriven comms and asks for a lift on insight from Sarah. Then waits as it comes in before heading back to the cloud to get to Overwatch for the prisoner transfer.

(have you and Cyrus connected on that at all? I know he wanted to be present as well)

(Yeah I offered to let him take it then he convinced me to join him via DM.)

3:31 PM

(thanks for checking.)

(Stepping out of the time stream for a minute as I don’t want to break the RP in the exchange.) when shriven gets back to Central he walks down to the engineers at the cloud and asks for a design that would remove landmines from a heavily forested area. (Thinking point defense lasers on a VI driven gravcycle or something like that.)

(probably with ground pen radar to detect them too)

(Would be a good idea. Detecting the thing that wants to destroy the bot...)

8:21 AM

“Can you draw up some plans for something like that? I will have the factory in Prime build them but need some schematics.”

"I can. When you return we will have them ready for final approval:

“Excellent thanks for your time.” Shriven sends the 20k for the blueprints to Trivedi then heads back to overwatch and gets some shut eye while he still can.

10:33 AM

Making sure that Sarah will be on board Just Incase something goes wrong.

Sarah will be transfered aboard, just in case

Shriven heads back to Prime.

Prime is slowly becoming busier, its inhabitants arrived over the course of the month

6:43 PM

The city streets are full

Shriven heads heads to the Ad Astra head quarters and heads to his office that he has yet to use. To coordinate with each of the heads of the different arms of Ad Astra.

(Who did you have marked for doing what? I'll pin it here)

(When funds become available construction will start on each of these things I need one trade to Sumati to get this all rolling.)

7:42 AM

(HQ 5 Gudrun HQ 4 Aslief HQ 3 Sumati HQ 2 Miriam Miriam Production Center Major/ Building Supplies Gudrun Fleet Command Major Aslief Corp Secruity/Major Sumati Medical Service/Major 20 Trains Rails for Taros Logistic Ship Colony Troop Ship Personal Sanctuary) (Edit forgot the parentheses) (edited)

7:46 AM

(I’m just short on the fleet command and ships but my inventory will cover that after a trade.)

(sounds good)

Shriven wakes up giddy knowing that today is the day he has been waiting for the last 2 months. Finally Profit is ready the bulk trader. Shriven heads to the cloud to get her loaded up with the weapons and medical supplies for Sumati.

The Profit is complete and every big as magical as you were expecting. A bulk freighter represents an enormous step forward, not just for Ad-Astra, but for what humans can do- post scream.

Shriven relaxes in the pilots seat which is a little to stiff to be truly comfy but he knows it will eventually get worn in. He then waits for the all clear from Sarah and the boys doing the bulk of the work on this trader.

Shriven comms both Insight and Anamem to join him on the jump to Sumati, as we have a lot of atmo flyers to pick up when we get there.

The three vessels jump together to sumati, passing the crude nav beacons. The Usean forces and the balak league below, along with some task force phoenix units are getting themselves into a position for a major offensive this month. (when seung returns)

Shriven goes down with the first cargo lighter and 200 tons of the weapons to the Balak league (they need more weapons right now.)

You're met by a cargo truck convoy at the cove road, where you've previously met with their representatives

9:00 AM

two junior officers and a few armored personnel carriers escort the group

“Greeting, is Mirosan on his way? I would love to hear how the war is proceeding. Do you officers have an update before we get to the capital?”

"Our forces are gearing up for a major offensive. He's been a wonder, keeping the flows of supplies organized. He wasn't able to break off from duties, but you can reach him if needed."

“I’m glad he has been of use. I wanted to talk to (name of general that shriven remembers but I don’t.) about some surplus air power if you don’t mind escorting me.”

"Of course" Youre brought into the walled city, tucked into its mountain basin, and before long you're standing in the court of the Major General. "Ah, our offworld friends have returned."

9:13 AM

"It is good to see you again"

“And you as well, I head that you are looking to start a major offensive in a few days, I was hoping to negotiate the use of some airbases for my mercenaries, they will be flying some 90 nextgen fighters and troop transports not quite as fast as your but a little more maneuverable in a combat situation. They will of course help in whatever way they can in the war effort.”

(I'm using the war rules, so the airplanes being here gives each TFP and Balak league unit +2 to their war rolls, for having organic air support. If you want to adventure, we can make you specifically doing a mission as part of the larger battle)

9:19 AM

(but mechanically, the planes being here/crewed, is going to be applied that way)

(Yeah, I just figured I should make it all official with asking permission. For some reasons countries don’t like it when Merc’s just kicking down doors to airbases and flying sorties out of them. Odd...)

9:29 AM

(

)

9:30 AM

(Book wise they are all going to have a staff of 6 people and the troop transports each have 12 commandos with 6 flight crew for insertions. 60 fighter and 30 transports.)

(i fixed the stuff to resemble an actual by the book war front that weekend you were off being a rad dad, so it was worth repeating, just in case it was missed)

“And once again thank you for letting me recruit that band of mercenaries and form it. I am looking forward to seeing their efforts put to good use.”

9:39 AM

(There will also be 20 fighters and 10 transports on Gudrun for support of local interests. And my salary per month just jumped to 5mil plus soccer 1.5 mil... ouch)

(gotta put that far trading money to use somehow)

9:43 AM

"As am I. I hope we can bring as many home as we can. There's another from your world due back soon, and once he gets here the offensive will kick off:

“Excellent, thank you for your time. It didn’t feel right asking for airspace over distance. Is there anything that you need from me?”

"We've got the support, we just need to see how the offensive goes, things may pop up"

10:21 AM

(its one set of war turns per month, so if there's a shift in the battle, or the war as a whole, you'll get time to address it)

Shriven stands up and reaches to shake the General’s hand. “May the stars light your way.” Shriven then heads back to the cove to get picked up by Anamem and head back to Gudrun.

Gudrun is peaceful from space, you see Dr. Thorn's ship, the swallowtail, sitting outside the main production hangar. The doctor herslef engaged in business elsewhere

Shriven grins at seeing the swallowtail. Then disembarks from Anamem while the crew refuels, he heads to the psilab to see if he can help with the research there. Not sure who to talk to when he walks in he looks at the front desk. “Hello, I’m hoping I can help with some of the research here. I think I can help with some design work.”

the office manager gets on the phone with val, and you're buzzed into the back after a short conversation. (the psi lab right, rebirth?

(Yeah I didn’t realize they were at rebirth so I would have taken one of the atmos.)

2:51 PM

Shriven walks in and talks to Val for a couple hours and she throws out all of shriven’s ideas as not understanding how MES works but shriven is determined, he proceeds to build a prototype and tries to send a etherfruit via the teleported that he tried to construct <8 experted to 9>. Shriven flips the switch to watch the etherfruit disappear and reappear on the other table but instead watches a perfectly good etherfruit get mircrowaved.

it smells better than it probably tastes youre all assuming. Val is willing to call this an interesting diversion.

“Well Val I cant say you didn’t warn me. Maybe I should pick up some books on MES to better figure out what is all going on. Hopefully next month we can make some real progress.”

2:55 PM

(I had a 72% chance of success each one of those rolls... failure on both was only a 7.71% chance....)

2:56 PM

(Rolled a stupid 2 then a 3..)

(sometimes she goes, sometimes she doesnt go, thats the way she goes)

(Luck be a lady tonight, luck walked out on me I must have offended her.)

After failing in the lab shriven hops into the atmo and heads back to Central to grab some books on MES theory. (Waiting to do more till Sil and meeting.)

(That’s happening now)

The meeting ends with some momentus deals agreed to, but some new problems presenting themselves as well.

Shriven asks Ad Astra HQ to load up 200 tons of medical supplies on Anamem in preparation of heading to Aslief checking in on everything going on and have the team there estimate how many anti-Landmine boys it will take to clear that up. (Then Galatea.)

11:16 AM

(If you have that planet ready. That is.)

(I'm off today, I can draw a map)

Shriven takes Anamem back to Aslief requesting permission to dock (is the station done but not the starship or are neither done?)

(i thought it wasnt done until month11)

(

I knew the shipyard wasn’t but I didn’t know if the station would be.)

(all done at once)

you're directed planetside, to Praxia, at the usual spot set aside for landing spacecraft capable of doing so

Anamem lands and shriven walks out, looking for Emilia or a representative of Ad Astra. “Hello, I wanted to talk about a project of clearing the landmines from the Forrests.”

Emilia is happy to receive the company president and eager to hear about your mine removal plans

“I need estimates on how many bots you think it would take to clear it in a month. Here are the schematics for them and about how much they can clear. I need a general estimate of how many we will need to clear it all. We can do it slower if you think it is advisable but either way I want to get started soon.”

“I’d say slower is more effective. Even missing one could be tragedy for someone. Let’s try a dozen units for a trial run?”

“Sounds good work with Alfred he is ready for the order.”

“Alright. I’ll get in touch. If these work we can market them to other worlds. I bet Sumati is going to need a hell of a cleanup too”

Shriven slaps his forehead, “I should have thought of that! We need to push forward on this project 2 worlds recovery could now henge on this.” Shriven then proceeds to spend the rest of the day reviewing the factory and talking to locals about what they believe should be done about harmony.

The cities of aslief are built where they are because there are few sites suitable for city building in the first place. They’d like the radiation cleaned up and the ruins razed is rebuilding can occur.

(Do we have tech that does the clean up that I don’t now of?)

(Nothing yet to clean the heavy metal radiation but the radioactive fallout can be cleaned with more conventional means)

(Research project? Lol)

(Herb has an experiment going out in delphos that is much larger scale, and three months from completion, but if you want to check it out, we can perhaps speed it along)

(Interesting, ill keep it on the books but for now I have the answer I need. It is possible but not till year 2 practically.)

10:42 AM

Shriven thanks them all for their time and then hops in Anamem and settles down for a nice spike jump to Galatea. During the down time he is going to study the slyth language. (3/4 weeks to become fluent.)

Galeta system space has a functional orbital, as you find when you translate in, as well as two system ships, destroyer class - who race out to meet you

Shriven calmly sends out the following, “Greetings, this is Shriven Emaje and the Anamem. We come in peace to trade.” (How far until they are in weapon range/maybe firing at me?)

(they're in weapon range already) They dont have any gun ports open, and the master alert is not flashing, indicating you're being targeted. "Greetings Shriven Emaje and Anamen, Welcome to the paradice of Galeta. We request you keep your gun ports shuttered. Illegal goods are sapients, and your usual maltechs. Do you have anything to declare?"

“Just some medical supplies I though you might be interested in. Other than that I will keep everything powered down. Do you mind if I do some scans of the surface as I approach? Or do you have a local data net I can covert over to?” Shriven is trying to hold back his shock of seeing such huge ships in a planet near the remnant shipyard.

"Local data shunt- change to the highlighted frequency" and a spot on your dial is highlighted

Shriven pulls out a compad and isolates it from the rest of the ship. Then connects it to the data shunt.

The data coming in is nothing short of incredible. There seem to be a handful of polity groups on the world below. Their control over the climate is so fine that each one has their local area tailored to taste

6:03 PM

All seem friendly and willing to do business but their forums are packed with passive aggressive comments about the others

Shriven scrolls through the database of information (prog check?) to find a Synopsis of the different cities available to land at.

(theyre not hiding it from you, you'd get a complete surface map) The only special requirement is Anchorite city maintains a small on-shore landing station, and passengers are ferried out to its floating city. The ruler there seems a bit paranoid and it offers an extra screening opportunity

(Would it mention the grails?)

(that they exist, not too deep into the specifics since this is a public band)

(Is it Novanovagrad?)

(The cities would have at least one each, to make what its people need)

9:38 AM

(and maintain the local microclimate)

(I was making sure it wasn’t movanova or something I wasn’t sure.)

Novanovagrad is modeled after traditional earth climate, and the ruskivelt region. The people there enjoy communal lives, and calling themselves communists- though the means of production make enough for everyone handily. Anchorite city is a city of scholars and monastics, (an anchorite is a cloistered monk who records things) , their lack of needing to provide anything for their day to day care has freed them up to meticulously record the comings and goings of the rest of the planet, and as much of the universe as they're still able to categorize Sarkovskia still employs people to mine its gem fields, but it is considered more of a diversion. People pay for the ability to get out into the field and experience true hard work like their fore-bearers used to be required to do. Euprates is modeled after a traditional theocracy, the people living under an appointed Imam. They live peaceful lives of prayer and service, working hard to make the desert bloom, without the use of their grail. Arctopia is a ski resort turned city, where every activity is designed to make their frozen landmass into a paradise of entertainment and hot springs.

9:44 AM

(hows that?)

Nekosmash 2/1/2019 9:44 AM

(Perfect! Looks like I’m going to arctopia first.)

9:48 AM

Shriven finishes browsing the net for the character of the cities. Then seeing a ski resort he heads that way.

(I'll update the handout with this tonight as well, so its available for the future)

“Arcopia, this is ananmem requesting permission to land and instructions to do so.”

Ananmem, this is Arcopia tower, proceed to landing pad 11, north side of the arcology"

Shriven takes Anamem down and enjoys the view as he comes in for a landing.

The view is of beautiful arctic mountains, and a deep valley with an impressive ski lift built into it. In the middle of everything, is a giant ice/plasteel castle, a megastructure in its own right

Shriven steps off Anamem and looks around admiring the scenery. “Wow, I haven’t seen a place like this since I was last on earth.”

A light, christmassy snow begins falling, and the air smells the perfect amount of pine and mint. Three figures, human, beatiful, and bundled up against the cold approach you

Shriven walks towards them. “Greeting, I am Shriven Emaje. I have come to trade and admire your wonderful city! The effort and skill to build and maintain such perfecting is astounding. I can hardly believe that such a place still exist. Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?”

“I am public representative Zeta” a woman says in front of the trio. She bows lightly. “Welcome to our city”

Shriven bows, “Representative Zeta, are you empowered to be able to make trades for medical materials? I would like to offer you what is on the ship in exchange for whatever your world has best to offer.”

"I am indeed empowered. We will buy your medical gear. We have building materials, and colonial supplies in great, limitless abundance here"

“Excellent, do you still use the exchange of lights’ credits as your currency?”

“The exchange of light and its credits are always welcome here. The accumulation of such wealth is a pleasant diversion for many”

A private message arrives for @Rey (Shriven) with UNW encryption. "Greetings again. I hope your time since the business on terezinho has been well. I have recently taken a military advisor position for the UNW military, and I'm evaluating our future military needs as far as ground forces. I am to understand the city of Prime is under your supervision and will eventually be used as a center for fleet training, and thought it prudent to inform you that I am considering establishing a terrestrial military fortification and training center at the foot of the mountains nearby." "Exact location and timetable are still to be determined, but I believe there may be supply logistics benefits to coordinating the development of your city and our base. There are a number of mineral resources in the mountains that we would likely have the manpower to slowly excavate, but at present there is not a terribly large amount of military industrial infrastructure to utilize such resources for military purposes. If Prime were to have an industrial sector and thus a market for the nearby resources it might facilitate significant economic growth in the city and also give us a means to bring armored warfare into the UNW on a more significant scale down the road." "Along a similar thought process, having a nearby city with significant entertainment outlets would allow for longer stations at our base by facilitating short leaves for rest. There's also potential for cross-training and making it easier for military members to know their options and get into the branch of service that fits them best. A couple other examples come to mind but hopefully my point is clear - There's opportunity to plan ahead and make things easier for both of our goals. I look forward to your thoughts, and if you agree perhaps a meeting to discuss options."

Public representative Zeta continues "we have very advanced recloning facilities here, that are always in need of medical supplies. Death is, ever, only an inconvenience here"

Shriven stands there open mouthed. “Can you repeat that again? Did you say Death is only and inconvenience here?”

The reply comes back. "Well for entertainment I would suggest greenspace such as parks, holovid emporiums, and bars as a start. In any event if you are still getting legs under everything then I will reach out again when I have more specific suggestions, perhaps at that time it will be easier to coordinate actions. In any event I wish you luck with the administration, as the first UNW city many will be watching."

“The traveler has heard correctly. Death is only an inconvenience here

(Will be back Monday. Kids going crazy.)

(No worries bud!)

“What do you mean by that? What does it take to make death only an inconvenience?”

"A bit of genetic material, and some of our own classified mix of revivification drugs, a few weeks in a vat, we can have anyone back good as new. There used to be quite a bit of medical tourism here, it seems to have dried up the last couple years"

Shriven runs back into the ship. Tempering half way that there was some one there and turns around. “I’ll be right back.” Then sprints back to his room and grabs Ana’s hairbrush. Then rushes back out. “This can you use this? Just tell me, what... if...” shriven is obviously distraught and stumbles to a verbal stop.

She holds up a stately hand, for silence. She dons a silken white glove, and holds it out, to inspect it

8:46 AM

she turns it over in her hands, inspecting it closely. "This is an acceptable specimen"

“What does it cost? What do I need to do? Will she remember?”

"You're fortunate to make your way here when you did. Our latest generation of revivals typically does have their memories intact. As far as the cost, upon successful revivification, Galeta requires a service repaid of equal or lesser value. Arctopia currently has several of its fine citizens held offworld- lost on a mission and unable to re-merge with our communal mind. Their safe return- or news of their ultimate fate- seems a fair price" (they dont really use/need money, everything is political here)

(Yeah shriven hasn’t really grasped that.)

"But, in the spirit of safe dealings, we will not take the brush until news is found first. Is this agreeable?"

“That will work, where are they missing from?”

"We sent them on a special mission to polychromia, to steal information on a new set of post human shells in development, and nothing has been heard since

9:25 AM

(0005 in 1E)

“So I need either him or to gather that same information?”

“That’s correct. Find the team, or complete their mission. A word of warning. Polychromia covets spike drive technology badly. Landing there is a good way to lose your vessel

“Thank you for the warning. How did your team get on the planet? Is there a transport that goes from here to there?”

"They were deployed via personal teleport"

"but we don't have a way to replicate it. The valorous teleporter was crazed after the attempt. He had to be dealt with"

“I vaguely remember rumors when I was in the military of teleportation pads for a ship, do you have those?” (Worth a shot.)

(I don’t think the dot went off.)

(It didnt) "We do not. Not anymore, at any rate. Something happened to them a couple years ago and we were never able to get them working again"

“Where should I be looking? Or who am I looking for?”

“The team leader is named Vess. She was working with the Ardent Hand. They’re a security company there that works with the corporations. It’s a cover. When you get to the planet I’d start there. They should have a personnel file if not vess herself

"Either way, the entire team was working with Ardent Hand. The top level there knew what we were actually up to and agreed to help. Amazingly easy what trading some baubles and electronic numbers can do for a person"

(Woops. Didn’t see the message.) “Excellent. I will see what I can do to expedite this. Good day.” Shriven runs back to Anamem totally forgetting about the trade and flys back to Gudrun. To swap out to the sneaky shuttle. Where he is informed that there are delays on Miriam trade and it may be a few weeks. Shriven shrugs it off as he has no thought but to focus on the task at hand knowing that Ana could soon be with him.

(I figured, its been acting silly for me too)

10:51 AM

The shuttle is prepared, the actual work going on in the background of Shrivens now very busy mind

Shriven loads up with a team of his Corp security at Aslief. (Background grunts Incase he need some backup that I hope wont be required.) he gives some kind of speech that he can’t really recall as they prepare to jump from Aslief to Polychoniou. Then realizes that if he just dwells on the fact that Ana May be by his side he will never get the mission accomplished so he throws himself into the study of Slyth. (Week 4 of 4)

(You've got a mastery of the language and culture now)

(Yay I mastered a dead language and culture!)

The journey takes a little over a week, before you're hovering over the mega urbanized world of Polychromia. There is no space based communication, but hundreds of thousands of comm feeds are criss-crossing the planet at any given time. The city stretches almost the span of the entire landmass, endlessly broken up into districts and subdistricts

(Did I get an estimate of where the Ardemt Hand was located?)

(No. The galetans didn’t know exactly. All they knew was they had a group on planet willing to help them for money)

7:05 PM

(But if it’s an outfit as big as the galetans said it was, you shouldn’t have trouble once you get planetside)

(Any open areas of oceans?)

(There would be one on the northwest side of the planet. I don’t have a map drawn yet. Trying to re create it from the description)

(Glad there is an ocean.) Shriven nods and then begins to try to take the shuttle in stealthily into the ocean then under the sea to the coast.

(That’s the plan at least.)

Upon getting to within 10 miles of the coast, the sensors detect an ocean drag-net, festooned with sensors. Several forms of sea life are also caught in the metal gridding of this sensor web

Shriven tried to figure out if there is any way around or above it.

(program .int)

<5 expert to 9>

There is a small section, at the very bottom of the net, where the ship can get through without alerting anything. it seems the power to that area is not working properly

Shriven tried to fly the ship in that direction.

There is a squeal as a piece of the metal sensor net scrapes the top of the ship, but no city alarms seem to have gone off

Shriven continues towards the beach making sure with the sensors that there aren’t going to be people where he comes up.

The coast of the city seems relatively abandoned. Trash floats on oil and grease slicked shores. Mechanical components rust on beaches made from discarded gears and circuit boards. There are almost certainly several bodies of various low station or ner'do wells scattered among them

Shriven takes the airlock out and tells the backup to wait in case called. Then is going to swim the last 100 meters into the beach with his pistol and clothes in the emergency pack so it remains dry.

The water is cold and has a disturbing viscosity to it when you jump in. (physical save)

<15v5 success)

Shriven tries not to tihnk about whatever pollution might be in the water as he makes his way to what amounts to the beach.

2:12 PM

The area is empty for now, save for a lone fisherman at the far end of the beach, who doesnt seem to be paying attention to much of anything beyond his lure

2:12 PM

Beyond, the tall buildings and busy skyline of Polychromia's sole mega city spreads out. The air hums with the sound of distant vehicle and air traffic.

2:13 PM

(think like, a very zoomed in version of a computer chip, how it looks like a city, thats what this place looks like)

Shriven gets dressed and looks at the fisherman hoping that he doesn’t stand out to much from the fashion on the planet.

With your various augmentations, you blend right in. you see one if his arms is actually the fishing rod itself, built into a rather nice telescoping mechanical housing

Shriven heads into town looking for a coffee shop or a bar to gather info.

There is a bar at the very end of the dock, called, ironically, "The very last stop"

2:58 PM

it seems sleepy this time of day, but the sign is on saying its open

Shriven walks in and looks around, then walks up to the barkeep, “My gear is on the fritz any chance you can point me in the direction of a good repair shop to be able to get reconnected?”

“Depends what you’re packing. Are you...are you certified?” (edited)

7:54 AM

(I’ll have a map tonight. I started and re started one a few times last night and it just felt so slapdash)

“Just some comms, I lost my connection to the net.” Shriven is trying to be very nonchalant about it.

"Right, I understand that but are you certified. Your gear"

"If it's not been implanted by one of the corporations here, I'm not going to be able to work with it. It's against the law. Well, everything here is against the law"

“I was hoping for a handheld for now. A compad or something?”

"I can let you make a call, sure" He fishes around under the bar, emerging with a beat up but functional unit

Shriven pokes around on the system finding a map of how to get to Ardent Hands. Then calls their office to confirm they are open.

12:00 PM

(Is it nearish?)

(They do have a small out-office nearby)

12:11 PM

They are open

they currently have open interviews for security and schedule an appointment for you

~~Shriven thanks the bar keep and heads to the offices. Making sure that he keeps his head down and tries to remain casual.~~ (Forgot to hit send.)

(You're good bud!)

3:11 PM

(99% of the time Its discord not lighting up channels, I've taken to just sweeping them a few times a day to not leave people hanging. I was like man, my good buddy shriven sure is quiet today)

3:12 PM

Shriven arrives outside the neighborhood office of Ardent Hand. A dated motivational soundtrack is playing, accompanying an equally dated video of brave, pristine uniformed security officers keeping company property and employees safely. another video shows a peasant climbing a hill to pull a sword from a rock, and when he raises it in salute, he transforms into an Ardent Hand officer

3:12 PM

A sergeant comes out. "Ah, thinking about becoming a dragon slayer?" he has a wry look in his eyes

“Can I speak to the manager, I was sent here on an errand.”

“That’s me. Cmon in. Who’s the errand from?”

He has a knowing look in his eyes as he opens the door of the shabby recruiting office

“A mutual friend who was wondering if the last acquaintance had an update.”

“Ah. Yes. In that case we have the same friend.” He brings you into a small office. A rusting fan creaks gently on the ceiling. “They were working with Paradyne, a firm specializing in weaponized cyberware”

“Yeah, when did you lose contact with him?”

“About two months ago. There have been a few pulses from their vital trackers since. They’re alive but likely in captivity.”

8:02 PM

“Well. Most of the team has pulsed at least once”

“Do you know where they were pinging from or just that they were?”

“Inside paradymes main headquarters. One of the top floors of their spire. I think that’s the only reason a signal is getting out.

"They were sent there to get some information for Galeta. Something about their 'ghost' technology, how to make ghosts, and nothing has been heard- well almost nothing- since the initial breach. Getting them, or at least the data, out, would be difficult- but you came to the right place"

“What was their approach? Were they single night infiltrating or just doing a long op?”

"Of that I am not sure, they were going to canvass th

10:41 AM

e place, see what worked best, and I never heard from them again. Their fake credentials would have allowed them jobs there to support a long con, if thats the route they chose"

“Could you get me in as a researcher? I have the knowledge to support it mostly. At least for a month to get where I need to go.”

“I should be able to. Are you cyber equipped?”

“I have some but I need a ghost to pull off what we’re talking about. Can you do that and get that installed and we get the rest of my Ware certified?”

“I can do that for you yes. I have some wetware we took off some criminals that I can wipe and fix up for you. You got a day for getting it configured?”

“This is the only thing I have for now.”

He nods and begins getting some information plugged into his computer. “Well. Welcome to ardent hand, and to paradyne industries. Doctor” he winks

“Thanks, I have some questions before I assume the identity. Is dermal armor outlawed here or require a permit?”

“No permits needed for that. Almost anything is legal here”

11:44 AM

“Minus what we are doing of course

“Do we need to disguise the ghost as something else?”

"Not at all. This ghost is essentially a false electronic identity embedded in your cyberware. Scans of your body will identify you as the persona youre taking on. Essentially, we are masking your true name"

Shriven nods in understanding.

"You will have a bank account in your false name, background checks will identify you as a real living, breathing human, complete with a false past, you can buy and sell property here under this false identity. Only truly dedicated hackers might be able to sniff something out on you, but you'll have am ple warning"

“Sounds good. Do you have an connections to get me on the research team there?”

“I promise I won’t make any moves that will compromise your contact overtly.”

"This identity will identify you as one of the research team. No one will be asking any questions"

1:41 PM

"Unless, as you said, you did something totally out of character, but you sound like you've got knowledge enough to fake it"

“Is the team small or large? Or do you know yet? Is there a way to hack the companies database to make it look like I’m a new hire?”

"They were a six man team. Your ghost implant will make it look like youre a new hire. We can make it say anything you want"

6:23 PM

he is typing away on a computer , getting your fake credentials ready

“Excellent, I am still young enough I should be able to get away with this being my second project the first being shut down this the transfer. It will give me some wiggle room on the whole what have you done so far.”

"I think so too. Alright, compad?"

Shriven hands over his compad.

He slots a chip in the side, and you feel a slight tingle throughout your cyberware as the signal is sent. "Alright doctor. You're all set. You're going to feel a little more taxed, since your mind is subconsciously carrying a false identity. We can remove it later, assuming you make it back.

Shriven shakes his head, “Thank you sir for your work on my behalf, I ought to get to work.”

"Indeed. There's an Ardent Hand van out back the team paid for and didn't use"

9:49 PM

he throws you the keys

Shriven catches the keys and heads to the office.

The office of Datadyne is a large, 40 floor office building, made of glass and pasteel. Corporate security has a five man team on the front steps watching passers by

Shriven walks up, “I’m Dr. Shriven Emaje, can you show me to the lab I’m supposed to report to?”

They pass a wand over you and your shockingly realistic credentials pop up on the screen. You even graduated top of your class. “Ah good morning doctor. Hope your first day jitters aren’t too bad. Come inside and I’ll show you to your office”

12:06 PM

There is a maze of hallways, elevators, and labs before you’re finally brought into the double wide room that is your office. The holographic nameplate already has your name on it.

Shriven walks in confidently. “Thank you.” Shriven then sits down and starts working on what he can. (Shriven is planning on spending a few weeks so he can actually understand what he is stealing/copying before he comes up with the plan.)

After a few weeks on the project, you begin to understand why the Galetans want this technology so bad , in their always on society

2:27 PM

Level 3 ghosts are more than real- they’re a self-obfuscating identity cluster that regularly mutates to avoid scrutiny. Whenever the Council or a corp attempts to make a change to that identity, whether to confiscate money or flag it as criminal, the GM should roll 1d6. On a 4+, the change silently reverts 24 hours later, without notifying the corp or Council. The bank account attached to a level 3 ghost also has augmented integrity software attached, giving the owner 2 hours to pull out assets before an attempted wipe or confiscation will go through.

2:27 PM

(Basically its a way for the Galetans to obfuscate even further some of their intrigue against one another)

Currently, paradyne is working to use these level 3 ghosts for military espionage, allowing agents to impersonate high ranking officers and the like, the enhanced security allowing them precious hours to evacuate in the event their cover is blown

(Date night will post in morning.)

(Enjoy bud!)

Shriven is pleasantly surprised. He continues to work on the program. Shriven takes one of the nights to reach out to ardent hand over a public com route to find out if they have a way to download data.

Ardent Hand is not permitted remote access into the facility, so they do not have a way to get information through wireless

(I was thinking cyberware.)

(The only way to get info to an outside party is through directly planting a data shunt in Paradyne's building, just like what Tri-Green did to the colony)

(Do I have one?)

(Yes, just a matter of getting into their server room)

Shriven spends a day trying to get to know the layout around the server room. Looking for any Server monkeys that he can become friends with.

The server monkeys are a semi-closed community, all keeping to themselves, and when not playing a popular game at work called Dabloonscape, they're playing it at home. The game seems very immersive, some kind of pirate role playing simulator. Their jokes and conversations constantly revolve around it.

(Ya got to do what you got to do.) Shriven looks for one of the younger ones and to ask them to help him install Dabloonscape on his company station.

10:41 AM

(We can RP this if you want. I’m trying to build confidence on one.)

"Oh heck yeah doc, you're finally going to play?"

10:42 AM

"Our clan is the best, so when you get on, look for FIST. The Fraternity of International Sea Tyrants. We have the best hideout and everything"

“Yeah, I figured I would try it out. Is it allowed here during lunch and stuff?”

"Oh man, if only you know. It's allowed any time. As long as you hit your goals you can kinda do whatever you want. We usually try to get tickets closed as soon as we can so we can get back to playing"

“That’s awesome! I was wondering if you can get me set up? What’s your tag? If you want to run around and help me get started that is.”

"Alright, my screenname is 420grazeit, and my ship is the Smoke Wheat" He is excitedly chattering as a cheerful nautical tune begins playing over your computer speakers

(Preying on young men to get my wife back this is ironic....)

(I know this is serious but im having a blast with Dabloonscape)

11:18 AM

The young server admin spends a few hours, bringing in his own personal set up, and helps you get started, before the end of the workday, you're already captain of a weak, but balanced sloop, with a handful of NPC swashbucklers at your beck and call

Shriven spends all night playing with grazeit. Taking special care to cultivate confidence with the young captain. (Talk/?)

11:48 AM

(Do they have the Wideawake Serum? That keeps you awake for a week?)

11:48 AM

(Aka coffee on steroids for this?)

)Yes, actually thats been in the game before too, director Azog had huge problems with it when you guys first landed. Seung got him clean(

11:52 AM

Most of the server admins regularly use wideawake to support their gaming and work habits. It'

11:53 AM

s sold out of a vending machine here even

(How did I not know this!?! I would have soooo been using it to do spike jumps solo.)

(Nooo. I don’t want another druggie I gotta make go clean.)

(Colony cant make it yet, he just had a lot he brought with him in his personals)

Shriven goes out and take a hit of the wide awake. To help speed up the process of gaining the kids confidence. Internally conflicted as the last time he took it was when jumping away from the battle at earth and Ana helped put him back together after that.

The tech gives you a low-bones high five as you enter, catching the sharp scent of wideawake on you. "Man, we should have let you in sooner, you're a machine!"

“I do what I can, are we gonna raid tonight? I have to work a little late but I should be there in time.”

"Yeah, the bones brothers keep attacking our hideout, we gotta put them down so we can use our treasure for other stuff"

“Sounds good I’ll get with you after work.” (Planning on sticking around late and blaming a bad connection on the servers and walking into the office to have them check the server connections and talk to them while they do it.)

the day passes quietly, your actual colleagues busy with their own projects and deadlines, until finally people start heading back to their modest apartments for the night

Shriven hops on to start the raid.

12:46 PM

After a few minutes he disconnects his system from the network. Then logs back on. Then plays a few more minutes and does it agains.

12:47 PM

Then instead of logging back on goes to talk to the service guys.

12:47 PM

“Hey, can you check out my connection to the server? I keep getting dropped.”

12:49 PM

Then proceeds to talk about the raid with the guy checking to engage him.

"You wanna come down with me? I hate going down there alone at night. " he messages

1:23 PM

"Too much time on Nosleep I think"

“Yeah, I guess. So I think we need to flank them from behind that second island and then have some of the crew in lifeboats as we retreat back so they overlook them...” Shriven leverages his military experience to talk tactics of the upcoming raid.

"Man, I missed that the first time. Wow" he sounds impressed, and you continue talking as he opens doors, using a combination of keycard, retina, and fingerprint

Shriven continues to banter on talking about it all then pauses, “man it’s creepy down here. How do you do this at night?”

"Usually we take that as a cue to go home, but we're really killin it tonight, so we'll keep at it. I'm not sure why the connection always goes down"

Shriven walks along with him talking, waiting for him to get to where the connection is. (I’m envisioning a double bank of switches and I can lean against the other one and then put the shunt in there.)

(exactly that)

2:25 PM

He opens a panel on one of the walls, and begins fidgeting around with unrelated machinery inside of it, leaving you alone with the servers and communications machinery

Shriven leans back and continues talking facing him. Then opens up the shunt and tries to plug it in.

2:27 PM

(If they works then I’m going to stumble forward into him.)

There is a slight click, as the shunt connects to the line, and a small light blinks green for a moment. That did it a message from ardent hand comes in

“Come on man, what’s going on with it?”

There is a bang from inside the wall, and the clink of falling tools. The server admin fellow curses

"got it" he says finally. "Man, whatever they're doing upstairs is funneling a lot of power"

Shriven grins, “Worth more than my job to tell you that.”

3:40 PM

Then follows him out.

3:42 PM

He then heads to a coffee shop to finish out the raid. And message ardent, “do you have everything I need can I burn this alias or is there a reason to keep it going?”

“Any news of the team before you?”

(I knew I was missing something...)

(They didn’t make it mandatory that they be found, but if there’s a hope, it would go far for your reputation on galeta)

4:50 PM

(Strictly speaking your primary objective is complete)

“Not yet, I’m gonna go back in and see what I can find.” (Can I send the data to them now or is it to big?)

(I’m guessing it’s to big but... MarkdownContext { Depth = 1 })

(You can send it to them)

Shriven prepares the message to the Galatea Contacts,

Encoded in this message is what you have sought. I am going back in to find news of your personnel. Please begin the process at your earliest convince I hope to see you all soon.

the wheel of life turns ever onward. Return soon, Shriven

Shriven then heads back the next morning after raiding all night hopefully destroying the Bones Brothers (blues brothers FTW.)

(Is anything odd/increase security?)

(didnt light up) The raid goes as planned, and your guild experiences a level of success they have never known before. The following morning, as you're sitting in your lab, there is a small ping, that your ghost forwards to your compad. A security watch has been placed on everyone in your game session last night.

8:24 AM

It is just a watch, there are no search and seize orders attached to it.

8:25 AM

(the ghost is making you aware of this, your video game friends, unless they've got similar, would have no idea)

Shriven goes about his normal day and after work starts asking around if anyone has ever been on the top floor.

(your game friends you're asking? or fellow researchers?)

Gamers first.

The admin/gamers have never been to the top floors, they even have their own network team that comes in and out with a special elevator. It's generally a bad idea to even look at them

Shriven continues to play with them all. (4/7 on my wideawake right?)

10:43 AM

The next morning I’m going to talk to my fellow researchers to find out if they have been up there.

(yes)

10:45 AM

One of them, you've only heard them called Dr. Mortis, has been up there before. He is pale, almost never going outside, and quiet. He generally keeps to himself in his large back office

Shriven walks up to Dr. Mortis, “Hello, Dr Mortis I presume. I don’t believe we have met yet.”

Shriven clears his throat to get his attention.

"Ah good morning doctor. I'm doctor Gregor. Gregor Mortis" he smiles, it just a bit too big. (edited)

“I’m stuck on this problem, I feel like I’m so close to a break but I’m stuck when I.... (technical jargon that neither of us really want to read or write about.)” Shriven talks through the issue to try to build rapport with Gregor.

Gregor thinks for a long moment and actually provides a solutions that sounds educated, though you wouldn't know the first thing about the problem you presented him with. "you know. I think I have a couple special measuring tools upstairs in my lab that might help. "

“Really? That would be excellent.”

"Sure, lets...._ the lights flicker twice, and there is a hum that seems to shake the building for a moment. "Let's get upstairs" Dr. Mortis looks unconcerned about whatever it was that just happened

Shriven looks at Dr Mortis, “What was that? I haven’t see that happen before.”

'ah yes, they're working on sometihng a bit sensitive upstairs" he says, leading you into the elevator

1:35 PM

he takes a keycard from his pocket and slides it into a reader, and a button not normally available lights up

Shriven makes note of where he puts the cards back at. Then asks, “Sensitive? Nothing that would get me in trouble would it.” Shriven chuckles obviously awkward at the idea.

"Not if you're with me, just pretend you've got horse blinders on"

2:04 PM

The elevator skips for a moment, as the lights flicker again

Shriven nods, then mentally turns on his internal com mod to record.

You arrive at one of the top floors, and it looks more like a jail than a business. Solid, full steel doors keep the labs secure, though through the slatted windows you see a few scenes of strange experiments taking place. Two corproate security, heavily armed, and augmented with weaponized cyberware walk by, casting you both sidelong glances.

Shriven glances at each of them then looks at Dr Mortis’ back. Then quietly says. “What’s with the juiced guards?”

"Theyve got some stuff up here that our rivals want to get into, and the things themselves, well, they want to get out. Thats probably already more than I should be saying"

“Oh wow. Yeah, so where’s your Lab?”

"Right in here" he says, opening a side room with a set of heavy iron keys. There is a sound of a heavy lock being disengaged, and he opens the door. Inside, a number of helmets, and sensory imput devices are laid out on work benches

Shriven looks around planning on making it back here later.

"Here we are. Two precision microcalipers" he says, placing them on the table next to the helmets

(Current theory plan, get a second marine to help, get him a ghost as well, arm him with some basic cyber weapons and armor, have the 2 of us try to take out the guards after stealing the keycard from the Doc. Then hope the guards have a card on them before grabbing who we can and getting out. If you want to skip the whole RP of showing me around. Is there something I’m missing?)

(you've seen the same helmets on the psi prisoners in terezinho)

8:35 AM

(that was going to be next)

(Well crap... that was the helm that made the bezerkers right?)

(it was the one suppressing psi powers)

8:40 AM

(it was on a couple of the prisoners who had not yet had bad things done to them)

Shriven then heads back out to the beach making sure no one is around and grabs to of the marines who have spent the last 2 weeks in the shuttle. Then takes them to get fitted with coms, armor and a internal gun that looks like cosmetics along with a ghost for each of them.

8:53 AM

(Thus the end of Shriven May he never again be sleep deprived.)

(hahahahaha)

(Can they get ghosts for the day?)

(lvl 2, they have enough strain)

(

here we go.) Shriven walks into work after spending the night playing dabloonscape (because he needed something to do while wideawake...) and walks up to Dr. Mortis, asking him another question and trying to sneak his keycard from him.

Dr Mortis is a bit distracted today. "You know, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but there's a watch order on you. I probably shouldn't be talking for long"

“What? Why? Do you know?” Shriven comes close to talk bumping up against him to take the card.

(sneak/dex)

<8>

If he does notice the card being taken, he says nothing, but his gaze seems to linger on your for a moment

9:45 AM

"Well, I don't know why, just that there was a security watch. Please be careful."

“Thanks for the heads up.” Shriven heads back to his terminal. After an hour he sends a message to the marines to meet him at the door. Goes downstairs to get them. “There with me. I’ll show them where to go.” Shriven says to the guards.

"Where are you heading Doctor?" one of them asks, looking over your credentials.

“They are some consultants on a project that I have been tasked with. It’s all in their credentials.”

He side eyes both of them, but the inquiries come back cleared, more excellent work by Ardent Hand

10:44 AM

"Alright, head on up"

Shriven takes the 2 marines to the elevator and hops in and the door closes then pulls out the card and tries to use it to go to the special floor.

The card works, and you ride the long, dragging elevator ride to the top floor

11:46 AM

Two security guards are standing nearby when the doros open

Shriven walks forward boldly muttering, “Go fetch this, Mortin won’t get off my back.” (No chance I can execute one of them is there...)

(yes, you can)

12:11 PM

(dc 6 with the close range, stabbing or shooting)

(Well as all I have is one of those nice little wrenches stab it is...) <7> when shriven walks by the guard he slides down the caliper and uses it to stab the guard in the neck.

there is a wet crunch as the bladed tool lodges deep in the neck of the guard, biting hard, and severing his artery quickly. You can already tell it is going to be fatal

12:28 PM

(ill roll for one of your marines on the other if you'd lioke, or you can point is do you want them to try)

(Yeah have them try to do it quiet first. Hoping not to get into a fire fight.)

(10) One of the marines pulls a long monofilament edged knife from his boot, and there is a flash of steel, followed by a gurgle, as the second guard tumbles over

Shriven quickly searches the guard he dropped for a key cars or something.

1:44 PM

Shriven is also remembering the retinal scans and says, “We are going to need to bring one of these guys with us last time there was a retinal scab.”

They each have a key card, they look the same, aside from the stamped names on them

“Grab whichever one is bleeding less on the floor and follow me.” Shriven then walks up to the nearest iron door with a keycard slot. (Is there a retinal scanner?)

(there is both, keycard and eyeball)

Shriven pulls back the eyelid, finally a break, they aren’t rolled up. He was in to much pain when he died. Shriven swipes then the marines hoist up the guard while shriven holds open his eyelids.

(

)

There is a pleasant click, as the door unclocks. A small handle pops out

“Be ready for trouble.” Shriven says to the marines then opens the handle with the guard’s hand.

2:21 PM

(All sorts of paranoid.)

The door opens, and you enter into the secured area of the top floor. The room is large, very large, about the size of the production floor at rebirth. Scientists move about from machine to machine, and a six-shooter configuration of hospital beds is in the center of the room. On each, there is a partially viviscected trans-human shell A handful of guards , from the far side of the room, to your right, begin coming over to greet you.

(Did the guards have any non-cyberware guns?)

4:51 PM

(And how many are a handful?)

4:52 PM

And shriven turns on recording cyberware

(6, sergeant and five guards. They have just regular hand rifles as far as you can tell)

5:12 PM

The shells are in process of being very slowly pulled apart. The procedure looks to have been painstaking. And painful

(The guards we took out did they have a gun? If not I have other options but...)

(They didn’t have outward guns. For explanation purposes they had inbuilt weapons)

(Figured. How close are the shells?)

(The shells are the captive operatives right?)

(The shells are 20m away and yeah they’re trans human bodies but since they’re off planet if they die here they die forever. They can’t merge back with galeta’s datalink from this far away)

(Gah, of course I have to save them.... one last question then here it goes... Are any of the bodies able to walk with a little work? Or are they in need of finesse and a lot of rebuild time.) (edited)

(It’s mostly their heads being lovingly caressed by tools and stuff. The bodies themselves look good

7:18 PM

They’re squirming so they’re aware enough to move, Shriven can tell

(I’m guessing there is no quick release?)

(for the beds?)

(there's a terminal in the middle of each bed, like set between them, that all look like they have restraint controls on them)

(Okay here we go, initiative?)

(Pitter patter, lets get at 'er. lets roll initiative)

<6 for shriven>

(1 for corp security)

(Yay the dice don’t want me to die before I can do stupid things.)

8:02 AM

(Shriven marines, guards?)

(yep! they'll with you)

Shriven rushes to the central area with the terminals and says as he’s running, “Drop them.” As he points at the guards. (Double move to get into the area.)

(Do I shoot for the marines? What kind of gun do they have?)

(you shoot for the marines, they have laser rifles)

9:26 AM

(+5 to hit between AB, stat mod, and skill mod)

<18/4> <miss 8> The two marines target the nearest guard then they take cover.

One of the corporate guards is struck by a glancing shot. Not willing to risk their own gunfire damaging the machines, they deploy shock rods, bladed weapons, and some exotic looking bolo staff type devices, moving toward you at full speed (theyve got another turn before reaching you, top of the round for you)

Shriven spends the time trying to figure out how to l release the prisoners. (Fix/prog/know?)

(program/int)

9:44 AM

(the computers aren't broken, and them not shooting back means they've remained intact for now)

<10>

There is a very loud buzz, and a pneumatic hiss as pressure starts being released. It looks like the restraints will be fully disengaged in about ten seconds (so two rounds for purposes here)

10:09 AM

(Marines up)

The first marine continues to bear down at the charging guards, <14/12> then retreats back to the hallway to try to gain more time. The second marine targets the second one in the group trying to slow them down <25/15> then retreats as well, “Shriven get back here we can’t hold them for long.”

Two of the guards are struck down by the gunfire, the remaining four stop within melee range, slashing at shriven with their whirling blades

(Incoming pain.)

(well, all four hit, for 7 damage total. I meant to put in d12 instead of d2, but the dice have spoken)

(Yay! They were all a little shocked by their buddies getting killed.) (Are the dead guys sticks nearby?)

(yep1)

(Have I released all 6 or just one?)

(all six are releasing at once, the cycle is 1/2 way complete now)

12:01 PM

(so when its your turn after this one, the shells will be free to move around)

Shriven is going to try to defend himself the best he can while keeping their targets at him. (Total defense. And talk to taunt them? Then I will RP how good/bad it was...)

(yeah check will be better/worse depending)

<11> “You all fight like Rentacops. I now know why they had you 6 behind a locked and secure door. All the real security must be where the actual threats would come from.”

(oh hot damn that does down smooth)

12:08 PM

(marines up)

The marines seeing shriven dodging and weaving begin to slow down and pick their shots from cover. “Come on boss get over here.” <25/12> <12/11>

(Please don’t let that 12 kill the system...)

The first shot strikes another, wounding, but not killing, the second shot misses

12:46 PM

The whirling blade dance continues

12:47 PM

Your concentration on total defense makes them all miss, their swings blocked or missed. The harnesses open, and the AI shells stand up slowly

“Get out of here we will cover you.” Shriven reaches down and picks up the downed weapon. Then swings it at the injured guard. <23/4> then fully expects to get pummeled as he swapped to a sudden offense.

The injured guard is clubbed to the ground violently.

1:06 PM

"What should we do boss?" the marines ask, one of them casting glances back to the entry door

(3 still up of the guards right?)

1:21 PM

Shriven responds exasperated, “Shoot the RentaCops! Unless they surrender.” Shriven turns to the guards, “Do you surrender?”

(yes)

1:37 PM

The guards say nothing, their lives forfeit anyway for failing to protect corporate assets

“If you want to live come with us.” Shriven then turns to the shells, “come on let’s get you all out of here.”

4:06 PM

(Do they react? Are they still ‘together’? Cause I may have just found my back story...

)

(They can’t speak yet but yeah they will circle up with your marines, grabbing what hand weapons they can

4:38 PM

(Marines themselves are up

4:39 PM

(then Corp guard survivors)

Shriven turns to the guards, “I have a way to get you off the planet, I will come back for your families if you request but only if you cooperate. I will find a good way for you to have jobs. But I need help getting us out of here in one piece. What’s the best way out of here is there a loading doc we can get to and get out?”

(Talk cha again. , low dc)

<8>

“Rooftop. There’s a chopper there.” One of the guards turns and shoots his companion several times. “We had one too many”

Shriven just nods overwhelmed with flashbacks from his military days just then. “Let’s go.”

The marines check the hallway and it looks clear for now, but one by one the lights begin to click off. “Someone heard the gunfight. That’s the silent alarm”

“Let’s move it.” Shriven starts running to where he saw the stairs up. “How much time do we have left?”

"Two minutes, maybe a bit less. It'll be the Death Heads coming up now"

Shriven keeps running. (Exert check?) “How many flights up to the heilo?”

(exert/con)

8:32 AM

two, we might have to cut through some chains on the roof access door too. Does anyone have tools?" he says, breathlessly

8:32 AM

so far, the shells have not spoken

<8> “The marines have their internal Guns and I have a wrench. So let’s hope we can come up with some kind of a solution when we get there.”

you reach the stairwell heading up, as the door at the far end of the research floor hallway opens. Two figures in black armor see you, each wearing a horned helm. They draw swords, sheened in blue energy, and begin running to catch you, a slight mechanical tic accompanying each stride

(they wont catch you for a couple rounds, so you can get up the stairs)

“Run!” Shriven heads up the stairs hoping to find the door before they can catch any of us.

The heavy door slams in the face of the two cyber ninjas, and you hear their piston reinforced arms slamming into it from the other side

9:43 AM

At the top of the stairs, one of the marines calls down . "Chains! I need a hand with this!"

Shriven rushes up the stairs, “Somebody throw your weight at that door down here we need a moment.” Shriven reaches to top of the stairs and looks for how the chain is attached to the wall and door hoping he can detach something.

The chain is looped through the push handle, to a thick metal bracket on the wall, a lock holding the doubled up lengths together

(Can I pick the lock or undo the bolts on the metal bracket?)

(either one of those you;d have time to do before the situation progresses any. picking the lock is sneak/dex, undoing the bolts is fix/int)

(Fix it is.) <8> Shriven quickly uses the wrench to undo the bolts on the bracket to release it.

12:57 PM

“How’s it going down there?” He yells while this is happening

One of the marines, and two of the shells are holding the door shut against the hammering blows of the cyber-ninjas in pursuit. The door falls away, and the medium helicopter sits on the roof, engine off.

12:58 PM

(the upper door, the bottom one is still being braced

Shriven runs up to it and gets it started, “this will take a minute see if you can buy us some time.” Shriven yells as he runs through the preflight checks.

One of the shells stays in front of the door, bolo staff ready. He signals for the rest of you to get to the vehicle

Shriven nods at him soberly, then continues the flight prep.

The door bursts open as the main engines come online. The marine and the shell begin retreating slowly to the helicopter, driven back and forced to give ground on the defense from lightning fast cuts and slashes. The shell goes down, slashed apart by s vicious two handed overhand swing

10:07 PM

Foe defeated, the two ninjas subdue the marine, as the Helicopter begins lifting off the roof

Shriven watches the whole situation with regret. Then under his breath says, “I will find a way to help you or your family.” As he takes the helo airborne and coms the shuttle, “Meet us on the shore it is time for exfil.”

gunfire sparks off the sides of the craft, but you're too far away for it to make much of an impact on you. Local nets explode with news of the violent escape from Paradyne, and you see reports of fliers being dispatched, but you're already too far away for it to matter. The shuttle is waiting on the junk beach, engines still on, ready for crash takeoff

Shriven brings in the heilo as fast as he can. Saying “Get ready for a rough landing and run straight to the shuttle. I will be rightly behind you.”

The helicopter skids on the ground bouncing twice before coming to idle. The shells and remaining marine disembark quickly looking across the sky, trying to spot the scrambling flyers. The shuttle door opens

Shriven turns to the guard from the corporation, “You coming? I was serious when I said you would be welcome in my company. If you have family I may be able to arrange to get them out too.” (edited)

The surviving guard (one shot the other one down in the lab, since the helicopter didnt have enough room for everyone) looks stoic. "My family is gone, the corporation was all I had. Get me off this rock and ill take my chances wherever we are going"

“Let’s go then.” Shriven turns and runs to the shuttle and hops in the pilot seat. “Hold on this may get a little rough.”

Shriven then takes off trying to gain the edge of the system as fast as he can. Lamenting the marine that was left in the escape.

The flyers don’t manage to catch up especially once you hit the upper atmosphere, and before long you’re free of planetside space

Shriven jumps back to Aslief then drops the marines off and the corporate guard. Making sure that Emilia gives him a job.

6:44 PM

Then jumps to Galatea to drop off the shells.

The Galeteans Are pleases to see your ship checking in above their planet and you’re instructed to land at the same polity for a debrief

Shriven lands and steps out of the shuttle, “I have returned with everyone I could. I lost one of yours when we were leaving the compound. I’m.... sorry...” (edited)

“Understandable” public dignitary zeta says upon your return. “Now then. There is the matter of payment. Come with me” and she begins walking toward the closest of the climate controlled domes

Shriven shakes, and is trembling as he starts walking forward. Not knowing what is going to happen if she would still be.... her. Shriven shakes his head and walks after the dignitary.

“Before we go further, I want to thank you for the recovery of our operatives. On galeta, they’ll be returned to the world net, and their consciousnesses will live on, in new shells. Now there is the matter of payment. It is here, as promised. There was however, an accident in the facility. Your wife is fine, but she will be the last. There will be no more stories to tell, after this one.” The dome door opens, and behind it, is Anna, escorted by four personal guards

Shriven walks up to her and drops to one knee, pulling out her ring, “Ana will you marry me, again?”

Her eyes well with tears. “Shriven. I....yes. Of course I will”

Shriven stands and hugs her, “What do you remember? Because it has been 2 years. Since... the scream, which caused you... your death. I... I lost myself for a bit... in a bad way. But, after a while they got back into space and I snapped out of it.” Shriven gets excited, “Your gonna love what I have done, we had always talked about that old earth language latan or something like that and so I named the company I started Ad Astra, I’m getting ahead of myself, first I got a ship and I called it Anamem for you in memory of Ana. But then I started trading like your family and it worked just like you said it would. So one trade lead to the next trade and suddenly I needed a company planet side to support the trades I was doing as they were so big and then I started making my own products. Ana you got to see it there’s a whole town that got built by Ad Astra. Ana its great, everything that got built all because of what you showed me after you saved me. Then I found this place and they said you could come back and I knew I just knew it would all be okay. And now it is. Ana come with me I want to show you it all.”

She listens with the patience you have always known her for, smiling as she hears about your ship, your city, and the galaxy out there waiting for the both of you.

The scene fades to a montage of shriven showing Ana around and getting her acquainted with the world and her new home. (edited)

(Welcome to retirement friend!)

(Woot! It’s been a blast and there’s plenty left to do but shriven has his wife and now won’t be going on any death defying missions.)

I’ll get you a new sheet and a new channel when you’re ready)

A message comes in from Billy, looking for any information you might have on the Galetans- as he wishes to engage with them for some computing assistance- and wants to go in prepared

(Do I have any info that would help I don’t think so but...)

(He hasn't personally dealt with them at all, or even visited, so anything you can give him if you remember anything)

Deep in thought, speaking with Anna about the recent intelligence mission failure, alarms in the Sumati Governor's palace begin to sound as a kilometer long object enters local system space. It has been unresponsive to communications thus far, and is organic.

1

“By the light of the stars, they are here!” Shriven quickly mentally pulls up his integrated communication system and is teleported with Ana to Reunion. “How is the fleet reacting? Have the fighters been scrambled? The Patrol boat and Cruiser began moving into position? By deepest black I need a status report!” He then mentally sends a thought towards Ana, This is why we can’t have nice things isn’t it dearest.

It is she pulses back Good help is so hard to find "Crews are standing by Governor! they await only your orders and deployment formation approval!"

Shriven looks over the battle plan he sees on the holo before him. Dragging the fighters into 2 groups and sending the patrol boat and cruiser forward with those 2 groups to try to dissuade the organic rock with Reunion in reserve. “Let’s try this, Formation Gamma-3 keep them moving and try to focus on the engines if you can see them. We need to know what’s in there.”

"We'll have the range in moments. It's course is not changing" (initiative)

(You go first. <2>)

The meteor like ball of metal and flesh begins to pick up speed as it closes in on the planet, and expected impact is in a few hours (10 turns) It begins re-arranging its configuration to a sleeker, more bullet or arrowhead like shape,as it begins moving within range. (end turn)

(Can we See it’s engines?)

(It has fin type things on the front, sort of like the probes, nothing that actually burns)

(Gonna Wait till I can get to a computer as rolling all these dice would be taxing on phone.)

(No rush friend)

(What’s the to hit so I can roll all the hits and then roll damage only if they hit or would you rather me just list them?)

(18 armor class. 10 armor)

(Trained pilots get +2 to hit right?)

(Fighters torpedo 7hit 1 crit for 123 damage reaper batteries 8 hit no damage as the crit only did 10 damage, Cruiser fired all grav cannons 2 hit for 24 damage Patrol boat misses all shots. All ships take evasive maneuvers in preparation for counterattack.)

(Yes they do)

9:45 AM

The asteroid begins to fragment, three pieces now tumbling toward the planet, venting gas and plumes of flame following, though quickly snuffed out by the void. A good portion of the organic material has burned away, revealing an inner metal core in each piece, A spine missile volley fires from each piece, chasing the fighters

(Fighters ac 17+2 armor 13)

(miss, hit one/4, hit two crit/8)

(Focus Fire or split?)

(focused)

One fighter is nearly blown away but stays in the fight as they turn and fire at the ship again, (fighters 8 torpedos hit for 101 damage, 5 reaper guns hit but only 2 points of damage get through, 1 grav cannon from the cruiser hits for 13 damage. <116 damage total>) after firing all ships once again go into evasive maneuvers.

One of the asteroid fragments vanishes, engulfed in the spread of macrowarheads and energy beam fire. (8 turns) The spinal weapons on the remaining two chase the same fighter, preysense within the asteroid tracking the wounded prey. (non nat 20/4. other is a miss)

(Boom)

11:00 AM

Shriven sees the fighter explode and quickly orders his teleport officer to try to recover the pilot. Then says, “All ships, use volley capacitors and empty your tubes, fire everything you have at those fragments.”

(Math then rolling. Cp 5 Volley capacitors +4 Cp 9 Fire single 2 (x3) -6 Fire all -3)

11:53 AM

(For the fighters other ships don’t have volley capacitors.)

11:55 AM

Fighters blow out 4 torpedoes each and 30 of them hit. (488 damage) (2 torpedoes left each before they are out and out of combat...) (edited)

A panting, bleeding pilot in a punctured vac suit lays on the teleport pad with a telerescue paramedic standing over him, working to get oxygen back into his suddenly depressurized lungs. Another two are making their way over with a crash cart THe final rock dissolves, the massive amount of damage sundering it down to the subatomic level, and the tiniest pieces that remain will burn up. The general quarters alert and the incessant alarms quiet, as the last foe is defeated. Reports some in that Terezinho, and Tsatsos are encountering their own rock like objects, and their fleets are likewise valiantly fighting them back

Shriven shakes his head then turns to Ana, “Guess this month’s council will be interesting. Let’s get back home and see what we can get done before the meeting this month. Hopefully we can get our men outfit and find some competent people to go deal with that island.”

(We don't need to keep the thread active if you just want to make those decisisons in the background. 3xp for shriven though. Just thought youd want to take an active role in this crisis as governor)

(It was a blast. Good to pull him out for these things. Also was just wanted a record of what he was actually doing out there officially.)

Shriven turns to his comms Officer, “Be sure to send a ship to Gudrun with the battle report of the incident. Also we need to confirm if any of the nearby planets have been hit.” Shriven pulls up and map and looks at what all is range. “Send 2 fighters each to; Thorfinna, Thjodhild, Asta, Lohitzune, Ranbveig, Musheera, Ziya-Al-Ghulam, Shahriar and Chloe. They must report back in. Be sure to remind the men of their emergency jump abilities. It will be a long week but we need to check in on our neighbors.” Shriven shutters, “I hate to think what would happen if one of those thing would have landed.”

They begin getting the orders plotted together, and distrbuted to different fighter crews. "We'll have our answers in about a week. Nothing to do now but wait"

(good on my end when you are, just gotta move your handout back to the main section tonight)

Shriven wakes up next to his wife, Ana. Still amazed that she is back after nearly two years of being beyond the grave due to the scream. He pauses and thinks back over those two years. The first of those years he was lost deep in his cups, bouncing from one odd job to another before he found out the colony was going back into space. Where be went flying out and building the current trade empire that surrounds him, Ad Astra. It took over a year and more luck that he had any right to. From that first trade with the old warehouse worker of colony supplies to Aslief that was the auspicious beginning of trade again in his life. To the current state of thousands of people being employed to oversee the cogs that of the machine that is Ad Astra. Shriven rolls out of bed. “Ana, I think I need to deal with some of those muttering you ferreted out about tensions between the nations. I hate to have to leave you here but someone needs to be the responsible one and we both know that has never been my role.” He grins, “You always had a better head for administration anyways. Mirosan should be able to pick up the heavy lifting anyways.” Shriven leans in for a peck on the cheek. “Just until we can get some things settled.”

She sighs for a moment and rolls over to face you directly "I understand. Nothing too risky though, enough to calm things down out there, but don't put yourself at risk. I remember you telling me about your Aslief convoy story. I don't want you exposed to that kind of danger"

“Danger? Since when have I been able to avoid that? Even when we are set up nicely on a planet with a defensive fleet danger finds its way to pull me into it’s gravity well.” Shriven sighs, “I should also check in with Mirosan I never heard back on the state of the other planets that weren’t under direct UNW control.” Shriven finishes getting dressed. “Love you Ana.” Then mentally presses the button to be teleported up to the Reunion to check on the fleet before teleporting back down to meet with Mirosan.

"Love you too" is all you hear before the teleport flashes and you are in orbit, and then on the ground again in the Ad-Astra offices, where Mirosan is waiting. By now he is used to the sudden and unannounced teleport entry and has stopped nearly jumping out of his skin with fright when you suddenly appear in the office. He calmly hangs up the call he was on, before turning to face you

“Morning, any update on those fighters that we sent out to the surrounding planets? Let’s see there was Thorfinna, Thjodhild, Asta, Lohitzune, Ranbveig, Musheera, Ziya-Al-Ghulam, Shahriar and Chloe. Did I miss any?” Shriven rattled off pulling up the initial report on his integrated compad.

"There is a confirmed asteroid in Ziya -Al-Ghulam but the local powers that be seem to have dealt with it. The fighter disengaged quickly, unwilling to be seen. Everything else is quiet"

“Excellent, great work as always, how is the programming of the ownership of each house going, So only the owners can teleport to and from secured areas once the network is up? I’m hoping to start putting the satellites up at the beginning of next month.”

'It's a slow process, all the checks, but I think the delay is acceptable given how much we are changing this world. That actually brings me to something I want to talk to you about....we're getting a lot of resistance from some of the traditionalists especially. It's been just a year at the most since sustained contact with the outside began, and for many, life now is totally unrecognizable to them"

“Progress has been rather fast.” Shriven shakes his head, “I can’t believe we are here even, can you tell me if it is any one nation that has been having more issues than others or has it been more generalized?”

"Usea. They were the hardest and quickest to shoot when you first explored this place, too, so I'm sure that is not news"

“Yeah, figures. Can you set up a meeting with the Godking?“ Shriven makes airqoutes around god king “I would like to talk to him if he has the time. I know that he is a busy man.” Shriven sighs. “Sorry I’m just getting frustrated, I was hoping to have some more down time. As they say though, no downtime until your down on your luck. So let’s see about setting something up to ease the growing pains.”

He chuckes at the idiom and begins making a couple calls. “I have teleport permission sir. When you are ready. They are in position to receive. Would you like some Astra security to accompany you?”

“Thank you again Mirosan, I should be fine with my walking stick. No need to bring guards into this.”

He nods and gives you a look like ‘I tried ‘ before throwing the power lever for the teleport platform. “I’ll have them ready in case. I never liked Rawls. He just...the megalomaniac...”

“Ana put you up to that didn’t she?” Shriven winks as the teleport disassembles his body.

You don't need to be psychic to know that she did, and you are reassembled in the main gallery of the palace at USEA. Out in the harbor, several ships are being constructed (surface ships) , refloated and recovered from the battle almost two years ago now. The flying carrier is also undergoing its own construction project, though you're not sure what the end-game is for the design, its hard to tell what exactly it is being morphed into, Two kingsguard in their...rustic...patterns of power armor stand guard at the doors to the throne chamber, pikes that look more like long butchers cleavers crossed in front of the brass gate

Shriven straightens his ace medal and walks forward. “I’m here for the meeting. If you can show the way.” Shriven purposely avoids speaking Rawls given title.

(Missing dot?)

(I sure was, thank you)

11:49 AM

Seeing the medal, they move aside, and open the doors for you. Rawls looks older now, with the need to keep together because of the war lifted from his shoulders. Those shoulders sag now, and his beard is streaked with the first signs of gray, as the pre-tech anti aging cocktails in his blood begin to wear off. His eyes are heavy and bagged.

Shriven bows, “I have heard that you have some thoughts and concerns on the current pace of progress. So, I have come to discuss, as civilized gentlemen, your concerns. What exactly, seems to be, of concern?” (Enough punctuation for you Dax?)

(Is that an invitation to proofread?...

)

"Right to the punch, just like when you first came out of the sky" he says with more than a hint of exhaustion in his voice. Yet more evidence of his years beginning to catch up to him. "All the change. The rapid advance of technology. The traditional barriers being broken down. In just a short year, our roots have been all but upturned. Society is listless, fluid, the oldest of us no longer even recognize the new USEA that is growing beneath our very boots, and it is a great sorrow. "

7:17 PM

"There is a such thing as too much change. The innovations you bring have no grounding in our society. Culture has been forced to move too quickly to meet the rising tide"

(Missed the dot..)

“I understand, the galaxy is quickly shifting, there are enemies that will not wait for us to be able to move at a more cultural level.” Shriven relaxes a little, “I know that you desire to protect your people, I do as well, however we no longer have to protect them merely from the other nations. We must now look to the stars and defend ourselves from those attacks like that which was aimed at us last month. Attacks which do not aim to suborn but to destroy us utterly.”

"You're building a castle on a rotting foundation. I'm not blind to the needs of our people, or to what is out there. It was not long ago I myself traveled the stars. I simply worry that we are leaving behind a society with no soul, unable to handle the drastic changes being done to it, and these faults will multiply, ruining us in the future"

“Do you have any suggestions other than slowing down? We need the infrastructure. We need the benefits.”

"Education. Education on as wide a level as we can spread it. Teach the people how things are done on other worlds, the place that these devices have there, and how these technologies are used. Teach, and hold the people accountable for learning. Slapping new conveniences and machines onto a world without context is already causing strain.

Shriven shakes his head, “I agree, this will become a priority. Once they had some of the conveniences they would have access to more education but I can see how we need the ability to front load this. I will send you a report of the plan by the end of the week on our options. What are some of your other concerns?”

"Those, were the concerns. I don't think I am alone in feeling this way. Sumati is unrecognizable to all of us who first landed here now. In the long run, it may be for the better. Today's children will have nothing to compare tomorrow to, but for now, we must take a measured approach"

“I will work on a good report of how to build more education into the path forward. This is going to be the only thing I work on for the next bit. Let me know if you have anything else I can do for you.” Shriven’s body relaxes losing all sense of formality, “Do you have time for a drink? I would love to pick you mind on some ideas I have on this but I believe it would be eaiser to talk to you and gather your experience rather than having to talk with the powerful, honorable leader you are.” Shriven gives a sly grin, “Our titles and responsibilities can sometimes get in the way of honesty so let’s set them to the side while I pull on your experience and insight.”

He slumps, shoulders sagging . "I would like that. You and the other nation leaders are the only people I can be myself around, and you might have guessed that after the war, even among victors, things have cooled. We don't really have a reason to talk to each other anymore, not with the world nation government over us all now"

2:55 PM

"Talk of old times inevitably leads to talk of the war...and tempers flare"

Shriven looks over to the couches in the other room and motions that direction and begins walking that way, “I can’t even imagine, the number of people I can relax around is a small group, most people either see me as the rich guy to scam or the governor who can be manipulated. Don’t even get me started with the council. . . Nothing is ever actionable. It took the sub committee most of the month to decide how to do something that was unanimously approved by the council.” Shriven shakes his head. “It’s almost enough that I am beginning to understand why you and the others did what you did when you came to this planet.”

3:09 PM

“If you had the choice to do anything else now what would it be? Do you desire to lead armies or fleet or are you happy here planetside?”

"Its no secret that I've lived longer already than I have any right to. I've got a year left, maybe two, but I won't live to see more than that. The pre-scream chemical cocktail keeping me alive has finally run out, and time is already beginning to move normally for me again, and then some. I will record as much of pre-scream times as I remember, until I cannot write. Then I will dictate until I cannot talk, and then , I will blink in code if I have to, until I expire, or there is nothing left to say"

“It odd to think there will be a time when Pre-Scream will be something only fit for the history books. Thank you for your effort. I will make sure your works makes it way into the UNW library.”

(We can just say they spend the rest of the hour talking then leave.)

(Works for me!, take a re-roll token) Shriven and Rawls pass the time in quiet conversation about Sumati, and the war, mostly about the time Shriven was almost shot down, and later went on to score a truly impressive record of aerial victories against almost impossible odds. The conversation is friendly, despite the differences in the two men, both burdened with responsibilities, and in some ways, relieved from them too.

Shriven stands after an agreeable hour, “Thank you for your time, but I believ that both of our aids are probably wishing they could stop pushing out our other meeting for the day, perhaps we should give them a reprieve. It has been a pleasure.” Shriven bows. “I look forward to reading your works.”

"Thank you, visit again, if you can soon" he says, shaking your wrist, and eyeing the ace medal with a far away look in his eyes.

7:48 AM

You hear Mirosan on your ear mic "Ready to return, sir?"

Shriven sends an affirmative. Then waves to the guards as he begins to go transparent.

You arrive back in the main Ad-Astra office, with Mirosan waiting. The corporate guard was called, and is armed and ready, but are glad they were not needed. "Fruitful conversation? I see everyone still has all their limbs"

“Yes, though he is now short a bottle of most excellent cognac.” Shriven grins broadly. Then remembers what the conversation covered and says, “We need to come up with a way to increase the education of the people on the planet. What about starting a Prometheus project to get things sighted before we pull this trigger completely.”

"I think that is good advice. It should be started. We're centering these efforts around USEA? then? " he asks.

“Let’s first get it set up here and then push it out from the highlands.” (I’m actually going to start to build Prometheus project if that’s okay to clear this up.)

(Yeah lets do that )

“Okay, I think I need to head to Iaria to make sure that they didn’t also get hit with the fleshapers. I don’t want anything growing like that in my back yard.” Shriven mentally connects with Ana, Honey, I’m going to have to go check on something. If anything gets out of control I will get myself out of there but I should be pretty safe. Can you watch over things here for me?

Of course. Please be safe out there. I do not want to have to find a way to re-clone you, too

Shriven nods at Mirosan as he teleports up to reunions bridge. Shriven turns to the pilot on Reunion. “Well scoot over, I don’t own this ship to let you all have the fun with it. We are heading to Iaria. Let’s head that way.” As shriven waits for the pilot to stand he pulls up the complete lack of intelligence on the planet. He shakes his head.

(Anything for the 7 day rutter and other spike time to Iara?)

(Nope nothing post retirement.)

Iaria is a densely populated solar system when you arrive, with four planetary bodies spinning around a bright golden sun, very similar to the Sol system. Iaria I is a dense world, close to the system sun and as a result too scorched for life to flourish there as is. Solar radiation and the bombardment of other sensor scrambling particles makes a more complete reading impossible from this distance Iaria 2 is a barren planetoid, the color of ochre, where sand endlessly swirls in country sized sandstorms sweeping across the continents. Its seas are a pale brown, filled with sediment. Iaria 3 is a habitable planet, though there are no signs of organized life down on the planet below. It is dense, and jungle filled, with tectonic activity making volcanoes bloom and rage on the planet. It seems barely elevated from the primoridial soup that allowed life to begin

10:27 AM

Iaria 4 is a gas giant, supermassive, but calm. It has rings of rock and ice, made when its two moons collided with one another and splintered into millions of pieces

(Any signs of life/ movement? Prog check?)

(uninhabited system)

“Let’s check for any system noise for a bit before we move on. This is the second empty system I have ran into on this area. It seems to.... easy.” (Program/int 10)

You do not sense a signal, but you do sense something like an absence of stellar noise in orbit around the gas giant. Almost like some sort of void exists there, where even the background energies of open space are missing

“Well looks like there is something here to study. We didn’t build this laboratory on this ship for nothing. Let’s get closer and see what is off.” (Cruiser size lab on Reunion. First time I have had a reason to use it. Yay!)

(initiative, their program was an 11 to evade detection)

(Let’s Just say they go first. Shriven pretty much dropped his guard there.)

Three patrol boats swim from the void, which upon visual inspection now reveals itself as some kind of deep space-station. Parts of it have been repaired from scrap, and it is bristling with more guns than you'd expect from a station similar to its size. "This is principality Territory intruder. we have you flat footed. State your name and intention in our sector of space or be destroyed"

“This is Shriven Emaje from the UNW current Governor of Sumati. I have come in peace to make contact if possible and if not, to confirm that no fleshapers have come to claim this system though one of their seeds. If you wish to open negotiations I would be interested but if not I will respect your sovereignty and withdraw from the system.”

There is a pause for a few moments but you are at least relieved to see the patrol boats have not continued their intercept course. Their crews may be a bit relieved themselves with how much you out-ton them. "We would entertain negotiations. Are you amenable to boarding our station for diplomatic exchange? "

“I am. I should warn, you in a a spirit of transparency, I have cyberware installed that gives me a link to my ship as well as some other non-offensive protections. With this information are we ready to proceed?”

(Shriven goes all TMI.)

“We are ready. Please anchor your ship outside weapons range and proceed via launch if possible”

“I will come over via a fighter as I lack a different vehicle for transfer.” Shriven nods and then heads down to his ID fighter in the fighter bay. (Shriven and his toys.

)

"Very well, the hangar will be marked" Flashing red lights illuminating an opening hangar door on the side of the bannerjee 12 platform begin to rattle open as the bridge crew aboard make the control adjustments needed. One of the patrol boats pulls back to perform air guard duties, and defends your approach, guns tracking the void, not your ship, you notice. So far things seem honorable enough. THe hangar is dingy, most surfaces with some sort of patina of rust, and there are some stains on the deck from spilled grease or other industrial chemicals. The entry/exit airlock into the station has not yet opened.

Shriven flies sedately to the hangar. When the ship lands he steps out of the ship once the sensors show that there is an atmosphere. No sense is showing what those extras could be. Shriven thinks when he considers stepping out prior to the air lock closing.

The hangar doors close and the airlock engages with a hiss, a loud chime piecing the hangar. A man in a sky blue and white naval uniform, two troopers in the same color plate, holding shotguns, enter the hangar. He waits patiently at the base of where the ramp would roll out

Shriven opens the hatch and hops out. “Greetings, I hope I haven’t ruffled to many feathers.” Shriven gives his most agreeable grin. “Let’s get this started.”

"No feathers ruffled, thank you for complying and not answering our picket with your guns. We aren't fools, you out-class the entire patrol group"

Mr. Emaje,
Your problem island has been delt with. I have apprehended their leaders and spared their lives in return for their aid against the fleshshapers and other threats. They are powerful mages and will be magically bound to cause no further harm to our peoples.
Regulus Fate

“It is the least I can do since I came into your space. If I may ask as we walk, who are you and what force do you represent? “

'We are our own, explorers originally, from the Empire, those boats out there were black sun once, but in the wake of all the...new circumstances...we all decided reason prevails, and the old rivalries matter little now. "

“I couldn’t agree more. I was at the battle of Earth. Bearly got out, just glad that I made it to somewhere safe before.... anyways, are you the commanding officer or is there a council?”

"I am the commanding officer here, elected by my fellows to lead our small outpost. We find ourselves in dire straits, but we are continuing on"

4:19 PM

"As you can see, we were deployed here, both factions, in advance of what was to be a settler expedition. We have not the supplies for a long journey away, nor to settle any of the worlds in this system"

“I may be able to help with that. I know we haven’t talked much, but I want you to know where I’m coming from. As I said before I am a governor of a planet. Depending on how things go and what your goals are there is probably be room on that planet or we may be able to set you up at a nice one nearby. How can I help you? How can I help ease your concerns.”

“You mentioned you were looking for activity when you entered the system. I’m afraid I was at rest and did not catch the full transmission. Can you elaborate more on what you’re doing here?”

“There is a threat to the north, the fleshapers. They sent a large asteroid to towards the planet that I am a governor of. We have a network of planets and several others were attacked. I was worried that they would also hit further south and surround the grouping of planets. I came south to confirm if this was the case and combat them, or if they didn’t push that far south. I also was hoping that if they hadn’t come that far south that anyone that I found here might be open to trade and other mutually beneficial activities.”

His eyes light at the thoughts of trade "Trade...we, we have little of value here, as you can see, but we would be interested in obtaining supply so we can complete our mission"

“What is your new mission? Are you going to set up here? How many are you?”

"We wanted to settle the third planet, or at least see if it was possible. There are 200 workers on this station that were destined to be the first colonists- with no way to spport them, or land them in significant numbers, we've tried to find work for them here:

“I have a cargo lighter that can get them down if you want. I also can send for 100 tons of Pigs to help get you started. But 200 workers won’t get you very far on colonizing. Are there any in deep freeze or more waiting in the wings otherwise you may need to gather some more colonists?”

(Shriven glares at discord for removing dots then walks off to do book keeping as he is behind) (edited)

"There are none. We were waiting on some ships, coming from the core worlds of the empire full of refugees, but they never arrived. I'm sure we do not need to go into why"

“Do we know if they were sent? Otherwise you may be better off sending the men off to a more populous planet. 200 isn’t enough for sustained colonization without cloning.”

“We had word they were. As we said. That was some time ago

“I have a proposition for you. Would you be willing for me to bring in a Heavy frigate for the defense of the system and your patrol boats and I all go searching the nearby sectors to see if we can find those missing civilians. If we find them I will help get you set up and bring in a large amount of trade and other goods. In exchange for this work and protection I ask that you charge minimal fees on any ongoing trades with Ad Astra.”

"There is so much more we wish we could do to pay you back for such a generous offer. Of course, we would allow that. Will the ship be working in tandem with our own vessels?

“In tandem, the patrol boats can split up into pairs and start searching and 1 heavy frigate will stay here to defend while my ship and the other heavy frigate form 2 more groups to search out the colonists. It shouldn’t be dangerous but I would much rather protect you and your people than put you all at needless risk.”

He smiles "Battle of earth tactics I see. Squadroning up with a bigger ship , I like it. I am in agreement, and we will do everything we can in return"

“Sounds good. It will be a couple days before the heavies get here. Do you mind if I stay on station? Just to get a feel for your people and to talk of the old days. Then we can get started.”

“If you’d like to speak to anyone you have my permission to wander the station, there will be no secrets here”

“Thank you I will send for the heavies and just share some war stories. Once they are in system we will get started.” Shriven salutes and turns to go to the bar to share war stories. (Drinking talking montage, nothing really to do until the frigates come in.)

Days pass as you learn of the station and its crew. Everyone here is hard, a survivalist, and knows little now in the way of sentiment. You see deep hurt in each of their eyes. The frigate finally arrives, after a normal spike journey, crew eager to begin their new assignment

Shriven says his goodbyes to those at the station and hops back in the ID fighter. Flying over to Reunion and ordering one of the two heavy frigates to defend the star base. Then reaches out to the station, “This is heavy handed one, she will be you defense while we are looking for the colonists. She is heavy enough that she should outweigh you current defense fleet while we are out. If you are ready can we divide up the Boats around Heavy handed two and Reunion then we will head out?”

"Very good what are our headings to begin the search and exploration?"