Iron Stars - santama-miti-push

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/santama-miti-location

8:30 AM

@Dax Withers meets @Rodger Landon (Corn) in the space station above Jagrati as a small ship is filled with supplies for the coming journey. The children are running around and generally doing their best to get on everyone's nerves, and Levi looks to be perplexed looking at the official NMC response to the nobles at the destination, both direct but lacking in any kind of lawful guidance to solving the matter.

(Unless there's a better ship available for it, I'm assuming we'll be taking Levi's ship, the Boundless)

An older but sturdy dark-skinned man dressed in practical field garb wanders in to the meeting space seemingly muttering under his breath. Preparations to his ship are being finalized and the general feeling of spinning up before an important trip lingers in the air. In the hustle of teams moving around, he looks up and scans the room looking for something. "Excuse me!" He bellows, "I'm looking for a Rodger! I'm Levi."

Rodger stepped forward he cut a larger figure than the rest of the soldiers a bit taller in the power armor. He quickly cleared the visor showing his face so as hopefully not to cause panic. He looked young as did most of the less armored soldiers behind him. He smiled at a passing child before saluting and then extending a and to Levi. "I'm Sergeant Rodger Landon, and this is Rodger's roughnecks it's good to meet you Levi. I understand we'll be working with you this mission. Forgive me for asking, but are these children coming with us, I heard we were dropping into a noble hostile zone."

(For reference, the "kids" are anywhere from 8 to 18 years old) "Where I go, they go. Boundless is home, and for many of them it's the only home they've ever had. They won't be in the fighting, but they're a surprisingly capable crew now that they've been here for a while. You do have to look past some of the... uh," Levi trails off as he sees public enemy number one stalking about. "Jakoby!! What did I ask you to do? I guarantee it wasn't 'sneak around looking for trouble!' Get back to your station, young man. Or you'll be looking at a full week of KP!" He looks back to Rodger apologetically. "I'm sorry. They'll be on their best behavior." "Now. To the mission. Have you been briefed on the situation? I can fill you in."

Rodger couldn't help but crack a smile at the family crew. "I trust you to pick your own crew it's admirable you're giving them a home and a vocation. If you are sure of their safety I won't press the issue. A briefing would be good all I was told was that we would help you take one of the NMC planets back from some rebellious nobles or something like that and to help where we would be useful."

Levi sighs and claps his hands together. "Oh boy... Where to start? You know what, let's have a seat and I can get into it." He decides to situate himself on some nearby crates that don't appear to be going anywhere any time soon. "I arrived in the system with my Geon companion, Granite, and we slowly came in for landing while blasting out a broadwave signal to their towns. We didn't get any response, so we just had to land and investigate. What we found wasn't encouraging. The townsfolk and other common people have it pretty tough down there, made worse by the fact that their water supplies are all drying up. You see, they're primarily fed from springs and rivers on the mountain... which is also where the nobility calls home. The nobles on the mountain have begun damming up the supply and using the extra water to feed vanity projects and generally just waste it all, meanwhile leaving their 'subjects' to suffer with drought. Granite and I took matters into our own hands. We ascended the slopes to break down a few of the dams... and boy, it sure got their attention. They sent an armed response down to the town to punish the poor folks there. Well, Granite and I weren't going to allow that. We stood our ground and ended up taking a few of their nobles captive. Granite and I decided to crash their party on the mountaintop compound, seeing as how we have a ship and they don't, to my knowledge. Well... that didn't quite go as planned. But! We did make it out alive, and I brought back their documents that 'prove they're the rightful owners' of that world. Well, the Cooperative says they aren't anymore, so here we are. Time to go kick down a noble's sandcastle. I've no doubt they haven't remedied their behavior and are still out there stealing water and senselessly killing common townsfolk. So what do you say? Ready to storm a castle?"

Rodger looked down at the crates choosing to stay standing so he wouldn't risk breaking them. "Seems good. Hopefully we can get them to surrender or at least take the castles and water without wrecking things too much. Do you know anything about the people there or the place we woukd be attacking. I don't want to put your ship in danger if they know it already. Is there anything more to the plan or are we just storming the place?" (edited)

"They don't appear to have anything that can reach space or even fly, that I saw. I'm not worried about my ship in the slightest. As for the actual conditions on the ground... Well, it's the top of a mountain. That's where the Baron is. And that's who we're concerned about." (Any further details have to come from Neko since I didn't ask for a super thorough description or a map the first time around.)

4:01 PM

(And what kind of crazy person comes to a meeting in their power armor?

) (edited)

"Well low intelligence seems to be part of the mission. We'll do an aerial approach and get in then secure the place. How many days is it until we get there once we get going?" (He always wears his power armor except when sleeping. He jumped on a grenade early in his career and hasn't healed fully from it yet. the armor is pretty new though.) (edited)

"It's a short hop. Just 2 days out. I'm surprised the Cooperative hasn't been out there before, considering they're practically neighbors. If you've got business to see to, now's the time. We ship out soon." Levi stands and stretches his old bones. "Thank you for coming, sergeant, and God bless you. I'll see you shortly." (I believe we're ready to move out with Boundless and the other 2 NMC vessels. We're able to haul a small army between the 3 ships but I don't know what's appropriate for this venture.)

"Two days thst doesn't seem like much, but it will be nice to have even a short break. If you could tell me where we'll be bunking, and which of these .. loveable scamps is your pilot I'd appreciate it. Trying to learn enough to get rated for my own ship. It's slow going. The real thing is much harder than the simulator, and ee havent had much down time."

"Damian. He's the oldest of my bunch. Wants to move out and join the Navy and be a 'real pilot' since I'm not exciting enough," Levi chuckles. "You're welcome to sit in as you like. Should have a whole spare bunk all for yourself, too. Come on then, let's get you settled in." Levi leads the way to the Boundless and makes the final preparations for the flight. (I'm ready to head out for Santama Miti unless Rodger has some other business.)

Rodger followed Levi onto the ship taking it in as he boarded. He motioned for the rest of his squad to follow and fall in. "Reminds me if myself, still hoping to get into a dogfight, outwit pirates and enemies of the NMC take a ship and take on the black." (I don't think i have any business. Maybe outfitting the squad, but I dont know if i can do that though. I think the rest of it was wrapped up off screen?) (edited)

(Let me know what you want to outfit them with)

2:38 PM

(We can handle that before setting off

(I was figuring assault suits since that's what they'd have to get used to wearing anyway for boarding parties. I think I have enough it's like 10k a pop and there are how many 8-12 of them or so. I could do that and some b batteries. Maybe special things like a tl4 heavy machine gun/auto laser/ or a rocket since we're fortress busting if that's available. I don't know how much you wanted to keep track of each squad member though. It seemed like dax was pretty confident he could land us close enough we don't have to air drop.)

(We're probably air dropping. It doesn't have any suitable ship parking that I know of.)

(Oh then something for that too. Do you know if we'll be able to pick-up after? Or would ot be better to get a grav flyer or something?) (edited)

(None of the 3 ships available have 50 tons of cargo space for a vehicle. Don't get bogged down in minutia, we have an armory and ship's locker aboard every ship so there's plenty of gear available to make the drop. They may need to be replenished afterwards is all.)

(Yeah we can grab harnesses or butterfly armor. We don’t have room for vehicles )

(cool I wasn't sure if we had access to harnesses since it's tl5 Those and the assault suits would make the most sense I think so it's more uniform since the idea is to get them used to the assault suit and eventually a suit mech. (not now of course but I mean down the road. That's another reason rodger always wears it. I figure it's like you do a rotation in it in boot camp, but it's like getting back to being used to it. How many people are in the squad neko. I think it'd be another 5000 for me, then 15k for each of them with the armor and harness. Then probably a few thousand for batteries or something.))

(there is a TL4 one. It's the grav chute I believe.

12:12 PM

(there are 4 people in the squad)

(I'll go with the chutes for now (10,000(armor) +300 (chute) +(extra b battery)100) x4 + 300(chute for rodger)= 41,900 should be good. I'll go take it off of the sheet.)

(sounds goo,d looks like 2 days of downtime

(Levi is just chillin' and playing Cribbage or Gin Rummy or something. The real downtime activities are the friends we made along the way.)

(Rodger going up 2 pilot to 6/90 hanging out with Damian.) (edited)

Arriving in system you can see that the planet has not changed much in your absence. No new settlements dot the surface and the old ones seem to be all accounted for. You can see the river has not been dammed back up where you originally broke the mountain water gates.

(Do we have a map for this place we're meant to be assaulting or are we going theater of the mind for this one? I can work it either way.)

(I didn't have a battlemap since i feel like that tends to lead people into thinking combat is the only way, but if we are already planning to go in shooting I can go get one)

(Yeah that makes sense. We'll try knocking first.)

(That's okay with me. I was under the impression they were openly hostile. I'll follow dax's lead and apply force when necessary.)

Levi stands on the bridge of the Boundless with Rodger and surveys the scene below them. "And here we have it, Sergeant. Last time I was here, we landed down in Cornatopia and met with the people there before going anywhere else. Local legend has it that this is the birthplace of the infamous Cornelius Hardt. I have no clue if that's true; I've only heard the stories about Corn over the waves, and local legends have a way of... distorting the truth, so take that for what it's worth. They could be making those stories up entirely, who would know?" He chuckles to himself. "Ah, anyways. Back to the topic of the hour... The Baron Corvus lives up there," he says while pointing it out. "He wasn't entirely unreasonable when I crashed his fancy party, but he was definitely very resolute in his stance that this was his world and he is allowed to do as he pleases. He didn't think starving the commoners of their water supply was a problem, and I tend to disagree. Strongly. So, here we are. We can air drop near his compound since there isn't a suitable landing site for our ships on top of the mountain, and from there we'll approach politely. If they open fire on us, then all bets are off and we'll put a new crater in their precious planet."

Rodger nodded giving the landscape a quick survey. "That sounds alright, I'm curious though how we'll get back to the ship, though I imagine there is a way down from the mountain somehow in the compound. I'll let you handle the negotiations. You do know that most of the rebel nobility will likely be taken to prison if the NMC does take control of the planet again. King Max has been pretty inflexible on that matter, though I don't know what leeway you were given for this mission in particular. The squad and I will follow your lead and keep you safe and get you back to your family, just tell us when we head out. We can investigate local legends once we've freed the locals from this water Baron or whatever he styles himself." (edited)

2

There is a flat peak 3km from the manor house that the ship can hover by and allow you to disembark at. The weather is clear and warmer today. There is still snow on the peaks but the conditions are far better than when you had climbed months ago.

7:02 PM

You see a flare rise from the manor compound but are unsure what the blue flame means as it lazily drifts across the sky

"One thing's for sure. They know we're here. At least with the backup of 2 other ships besides mine they'll think twice before trying anything... unwise. Let's get down and get moving. We'll take some men with us. Not so many as to be intimidating, but not so few that they'll feel comfortable firing at us." Levi brings the ships in closer and heads down to suit up for the short drop, ready to go as soon as the preparations are made. (I don't know how many boys Rodger is bringing, but I envision no more than 20 people total in this group to head towards the manor)

(I have 4 and rodger, but they're in power armor so up to you if you want the other ship's soldiers) Rodger nodded to Levi and got his small squad to the ramp for the drop. He looked them over making sure their gear was ready and they all had their grav chutes on, and getting them psyched up. "Now we don't know if they will be hostile. Were just there to provide backup for Mr. Levi right now, but if things do get hairy, that's what we've been trained for. We've been in tighter scrapes than this, and we'll come out of this one fine too. When everything is said and done we'll have taken back another world for the NMC, or at least evened this one out, and if that isn't what we signed up for, to fight for the people who don't have enough fight for themselves, and bring down those who trod on the down trodden then I don't know why we're soldiers. First we take a castle next we take a ship. Get ready to jump. Sound off ready check, no sweat. Roughnecks are going airborne." Rodger patted a few of them on the back as he got ready to jump himself getting his own chute on waiting to make sure his men and Levi were off first. (oh neko. I don't think you ever told me what the prototype does if anything different.) (edited)

(Roger +4 , +14 from the fleet, and Levi then, so a big group, more than they'd be able to eliminate quickly)

12:19 PM

The doors begin to winch open and everyone looks to be as ready as they're going to be to make a jump from a perfectly safe and moving ship to a cold mountain peak below, facing off against a possibly hostile barony and others that would rather burn the planet than give up.

(What could go wrong? Lol. Do we need rolls as we jump? Or is the gear sufficient?)

(the gear is enough, we got it so we don't have to make rolls)

Levi walks up to the edge of the ramp and turns to face the team. The biting wind whips at his long coat as he speaks loudly. "Stay sharp and stay close, and I'll see you downstairs!" Levi closes his eyes and falls backwards off the ship, twisting in midair and igniting his grav chute. Once landed, he cuts his gear and hunkers down to gather everyone once they've landed too.

Rodger motioned for his squad to start jumping at small intervals each of them ready as they hit the ground him going last to join Levi and the rest of them he stayed close enough to follow Levi's plan now that they'd hit the ground. He took out a pair of binoculars and looked up at the fortress to see if he could spot anything they should be worried about.

(notice/wis Roger)

(10)

You can see a security eyebot patrolling the manor grounds ahead, keeping close to the house itself. Two marksmen are on the manor roof and the ships coming in were easily noticed. There is a general sense of alarm on the property but this close to landing the house guard has not mustered yet.

"They have a security bot on patrol and two sharp shooters on the roof, but looks like the guard isn't out yet even though they saw us, and are looking suitably alarmed. Either way that's a good sign for us."

"Well unless you've got a better idea, my vote would be to stay sharp and approach in the open, making no attempts to hide. That's our best way to communicate we're not here to fight unless they start it first." Levi hoists his pack and SamaelTech staff and begins to walk towards the manor. He doesn't typically carry firearms, but he decided today might be a good time to buck the norms and strap on a laser pistol. Lord knows I don't want to use the gun though.

Rodger nods following after him motioning his men to do the same. "Be wary and watch the bots and men on the roof, but I don't want any of you firing before fired upon or being called to. This is Levi's negotiation and I won't have it be our squad that ruined it." Rodger connected his own prototype laslock connecting it to his hud and ready to draw it but also approaching unarmed. He doesn't make his men put away their own weapons as he knows he's the only one quick enough of a draw to get off a decent shot if it came down to it. "Visors down, keep radio silence or to suit coms if you see something important. They won't see us flinch." He closed his own visor having his men do the same, Levi was the negotiator and he didn't want anything ruined by them underestimating his squad for their age.

A patrol from the manor consisting of six men and an attached eyebot begin to make their way out into the surrounding frozen grasslands. They are armed and look to be advancing while keeping a mind to cover and concealment, doing their job as security.

Levi heads straight for the patrol with an upraised arm to get their attention in an non-threatening way. He nods to the team around him as if to say stay sharp. "Keep your weapons down. Don't want an incident."

Rodger followed a little behind Levi his and his squad weapons stowed or down. He remained wary looking for extra security or for the marksman on the roof to make a move.

They look to be watching through their weapon scopes. Their warnings will come in the form of gunshots and they'll be too quick to stop if their observation becomes resistance. The patrol is slowing and their sergeant holds a hand up to the rest of his men for them to halt while he approaches. They keep their weapons low.

Levi closes the gap with the man slowly and deliberately. "Good morning, sir. I'm here on behalf of the New Moon Cooperative. I have business with the Baron. I'm seeking an audience."

Rodger moves to the front of the detail behind Levi staying quiet but making himself a target if the men on the roof do decide to open fire.

“The Baron is not seeing visitors today. You’ve come at the wrong time and we must unfortunately turn you around “ the sergeant says in his best matter of fact voice

Unperturbed, Levi speaks plainly. "Perhaps I misspoke, or maybe you misunderstand. I am here on official business from the Cooperative and your compliance is not optional. I am going to see the Baron. Think carefully about what you say next, son."

(talk/cha)

(Even with a +1, it's a 5

)

“I know what I’m saying. Cooperative means nothing here. Baron isn’t taking any appointments. You and your men should get off the estate grounds and go back the way you came “

"I'm going to say this once, so listen well." His mood darkens and he delivers his next words with finality and authority. "Stand aside, boy, before the Cooperative Navy buries you and puts a new crater in this God-forsaken planet of yours. I will be seeing the Baron. The only choice left to you is whether you want to live to see your family again. Last chance, son. Get out of my way."

1

There is some tension amid the troopers and he sets his feet firmly. It looks like he is about to say something before he waves his men off. Leaving their weapons behind they begin making their way down the mountain.

Rodger watches quietly still keeping as much of an eye on the marksmen and the perimeter as much as the unarmed guards seemingly waking away.

The tension in Levi's shoulders releases and he lets out a long breath as the adrenaline fades. "I don't think it's going to get any easier from here on out. Nevertheless, we keep going. Eyes up." He grips his staff and begins to march forward. (edited)

Rodger nods and heads forward with Levi the rest of his squad behind him.

There is some confusion on the roof as the patrol suddenly leaves the area. it looks like at least one of the marksmen is continuing to watch. It is impossible to tell if he is dialing in a range or not, and the security eyebot is still following your group from above.

(My general plan is to move forward slowly and predictably as long as we are unhindered.) Levi leads the team towards the gates of the manor with a deliberate pace, wary of any itchy trigger fingers and noting possible places to duck out of sight if gunfire starts.

(just gonna see if rodger does anything different)

(Not yet his main plan is try to be the most likely target and shoot back really fast. Unless the situation changes.) Rodger follows trying to keep pace and make his watching of the marksmen and robot less than obvious.

One of the marksmen vanishes back inside the house and after a few moments, as you reach the edge of the 'grounds' , the baron himself emerges with a bodyguard detail equivalent to your own.

7:18 AM

"This is an illegal encroachment on private land. You will turn around and leave now!" The Baron says, the helmet plate of his ornate power armor open.

"Baron Corvus! Good to see you! Perhaps you remember me. I come with official news for you from the New Moon Cooperative. And to bring you in. There's been a misunderstanding that we need you to straighten out." (edited)

Rodger tried to judge the distance thinking to himself if he could draw his rifle and hit the baron from where they were. His outward appearance remaining emotionless as he watched the other two converse.

"There is a misunderstanding" The Baron says, obviously coming at this from another angle. "You should not be here"

"Oh, no. I do understand that. I happen to agree, also. I don't want to be here. I intend to leave as soon as I can, but you're coming with me." He gestures with his hand as if beckoning a servant. "Go on, get your things. The ship is waiting and my tea is getting cold."

He hears you, and he turns to face the house. "Come along" he says, moving toward the open door with his men.

Levi immediately raises an eyebrow inquisitively and turns to Rodger. In a quiet voice, he says, "That wasn't supposed to work... And if it was really that easy, then he's definitely luring us into a trap. The trouble now is... Do we take the bait? Follow him in where he has the upper hand? Or...?"

Rodger responded in a low whisper. "I'm not sure, at current he still has the upper hand. In his base above us. We would have to storm his base anyway. Maybe he thinks we can be bought or scared. If so he won't kill us just yet. Itd be easier and kerp the nmc from him longer than killing us, but there us no telling. Have to take even a chance to get inside and be out from under the gun dont we?"

"I think... I think I agree. We were getting inside one way or another. If he tries to pull something on us, he'll know that the NMC will come back stronger and take this place by force. We go. Cautiously." With the matter settled, he stands tall and follows through the open door with the confidence of a man in control.

As you enter the main hall you can see gala stair sweeping up each side of the foyer to the second level. Past the stairs on this floor is the dining room, parlors and kitchens that make up the "entertainment level" of the home. You see no possessions have been boxed or bagged, and the family intended to stay.

Rodger followed Levi through the door looking for signs of ambush. "Well there is no one to meet us, that seems good and bad. Do you know if the rest of the family is on the same page as the Baron?"

Levi continues following the Baron where he's leading. He keeps his voice low while he speaks. "Everyone I've met here shares his same sense of arrogant entitlement and disregard for others... so yeah, they're on the same page."

"Welcome to my home" The Baron says, as you enter the main hall and he begins leading you back to the dining room. "I'll have my servants begin packing, in the meantime, we can sit. We have some things to discuss"

Rodger followed into the dining room looking around it for any visible threats before he would let Levi enter or take a seat.

The baron has four guards in this room. None of them look to be especially heavily armed, only with pistols on their belts, and woven armor in the house colors of white and silver.

Levi strides in and politely takes a seat as requested, hoping to put some earlier hostility at ease with compliance. "By all means, let's. You seem remarkably calm about all of this, Baron."

"I am calm. There is something I need to ask you to do if you expect me to leave peacefully. It is a bigger picture than just the people at the bottom of the hill"

"I would certainly prefer for you to leave peacefully. It would be simpler. Less paperwork for me. And now my interest is piqued. What do you ask?"

“We weren’t just diverting water to fuel some kind of pleasure project , though that was a bonus. There’s something in the mountain we were also powering , something the Cooperative is going to need to take responsibility for if you’re throwing me off my land “

"You're going to need to be a bit more forthcoming. Whatever this 'thing' is, it was hurting innocent people who couldn't get water they needed to keep living. I can't fathom a reason good enough to steal water from folks, so you're going to have to enlighten me."

Rodger listened in curious about what might worry the noble enough to give him at least the pretense of turning himself in.

“That water was powering a hydroelectric system that in turn powers a lab built within this mountain. The noble court charged me with keeping watch over it. I don’t know what exactly they were doing down there. Something with shaper tech. Trying to find a weapon or a way to make ourselves immune to them. I’m not sure. Containment is only going to last another few days with the water flow being interrupted for this long. The backups weren’t meant to last forever “

"Containment... Whatever is inside is dangerous? The shapers were wiped out. Completely killed off. Everything we've found since then has been dead husks. What do we have to be worried about?" (IC and OOC I don't actually know if what I said is true. Been disconnected from threads for a while.)

(What you said is true but we don’t really have the details of what’s been going on in this lab he is telling you about )

"Routing alternate power, until we can get something more permanent might not be impossible. If it has been weaponized, or there is pertinent research it is still worth keeping it in containment, and investigating." "Do you have the means to repair the hydro electric power in time? You must have had some plan before you knew we were coming."

"We destroyed it, Sergeant. The hydroelectric would take too long to bring online, and I'm not willing to do it even if we could. That's what started this mess. Stealing water from the common people. No. It sounds like we have to investigate this for ourselves and determine our next best course of action if the Baron here doesn't have anything useful to add."

(This line was half directed at the Baron as well as Rodger, so if there's anything useful he might add I'd love to hear it.)

(I just didn't want to cut Roger off , my bad)

12:03 PM

"Like I said, there's no wa y to know what is happening down there now, but one of the service tunnels to the facility is connected to the Greenhouse basement, out in the yard. You'll see the grates and can pull them up pretty easily. From there its a walk"

(No worries, I left it kind of open ended for anybody)

"Then I guess we should go see what can be done. Hopefully nothing has escaped. Are you coming with us Baron, or will they be expecting us?"

"I don't think the beasts down there know to expect anything. It's all animal instinct. This was my duty though, If you'll allow me my weapons and armor, I'll help you see this out"

"Beasts, aren't there some kind of scientists or safe guards in place or are you saying theyre likely already free and run amok? If it's a combat situation I wouldn't ask you to cone along unless you wished to. You've been agreeable enough to have earned some safety and good will, but I will have to confer with my colleague. Unless you think it's a large enough problem to need all available hands."

"This was my mess. You didn't know what you were doing and I thought it could have been a bargaining chip for better treatment off world. I guess maybe it still is, but its more than just my own hide I need to get this back in order for"

Levi looks upon the Baron with a new-found respect. He's not forgiven yet, by Levi's estimation, but he's taken a solid step in the right direction. "Thank you, Baron Corvus. I appreciate the sentiment, more than you realize. And I'll allow you to help see it through. Come along, then. It's time to go crack the can of worms."

"We're in agreement then, we'll follow you then Baron. Don't worry, my priority will be keeping you, and Levi alive. You'll make it back to your families. We should have at least the certainty of someone watching our backs going into this mess."

The baron has a set of black combat field uniform with gold trim. He has a helmet and breather attached to it, with a set of low light goggles that flip down when needed. He has a laser rifle, and a longsword on his belt, and enough type A cells to keep his weapon running for a bit. "My men will remain here, in custody of yours, and the three of us will set off underground"

Levi nods his head in acknowledgement and outstretches his arm. "Lead the way. We're right behind you."

The baron heads out into the yard and approaches the Greenhouse, pressing a series of buttons on the keypad door before there is a beep, and it opens. The Baron enters and begins pulling up a large grate on the floor at the back end of the structure, looking to be for drainage but now you know it has another purpose. He looks to be struggling with lifting it.

Rodger moves forward and helps the Baron to lift ot and move him aside. He looks to see of it's some kind of ladder or how they will get down.

"You both got it, or do you need my help?" Levi was standing back and waiting but decides to see if he can help since their progress has stalled.

The two of them manage to lever off the grate, pulling it to the side and revealing the long iron ladder going into the dark cistern and drain tunnels below.

Rodger looked at the other two then started the descent first.

(I’ll throw some labels on this but this is where we are going ) A long tunnel trek through the darkened drainage tunnel is lit mostly by suit lights and the dim emergency lighting strips built into the ceiling. The water is dark and shin deep with a greasy film on the top. Small gray looking grubs swim through it about three length of your pinkie

"Should we be worried about those, they seem abnormally large." Rodger took in the grime and grubs and had never felt do vindicated in his policy to wear his assault suit whenever reasonably possible. (edited)

"They're just big. They feed on bilgewater and other nasty stuff. Don't think they're connected to the experiments though"

7:28 AM

The baron seems content to step on them if they get in his way, but doesn't seem to be showing any special caution.

"Other than being a bit unsightly, I don't see what you have to be worried about. A mite bit gross, though." Levi treads through, picking his footing carefully where he can. "How much further, Baron?"

"About fifteen minutes. Signal with the surface is lost though. I'm not sure if you need to let anyone know what we're doing or not"

"The rest of my squad was there when we agreed to venture down, but I'll send them a message before we're radio silent." Rodger stopped keying something on his compad.

The squad is under your orders until i get back into com range, make sure the backup knows about the lab.  Same orders secure but don't  engage unless given reason.  Radio silence expected for mission duration until lab is secured and upon return due to depth of location.

"There should be good, anything else we should know before we go in?"

(Is this waiting on me?)

(No it didn’t light up for me but if you want to say anything to the fleet now would be the time)

(No, he covered it so I think we're good)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 3/9/2022 8:18 AM

You emerge from the darkened tunnel into a dimly lit room where the other side of the grate has been torn away. 1 looks to be a large foyer room devoid of many features aside from a meeting area of a now destroyed table and chairs.

(Are we still sloshing through nasty water?) "Looks... 'cozy' doesn't seem like the right word. How about 'horrifying'? Don't think it was a disgruntled employee who made this mess..."

(No. Through it. That’s where I started my past post )

"That grate is smashed. Do we need to look for somrthing that made its way out? Dont want to leave anything to chance if were clearing the place."

"We would have seen it. It would have passed us or would have emerged on my property and someone would have seen it, I've had too many patrols out for nobody to notice at all"

"I'm more worried that we're going to find it here ourselves... Lord, watch over us. Stay sharp, Sarge." Levi steps carefully through the foyer towards the door leading further inside, hefting his staff as a walking stick and thankful for its familiar weight.

"I'm not too worried, we beat flesh shapers in the wild, we can beat ones that have been stuck in a lab. I've been wanting to try out this thing anyway." Rodger smiled behind the visor of his power armor drawing a sleek black looking laslock and clearing the room as he connected it to the hud of his power armor. (I think that's what you have to do to stop it from using up batteries.)

(correct)

7:17 AM

(So we are in 1 right now and there isnt much in here aside from the smashed furniture) (edited)

(Yeah Levi started walking towards the next room already)

There is a thick airlock door leading into Room 7 that looks like some kind of industrial ram smashed into it several times from the other size. Dozens of fist sized holes dapple the metal and have it punched out towards you.

Levi spots the deformed door and raises an eyebrow as he looks over at Rodger. "Still think there's nothing to be concerned about, Sergeant? I don't know about you, but I sure can't do that do a solid door myself. Let's avoid tampering with that one for now, and see if there's something else of value around here. Something that gives us a better clue of what happened here." Levi moves on to poke around the room and look for any items of interest or passages to other areas.

"Well still more worried for the scientists that were working here than for myself or us really. I've been known to punch through a door or two, but I wasn't planning on letting these things get close enough if possible." Rodger let the rifle go slack giving the other two doors a quick look before taking out his scanner trying to look for anything out of place or that they might be able to lock onto.

There is a broken compad among the debris in the room but the buckled door looks to be the only way in

(So the doors into 6 and 18 aren't actually there/accessible?)

(Those are as well)

(I think that door is the only way to the central chamber though? It looks like the others don't quite connect.) (edited)

(That’s right Roger )

Levi picks up the broken compad and decides to stash it in case something can be retrieved off of it later. He looks around while thoughts bounce around in his head about what to do next. He visibly comes to a decision and picks up his staff to stride over to the deformed door. "Now, this is just for my curiosity if you'll indulge me a moment..." With the butt end of his staff, he knocks on the hardened door a few times to see if anything inside is awake.

Rodger put away his scanner and drew the laslock pointing it at the door unsure what kind of response from the shapers would be better.

The steady taps ring out through the facility and carry as far as they are able. Nothing roars, shouts, or otherwise makes a sound back in return.

Levi waits for the echoes to fully ring out before he moves. Shrugging, he plants the butt of the staff into the ground as a walking stick again and heads towards one of the other doors (North towards 18). "Let's take a walk, Sarge. Nothing's jumping out at us yet and so far we don't have a sign that anything is even awake in here. We might have to come back to this big door with something heavier to get inside, so for now...." He nods and activates (or pushes, or pries, or checks the door if it's locked) to room 18.

"I have some tools we could, or I could pry or cut it open if it can't. Well better to check the other areas first make sure nothing sneaks up on us." Rodger followed after Levi readying himself in case there was something behind the door.

The door to 18 is unlocked. It opens, revealing the torn apart body of a scientist propped up in the right hand corner. Some long blade has torn him open from neck to lower gut , and he has been dead for some time.

Levi closes his eyes and hangs his head for a moment, saying a short prayer quietly to himself. "Not what I hoped to find, but not entirely unexpected. If this fellow is here, though... That means whatever did this had access to this area at some point, and it may still. And if there was any question before, we know now it's definitely unfriendly. I won't be offering him tea and cookies if we find him, that's for sure." He looks at the doors on the left and the right before deciding that left probably leads further in to the center of the facility. He steps around the body to the door to 8.

Rodger checked over the dead scientist for any kind of access card and to see if he could tell whether it was a more man made blade or some kind of crude flesh shaper weapon that killed the scientist. He took out his bio scanner to take a reading of the dead man in case it might be useful later.

There is a lanyard tucked into a shirt pocket. The card is damaged but might work.

Rodger takes the lanyard then follows after Levi. "Anyone you knew Baron?"

"not personally, no, but whatever did this is probably still in here. We need to be careful"

"We'll find out soon." Levi heads to the door leading into 8.

8 is a curved transit hallway that has several rooms branching off it . You see discarded trash and another body on its face in the middle of the hallway. The doors are all closed.

Rodger pokes the body with a foot looking for a less damaged lanyard.

Just poking it doesnt seem to be enough force to roll them over. You don't see anything on their back, or on the floor around them.

Satisfied they're still dead Rodger checks the same upper pocket the other lanyard was in before flipping the body over.

The body is flipped over and it is missing it’s face. More of those milky grubs are nesting within the wounds.

"That is disgusting." Rodger looked through the corpse for a lanyard or something useful. "I'm starting to doubt any of them lived."

"I'm worried about what did live..." Levi trails off. He continues muttering prayers under his breath. "Alright, Sarge. I don't want to spend forever down here, so let's just do quick scans of these rooms up ahead and circle back for a deeper search if we need to. Sound like a plan?"

"That works. I figure we should check and make sure none of the bodies come back or escape behind us. This might help us get through some of the locks ahead." Rodger held up the mostly intact lanyard. "I'll follow your lead then. We don't want to get separated and stumble onto what did this."

"Bodies come back?... Why would they...? You know what, never mind. Let's pay attention to living threats before imagining the dead ones. Either way, let's see what's behind door number 1, shall we?" Levi walks down the hall to open the door into room 16.

16 is a large store room and as you get close to the door you can almost feel it quivering. Something wet is steadily slapping against it on the other side, causing the door to shift and rock ever so slightly.

Rodger pointed his prototype laslock at the door and held out the key card to Levi. "Well looks like we found something more lively. Do you want to do the honors of opening the door, then we blast it?"

"I think I will..." Levi drops his bag on the floor and prepares his artifact staff before stepping quietly up to the door. He speaks quietly to the others, "I'd ask that you don't fire on it until we've at least determined whether it's dangerous or not. If it jumps to latch on to me, then blast it to the high heavens, by all means. It could be benign. We'll see..." With a nod to Rodger, he opens the door and quickly takes a step back to get a look.

(evasion save Levi)

!roll 1d20t8 !Evasion Save

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [20] Result: 1 Reason: Evasion Save

(I put the roll target as 8 which I guess the "1" result means I got 1 success)

3:36 PM

(Not exactly what I was expecting so I probably won't do it that way in the future)

3:37 PM

(Otherwise, NAT 20

)

(yay no Levi shaper lol)

Levi hurls himself out of the way as something resembling a half human, half shaper emerges from the room, springing at him with reverse jointed legs. The part man, part insect, part sculpture of melting flesh roars, its arms clutching a stubby looking weapon that was once part of a table.

(Init or do we get a shot?)

(initiative, it just didnt get its surprise round)

1

(2

)

!roll 1d8 !Initiative

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [1] Result: 1 Reason: Initiative

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4

(Hybrid, Roger, Levi)

10:22 AM

The hybrid lashes with one of its long whips and it cracks into the air. Bone and thorn like appendages crack against Levi’s staff and armor as the hybrid mindlessly fights , it’s urge to feed subsuming all other thoughts

10:22 AM

!roll d20+6

Nekosmash Roll: [2] Result: 8

(Miss. Your ac would be too high for his shock)

(doesn't the baron go too?)

(No, that’s why I didn’t roll initiative for him)

1

(Should i go now? Also if so do i just roll normal laslock for the prototype?)

(Go ahead and yes )

1

Rodger took a shot at the monster with his laslock.

7:22 PM

(18/13)

The hybrid roars, and the lights seem to come on in the facility as your shot connects with the beast. Near the door, the Baron busies himself with one of the many wall panels (edited)

7:13 AM

Though wounded, the creature is not yet dead, still locked in conflict with Levi (levi up)

!roll 1d20+17 !hit

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [3] Result: 20 Reason: hit

!roll 1d10+5 !damage

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [5] Result: 10 Reason: damage

Levi shunts the beast off of its failed attack with his staff and steps to his back foot to gain momentum for a swift strike to the creature's midsection. (20/10)

The creature is knocked back making some space between you, and in its wounded state it lays in to Levi with both lashing arms

9:29 AM

!roll 2d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [13, 11] Result: 29

(if an 18 doesn't hit, I miss entirely and you'd be too high AC for shock)

(AC is 17 so it hits. But I can spend an Effort for a Vowed art Brutal Counter and smack him back.)

9:53 AM

!roll 1d20+17 !hit

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [8] Result: 25 Reason: hit

!roll 1d10+5 !damage

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [5] Result: 10 Reason: damage

Levi parries the first incoming lash but it leaves him vulnerable to the second which does connect. He grunts in pain and pushes the creature off of him with the staff before countering with another strike. (25/10)

9:57 AM

(Oh and I'm missing whatever your damage roll would be against me)

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [8] Result: 8

(8 then, just wasnt sure if we hit first)

11:43 AM

The return swing kills the hybrid, the staff lashing out to bash him to the ground.

As the misshapen horror falls to the ground, Levi winces and assesses the damage. "Looks like he didn't hit anything major, but that does sting a bit... I pray that's the only one, but I'm not so hopeful. At least they die pretty easily." Levi steps around the body and into the chamber the shaper came from (16) to take a closer look.

"See, nothing to worry about you busted it up pretty bad with just that stick." Rodger gave the shaper a kick making sure its death stuck then followed after Levi.

The Baron is working at the computers still. You can hear the sounds of what must be him making use of the little reserve power that remains , turning it on where you are and turning it off or borrowing it from other places.

6:27 AM

16 was the barracks room here once and you see a massacre of what must have been the researchers working here. Flesh has been melted from bones or partially shaped in the aborted process of trying to turn them into either true shapers or some sort of other hybrid creature. It seems the hybrids are borrowing heavily on the humanoid life form they once were , rather than dying like the shapers did and this divergence kept them alive when their masters died

(I'm back to a more normal schedule now and should be able to get this going again. Sorry for the extraordinary delay. Babies are hard, y'all.) Levi steps into the chamber carefully, revolted at the monstrosities, but curiosity drives him onward. "What in the... What were they trying to accomplish here? Why build Shapers?... Or, whatever these.. things are. Things that could survive the Purge, apparently." He continues looking around and spots the door to another space within this room. "It looks like there's another room in here. Maybe a closet or something. I'm going to see what's inside." (Headed to 17)

1

Room 17 looks to have been a rec room attached to the living quarters here. Nothing unsavory has happened within and it has been ignored by whatever horrors are running amok within the facility. The Baron has not joined you, and continues to examine records from the wall panels outside, trying to piece together what has become of his responsibility.

Levi pokes his head in then back out when it's clear that this room is perfectly mundane. "Baron Corvus," he calls out. "Have you found anything there? A logbook or something that would tell us what's going on?"

Rodger followed Levi around the chamber peeking into the rec room. "Who knows what pushes men to such things. The usual pursuit of knowledge, a new threshold, credits, better weapons. I doubt this was the result they were looking for, at least visited upon themselves."

“I do. And you’re not going to like the answers. The scientists here went too far. They tried to create the perfect soldier and instead they created monsters”

"Great pride comes before a great fall... Too many men have tried to play God and failed. There is only one Creator, and we are not Him. I'm not glad for what has happened here, by any means. But it does seem that they paid the price for meddling where they didn't belong." He looks at the scene around them once more. "We ought to clear this facility, if we possess the means to do so. Let whatever happened here die with this place and seal it off forever."

"We should secure the research see if they learned anything about shaper powers or communications if we can. If it could be done here it could be attempted elsewhere, and it'd be best if we knew more about them how to fight them better of nothing else. It's a good deal of life and minds wasted otherwise. Whether the labs could be repurposed or powered again I don't know. That's a decision to make after the facility is secure at any rate."

"I'll need to pull more data from other rooms if you're looking for a cure-all. There might not even be one" the Baron admits. "Trying to make super soldiers using shaper DNA though, a folly, and I wish I would have known what the council of Lords was planning to do"

(I literally wrote a response and posted it here almost 2 days ago and just came back to see it's not actually here. WTH Discord.) "Well, then to the other rooms we'll go. We ought to clear the facility as much as we're able before deciding on the moral implications of what to do with this place. We'll have that luxury once there aren't any shambling horrors stalking around." With his mind made up, Levi says, "Alright then, I've seen enough of this massacre, let's get moving again." Levi walks out of the barracks and down the hall to the next door available to them. (15)

15 is a conference room. The table and chairs have been formed into something of a barricade and you can see that upon opening the doors the floor beyond is covered in bodies. Defense troopers assigned to protect the scientists here put up a dogged resistance effort, killing several times their number before being brutally torn apart themselves. Silence has set into the room, broken only by the bullet casings you disturb on the ground as you walk to the impromptu fort, to see the defense troopers here are just as dead as the waves of hybrids who threw themselves at the defenses.

Rodger entered the room looking around the site of the small battle. "They put up a good fight despite the numbers, kept the things contained. Seems like it's up to us to finish the task." He was silent a moment taking in the gravity of their own situation.

"An admirable effort on their part considering it must have seemed like there was no hope. God rest their souls. Every enemy downed here means one less for us to deal with ourselves, and for that I'm beyond grateful." He looks around sadly for a moment while he scans for another terminal.

This room had some once but they've been blown apart as part of the savage fighting in here. There will need to be some kind of exploration of other rooms to try to find more.

".... But it would appear we're not any closer to finding the answers in here than before. Let's move on. There's plenty of facility left ahead of us." Levi steps carefully back out into the hallway and continues his methodical searching with the next room down the hall. (14)

Heading back out into the hallway and entering room 14 you see it was a dormitory once. An officer or high ranking scientist once would have called this room home. The bed and other furnishings have been reduced to scraps and fragments, and a pile of rags in the far corner of the room looks to be every discarded piece of clothing the former occupant owned.

"Good heavens there's not a scrap left in this whole place! This is starting to look rather hopeless, Sergeant. Anything worth having has already been destroyed." He shakes his head in disappointment and keeps moving to the next door (13). "At least we're on the end of this hallway. Maybe there's something worthwhile in the next."

The rags move in the corner of the room as the hybrid hiding within opens fire at the doorway with its laser rifle

5:11 PM

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [16] Result: 21

!roll d10

Nekosmash Roll: [1] Result: 1

(21/1 Levi) the bolts take the group by surprise, hitting the walls and floor, and narrowly grazing Levi as you make for the better cover of the doorframe and hallway

(pC PeRiLs NeKo is a healthy part of a balanced breakfast.)

5:45 PM

!roll 1d8 !initiative

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [4] Result: 4 Reason: initiative

(4 sorry about that i passed out)

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [7] Result: 7

(hybrid, Levi, roger)

7:15 AM

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [10] Result: 15

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [6] Result: 6

The hybrid fires his laser rifle again, this time failing to hit either of you now that you are in a prepared and more well covered position.

!roll 1d20+12 !To hit

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [11] Result: 23 Reason: To hit

!roll 1d10+5 !Damage

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [8] Result: 13 Reason: Damage

Levi grunts as he gets grazed from the first shot, then peeks around the corner to look at their foe. "They've got guns now, Sarge. Cover me." He runs in to close the distance and uses his momentum to fuel his first strike with the staff. (23/13)

The staff connects with something dense below the oily rags and you hear the crunch of bone as it digs deep into the hybrid lying in ambush within.

11:22 AM

It groans in pain, but does not die just yet.

11:22 AM

(Roger)

Rodger nods and trains his laslock on the hybrid loosing a shot. (25/13) "Dont worry I've got you." (edited)

The shot punches into the Hybrid, sending it flopping onto its back in the dirty rag pile. It writhes once, before it bleeds out.

Levi's chest heaves with heavy breaths. "Well that's one way to get the heart going... Hoo!" After catching his breath, he continues. "It would seem they're not entirely mindless if this one was able to sit and wait for the right moment to ambush us... Which means there could be worse surprises lying in wait ahead of us. I know I've said to 'stay sharp' a hundred times already, but now it can't be overstated. Keep weapons free and treat this as an active combat zone." Levi moves ahead to the next room (13).

Room 13 was also once a dorm but it looks like at some point over the life of the facility this was turned into a computer annex. Three computers are in this room and all seem to be in working condition. No final stands were fought here and the room is empty enough aside from the machines to be a poor place for a hybrid creature ambush. The Baron looks for your permission before he moves toward a computer. 'Someone closeby will have heard the gunfire. We're going to need to be careful"

"We haven't exactly been quiet... We won't move from here until you've gotten everything you can out of these. I'll stand watch here while you do what you need to do. I could use the break anyways." Levi posts up on the outside of the door and leans against the wall, staff in hand.

Rodger does the same making sure the other way is covered as he trains his laslock down the long hallway. "Yes, do not worry they likely won't get past the both of us, they seem to like attacking Mr. Levi at any rate."

"Must be my charming personality that attracts them," Levi chuckles.

(I think we're just waiting for either the Baron to get done with the computer stuff or for something terrible to assault us in the hallway. I don't have anything to do in the meantime.)

(this didn't light up for me)

3:14 PM

"They were experimenting" The Baron says after five minutes go by. "Gene editing with shaper genes, on criminals. Trying to create some sort of supersoldier. "

3:14 PM

"the data here is horrific , and we could be here for a long time for me to analyze it all"

"Are those things criminals out for revenge or gene experts gone bad or some mix. Seems like they're not eager to talk anyway." Rodger looked over to Levi. "That explains why they were smart enough to ambush us, yet so violent, i guess."

“Human intelligence, or something based on it at least. If they had their senses they’d have probably talked to us by now” the Baron says. “This isn’t a great place to live “

"Understood, Baron. Thank you for what you have so far. I'm.... hesitant, to say the least, about copying over these files and creating a backup to study later. I'd rather let this experiment die here in this vault while its body count is still in the dozens instead of risking it finding its way into the wrong hands and causing many many more to suffer. Would you agree?"

“I’m skimming enough data to inform our actions and help us get an idea of what we are dealing with down here. When this is done my pad and signet ring will be given to you, and i will vanish into Cooperative custody. If this program starts again it is going to start with you, or the sergeant here, because I won’t be in a place to do anything about it “

"Without shapers it shouldn't be able to start again. You know the federation would block anything of the sort, if we didn't document and inform them of it though we might be held more accountable if knowledge of it came out. Besides king Max will likely bury it anyway. If it could help those recovered from shaping it would be selfish of us to make the decision to destroy it here."

“I don’t see anything here that shows what’s happened to these poor souls is reversible. I don’t think it was ever supposed to be: these hybrids probably would have been killed and disposed of when the campaign was done”

"I'm afraid I must agree with the Baron on this one. There's no redemption for these poor souls. And the Federation doesn't need to know every little thing that happens on every fringe world. If we shut this down permanently, we're just using our best judgement on something that's well within our rights to decide. If it widely gets out that this facility was allowed to exist just under the nose of the Cooperative... well then I don't think we'll be seen as heroes for uncovering it. No. I think this facility should be quietly disposed of." "But these are matters to figure out once this place is cleared. I'm sorry to cut you short, Baron, but I think we need to keep moving. We need to reach the end of this facility and whatever that brings with it. And there's still the matter of the locked door in the main lobby. We should get that open for the sake of being thorough. If you're both ready....." He nods his head towards their next door. (hallway 6)

Rodger followed Levi to the next hallway. "If you decide to destroy this place and the research I won't stop you, besides making sure it's done safely as it is tied to the shapers and the flow of water, but I won't hide its existence or what we did here during debrief or if it comes up. I'll defer to the two of you since you know this world better, and I was asked on as your escort."

Hallway six gently curves around the southern side of the facility. The hall is empty, there is no trash and you see no bodies here. It also adjoins to several rooms with their doors closed, and fighting looks to have either missed this area, or just had not spilled out into the hallway.

"This is either a good sign... or a very bad one. I'm going to stay hopeful. Let's see what's behind door number one." With a deep breath and a firm grip on his weapon, he opens the door to 10.

Rodger nodded and readied himself bringing his laslock to bear ready for another hybrid or violent pile of rags. "We need to be ready for surprises until we're out of the facility at least. Don't want to get caught by surprise like the scientists."

Room 10 is a bunk room and you can see that the fighting has passed by here. There are the remains of a doctor lying peacefully in the bed, and a computer system in the room.

"Baron, there's another terminal in here," Levi says as he waves him over. "A corpse too, but no battle took place here. Perhaps this one took fate into his own hands so he wouldn't be subjected to something worse, God rest his soul." "I'm not sure how much more utility we'll find from these terminals. If you think we've already seen enough of the picture through what you've already found, then I'll take your word for it. The story seems pretty simple to me now. Super soldier experiments got out of hand and they paid the ultimate price for their foolishness. It won't hurt to do a quick once-over on the computer. Maybe he's got a personal log that details something new."

"It seems like a good way to bad results at the best of outcomes. Well one way or the other their work will be finished with us here." Rodger turned back to the hallway trying to stay on the lookout for anything.

"I don't think we need to dig any deeper to know what happened here, but we should make a point of destroying the rest of the computers we find so no one can try to put this back together. I don'care if anyone believes us when this is over. We're stopping it, and that is enough. There is a vent cover in the room, above the computer and something does rattle gently.

"Should we wipe things first then, just smashing the computers and leaving drives to be recovered seems like a risk if we're wiping the slate."

"We can light it all on fire if it makes you feel better, but I'm going to seal this pl-- Did you hear that?" Levi's eyes dart around looking for the noise. "I don't like things making noise in a place that should be silent as the grave"

There is a slick of something like burning slime that covers the computer, beginning to melt it down and eat the plastic and rubber wiring as it begins working. The bumping sound in the vent above you is loud and slowly creeping closer.

"Another visitor, Sarge. A caustic one, by the looks of it. Let's give him a warm welcome." Levi flexes and stretches his arms as he readies his weapon. "I'll keep my distance this time though." He loosens the backup pistol on his hip before taking a mighty swing at the vent cover with his staff.

"Should we just shoot at the vent? That seems like it might get messy." Rodger prepared his laslock getting ready to shoot at something once they had a better target.

(its inside the vent, was waiting to see if you'd shoot up there or not)

(I smacked the vent real hard to see if that would break it or force the thing to come out)

(Yes and it’s not )

1

"Um... I suppose so. Smacking it was less than effective." Levi drops his staff behind him and pulls out his laser pistol while backing up. "On your mark, Sarge. I'm less confident about my shooting, they didn't exactly cover that in seminary."

Rodger nods counting down with his fingers as he tries to figure where the thing is then opening fire with his laslock. (would I need to roll something for that or just do a shoot roll?)

(An attack roll should do it Roger)

(21/10)

The shot punches into the duct and there is some kind of hissing sound within. A low groan accompanies it as the bolt strikes true and evidently where you have wounded it some of the acid intrinsic to its condition begins leaking from the body. You hear it moving still, more slowly toward you

Levi shoots a curious glance over at Rodger. "Do you... Do you have any idea what in God's universe that is?" He keeps his pistol free and takes another step backwards.

"No idea, but I really don't want to find out. Acid blooded beings are best taken down from a distance." Rodger readied himself to take another shot at the thing in th vent. (just saying that for rp, I didn't want to jump the gun actually rolling a shot if I shouldn't or to skip over Levi.)

(I'm not 100% certain what to do at the moment myself. It isn't visible yet and I don't want to keep blasting this unknown entity)

(It has double moved toward you. You can each act ahain)

(But it's still inside the vent, right?)

(Yes)

(you alright with me taking another shot then as my action?)

(Sure !)

1

(24/10)

The shot strikes the vent and the thin sheet metal is no match for the high intensity beam of the laser lock. The discharge is an immense venting of steam, and in the vent you can hear the sound of the acid belching creature gurgling away the last of its life.

7:45 AM

(it is dead)

Rodger looked at the leaking vent and kept away from the acidic spittle amd blood as he could. "Nothing to worry about. I guess some of them are more specialized, still vulnerable to lasers though."

"That leads me to wonder.... where do the vents end up? It might be a closed system down here with air scrubbers if they were trying to keep it all contained... but it seems just as likely to me that they're getting clean air in here from a vent line to the outdoors. Containment might be more of an issue for us if that's the case... these things could have escaped already. Maybe that's why we haven't been overrun by hybrids yet. Chilling, if true." He sighs heavily before bending to pick up his staff and exit the room. "I guess there's only one way to find out. On we go." (to 9)

Your hypothesis is confirmed leading into room 9. A tunneling operation looks to have been attempted here, leading 40m into the bedrock of the facility before it looks to have been abandoned. Many broken tools have been scattered around the entry way, and although this attempt at getting out looks to be a failure, the hybrids here may have tried to find others. (edited)

Rodger followed Levi out of the room taking a survey of the broken tools and makeshift tunnel. "It seems like we'll have to find any other ways they might have tried to escape. Hopefully they weren't successful, but we can't really take the chance." (edited)

"No, we can't... You know, if my estimation is correct... we ought to be coming back around towards the entrance by now. Seems like we've been walking in a giant circle." Levi turns the corner at the end of the hall and is faced with three doors. "For the sake of being thorough..." He opens the door into room 5.

Room 5 is a storeroom and you can see the tools came from here. There is a large hole dug in the wall and it looks like it has connected to some kind of duct- the termination of which you cannot see. The lack of foes here makes sense now, as Roger's theory is proved correct. Somehow, the strongest or most well adapted escaped to the surface.

Levi looks at the scene and sighs heavily. "So... they are out." He turns around and opens the door behind him. "If my hunch is correct..." He sees the lobby they started in (2) through the door. "Yes, we are back where we started." He looks back to Rodger. "It seems we have a larger problem, Sergeant. We have hybrids to hunt."

"That is a problem. Especially if the people on this planet are as low tech as you've led me to believe. We should radio in and have the soldiers go to the closest concentration of citizens immediately we can meet them there, if we're not already far too late. Do you think we should still finish clearing this facility?"

"At the very least, I want to find a way into that central chamber" (7) "Something made those indentations and I feel it's necessary to leave no stone unturned here."

There is a thick airlock door leading into Room 7 that looks like some kind of industrial ram smashed into it several times from the other size. Dozens of fist sized holes dapple the metal and have it punched out towards you. Nothing has changed since you've last observed it.

"Baron... Did you happen to see any kind of admin overrides on the terminals we've come across? Brute force won't get us through that." (edited)

"No, this is the main containment chamber and they didn't risk the codes. I could try to brute force it from one of the terminals we passed, but I'm going to need both of you to run some wires, and things like that. That means you're going to need to trust me, since I'll be out of your sight working for some of the process"

"Any idea is better than none. You've shown good faith with us so far and I see no reason not to allow it for our plan. Just point me in the right direction then."

"I trust you, especially since we've found out the things have escaped. Our work won't be done even once we vanquish whatever might be in here."

"Alright, I'm going to access the terminal in 14, so on the other side of the hall. It was the one that was the most put together. I need one of you to go into the other rooms and pull as many data cables out of the other machines as possible, while one of you sneaks as close to that door as possible and places a line shunt on the keypad. We need to then run the wire from this computer, to it, and I should be able to brute force it open"

Levi looks to Rodger's suit of armor and back to himself. "I'd say I'm a bit more suited for being quiet. I'll handle the line shunt. See what you can dig up, Sarge. We passed a lot of terminals, especially back in 13. That ought to get us started."

(did we want to do a skills contest here for this technical ballet we're putting on, or do we just want to resolve it through some other means ? (

(Gotta use them skillz to pay the billz. Let's try the contest.)

(Contest)

(Sounds good, Baron laid out the premise, so we can begin moving the scene on as the first couple checks are taken)

(You know what skill you were gonna use, don't want to step on your toes, cause I think my highest applicable ones are around 0 or 2 at most.)

(You do you and I'll do me. No need to worry about who's got what numbers)

"I'll get the shunt in place and you go dig out some cables from that computer closet (13) to get us started." Levi quietly moves over towards the keypad by the door to pry off the face of it and open it for a line shunt. (Sneak/dex)

11:42 AM

!roll 2d6

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [2, 1] Result: 3

(

yikes. Sneak/dex 3)

Rodger nods and goes to start pulling cables from the terminals they'd passed trying to see what might be salvageable starting with the close and partially dissolved terminal. (int/program)

2:51 PM

(10)

(It might not be the end of the world. I banged the door as hard as I could when we got here

‍♂️ )

(1 success. 1 fail. Sneak and program used ). The door rattles as Levi is very clumsy in placing the shunt. The Baron messages that he doesn’t think it’s in the right spot based on the readings he is getting , while Roger in other rooms is busy making coils from all the wires he has managed to salvage. Most of them are different and will need to be spliced together somehow

!roll 2d6+2 !Exert/STR

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [4, 3] Result: 9 Reason: Exert/STR

Levi gives up on the keypad for now, opting instead to use his formidable strength to help Rodger move the wires as necessary. (Exert/Str 9)

(2 successes, 1 failure, program, sneak and exert used)

Rodger took the spool of wires next to the door figuring he should try and find the proper place to connect the shunt before addressing the wires. (notice/wis)

12:00 PM

(5)

(2 successes, 2 failures, program, exert, notice, and sneak used) The connections still look like they're all different from one another, so instead of one continual data line you've got different connectors trying to link different parts of it. It looks like someone will need to snip off all the adapters and try to find enough of one specific type to splice on.

1:25 PM

( like trying to connect a VGA to HDMI cable and expecting it to work)

Levi stands with Rodger looking at the mess of cables they're dealing with. "You know, it would seem that my public speaking skills as a reverend are less than useful for situations like this. I can try an inspiring monologue, but I doubt that will help either of us get these connected where they need to go. How handy are you, Sarge?" (I have Talk, Connect, and Lead left lol, the rest are -1 )

Rodger started to unspool the wires taking the ones with the ends they would need and stripping the rest trying to make something that would work at least long enough to get the door open. "I might be able to jury rig something" (I don't have much not -1 either. Could that be survival or would it have to be fix?)

(Definitely sounds like Fix. I will attempt to give you a Bardic Inspiration with my incredible Lead skill lol)

(you can make basic stuff or jury rigged with survival that's why I asked.)

(I think this would be more fix , since we're not talking about traps or still or something)

(Fix/int 2)

1

(Did you want to do your speech first Levi to see if we can bolster this result )

(I didn't think simply talking was a reasonable action to help our situation since I don't need to stir a crowd, just the 2 dudes here. If you think it's plausible I will get creative with it.)

(I think it’s plausible )

(I'll roll first and use that result to guide my post)

8:25 AM

!roll 2d6

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

(That's +1 from Talk or +3 from Lead, whichever you think applies better. That makes it Talk/CHA 6 or Lead/CHA 8)

(LEad is good, which we can say directs Roger to also complete his task with more efficiency, so the check is passed)

Levi isn't able to help Rodger in a mechanical way since his handyman skills fare no better, but he does know how to bring out the best in people and inspire them to do more than they thought they could. Levi senses the frustration emanating from Rodger as he works with the dumb cables that mismatch or simply aren't splicing together the way they should. He takes a seat on a nearby box to speak with the sergeant. "Are you a religious man, Sergeant?... You know what, never mind that I asked. I am. And if you'll indulge me a moment, I have something to say." "I can see you're getting frustrated with this project and that's alright. It is frustrating. Let's put that down for a minute and regroup. You know, I believe that God makes all things work together for our good. Even here, and now. If you have but the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Luckily, we don't need to move a whole mountain, just one door. God can provide that." He stops himself for a moment. "I know, I know. That sounds preachy, and you'd be right. I can't help myself sometimes," Levi chuckles. "If you don't believe in that, I understand. I'm not here to 'convert' you. If you don't believe in God, there are still valuable lessons to be learned from His teachings. The one most relevant to our situation, and the whole point I'm trying to make with my rambling, is that your thoughts matter. If you believe you can do it, you can. 'Mind over matter,' as they say. I believe you can do it, and I need you to believe you can do it as well."

Rodger went about working the wires again finding the small break and Levi's words had clamed him down enough that the work went a bit easier. "Thanks for that. I think the idea that those things had already escaped and might be attacking people outside of her had me as twisted up as these wires. Hopefully the Barron can get the door open, and we can clear this room and get back above ground."

"I understand where you're coming from. We can't waste time, but spending a few more minutes doing this correctly now will save us time later when it really counts. If they're already out then we can't do any more about them until we're done here, anyways."

1:07 PM

(I'm a skill contest noob. How many successes do we need to get? Or are there rules for it somewhere?)

(its five successes or five failures, whichever comes first, We've hit 5 successes now)

2:37 PM

The Baron announces with triumph he has a sound connection, and he is ready to begin the opening process. He is unsure what is on the other side of the door, but it may shed the final lights on the mystery of this place.

Rodger readied his laslock for whatever smashed the door. "Well looks like we almost there, better be ready for what's on that side. What's your bet, acid blood, horrible hook hands, armor plated skin?"

"A safe and uninhabited vault of untold treasures just waiting to be found by some lucky explorers," he says plainly. At the strange looks he receives, Levi shrugs and says, "Faith of a mustard seed, right? I pray we find exactly what we're looking for and nothing more. In any case, we're ready for it." He hefts his staff and stands with Rodger outside the door, ready as he'll ever be.

The doors begin to winch open revealing a tangled nest of quivering flesh. Gapings mouths open and close , chomping at empty air. Clusters of eyes and three large knotted root like tentacles that end in bony clubs are what must have smashed the door. The creature looks to be malnourished but still capable of hurting you. You can see the black seed in the middle of this amalgamation of flesh, and instead of a red tree it looks as though this new hybrid variant has grown instead out of the gathered flesh of the facilities former researchers and security staff

(Would we be able to tell if we're about to be attacked? Like this is a free round of action before initiative? Or is it immobilized/dormant and we just need to decide what to do?)

(It’s immobilized and dormant )

Rodger whispered seeing the dormant monstrosity keeping his laslock trained on the black seed best he could. "It isn't moving, should we seal it back up and return with some explosives?" (edited)

The Baron is able to control the door still, and reports back he can shut it if needed.

(Sorry, been out of town the last couple days.) "I..." Levi is so engrossed by the strange and horrifying sight that he loses his train of thought momentarily. "Ye... Yes. I think that would be for the best. This... thing doesn't seem capable of escaping on its own. We have a more immediate danger to deal with. The beast can wither and rot in here for all I care. A few demo charges would probably end it, but I didn't bring that sort of firepower today." He calls out, "We've seen enough! Close it back up!"

"The only reason i might say it is a pressing thing to kill it is because the other beings might die if it is slain. Though i think it shouldnt be left alive. This planet, and perhaps system isn't safe while that thing draws breath, beyond which those whose flesh it has taken deserve rest, but yes we should radio the reinforcementa as soon as we have a signal to marshall some kind of defense and search for those hybrids. Imagine if they could make another such being, but on the surface."

(Seen. We are kind of between plans here so just waiting to see what shakes out )

"You think they have some sort of... symbiotic or psychic relationship? I take your point. Killing this thing is definitely simpler than hunting down an unknown number of hybrids on the surface... and it couldn't hurt our chances any. Let's go with your plan, then. We'll get a search party together and then return here with heavy ordinance while the hunt on the surface begins."

(6xp, 50,000 credits. )

9:11 AM

(We did what we can do from down here and organizing the next steps and carrying them out are effectively new missions )

Rodger steppe back so that the door could be closed again. (should we wait to level up if that levels us?)

(No we can do it now)

(I'm still level 7, carry on.)

(Cool I'll post in my thread)

(sounds good, we'll continue on once I take a look ,I see you posted in your thread so I'm still working my way down)

(Okay, looks like we're squared away)

7:25 AM

The Baron is waiting to see what you plan to do now, given the custody agreement you've all reached. His immediate usefulness has come to an end with a permanent window into the programming here now established, and he makes motion to disconnect the power feed of his laser rifle from his armor to hand it over to you.

Levi accepts the rifle from the Baron and gives him a respectful nod. "Your service here hasn't gone unnoticed, Baron Corvus. I judged you too hastily, it seems. Come on then, let's get you squared away and mobilize our forces." He begins the journey back out of the long tunnel to the surface.

On the surface, there is a waiting NMC security squad from the element you marched on the manor with, ready to take the Baron into custody. He steps out of his power armor, hands over his signet ring, and his black pad. The rifle he was using is already in your custody, and with a last look at the manor- now occupied by the marines from the three ship floatilla you came here with- he bows his head in resignation and allows himself to be led away to the prison where he will surely end his life.

Rodger watched the Baron be led away a moment before addressing the remainder of the troops. "The manor and scientific facilities have been secured for the most part. We need to organize a search and destroy mission for the escaped hybrids, make sure they haven't attacked any vulnerable towns, and a demolition and heavy weapons team to destroy the shaper tree we found in the science facilities before it's able to drain the life from this planet. Time is of the essence as we believe these beings capable of self replication. Are there any questions?"

(Was Levi still going to be involved in this, or are you stepping off to another character? Just trying to figure out my pacing here or if this should be moved. )

(I am fine either way, honestly. I know there's some investigation Dax can be doing on Chloe, but if there's enough mission here for 2 people then I'm good to see it through. I also understand that I've been the slow one dragging this out. If you want to move faster to a conclusion without me, I am not offended in the slightest.)

(I'm good, Levi is Rodger's ride anyway. I think however we divide it there is enough for two since we could have one go to the tree and one go on the search/secure or just both do both since they both seem pretty dangerous. I just see it as you won't give me grief if I'm a little slow to post either.) (edited)

(The investigation from Chloe is more or less in its final stages. Proc, Barnabas and Gurk picked it up from the big group mission)

(If there's nothing for Dax then I'm here)

(If no one needs to buy anything, we can set off. Looks like we have demoing the nexus inside the facility, and hunting down any possible escaped hybrids)

(That's accurate, and I don't need to do any shopping per se. Just need to get a demo team outfitted with demo charges or something similar from a ships' armory.)

(We would have 3 for use, ships generally don't carry a lot of heavy weapons or explosives since they're ships)

(Could we get/buy anything from the baron's stuff that was recently aquired?)

(He doesn't have anything TL5 or anything that wouldn't be found in a ship armory, but if someone wants his assault suit, he is not using it anymore)

(It's no use for me)

(Does it seem any different than a regular one?)

(Seems like DM-speak for "it's mechanically a normal assault suit but has some fancy trimmings with his House sigil/symbol" to me)

(I know you're off at airsoft, but i had a thought, snd didnt want to forget over the weekend. Could we try for some moltov or improvised napalm type stuff. That might be more likely if we have access to gas and or a liquor stash which seemed like something nobles would have. And lighters) (edited)

(Yes we could probably make cocktails out of the liquor the noble has on hand )

Rodger moved to the bar trying to find some of the higher proof less valuable or less desirable bottles of spirits as he started to make some makeshift weapons to fight the flesh tree. "Each of us should have at least one of these. If we can set that whole thing alight, then pepper it with fire, perhaps shoot that cursed seed we might stand a chance. Also this way we have something to augment the charges besides our laslocks." (They were like set charges not something you could throw right?) (edited)

(Yes, but you can shape a demo charge with Fix-1 so the explosion only goes in one direction, so you don't need to go super close)

(I only have fix 0 though)

(Someone in the giant group of people here can do it )

3:52 PM

(Just need to know if you want them to

(yeah if we can might as well. edited other post so it makes more sense.) (edited)

(sounds good)

8:34 AM

Gear altered, explosives made, and everyone rested and fed, the team of six soldiers drafted for the task begins to form up, ready to head down into the facility again, while other squads being deployed to the surface prepare for the task of tracking down any hybrids that might have escaped- in the off chance that killing the red tree does not sever the life sustaining link with the hybrids, the trackers will be the next line of defense.

8:34 AM

Dogs and drones are also being prepared for the vast overland hunt, and additional resources have been requested from the NMC for the purposes of surveillance over the planet.

(Was it decided if we were splitting up or sticking together and going with the demo team first?)

(I was planning on going with the demo team, or wherever my squad went most likely. Killing the tree seems important. Im not dure hiw much we know about them in character, but nasty. You out punching the punch tree wpuld be pretty bad ass though.) (edited)

(we can split up, or both focus on one thing, i think there is enough here to be totally flexible)

(We'll stick together. It's a group thread after all.) (Would this be the following day for Scene/Effort/HP regen purposes?) "If your team is ready, Sarge, then we can begin." With a nod to Rodger, Levi begins the trek back into the small tunnel to the facility.

(Yes, we've regenerated character level worth of HP, all effort, and one strain )

Rodger motions for the others to follow taking the various supplies with them. He moved close to Levi so he wouldn't be overheard by the troops. "Explosives, fire, and lasers. Do you think it will be enough?"

(I didn't realize this one was waiting on me, sorry. I was out of town for work all weekend and have been playing catch-up since I got back in.) "It will have to be, God willing. Have a little faith, Sarge. It looked scary as sin, but organic life can only tolerate so much trauma. We're bringing enough firepower to knock over a giant, so I think we'll be just fine." He gives a slight smile and continues through the tunnel.

Returning to the greenhouse, you enter the tunnel and see that little has changed since you have been here last. If the quivering mass of flesh behind the sealed blast door is aware of the peril it is in, no indication is given.

"It seems like nothing has changed. We should get everything ready woth the charges and impeovused incendiary, and protected firing positions as much as possible. I plan on shooting for that black seed. I'm not sure if it will have the detrimental effect i hope, but either wsy it was near center mass. Those bone clubs seem to be its main weapons, but don't let your guard down they dented that airlock door and likely would do great harm if allowed to connect."

The door controls look to be working, and upon re-entering the facility things look to be largely how you left them. Your own compads and data pads all show the door controls as working and responsive, and to the Baron's credit it looks as though he did exactly what you asked, and nothing more.

(Feel free to take the lead here Roger )

1

Rodger looked over the troops. "Get the charges and yourselves ready, and signal me when you feel up to opening the doors. Steel yourselves for what's on the other side. I don't want anyone in range of that thing longer than necessary. As far as we know it's still dormant, but be ready for anything. Quick and steady. Ideally we will hit this thing three different ways before it even knows we are here. The rest of you get the incendiaries and laslocks ready. We wait for the first group to be clear blow the charges, set it aflame then move back to the safe distance and open fire."

(Demo charge team going in first ? )

(I figured they'd be ready to go probably next to the door so they'renot completely sitting ducks, but yeah assuming it's asleep since that seems best to do first. I think fire would wake it up/make plantimg charges harder.)

(It looks to be asleep, and still dormant since we did not distrub it before either)

Rodger speaks in a whisper motioning the various groups into action. "Set up the charges and then get back here. If it's going to try and fight us we want to make it as hard for it as possible by giving it a rude awakening. So far so good. The rest of you be ready to light and throw the bottles or take shots." He readies his own maltov not lighting it but preparing to. Ready to take up his laslock afterward and lay down covering fire as needed.

Sneaking forward, the charge team is able to lay their charges as close to the tree as they dare, the shaped sides facing the tree- and everyone else ends up being a safe distance away from the small blast wave that will ripple to the other sides of the kill zone. So far, the creature doesn't seem to have woken up.

"Alright, now that we're clear let's light that thing up. Detonate charges then light and throw incendiaries. We don't want the blast to put out the fire." Rodger readies to light his own moltov waiting for the blasts to go off.

(!roll 4d20

10:21 AM

!roll 4d20

Nekosmash Roll: [16, 15, 10, 1] Result: 42

(one evasion is passed, half damage from one of the charges) Acrid smoke and a rolling cloud of flame begins filling the chamber, and with a shriek the horribly burned creature awakens. Several of its eyes have been destroyed, others have filled with 8 ball fractures due to the volumes of blood sheeting into the broken sockets. Broken teeth shriek and chatter at you.

(Should I roll for the moltov now or init first? Figured id ask before rping something out of order.)

(It can't react at the moment, so you can RP whatever you want)

Rodger waited for some of the smoke to clear as the creature burned trying to get a bead on it and find the sead at the heart of it in the sight of his laslock. (Trying to make sur i understand it right. So it was easier the charges and fire was a block? Not criticizing it makes sense just didnt want to wrote about moltoving it if the fire already hit lol)

(It dien't block anything, it just has more hit points than the damage done to it)

(Oh i meant all the charges and moltov damages were rolled at once. Sorry if i worded it confusingly.)

The fire and demo charges have done their work, and the creature is heavily wounded, and you are unsure how aware it is. It looks as though mroe is going to be needed to put it down.

"Open fire! Aim for any weakspot you can find we have dealt it a good blow, but we can't stop until this thing is dead. We still don't know if killing this will stop the potential attack on the surface." (should I just roll a shot?)

(Go ahead )

(14/15)

The creature roars, and begins gathering energy for some kind of psionic shockwave as flames begin to eat at more and more of its heavily damaged body.

5:07 AM

(mental save)

(18 vs 11 pass)

!roll 10d20

Nekosmash Roll: [19, 18, 15, 14, 10, 6, 2, 1, 1, 1] Result: 87

Half the team clutches their heads as the psionic pressure wave washes over you. Their brains boiled inside their scalps, blood pours out their nose and ears before they collapse as the flesh node howls in the only way it feels its possible to do. The other half of the team, yourself included, does not have any effects, and you can see your shots and the flames continue to damage it.

!roll 1d20

Chubs | Levi (Dax) Roll: [8] Result: 8

(8 vs 9 failure) (Levi would be there, but without a gun he's not going to run up to the thing and hit it with a stick. Just "supervising" I suppose)

10:20 AM

(Unless he's dead now, lol)

!roll 2d20

Nekosmash Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7

(7 damage to Levi, I was not sure what your status was, so I did not include you initially, but it is fine you are here)

(I'm along for the ride IC, but OOC still pretty slammed. I'll take my damage as needed though. I have both Henchkeeper and Authority if that lends any help at some point, though I'm not sure if it helps because these are Rodger's men and not mine.)

(not really applying here, especially now that we've already completed most of the scene. I'd have to go back and recalculate a bunch of stuff and its possible what just happened wouldn't have if enough extra damage had been done)

(No problem. My bad for being out of it)

(time to take another shot? Brain bleeding sounds like something I can't do much about unfortunately.)

(the ones who failed got slagged, nothingto be done for them anyway, you can fire)

(13/11) Rodger leveled his laslock still connected to his armor. He cursed under his breath as he saw half of the men under his command fall to the floor dead unsure of how he could help them besides finish this thing quickly. (edited)

The shot strikes the large creature and the energy bolt looks to be enough to core what remains of its brain. Sagging, the hunk of blazing meat goes silent, and the flames continue spreading across its surface. It looks to be dead.

"Be careful, though it looks dead we want to be sure, see if anything survived. Two of you should go radio the other group and report back to me if were still needed, the rest of us will watch this thing burn then start moving out our fallen once were sure it's dead. They deserve better than to be left down here." (edited)

(3xp, 5000 credits. It’s dead and the search team will root out any hybrids they may have slipped the area. Locals will probably help )

11:59 PM

(But we can call this settled for now with all the group stuff getting going )

1

(Does this mean this system will become NMC space now?)

(When the expand influence action is taken on a faction turns)

(But the hands-on PC involvement is pretty well done?)

(Yes)

(I had a goal for expanding the NMC influence to Santama Miti so I didn't know if I take that now or on the faction turn)

(Take it now

(Would this count for getting back an nmc plsnet as well?)

(Yes)

(Thanks Neko)

(Cool, thanks neko let me mark off that goal before i forget. Yiu wanted us to leave them on sheet right? Just take away values? Or was that just s potential option. I know the new sheets have a finished checkmark. Oh one thing more for my book keeping. Do you know how many of the dead were in Rodgers squad?) (edited)

(There’s a completed check mark, so just use that if you’re on the new sheet and leave the goal in there, unless you’re really running out of space. Two from your squad )

(I'll do that yeah it seems a cool way to track, I just put (completed) on the old. I'll ask you specifics if anything when we get back to rodger channel, though might make a note of it so I don't forget.)

(sounds good to me. Nice work here folks)