Iron Stars - pavel

Pavel relaxes, the first time he's been able to in some time. Convincing the holdouts on Al-Thynnian that the CBSS being here to stay is good for all workers was a daunting task as their world undergoes reconstruction, but it was done, and the world knows some measure of true peace now. It seems like every planet in the glorious CBSS is full of detractors, rebels, and those who would slap aside the hand of friendship that the CBSS offers, but without those people, Pavel would be out of a job. A message is waiting on the troop ship's personal terminal for him, from central command and heavily encoded. \

Pavel awakens from his night of carousing at the celebration party. Groggily he checks his datapad discovering the message on the troop ship. Pavel looks over at the woman he brought home from the party. Two celebrations for two conquests. Now duty calls again. Pavel quietly gets cleaned up, gathers his things, and throws on his high collared coat. He heads toward the troop ship with a clean slate and eagerness to be a value to the State once more.

1 Priority Message Dances on the screen, the envelope jiggling as though its electronic contents are alive. A small pad for a thumb print, and sensor to read the iris both flip open, sensing someone is standing before the computer

Before Pavel presents his fingerprint and iris, he checks the room to ensure it is secure. No one standing around or loitering and the hatch to the room is closed. Once he's convinced the area is secure he places his thumb on the scanner and presents his eye to the sensor.

THere is a hum and the terminal heats up as the powerful electronics begin working. THere is a mission here, assigning you to the city of Debriska, on Pelasgon. Their efforts into expanding the green zone and re-seeding the planet are faltering, and the Chairman's office suspects the results are being tampered with, altered, or otherwise forced into a state of failure by detractors or peoples who might have reason to keep the planet feeble. Finding the truth in these rumors is your mission.

Pavel scans the communique for any authorized requisitions assigned for transport, support personnel, or any trusted contacts on Pelasgon or in Debriska. Pavel can't keep a grin from spreading across his face. After bringing the holdouts into the fold on Al-Thynnian, being assigned to weed out subversives near the seat of the CBSS is an honor.

(1 day of downtime as we travel there, the handout near the top of the roll20 has what you can do on it)

(Wonderful, thank you!)

Enroute to Pegasgon Pavel will attempt to get records of the re-seeding operation through communication channels. He wants to get into the record keeping to eliminate the possibility that the operation isn't a failure without sabotage. No need to jump at shadows without evidence. While waiting for the communications officer to get back to him he will play chess on his datapad. (Chomping at the bit to flex my Administration skill haha)

(Is admin at -1)

23:19

(Don’t have Roll20 in front of me atm)

(Was Pavel able to get the records? He'd much rather prep for the mission planetside than train a skill. I thought I could roll Admin/INT if I had the records enroute to look for abnormalities, signs of sabotage, subversion, reoccurring names associated with failures or said abnormalities, etc. If I could identify names I'd prep their interrogations. That's what I meant by "flex my admin

)

The records are not available, if the facility is keeping them at all. It is a small operation with only a handful of science minded people attached to it.

Pavel gives the crew of the ship a bottle of Al-Thynnian brandy and spends time with them during the trip, taking an interest in them, their ship and their jobs. "Though we have a duty to perform, comrades, doesn't mean we can not do it with joy!" (Downtime: Fix 1/90)

Arriving back at the beating heart of the CBSS , you pass the orbital shipyard where the Mech carrier is undergoing the last few necessary pieces of its construction. The mech forces are the pride of the CBSS ground units, and its rumored there are plans to begin fitting those suits for space, as well. The implications of suit mechs used with boarding teams is something the other galactic powers are no doubt considering as the ship finishes completion. Pelga Prime begins flashing its landing beacon, and the cargo lighter taking you from the troop ship to the surface is prepared, though you're diverting to Debriska to begin your hunt once the lighter hits atmosphere

Pavel and some of his new friends from the troop carrier's crew stand on the observation deck gawking at the mech carrier and telling sea stories of their time in the fleet. Soon over the ships intercom system passengers are instructed to standby in the hangar bay. With that Pavel bids his friends goodbye, picks up his bag, and heads for the hangar bay. Pavel's pride in the CBSS is soaring. Seeing the new mech carrier and enjoying his time with comrades on the ship has left a giant smile on his face that will last quite a while. Once in the hangar, Pavel shows his stick number to one of the hangar bay coordinators and is ushered to his cargo lighter.

The ship begins diverting from its destination once Youre aboard and begins our planetside run. The green belt is the only place on Pelasgon that is this color and the first stages of Forest regrowth stretch out below you. Enormous amounts of resources have been funneled into making this portion of the planet bloom again and its resource allocation officers wield an enormous amount of influence

Pavel stands behind the pilots chair and leans in, "Anastasia, can you get permission from control for us to tour a bit of the Green Belt? I'm very interested in the failed areas around the edge of the belt... " Pavel gazes out of the windows at the impressive sight and wonders... why would detractors of the CBSS oppose the re-seeding of the forest? Opposed to healing the ecosystem? He rubs his chin in thought... Could this be the work of off-worlders? "Anastasia, are there scanners on this cargo lighter?"

05:46

(Pavel talks to everyone and is personable, hope you don't mind me naming a few NPCs in passing.)

(If they’re recurring I will)

14:10

“Nothing powerful. This isn’t a true ship. Just a way to get down from orbit and back. Only enough to get the topography so we don’t crash into the ground or a mountain” (edited)

"Ah, unfortunate. I'll have to slake my curiosity in Debriska." Pavel gives the pilot a smile and returns to his seat.

The city of Debriska is a large agricultural settlement where large fields surround the farmers homes and the transportation hub where the food they can extract from the soil is sent around the planet. The lab is one of the more modern buildings in the city , aside from the party regional headquarters and a small defensive garrison centered around an airfield - where the lighter comes in to land

Pavel pulls his brown high collar coat over his brown and red uniform and heads for the exit ramp of the cargo lighter. The sun and wind of the fertile region blows his hair back as the heels of his black jack boots click on the ramp. Pavel slings his bag onto his shoulder and walks across the tarmac to the garrison buildings of the airfield. Pavel grins and briskly walks to the defensive garrison buildings. Speaking to the soldiers that make up the backbone of the CBSS is always interesting and taking the measure of their morale and discipline can tell one a lot about the area.

They’ve got access to fresher food here than probably anywhere else in the CBSS, aside from the planet Vari though most arent familiar with the newest addition to the CBSS. Morale here is good. The common fighting man has no idea the lab here is so riddled with trouble

After meeting with the men and their officers to let them know that a commissar of the Ministry of State is in the area and that the CBSS thanks them for their service, Pavel will request a ride over to lab from one of the unit grav cars, if they are able. (Pavel is thinking of appearances at the labs. People will see him arriving in a military vehicle. A bit of psyops...) (edited)

They wish to know if you’d like an escort as well

Pavel happily accepts the escort, "It would be an honor, comrades".

05:32

(In private Pavel will get with the officer in charge, Pavel will request his escort be trained and proficient in close in fighting (CQB, CQC, etc) with ranged weapons and hand to hand.) (edited)

(I'll also suggest to the officer that if he wanted some of his men to get additional surveillance and reconnaissance training, they could "tail" me or put me under sniper "overwatch". Kind of like a game... if I spot them, they lose!) (edited)

Three soldiers are assigned to accompany you inside and a small detachment of two squads and their vehicles will bring you to the lab. They’ll try to get a sniper in place but are worried about someone going through private buildings ahead of time tipping off the lab an inspection is coming.

15:16

If you’re accepting the possible risk, they’ll finalize the plan

Pavel rubs his chin in contemplation. "Commander, before we finalize any plan, do any of your units have electronic warfare or communications intercept capability?" (I was thinking me and my escorts could enter the lab and possibly "bird dog" a reaction from any detractors. Some might leave the lab, but more likely some will try to communicate and warn other detractors. That is the communications I'd like to intercept and trace if possible. That information would reveal a portion of their network and be used to plan future operations targeting the detractor network after the lab inspection. The two squads can hang back outside covering the exits to grab any runners and to act as a quick reaction force (QRF) if violence breaks out in the lab. Once in the lab, Pavel intends to tour the premises, inspect the records and possibly take a copy, and follow up any discrepancies with those in the lab. ) (edited)

(The two sides of Pavel: Conducting the business of the CBSS and popping corks to celebrate the successes of the CBSS)

All he can do is laugh. “One radio per squad is hardly advanced electronic warfare. Nothing like that. Not even here at the capital world”

Pavel laughs with the commander. "Visions of the future, comrade commander. Visions of the future! We can finalize the plans without the electronic warfare aspect. Just something I read about... I was merely exploring the capabilities we had at our disposal." (edited)

"Take your wildest dreams, make them disappointing, and assume everyone is poorer than dirt, and you'll have a good idea. I've got a few men selected for your entry team with you. We still need a final decision on the sharpshooter, as well"

Pavel nods. "No sharpshooter. We won't risk announcing our visit sooner than required."

"Alright, no sharpshooter, no messing with signals, two squads of escort okay. I think that's everything. We can do this as soon as you're ready"

(The best times to hit the lab are about 30 minutes after they open or just after the lunch break. Mostly everyone should be there with few reasons for leaving once we're inside.)

16:55

(If we can hit one of those windows we'll head over immediately. If not, we'll wait until the next day. If we have to wait, I'll request the commander keep his men involved in the op at the military barracks and keep word of our operation close hold for operational security. The troops held for the operation are "participating in a training exercise". I'll also order some extra food and drink from the central planning node for the troops we're keeping at the building in this event too for the morale of the troops) (edited)

(You could hit after lunch)

17:26

(if that doesn't change things at all)

(Perfect. The faster we do it, the less likely word would get out that something is up.)

The escort is picked, the convoy is prepared, and a sea of CBSS flags begins driving through the streets heading for the lab. If word travels ahead of you, its at too short of an interval for anything to give the lab forewarning, and you pull up to the fenced off lab, as two soldiers emerge with boltcutters and snip the chain on the gates so you can drive directly in

The CBSS troops move to their planned positions at the exits of the lab, with additional instructions to watch for those arriving late from their lunch and usher them inside. As Pavel and his escorts enter the lab he makes an announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Commissar Pavel Aslanov. I have been dispatched from the Ministry of State to conduct a Tier 1 Priority Inspection of this facility. No one should be leaving the building during this process. Phase 1 will include an interview with the lab director and a record review. Phase 2, if warranted, will include performance inquiries of the staff. I am sure all will be in order and all will be well. If you have any concerns that should be brought to my attention, your loyalty and dedication to the success of Pelasgon will be reflected in my reports. I hope you enjoyed your lunch. Your patience is appreciated. Now, where can I find the facility director's office?" (edited)

2

One of the now very pale faced lab assistance brings you down winding hallways to the lab directors office. There is a thump from within, followed by a curse, though the door is shut and you cannot see what is happening inside

Pavel will motion for two guards to stay in the hall and the the third to follow him in. Pavel will open the door wide and enter the center of the room. With arms wide, and a giant smile, Pavel exclaims: "Comrade Director! We finally found you! I'm Commissar Pavel Aslanov." Pavel extends his hand in order to shake hands (edited)

The directors hand is shaking and he reaches out to grasp yours. “I..I..it’s a pleasure. The inspection was not announced”

13:00

He is quite pale

"My apologies, Comrade Director. An announced inspection tends to not reveal systemic problems because the system tries to defend itself to the point of... deception. I much prefer to snap on the lights and see what tries to scurry under the couch." Pavel smiles "I am fortunate to have an ally like you, Director. The Chairman wants to know why this project isn't yielding results and I will need your help answering that question and correcting the situation. We'll begin with a little interview, then I will need to see your records. What has prevented the success of our project on Pelasgon?"

" inconsistencies in the data, and soil enrichment keeps failing. Our field teams abandon their work, or the repports they send back seem to say nothing useful at all. We need more time"

"Comrade Director, please calm down. We don't suspect you are personally to blame, but we can't treat what isn't identified. Let us take one thing at a time. Your field teams abandoning their work... why are they doing that? Let me see the reports they sent back. I also need to see your financials."

01:48

"Do you believe that any of your work was sabotaged?"

“I do think so. And I think I know who. But how do I blame someone without the proof. “ He sighs. Collecting himself he opens some files. “The teams report on the soil density and the factors in an area to help or hinder land reclamation and soil enrichment. The local resource allocation officers would be getting less shipped in from other regions if the land started coming back to life. Theyd have to rely on local supply”

01:57

“And they’re unpopular here. They don’t distribute most of what comes in on time, or fairly”

01:58

“But it’s just what I see and suspect. Not what it may be”

"When your teams abandon their work do they return? Do they just disappear? Do the field teams reports go through the resource allocation officers? How would the resource officers impact your progress, hypothetically?" (edited)

"Or are you alleging that the resource officers are physically spoiling the soil? I can see their desire for the status quo, but I am failing to see their impact on your work, especially when your lab is in the center of the bread basket of Pelasgon."

“They return and have no problems working , the resource officers see the report, and yeS, I am alleging that”

Pavel nods and looks over the records "What about detractors, Comrade Director? Could it be sabotage from those that want the CBSS to fail for political reasons?" (edited)

03:58

(Are there soil sample records that show continuous spoiling of the soil? If so, is it exponential worse each report?) "Director, what is your hypothesis regarding what they are spoiling the soil with? Have you detected anything anomalous in the soil samples?" (edited)

(Is there a way to copy the records onto my datapad?)

“They’d be starving to death along with us. I don’t see what benefit that would be to them. “ You’re able to copy the records. The spoiling doesn’t get worse but it remains aggressively where it is, thwarting the reclaiming attempts by just enough to render them null, but not by more than that

"Do any of your field team leaders share your suspicions? I would like to talk to your field team scientists." Pavel stands and puts a hand on the Directors shoulder in a consoling manner "Go fetch a scientist from one of your field teams and bring them back to your office. I came to solve this problem and I will explore all possibilities. I have great respect for scientists and your work. Now go. I'll remain here and go over these records. Do not worry, Director, the CBSS stands with you." (When the Director leaves Pavel will search the Directors desk)

(sneak/dex)

(Woot! Natural 12! So that would be 11.)

1

You find a data pad within. You’re able to copy the contents but going through it is more time than you have right now

22:59

One of the field team scientists is brought in as you finish putting everything back. He is pale and looks to have been crying

Pavel assumes that the panic of these scientists may just be the presence of the soldiers. He decides to play into it and develop an interrogation of a sort of good cop/bad cop. Although the possibility of the guilty panicking because they are caught is real. Pavel sits on the corner of the desk assuming a higher position to the scientists that sit in the chairs. "Comrades, I would like to assure you that I am on your side. I share the same goal as you. I want Pelasgon rejuvenated, I want to the ecology repaired. I was sent to solve a problem and the only people that need to panic are those that are part of the problem. See, I like to solve problems... peacefully, like a scalpel. They Pavel gestures to the soldier ... they are the hammer of the CBSS. They are well trained to handle problems, but... in a different way. You're given a rare opportunity. You get to chose the solution to the problem. If you work with me, we can fix this quietly and painlessly. If I don't get the answers I need the CBSS will give the problem to our comrades Pavel gestures again to the soldier ...to solve. Now, Pavel addresses the field scientist directly , I understand you think the resource officer is involved, but I need to know what specifically is being done to the soil to spoil it? Is it a chemical being added? Radiation? What does your data tell you? Convince me that the resource officer is doing this. How would he do it?" Pavel tosses the field soil sample reports into the field scientist's lap (edited)

The field agent opens the folder with shaky hands and begins looking over the papers. Sweat beads heavily down his forehead and some of the thicker droplets fall onto the already yellowing papers “This says that a chemical agent we can’t identify is present. It seems to block fertilizing attempts “

04:02

“And so far our teams have not been able to undo those chemical bonds “

"It appears this unidentified chemical agent is applied in just enough quantities to render reclamation efforts null. That is a suspicious data point. Whoever is applying it knows how much is needed. Do you suspect anyone here in the lab might be working with the resource officer?" (edited)

“They must be, given your analysis sir.

(How does the Director react when he says that?)

(We didn’t write that he was in the room. I figured he probably wouldn’t be so the staff would speak freely

1

(Oh, gotcha. No worries. That works too!)

"Does anyone her at the lab strike you as someone that... doesn't quite fit? Is there anyone here perhaps appearing to be disproportionately wealthy for a lab worker? Perhaps speaks ill of the CBSS? Perhaps seeks access to data that are outside their scope?" (edited)

Whoever they are, they’re not showing themselves as nervous or uncomfortable with the work they’re doing.

16:41

All data requests are logged and everyone knows. There were a few requests but when investigated they turned out to be genuine errors, wrong buttons pressed or a mis read of a file name

16:41

It seems for now your best bet is to try to find who among the researchers has connections with resource officers to find your mole

Pavel will commandeer the Director's office as his investigation command post. (He'll search the office for any listening devices. Once he's alone in the Director's office he will go over the data he copied from the Director' datapad.) Pavel will brief the two squad leaders to reposition their squads mostly inside the lab with a rotating watch outside the building. They're briefed to watch for and report any suspicious behavior. Still, no lab workers are authorized to leave or use communications devices. (edited)

(Notice/wis)

(8)

The office has no listening devices that you can find. No matter how many times you review the data it seems like one of the field agents must have a connection with the city resource officers. You’re traveling in an official capacity and said officers would be required to meet with you if requested

(There was nothing interesting on the Directors datapad that I found and copied when I searched his desk? That was the data I was looking at going over, not just the data the Director gave me.)

(Nothing that you didn’t already know, find out, or could understand with your background. Not sure what else you’re looking for here, but there’s a way to move the investigation forward) (edited)

(Just making sure. Thanks!)

(Nothing else felt coherent or like it wasn’t just thrown in)

(Do they store chemicals here at the lab for the reclamation? If so, I'll grab an inventory list from the files. The reason I ask is It would require a lot of this "unidentified chemical" to spoil the soil, so I imagine that would require a lot of storage space. I think in addition to linking the scientists and the resource officers, I'll also need to show their chemicals as evidence.)

The chemicals are not stored here I. The lab, the lab just has come up with the formula. The city resource nodes would be responsible for the storage and manufacture of the compound, as well as distributing it to the field teams for use

Pavel pulls a roster of the field team members and has each of them escorted individually into the office for a brief interview. Pavel is mostly watching for anomalous non-verbal behavior, rather than digging for information. That would conclude the investigation at the lab, for now... Once the interviews are done, Pavel will make his way to the city resource node. (I'll keep the military personnel with me, if I can.)

The city resource node is a massive building with office space, dozens of loading docks for trucks, warehouse space for goods made and manufactured here, and an incredibly square foot intensive work space where all manner of goods are finished from the raw materials coming in and out of the node.

Pavel and his three man escort will make their way to the administration offices. "My name is Commissar Pavel Aslanov. I need to access some of your records in relation to party business." (Pavel will attempt to cross reference the labs field team deployments with the nodes supply and chemical manufacturing for dispersal.)

(admin/Int)

(11 <I used my expert re-roll>)

There is a dispatch of chemical agents with every research trip as expected- but the same resource officer has signed off on every single dispatch, and there is a reported overabundance of chemicals in one of the main storage tanks here, though when checked, the tank is nearly empty as though it was being dispensed with the rest of the treatment

1

(Is there any way to pull that resource officers phone records or this world's equivalent?)

(I'd also like to get a sample of the chemical in the tank if possible.)

(Your admin roll was good enough that I think those would be included without any more trouble. You can take a sample but there’s not a way to analyze it right now. The lab couldn’t identify it either

13:41

(So I guess as evidence you have something tangible but if you’re looking for what it is, this won’t answer that. I don’t know enough about chemicals irl so I didn’t intend to name it

(No worries. Just wanted something tangible to go with the records.)

(I'd say you've got that for sure)

(Am I able to correlate the resource officers phone calls to the lab? Do any phone numbers appear out of place? Field scientist team members?)

The call log you have shows some communication between the officer here, and a few of the field team members

20:10

they have also contacted the lab, but there are shipments that correlate with the dates and times of those calls, so those at least were routine matters

Pavel puts his feet up on the desk as he scrolls through data. Pavel mutters under his breath, "Fascinating". The path in the forest branches... The resource officer may be unaware he is dispersing poison or... he is more cautious than the average dissident. This could be natural cunning or trained skills... Pavel ponders as he scrolls through data (Pavel will try to eliminate the "unwitting resource officer" first. Is there a way to see who authorized the chemical compounds being mixed? Or altered the mix?)

20:51

(Or did you mean there is no record of the "additional" chemicals, just evidence of the overabundance? Sorry, just trying to clarify.

)

(I'd have to go back and re-read that)

(That's ok. lol I'll just try to find evidence that the "unidentified chemical" was added without the resource officer's knowledge, if that was possible.)

21:02

(That's all I was trying to do, in general.

)

21:03

(I imagine the chemicals were mixed/synthesized at the planning node. Did the resource officer authorize that too?)

(He wouldnt have needed to but your assumption is the right one, they'd have lacked the equipment in the field)

(Can Pavel dig around in the records in that direction? Maybe see when the chemical was started to be added? Because the ecological reclamation was a success until it wasn't, right? Or was it always a failure? That would be a compelling data point. Then perhaps check to see who changed the chemical formula, if possible.) (edited)

Pavel's search founders when the micro-level timelines are looked at like this. There seems to be enough evidence to directly finger one of the identified resource officers.

(Gotcha! Time to do some fingering!)

Pavel shifts his attention to party records. Before approaching the resource officer, Pavel will attempt to access or request party personnel records of this resource officer. His trained eyes looking for any counter- intelligence red flags or off world influences, being the last detail before confronting the resource officer...

04:33

(Records of off world communique, odd bank deposits, extraordinary displays of wealth, etc., Pavel would be looking for that stuff if possible.)

Nothing of the like is found. This seems to be just a man who enjoyed being a petty tyrant and finally acted out when his position as such was threatened

Pavel clicks his tongue "Disappointing, it appears our problem is just a person succumbing to their base desires, namely hubris... quite boring in comparison to other sins." Pavel shuts off the datapad and looks up at his soldier escort. "Alert the squad leaders, we found our target. We'll meet at the vehicles for mission planning. The op should be simple, but I want to stress personally to them the need to take him alive."

With the squads given the warning order, Pavel does a quick recon to check if the resource officer is currently at the planning node. Pavel will be thinking about a plan B to pick up the resource officer at home if he isn't at the node.

He is here in his office and with soldiers surrounding the building, he won’t be getting out without notice

When the resource officer's office is identified, the soldiers tighten the security perimeter around it. Pavel, with his coat and cap in hand, knocks on the half open office door, peeks in, and enters coyly like a neighbor letting themselves into your house because the door was unlocked and they just want to borrow some sugar. "Why hello, comrade. Nice day, is it not? This isn't a bad time, is it?" As Pavel enters he is replaced in the doorway by a stern looking soldier. (edited)

The officer says nothing, sliding back from his desk a half pace as though to get up

"No, no, don't get up. My business here at the node won't take long." Pavel lays his heavy coat over an empty chair and places his cap on the desk with the glare of the gilded crest of the Ministry of State facing and fixed on the resource officer. Pavel drops his gloves next to the cap. "Excuse me, how rude! I didn't introduce myself. My apologies, comrade. My name is Pavel Aslanov." Pavel extends his hand to the sitting resource officer

The resource officer takes it with a weak grip. His palm is sweaty and his face is suddenly very pale

01:10

“Minister...Minister Orlov. Sir”

Pavel looks around the office "Look at all this! Work, work, work! The people always wanting something... Pavel makes eye contact with the resource officer "It must be exhausting being responsible for the well being of so many people... I can't imagine the weight of that responsibility... How do you cope?"

“Vodka helps. So does...no wait. That’s more vodka. Why are you here commissar? The node is running as planned. We have had no under shipments “

1

"I'm glad you asked... I've been on a long journey." Pavel sits on the corner of the desk "The Chairman sent me to answer a question: Why is the reclamation of Pelasgon faltering?" "My journey has led me to that door, of this office, of this central planning node." "Now before telling me your story, I must warn you of the deadly consequences of lies. The harder you make it for me to reveal the truth, the more dire you make the consequences." Pavel folds his hands on his knee and leans in expectantly, trying to hold back his rage at the enemy of the state before him (edited)

1

“Nothing I tell you keeps me out of prison. Nothing you can promise will keep me from a blindfold and a wall. I did what I thought would secure the most resources and best position for myself to take care of my family. I do not regret it”

"You've just described two of the three outcomes. Prison, execution, but you forgot hard labor... " "But don't think you'll escape this behind a blindfold. That is the easy way out. If I don't believe you, you certainly wont be shot. We'll keep chipping away at lies until we're convinced the truth is revealed." Pavel reaches down and picks up a picture of his family and admires it "I'm surprised at your tone, comrade. You speak to me like a man with nothing to lose." Pavel let's the threat hang in the air letting the gravity of the situation settle in Pavel finally breaks the silence "I want you to write out your confession. Include everyone involved and everyone that knew." "You had your boot on the throat of Pelasgon for a long time. You've been responsible for a lot of suffering. Suffering that people will want to repay. If I find your confession believable, I will shield your family from the tidal wave of revenge you created, that WILL come for them." (edited)

1

Pavel has a gut feeling the resource officer worked alone, but it would nag at him if he did not pull one last lever to possibly ensnare other enemies of the state. Also, Pavel doesn't like losing control of a conversation, especially with an enemy of the state. Pavel hope's he has sufficiently tapped into the resource officers primal instincts to protect his family and believes the state would harm them. If the resource officer balks at writing the confession here, Pavel will just have the soldiers take him into custody. He will eventually have to write one... (edited)

It seems he did work alone, but he was cognizant of the situation enough to also clear the field team members of involvement. They simply applied what his node created and mixed- following orders they got from him, and the lab- and did not question them. No one who did not have a hand in this should pay. He was getting moderate wealth for himself by hoarding what came in from the capital and selling that surplus out to private buyers. The names of those individuals are also written out,b ut he is fuzzy on exact tonnages and contents of goods.

Once the resource officer finishes his confession, Pavel will have the soldiers take him into custody. Pavel leans on the military vehicle in the parking lot. The asphalt and vehicles wet with evidence of rain. One of the squad leaders packs his cigarettes and offers one to Pavel. "What now, sir?" A long drag on the cigarette illuminates Pavel's face under his uniform cap. "Now, sergeant, we'll turn this scum over to law enforcement and I will issue arrest warrants for everyone he named that perverted the course of the state and Pelasgon will flourish." (Pavel submits his report. He will leave the decision of publicity to the higher ups. If the ministry wants him to organize a media event, rally or show trials, he will remain in the area or if the Ministry thinks public morale requires the enemies of the state to be quietly shuffled off, he can support that too if required.)

(Pavel will also recommend a Chairman's Unit Citation for the Debriska detachment and meritorious service awards for the squads that supported the operation.)

(3xp, 5000 credits)

02:37

(And those will be processed. It will take time )

02:39

The enemies of the state need to be quietly shuffled off. Show trials will come at the capital where the media can make as much of a frenzy of it as possible. The Chairman does not revel in such things but understands the importance of them , and their role in keeping others of similar station from having the same ideas.

***Level Up***
Level: 2
Focus: Specialist Level 1 - Notice
Old HP: 7
HP Roll: 8
New HP: 8
New Skills: 
Sneak -1 - 0
Program -1 - 0
Shoot -1 - 0 
Know -1 - 0
Notice (Specialist focus) -1 - 1 (pg. 57)
AB: 1

The arrest goes smoothly, and he is trundled off toward the capital. The chairman would like you to come in with him for a television spot

(I knew I should have taken performance!

) Pavel will make arrangements for travel and the prisoner transfer.

While enroute Pavel will review other reports from the Ministry of State on his datapad, keeping abreast of ongoing operations, complaints, office drama, and issues. (If he was allowed to take a few soldiers to help escort the prisoner, he wont pay too much attention to the prisoner. If not, he'll keep an eye on the prisoner while reading.)

(You'd be given some help dealing with him) The pad has little on it right now, but the communications systems in the capital will undoubtedly have more information. The flight is quiet and uneventful before settling down in the capital city, right on the grounds of the Chairman's complex. More soldiers are there to take the prisoner from you and relieve your men of guard detail- very mentally exhausting work.

Pavel will oversee the prisoner transfer and make a note of where the prisoner will be held. Once that is complete, Pavel will find a majordomo that could provide some information regarding the Chairman's agenda for them and possibly guide them to a place in the complex where he and his men can freshen up and perhaps grab a bite to eat, if there is time. (edited)

(connect/cha)

(Yikes I rolled a 3. I'd use a re-roll but I'll save it in case anything crazy happens here lol)

You’re not able to get any idea of where the prisoner is being held until it’s time for his show trial. Food and drink is provided for you and it’s during this time that you’re given a handwritten summons to attend the Chairman , delivered by a panting messenger

Pavel will stand and straighten his uniform (do a Picard), and walk with a purpose to attend to the Chairman.

Chairman Oktobreskya is behind his desk, and stands as the honor guard salutes to let you in. A decanter is on his desk along with two glasses and you can see there is just enough in it for a couple drinks for each of you. No more than what is needed has been used. "Commissar Aslanov. Please, have a seat and relax. Drink?"

Pavel salutes the Chairman and sits, "A drink would be great, comrade Chairman". (Not sure about the communist etiquette in the CBSS, but assuming everyone is quasi-equal so there are no "sirs" or whatever. That said, Pavel will abide by that if what I wrote does not. )

(You djd it fine)

17:20

“You’ve done some fine field work. You’ve helped us so much and I’ve got a decision now to make, either way you’ll continue being an honored member of the political office”

Pavel crosses his legs and smiles, holding the glass of liquid up to see the light through it, then takes a sip of it. "Comrade Chairman, the party and the CBSS has given me all I have and it is my honor to give back what I can. How can I be of service to the cause?"

“That largely depends on how you’d like your career to move forward. We have several open postings and as someone who’s done a great service to the people I feel the same in return is a fair overture”

A shark like grin stretches across Pavel's well shaven face and then recedes to a more serious countenance. "Working in the field is exhilarating. I love being with the people and helping to improve their conditions. But, I must say, I often think of those poor people on other worlds still writhing and suffering in the maw of exploitative economies and ponzie schemes. Their only sin is not knowing how to organize their labor for a better world, or even the possibility of a better world. Perhaps, I could help, Comrade Chairman."

“That said I have something to show you. If you’ll accompany me to the bookcase here and stay close “

Pavel places his drink on the desk, stands and circles around to the Chairman's side by the bookcase. (Pavel will attend to the Chairman and also make note of the type of books on the shelves)

One of the volumes is pulled and the floor begins to descend , the entire office on some kind of elevator track heading down into the depths of the compound. The quiet office begins to be replaced by the noise of a busy machine shop, where welders , power hammers , and other large industrial processes are hard at work making the current generation of CBSS mech forces

(!!!) Pavel resists the urge to grab hold of the cyborg Chairman for support as the elevator descends. Once his internal composure is regained he is happy he placed his glass on the desk. Trying, and failing, to not have his jaw hang open... "Yuri... erm... excuse me, Chairman Oktobreskyea... this... this is amazing... " (edited)

(Bad ass!)

Several models of the latest suit mech are on racks in this room, specialist, assault, and myriad other half completed roles- along with parts for replacing everything are laid out amid a proving ground-set into a large sunken pit in the center of this underground lab. There are industrial paint guns changing the winter camouflages on some to a more slate green and brown, on some of the suits that have returned home from Al-thynnian, the arctic whites and blues no longer needed.

1

20:04

"One of these is yours, naturally" The chairman syas

Pavel barely containing his excitement tours the mechs. Placing his hand on an armor piece, he sees the machinery beneath and remembers the Chairman. "Comrade Chairman, when I was a child I dreamt of being in the CBSS Mech Corps. I still remember the Red Star Regiment on parade on Unity Day every year back on Vadhat." (Are there specialist mech suits for intelligence gathering or with bolstered sensor packages? Or do I design it?

This is really cool!)

(you design it in the builder. I'd say suit specialist then since you want the extra space)

1

21:02

(I think shock has more power and is slower, specialist is faster, with more mass, since its fittings compared to weapons)

1

21:02

(you can use normal hand weapons with a suit mech too if you dont want to mount something)

1

(Cool! I'll read up on it! This is my first foray into the mech rules. Any resources besides the corebook I should dig into?)

(Core book is the only one with mechs so far)

1

Pavel notices the technicians repainting the camo scheme on the mechs. "We're preparing for a new deployment." Pavel walks about with a broad grin on his face inspecting the mechs, notices the Harbinger, pats a technician on the shoulder and pointing to the mech indicating that he has chosen it. "Are we liberating a new world, Comrade Chairman? It would be an honor to join our freedom fighters. Or perhaps a civil action?"

"There was thought to go south in the coming days when the mech carrier finishes. Expansion is best done away from the others to not draw the wrong kind of attention to the CBSS, or rattle our neighbors with no purpose behind it. We dontk now much about what is on any of those worlds. It's just a matter of where to send you"

"I've done some reading on our closest world clusters. It would appear Aganarp and Sanjaru would be closest, however... I did notice another interesting cluster. Further to the galactic south, just below Vari." Pavel brings up a star chart on his datapad and shows the Chairman. "This world, Angelos, and others surround two black holes. Do you think making contact with that world would overextend our forces, Comrade Chairman?"

"It leaves us with a soft underbelly, and possibly no buffer before an enemy fleet could spike directly to our capital world. "

03:23

"Aganarp or Sanjaru would be the better choices, for now"

Pavel nods in agreement "There is wisdom in discretion. Shall we deploy to Aganarp then?"

(I bought some gear! Is this ok? Backpack Survival Kit Navcomp MetaTool Rations (5) Mag Pistol Mag Rifle 2 Demo charges That leaves my credits at 3065.)

(I also added a few goals to my sheet.

)

(Gear is all available)

13:52

"The carrier should be completed in a few days, while the finishing touches are made there is one more local matter I'd like you to look into. "

"Of course, Comrade Chairman, whatever is needed to serve the people."

"Samara Heavy Industries to our south is reporting a shameful labor strike. The pieces we need to finish this carrier and the mech forces assigned to it are all coming fro there. State arbitration efforts so far have failed, but you seem a resourceful person. Perhaps you can do what is necessary to broker a deal and break this deadlock"

Pavel arranges travel by whatever is available (shuttle, helicopter, train...) to Samara Heavy Industries.

A helicopter is requisitioned, leaving from the top of the chairman's palace once you've gathered any necessary equipment for yourself here. No one is sure what the strike situation is right now, and you could be heading into anything

Pavel watches the countryside as the helicopter speeds toward Samara Heavy Industries. He's confident it will be a peaceful boring negotiation. (edited)

22:09

Surely, violence wont be needed against our own people...

You can see several thin columns of smoke rising as the helicopter approaches the city, as demonstrators burn piles of tires, trash, and other debris in the streets to stop CBSS ground units from advancing on the union headquarters there. A pair of knocked out tanks outside the headquarters itself have been dragged in front of the steps leading up to the building, with a union flag draped over the wrecks.

"Oh no... " Pavel pat's the helicopter pilot on the shoulder to drop him off near the CBSS forces. Once on the ground he'll try to find whoever is charge and persuade them to pull the men back and give the union some space.

(Can I add a new goal of peacefully negotiating this labor dispute? Still kind of iffy with the goal setting thing...)

(that is basically what your mission here is to be doing, so you're already going to get XP for completing it)

1

(Gotcha!)

Pavel with his arms in the air and a blue card in his hand enters the "no-mans land" between the CBSS forces and the Union Headquarters. As he approaches he shouts "Fellowship of Industrial Workers!" and waves his blue membership card in the air. "Don't shoot!"

2

There is no gunfire as you set down , though a few reps and their guards race out to meet you and see what’s going on. They weren’t expecting this and it’s evident on their faces

(Union reps and their guards?)

(yessir)

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Pavel Piotrivich Aslanov. I am a commissar from the Ministry of State, but I am also a Brother, Fellowship of Industrial Workers, Vadhat Chapter. I came to help as soon as I heard there was a union problem here. Shall we go inside to discuss our way forward?"

There is a flare from behind CBSS proper lines fired into the air, and the union members begin to scatter, basically pulling you a long as much as they're able. You're heading back toward the union hall, where a pair of captured umbrella stands on the roof keep the building safe from incoming rockets and artillery shells

Pavel's mouth hangs agape as they pull him to safety. "What are they doing!? What happened here? This is no union dispute. They're trying to kill you! This is a war! What led to this?" Pavel's eyes are wide in shock as his mind races on courses of action to get at least a ceasefire, much less a labor negotiation. (edited)

'Chairman might not be getting the details from the local officer here. There was a demonstration, the soldiers fired on us, we retaliated. Saw those tanks out front? we took those out and dragged them here"

01:21

"Been a skirmish ever since but we don't want this. We just want better conditions, and to go home. Setting our guns down now though means we'll be killed as dissidents or traitors. Commissar, you're our only way out of this. Thats why we wanted to be the first to talk to you

(Can I tell if they are lying?)

(Your talk skills are good enough where I think Pavel would know they're being earnest)

Pavel puts his hand on the labor union reps shoulder, "Your safety is the most important thing to me right now. Is this the safest place you can think of? Will these umbrella stands hold? Or can we secret you all to a better place?"

05:54

(Does the CBSS have state run media?)

(Can I pick up military radio frequencies on my datapad?)

10:24

(Sorry for all the questions. Mah brain is racing.)

(It has state run media. Yours could pick them up. Theirs couldn’t)

12:51

“The umbrella stands can hold of the bombardment doesnt pick up. We should be able to remain safe here”

12:52

“We would rather not betray any other places we might have people stashed away. Not until we can trust you”

Pavel's dataslab flickers to life and he wastes no time sending an urgent message to the Ministry of State to activate state media coverage that the workers of the Samara Heavy Industries are under attack by an unknown adversary. In his message he will stress that it is imperative that the state seize the narrative and control the information of this still developing disaster. It may be off-worlders or even dissidents, perhaps trying to sabotage the launch of CBSS' venerable mech carrier. With a talking point of "An attack on workers is an attack on the State". Once the message is sent to the Ministry of State he calibrates his dataslab to receive and send military frequencies. Pavel broadcasts: "Artillery firing in the vicinity of the Samara Workers Union Headquarters, ceasefire. This is Commissar Pavel Aslanov. You are attacking a member of the Ministry of State. Further artillery bombardment is an act of sedition. Orders to fire on this location or workers of Samara Heavy Industries is an unlawful order and shall not be obeyed. Your local officer has endangered you and your families. Ceasefire."

1

The broadcast continues: "The eyes of the palace are on Samara Heavy Industries and the voice of Pelasgon will soon be rallying the CBSS against those that attack it's workers. It is not too late to make the right decision. Apprehend and arrest those that have issued these orders for they have led you, the loyal CBSS Soldiers, astray. When judgement comes your actions will be weighed, let them not be found wanting. It is not too late to be on the right side of this."

"The CBSS IS attacking its workers" one of the union reps says, as the umbrella stand on the roof firing rocks everything gently, before calm returns. "Local garrison. Their commander put the strikes down as overzealously as he could"

"No! The moment the order was given to fire on workers, the garrison commander became an enemy of the People. This goes against everything our communist revolutions stood for. The workers ~are~ the CBSS and you and your comrades at Samara are the beating heart of it all. You are the beating heart of the Chairman's mech carrier in orbit and numerous other industrial projects. Do you really think he would approve of this local garrison sabotaging his works? This is the work of incompetence or hubris on the part of the local garrison officer. I came to negotiate this labor dispute and I aim to do that. I need you to understand what I am doing..." Pavel stays low, goes to a window, and turkey looks out a window, then slides down the wall until he is sitting on the floor. Back to the wall, he looks to the ceiling and sighs in the silence of the umbrella stands. "The broadcasts are leverage. The broadcasts through the media will pin the soldiers in a situation they will will want to desperately escape. They and their actions will be painted as heinous acts and they, by extension, enemies of the State. But they won't have a lot of time. The reports don't directly identify them... yet. But they know what their labels will be when the next shoe drops. My words to them on the radio are their way out. They will have to arrest their officers, who will eat this sin, and prove their loyalty to the CBSS. They have to take it or their lives are over." Pavel pauses. I didn't come with soldiers to fight the local garrison officer, so I am going to take his." Pavel goes silent, deep in thought, weighing his options, makes eye contact with the union rep and notices the grim look on his face. Pavel smiles a reassuring smile. "THEN we can talk about your labor grievances. What were the labor issues anyway?" Pavel brings up his datapad and begins to draft emergency messages to the garrison detachment in Debriska, while the union rep answers. (edited)

“They expected quotas far beyond the manpower and equipment here to be fulfilled. Hours increases, pay doesn’t. Then when we organized they threatened us. Some men were beaten until they returned to their machines. After that we picketed the factory. They came in with tanks and mroe soldiers to try to break it up and get us back to work. We couldn’t fight that. We returned to our machines and they began dragging people outside to execute for the strike. One in ten. Decimation.

03:52

“Two of the men they shot werent even involved in the picket. They were strike breakers from days before”

The words of the union rep stokes the fires in Pavel's stomach and the feelings of desperation are replaced with rage. "This is the behavior of exploiters and the reason we threw off our shackles in the revolution. I swear to you. We will fix this and the dead will be avenged."

The building shakes again as the umbrella stands pulverize the last of the shells into something like a molten rain

"You know, my father died a proud union worker. He fell with our space elevator when it collapsed." Pavel looks at the molten rain "A storm caused by the insatiable hunger of capitalism, the planet's last effort to defend itself against the unchecked exploitation of the wealthy magnates of Vadhat." The building shakes from another volley "My father and his crew was trying to reinforce the great structure before the storm swallowed it. They were told to evacuate, but they stayed. They continued to work to save the elevator." Pavel and the Union reps look at each other in silence "The space elevator was a symbol of hope of generations, he wasnt going to surrender it to the storm." The Union Headquarters shakes as the umbrella stand protects the structure "This is why I fight to protect workers. Each one I pull from maw of exploitation is for my father. I won't surrender you to the storm." (Can Pavel determine which direction the incoming rounds are coming from?)

1

(Coming from the south. Opposite your landing zone)

"This artillery we're being shelled by was probably made here in Samara... "

04:20

Pavel ensures that his emergency requests for aid were sent to the garrison in Debriska. Every plan needs a back up plan... and the back up plan needs a back up plan...

04:21

Pavel hopes the troops from Debriska won't be needed. The last thing this situation needs is more bloodshed.

The calls have gone out but it will take hours for them to mobilize even their most rapidly reacting assets.

1

(That was my expectation. Just making sure they went out. Just enough time to get myself into trouble.) (edited)

Going outside beyond the protection of the umbrella stands is still an unsafe prospect for the workers here. Any truce or effort to stop this conflict is going to be up to you, and the protection of your mech suit

(I'll begin my rampage a bit later. Lots going on tonight)

Pavel rises and heads for the door. "I'm going to silence those guns. If I fail, I've sent for help. Farewell, comrades." Pavel activates his suits active camouflage and polyspectral sensors. With a burst his anti-grav nodes send the suit to the rooftops.

As Pavel moves South he keeps a good scan out, combining visual and sensor awareness, watching for ambushes, patrols, and snipers.

None of the ambushes or snipers can be seen by you, or see you, if any are out there. A large earthwork 2km south of the Union hall has been dug with three small caliber howitzers already in their firing casements. Sweating conscript gunners heave shells into breaches for another salvo, and you can see another dozen guns have been parked nearby in a herringbone formation to be slotted into the earthworks once there is space for them. Civilians also conscripted by force into the work are digging such firing pits now

(Are the artillery pieces towed or self powered? Can they be driven away? Or do they need to be towed?)

(Theyre towed)

(Are the conscripts armed? Are there any regulars "supervising" the conscripts?)

(The civilian ones aren’t. Just shovels and digging stuff. The soldiers are armed. Some soldiers are supervising the civilian workers)

14:56

(Not many though, but enough to keep them from thinking running is a good idea )

Pavel monitors the radio to see what they are talking about, ordering, or if his broadcasts had any effect, before he approaches these soldiers. (He'll try to discern if the soldiers, the ones guarding, have radios on them) "Come on, you idiots... " Pavel mutters with apprehension. (edited)

Pavel takes a deep breath and looks down at the scene. "This doesn't look like they are "ceasing their fire"." Pavel's mind races with apprehension and hesitation. "Maybe they didn't get the radio message", "Maybe they're just following orders", "Maybe they don't know". "What if I orphan their children over a misunderstanding?"

(It's only been a few minutes since you sent anything out. Orders would have to go through several layers of people, too soon to see a change already)

Taking advantage of the confusion of the situation Pavel flies down onto the dirt berm and barks authoritatively at the soldiers, "What are you still doing here?! Didn't you get the order?"

00:36

Pavel points at the conscripts and shouts, "And you lot, form up by those artillery guns". While Pavel shouts he's watching the soldiers reactions.

they look at one another for a few seconds, before standing up and trying to get their uniforms presentable, moving to stand in ranks- as neatly as the uneven earthworks in the terrain will allow

"You've done an outstanding job here. Now we need to transport these guns to a new location." Pavel points to the first rank. "You there, unload those three firing guns and bring me the back breech blocks so I can inspect the tubes for transport." "The rest of you... " Commissar Aslanov, points to the artillery guns in the herringbone formation "... we have to transport them too. I know they haven't fired, but procedure is procedure. I won't have any negligent discharges on my watch. Remove the back breech blocks and bring them to me, then I'll inspect those tubes as well. Once that is done, you can go home. The faster you work, the sooner you can go home. The longer you take the more things I might find for you to do." Pavel claps his hands "Let's move, we're burning daylight!" Pavel scans the conscripts and soldiers gauging their reactions (What kind of comm gear do they have? Are they all wearing radios or is there only one squad radio around?) (edited)

(none of the soldiers here have any kind of communications equipment)

16:25

(talk cha at +2, they still havent seen you before, so there's at least a little hesitancy)

(Cool, I'll make the rolls tonight. Thanks, Neko!)

(12)

The group scrambles, moving to pack up the stacked ammunition, remove the breach blocks for inspection as you've requested, and to get the trucks needed to tow the guns elsewhere ready to take them. There is a laundry list of small tasks that need to be carefully done to ensure no one gets hurt while doing so

"Good work, comrades! Remember, no one outranks general safety!" Pavel will wave over one of the men. "Load up the breech blocks in a truck. I don't like the looks of them. They look like misfires waiting to happen. Have you ever seen a gun battery explode? Horrific. Load the breech blocks in a truck and drive them up to the armory at St. Vincent. He owes me a favor. They'll take care of you." Pavel makes a mental note to call the armory in St. Vincent Right... now that I've disabled their artillery, I need to find the local officer responsible for this shit show (edited)

(Pavel also gives the truck driver with the breech blocks a different frequency on comms to monitor, making him a bit incommunicado with the garrison, except for me.)

The trucks begin starting up, as the guns are loaded and the shells packed away. The drivers will monitor the frequency you’ve given them and will call if they have problems. There may be patrols or a cordon of their own forces to pass through but it’s been some time since they’ve been anywhere but the front lines

(Can I check CBSS records on my datapad to get the name of the local garrison officer?)

(admin/int, as CBSS records are a mess) (edited)

(13)

Commissar Dimur is the last recorded local resource officer. A quartermaster during the revolution and its aftermath, he was given this post as a means to have an active retirement and the “active” nature of the posting seems to have been emphasized

Pavel will activate his active camouflage and fly up to the tallest roof in the area. Perched on the roof he will try to discern, given knowledge of the artillery position, where Commissar Dimur would place his operations center or HQ in accordance with CBSS doctrine.

00:35

"Surely an old quarter master would not get too creative and deviate far from established deployment doctrine... "

You’d have to guess a decommissioned mill nearby is the best place to check. There are no major earthworks dug around it but the building is stone and tall, allowing for a defensible position with a commanding view of the surrounding countryside

15:21

It’s too distant to see from here but a short flight with the mech should get you there

Pavel's anti-grav nodes hum to life as his mech flies toward the old mill. His flight path is low, at the roof tops or just below it, treating the buildings as terrain and staying below the military crest.

(Pilot /dex )

(6)

You’re able to fly nape of the earth u til the last few hundred meters , where soldiers on the roof spot you and begin wheeling a machine gun to face you, seeing only an incoming flyer and little else

(How quickly can they swivel their machine gun? Does Pavel think he can maneuver around them and close with them without entering their field of fire?)

(You’re faster than they are but only if you make it the next thing you do)

Pavel slams his controls sending the mech into a tight turn, keeping just barely out of the fields of fire of the machine gun and preventing an action the soldiers would regret. As he wheels up to the rooftop, he shouts, "Firing on a commissar of the CBSS now, is it, comrades?" He deactivates his active camouflage revealing the CBSS mech and commissar within.

The soldiers are surprised and take an instinctive step back from their gun in alarm.