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Iron Stars
Post Archive Character Threads 2 / stev
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Step awakens at home to a commercial baring on tv, something he half heard as a fundraiser for the newly reorganized marshal service and a memorial for those fallen in conflict so far, as the UNW approaches it’s third year of existing
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 01:06 AM
He rubs the back of his hand across his eyes and sits up in the chair... fallen asleep drunk while watching tv again. (edited)
01:08
He turns the tv off, cleans up the empty bottles and takes a couple of painkillers for his hangover.
01:09
"Gotta find another job today. No creds left for another night like that."
01:10
He checks his compad for messages from his very short list of contacts.
01:13
This is basic concept of Stev. Right now he looks a lot more hungover and disheveled.
❤ 4
01:14
"Nothing. Bastards."
01:17
He has a shower, emerging feeling slightly more human, before getting dressed and grabbing his coat as he walks towards the door.
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 01:39 AM
The hallway is brightly lit, glaring white light making it easy to see the random stains on the walls and floor. A quick check and Stev nods, no new stains means no-one was killed while he was passed out - always a good sign.
01:42
He heads downstairs and out to the street, turning his collar up before stepping into the light rain that is falling. The various lights make the rain sparkle and the street looks clean for once, but Stev keeps his head down and misses the random beauty that is the city cleansed by the rain.
01:48
He steps out of the rain into a brightly lit entryway, the foyer beyond guarded by an admin with a clipboard. With a smile that might as well be a grimace, Stev nods at her as he approaches.
01:50
"Are they in?" he asks and she shakes her head, not really paying him any attention as she is doing something on the clipboard.... comboard? Have they finally upgraded? He tries to peer over the top of the board but she quickly turns it so he can't see what she is doing.
01:52
"Well, will they be in today?" and he gets another head shake in reply. He sighs heavily. "Thanks, I guess."
01:52
He turns around and hits the street again, wandering aimlessly.
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The invitation to the Harvest Spirits, in central tonight looks like its gone out to everyone, and may be a good opportunity to network
02:25
but it looks like you have the day to run errands and maybe find a way to make a few credits before tonight
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 02:28 AM
How would a disillusioned ex-soldier make credits in a daytime gig?
02:28
I mean, any daytime gig going?
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Several odd job boards are around Central, and you see one posting in particular, for someone with military training to come consult for the psychic academy. A recent attack on their branch in Vapormills has them a bit frightened, and their security staff are looking to hone their skills
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 02:43 AM
Stev agrees to head to Vapormills to consult for the psychic academy, if they’ll let him.
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It looks like you can be back in time for this evening if youre efficient about your time there (if PC story swap gets going, youre more than free to jump in. Its a bit out of time, since getting all 25 of you on planet at once is an act of god at this point)
02:45
A lifter from Trivedi cloud, the orbital platform orbiting the planet is dispatched to the airport for you, by heading into space an hours long flight or train ride can be cut down to just an hour or so
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 02:49 AM
At the airport, Steve will check his pistol, monobladed knife and backpack of gear with the shuttle crew, as long as he can get to back at the other end of the flight.
02:49
Otherwise, he’ll have to try and conceal it.
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(you can carry your weapons)
03:03
(its getting less wild west, but anything short of gunnery weapons are permitted)
03:03
The crew thanks you for being courteous but you're allowed to keep your gear. The boxy lander is cleared for lift to the platform, and after a brief touchdown, it heads for Vapormills, one of the Taros Confederacy cities
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 03:07 AM
He keeps an eye on the other passengers, wondering if any are going to the same place. He knows the horror stories, about psychics melting peoples brains, or being able to rummage through your thoughts like a box of memories, but he can’t remember right now if he has met any.
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The lifter judders as it comes in for landing. Air traffic has stopped at the airport to allow the platform lander to come in. Only a few other important looking taros passengers are aboard
03:11
The city of Vapormills is the newest of the cybernetic elfin cities but it is still several times bigger than central
03:11
Skyscrapers of green ceraplast, accented with silver, gold, and brass trim grasp the sky
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 03:16 AM
He steps off the lifter and tries to look unimpressed by the surroundings. He fails.
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 03:38 AM
He gawps, he stares and he may have even had a jaw-dropping moment as he tries to see everything at once. “Why am I still in my shithole of an apartment when this place is here?”
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-19 04:52 AM
He eventually shakes off the amazement and starts looking around for a rep or directions for the academy.
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There is a small staff car at the edge of the tarmac that flashes its lights, upon seeing you exit the lander
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Stev Andisom 12-Apr-19 08:39 AM
He heads over to the car. “You from the Academy? I’m Stev Andisom.”
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"I am. I'm chief Nassar, head of security for the Vapormills branch. You're here to do some consulting for my men and I , so that embarrassment doesn't happen in future. He continues talking ocne youre in and the doors close.
13:45
"We were supposed to protect that place, and we failed"
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 12:01 AM
“Good to meet you Nassar. Sorry it has to be under these circumstances, so let’s see what we can do to prevent this from happening again.”
00:07
Once he’s settled in the car, Stev seems to stare out the window at the passing buildings, but he’s trying to fix the architecture in his mind, looking for possible weaknesses and potential defensive positions.
00:08
“Nassar, what is the current deployment of your forces and what has changed since the attack?”
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“Forces? We are peace officers. Sidearms is the most that we carry. We were out gunned by the extremists.”
00:30
“It seems like once they drove us off that was enough for them. The building is there but I haven’t been inside. Too scared of what I might find”
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 12:43 AM
“You haven’t been inside yet? Damn, that will have to be first then. Do you have access to anything bigger than sidearms? What about armour?”
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"Just secure clothing, padded stuff for punches and kicks- and no, we weren't able to get permits for long guns"
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 03:39 AM
“That’s going to cause problems if the extremists can get them, legally or on the black market.”
03:42
“What about building defences? Any restrictions on automated guns, corridors that can be locked down till the Marshals arrive?”
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“We are allowed to reinforce the building. I think a fallback point inside would have helped. The compound is too porous”
04:28
“That’s the issue though being in a neighborhood. It might look like an armed camp”
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 05:27 AM
“Doesn’t matter. First job is keeping your people safe. Figure out how to make the place look nice after that. Got any painkillers? My head is pounding.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 05:37 AM
He shakes his head and gives a smile that would pass for a grimace. “Never mind. Need to keep my head clear. What I will need is clean building plans before we go in and a set that we can mark up changes on after. If you can get it, any footage of the extremists going in might be useful.”
05:39
Internal monologue: Shit, I used to be the one trying to get into places like this. Now to turn that training around into keeping people out.
05:42
His thoughts ordered, Stev looks back to Nassar. “If you want this place secure, it’s not going to be cheap. You’ve got obvious weak points that need to be hardened. That’s because every window or door is a weakness and your academy isn’t going to be a featureless concrete box, not in this place. Hope your bosses have creds to spend.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-19 06:26 AM
Almost to himself, he continues. “Windows need to be disguised as wall. Maybe we can use screens as fake windows and harden the wall behind them to be able to withstand sustained fire. Make entry points airlock-style foyer areas that can be sealed by security. They’ll need a remote security site as backup, a private comm server for security and building admin... an AI to control the automated defences and provide a constant flow of updated information where needed... something militaristic but not necessarily pure military. More like the Marshals...”
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He is driving but you can sense he’s paying attention. “I do have the building plans. There’s a tube with the paper copies in the back seat” (The Vapormills branch is on roll20 under psi academy stuff)
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Stev Andisom 14-Apr-19 04:54 AM
Stev grunts in surprise and grabs the tube, pulling out the plans and unrolling them on his lap. "Well prepared. They should give you a raise."
05:00
(Vapormills - small campus with only 2 official classrooms - that's where we're heading?)
05:03
"Okay, not a big place, probably right in the middle of suburbia. Fence or anything around the grounds?"
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(Yeah it’s their newest campus)
05:24
“There’s a chain link fence around the grounds but...well. It’s more of an obstacle than a deterrent
05:24
“Enough to keep us a bit removed from the street without appearing like an armed camp to the whole neighborhood
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Stev Andisom 14-Apr-19 05:59 AM
"The rest of the neighbourhood, is it small homes and apartments or is it large homes and mansions?"
06:02
"Just trying to get a feel for how far we can go without starting to piss people off."
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"It's some middle income residence blocks. Almost like apartment buildings but each floor is a ranch home layout. The neighborhood was calm before now, and they were interested in having such a new and upcoming vital service closeby. I don't think the recent attack has done anything to improve home values though. what we need to do, is reform the security force, and get some proper equipment" (edited)
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 12:54 AM
“Definitely. We can also include the surrounding buildings in the defence plan, give the neighbours some peace of mind if that’s what it takes.”
00:55
(So is the floor plan for just 1 floor of the building and there are other apartments above and below?)
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(same layout on second floor and the gym just had a balcony going around it. Like a catwalk. I couldn’t get both pictures to stay in the handout without an error)
01:09
He pulls up to the edge of the block and parks the car in the first spot he sees. “The security all comes from this neighborhood. I’ve called them all to report in for work. I know we won’t get everyone but maybe when they see we are making some strides the rest will come out”
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 01:45 AM
(No apartments in the same building?)
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(No the campus used to be an elementary school that stopped being used because a new one was made elsewhere)
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 01:47 AM
(Awesome)
01:48
“So the security team is local... what about admin staff?”
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“Wasn’t in business long enough to have anyone fill time. There was a resident psychic but he returned to central once the campus was attacked. “
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 01:49 AM
Stev opens the door and steps out, adjusting his coat and lighting a cigarette as uses his hip to close the car door.
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Six guards in mismatched security uniforms- only three have their sidearms- stand in the playground area
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 01:51 AM
He nods to the guards, observing the scene, taking long slow puffs on the cigarette as he considers the next move.
01:54
“I’m Stev. Here to help you guys with whatever is waiting inside. You three without guns, they missing or just taking the day off?”
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“Missing. We dropped them during the fight”
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 02:07 AM
“Fair enough. Next time, try to hold onto them. Hard to fight back without weapons but if you haven’t had any combat experience before the shock can shake you up.”
02:08
“Nassar, any spares for them to carry in now?”
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“Got a few in the car. You three come with me” “See what you can do with the others” he says
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 02:23 AM
Stev nods and motions for the others to come closer.
02:24
He quickly opens the car door and grabs out the plans, laying them out on the bonnet of the car so everyone can see.
02:28
"Right. We don't know what's inside. First we want to control the perimeter, so half of our forces are going to be outside, ready to lay down fire and call in for backup if anything happens. Best way is going to be... you three outside. One at the front-right corner, one at the front left. The one at the back should stay on the corner as well, just to maintain sight lines between you. Keep looking around, not just at the building but back to the street as well. Remember, that's where the original attack came from. And stay near the fence line. Give yourself room to move, room to fire and room to run if the shit hits the fan."
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Everyone understands the plan. Nasser has the three with missing guns re-armed, and they'll take the outside.
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 03:43 AM
"The rest of us go in as a group. Nassar, you know the place the best, you lead. Cover the forward arc and to the right through doorways. I'll go next, covering forward and left. You three come in behind, in a line, covering the right, left and behind us un case we're ambushed. Head on a swivel and if ANYTHING seems out of ordinary, call it out. Doesn't matter if it takes us hours to secure the site, we want all of us to come out alive."
03:44
He then explains how they should move through the building, leaving the gymnasium till they have cleared the rest. When they get to the gymnasium he and Nassar will go back to the bottom floor and enter there, the others will stay upstairs and provide support if needed.
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They are ready to enter. Nassar leads, he doesn’t kick the door open, it’s not needed, but he opens it forcefully and leads the men inside. The foyer is empty but there is evidence of a short gunbattle here. Brass casings litter the floor
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 04:06 AM
Stev points to the Cafeteria (as I'm about to eat lunch... the irony!) and motions for Nassar to take the lead.
04:06
Whispered "Slow and steady. Clear each room and check the doorways before moving through them."
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 10:04 AM
Stev checks his gun and taps Nassar on the back, signalling that he’s ready to go.
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Nassar and the recruits move up, swinging to check the classrooms. One covers the doorway, another moves behind to check the next one. THe first to on the right are clear. "No bodies in here. more casings though"
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 02:47 PM
“Blood?”
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"A little, must have glanced whoever was in here"
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-19 03:41 PM
“Okay, keep moving. If you see someone that is down, secure the room before going over to them. Could be bait.”
15:41
He moves to the next doorway and pokes his head round the corner.
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one of the previously discarded pistols lays in the middle of the hallway, magazine expended
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 12:31 AM
He moves to the next doorway, ignoring the pistol.
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There are some burn marks on the wall in this room, the blackboard scorched. A symbol dominates the entire board
02:52
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 03:29 AM
“Someone grab a photo of the board and send it to someone not here, just in case anything happens. I’m not liking the fact there is only casings and a little blood. Something is very wrong.”
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Nassar sends it to the psi academy branch in Central. A moment later he has a reply. “That’s a symbol in use by The Still Lady. She sent a shadow here. It’s been dealt with, but we don’t know who else it may have called” Outside one of the men on the perimeter radios in “Hey. I think I saw something twinkling in one of the windows out here. Like binoculars or a rifle scope. One of you mind helping me verify?”
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 04:09 AM
“You guys secure this floor. I’ll go and check.”
04:16
To the guy outside: “I’m coming out. Which corner are you on and which building is it?”
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He identified his location on your compad. “Apartment building. Yellow tan one across the road. Tenth floor window, close to the middle. Right of the one with the broken blinds”
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 04:32 AM
“Thanks. Stay alert and try not to focus entirely on that window, it may be a diversion.”
04:32
To Nassar: Secure this floor and hold the main doors and the stairs. I’ll check across the street.*
04:33
He goes out the doors and straight to the car, pulling out his compad and laying out the plans again to make it look like he’s checking something.
04:36
(Now the fun begins. What roll do I need to make to check out the windows he pointed out without being too obvious about it?)
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(Notice/wisdom)
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 12:43 PM
I got a 4
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(Lets bump it to 6 since the guard told you where to look) You see a reflection, a glint in that same window. Someone is definitely watching you, but there is a flicker of a second where the two of you make eye contact
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 12:48 PM
On comms: "Shit! Unknown contact in window, think I've been made. Stay secured! Perimeter guard, one follow me and the others hold position, eyes up!" (edited)
12:48
Throw the floorplans in the car and run to the front of the building the unknown watcher is in.
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As you enter the lobby, you hear the unmistakable crack of small arms fire. It sounds like a single combat rifle, steadily firing on semi-automatic
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-19 11:39 PM
Not looking behind, determined to stop this before it goes any further, Stev runs up the stairs to the 10th floor.
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The shooter is still firing and your compad shows a flatline for the guard in the courtyard. You hear the ones in the building hunkering down. They don’t want to return fire and risk striking a civilian. Following the noise of the shots isn’t hard, and you are outside the apartment door in a moment
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 08:21 AM
Test the doorhandle quietly, trying to enter without making a noise.
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It is rigid, locked from the other side
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 04:16 PM
Whispered, via comms: “Nassar, lean out the door and start firing at the window this bastard is shooting from. Someone outside, grab the guy who is down and get to the nearest cover. Nassar, once they’re in cover, get back inside.”
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 04:31 PM
(Once Nassar starts firing I want to shoot through the door near the hinges to bust through it.)
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He sends a double click on the comms, acknowledging you. You hear the distant popping of a pistol being discharged
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 04:40 PM
Count to 3, hoping the person inside isn't standing there waiting for me, then start firing like crazy into the door.
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 05:14 PM
(Off to bed, so I'll make a rolly thing happen before I do.)
17:16
Attack roll of 20, damage 10.
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there is a loud thump on the other side of the door, and the bursts of automatic weapons fire abruptly stops
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 11:20 PM
(Good morning!) Attempt to kick down the door!
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The door is flimsy for residential use and you break it open easily. A gunman is down, killed by your shot
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-19 11:53 PM
Loud, into comms: “Hold your fire, they’re down!”
23:55
Check the room for anyone else.
23:59
(I’m guessing this is an apartment?)
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(Yeah apartment. ) The apartment is empty. Plastic wrap covers furniture and the walls are bare. Someone was either moving in or moving out
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Stev Andisom 18-Apr-19 04:30 PM
Anything else in the apartment, other than plastic-wrapped furniture and a dead guy?
16:30
If not, I’d like to search the dead guy.
16:31
Please. 😝
16:31
Also, hope you’re feeling a little better. Being sick is the worst. 😢 (edited)
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The body is flipped over (thank you). And you see he is wearing rough traveling clothes. He is taros, and he has a red first league sash on the arm. He wanted people to know who did this
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-19 12:08 AM
Okay. I’ll take the armband, the gun and a few photos of the guy for just-in-case evidence. Then it’s back outside to see if anything can be done to help the guy who was shot.
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-19 01:05 AM
With a grimace, Stev takes a couple of photos of the scene, removes the sash from the body, grabs the rifle and heads back outside.
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The security guard outside is wounded, but not dead. Nassar is taking care to bind the wounds. You hear sirens. "I called medical transport already. Hope that's alright"
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-19 02:16 AM
“Good thinking.” He throws the sash to Nassar. “This was on the shooter.”
02:20
He then gives the rifle to Nassar, “and he was using this. You take it, we need to finish this up in case there are others waiting.”
02:21
Finally, he bends down to check on the wounded man, takes his pistol and gives it to the other guard who was outside with him. “You, take this. He won’t need it and you might. Keep a sharp watch.”
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He takes it wordlessly and scans the remaining buildings looking for anything else that might signal an attack The sirens get loud as the ambulance and Vapormills police arrive to help secure the area
03:07
A barrel chested sergeant approaches you
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-19 03:20 AM
“Sergeant, there’s a dead guy up there,” points to the window, “he shot at us when we were trying to figure out what happened inside there.” Points again. “The door leading to the apartment is hard to miss... I may have shot through it and kicked down the door. He was using the rifle and the only identifying thing I could find is that sash.”
03:21
“If you don’t mind, the academy has hired me to do a job and I’m not quite finished yet.”
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"Alright. I'll take your statement. You might be contacted if more evidence or further statements are needed "
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-19 04:02 PM
“Sure. Can we do it in 10? There might be more inside. In fact, why don’t you come with us, to secure the scene.”
16:03
He shoots a grin in Nassar’s direction.
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The sergeant draws his sidearm and falls in with you
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(I'll save you some time here, since our schedules dont match up super haha) The Sergeant and some of his men help you sweep the rest of the building, and there is a long night spent sweeping the surrounding buildings. No other shooters or Taros First League insurgents are found. The gymnasium has a sigil burned into the floor, but after some review with admin, it seems a more dangerous situation here was handled a day prior by a special UNW team. A side effect of the rapid response, and someone with a brain (you) coordinating operations there has drawn others out of the surrounding neighborhoods. Before long, all the surviving security staff have reported in.
20:06
Finding the gunman, was, however, a massive step in ensuring the neighborhood remains at peace
20:06
(3xp, 5000 credits)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 12:15 AM
(Awesome! 😄)
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(Gets you to lvl 2, and you’re free for other work)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 12:17 AM
To Nassar: “If you ever need some backup, give me a call.”
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“I’ll do that. Be well Stev. I’m glad there are professionals like you watching our back”
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 01:03 AM
Stev shakes his head. “You and your team have got this. Look at the plans for improving security and talk to that sergeant about some training and you won’t have a need for guys like me.”
01:04
He gives Nassar a wry smile and a salute before getting into the car and heading for the airport and home.
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 01:36 AM
At home: go to the party - meet peeps. Next day: go back to the bar, looking for some way to contact the guy who gave the speech... Desmond? Have to stop drinking so much.
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Desmond left some contact information with the baron (you can tag him here if you want to talk about something)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 06:16 AM
(Many thanks. 😄)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 06:24 AM
Stev thanks the Baron’s staff and heads out to leave a message while he wanders the streets. @Chris Fury (Desmond) “Hi, it’s Stev. We met last night and I remember you introducing me to a few people. I was wondering if you knew anyone at the academy who I could talk to about their security staff. I realised quite late that I worked with them right before the party but my brain was too scrambled to put it all together at the time. Anyway, this is the compad I use, so if you have a number or mailing address that would be great. Thanks again for the invite to the party.” Click
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(Ooc, grupp is running the actual faction though his new character is RP’ing back up the ranks as the original was Killed. If you want any ooc knowledge of what they’re doing, he’s your man)
14:13
(He’s got some good stuff cooked up)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 02:25 PM
👍
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-19 02:46 PM
(Totally not psychic, or even part psychic, but it looks like they need a hand.)
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Regulus/Grupp 20-Apr-19 03:08 PM
(This is true 😘)
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Chris Fury (Desmond) 21-Apr-19 12:41 AM
@Stev Andisom Hope you found what you need!
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(If you’re stuck on what to do next I can help)
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-19 05:43 AM
(Yes please. I want to send a message to the academy to commend Nassar and his crew, plus a recommendation to upgrade the gear their security forces use, but then I’m lost as to where to go next.)
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-19 06:50 AM
Message: To the Administrator, Psionic Academy. Re: Vapormills Campus attack response. Most Illustrious Administrator, My name is Stev Andisom and I was recently hired for a one-off job to assist your security forces in resecuring the Vapormills site. I would first like to commend Nassar and the team that was on site when I arrived. With recent events being fresh in their minds, they were not hesitant to re-enter the campus and the sharp eyes of one in particular may have saved the lives of everyone there. Please pass on my regards and best wishes to the team, especially Nassar and the fellow who was shot. I would also like to recommend an upgrade to the equipment available to your security forces, including better personal protection armour and the ability to lock down sections of the campus with blast-proof doors to contain armed assailants and protect students and teachers. If you wish to discuss these recommendations, please contact me. Regards, Stev.
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Stev Andisom 22-Apr-19 10:06 AM
(Before we go any further, having learned of the mission, Stev would like to do some shopping please. He would like a Ghostwalker drone with extended flight and observation packs please, 3,500 credits worth of spy goodies. 😎😉)
10:07
@Nekosmash
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(Sounds good)
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Stev Andisom 22-Apr-19 11:57 AM
(Many thanks!)
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Apartment safehouse in the process of being established, Stev goes off in search of how to best make contact with any resistance forces not yet evacuated
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Stev Andisom 26-Apr-19 05:26 PM
(Roughly how big is this city, in terms of area covered and people? Also, I’m guessing industrial, but is it factories and lots of apartment buildings, high rises, suburban family homes?)
17:26
(and I’m sorry for not being very active in the last 24 hours. It’s been a huge week with family and I’ve been feeling drained all day.)
17:30
If possible, I’d like to set up the drone and have a look around the immediate area with it. Looking specifically at the types of people in this area, how they dress, how dirty they are both before and after work, etc. working on blending in as much as possible.
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(All good, I'm going to be entertaining a lot this weekend myself)
17:59
(and your approximation is right on the nose, hopefully that helps)
18:01
You do see some other drones up there of various classes and sizes, though you're not sure how their identities are tracked, or if they're tracked at all
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 12:05 AM
Knowing it is going to be noticed eventually, may as well get whatever usage out of it I can. Drone goes up.
00:08
(Ghostwalker drone, so it’s harder to spot iirc, and it has extended flight time and the obs kit for pure snooping ability.)
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 12:19 AM
(Okay, so Ghostwalker means it’s harder for sensors to spot it. Hopefully it will just look like the other drones.)
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(Yeah it’s similar probably in a lot better shape though)
01:42
The people in the area are a mix of low labor and the middle management leading them. They tend to be sheeted in sweat and dirty by the end of work. The managers are as well but to a lesser degree
01:42
they wear rugged work clothes and safety gear though much of it is dented or well used
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 02:29 AM
(Brilliant. Thanks!) Stev goes to Yusuf to ask to borrow some old gear. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 02:58 AM
“Hey Yusuf! Buddy! You home?”
02:58
Knock on the door firmly, but not crazy or police-like.
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He opens the door a crack “What do you want?”
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 05:10 AM
“Have you got any old gear laying around? Goggles, a worn belt, overalls, something like that?”
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“Oh worker clothing? I should. That’s what you’re after right?”
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-19 03:44 PM
“Exactly! I used to be a soldier so I’ve got nothing that suits. Any tips on passing as a local?”
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“Head down. Managing dirt is key. Too clean and you’ll stand out. Even as management. Too dirty and the public health officials will nab you and de louse you by force”
16:30
“Look productive but not filthy”
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 12:52 AM
“Right. Be dirty, but not filthy. Eyes on the ground. Thanks Yusuf. Come round after work for something to eat.”
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“I’ll try to make it. Good luck with whatever greasy thing you’re doing”
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 01:55 AM
“Thanks. Good luck getting through another day in this place.”
01:59
He goes back to the safehouse and gets his worker clothing on before heading out to do the most menial work he can find.
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 04:53 AM
(Looking for a job he can do half-arsed and spend time talking with the other people he is working with.)
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 12:31 PM
(Half-arsed is the wrong wording. I mean a job that is physical but not very stimulating on the mind - I am thinking of a job carrying or moving stuff around (warehouse maybe??) Where Stev can meet people and start trying to meet up with the rebels)
12:32
(Sorry, pain-fog hit hard earlier. Couldn’t get the right words out.) (edited)
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(Like a porter? That works) The job boards are lit with plenty of different menial positions. There are several porters needed
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 02:43 PM
Stev notes down some of the positions listed and heads off to the first porter listing. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-19 04:30 PM
Once there... “Hi, I saw this job posting. Is this just for today or can I come back again tomorrow?” he asks the first person he sees at the address, possibly not even an employee or someone involved in the hiring of staff.
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The assistant looks a bit bored but kindly brings you to the management sections for physical labor. The supervisor is an imposing slab muscle man named gustav, who looks you over
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 12:39 AM
“Hi.”
00:39
He stands there awkwardly, definitely not the image of a bodybuilder, but tall and lanky.
00:41
“Um... is this a job just for today or do I keep coming back?”
00:41
More awkward standing.
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"No..no you're hired" he says, continuing to size you up "If you can last. Your cargo sled is round back. The foreman'll get you situated"
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 03:46 AM
He gives a nod and a smile. “Thanks boss! I won’t let you down.”
03:51
Round back, he checks out the sled for defects (using whatever skill check is required) and looks around for the foreman.
03:52
(I’ve also just realised I haven’t actually gone through the leveling up process yet. I should get on to that.)
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(You May want to do that first, and notice wis if you want to check it)
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 04:36 AM
(Thanks. I’ll do the thing soon. Watching Divergent atm and loving it.)
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 05:27 AM
(To roll!)
05:28
Result of 5 for the Notice check.
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You don’t notice any problems with the sled
11:54
The foreman is speaking with a small group of workers, all with their own sleds in front of a large stack of goods. The labels on the box have them marked as separate components for weapon systems
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 02:19 PM
Internal: “Really?? But I haven’t got anything set up yet!!”
14:21
External: “Hi, I’m looking for the foreman!” Drag the sled towards the others. “The guy inside said I had to talk to the foreman and maybe I’ll survive the day? Sounds ominous, right?”
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'Don't worry about him. your legs are the same length, you'll be fine. Let's get to work" A warehouse destination appears on issued compads, that are locked out of everything but a navigation mode
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 03:30 PM
Pocket the compad for now and start loading boxes onto the sled, watching the others so I can go as fast as they do.
15:30
“So, how many deliveries in a day?”
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"Oh, it all depends which tramp merchants are in town, and the factory output from the day before. The hours are pretty fluid" one of the more senior looking porters replies
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 03:39 PM
“Sounds good. Thanks!”
15:40
Finish loading as they do, then pull out the compad and get the directions.
15:40
(Hacking the compad will be way out of my league, right?)
15:41
“Is there an allotted time we have to do each run? Can’t afford to lose this job.”
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(you can try, you just don't have a way of knowing what the consequences for failure might be)
15:46
"If you're lagging they'll let you know. I can promise you that. It takes most of us about a half hour round trip"
15:46
"They probably will allow you a bit longer to start, while you build your strength up"
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 03:54 PM
“That’s good. Don’t want to fail so early on... well, don’t want to fail at all. Thanks for the help there friend. I’m Stev.” He holds out his hand for a shake. (edited)
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Its clasped, and pumped twice, before the worker hefts his sled, and begins dragging it off to the destination
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 04:04 PM
Stev grabs his sled and tries to do the same.
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It floats, evenly, and its carried along, a warehouse appears on the map, the second in a row in a long warehouse district. A few of them in the area look to be abandoned, not marked for good storage
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 04:07 PM
Quickly check out the door of one of the ones that seem abandoned, see if it’s unlocked.
16:07
If it is, I’ll note down which one it is on my own compad.
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(alright, so we're fast forwarding to that? I need to wait for Ricardo's thread to move a bit then, because he's there right now. Need to see how the situation looks whne you get there)
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 04:09 PM
(Ah k. I can do that on the way back if you want.)
16:10
(So, make the delivery, then come back and check, if I can.)
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(up to you, same situation though, need to see what happens so i can tell you what's there)
16:11
(Almost bed time for you anyway i think haha)
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Dax Withers 29-Apr-19 04:12 PM
(Daddy Neko always makes sure we get to bed on time)
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-19 04:14 PM
(Hahaha it probably is time but I’m playing Destiny So bed will wait.)
16:15
(As for the timing, I was just thinking it would be a good idea to have something on the sled, just to make it look like I made a mistake if anyone asks what I’m doing there. I’d say I’ll do check the door on the way to make the delivery.)
16:19
(Which means I will go and crash while I shoot stuff. G’night all!!)
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lictorseverian 29-Apr-19 05:37 PM
<@227304125723836416>, I have a job here for a skilled programmer. How are your tech skills?
17:38
(well dunno why that's not working)
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(I think the formatting along with the tag is messing it up)
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Dax Withers 29-Apr-19 05:59 PM
(None of the normal format codes work inside the ``` boxes)
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(oh wow i was totally softballing that too, glad that was the actual answer hahaha)
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-19 02:50 AM
Not worth noting. Sorry.
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-19 03:18 AM
@lictorseverian
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Heading out to make the delivery you see Ricardo further down the warehouse row, heading into one of the abandoned ones at the end of the lane way.
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-19 05:06 AM
Stev follows, stopping the sled at the door.
05:06
“Hey, Ricardo! Is this delivery for you? These directions are so bloody hard to understand.”
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You see a door closing at the far end of the building and are face to face with four gangers "Ah you must be the friend he was talking about. We're doing some business tonight, I'm sure he'll tell you about it, but if it goes well, this will be home for you guys"
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-19 04:32 PM
“Did he just... here? Well, it certainly fits the mood we’re going for. I guess I have to get this stuff delivered.” He turns to start walking away, then stops.
16:34
“If these boxes were to suddenly be short a few items... would it be possible to move whatevers inside for some credits? I couldn’t lose the whole lot, but I’m sure a few might be dismissed as a miscount.”
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"Missing goods, well. I'd try that once or twice. Don't get greedy. THey'll put it together, and it won't be just getting sent out to the desert"
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 12:19 AM
“Maybe after a few runs. Don’t want to get caught on my first day.”
00:21
He gives them a grin and starts pulling the sled again.
00:21
“Hope everything goes well with Ricardo!”
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"If youre looking for a fence for those we might be able to help. If you're friends with Mr. Ricardo, I think we're all working toward the same thing"
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:14 AM
“That sounds like a good idea. Let’s see how you get on with Ricardo and we can talk later.”
03:15
Time to make that delivery and get back to the foreman before I’m fired.
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You’re back almost as the last person. Almost. “Get lost on the way?” The foreman asks, looking on and smiling
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 09:30 AM
“I think I took a turn too soon. Should be better next time.”
09:30
He turns off the sled next to the others and pulls out his old cigarette.
09:30
“So, where to next?”
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 10:11 AM
(Here’s my thinking: the stuff in the boxes, if it’s all military or weapon parts, could be useful to the rebels. Also could be sabotaged by people versed in the sabotage of things to make it seem like there isn’t a problem until it explodes or implodes or falls from the sky...)
10:13
(As an example: we steal a thing from a box on one run. Rebel people learn how to replicate it for themselves or how to make copies that don’t quite work. Later, we make enough to replace most of the stock on one of the runs. Rebels end up with military spec stuff, military ends up with junk.)
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(Either of those options are great, whichever one you pick, we can play out. Those warehouse gangers you met, though small in number now, could be the start of your movement as well)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:14 PM
(I’m hoping to involve them somehow. 👍)
15:15
(I think the sabotage option is my favourite, but I know it will take longer to set up. I’ll have to see how the others are going before we decide. Can’t hold up the resistance wishing for things we can’t have. 😝)
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Last reported, Ricardo was heading out to meet with a hacker about bringing a corpsec drone down. Marcion is working on rescuing some VIP's in exchange for more intel from prisoners previously taken into custody.
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:26 PM
(So I’ve got time to do some planning. Excellent.)
15:27
As I see it... deliveries happen for a couple of days without any issues. Don’t want to upset anyone yet.
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(Yeah, you all arrived together but your goals here were all very different. For example, I think you're the only one planning on a long term stay- Which is not to say you'll be without help if you need it)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:29 PM
(That works out even better then. If I can get the hangers on board we can use the warehouse, with their com shadow thing protecting us, to do our clandestine switcheroo.)
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(wheels already turning, love it)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:29 PM
😉
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(if we fast forward, which we can, it's going to move us in time past Marcion's and ricardo's missions, so if something happens there, you won't be able to intervene- Which is fine on my end, just want to lay it out aheaD)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 03:31 PM
(I don’t think that will matter too much, except for continuity purposes when the shit hits the fan. That’s why you’re the DM, you get to figure that out. 😎)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 04:09 PM
(It’s time for me to sleep, so do we know enough about what is going to happen with Ricardo and the hangers to be able to fast forward tomorrow?)
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(By time you wake up we should)
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Stev Andisom 01-May-19 04:12 PM
(Awesome. In that case I bid you farewell, good luck with work if that is happening, etc, etc. 🥳)
16:15
😴 😴
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Stev Andisom 02-May-19 10:37 AM
(How are we lookin? I’m okay to leave it a bit longer if you want time to finish up with the others.)
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(We can go) The next two days pass, and your delivery times get better. you're firmly in the middle of the pack, though the work is hard, and your body is not thanking you for it.
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 12:14 AM
Visibly exhausted, Stev slumps against the exterior wall of the ‘abandoned’ warehouse, right next to the door. “Hello? Anyone in there?”
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There’s a buzz on the lockbox of the door and it opens slightly
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:29 AM
He stumbles inside and catches himself on the door frame. “Glad you guys are here. Who is in charge? I want to discuss a business deal.”
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Someone is making his way down from the office on the second floor, a worn but loved combat rifle on a loose shoulder strap. “I’m echo. Nice to meet you again. I don’t think we got to the naked part last time”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:35 AM
“Naked? No, I think I would have noticed. I’m Stev. Came here with Ricardo, same goal but different methods.”
02:35
(I think you meant names, but autocorrect? I like this better anyway. 😝)
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(Names. Thanks autocorrect)
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:36 AM
(Hahaha)
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“I see. So you’re not pleased with the regime here either eh?”
02:36
“Ricardo’s been a solid ally so far”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:37 AM
“Let’s just say that when you’ve been used up and tossed out like trash you get the urge to hurt some people.”
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“Who’d you work for, before now. You don’t have an accent so you’ve gotta be native”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:40 AM
“Yeah. I was a soldier, part of an experimental group. They gave me a gun and tried to manipulate things so that I could keep firing even when asleep. Didn’t work, so they dumped me in the waste. No names, no company logo.”
02:40
(I haven’t picked a city so I don’t know who it was)
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(That’s okay. They’d just assume it’s a painful personal thing, which it probably is for most people exiled that way)
02:46
“Sounds like the freakish bullshit they’re known for. Well you’re in good hands now. So what’s the story. Out for revenge?”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 02:47 AM
“Revenge works. Don’t want anyone else to go through the same shit I did. I figure if we kick the corps from one side of the planet to the other things might get better.”
02:48
“So, Echo... you in the same game?”
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He rolls up a sleeve and presents a knights of draconis tattoo (they used to be the guardians of the planet before the megacorps set down here during the tenebrian- black sun war)
03:03
“I know the knights escaped. Some of them. If we fight and hurt the corps, they’ll come back”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 04:17 AM
Stev smiles and gives Echo a nod of respect. “Have you got anything formal set up yet? Teams, cells, whatever you want to call them? Supplies, safe houses, escape routes, equipment? That’s what I want to organise. That’s why I came back.”
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"Nothing like that. We got the refugees and some of our more important personnel out of stack city, safe on Gudrun. Those few of us remaining are scattered"
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 04:53 AM
“Well that’s where I want to start. Let’s make it easier to get people out, hide who wants to stay and get whatever information we can from inside the corps to make our job easier.”
04:53
Stev starts pacing a 6ft section of the floor.
04:54
“I’ve got an apartment I’m renting in the city I’ll need to keep using to keep my cover as a worker. Do you and your team have somewhere to stay?”
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“Yeah. Here. It’s abandoned. Technically. And we don’t make much noise. No one really comes poking around”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 05:28 AM
“That’s great.”
05:28
He looks around, measuring the place with his eyes.
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It’s a long warehouse with a ground floor and a catwalk leading up to the office. There is a lofted storage space next to it that looks to be where they sleep. Tarps are hung on a wire line to make rudiment walls there
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 05:40 AM
“If there is a lot of noise in here you’ll be found out?”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 05:53 AM
“Can you secure somewhere we might be able to set up some production?”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 06:43 AM
“Unless we can secure weapons from CorpSec. I mean, we will have to arm the rebellion somehow.”
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"Nowhere we know about. Maybe that's our first order of business?"
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 04:08 PM
“Probably a good place to start. We’ll need a few places to stash supplies, just in case we get found out and one of our sites gets raided.”
16:10
He starts pacing further, counting out the steps it takes between each wall. Back and forth, back and forth, pacing and muttering to himself. “At least 2 houses to move people through... a warehouse to bring supplies to... somewhere underground we can turn into a barracks, maybe under a residential area.”
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"The man's really thinking" Echo says, to the 3 other members of his small outfit, and they all laugh, in appreciation of you
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 04:13 PM
He stops and looks up at the laughter.
16:15
“Well, you all know this place better than I do. Start throwing out ideas! Can’t build a starship without having the plans in front on you, all laid out and organised.”
16:15
He grins and starts pacing again.
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"I think we need to get out of the city. I know they were using the old Draconis knighthold for a while, but there was a lot of activity there when the UNW moved the refugees out. Corpsec might be looking for stragglers. Same with stack city, they made quite an airshow moving people out. We might be able to hide at either one if we go underground"
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Stev Andisom 03-May-19 04:17 PM
“I remember leaving through the Draconis joint. If we can find a way in and out without having to stick our necks out it might just work.” (edited)
16:18
“Anyone on your crew good at being sneaky and surviving out there? Maybe a recon would be in order.”
16:21
“Actually, if I ever get any time off work I will want to go out and have a look myself. Nothing like getting dirt and blood under your fingernails to know the area.”
16:24
He stops suddenly. “About work. I know I asked you about moving stolen gear, military tech most likely. How hard would it be to ambush a pallet in transit?”
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"The porters themselves would probably run rather than fight. Why risk yourself for property that's not yours. The hard part is moving it quickly, before corpsec responds, and getting it out of the city before they lock the place down"
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Stev Andisom 04-May-19 12:50 AM
“Hmmm. That’s something we can work out when we are better organised I guess. Something for the future, right?”
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"Something for the future" Echo agrees . "plan coming together?"
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Stev Andisom 04-May-19 02:01 AM
“Maybe. Need a recon done first. Then we can figure out the next steps.”
02:05
“I’ll start looking for another place we can use, probably an apartment where the neighbours won’t ask too many questions. That way you and your crew can do what you want without having to worry about being heard in here.”
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(you've secured a safehouse)
02:12
(well, the group has, i mean, unless you want another)
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Stev Andisom 04-May-19 01:49 PM
(I was thinking of getting another one. The group will have the first and the rebels will have the second.)
13:51
(The way I see it, we’re trying to get a base away from the cities, but we will need somewhere in the city to move people through and I don’t want to risk the groups safehouse.)
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(That makes sense). “Well it sounds like we need some recon then. Let’s find a new haunt”
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Stev Andisom 04-May-19 03:53 PM
Stev gives Echo the address of the current safehouse. “I’d suggest something outside the same area, if only to make it harder for CorpSec to catch us all at once.”
15:56
“I could ask the guy who found the first place but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. He gets picked up and we lose both places? Is it worth the risk?”
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“I don’t know your friend or what he might say. I think that’s a decision best left to you”
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Stev Andisom 05-May-19 12:21 AM
“Let’s keep him out of the loop for this. We start adding too many charges to the same gun and we run the risk of it blowing up in our faces.”
00:22
“I’ll check near work for any places going, you check on the other side of the city?”
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“Sure. Meet back here tomorrow?”
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Stev Andisom 05-May-19 01:29 AM
“Sounds good. I’ll be back after work. Does it get any easier, dragging a bloody sled around the city all day?”
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“Your strength will build. And hey, with your access to parts we might have some proper weapons in no time”
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Stev Andisom 05-May-19 06:26 AM
“That’s what I’m hoping. Is there anything I can get you for tomorrow? Not sure if you’re wanted or just living here because it’s free.”
06:26
“Don’t care either way, seeing as we’re all wanted criminals if they link us to any uprising.”
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Stev Andisom 05-May-19 11:57 AM
“And, to be fair, they’ve already abandoned me in the waste once so they won’t hesitate to kill me this time.”
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“We just sort of stopped working one day and nobody bothered to look for us. Echo’s wanted though. Price out for all draconis personnel”
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Stev Andisom 05-May-19 12:35 PM
“Once we’re set up we should try to get a line on fake papers and a forger, give Echo a new name and a better chance at getting by random checkpoints.”
12:38
“Anywho, it’s late and my muscles are aching. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
12:38
Stev hobbles off home, stopping off on the way to find apartment listings.
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There are a number of apartments for rent in the city depending on how well off you and and your position in the actual factories i#of the city itself
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 12:37 AM
Looking for something that a low-end factory worker would rent and be able to share without the neighbours taking too much notice, Stev decides to take the drone for a walk after work to scout out a few places.
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The drones above travel in flocks, responding en-masse to various commands or orders given from their respective hubs. Most drone swarms are near the city center , out here, only a handful dot the sky
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 02:04 AM
Going to try to mimic the movement of the few drones that I can see, keeping to the area a few blocks around each apartment.
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(lets get a pilot/dex for keeping up with them)
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 02:30 AM
Rolled a 6 after fighting with Roll20 on mobile. 😝
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The drone is having trouble keeping up with the movements of the rest of the flock. A nearby Corp helicopter begins moving in to investigate. A man in the door of the vehicle has a small emp device to disable it
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 06:22 AM
Okay, time to fly this coop. Going to make it wobble and then lurch downward quickly, swoop up a little and then lurch down again, heading for an alleyway they can’t see directly in to.
06:24
Compad message: Echo, may have started a fire near the factories. Stay near home today if you can.
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The pilot of the larger and heavier manned aircraft struggles to follow the more agile drone, and you manage to land it into an alley. They can see the general area where they lost sight of it. Far away, sirens closer to city center begin to wail as first responders are notified
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 03:42 PM
How long does it take to make the drone small enough to fit in the bag it is normally carried in?
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(5 minutes minus your fix rating)
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 04:13 PM
(-1 to Fix, so 6 minutes?)
16:13
5 - - 1 = 6
16:14
How long (roughly) do I expect CorpSec to take to arrive?
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 04:34 PM
Actually, doesn’t make too much of a difference. Plan is as follows: - Remove drone from immediate area by carrying it into a building. - Get the drone up to the highest floor without going to the roof. - Pack the drone into the bag. - Hide by using the sneak skill and wait until the cops leave.
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There are two buildings with alley doors, one to your left, one to your right, from the alley the drone was directed into. The left building is shabby, made of brick, and a strong brimstone smell comes from around it. There is so much industrial noise in the surrounding streets that you cant be sure if there is anything on the other side, or how close it might be. To the right, the building looks to be in better condition, and some trash is piled up next to the door. It is the smaller of the two buildings, and the roof looks to be made of glass
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 05:01 PM
Dingy building with a brimstone smell sounds like fun. Let’s go that way.
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The door opens to a chemical factory. Several workers in full protective gear stir vats of industrial solvents with long rigid paddles. unprotected, the fumes sting at your eyes and mouth
17:04
There is a metal catwalk to your right inside the building that leads upstairs
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Stev Andisom 06-May-19 11:36 PM
Straight upstairs, coughing and spluttering.
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 12:27 AM
(I think I’m making all the right choices. 😝)
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Higher up the chemical mist is not as thick. The sirens are much closer now. You find yourself on a storage floor with chemical components and inert samples stacked in neat rows
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:49 AM
Are there any empty containers around?
04:52
Going to try to find an empty container and stash the drone in it, close it up and hide it with other like-minded containers before looking for some protective gear for me.
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 11:27 AM
Just remembered, I’ll also put the control and bag for the drone in the container with the drone.
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The containers up here are all full, items waiting to be processed into their end products downstairs, but there is some protective gear here that looks like it will fit over your clothes
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 03:04 PM
That’s a good start. Protective gear on first.
15:04
Then, these containers... how big are they?
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 03:36 PM
Actually, how close do those sirens sound now? If I’ve got the time I’d like to pack the drone up and hide the bag in between the containers so it can’t be seen with a casual glance.
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The containers are the size of standard 40 gallon drums (think oil drums). You have enough time to try to stash the drone, and don a disguise, but not enough to disguise yourself and disassemble it, based on how far away the sirens sound. down below you hear part of a conversation over the noise, about how someone just ran upstairs and they should go take a look (workers talking)
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:00 PM
Okay. Stash the drone, get gear on.
16:01
Then bluff like mad and cross my fingers!
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(anything your character is not actually doing should go in parenthesis so i can differentiate. I don't want to accidently infer something your character is not actually doing and change a game situation because of it) You manage to don the coveralls and facial protection as the two workmen climb the ladder. One has an electric torch lantern, the other has one of the rubber mixing paddles still in hand
16:06
The beam plays across you "Hey, what are you doing up here? Shift isn't on break yet"
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:06 PM
(Sorry!)
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(I just dont want to make a situation worse or different by not being able to separate what's what)
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:07 PM
“Someone just went running past! Don’t they know it’s dangerous to come in without their gear?”
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"Alright, well you better come with us then, they might be dangerous"
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:09 PM
“Someone should grab a medkit and spare mask.”
16:14
Then I’ll turn to go away from the stairs, towards whatever else is upstairs.
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"Where are you going? Come with us"
16:19
The two workmen are staring at you, and one tightens his grip on the paddle, just a little
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:20 PM
“Spare mask? So whatever moron ran in here doesn’t die in here and we get stuck explaining it.”
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"Alright, straight up to the next floor and back down, we'll wait for you before we keep searching"
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Stev Andisom 07-May-19 04:23 PM
“Meet you at the end of this floor. No sense letting them get away even if we are trying to save their stupid arse.”
16:24
Head for the stairs up to the next level before they say anything. (edited)
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You head upstairs to see a small office with a door on each side to pass through. There is a med kit on the wall and some safety gear in a locker
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Stev Andisom 08-May-19 12:19 AM
“Thank fuck.”
00:20
Grab the gear and the medkit and head back downstairs at a jog.
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(You were passing through it to try to get on the other side of them correct?)
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Stev Andisom 08-May-19 04:57 AM
(Trying to get them to hurry down the corridor and not spend too long so they don’t see the drone.)
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Stev Andisom 08-May-19 01:43 PM
(After re-reading what I said and your question, yes. I’ll go down the stairs at the other end of the corridor so I will meet them at the opposite end to where the drone is.)
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They are waiting for you on the other end of the stairs when you come down, and nod when they see the medkit and spare mask with you. "Alright, well you're here, so he's not upstairs. lets sweep the basement"
14:07
"Maybe he slipped around us and went down"
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Stev Andisom 08-May-19 06:00 PM
“Maybe he grew a brain and left, but if he ran in here without a breather on I don’t think that’s likely.”
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Stev Andisom 09-May-19 01:26 AM
Stev heads downstairs, peering around as if looking for an intruder.
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The two workers with you also search and the security forces upstairs announce themselves as they come in, you hear them asking loudly for information about the drone that went down on this area
02:20
It sounds like they’re just ensuring the drone is secured, and they aren’t hunting its controller, yet
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Stev Andisom 09-May-19 06:28 AM
“Nothing. Did they just run through and out again?”
06:31
I head to the stairs and up to where the security forces are, medkit and spare gear in hand.
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"Right, you three check the alley on the other side, we'll double back and check this one"
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Stev Andisom 09-May-19 11:31 PM
I’ll follow the others but I put the medkit and gear down near the door.
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Stev Andisom 09-May-19 11:52 PM
“Shit, he could be anywhere by now. I’ll look down this way, you look down that way,” and I’ll point to the biggest of the 2, “and you wait here just in case he tries to double back.” and I point to the other guy.
23:53
Then I turn and start jogging down the alleyway.
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(Sneak dex for trying to slip away)
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Stev Andisom 10-May-19 04:29 AM
(I rolled a 6. I think Roll20 hates me.)
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Dax Withers 10-May-19 04:36 AM
(It's not just you)
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Stev begins to slowly peel away from the group, as one of the workers notices “Hey! Where are you going?” He calls out. You don’t see the security personnel in sight
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Stev Andisom 10-May-19 05:18 AM
“Going to check down here, like I said! For fuck sake, use those flapping things on the side of your head you call ears!”
05:19
I continue walking.
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You vanish, lost down a side street before they realize you are gone
14:19
(3xp, 5000 credits)
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Stev Andisom 10-May-19 11:51 PM
(Phew!)
23:52
Com to Echo: “Coming to visit. Keep your eyes open, sec activity real soon.”
23:53
Then I will zig zag across the city, stop for a bite to eat, circle the warehouse district and head back to the safehouse to change before I head over to Echo and Co.
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You collapse into a rough chair in the upper office when you get back. Echo pours some distilled industrial chemical turned beverage into a glass for you
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Stev Andisom 11-May-19 06:20 AM
“Thanks. That was a bloody nightmare. The factory district on the other side of the city is too hot for us right now. Had to ditch the drone over there.”
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Stev Andisom 11-May-19 04:06 PM
I have a drink and put the glass down.
16:06
“We’re going to need CorpSec uniforms later on. Those things with some fake IDs could get us anywhere.”
16:06
“So how did the scouting for a new place go for your team?”
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“Water pumping station on the north end. They don’t use it anymore put the pumps still cycle every few hours during the day to keep the rust out. Would hide the sounds of us working”
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Stev Andisom 12-May-19 12:05 AM
“That’s a bloody good start. We should secure it for ourselves tonight, clear out any unwanted guests. That will give us a jumping off point for the next move out to Draconis.”
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“Alright. Get some rest everyone.” Echo says. “We will move out just after dark”
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Stev Andisom 12-May-19 01:16 AM
“Mind if I hole up with you guys till we move out?”
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Stev Andisom 12-May-19 04:40 AM
I take a seat near the door and go through the steps of cleaning and checking my gun, focusing on my connection to it as I make sure it is functioning properly.
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“Of course. Get some rest. You’ve had a busy day. We will watch while you’re resting”
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Stev Andisom 12-May-19 11:39 PM
Stev seems... somewhere else. “Can’t sleep. Not till I know we’re ready. Troop transports loaded up? Do we need air support? What firepower will they bring against us?” (edited)
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Those in your dreams do not reply. Not in a way that makes sense to your somnolent mind
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Stev Andisom 13-May-19 03:23 AM
“Dammit sarge, are we going to do this dance again? The same old dance to the same old song...” and then I start humming.
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Stev Andisom 13-May-19 06:44 AM
Time Passes
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(Are you asleep or hallucinating
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Stev Andisom 13-May-19 04:19 PM
(Probably a little of both. Flashbacks/nightmares from his time soldiering.)
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You're shaken awake by Echo, who looks a bit annoyed, but it fades when he realizes you were actually sleeping
16:27
"Whole neighborhood's going to hear you"
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 03:31 AM
“Hear me..? Ah shit, was I talking in my sleep?”
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“Screaming more like. You alright?”
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 03:32 AM
“Yeah. Getting myself involved in this has brought back some bad memories. It’ll get better.”
03:33
I shake myself (kinda like a dog does when they get up) and stretch.
03:33
“Is it time to go?”
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“Close enough to get. Grab something to eat downstairs and we’ll be off” echo says. “It’ll be dark enough to move by then”
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 03:38 AM
“Thanks. And sorry about the screaming.”
03:38
Downstairs to eat, avoiding eye contact with the others.
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You’re finishing your meal when echo moves away from the dirty window. “Alright. I think we should be alright. Easier to go on foot. Let’s take everything we can”
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 03:49 AM
I check I have my pistol and shrug.
03:49
“I’m set. What can I help you all with?”
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“Take one of the rucksacks over there. We’re going to burn the warehouse on the way out. Cover our tracks.
03:52
There are four tan canvas bags stacked up by the back doors along with a container full of gasoline
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 04:27 AM
I grab a bag and sling it over my shoulder.
04:28
“You know where this place is so I’ll follow whoever scouted. When we get there we go in carefully, but there might be others like us there so don’t kill indiscriminately.”
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"We had some eyes on it while you were sleeping. There might be someone there, or someones , but you're right. Let's make sure we know what we're looking at first"
15:09
Everyone loaded down with a bag, but Echo, he pours gasoline liberally across the floor of the building, and around the upper level office as well, getting rid of all traces of habitation. He pulls a breaker box off the wall. Lighting a cigarette, he pulls in deeply, and flicks it into the pool of spreading petrol
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Stev Andisom 14-May-19 03:24 PM
I grin and light up my own cigarette, careful to be standing away from the doorway and the spreading fire.
15:25
“Did you check the cupboards for anything you forgot? Didn’t leave your keys or important documents in a drawer?”
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"Hah! he laughs. "Nah, nothing like that. Let's be off, shall wel?"
16:32
"You think your friends might want to know we changed houses? just in case?"
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 12:45 AM
“I’ll let them know once we’re set at the other end.”
00:46
As we walk towards the pumping station, I want to keep an eye on the alleys, see if I can identify anyone observing us.
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(Notice wis)
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 03:32 AM
(Just realised I have leveled up. brb with that skill check)
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 03:49 AM
(Oh for crying out loud Roll20!!)
03:49
I rolled a 3.
03:49
I'll be going now.
03:49
(Also, rolled 16 for new HP, added to Notice, Sneak and Shoot)
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You don’t notice anyone watching you. The pumping station is a red brick building covered with soot and burnt looking creeper vines. It’s second story windows are age yellowed glass. The bottom ones have been broken. There is a rather obscene mural of a corpsec officer being violated by a stick figure with an enormous penis
03:52
The door is a flat flackboard set up and nailed into place. A posted no trespassing sign is laminated on it
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 04:03 AM
“This looks inviting. I’ll go in first, you guys follow. Leave someone just inside the door with the gear to cover our backs?”
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“Window next to it should be alright. Keev, get a long gun in that window once we all make it in to sweep”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 04:04 AM
“Great. Let’s do this.”
04:05
I pull/push on the handle, checking to see if it’s unlocked.
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There is no handle on the door, wood nailed over the doorframe but the bottom floor windows have long been broken by vandals
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 04:11 AM
(Ah, gotcha.)
04:11
I grab one side of the wood, from the bottom, and nod towards the other side at Echo.
04:13
“Nice and quick. You move away from the door, I’ll pull enough to get through.”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 04:34 AM
(To explain: he pulls the wood away from the door, I pull the boards enough to make a hole for me.)
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(sneak/dex)
14:37
(for doing it quietly, and since thats what you use for blocked/locked doors)
14:37
(you can use fix/int if thats a more appealing statline for you)
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 05:37 PM
(6, because that’s how Roll20 do’s.)
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You're able to get the door open but its a loud process, as the flakboard splinters and breaks
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Stev Andisom 15-May-19 11:26 PM
I chuckle. “Surprise?”
23:28
Pistol in hand, I secure the room and take point at the doorway to the next room.
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The building's very large , ground floor room is empty, but there are signs someone recently passed through here, just over a dozen pairs of footprints in the dust and broken glass covering almost the entire floor.
02:11
They head for a drain pipe, about as tall as you are, with a grate clearly been replaced after use, in the back left corner.
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Stev Andisom 16-May-19 02:43 AM
Glass all over the floor... I tread very carefully.
02:43
I would like to clear small patches of glass with each step so I make as little noise as possible if I can.
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Watching where you’re stepping the path is long and a bit of an annoyance but you cross the floor quietly. A metal staircase heads up to a second level, and likewise plunges downward into the mechanical guts of the immense pumps , now bone dry
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Stev Andisom 16-May-19 07:21 AM
I’ll wait for the others to follow before getting a couple of them to hold the stairs down while I go up and secure the above ground section first, with Echo and whoever is left not guarding.
07:22
“Safer to section this place off and clear as we go. Underground could connect to giant pipelines going all over the place so if we can make sure of this building first we have somewhere we can retreat to.”
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Stev Andisom 17-May-19 11:13 PM
(Upstairs?)
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“I think we might get lost down there without a guide. Let’s check upstairs”
23:34
The second level is a run down rat warren of offices and supply rooms. The supplies themselves look to have been cleaned out a long time ago
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Stev Andisom 17-May-19 11:44 PM
We go a corridor at a time, keeping the lanes of fire open while the middle of the group checks every room.
23:45
“Once we’re secure here we will need to repurpose a lot of this. Knock down walls to make bigger rooms, secure rooms for weapons to be stored, maybe even a shooting range to practice on.”
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Stev Andisom 18-May-19 01:11 AM
Echo can lead and keep the corridor ahead covered, I’ll go second and enter the rooms with backup.
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A sweep of the new safehouse shows it is empty, whatever group came through has vanished into the pipes below, to what end you are not sure
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Stev Andisom 18-May-19 07:00 AM
(So the whole place is empty?)
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(Yeah. You can confirm a group passes through but they’re not here now )
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 01:39 AM
(Excellent.)
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 01:52 AM
“We need to lock this place down. Echo, can we get anything locally to secure the building, like a sensor net or something that can cover the building?”
01:53
(I don’t know what’s actually doable, so if sensor nets aren’t a thing, imagine I said something that would be a thing. 😝)
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“We could do something like that but we would have to get some parts probably from off world”
02:16
“Anything like that here would be noticed and tracked. It’s too important”
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 03:33 AM
“I’ll reach out on my end and see what can be put together. Till then we need to keep eyes on the street and the tunnels, just in case. I’ll move my stuff here in a few days if that’s okay. Don’t want to change the routine too soon and get noticed.”
03:34
Compad note: Contact Ricardo and Marcion from home to update them. Contact drop team for possible sensor net.
03:34
(Like a to-do list)
03:37
“You guys need anything before I go?”
03:38
“Oh yeah, leave the glass on the floor downstairs if you can. Cheap warning system if intruders don’t notice it. Just make a thin path so you can get around to the windows and stuff.”
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“Yeah. Until the sensors get here at least. I think we will be fine getting set up for now”
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 03:12 PM
“All good then. I’ll swing by tomorrow after work.”
15:14
Then it’s home and a shower before I contact the others.
15:17
*To @lictorseverian and @opscomm - Mer with some friends of Ricardo. They’ve just moved to a new place and invited me to join them. I’ll be at the apartment for a few more days and I’ll still be around to collect the mail and stuff but my gear will be coming with me. Stay in touch and stay safe.
15:19
*To the drop team - It’s Stev. Wondering if there’s anything on board that can be used as a sensor net on a building. 2 floors, disused, may have issues with gun-toting rats coming in from the sewers. Eagerly await your reply.
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 03:35 PM
Then sleep.
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“Might need to seek out those components at home. Nothing we have here can help with that”
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Stev Andisom 19-May-19 11:00 PM
Wake up to that message, swear.
23:01
*To the drop team - What are the odds of placing an order and having it delivered before events kick off?
23:02
Eat, shave, reapply stubble, dress and go to work.
23:02
(Stubble in a can!)
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(What events are planned?)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-19 05:29 AM
(We need to set up the new building for manufacturing so we can start to either make the same sort of stuff that I’m delivering OR make sub-standard stuff and swap it out.)
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(Gotcha, okay im with you. Each of those are very different tactics, which would you like to try first?)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-19 11:41 PM
(I’d love to sabotage at the same time so the sub-standard stuff would be my first choice.) (edited)
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Stev heads to the cargo yard where more pallets of goods are always waiting transport yet so few of them ever seem to leave.
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Stev Andisom 21-May-19 05:12 AM
I’ll find a delivery going out in the same area as the pumping station is and load it up. On the way I’ll drop a box off with Echo and take the rest on where they are meant to go. Then I’ll feign ignorance if anyone notices the box missing.
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The number of pallets moved is all that is counted today, but it would stand to reason there would be inventory controls in place somewhere else. It won't be a matter of if they notice the box is missing, but when, and what will be done when it is
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 12:46 AM
Great. I’ll only take the 1 box today, but I’ll keep an eye on what happens when they eventually find out. If nothing unusual happens during work, I’ll head back to the pumping station when I’m done.
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The rest of the day the Box goes missing happens without trouble
00:52
Echo and the gang are cleaning up the upstairs
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 02:39 AM
“Hey guys, any visitors? Neighbours looking to borrow a few cress for food?”
02:40
I’ll pitch in and help clean up as we chat.
02:40
“That box of stuff I dropped off... what is it, is it important to CorpSec or the military and can we sabotage it?”
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"Looks like some combat harnesses. Probably going to be sold to an off world buyer- and that depends on the nature of the sabotage"
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 04:48 AM
“Off world... don’t want to jeopardise innocent lives. Can we replicate the tech using these as a template?”
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 05:00 AM
(What sort of harness are we talking about? Is it as advanced as the Icarus Harness or is it more like security armour?)
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(Security armor)
12:21
“Id hope your UNW has combat armor of its own already or this rebellion is going to end a lot quicker than I thought”
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 12:48 PM
“They’re not my UNW, they just pulled my arse out of the fire and they can look after themselves. I mean to have these for us and whoever else signs on for kicking the Corps off the planet.”
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"We could stash it in case we need the parts, or sabotage it. Seems like we're back to the same place we were"
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 03:53 PM
“Forget sabotage if it’s going off world. Our fight is with the Megacorps, not with offworlders. If we can get our hand on CorpSec gear and sabotage that though, different story.”
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"Or just flat out destroy it"
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 03:55 PM
“I wonder... Let’s just hold onto this for ourselves for now. If we can make more in the future to fight against the Corps, great.”
15:56
“But, if we can destroy some of what they have already in use and force them to replace it with faulty gear... that would be a good play for when we’re already fighting them, keep the army doubting their own gear.”
15:57
I laugh.
15:57
“That’s way too far in the future to worry about now.”
15:58
“Now we’ve got a better place to hole up, do we start recruiting?”
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(I dont know what you're wearing now, but the gear here would count as AC14 security armor)
15:59
(If you want to pocket some for yourself)
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 04:00 PM
(I’ve got AC13 on me but soon I’ll have AC 16 naturally... that’s in a few levels IIRC)
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 04:08 PM
(Robes of Discipline: When unarmored and carrying a Readied sacred weapon, whether or not it is drawn, the Sunblade’s base AC equals 16 plus their Sunblade skill level. This AC can be modified by Dexterity, but not by shields.)
16:09
(So, it says at 2nd and every even level after that... as a partial Sunblade does that go out to fourth level and every multiple of 4?)
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 04:22 PM
(I asked this less than a month ago and had forgotten. My apologies. I’ll need to adjust my sheet tomorrow to add the missing Sunblade focus.)
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(yeah we had the same problems with cals sheet, idk why its so hard to get in there. I'll have to take a look)
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 04:26 PM
(Funnily enough, AC is now 16+Sunblade skill+Dex)
16:29
“For now let’s look at getting some recruits in, get them trained in basic weapons and tactics for fighting from within.”
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"Alright, we'll save it for them. We need to be careful with how we recruit."
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Stev Andisom 22-May-19 09:30 PM
“Definitely. Easiest way would be heading into the waste and finding the people that have already been abandoned by the megacorps.”
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"Still got that drone of yours?"
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Stev Andisom 23-May-19 06:36 AM
“No. That’s what the message was about. Might still be hidden where I dumped it though. These harnesses look like CorpSec ones?”
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Stev Andisom 23-May-19 10:47 AM
(I step away to join the council meeting or whatever it is... 😝)
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“They’re almost identical. Just need some paint. We can track some down you’re taking enough risk already”
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Stev Andisom 23-May-19 03:48 PM
“I was thinking of going back to the works where I stashed the drone dressed as Sec to get the drone. Make it look official.”
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'Well, we;ve got the kit for that now. I've heard worse ideas. You want us close by, in case?"
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Stev Andisom 24-May-19 01:52 AM
“Sure. We should all go in as a patrol, look around, find the drone and exclaim over it, take it with us. The factory workers won’t know the difference and we’ll get a good test of the disguise.”
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“Well let’s suit up then” echo says, picking at the armor with distaste. His nose wrinkles at the idea of donning it
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Stev Andisom 24-May-19 05:31 AM
“I know the feeling, but if this works we can get more done in the city without getting hassled.”
05:32
I put a harness on and make sure it’s on properly.
05:32
“Get a mask on as well when we’re about to walk in. There’s some nasty chemicals in the factory where I stashed the drone.”
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They all do as instructed, and before long you look no different than any of the other countless corpsec patrols moving around through the city
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Stev Andisom 24-May-19 02:47 PM
We head to the factory and I ask Echo to do the talking, just in case the workers recognise my voice as I’m already masked.
14:48
When we arrive at the factory I ask 2 of the team to hang outside as lookouts, 2 to head downstairs and the rest of us will go upstairs to make it seem as realistic as possible.
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Corpsec has been a frequent sight in the area since the incident, and another patrol passes by, the corporal waving at what he thinks are friendlies. "Another day on the beat eh?" he says "The things I'd do to be at home watching the blood games"
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Stev Andisom 25-May-19 02:52 AM
“Anything would be better than walking this one again. Laid a bet on the games?”
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“Captain carnivore Going for five kills tonight. I know he can!” The squad leader calls back to you as your formations pass
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Stev Andisom 25-May-19 02:53 AM
I laugh and give him a lazy wave.
02:55
“He might get 5 if he’s lucky.”
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The chemical factory is ahead , belching neon green smoke into the sky today. The entire street is bathed in the foul smelling gas
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Stev Andisom 25-May-19 02:57 AM
“Masks on. Echo, this is your show. Order the workers out if you can so we get a free run at the factory.”
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Stev Andisom 25-May-19 03:15 AM
I ask 2 of the team to wait in the alley as we approach the factory doors and take position at the right-hand side of the door.
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The factory foreman also in protector gear opens the door to see your half team of fake corpsec standing before him. “Help you officers?”
04:37
“We just had our weekly safety inspection”
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Stev Andisom 25-May-19 03:42 PM
I look at Echo, sweat a blue streak at him mentally and then step forward.
15:44
“There was an incident here a few days ago. A patrol spotted a drone behaving strangely in the area and it came down almost at this spot. Someone from your factory spotted a person or persons acting strangely, something about coming in without a mask or something but a search failed to find them. We’re here to do another sweep.”
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“Oh...oh alright then. Sure. Come on in”. The foreman steps aside but looks you all over to ensure you have lung protection
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Stev Andisom 26-May-19 12:18 AM
“Thanks. We won’t be too long. More of a formality at this point but HQ says it has to be done.”
00:19
I point towards the main floor and nod to 2 of the others, then lead Echo and whoever else is left upstairs.
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Stev Andisom 26-May-19 11:51 AM
Upstairs, I wait a moment to see if there is anyone around or if the foreman follows. If we’re the only ones around, I go to where I stashed the drone between the barrels and hope to the high heavens it’s still there.
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The drone is still there. Most of it, at least. It looks to have sustained some damage in the crash that you didn’t have time to notice last time it was in your hands
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 12:31 AM
“Thank fuck for that. I’ll disassemble it and pack it back in the bag. Someone will need to run interference to get it back outside.”
00:32
I disassembled it and pack it in the bag.
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“Why. We said we...” echos voice trails off as downstairs you hear the foreman’s voice over the crash of coalfire machinery. “Oh those must by your squadmates upstairs officer! I think they’re packing up the drone now!” You hear a shout of surprise and booted footsteps coming up to this level
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 02:27 AM
“Echo!!”
02:29
I draw my gun and point it towards the stairs with one hand, pushing the bagged drone towards one of the others with the other hand. (edited)
02:29
“Take an escort and go straight down the other side. Grab the guys outside and leg it. I’ll find you once the smoke clears.”
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He nods and bundles the drone over his shoulder, heading down the back stairwell. A domed security helmet pokes its head up as the officer climbs the stairs
03:43
(The ones you’re watching)
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 06:24 AM
I point the sidearm at the helmet. “Officer Echo?”
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(Echo went down the stairs behind you)
13:15
“Who the fuck are you?” the officer says turning toward you
13:15
“Freeze right there. What’s your badge number?0
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 01:24 PM
“Officer Welche, badge number 43526. Who the hell are you and what are you doing in our patrol area?”
13:25
(Bluff all the way home. Mega-bluff.)
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(Perform or talk/cha, either one)
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 01:30 PM
(Talk/Cha came to a 10)
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(8) This is our patrol area, but your uniforms look new. You’re new aren’t you”?
13:35
(He got an 8 For notice so your check wins)
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Stev Andisom 27-May-19 03:19 PM
“Well, yeah, but they said this would be where we were today and that there was an incident here to do with someone running through here without the proper gear or clearance.”
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“More hands couldn’t hurt. Find anything so far?”
00:29
He finishes walking up the stairwell to better see and speak with you
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Stev Andisom 28-May-19 01:17 PM
“Nothing yet. The foreman said something about a drone but there isn’t anything up here I can see. I have a few men downstairs looking as well but they haven’t reported anything yet.”
13:18
I start to walk towards the back stairs.
13:18
“Have you had a look through here yourself before today?”
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“Not myself no. Another squad cleared it when things happened but we haven’t had any other leads. Just going over our tracks again”
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Stev Andisom 28-May-19 11:11 PM
“So nobody saw this guy leave? What if he died somewhere in all this gas and shit?”
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“Not likely. Even over the chemicals we would have smelled the decay by now”
01:44
“We have the premises now. You’d better head out and check in with the switchboard. I know for a fact this is our beat. I just don’t want you to get in trouble”
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Stev Andisom 29-May-19 12:23 PM
“I’ll grab my guys and give base a call. Thanks for your understanding.”
12:24
I nod to the nice (gullible) CorpSec guy and go downstairs, waving for my guys to follow me as I head for the door.
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Your team forms up around you , their order a bit sloppy even for corpsec standards, but it doesnt seem to get you noticed, and you make your way away, with the drone
14:15
(3xp, 5000 credits)
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Stev Andisom 29-May-19 05:20 PM
“Good work guys. They thought we were new recruits and we fucked up our patrol route. Might want to have some IDs made up to cover us for next time. I’ll look into it.”
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"Yeah, something for sure. You think thats enough risk for the day?"
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Stev Andisom 29-May-19 11:46 PM
“Oh hells yes. I need to check the drone, figure out if I can fix it enough to get it flying again.”
23:51
“Might need to go shopping, but nothing where people point guns at me.”
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“Right. I’ll let you do that. I’ll bring this back home.”
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“They begin heading out with the drone, back to your hideout, leaving you go grab whatever supplies you can”
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 03:48 AM
I follow them back so I can have a proper look at the damage done to the drone, then I go shopping for replacement parts.
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The drone has moderate damage to its stabilization and flight control surfaces from the crash. You’ll need 3 units of spare parts to fix it
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 03:51 AM
I take off the armour and head back to the streets, wandering around to get my bearings and see what the local shops have to offer in the way of electronics for the drone and food for the group.
03:54
I’ll also chat with the locals, get the feel of the area. Nothing intense, just talk about sport and food and work... while I’m shopping.
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The electronics shop closest to you “buckets and bolts” is open round the clock and does brisk business as people spend their work credits to buy replacement components for shoddy corporate issued gear
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 12:24 PM
Perfect. Is there space to browse for a little while?
12:24
I’d like to look over what they have, security based gear like cameras and alarms if I can find it please.
12:25
Thats as well as the stuff I need for the drone.
12:25
(Also, I’ll fire up the PC tomorrow to level up.)
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Security based gear is not permitted for civilians, especially corporate civilians and those items are not in stock you come to realize, browsing through the shelves.
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 01:34 PM
Anything I can use to cobble together something like a motion sensor?
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(Do you have fix or program trained to at least 0?)
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 01:37 PM
Sadly not. Also not planning on it any time soon.
13:38
Maybe I should plan on it. 🤔
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(Need non character stuff in parentheses please. Without those skills there’s nothing of use here to cobble something like that together.)
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 02:56 PM
(Fair enough. I’ll leave it for now, maybe pick up fix later when I’ve got the rest of this under control.)
14:57
I’ll buy what I need to fix the drone and head back to the rebel hq the long way to make sure no-one is following me.
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You return to your headquarters, parts in hand. The streets are empty during the workday, for the most part, and you hear the endless rattle of industrial machinery all around out
15:05
*you
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Stev Andisom 31-May-19 04:02 PM
Happy that I haven’t been followed, I’ll head straight upstairs and see if any of the others have any skill with drones.
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Echo's number 2, Rose, has some experience with mechanics, and offers to take a look in exchange for the parts.
18:23
"I can probably have it up again by morning. Going to take a bit to re-wire"
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 01:04 AM
“Not an issue. If you need anything else to get it back into the air again just let me know and I’ll do what I can to get it for you.”
01:04
I’ll sit and watch Rose work for a while before finding a corner to fall asleep in.
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You awaken to the still a bit scuffed but functionally repaired drone sitting on the worktable. A few replacement plates for combat armor have been set aside as well for future use
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 07:40 AM
“Nice work Rose! You know how to make them dance as well or just put them back together when ham-fisted thugs like me are done crashing them?” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 07:48 AM
Then I guess it’s another work day.
07:48
Normal day, nothing illegal or nefarious on my end to make anyone suspicious.
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You receive your meager recompense for a day Of hard labor. You’re quite tired from going out to find the drone after shift the previous day. Toward the end of your rotation you hear some loose talk about some combat equipment going missing
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 05:25 PM
I want to note who is talking about it but I don’t want to draw any attention to myself so I’ll leave it alone for now.
17:27
Shift ends, I’ll head to hq and check in with the gang.
17:28
Specifically, check with Echo if anything has been happening around the hq and make sure everyone has what they need.
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 05:47 PM
(Noticed there is no level up yet - takes 6xp to get from 3 to 4 so my fix level couldn’t change yet anyway.)
17:49
I would also like to use the Wanderer level 2 ability to obtain CorpSec IDs for everyone if that is possible please.
17:50
(Fake IDs that pass as real in the field but would fail under scrutiny is how I understand it.)
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(We can say the identity shop at your hq on Gudrun is making them for you and your ability let’s you pick up the drop undetected then)
18:21
The area around headquarters has been quiet. A few missing boxes don’t warrant a full scale block by block search.
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 06:22 PM
(Thanks. 😎)
18:23
“So, had the chance to use the drone yet or were you waiting for me to demonstrate how to not fly it?”
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“None of us are really qualified to use it. We didn’t want to break it again”
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-19 11:59 PM
“I guess it’ll be a few more crashes for me until I’m qualified then.”
00:04
“We should head out in the early morning if we’re going to the waste. Too late and the IR camera setup is going to be useless in the heat, too early and we risk getting seen by the patrols.”
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-19 01:41 AM
“Everyone rest up. I’ll take first watch, give you all a break.”
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(was this to get the ID's? or did you have something else in the works)
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-19 01:56 AM
(Doing the initial search for bands of people in the waste that might be the start of our rebel army.)
01:57
(I’ll try and do the pickup during work hours.)
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(Works for me, just wanted to know what to have ready)
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You all pick an off day for Stev, and echo has been spending the in between time mapping out the tunnels. He believes he has a way out of the city , into a canyon and liquid runoff system several kilometers away in the wastes
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-19 12:32 AM
I’ll let Echo lead and I’ll follow right behind with the drone on my back.
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The tunnels look to be too tight to get the drone out, and the five of you splash through knee deep slurry in some parts, where slow moving water has allowed some of the old waste product to collect. Bugs scatter before your lights .
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-19 06:35 AM
(So no drone carry, or no drone flying?)
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(no drone flying, in here at least)
14:13
"Hmm" Echo says, twisting around a junction you've been to twice before already. "We might have an issue here. I think I got turned around somehow"
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(Assume you read the following from a secure location using encrypted channels)
18:13
(Insert codename we have totally agreed upon here), Contact me with coordinates next time you are outside city limits. There have been some updates. The boss (edited)
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Stev Andisom 04-Jun-19 11:30 PM
(That’s cool, figured there would not be enough room to fly it till we were out.)
23:31
“Didn’t mark the way?”
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Stev Andisom 05-Jun-19 12:10 AM
“Okay, someone grab a rock and draw a circle on the wall about 10 steps down the corridor here. If we come back this way while we’re still trying to find our way out we out another mark inside the circle to show that it’s not the way out.”
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(Survive/wis)
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Stev Andisom 05-Jun-19 07:46 AM
(8)
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You and Echo use your idea, and by marking the corridors you eventually narrow down the way out, and follow it to the grate. It is gone, rusted to almost nothing, and you're deposited into a canyon, the rock below you stained with now several years of dried industrial waste
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Stev Andisom 06-Jun-19 02:07 PM
(Sorry mate, it’s been a shit couple of days for me. I should be back to my normal rate of posting by the weekend.)
14:09
“Lovely place for a picnic. Someone watch the tunnel behind us for 20 minutes as we slowly pick our way down this ready-made highway of sludge and crap.”
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(No rush, life comes firsT)
15:19
rose watches the tunnel, keeping her rifle raised and aimed at behind you, just in case
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Stev Andisom 08-Jun-19 04:57 AM
(How high are the walls of this canyon?)
04:58
(And sorry for the halt in play for a couple of days. My medical bullshit hit me hard and I spent most of the time sleeping.)
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(No worries. They’re very high , about 50m at least)
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-19 02:21 AM
“Echo, did you explore any of this last time?”
02:22
I start picking my way down the canyon, looking for somewhere that seems a little easier to climb than up sheer cliff.
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“I didn’t go far. But there’s an easier slope up about 500m ahead”
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-19 09:58 AM
“Let’s take a look when we get there, see what we’re dealing with up top. Then we can decide if we stay down here to travel further or we go over the edge and head that way.”
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moving down the canyon, you do see the shallower cliffside, and see a line of pitons hammered into the rock. "I took the climbing line with me last time, first person's going to have to go up untethered and set it up for everyone else"
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-19 12:12 AM
“I’ll give it a go. You want to set up a camp down here, somewhere out of sight?”
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"Sure , we can tuck in somewhere down here. Just go slow, get the ropes up, and then ride them back down. We can climb tomorrow"
00:36
Echo pulls you aside. "I think as we move out into the wastes here, we might be gone for a bit. Might be time to let the factory job go"
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-19 12:08 PM
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Although, the idea of stealing from them hasn’t gone away entirely. We might have to have everyone back at the plant in time for my last shift.”
12:09
I’ll walk the last bit in silence, watching the cliff.
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"Alright, got the ropes here. Who's going to climb it?
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-19 11:53 PM
“I’ll go.”
23:54
I put the drone down and start wrapping the rope around my chest and waist.
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The cliff stones are cold this far into the canyon. “Alright. Handhold. Foothold. You’ve got this”
00:31
The rope goes taunt as you begin to climb
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-19 02:39 AM
Climbing, using the pistons as a guide up the cliff, attaching the rope as I go.
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(Exert/str or con. Your call)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-19 04:05 PM
(6)
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Hand over hand you climb though it slaps your strength from your body. Evening dawns when you finally reach the top, arms and legs burning from exhaustion.
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-19 11:21 PM
At the top I’ll lay right on the edge and have a look around to make sure it’s safe to have a rest.
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You see endless desert around you. A corporate drone flock is very high and very distant. It’s clear they haven’t seen you
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Stev Andisom 12-Jun-19 06:15 AM
I’ll rest there until my arms and legs stop shaking then hitch up the rope and head back down.
06:17
At the bottom I’ll make a show of stumbling and not being steady on my feet.
06:18
“If I had a hat it would be off to you for doing that climb without a rope Echo. What a way to find out I’m not as fit as I thought I was.”
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"It was do or die, and you did. Get some dinner, get some rest. Rose swiped some good MRE's from corpsec,
13:47
(so you;ve got a discrete way out into the desert now (3xp, 5000 credits)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jun-19 01:57 PM
(Nice! Time to level up! Woo!)
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(awesome! once you're done we'll move along!)
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During the night. the rest of the detail begins ferrying goods up above for you, and a small discrete shelter is set up with some stones, and dust-stained canvas. Echo and Rose, along with their crew, have evidently done this before once or twice. The corporate drone flocks either can't see, or choose not to come out this far from the city.
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-19 11:29 AM
(Sorry mate, it’s been a really shit couple of days. Slowly getting better now but it’s been fucked. M)
11:30
(I’ll update the sheet online tomorrow and hopefully this migraine will be gone by then.)
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(sounds good!)
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:06 AM
(Okay, I've taken Pilot to 0, made my Str 8 so I don't have a disadvantage there any more and saved the last skill point for next time.)
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(Perfect!)
04:06
You feel a bit more swole having climbed the rock face and assembled your covert camp at the top
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:07 AM
(I am buff, like David Hasselhoff!)
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“So I’ve got a few small sites where we may be able to find some like minded folks. I know a big rescue effort was done but surely they didn’t get everyone”
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:11 AM
"I watched people running the other way as I was getting lifted so as long as they wren't rounded up they will be out here somewhere."
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“We should focus around water or any of the pumping stations out here. Surely we will find a community there”
04:12
“Let’s keep our wits about ourselves”
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:12 AM
"Best bet would be to stay close to here for now and work our way out. The drone should be able to give us an advantage if I can keep it in the air for longer than a minute this time."
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“Fewer eyes out here and a longer response time if you do have bad luck. We shouldn’t have any trouble
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:14 AM
"I'd say we start with the free standing water. Those pumping stations could still be in use, we don't have the numbers yet for a stand up fight with CorpSec and we really don't want to approach possible allies dressed as the enemy."
04:16
(Still struggling with my AC. It's meant to be 16+Sunblade level+DEX. Do I just make my unarmoured higher?)
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(If you go down to the bottom where it has the psioncis levels there’s another tab where you can update the sunblade level. It should be all unarmored yeah but see if updating it there changes it
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:26 AM
(Didn't change anything so I'll just do it manually. All good.)
04:27
(Also, going to start adding skills points to that Sunblade skill level, so the 1 I saved is going there instead.)
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(Sounds good)
04:31
“Right. Recon first. Get to see what’s around. First light then? I’ll take first watch. You’re off tonight. You climbed
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:33 AM
"I climbed yesterday. I'm going to put the drone up and see if we get any spots of light appearing, giving us a direction to head tomorrow."
04:33
"Then I'll sleep... mum."
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 04:45 AM
I'll give Echo a light punch in the arm as I go over to where I put the drone and start assembling it before it gets dark.
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The drone only takes about an hour to get together and test since its repairs, it seems to be functioning normally again
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 03:29 PM
I’ll wait till the sun is down before sending it up.
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The sun sets, and the desert insects, and small predators begin waking up. The drone engine, quiet, begins cycling up
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-19 11:58 PM
“Echo, Rose, you mind watching the screen for anything I might miss? Also need one of you to write down locations if we do happen to spot something we want to check out tomorrow.”
00:00
I’ll check the cameras and infra-red again before it goes up.
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They both do exactly that, and the camera systems look to be working properly. Rose has a notebook out with a sharp drawing pencil, ready to sketch a map.
17:00
She is already working out the compass orientation and scale
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-19 12:23 AM
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Thank you for joining us today on flight 305 from trackless waste. This will be a sightseeing trip so if you were hoping to escape this hell you might be a little surprised when we land.”
00:23
I goose the throttle a little to get the drone airborne and glance at Echo to see if he has a sense of humour.
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Take a re roll for making me laugh
00:25
The vehicle rises to its service altitude. And begins mapping the surroundings (notice wis)
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-19 12:26 AM
(lol thanks)
00:27
8 for the roll
00:28
(My daughter and I make each other laugh with stupid shit like that whenever we get into the car. We do the whole announcement but with crazy stuff like monkeys being the baggage handlers and throwing the fragile stuff around, or the air stewards having first dibs on any carry-ons that are left behind.) (edited)
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(Hahahahahaha) A small cookfire is burning merrily 5km from your position. A couple hour walk across the desert
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-19 03:13 PM
Ghostwalker drone has a 5km range so I’d like to bring it closer to the cookfire, perhaps halfway there?
15:14
I’d also like to flick through the UV/IR settings on the observation gear once it’s on station to see what other info I can pick up.
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there are three figures sitting by the fire, one of them is cooking something over it.
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-19 06:34 AM
I’ll make the drone do a circuit at about the 2.5km range around our camp, using both UV/IR and the visible light cameras to check it out before I take 1 last look at the camp from the air to make sure our own position is secure as possible.
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You don't see anything that would be a threat to you, likewise the camp you are observing has not moved, or displayed hostile intent. They seem unaware of you
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-19 03:01 PM
Is our camp concealed well enough that I find it hard to pick out?
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If you did not already know where it was, because you're sitting there, you would likely have overlooked it.
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-19 03:12 AM
Excellent. I’ll bring the drone back in then go over the map Rose drew to pick out our plan of action.
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Their camp is out in the open, signaling these are probably amatuers and not anything to actually be afraid of. As long as you don't spook them, Rose think's you'll be okay, and Echo agrees
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-19 11:01 AM
“I want to be moving before it gets too hot. I’m thinking we want a small group to go, only me and 1 other to go all the way in to their camp, but with Rose on her rifle and someone to spot for her we’d have backup.”
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“So three total, one watcher, and two meeting the camp”
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-19 09:24 PM
“Four, so Rose has some company out there.”
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“Alright. Let’s be off then”
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-19 09:28 PM
(And we go!!)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-19 09:39 PM
(Actually...)
21:41
“Now? It’s dark and you need your beauty sleep. Get some rest and I’ll make sure to wake you before we leave.”
21:41
I grin at Echo.
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Rose blushes a bit, but curls up in the corner of the shelter, asleep before long (edited)
22:16
Echo is assembling something like an advanced telescope, tying some thin cloth over the glass
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-19 12:14 AM
“You should get some rest too Echo. If anyone needs extra beauty sleep it’s you.” (edited)
00:17
I’ll leave him to do whatever it is he is doing and get some sleep myself.
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You awaken a short while before you’d planned to head out. The others are also stirring
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-19 02:53 AM
Something quick to eat and a check of the gear before we go.
02:54
“Rose, pick a spotter and follow us at whatever distance you think is safe. I guess Echo is with me? C’mon big fella, we got a hike ahead of us.”
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-19 05:00 AM
While they get themselves organised I remember that I have to contact Marcion so I do that just outside the camp. @opscomm
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(Alright. Let’s do that first)
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(Would this be when they were above the planet still doing recon?)
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-19 11:34 AM
(June 4. Something about contacting you with coordinates once I was outside the city. “There have been some updates.”)
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(Was asking neko about the time frame)
12:36
(Cause if it is happening with the rest of the game, it will change what he is going to say)
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(It would be when you were still doing recon. After this mission we are going to skip some time to get back on pace
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The line crackles a bit as the connection is established "Marcion here, you okay Stev?"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-19 06:49 PM
“Hi Marcion, I’m doing fine. Just established a secure spot inside and a jumping off spot outside. How’s things going at your end?”
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"We have been doing some scouting of the planet. I have some locations I need you to scout and people to get in contact with. There is a heavy weapons depot meant for rapid reaction to land invasions, I need you to do some ground level recon of the base. It is heavily fortified, so be careful. A secondary objective is to establish some kind of back channel communications with Nova Heavy, specifically to facilitate sabotage of Corpsec communications between them and the rest of the planet. Having Nova heavy as a launching point for any potential invasion would be an asset, but again this is a secondary objective. Focus on the armory first. We will be scouting other cities around the planet, so support from us will be unreliable. I'll send you the data we have on Nova Heavy now and the armory once we get there. Will consist mostly of imagery along with some traffic patterns."
20:24
(The armory was the second place he visited I think, not sure though.)
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(Yeah it was)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-19 01:55 AM
“No worries. Happy hunting.”
01:57
I’ll wait for confirmation that the connection is terminated before stopping it from my end.
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The connection fades and the compad screen goes dark at the termination of the call
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-19 05:29 AM
“And now the real work begins. Echo! Get your arse moving!”
05:31
(Thanks @opscomm !)
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(Np)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-19 03:12 PM
As an aside, I mutter to myself: “I should have gotten them to drop a care package for me. Surely they’d have a spare rifle or two.”
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The connection faded, you return to the matter at hand. "Lets advance then, slowly"
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-19 11:16 PM
“So, Echo... I was thinking... we need secure comms for times like these, when we can’t talk to Rose because she’s on overwatch duty and we need her to pull our arses out of the fire. Any suggestions?”
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“We have them already. That’s what your friend Ricardo helped us with”
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-19 11:18 PM
“Really? Nice! Here I was worrying and you guys had already done the dirty work.”
23:19
“In that case, I just spoke with the powers that be and they need some assistance in getting things moving. They want us to scout some armoury and contact Nova Heavy. I’ll download the details when we get back.” (edited)
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(Nova heavy is the other city on that continent, the ones who are pro-unw)
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-19 12:26 AM
(Cool. Makes sense that I’d probably know that too. Thanks for the heads up. 😝)
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“Are we calling off contacting that group out there then?” (We still haven’t investigated the campfire folk)
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-19 12:29 AM
“Hells no! We just have things to do after, that’s all.”
00:32
“Besides which, if we can get these folks vetted and squared away we’ll have more hands for doing the next set of things, like finding more folk.”
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They agree and begin moving off across the deser
03:15
“Quiet? Or do we call out?0
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-19 03:58 AM
“We call out. Don’t want a scared civilian shooting us and the bigger the range between the harder it should be to hit us. We make sure Rose is ready before anything.”
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"Alright, after you then"
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-19 05:42 PM
I nod and take a deep breath before shouting out: “Hello the camp! Don’t shoot, don’t shoot. Not CorpSec or anything like.”
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"Who are you then!?" one shouts, eyes trying to adjust to the darkness but ruined by the firelight
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-19 10:50 PM
“Someone in the same situation as you. Me and my friend just want to talk.”
22:52
I take a few steps closer.
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“talk about what? Sounds like corpsec trickery”
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 01:28 AM
“How the fuck you’ve survived out here for a start! This place is a nightmare that I’d pay to wake up from.”
01:29
To Echo: “Can you see the others? Damn, should have had eyes on before we started.”
01:30
To the camp: “We saw your fire. Figured CorpSec wouldn’t advertise like that if they were out here. More likely they’d just flatten the place or come in with guns blazing.” (edited)
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"Maybe. They tend not go beyond the city much. not for just one or two of us"
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 03:53 AM
“Is that how you do it? What about food and stuff?”
03:54
I’ll walk closer, towards the edge of the light.
03:56
“Don’t you miss your family, friends? Do you think about getting back to them?”
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"I don't know if they're alive or not, but I keep close to the city, hoping to hear"
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 06:15 AM
I’ll walk into the light, hoping Echo is fairly close by but not at my heels.
06:16
“I hope for the same thing. I hope that everyone like us gets a chance to be with their loved ones again, without the threat of CorpSec hit squads hanging over us all.”
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“Your accent. You were Draconis, once?”
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 03:38 PM
“Draconis? Nah, but I knew some of them poor buggers, out there fighting against the bastards that dropped me on the trash heap.”
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"Same as us. Well, same as what we hope to do"
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 04:14 PM
“You looking to fight back? Fast way to get yourself killed, ‘less you’ve got an army in your pocket.”
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"Not an army, but I know a place where you might find some sympathetic ears. I'm heading back there myself in the morning. I jsut needed a night away from people"
16:18
"My family, today is two years since corpsec killed them. Needed some time to think"
16:19
You see an empty bottle of liquor and a handgun sitting near the small rock he is sitting on
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Stev Andisom 26-Jun-19 11:34 PM
I look around for signs that there was actually 3 people here at some stage.
23:35
“So this place isn’t far then? Isn’t it kinda rough hiding this close to the city?”
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“I’ve got ways of making sure im not seen. Myself and my friends. Of course”
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Stev Andisom 27-Jun-19 03:08 AM
“Maybe we can be of use to each other. Name’s Stev.”
03:09
I smile at the guy and hold out my hand for a handshake.
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You feel an all encompassing cold as you come into contact with one another, but only for as long as your hands are clasped
04:11
“Janus” the man says. “Pleasure to meet you”
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Stev Andisom 27-Jun-19 05:07 AM
“Mind if my friend comes and joins us? He’s not talkative but he’s a good person to have nearby when the bullets start flying.”
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“Of course. Bring them on out
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Stev Andisom 27-Jun-19 09:53 AM
“Echo, pull up a bit of dirt and say something. Janus hasn’t bitten me yet.”
09:56
“You don’t bite, do you?”
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“Not unless you ask nicely” Echo makes himself know. “Ello there”
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Stev Andisom 27-Jun-19 04:41 PM
I grin at Echo and nod to a point opposite me so we can keep an eye out behind each other.
16:42
“Get comfy. Janus here says that when it’s daylight he’ll take us to some folk he knows that might want to fight back.”
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The team heads over, settling in, and when daylight breaks, He stands. "THere's a cave system not far from here, built into a rocky dunefield. There are 12 of us, we have some decent equipment. There was an armored grav train that was destroyed not very far from here- some months ago.You'll never guess what it was packed with:
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Stev Andisom 28-Jun-19 12:05 AM
(Did everyone from my camp come over or is it his friends that joined us?)
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(Everyone is there from both sides now that is appears safe)
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Stev Andisom 28-Jun-19 12:07 AM
(Okay, cool! 😎)
00:12
“I’m going to say it wasn’t jewellery or you would have bribed your way out of here by now. Maybe... armed vehicles? Explosives?? A zoo full of animals?”
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“Heavy weapons, shear rifles, armor, enough rations to eat for months”
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Stev Andisom 28-Jun-19 04:40 AM
“Enough to start something big. How the hell did they lose it?”
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“UNW raiders destroyed the train, contents scattered all over the place. We grabbed everything we could that wasn’t nailed down before corpsec arrived”
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-19 05:40 AM
“UNW are still here? Last I heard they had pulled out because the corps were too organised and house Draconis was wiped out.”
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“They’re not now. Like I said. Raiders. They just kicked over the train and looted what they could before flying off. They never stay long. Black ops and all”
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-19 10:07 AM
“Ah k. Hit and run tactics. Must have worked if they hit the train and you had a chance to get in there after them before CorpSec arrived.”
10:08
I’ll stand and take a look out over the wasteland.
10:12
“Janus, I was dragged out by UNW as the remnants of Draconis fought a rearguard to give us time to get the civilians off planet...”
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"Oh, they're on our side." he admits wearily "But they're on their own side, more than anything. But, that's government for you, I suppose"
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-19 02:18 AM
“Well... I’m back because of them. They have given me some support, pointed me towards Echo and his team and asked me to find out some things while I try to bring together some sort of underground.”
02:21
I glance his way to see how he reacts.
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"I think we might be able to help each other out" he says "I've practically been throwing myself at you if you haven;t noticed"
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-19 06:30 AM
“I’m sure we can, just wanted to make sure you knew that I have some strings attached.”
06:30
I turn to face him. “You knew all that before I said it, didn’t you?”
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"I made some educated guesses. Would you like to come back and meat some of the other corporate floatsam that's made its way to me?
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-19 12:55 AM
“Sure, why the fuck not. Let’s see what we can accomplish when we’re all working from the same plans.”
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This seems to please him greatly and he puts out the fire he is sitting in front of. "It's a couple hours walk across the sand and rocks, buit we've got a nice little hideaway. Cool, comfortable, well stocked. Sometimes its hard to leave"
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-19 01:40 AM
“We’ve set up a hide at the top of the canyon outside the city. It’s not much but it can serve as a stopping point if anyone needs to go to the city or if we’re bringing people out.”
01:41
I remember about the message from Marcion.
01:41
“Janus, do you know anyone in Heavy Nova?”
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"Nova heavy? I bribe one of their gate sergeants and his men now and again to let me come in and get drunk, when business takes me into the neighborhood, but otherwise no heavy movers and shakers"
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-19 01:48 AM
“That’s a way in though. Thinking of getting drunk any time soon? Got an armory to recon first but the UNW folks want me to get in touch with Nova Heavy to facilitate their assistance. Seems they’re fairly pro-UNW and I must look like an ambassador or something.”
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“We could get drunk” he agrees “for today though we rest. Follow me”
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-19 03:16 AM
“Rose, take Echo and watch our six. Give us ten and then catch up, just in case anyone is out there watching.”
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The group moves out per your orders and begins a long trek across the desert. Three hours later you come to a rocky outcrop in the desert that is distinct due to the fallen column lying across it. Some sort of multicolored sandstone spire once stood here but erosion has knocked it down. A rusted red metal hatch the same color as the stone around it is set into the ground
04:45
Your new friend raps on it with his knuckle three times
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-19 07:21 AM
“I guess the mail service is pretty sporadic. Nice landmark to aim for though. Any surprises for unwanted visitors we should know about?”
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"Not out here. Might have jackals late at night or early in the morning but unless they're rabid theyll keave tyou alone"
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-19 01:05 AM
“No CorpSec visitors at all? Geez, this is sounding more and more like paradise.”
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-19 04:07 AM
I’ll stand with Rose for a few moments. “You doing okay as our sniper?”
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"I think so. Seems easy enough" The hatch opens, revealing a rusted metal staricase heading down into a cavern
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-19 11:23 PM
"Good. If you want to pick a permanent spotter, go ahead and do that, then start teaching them the job of spotting and shooting. When we got trained, first thing we learned was redundancy. Can't remember the second. Maybe someone else learned it."
23:23
I wink at Rose and then head down the staircase.
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The group heads down into the hold where you hear some faint music coming in over a radio. Eight other men and women, all human, share the space, a few working on weapons, one lounging, and others looking over some maps with clipboards
01:59
The cavern is long with a rounded roof, a few feet taller than everyone's heads, and lit by glowbugs
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-19 05:27 AM
“Honey, I’m home.”
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-19 07:33 AM
(Is this the inside of built structure, a man-made tunnel or a natural cave?)
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The cave is natrual, but carved and smoothed by hand. There are joists in a few places to help better support the roof
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Stev Andisom 04-Jul-19 04:34 AM
(Cool. Is it somewhere I could have been before when I lived on this planet or is it a totally different continent, somewhere I would never have been close to?)
04:35
I’ll have a look at the people sitting around to see if I recognise any of them or if they are wearing any identifying markings.
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(totally different)
13:24
You catch a few medals here and there with draconis imagery. The rest just seem like corp rejects turned rebel
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Stev Andisom 05-Jul-19 01:42 AM
I have a look at the guns that they are cleaning, check out the facilities, generally have a sticky beak.
01:43
“Definitely a great setup here Janus. Far enough away from the Corps with all the comforts of home.”
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“You’ve come at the right time. Things weren’t always this comfortable. Still. It’s nice bowl
02:02
“Now. We should also spend this time figuring out our next move. You mentioned something about nova heavy?”
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Stev Andisom 05-Jul-19 06:38 AM
“Yeah. My UNW handler wants me to contact someone inside Heavy Nova to facilitate interruption of communication between their city and CorpSec... and I guess the other cities. Cut the city off from the militaries of other cities.”
06:38
“They also want me to get the lay of the land of an armoury that they want to hit too, but as far as I’m aware that’s not in Nova.”
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“It isn’t. That’s correct. Well, nova heavy. We can probably make that our first stop. Easier of the two. I’ve got a skiff that you and I can take. Maybe let’s have your team get some rest”
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Stev Andisom 05-Jul-19 06:36 PM
“I’m sure they would appreciate that and you are looking very thirsty. Just a sec...”
18:38
“Echo! Looks like I’m going to Nova Heavy with Janus for a drink and to sow chaos for the Corps. You play nice with his folks till I get back.”
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"Alright, I'll see you when you're back. I'll see what we can do about getting some things here in working order"
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-19 12:15 AM
“Sounds good. Might be an idea to get a line on our hidden camp from here and setting up some sort of communication between the two so we can use it and stay in touch when we go back.”
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"Certainly something they can work on while we're afield:
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-19 03:07 PM
“Well, let’s get moving. I’ll bring the cash for the first drink and the bribe to get us in.”
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“I’ll get the grav skiff loaded up. When you exit the tunnel there’s another rock formation about 100m away to the right. I’ll be getting the skimner ready to go”
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-19 03:31 PM
“Need me to do anything to help with that? Getting a stack of creds isn’t time consuming.”
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-19 03:38 PM
I help carry whatever needs to be carried to the skimmer and get organised. I’ll give Rose the drone to play with.
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(thata all he was going to aks you to do anyway) the skimmer is an open topped grav skiff with side rails and a small enclosed crew cabin. There is a narrow below deck for sleeping and more secure storage. The prisoner cage at the bow isnt lost on you
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-19 04:47 PM
“So, you bring home dates in this, huh?”
16:48
I chuckle at my own joke and sit in the crew cabin with my bag between my feet on the floor.
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"Little meet and greets with the neighbors" he winks, and you feel the craft lift slightly as the grav engine warms up
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-19 12:41 AM
“This guy you bribe to get into the city, he going to have issues with me being here as well?”
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"He shouldn't. Just means his take is bigger. Never had problems with him before"
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-19 07:53 AM
“Good. Don’t want to make this any more difficult than it already is.”
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-19 08:27 AM
“What about taking weapons in? I’ve got my pistol, nothing crazy or exotic, but I don’t want to go unarmed.”
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"They won't have a problem with that. The wasteland is a dangerous place. Well, if youre ready I'll fire up my little grocery-getter here and we'll be off"
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-19 03:52 PM
“Ready. Let’s get to drinkin’”
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The craft powers up, and the tan and brown tarp keeping it concealed is thrown back. It skims off across the desert. Rocks and dust fly past, as the powerful engine carries you toward Nova Heavy. "So once we get inside, we'll make for the bar, sniff around and see what we can find out."
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-19 04:52 PM
“Sounds good. You know the locals, so if you could point me I. The right direction I’d appreciate it.”
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The skiff crosses the desert over the day, and into the evening, before coming on the walled settlement of Nova Heavy. Some of the walls and a few of the high rise buildings inside have been patched with parts clearly taken from slain sandworms. An echelon of three Nova Heavy Industries specialist mechs is patrolling nearby, and briefly exchange hails with you. Janus clearly knows what to do, transmitting an apparently adequate reply signal, and they hold their fire.
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There’s a brief conversation at the gate as promised and a credit stick changed hands. He allows the skiff inside without much of a second glance
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Stev Andisom 09-Jul-19 12:55 PM
“Well, that was quick and painless. Anything else on your mind other than a drink?”
12:58
I take a look at my compad to see if the info about who I’m meant to contact has downloaded.
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(I think the goal was to try to get some support, I don't remember what MArcion's actual objective for you coming here was, its been so long)
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(The goal was to make contact with them and try to get some level of unofficial dialogue going so we could have a safe landing spot when we eventually come to help draconis take back the planet)
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(THanks)
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-19 03:02 AM
(Now my skills as a talker come into play. Fantastic!)
03:04
(I have a 0 to talking. Go team!)
03:04
😝
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“Let’s make for the bar. Get some social grease going, and then we can send word we want to meet the contact. Sound good?”
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-19 03:42 AM
“Sounds as good a plan as any. I want to check out any tech the markets here have after the meeting, but we should get the important shit done first. Drink, meet, shop.”
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He takes you into a saloon which has been rebuilt with some rib bones from a sand worm and whatever corrugated metal scraps can fit between them. A trio of mech jockeys sit in one corner playing cards. The rest of the tables and bar stools here are taken up with workers and a few middle management too junior to get into the more elite establishment. Some kind of blood sport is on tv and the whole room is bathed in blue neon
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-19 07:17 AM
“Shit, is that the Captain Cannibal match on tv? I haven’t had a chance to see what all the fuss is about but he’s got fans.”
07:19
I’ll take a seat at the bar and order 2 drinks, whatever I remember as the standard.
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It is indeed captain cannibal, taking a large bite from someone's neck, and driving them to the ground
13:44
Two dirty glasses of an equally murky antifreeze/caster oil compound are set out onto the bar for you, tall and generously filled.
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-19 03:12 PM
I pay the barkeep and slide one to Janus.
15:13
“This game live or a replay?” I ask the barkeep.
15:13
Then I’ll check out the other occupants of the bar while I listen to his reply (if any).
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"Last night's but the transmission only got circulated today... there's been lots of issues with corpsec transmissions lately"
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-19 09:18 AM
“Bastards couldn’t organise themselves in a brothel with a pocketful of cred sticks. Least it’s out before the masses started to riot. Keep them from their fun too long and they’ll likely see trouble.”
09:19
“Jay, did we have anything riding on this fight? Can’t remember where we’re at with the pool.”
09:20
(Bluff, making it sound like a normal thing and hoping Janus goes with it.)
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"Not this one. Didn't like the odds. Was that or drink" Janus replies The bartender smiles warmly as he rubs down the metal surface of the bar, appreciating your custom. "Long way from home are you folks? "he asks
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-19 04:01 PM
“Kinda. Depends on what you mean by home. Between places at the moment in a very real sense, but as long as I’ve got a place to drink and a place to sleep I’m happy.”
16:01
To Janus: “I wondered why we had drinking money this week.”
16:02
I’ll keep an eye on the tv and wince when something particularly gruesome happens.
16:03
“Bloody good thing we didn’t bet. Wouldn’t have been our week.”
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"Not his week either" osmeone laughs from a corner of the bar, as one of the contestants is beheaded by another, with a power saw attached to the end of a gauntlet
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-19 04:06 PM
“That’s for damn sure! What a mess!”
16:08
“Jay, where did those blokes say they would be? I’m getting a hankering to put some money down on the bloke with the glove-saw thing. You know who I mean? The ones the people upstairs said I should go see instead of our usual guy.”
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"Meeting with management? Must be important. They don't usually spend their time with outsiders. They didnt give you any kind of directions either, did they? " he snorts. "Fucking typical. There's a conference room upstairs here. Head on up once you've finished enjoying yourself. I'll send for the Nova Heavy business relations officers"
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-19 11:56 PM
“No directions, no actual contact, just vague words left via a friend. Thanks for the help!”
23:57
I’ll finish the drink and head upstairs.
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You hear him mutter something about “typical executive fuckery” as you climb the stairs and he gets on the phone. Ten minutes later you see a dark ground car pull up to the front of the building
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Stev Andisom 12-Jul-19 03:10 AM
I’ll check my pistol is ready but holstered and watch who gets out of the car.
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A business man and two combat armored bodyguards get out, one taking station at the outside door and the other the bottom of the stairs up from inside. You can hear their heavy tread. The business suited one of the pack begins making his way up, his footsteps also loud on the metal decking
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Stev Andisom 12-Jul-19 04:35 AM
I’ll take a seat until I see the door opening and then stand as he enters the room.
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He does, cautiously, his own weapon drawn. He makes eye contact with you. "Hey, alright I think we can dispense with the weapons then, don't you think?:
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Stev Andisom 12-Jul-19 05:23 PM
(Mine is holstered already. Just wanted to make sure it was still good and someone hasn’t tampered with it somehow without me noticing.)
17:24
“As long as your not about to draw down and drill me with that piece we should be okay. If you do it might sour the conversation.”
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(He had one out, and was realizing he was over-prepared)
17:54
"No no. That's why I'm here. I'm sick of needing to walk around carrying something like this. I will cut right to it, we both have a lot to do. I hear you're working with a group who might be able to restore some kind of sane, natural order around here"
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-19 02:18 AM
“That’s the plan. They’re worried about being able to find somewhere to land their pretty ships and unload their well-trained killers to bring about that sanity we both want.”
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“As long as nova heavy is out of it. I’ll gladly hand over the keys. So to get at the heart of it, what can Nova heavy do to ensure this day comes
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-19 06:30 AM
“From what I understand, give them somewhere to land and help them with disrupting their comms and they’ll handle the rest. Of course, any help you could provide on the ground to us little guys would be appreciated but that’d be between you and me. The communications is what they’re worried about the most.”
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“We are just as reliant on the corporate net for comms ourselves. With you or with anyone. If you’re looking at some kind of hack job you’d need to bring in computer specialists for this. We would host if you could guarantee our security”
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-19 06:28 PM
“I’ll have to get back to you on that. I’m only the messenger for that particular issue. Having said that, as you’re already using the corporate net... is there a way around it, being able to use the net without being tracked or recorded?”
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“Not with that omnipresence matrix out in the desert. It’s heavily defended but if you take that down we can get into all kinds of electronic fuckery”
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-19 01:29 AM
“That should be our first target then. Take that down and let the games begin!”
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“Automated defenses there are nasty. Corp knows it’s value too. Going to take more than just a couple plucky rebels to crack the place”
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-19 05:55 AM
“Let me get in touch with the decision makers and we can see what they will provide to make this a bit easier.”
05:55
(Can I contact Marcion from here without it being traced?)
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(You wouldn’t be able to know for sure)
05:57
(You know corpsec has a panopticon and it’s powerful but not what it’s capabilities are)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-19 07:58 AM
I pull out the compad and see what his reaction is when he realises I’m going to turn it on right here.
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He looks very nervous, and takes a pace back toward the door
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-19 12:18 AM
“Okay, I’ll wait till later for that. You contactable from here when I know what they can do to help?”
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"I am. They'll let me know within moments if you come to be bar. I'll let the gate know not to trouble you when you come back"
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-19 12:51 AM
“That’ll make life easier. Thanks.”
00:51
I stand up and hold out my hand for a handshake.
00:52
“I’m Stev.”
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"Brise" he says, returning the shake. "You risked quite a bit making your way out here. Nova Heavy is with you, and if you won't do it for me, then on behalf of my people....we heard about Creusa. Don't treat us like a people under occupation when you do finally arrive"
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-19 04:20 AM
“I’m one of you, dragged out by my collar when Draconis fell. After some time licking my wounds I met an influential bunch of people and I’m back to help our people get rid of the Megacorps. If the UNW thinks they can take over where the Corps left off we will use their own weapons against them.”
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-19 08:00 AM
“We want to get out from under the Corps thumb. The UNW has offered to help. As far as I understand it, they aren’t interested in continuing the subjugation of our people. A free society is able to move around, bringing expertise and exporting goods to all the corners of the known universe. That’s what I’ve seen from them, the desire to let people do what they can, as long as it doesn’t impact others negatively. If you step over that line, like the Corps have, they act like a parent and give you a kick up the arse. Seems pretty fair to me.”
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"Seems fair to me too. Take out the panopticon, and communications will be more secure. That's going to require quite an investment though. Heavy armor, for sure"
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-19 04:54 PM
“I’ll see what they can provide for that challenge and get back to you. Thanks for your time and your trust Brise.”
16:55
I’ll put my compad away and stand up, pushing my chair under the table and heading towards the door.
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He heads out first, a sign of trust by showing his back to you. "I appreciate you risking yourself and coming all the way out here. You're the first one we've had true contact with who has the means to bakc it up"
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Stev Andisom 17-Jul-19 01:49 AM
“Any time. Just hope my backers can help out big time with this first push.”
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“There’s a rumor I heard that house draconis and some of its battle armors made it off world. If you bring them back, they’ll have supporters”
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Stev Andisom 17-Jul-19 02:29 AM
“That’ll be bloody helpful. I wonder where they’ve been stashed. Can’t say I heard anything offworld about it but I wasn’t moving in the right circles until about 15 minutes before I came back.”
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(Theyre in rebirth)
03:22
"It's a learning experience. Make contact with them, see what other support you can get. If you land here, you'll have our mechs, and the might of Nova Heavy, but you've got to do something to keep the corporations from coming at us all at once"
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Stev Andisom 17-Jul-19 08:44 AM
“Any way we can sneak your gear out into the wasteland to join up with the UNW?”
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"Mechs are going to be pretty hard to hide. When you land here, we're going to enter a part of the conflict where we're going to be done with most of the sneaking around. Still, 20 mechs, are a force to be reckoned with, especially with whatever Draconis can land, and those that will flock to their banner"
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Stev Andisom 18-Jul-19 06:22 AM
“Tunnels... are their water or waste tunnels that aren’t in use any more under the city? That’s how we got out unseen and there may be a way for troops to leave as well.”
06:27
“If the tunnels are big enough... shit, I need to talk to an engineer. We might be able to get the mechs out without anyone realising. Then it’s just a new paint job to disguise them and no-one is the wiser.”
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(tunnels aren't big enough, even the light mechs are like 5-7m tall, and the super-heavy mech that Draconis uses as their command unit is the size of a skyscraper)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jul-19 12:19 AM
(Yeah, that’s not going to work. Scratch that idea.)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jul-19 12:29 AM
(Please consider the most recent things said discarded.)
00:35
“We can work with what we’ve got if the UNW can get the Draconis lads and their gear here. Thanks again Brise.”
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“Thank me when Rawhani is free. We have been laboring under an inefficient and cruel business model for far too long”
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Stev Andisom 19-Jul-19 06:15 AM
I nod in agreement and head downstairs to Janus. “All done for now Jay. We need to send a message upstairs to get the ball rolling so if we can find somewhere isolated and quiet I can make the call.”
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(6xp, 10000 credits)
14:57
Jay brings you to a small booth in a quieter section of the bar, and stands guard a few paces away, looking outward, while you get to communicating
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-19 02:40 AM
(Can I contact Echo from here?)
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(Yeah you can)
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-19 03:02 AM
(Thanks)
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-19 03:10 AM
To Echo: “Greetings from the other side. Hope the underworld is treating you well. We need to talk to heaven, get some of our old friends back with their big toys. Confirm receipt and understanding of request.”
03:15
To Jay: “They want to join us but they need us to knock out the comms monitoring first. Asked if the Draconis mechs could be dropped to do the assault. Fingers crossed the UNW can make it happen.”
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(I think this is going to be a good time to head back so you can make the unity meeting and maybe talk to House draconis yourself)
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(Can someone from intelligence debrief him before the meeting, not rpd, but just so Marcion and Co arent learning this stuff at the same time as everyone else)
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(rpd?)
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(Rp'd)
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(lets wait and see what he wants to do first, let him make his own choices)
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(Ok)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jul-19 12:59 PM
To Janus: “Nothing from Echo. Let’s head back to the others and I’ll contact the others from there, as long as it’s safe to relay messages to space from your place?”
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“It should be. Keep it short. We have been gone a while anyway they’re going to get worried soon”
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Stev Andisom 21-Jul-19 03:53 PM
“I’m worried. Why wouldn’t Echo answer?”
15:53
I stand and give the bartender a wave as I head toward to door.
15:54
(Quick cut back to the base or would that skip something that has to happen?)
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(We can cut back to base, i thought you were sending her a message so i was waiting for you to post it)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jul-19 12:12 AM
(To Echo? I did, just before I told Janus what was discussed in the meeting.)
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(I didnt see it)
00:13
(My bad)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jul-19 12:15 AM
(All good.)
00:15
(We can play it off as a comms outage. 😉)
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The message replies that base is fine but if we need to talk to house draconis we will need to go back to Gudrun
03:01
Mechs and their landers are unstealthy by nature. With the Remnant occupation coming to an end there may finally be the soldiers available
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Stev Andisom 22-Jul-19 03:05 AM
“Let’s go back and figure out what we need from the UNW. If I have to give them a list we should have the whole thing planned out to give them something to work from.”
03:06
“And like any government or business, we start with the best and they chop it away till we have a framework that works for everyone.”
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(Definitely something we can talk about in the unity meeting that’s getting going. You’ve always had free reign to speak. You’re a player)
03:11
(I know there’s a few others who are def invested in that goal)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jul-19 04:53 AM
( 👍 )
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(Alright, so i think the meeting has about run its course. If you want to head back to Gudrun to start getting Draconis involved, we can do that)
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Stev Andisom 25-Jul-19 07:26 PM
(Sounds good.)
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Stev spends several days after pickup cleaning the dust of Rawhani from himself, his clothing, and his gear (anyone else coming with you?) . but eventually the only place red dust seems to collect is under the finger nails .
19:44
The ship arrives over Gudrun, getting you to a comm terminal to make the unity meeting via telepresence, just in time.
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Stev Andisom 26-Jul-19 01:22 AM
(If I could please bring Rose that would be cool. Echo can liaise onworld and Rose can be my eyewitness.)
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(Yeah works for me)
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Stev Andisom 26-Jul-19 01:23 AM
The meeting happens and I say the stuff. As it winds up I leave the terminal and go looking for Rose.
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Rose is near the meeting room, not wanting to be parted for too long. The two of you managed to stay alive on Rawhani together, and a kinship of sorts seems to be developing. She falls into step behind you "How do you think it went?"
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Stev Andisom 26-Jul-19 03:08 PM
“It’s going to a bloody committee, but we’re used to that sort of bureaucratic nonsense, right?”
15:14
“Of course, we get to go and speak to the Draconis mob, let them know what’s happening, then we wait.”
15:17
“You know any good jokes? You may need them to help pass the time while the committee figures out which way is up.”
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She snorts with laughter. "It's not all bad. But you're right, lets head down to Rebirth and go see them."
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-19 05:25 AM
“To Rebirth!”
05:26
“Geez, that sounds awful.”
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There is a train that runs south from Gudrun to the town of rebirth, home to the UNW psychic lab and the knighthold of house draconis. The train itself looks modern, electrical powered and elevating above the mag trails on gently humming engines
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-19 05:52 AM
“Nice train. We should get one of these on Rawhani to link the cities up once we’re in control. Well, more than one, obviously.”
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-19 07:04 AM
Once we’re seated I’ll check to see who else is in the carriage.
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There are a number of people on it heading south though not as many as the ones heading west. These look to be a collection of miners, a few lab types, and a few bookish looking clerks, all returning with their tools or sheafs of data pads. One figure sits alone, sleeveless tunic showing a dragon tattoo high on the right arm
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Stev Andisom 28-Jul-19 12:14 AM
“Fantastic. Rose, let’s go say hi to our new best friend.”
00:16
I give her a grin and stand up, moving leisurely down the carriage till I am across from the person with the dragon tattoo.
00:16
“‘Scuse me, you going to Rebirth?”
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“I am. I need to return and make a report to my house’s lord. Are you heading south too?”0
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Stev Andisom 28-Jul-19 01:55 AM
“I am yeah, with my friend Rose. We only hit atmosphere a few hours ago so we have no idea what we’re heading into. Any advice for first time visitors to the city?”
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“Not much to do unless you work in the@mines or for the lab. Rebirth is a pretty business first kind of place”
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Stev Andisom 28-Jul-19 04:40 AM
“Definitely not a miner, but if it’s the same folks at the lab that got attacked a few months ago I might have to drop in and say hi.”
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"The hack? That was them I heard. You know them lab folk, they keep to themselves. Probably tihnk we won't understand 'em if they talk or something"
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Stev Andisom 28-Jul-19 03:34 PM
“Hells, I don’t think I’d understand most of what they said even if I had a translator, but they’re decent folk. Handy to have as friends if the shit hits the fan, what with the way they seem to make reality work however they want.”
15:36
“Anywho, I’ll let you get back to resting before you get back to work. Thanks for the info about Rebirth and maybe I’ll see you there before I head offworld again.”
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He nods and pulls his cap down over his eyes. The train or traveling is the most these people ever seem to be able to sleep. The work always goes on. Several hours later the train pulls in to the small rebirths station, the smell of burning rock and sawdust in the air from the silver mine and forestry service
15:44
Rows of replanted trees follow logging equipment , some of the first replanted are taking advantage of the accelerated growing season here
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Stev Andisom 29-Jul-19 02:28 AM
“Damn, I was expecting some sort of military complex, not an actual mine and great big machines cutting down trees.”
02:29
I grab Rose’s hand and walk towards the exit of the station, slinging both of our bags over my shoulder as we go. (edited)
02:29
“Let’s find someone to drive us to Draconis.”
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The Draconis compound is also right in town, and a drive is not necessary, you realize after looking around for a few moments. A wall, half the height of a person, topped with black iron stakes, but painted a pleasant tan on the stone surrounds a very large compound. A chapel to the water goddess Auguana sits in the middle of the compound, a cross between a buddhist temple and a catholic cathedral. It's doors are currently open. A very large mech bay sits to the left, its hangar doors are currently open and the super-heavy mech Daughter of the Red Star sits in its repair cradle, being serviced after some intense training maneuvers
03:28
There is a garrison like building to the right of the chapel, with guards out front and on the roof, with some clinging outbuildings and additional housing spreading out toward the eastern walls.
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Stev Andisom 29-Jul-19 05:15 AM
“Well, damn. Did you notice that and not say anything?? Looks secure, lots of movement... shall we?”
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Stev Andisom 29-Jul-19 06:54 AM
We head towards the gate casually, hands in plain sight (one is holding Rose’s hand, the other is holding our bags).
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Stev Andisom 29-Jul-19 02:49 PM
(I imagine the bags are cylindrical bags, like a sports bag or a duffel bag.)
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You
14:53
are not stopped at the gates by any of the guards. Regular people seem to be going in and out without trouble, though most go right to the chapel. A small windchime like bell announces some service of somekind is starting
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Stev Andisom 29-Jul-19 04:24 PM
We head towards the mech bay and stop at the door.
16:25
“I wonder how much training is needed to pilot one of these things. Wouldn’t it be great, firing the guns at CorpSec drones and watching them explode like little fireworks with every trigger press?”
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You hear a hiss from within, as a crew ladder begins to extend toward the ground from the belly access hatch of the super-heavy mech. A lone figure is making his way down, riding the bottom rungs. He is wearing khaki coveralls, with silver bracers covering his wrists. A pair of oil stained leather work gloves are tucked into a back pocket. His hair is short and black, tanned of skin and with piercing blue eyes, the lightest part of his features
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Stev Andisom 30-Jul-19 12:04 AM
“Hi there. You the pilot of this beauty? Such a great looking machine. Must kick the crap out of whatever it comes up against. How big does the ship have to be to carry a platoon of these, or even just one? Do you think I could have a look inside the cockpit? Damn, I really want one of my own. Would you sell it?”
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“Sell the daughter of the red star? Not on your life. I’m Kaleb Draconis, Seneschal and leader of House Draconis. I can tell by your tone we have the same home”
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Stev Andisom 30-Jul-19 05:19 AM
“My lord, it is an honour to meet you. Stev Andisom, formerly of Rawhani and most recently an active visitor once again to our poor planet. This is Rose, direct from the wasteland and a top-notch sniper to boot.”
05:20
“I wish to apologise for the way I spoke about the Daughter like that. I often find myself funny, though I can’t get Rose to laugh at anything I say. I think she’s too serious at times.”
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He waves the apology away as not necessary "I heard you were in the council advocating for us to return home. We were all here happy to hear it, and happy to hear we are finally going to have the support we need. We'd been considering just going ourselves for quite some time now"
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Stev Andisom 30-Jul-19 04:26 PM
“Seems that news travels fast. I fought alongside your troops during the withdrawal and now I’ve been back, trying to work out a plan to get rid of the Corps. Rose is 2IC of a motley crew I kinda dragooned into helping me. Found another group out in the wastes and Nova Heavy wants to help out as well.”
16:29
“The way it’s shaping up, you won’t be alone when boots hit dirt. Along with whatever the UNW is willing to provide, of course. It’s still in planning but the players are all at the same table at least.”
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"I'm not sure if that is a good sign or a bad one, but it's more support than we had when the megacorps kicked us off. I remember Nova Heavy. They refused to fire on us during the final battle, their mechs were mysteriously out of position and allowed us to escape"
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Stev Andisom 31-Jul-19 12:03 AM
“They’ve had enough too, so I guess that was their way of secretly supporting you.”
00:04
I yawn and stretch, using the action to quickly check around us to see if anyone is listening.
00:10
“They won’t openly do anything, figuring that they have to work with the Corps if we fail, but if we can get rid of the pantopticon they will be able to aid our efforts without too much concern of reprisal.”
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“That device. It’s hampered a great number of our own efforts. I agree. Something needs to be done about it. Once we kick off the attack, even if we take it out, corpsec will know”
03:25
“If we fall on them, we have to do it hard. That’s what’s stopped us thus far”
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Stev Andisom 31-Jul-19 04:06 AM
“I think that’s the plan. First step is to take out their comm oversight, then we do what we can to keep the Corps in their own cities and unable to help each other. But that’s for the planning group to organise. I really just came down to... well, I don’t actually know. I was suggested in the council meeting, but you and your people know your stuff. What in hells do you need me here for?”
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(You were supposed to recruit them for the panopticon attack)
12:27
“Whenever people come down here they usually ask for our mechs. Or us and our mechs to handle something. You made the trip down, if you’re not sure why you’re wandering the least we could do is offer you a place to stay for a few days
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Stev Andisom 31-Jul-19 02:35 PM
“Thanks. I know that you guys are keen to take back your land and I want to be there when you do... when we do. The pantopticon is just the first step to making that a reality.”
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"Draconis has a few goals, when we finally get to the planet, and maybe intelligence or some of your friends could help us. We lost much during our flight from home, and I'm not sure what remains. We have other mechs on planet, in hidden vaults, and cores of house lore, and the tools needed to keep what we do have going. Some have no doubt been found. I did see The King In Yellow flying Neptune Microsystems colors on some captured imagery from the last CIS trip there, so they've no doubt done some looting, but anything that still remains can be used to help us"
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Stev Andisom 31-Jul-19 03:42 PM
“I wonder if it’s possible to infiltrate the Corps mech units and either take them offline or take control of them mid-battle.”
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"We would need to get actual crews aboard, but if they can be disabled somehow, the crews themselves would be lightly defended against a boarding action"
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Stev Andisom 01-Aug-19 01:13 AM
“Sounds like something we can work on. Would be nice to get your gear back and take whatever else we can from our enemies.”
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"That is what I want to do. Those suits, that lore, those stories, it belongs not just to our house, but for the people who called Rawhani home. Before corporate times. You have as much right to it as I do. "
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“So I know a war council is going to be called soon. When we deploy I hope@you’ll be with us”
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Stev Andisom 03-Aug-19 06:02 AM
“I wouldn’t miss the chance. At least, as long as the council doesn’t have something else for me to do.”
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“If you’re fighting alongside House draconis they won’t assign you anything else. Your work would be needed here. Tell me something, do you have any skills as a pilot?
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 02:27 AM
“Enough skill to not hurt myself but nothing serious.”
02:27
I look at the mech and grin.
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(Got at least a 0?)
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 02:28 AM
(Yeah)
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“Well it just so happens the Sir Gallant , a light mech in our service, is without a pilot. He unfortunately succumbed to injures after falling from a maintenance gantry a few months ago and we haven’t been able to find s replacement”
02:30
“You’re from rawhani. You risked your neck for us once before.”
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 02:30 AM
(I’m out at the moment but I’ve got 6xp and I can’t remember if that’s a level up. If it is maybe I can get some pilot training. 😝)
02:31
“Me? Me in a mech? Hot damn!!”
02:32
(Yeah, I got a level up!)
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“The iron gods we pilot into battle are forced unto themselves but you can still be laid low. “
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 02:34 AM
“Yeah, iron gods laid low.”
02:35
100% not paying attention to what he is saying, totally bewildered.
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The mech stands at eight meters tall, locked in a repair cradle, and you can see it needs a lot of work still. "Most pilots prefer to customize their own suit and in that regard we are lucky to be partnered with the UNW. We've been able to get all the material support we need. Our lorekeeper, Wescott , has a 3D drafting program where you can figure out how you want this to be built"
03:21
(Light shock mech for the frame, stay within power/mass but the house can front the costs for your fittings, basically its a stripped suit since they had no pilot for it)
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 03:48 AM
(Okay, I’ll see what’s what and get back to you. Many thanks! 🤪)
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 12:11 PM
(So, I’ve had a search through the resources and I can’t find info on mechs. Am I going blind? Please send seeing-eye dog that can read Braille.)
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(Manage to find it?)
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Stev Andisom 04-Aug-19 05:06 PM
(I did, in the deluxe book. I had the light version apparently.)
17:06
(Thanks. 😄)
17:06
17:07
(I tried to make a better mech but for sheer firepower this one looks great.)
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(Perfect, we can RP out designing it but this is a great beginner mech)
17:26
“That said. You might want to let Intel know you’re going to be working with us. Knight training is demanding but should you pass, your body and mind will be a temple to grace in both war and peace”
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Stev Andisom 05-Aug-19 12:16 AM
“I... yeah, I should contact Marcion. I should also get Rose to head over to the Intel team to be their go-to person on the ground.”
00:21
I give her a sad smile and a passable salute.
00:24
“It’s been fun. Give Echo and the team my regards when you see them but I guess it’s different paths for us for now.”
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"Not necessarily....if I may continue being so bold" Kaleb says, with a somber expression of his own on his face
03:44
"House Draconis is always looking for men and women under arms, and technicians. You'd be welcomed here"
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Stev Andisom 05-Aug-19 06:55 AM
I smile. “I guess that would be up to Rose and Echo. I’d welcome the company.”
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"We're in. We've come this far. Lets finish things the right way"
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Stev Andisom 05-Aug-19 11:02 PM
(Does CorpSec use mechs at all?)
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(Only nova heavy)
02:24
(they favor tanks and armored personnel carriers since most of the planet is vast wasteland. They're faster)
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Stev Andisom 06-Aug-19 06:45 AM
(Damn. I was working on a plan but that throws it out the window. Next! 😝)
06:48
“Hey Rose, you’ve already got some technical skills, right? Think you might want to train up as a mech tech, keep me in line?”
06:49
While we’re having this conversation, I’m looking over the mech, figuring out what weapons might work on our first attack.
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(Think like...Dust, the game. They favor walkers for cities and whatnot, but across open ground which is most of the planet, the speed of traditional vehicles is favored)
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Stev Andisom 06-Aug-19 03:44 PM
“Duke Kaleb... does House Draconis have orbital insertion pods? Getting a few of these to land within the perimeter of the comms facility would be quicker than having to walk them in under fire.”
15:44
(Makes sense. Mechs are more fun than tanks though. Everyone has tanks.) (edited)
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"We do/ They're ponderous though, we'd need a fighter screen to sweep air defenses from the area while we do it, but its possible"
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Stev Andisom 06-Aug-19 11:00 PM
“Okay. That may be where the UNW can help us out. I’ll contact Marcion and find out when that meeting is happening.”
23:05
(If we take out one of the ammo pods we can use the mass for drop sheathing instead, making the orbital insertion harder to spot. Takes 2 mass for a light mech, so losing 1 ammo pod is all it should take.)
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(They have a special lander. You don’t need to buy the fitting)
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Stev Andisom 07-Aug-19 03:59 AM
(Cool. So much to learn!)
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“The suit will be waiting upon your return. I’ll have wescott begin making the amendments to the design. It should be complete upon your return”
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Stev Andisom 07-Aug-19 09:42 AM
“Thank you again my Lord. Can’t wait to join your forces on the battlefield.”
09:44
I head back to the gate and grab out my compad. (edited)
09:47
(Contacting @opscomm to find out what the go is with the meeting and to request a fighter screen for the mech insertion.)
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(Did we ever get that close-in recon mission of the vehicle depo done?)
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(No)
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Stev, The war meeting has not been scheduled yet. As far as fighter sweeps and such, its difficult to say at the moment. Because you extracted early to report and take a well deserved break from undercover operations, we still have yet to do on the ground scouting of the vehicle depo located near Neptune Microsystems. This depo would likely be the landing spot for House Draconis as well as supporting UNW units, but we don't have the information necessary at this time to make a decision about how exactly we will attack things. We will give them all the support they need, but the specifics are at a minimum of a month or two away. Marcion
15:06
(That is also without Marcion knowing about the shaper attacks, which might put the whole rawhani operation on hold indefinitely, who knows)
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Stev Andisom 07-Aug-19 04:57 PM
To Marcion: “Thanks for the update. I’d like to let Draconis know about the expected timeline and then get back to Rawhani to get that location scouted.”
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Stev Andisom 07-Aug-19 05:05 PM
While I wait for a reply I would like to contact Echo and Janus, get them organised for the scouting trip.
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(It’s going to be next month)
17:06
(The Plan isn’t changing. Too many wheels are already turning)
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Stev Andisom 07-Aug-19 05:15 PM
(Cool. I love that feeling of the inevitable. 😎 I still have to do the scouting mission, yeah?)
17:16
(Will have to work on that in the daylight hours. It’s just gone 1:15am and I should sleep. Night!)
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(Up to you, i think at this point its going to be one of those land and see what happens sort of things , There's a decent description in the notes already, not sure what else was hoped for)
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(The Dark Star is going to be repaired next month, so your squad could be sent in covert a week or so before any action gets taken to do scouting and stuff)
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(This is a better thing left to the war council)
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Stev Andisom 08-Aug-19 11:16 AM
(I can wait and train with the mech in the meantime.)
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(anything, we can set that up if you'd like. Your mech is being modified, but if you want to learn more about the knights, do some training, ect, we can do that) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 09-Aug-19 09:35 AM
(Sounds like a great plan!)
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Stev Andisom 10-Aug-19 03:41 PM
(Sorry, been a bad couple of days with pain. I’ll hopefully be better by Monday.)
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Stev Andisom 11-Aug-19 10:20 AM
Filler: Rose and I hang out in the mech bay, watching the techs work on the load out we’re discussing for Sir Gallant.
10:22
If there are mechs in use, we watch the pilots get ready and I try to keep an eye on the little rituals they go through when getting ready.
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Kaleb finds you and taps you on the shoulder as the both of you watch the preparations being made. (No worries we can pick it up when youre ready)
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Stev Andisom 12-Aug-19 06:53 AM
I half-turn and look at him. “Lord Draconis. We were just watching the amount of work and effort that goes into these machines. The dedication of your people is humbling to see.”
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"We have a world to retake as our own. Nothing but the best will allow us to do this. Corpsec outnumbers us at least 10 to 1, but with the right training, and the right tools, it won't make a difference"
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Stev Andisom 13-Aug-19 05:05 AM
“We break the fear they have over our people and it gives us the advantage. Taking out their oversight of comms will go a long way to doing that. I do need to go back early though, to scout an armoury that the UNW believes will be a problem.”
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"Armory?" he asks with concern "Any idea what they might be storing there?"
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-19 12:34 AM
“No idea. Marcion just wants it checked out before troops hit the floor.”
00:34
“Could it be more mechs?”
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“I’d say tanks and trucks if it’s indeed military. Mechs were very difficult to make even before the scream. It’s one of the reasons corpsec wanted to plunder our lore vaults so badly”
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-19 04:10 AM
“Makes sense that they want it checked out if its tanks and trucks. Lock it down early and we take away some of their numbers advantage. Well, if that’s the case I’ll definitely be on deck to get the info.”
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"Your machine will be repaired by the time you are ready to go. We will recon in force, if you'd like. I have ways of keeping our formation hidden on Rawhani"
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-19 04:33 PM
“Recon in force... haven’t done that in such a long time. It’ll be nice to be in a mech instead of traipsing along behind one, covered in wasteland dust.”
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“Then it’s settled. We hit the panopticon ourselves and we hope your friends in the UNW follow on behind. House Draconis walks again”
16:49
“I’ll fill everyone in on the plan tonight at dinner followed by a blessing of each of our war engines, after that we load up and depart”
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-19 11:23 PM
“Great! The bastards won’t know what hit them.”
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-19 01:08 AM
I get my stuff packed, give the Sir Gallant a pat on the foot and head for the transports. (edited)
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(If you’re skipping all the evening stuff that’s fine. We can move ahead to departing)
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-19 06:53 AM
(No probs.)
06:53
(I’m happy to do whatever.)
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You’re given a summons to a briefing tonight what’s Kaleb plans to introduce you and lay out his plan for the assault on the panopticon. He is hoping after months of stalling a slight kick in the pants will get the UNW moving at the speed promised
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-19 02:21 PM
I grin at the person doing the summoning and ask if I have a chance to change into my best pants-kicking clothes.
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"Briefing is in an hour. Hopefully you don't need that long to remember what holes your legs go in. We'll discuss after that. See you then. I'll tell Lord Draconis you are coming"
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-19 04:43 PM
“Hahaha very funny. Now, the zipper goes at the back?”
16:44
I want to get a proper knight uniform from supply if they’ll give it to me and wear that to the meeting.
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"Only if youre simple" he says, clapping you on the shoudler and heading out The pilot suit is a bright rust red , and a dulled silver for the underarms, pants, and parts of the tunic, red on the raised areas, and trimmed in burnt gold. The knight suits are much the same, with their brilliant red armor plating. The screaming dragon's head is on each shoulder, a field of white with the black stamp roaring defiantly.
20:03
There are interface plugs and empty sockets where connections with your machine would be fitted in times of war, but for the briefing the elaborate connection work is not required
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Stev Andisom 20-Aug-19 12:27 AM
I make sure the suit sits comfortably before heading out to the meeting, giving a crisp salute to whomever I see in uniform, coming to attention and saluting Kaleb when I see him.
00:27
"Knight-in-training Stev Andisom reporting as ordered, my Lord."
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Kaleb is happy to see you, and adjusts one of the shoulder panels for you with expert ease. you instantly feel more comfortable there, as the fit slides into position. "You look the part, now to see if you fight like it. We
03:33
are about to discuss our plan of attack on the panopticon matrix, and what we'll do if the UNW does not reinforce"
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Stev Andisom 20-Aug-19 06:04 AM
"From what I heard discussed in the general meeting they will be there. Not sure what happened to the others in the planning meeting but I'm sure they'll catch up. Let's make it easier for them to come to the party and also bring Nova Heavy out of their shells at the same time." (edited)
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"They'll catch up" Kaleb agrees. "I'll make this quick, because an elaborate plan is going to go right into the trash the moment we land. The panopticon matrix has smaller satellite facilities all over the planet surface, we won;t be able to hit all of them with how scattered they are, but there is one that is the most advanced and seems to be doing the most shunting of data , and that is our target. Conveniently, it is close to Nova Heavy, and it might be because corpsec suspects them of being complicit in all of this. We're going to land inside nova itself, agents there have agreed to ensure there is a clear landing for us. We will link up with a detachment of scout mechs from nova heavy, and together assault the panopticon and its defenses. We count a handful of emplaced guns, and our spies report there may be enemy war engines controlled by the panopticon's AI core in the area as well"
20:02
Kaleb looks solemn, and sad for a moment, "I suspect most, if not all of those enemy engines were once in our service. I'd see them disabled, and recovered, if we can"
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Stev Andisom 21-Aug-19 12:19 AM
“Disable, not destroy. I can roll with that. So are we all moving in one wave, crashing down on them with the righteous force of House Draconis?”
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"Piecemeal, we have no chance at defeating them. We work together, in one formation, supporting each other. This will be a long war. There will be plenty of time for personal triumph and the honor of our house, but not in the opening moves. Misplaced heroics will do nothing but get you killed"
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Stev Andisom 21-Aug-19 01:07 PM
“No heroic acts on my schedule, Lord Kaleb. Staying alive is more important than being a dead hero.”
13:10
I look at the plans (if there are any) to see if I can suggest any changes that won’t get me laughed out of the House and off the team.
13:12
(Although, with no lead or know skill, probably not.)
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(Yeah no real definitive areas of improvement, at least not until things actually get moving) "We're going to blessing the war machines, and the pilots now" Lorekeeper Wescott says from the corner of the room. His robes are a rich brown, with teal, representing the housesworn goddess, Auguana, trim around the cuffs and hem, along with the trim of the hood (edited)
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Stev Andisom 22-Aug-19 10:32 AM
(Is this a thing I would know of as an ex-Corp soldier?)
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(no, Auguana is a house Draconis goddess, you'd have never seen anything about her, and this is one of their most sacred rites)
14:12
(just for the mech pilots and the main few engineers working on each, top echelon folk)(
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Stev Andisom 22-Aug-19 11:35 PM
I lean forward and watch with interest, wondering about the different rites they... we, I guess, now that I’m part of the House... the rites we would be a part of.
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You are taken to the floor of the hangar, where the mechs are in a row, standing opposite you, Kaleb, and the pilot of the other light mech whom you have not yet met in person. There are 20 others in the hangar, senior engineers, officers of the small men at arms contingent that follows the house into battle, and a trio of junior lorekeepers Wescott has recently recruited as the house prepares to hopefully enter a glorious new age. Wescott stands at a repair gantry near the roof of the tall hangar mixing something in a bronze bucket with ladle like device. "We arise, once again, to take back our home. All of you, assembled here today
02:43
are called to the noble endeavor of war, and the more noble task of taking back our home"
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Stev Andisom 23-Aug-19 02:14 PM
I look to see how solemnly everyone else is acting and act similarly, basically copying the other pilot unless told otherwise.
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They are solemn. Kaleb himself looks to have the beginings of tears in his eyes
16:08
"This blessed water and oil is from our homeworld , the last of Rawhani's oceans we took with us off world, blessed, in Auguana's name, and her blessing is given to you now" He takes the censer and swings it , causing a sprinkle like rainfall of blessed mixture to fall on all of you. "Auguana, bless your servants with a safe voyage through the void. Let their guns be the incarnations of your righteous fury. Let their tread shake the soil, as it once again comes under your blessed guardianship. Protect these men with your scales, and should it be their fate to fall, bring them through the sea of eternity, home to your caring embrace"
16:09
The hangar takes on a blessed silence, and Wescott clears his throat. "On a personal note, I pray for all of you, and will continue to. Take our home back."
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Stev Andisom 24-Aug-19 12:37 AM
“May Auguana have mercy on them, because we surely won’t!”
00:39
I smile and give Rose a wink. “Ready to get back to business? Hope Echo and the gang are ready to hit the ground running.”
00:45
“Lord Kaleb, the blessing was... inspirational.”
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"To your stations everyone, House Draconis walks'
03:54
Outside, the mech lander, a very heavily modified cargo lifted, up armored, extended, and lifted, comes to rest in the courtyard of the knight complex. A smaller pair of personnel lifters also set down, sent from the repurposed colony ship The Pillar of Salt up in space. It has long been the commandeered ride of House Draconis, and the hope is, with it leaving the system, the UNW navy and ground forces will not be far behind
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Stev Andisom 24-Aug-19 08:50 AM
“Lord Kaleb, If you would permit me leave, I’d like to contact Marcion once we’re away, just so he can get the UNW moving in the right direction.”
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"This has moved beyond a matter for the intelligence service. General Arimoto is your next point of contact. He will deploy behind us."
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Stev Andisom 25-Aug-19 12:10 AM
“General Arimoto... not sure I met him. Well, if it’s okay, I’d like to contact him as we leave if it doesn’t break any protocols.”
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“Briefly. Time is of the essence” he allows. “I’ll see you in orbit”
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 01:29 AM
I bow to him and pull out my compad. “UNW military... General Arimoto... ah hell, who do I route this call through?”
01:31
I make a call to the meeting room, hoping someone is there.
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( @Selnath )
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(Just going to assume I'm either at the landing pad or on a ship in orbit.) Arimoto frowns at the pair of dignitaries, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look, I understand your concern but frankly the losses from such a single overwhelming onslaught would not be worth the victory, and that's if it was even successful. Coordinating such an-" His compad vibrates and plays a soft wind chime tone indicating an intrasec call. "We'll talk later." He dismisses the pair as he activates the pad. "Yes?" A female voice explains that an agent in the field is trying to reach him, and grumbles something about a comm directory before patching him through. Arimoto takes a breath. "Arimoto, what's the situation? Don't tell me we're losing ground already."
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(yeah close enough, its in system so comms are still instant thanks to one of the previous endeavor rewards)
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 02:04 AM
“General Arimoto? Stev Andisom here, working with House Draconis. I... shit, I guess this is more of advanced warning than any report sir. House Draconis is on the move.”
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"Ah dammit, we're still at least 6 hours from deployment, but I'll see if we can at least get some support ready sooner. What's their target?"
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 03:11 AM
“We’re heading straight to Nova Heavy to deploy and take out the panopticon.”
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"Very well, I'll make sure there's some troops there for support, but stay vigilant. We expect this to be messy."
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 03:14 AM
“Thank you sir. I know Draconis was going in no matter what, however the support will be greatly appreciated. I’ll contact you after the battle if that is okay?”
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"If you have anything to report, by all means."
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 03:20 AM
“That’s fair. Thanks for taking my call General. I’ll see you somewhere on Rawhani.”
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(So we have the news report on the news page, you can pick one of those battles to help with)
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-19 04:01 AM
(As Draconis was meant to be landing near/at Nova Heavy, we should probably start there and push through.)
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From space, the scene on the ground is bleak. UNW defenders promised to Nova Heavy have not yet arrived. A column ten kilometers long on the roadway leading to its walls is packed with Corpsec armored vehicles, most of them lightly armed troop transports packed with infantry and engineering units, ready to storm the walls and breach the gate. They
14:51
will be in striking range i n a few hours. At their vanguard, five mechs march in slow formation, jerky, and awkward. "We need to get down there" Kaleb says, as you all sit in your briefing room. "We deploy in front of the gate, we buy as much time as possible for the UNW landers to make it inside Nova Heavy to deploy the reinforcements. The defenders will sally out and help us once in position"
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-19 12:24 AM
I send a quick message to Echo: “Honey, I’m home!”
00:25
Then I get my pilot suit on, admire myself in a reflective surface for a few seconds, then mount up and do the systems checks required to get the mech 100% ready to roll.
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The mech's systems begin displaying as the cockpit closes behind you and the access ladder is pulled away. Holographic generators power up, showing the view outside the mech as though the solid walls of the cockpit are not there- images compiled near instantly from hundreds of sensors scattered around the hull in protected casements. "Alright everyone" Kaleb says, as this process is mirrored in the command mech. "House Draconis goes to war. For the glory of our bloodline" The lights in the hangar turn red, and a countdown begins counting back from 2 minutes. House technical serfs and associated flight crews begin clearing the deployment chamber
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-19 05:35 AM
“Let’s show them we mean business. Last one to the other side of their troops buys the first round?”
05:37
I flex my hands and watch how the mech reacts, giving it a final shakedown.
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Weapons, locomotion, sensors, and the power plant all begin cycling live as the mech is cut from the lander's internal power system. The crew evacuates the drop deck, and the ship rumbles as it moves through the atmosphere. Safe in the armored blockhouse part of the landing ship, they open the floor, as the mag clamps dangle you all, legs out, from the bottom of the lander, the ground rapidly approaching as the ship descends, dodging anti air fire from the ground. you see the advancing armor column for yourself, and notice no UNW ships have made it to ground yet. "Mechs first. The ground vehicles are insects compared to our might. "
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The ground crunches underfoot as you fall the last 10m, legs joints whining before your three suits right themselves. The enemy mechs scream their names over external communications- the light mechs, Marlum Benedictio and Venatirus Mori and their command unit, a specialist light mech, False Dawn , bulked out with communications and tactical hardware. It is similar to the much larger bridge like dome mounted on Kaleb's mech, in place of a head. (Lets get initiative, as we set the scene here) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-19 11:16 PM
(Initiative roll: 3. Ouch!)
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(7 for the enemy mechs. I’ll do their turn shortly when the book is in front of me. Don’t have their fittings memorized
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The enemy light mechs stomp close, screening their specialist leader mech, and the warrior's weapons flash and spark as the light lasers begin firing at the towering form of Kaleb's super-heavy mech. Mauling the lesser of you achieves little if the super-heavy remains online. Light lasers fire upward, deflecting off burnished armor plating, leaving the kiss of burn marks behind. Rockets also fire upward at the super heavy, but are poorly aimed, and sail over its shoulder after missing a shot meant to cripple the bridge. The specialist enemy mech activates its fire control unit, feeding complex targeting data to its attached war host, hoping the reinforcement armor column will make it here in time. You estimate you have a few moments before they arrive
02:53
(your turn)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 03:21 AM
(Alright, never done combat before. Hold me? 😝)
03:25
I rev up the heavy machine gun and aim it at the big guy.
03:26
19 to hit.
03:28
If that hits, 15 damage and 5 AP.
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 03:36 AM
(By big guy I meant the specialist mech)
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(Gotcha, yeah Kaleb's mech is a super heavy, which is a custom hull. you outclass them right now, but there are tanks coming too, so its a matter of putting these guys down as quickly as possible)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 03:56 AM
👍
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The specialist mech is struck in the chest, staggering, and lightly damaged, but standing. (You can fire all your weapons with your shoot action, as a mech, you just have to shoot them all at the same target)
03:58
(I believe you have a railgun too)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 03:58 AM
(Yeah? Okay!! Railgun incoming.)
04:00
11 to hit, 10 damage and 15 AP
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It rocks backward, but rights itself, sparks beginning to spray from its cracked midsection. "Fine hits!" you hear Kalebs encouragement over the radio. He lowers his rail cannon, the entire long right arm of the super-heavy, aiming it at the mech you've damaged. "Die, apostate" he says calmly, and fires.
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 04:04 AM
“Beginners luck!” I say back over the radio.
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(24/22) It falls, upper torso blown to pieces by the ultra dense projectile, its weapon arms keeping the mangled ruin of what's left of its body upright as it falls into the sand.
04:06
"Engine Kill" He says, a small tally mark appearing on each of your HUD's
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 04:07 AM
“Well done! One bastard less to stomp into the dust.”
04:08
I’ll aim the HMG at the next mech in line and spin up the barrel (not firing until my turn, but making my intentions known).
04:08
“Who else wants to die today?”
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The two light mechs return fire, realizing without their command mech chances of bringing down the large one are slim. The left light mech , Marlum Benedictio fires its light laser, missing your chest by just a few meters, its rocket launcher, on the other hand, find's its mark (22/18, AP 5, so you take 13 damage. You're at 27/40)
15:24
The other light mech , Venaturus Mori misses both of its shots at your companion light suit, the pilot deftly throwing the control sticks right in a dodge, before rounding on his opponent
15:24
(Back to you)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 04:47 PM
I’ll unleash both the machine gun and the rail gun at the light suit that fired at me.
16:49
(5 and 4. Terrible shots!)
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(You’re an adventurer correct. No auto hit as a warrior ability to use?)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 10:42 PM
(Doesn’t look like it. I have close combatant and wanderer as my abilities.)
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The damage to your mech must have scrambled your targeting systems. Red warnings and a drifting aiming reticle mar your battle sense, and a few of the hull sensors have gone out, black squares in a few places over your view of the outside. "I can help, if you'll let me" Kaleb says, his voice distorted over the battle link with the noise
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-19 10:46 PM
“Thanks. It’s getting a bit warm in here.”
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You feel the systems beginning to stabilize , and your mind expand with new targeting vectors as Kaleb's prodigious psychic strength augments your mech (you can fire again, basically using his turn)
22:58
In the background, you hear him giving complex flight paths to the incoming first wave of UNW dropships. THey'll be here in five minutes
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 10:17 AM
“Thanks! Let’s give that another run.”
10:17
I aim at the same guy and unleash another wave of bullets in his direction.
10:19
(Rolled 20 on the machine gun, 11 damage if it hits, 5 AP. Only got an 8 with the railgun.)
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The machine gun peppers the mech responsible for damaging you, and it takes a forced step backwards to keep it from falling over. The railgun's hyper accelerated round punches into the dust, sending up a geyser of sand and dirt, missing. Your companion light mech, is dueling his own enemy suit, just as you are, his shots likewise scoring light damage across the enemy
14:13
The enemy mechs open fire in a combined salvo, firing rockets and lasers up at the super heavy command mech , and this time their fire works as intended- boosted with last minute data transmitted before the death of their fellow. This draconis engine has blood on it now, and has earned their ire. An armored plate on the right arm is blown free and crashes into the ground, the size of a battle tank in its own right, and sparks fly as a knee joint is set aflame. It sways as redundant systems begin trying to correct its fall. Staggering, Kaleb manages to keep balance. You hear his ragged breathing over the command channel
14:14
(hes at just over half health right now, back to Stev)
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 04:55 PM
“Hang in there Draconis! We’ll clear this scum!”
16:57
I aim at the same guy and growl into the mic, sending more bullets flying.
16:58
(Machine gun 22 to hit, 10 damage, 5 AP. Does Stars have a crit mechanism? I rolled a nat20 on the hit.)
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(yeah you roll double the amount of damage dice the weapon normally rolls, there isnt an actual crit rule but thats the house rule)
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 04:59 PM
(Railgun 19 to hit, 19 damage, 15 AP.)
16:59
(And add another 14 to the machine gun damage please. 😎)
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The armorglass bubble cockpit set at hight chest height on the enemy suit shatters as the machine gun rounds break against it. Control panels blow out, glass shards fly, sprarks and fire cascade down the front of the suit like vomit. It continues advancing, as the railgun round tears off its left arm, spinning it and overbalancing it, as it falls into the dust, head section just a few meters from your iron claw foot.
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 05:02 PM
I take a step forward and crush the head section under the iron foot of Sir Gallant.
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Even through the claw-foot, you feel the wet smear and the bony crunch of the pilot being crushed, as the mechs of House Draconis now circle the final suit. "you took that one to pieces" Kaleb says, leveling his rail cannon, and firing, not at the final mech, but the advancing column of armored vehicles, shattering two of the vanguard tanks with a dense tungsten round traveling at barely subsonic speed
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 05:05 PM
“Sorry about that sir. I’ll try to keep the next one a little more intact so we can reclaim it without too much work.”
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You hear his soft laughter over the speakers "You did well, both of you have" and you turn right, to see your companion light pilot executing his opponent with a pair of light laser shots to the midsection, forcing it to buckle as its spine is blown out by the through-and through impact detonation (edited)
17:07
(i either totally whiff damage or do 53 in one round)
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 05:07 PM
“Thanks for the support sir. Might have been me underfoot if he had landed another shot.”
17:08
(Yeah, I know the feeling. Damn you Roll20!)
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Tramping past the bodies of the fallen enemy mechs, you see that the first wave of UNW dropships had begun landing, and teams of anti-tank soldiers, along with their supporting units are beginning to deploy within the walls of Nova Heavy. "Knights, pull back to inside the walls. You've bought us the time we needed. Re-arm and repair while you can!"
17:13
the voice is one of the commanding officers of the UNW units, deploying in earnest. Teams carrying rocket tubes begin making their way to the walls, setting up their weapons for dealing with the corpsec tanks on your tail
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-19 11:46 PM
(Does the mech have arms as well as guns, or are the guns where the arms should be?)
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(I kinda pictured it like guns for arms unless it actually was armed with a sword or something. Which there are those kinds weapons)
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Stev Andisom 30-Aug-19 02:35 AM
(Cool. That informs my next action.)
02:35
I aim the railgun at the approaching tanks, fire a final shot in their direction, then turn and leg it for the gates.
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Youre able to knock one out yourself, catching it in the side as it swerves to avoid the existing wrecks, both of which are burning heavily. The gates open for long enough to get the mechs of House Draconis inside, before sealing again with a mighty industrial bang. A hangar sits far back from the battle site, and you see several engineering trucks racing out to help guide you in for repairs in the blast proof hangars armored protection
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Stev Andisom 30-Aug-19 03:39 AM
I follow the other mechs to the hanger and climb out once the engineers give me the okay.
03:39
“What a way to start!”
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The large metal doors rattle shut as a stray bullet pings off it, harmlessly. Outside it sounds like the battle has begun. UNW reinforcements along with the small Nova Heavy guards outnumber the attackers before long, and have the advantage of defensive bulwarks. “One kill all on your own and another split. A good first walk initiate” Kaleb says. He is bleeding from the shoulder, the same place where his mech was badly damaged, and you can see purple brusing beginning to form at the base of his neck
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Stev Andisom 30-Aug-19 09:14 AM
“Thanks to the training and your engineers. Someone should really look at that arm my Lord, make sure you’re okay before we head out and stomp some more CorpSec lackeys.”
09:14
I look around for someone, not an engineer, who can point me in the direction of a medic.
09:17
Then I look down at my own body, wondering what bruises will be appearing under my suit for the damage I took.
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There is a medical team working on getting their gear into the hangar, and engineering gantries above you are already being swung into position, to begin the long process of getting your mechs ready for battle. the Nova Heavy Industries mechs, 12 in all, are deployed elsewhere currently, and were unable to make it home for the battle. your intervention here may have saved the city.
14:46
(Gotta see how the mass combat resolves before we know what happened out there)
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Stev Andisom 31-Aug-19 10:17 AM
(Cool. That was a fun first taste of battle. Thanks!)
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Stev Andisom 31-Aug-19 10:30 AM
I stand and watch the engineers start work on Sir Gallant while I keep Lord Kaleb at the edge of my sight so I can make sure the medics see to his wounds.
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THe medics begin treating him, and the sympathetic wounds you are expecting to appear across your body never do. It is unclear why Kaleb is taking on the pains that his mech suffered. Outside, the battle continues to rage, but the crews here seem relatively calm and untroubled by what may be going on out there. More UNW dropships land, and formations of infantry, along with their supporting vehicles begin rushing forward to bolster the defense.
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-19 02:46 AM
“If you don’t mind me saying sir, it looks like you took a beating. You going to be okay to go on?”
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"I will be. A night of rest, and I'll be good as new. the crown really takes it out of me sometimes" he says tiredly, sitting down on the stretched and taking a big lungful of oxygen from a mask handed to him
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-19 03:40 AM
“If you’re sure... I might head out to the wall and have a look if you don’t need me here for anything. I mean, with your permission, of course.”
03:41
I give him a quick grin and start heading for the door.
03:41
(Am I pushing the insolence too much?)
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(not at all)
04:43
"Of course, keep your sidearm on you, just in case" he says, hissing for a second as antiseptic is squirted into the shoulder wound
04:43
(The crown is a literal thing, not an allegory for being in charge)
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-19 05:12 AM
“I always keep my sidearm close. Without it I’d be almost useless.”
05:13
As I head to the wall I keep an eye on the soldiers to see where the fighting is the heaviest and skirt those areas, looking to get a side-view of the action as much as possible.
05:14
(So, I’m guessing ooc that he’s a psychic and he really connects to the machine with this crown. Is that something Stev would know?)
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(It would be an open secret within house draconis)
17:52
(but yes, thats the correct answer)
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-19 12:10 AM
(Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks!)
00:12
Once on the wall, I want to find a spot to watch the attack from.
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more UNW dropships descend from orbit, disgorging reinforcements, at for now the battle looks to be at a stalemate. The outer defensive works are taking a beating from the oncoming armored vehicle column, but anything that gets close to the walls is slain by rocket teams, or the anti armor guns of Nova Heavy's homeguard
01:20
(Ari and I haven't rolled any of the mass combat resolutions yet, so right now we dont know who the winner is)
01:21
(we were waiting to see if anyone else did any of the other battle missions because it might change combat scores)
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-19 06:11 PM
(Fair enough. I’ve got a hectic couple of days with doctors appointments and shit so I’m in no rush.)
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(no worries!)
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Stev Andisom 06-Sep-19 05:13 AM
(Has the major combat been decided yet?)
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(No it won’t be for a bit since there’s another mission going on but I’ve got something for you if you want to go back out on your mech)
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Stev Andisom 06-Sep-19 02:59 PM
(Sure, I’m happy to go break some stuff!)
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-19 12:22 AM
(Holy crap man! Just read about you losing your job.... fuck the space game till you’re not in crisis mode mate. We can wait.)
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The battle at the corpsec security bunker is not going according to plan. A UWN unit pushed too far and too fast, and is now cut off and unable to fall back. A rolling artillery barrage is preventing their retreat
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-19 02:00 AM
(How far is it to the bunker from Nova Heavy and is the artillery firing from inside the bunker perimeter or are they outside and forcing the UNW squad in?)
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(It’s not far. The mechs could redeploy. They’re forcing the UNW squad in)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-19 12:17 AM
(Fun. Let’s do this!)
00:18
I watch as the attack continues on the walls when I notice a salute in my peripheral vision. (edited)
00:19
I turn and see an aide to the Duke. “Pilot, your presence is requested.” He doesn’t say who by and I don’t ask. Instead I hurry back to the mech bunker.
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The mech has been repaired hastily but professionally and it’s ammunition reloaded. Kaleb looks to be recovering still but is in good enough shape to be back in the cockpit for a while. “You saw the report?” He asks , looking up. “Rolling bombardment. Troops trapped behind enemy lines”
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-19 04:14 PM
“No report, just a messenger and some harried-looking officers arguing I saw on the way back. So, we the rescue party?”
16:15
I climb up into the cockpit and flick on the radio.
16:15
“Anyone else joining for this party or just our terrific trio?”
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We're the easiest to move in light of the offensives and defensive actions going on elsewhere. We're on our own, but we're more than enough, don't you think?" he winks
19:14
"Three more mech kills makes you an ace. Keep fighting, you're doing remarkably well for a novice pilot"
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-19 12:45 AM
“Thank you my Lord. This is not where I thought I would end up, however I now can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
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He nods, and begins getting hos own gear together for re-boarding his walker, and preparing for another round of combat
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-19 06:38 AM
I make sure I’m ready as well and start the mech moving towards the staging area.
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The mech bounds underfoot to the modified landing craft, which will safely get you to the edge of the action. You see Kaleb and the other mech likewise making their way from the hangar bay toward the ships open ramp
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Stev Andisom 14-Sep-19 04:43 PM
I get up the ramp and move as directed by the mechanic guiding me in.
16:44
“Make sure it’s right, don’t want to fall out the door!”
16:44
He makes a rude gesture and I laugh.
16:45
“Lord Kaleb, what are we actually dropping into? Masses infantry, tank column, 4 kids with sticks and pots making a racket?”
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“If all goes according to plan we are going to be flanking their artillery pieces. We should be coming from an area they’re not heavily defending”
22:35
“The gun crews will resist”
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Stev Andisom 14-Sep-19 11:48 PM
“So we close quickly and tear them apart?”
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-19 12:06 PM
I spin up the machine gun barrel and let it slow down a few times.
12:07
“They don’t tend to cover their long range stuff in heavy armour. Would make it too slow and they aren’t meant to be in the line of fire. We should be able to do some serious damage in a short time, give that UNW force a break.”
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“That’s the idea. We hope. We just need to watch for them direct firing those guns on us when they see us, and for heavy weapons among the ground troops”
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-19 05:08 PM
“So we stay agile and crush whatever forces stand against us. Sounds like a party. Let’s get this bucket in the air! Who is flying this tin can? Do they need me to get out and push?”
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You hear some laughter but no one does anything more. The dropships engines whine and it begins the ponderous task of making it skyward. “Hey if any of you mech pilots can we have a few turrets that could be crewed during the flight. We don’t have control over the skies yet, corpsec bogeys are in the air”
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Stev Andisom 16-Sep-19 04:45 PM
“Sounds like fun. I’m in! Show me a CorpSec flier and I’ll give him a warm going away present.”
16:46
I climb out of the Gallant and jump to the floor.
16:47
“Any turret do or is there one in particular you have set aside for a loudmouth groundhumper?” (edited)
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(theres right side, left side, top, or belly)
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-19 03:40 AM
If they suggest one in particular I’ll go there, otherwise I’ll go topside.
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-19 04:33 AM
(I imagine the turret is like the guns on the Falcon? )
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(Yeah but with solid shot)
13:39
You settle into the topside turret and hear others likewise getting into position. The scanners and various control levers and pedals come online as the systems sense your presence
13:39
“Corpsec fighters vectoring in on us. Everyone get ready!” The pilot calls
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-19 04:00 PM
“Ready up top. Bring it on!”
16:01
I slide the turret side-to-side, figuring out angles and range dials.
16:01
“Which direction are they coming in from? Is there beer on the line?”
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There is a pause for a moment as the sensors begin scrying for active threads. “Top side. You should be able to see them in a moment. They’re tracking us. If they fire missiles you’ve got to swat them. We can’t evade with those mechs inside us”
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-19 04:28 PM
“Missiles first. Gotcha. Eyes on the skies!”
16:29
I start scanning all around, mainly looking for trails to indicate incoming missiles rather than the enemy fighters.
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(Notice/wis)
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-19 11:39 PM
(Ah crap. 3.)
23:39
Sun in my eyes, I squint and can’t see a goddamn thing.
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The first missile streaks past the lander, narrowly missing, spraying shrapnel across the right side of the ship, and finally you see the three fighters, black specs against the sun, closing in fast
02:35
(initiative)
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Stev Andisom 19-Sep-19 04:26 AM
9
04:27
I swear at the close call. “Sorry! Bastards are coming out of the sun!”
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Stev Andisom 22-Sep-19 08:30 AM
(Init roll is 9)
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(thank you, you're up) Three corpsec fighters coming out of the sun, at the extreme range of your turret begin vectoring in, trying to close and finish the job with guns rather than missiles
01:58
(The turret is 2 heavy machine gun shots)
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-19 04:40 AM
(At the one target?)
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-19 06:01 AM
(I mean, do I roll twice to hit or once to hit but twice for damage?)
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(Twice to hit and twice for damage. Basically you get two shots)
13:40
(Same target)
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-19 04:33 PM
(Thanks!)
16:34
6 and 12 to hit.
16:34
Figure that’s no damage.
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-19 04:49 PM
“Who calibrated these sights? Better odds of hitting the ground from here than hitting those damn planes!” (edited)
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(You hit vehicles on a 10 when they’re 30m and beyond)
18:26
(So the 12 is good)
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Stev Andisom 24-Sep-19 12:34 AM
(Sweet. I thought that was bad for sure.)
00:35
(8 damage)
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(technically there's a speed difference that gets factored in and stuff, but the dropship is a homebrew thing i dont want to throw stats on so we'll keep 10's)
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Stev Andisom 25-Sep-19 12:25 AM
(So many numbers!)
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The shots rip into one of the aircraft, punching a line of holes in its wing. It veers away, unable to maintain formation and fearful of a crash
00:26
The remaining two form a line and both fire a missile
00:26
(You can basically have a shot acting as a point defense gun, then it’s your actual turn
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Stev Andisom 25-Sep-19 12:28 AM
(8 to hit. I might get out and shoot at it with my pistol instead!)
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(hah!)
02:35
The missiles streak in, one of the other turrets is able to cope with one, knocking it out of the air and sending it spiraling to explode harmlessly under the plane. The other hits home, rocking the craft, and a pall of black smoke erupts from one of the stricken engines. For now, the flight is controlled, but you do sense a beginning of a descent
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Stev Andisom 26-Sep-19 03:28 AM
“So... anyone bring a spare lander?”
03:29
I take aim again and fire at one of the remaining CorpSec craft.
03:32
(12 and 13 to hit. 11 and 16 for damage.)
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The pilots and gunners are busy fending off the attack and do not laugh, but there is a cheer when your cannon volley sends a second jet tumbling toward the ground in a burning scrap pile. With 2/3rds of the squadron gone, the remaining craft vectors away from the lander, evidently not the soft target hoped for
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Stev Andisom 28-Sep-19 12:40 AM
I climb out of the turret and see if there is anything I can do to help with damage control.
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There are a few engineers working to put out an engine fire inside. It looks mostly contained but an extra person would limit severity of the damage
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Stev Andisom 29-Sep-19 10:46 PM
I’ll jump in and help.
22:46
(How was your weekend of madness? 😝)
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(I just wrote it all out in OOC if you want the full story, but mayhem, and Fix/int)
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Stev Andisom 01-Oct-19 04:19 AM
(7 for fix roll)
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Stev Andisom 01-Oct-19 08:38 AM
(Read your story about the weekend, sounds like a lot of fun. Glad you got to res. Would be a shame to lose you there. 😝)
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(Hah!) the fire is put out with your help, but the lander shakes and sounds strained. “Pilots. To your machines. we are landing hot!” Kaleb calls out over his mech speakers
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Stev Andisom 01-Oct-19 10:19 PM
I rush over to the Gallant and climb in.
22:19
“Ready to hit the ground running sir!”
22:20
I keep an eye on whatever view I have of the landing zone, watching for the CorpSec artillery and any defenders I can spot.
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The ramp lowers and the first knight struts out with you next in line, and Kaleb close behind, his own super heavy mech taking a few seconds longer to release its mag locks
02:41
Outside you can hear the thunder of guns and the blasts of war horns
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Stev Andisom 04-Oct-19 05:19 AM
I follow the mech out, clearing the ramp as quickly as possible for Kaleb to exit the lander.
05:19
“Sir, are you right for direct combat? After the hits you took before...”
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“The crew can help pick up the slack. This is our first walk home. I won’t be sidelined” he says, his voice a mix of pain threaded confidence
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Stev Andisom 05-Oct-19 05:37 AM
“Yes sir.”
05:37
(If I can get a private line to the other knight I will have a quick chat with him.)
05:37
(Quick chat if private follows:)
05:38
“Did you hear? We need to keep the fire off Kaleb as much as possible. I’m happy to lay down suppression fire if you want to pick off the target one by one?”
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Stev Andisom 09-Oct-19 03:53 AM
I start running towards the forces defending the artillery, prepared to fire indiscriminately into them in order to keep them from firing accurately.
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The other knight replies after a moment. We have a bigger problem and a small picture in picture of a nearby ridgeline appears, showing five tanks heading down a path, to the ground level where your mechs are assembling
04:18
*Those main cannons, we out-range them for the moment but they can hurt us"
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Stev Andisom 09-Oct-19 09:33 AM
“Let’s light them up!”
09:36
Can I fire at the closest?
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(Yes)
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Stev Andisom 10-Oct-19 12:03 AM
(Railgun - 13 to hit, 21 damage if successful)
00:03
(HMG - 8 to hit, probably a miss)
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(HMG misses, Railgun hits) The tank rocks as the railgun shell carves a long furrow along its side, cutting off a pair of outside metal plates, and splintering a track guard. Your allied knight moves to try to finish it off, taking one of the tank guns out of the equation. His laser arm glows a bright golden light for a moment before spitting a perfectly formed yellow lance of energy, causing a blooming explosion to erupt from where its turret used to be.
03:10
The tanks begin dialing in their range, and you expect in a few seconds the first volleys will be coming in. Inside the lander, the super heavy is beginning to take its first ponderous steps to the egress ramp. Kaleb is still vulnerable
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Stev Andisom 11-Oct-19 10:48 AM
“Get that thing in the air or close the door. You’re about to get high velocity visitors you really don’t want!”
10:49
(How does suppression fire work? I am sad to say I saw it was a possibility from the descriptive text but there doesn’t seem to be any rules I can find.)
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(Suppression works on infantry but vehicles are different. They don’t really have saves or anything and obviously cover doesn’t really apply to an armored vehicle)
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Stev Andisom 12-Oct-19 12:15 AM
(Makes sense. Ty.)
00:16
I’ll aim at the next tank in line and fire.
00:18
(Railgun = 3 to hit because Nat 1.) (HMG = 4 to hit because Nat 2.)
00:18
(I loathe Roll20 right now. Hate isn’t strong enough.)
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The shots go wide and the tanks keep moving, though a second of the five bearing down on you is taken out by a well aimed railgun shot, and it skews to a halt, turretless and aflame with thick oily smoke.
13:40
The three remaining vehicles level their long cannons at the lander and fire, splashing dirt and rock chunks to plunk against its armored sides. You see them making minute adjustments to their barrel elevation and range.
13:40
(Back to you)
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Stev Andisom 16-Oct-19 10:50 AM
I growl, probably leaving the mic on and the connection open, firing on the next in line again.
10:51
(5 and 3)
10:51
As my shots go wild I let out a yell of pure frustration.
10:51
“Fuck this. Keep firing!”
10:51
I start the mech moving towards the tanks.
10:52
(I want to start running towards the mechs when I can.)
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The mech begins advancing at a ground eating pace, aided by the steady drive of the enemy tanks toward you as well. You expect to be within striking distance in a handful of seconds (3 roundsish. I’ll roll for the tanks when I can later)
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Stev Andisom 17-Oct-19 02:41 AM
(No worries. Sorry it’s taken so long.)
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The tank rounds strike, one hitting the lander , one missing , and the second hitting your companion mech, knocking him a step backwards in a shower of ash and sparks
12:57
His claw foot digs in, keeping his balance
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Stev Andisom 17-Oct-19 02:05 PM
I fire again, hoping to distract the tanks by closing on them, being the biggest threat.
14:07
(4 for railgun, 15 for HMG)
14:07
(13 damage if HMG is a hit)
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The beach machine gun hits, just need to beat a 10)
02:47
(Heavy *)
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Stev Andisom 19-Oct-19 11:08 PM
I move towards them again. End turn.
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The tanks return fire, three shells striking your companion, blowing out the leg joints and sending the maimed walker into the ground. At full height Kalebs mech draws itself up, its rail cannon obliterating the armored vehicles coming at you, and leaving scattered shrapnel and burning wrecks as the dust cloud clears
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Stev Andisom 21-Oct-19 02:10 PM
(Is the lander still functional?)
14:10
I scan for more enemies and check my read outs for damage.
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(Damages but it will fly)
23:36
“The artillery is just on top of the hill. I can mask our approach , but youll have to stay close” Kaleb says
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Stev Andisom 22-Oct-19 12:32 AM
“I’ll be as close as your shadow sir.”
00:33
I wait for him to catch up then stay 1 step ahead up the hill.
00:33
“Will the other knight be okay sir?”
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“Nothing we can do for him now. It’s up to the medical and salvage teams” You see sand begin to swirl around the feet of both of your vehicles. Slowly expanding out and upward
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Stev Andisom 22-Oct-19 04:23 AM
“I hope he’s okay. Damn it! If I could bloody shoot straight in this thing, maybe we could have taken them out faster. I’m sorry sir.”
04:23
I watch the sand swirl and glance at the other mech.
04:24
“Interesting camouflage.”
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Stev Andisom 22-Oct-19 09:44 AM
Once the sandstorm is above the height of the command mech I slowly walk forward.
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You sense Kalebs approval at your compliment somehow rather than his own voice stating it. The sand picks up and obscures the both of you in a blinding screen from the outside, though your sensors remain clean.
13:44
“It’s a short walk now but we will not be doing it under fire”
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Stev Andisom 23-Oct-19 03:47 PM
“Won’t the enemy be able to scan through the sandstorm like we are?”
15:48
I slowly pick up my pace, making sure that I don’t get ahead of Kaleb’s bigger mech.
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“Not with any degree of success. Nothing that’s going to let them zero artillery in and they don’t have enough guns to bracket the entire grid. We just need to move quickly.”
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Stev Andisom 23-Oct-19 10:32 PM
“Let’s get in amongst them then, before they just start randomly shooting in our direction.”
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You sense his agreement as you begin making your wah up the cliffside path, stopping long enough for Kaleb to kick the wreckage of the first burning tank out of the way. You arrive at the top of the plateau after another few moments of walking, the sandstorm sweeping over the artillery crews. All they can feel is tremors in the ground. All they can feel is stinging mica sand on their skin
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Stev Andisom 26-Oct-19 03:02 AM
“Three... Two... One... Firing now.”
03:04
(Railgun 17 to hit, 10 damage.)
03:04
(HMG 14 to hit, 15 damage)
03:04
(Pick on random target, towards the middle of the pack, fire.)
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One of the guns goes up as the railgun hits its internal magazine, sending a wash of flame to cook the outsides of the cannons on each side of it. The crews are hurriedly trying to winch their powerful weapons down so they can direct fire into the storm
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Stev Andisom 27-Oct-19 12:21 AM
“Time to split up. See you on the other side!”
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You feel him affirm , and you split off. Kaleb branches right to deal with a formation of anti tank guns being hastily wheeled into position. As you go left you see three of the fat barreled howitzers. The crews are working to depress the barrels of their thin skinned vehicles to direct fire at tou
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Stev Andisom 27-Oct-19 10:28 PM
(Time to fire again or does Kaleb get first chance?)
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(You’ve got time to fire ahain)
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Stev Andisom 28-Oct-19 10:14 PM
(Sweet!)
22:15
(Railgun. 11 to hit, 18 damage) (HMG. Nat 20 to hit, rolled 5 damage)
22:15
(Aimed at the closest howitzer.)
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The howitzer blows up in a giant mushroom cloud as its internal magazine books off, the tumbling bodies of partially atomized crew spinning through the dusty air like comets. the flames catch the suspended mica particles, making them look like miniature starfields in the artificial gloom
03:23
The two remaining guns winch down, and fire, and in the background you hear Kaleb slaying the armored vehicles sent to intercept your two-mech formation
03:23
The shells, hastily aimed, fall short, blowing twin columns of sand high into the air in front of you, as the gunners correct their aim
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Stev Andisom 29-Oct-19 06:06 AM
I fire at the next closest and start moving further to the left at the same time, trying to throw off their slow aim.
06:06
(7 and 5 to hit, no luck there)
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The two shots go wide , missing the vehicles in the swimming sands and the large bore guns finally draw level with both you and the back of Kaleb and his mech. (I’ll roll when I get break and can futz with r20 mobile)
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(17/8, on you, 22/6 on Kaleb)
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Stev Andisom 02-Nov-19 04:30 AM
15 armour negates the damage?
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(No. They’re ap20)
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Stev Andisom 02-Nov-19 04:31 AM
(Damn. My gear reduces that to 15, which is still enough to get through. I take the 8 and fire back at them.)
04:32
I take another couple of steps and fire again.
04:33
(Railgun 13/16, HMG 19/8)
04:33
“You doing okay back there sir?”
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(Most direct fire artillery like this would insta kill people or vehicles. Mechs are a step above so in exchange for them being treated like regular weapons, the damage is at least straight)
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Stev Andisom 02-Nov-19 10:03 PM
(Makes life easier. I like easier. 😝)
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The second artillery piece goes up in flames and you see the crew of the last abandoning their gun, scrambling to get off the open backed platform and into the sandstorm, away from you. Kaleb doesn’t reply but you can see the mechs back is on fire, and fire suppression systems are laboring to try to get it under control
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Stev Andisom 03-Nov-19 08:02 AM
I fire suppression shots into the sandstorm to make sure the crew stays away (HMG firing to suppress, not actually hit anyone) and I put in a call to the crew of the lander. (edited)
08:04
“Guys, the boss is burning after the bastards hit him in the back with artillery fire, through a sandstorm! Any suggestions?”
08:04
I wait a few beats and then say, “Also, there’s a cannon here they abandoned. Think you could call a crew to pick it up too?”
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They send back some acknowledgments, and you can see at the ramp that repair crews are beginning to mobilize aboard a pair of rickety looking work trucks. Their backs are heavy and cabs festooned with tools. One has a folded crane that can extend to be half the height of Kalebs mech
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Stev Andisom 05-Nov-19 09:40 PM
I send a silent prayer of thanks to Auguana and start moving towards whatever remains of the UNW forces we were here to rescue.
21:41
“Help is on the way sir. I’ll find the lost sheep and let them knows the wolves are gone.” (edited)
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(Program / int)
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Stev Andisom 07-Nov-19 05:17 AM
(10 for Program/Int)
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You're able to scrub the signal and locate the frantic tranmissions of the lost UNW platoon. There is a large amount of confusion on the line, as they're not sure why the bombardment has stopped. You hear more than one asking if their commanding officer thinks this is some kind of trap
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-19 10:11 PM
“No trap. Get your treads moving and join the assault before we have to come and pull your asses out of the fire again.”
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You see that they’ve taken heavy casualties, and are pulling back, but the assaults elsewhere look to be making headway. Repair crews and a salvage team have made it to Kaleb , and you see them beginning to work on freeing the gun from its ignition lock, for movement
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Stev Andisom 10-Nov-19 08:04 AM
I head back to Kaleb to keep an eye on the area around him and the crew working on his mech.
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A medical team has been dispatched and you see them working to lower a stretcher from the command mech. It’s impossible to tell who is on it from this distance , but a number of repair personnel are at the base of the crew ladder, ready to head up when the rescue work is gone
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Stev Andisom 10-Nov-19 07:42 PM
I let them do their work, trusting their training and that they’d let me know if anything was going on.
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Stev Andisom 10-Nov-19 07:52 PM
(Any movement around that isn’t from the lander crew?)
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(3xp, 5000 credits. This was the last mission for the rawhani fights. Selgar and I have to roll combat resolution )
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Stev Andisom 12-Nov-19 06:03 AM
(Sweet. That was intense! Thanks for sticking with me.)
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(Okay I have a writeup coming in news later tonight for how the battles are going , but we can pull back to nova heavy for now and RP a bit as the next stages get going)
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Stev Andisom 14-Nov-19 01:42 AM
(👍)
01:43
I watch as the medics and mechanics work on the other mechs and Kaleb. “Anything I can do to help?”
01:44
(Back at Nova Heavy... not in the wastelands.)
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Wescott sends for you once the mechs return, and a few hours have passed. The nova heavy defenses have stood in the face of corpsec attack, along with reinforcements from the UNW. For now the area is secure, allowing you time to talk with the knight houses lore keeper
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Stev Andisom 16-Nov-19 08:08 AM
“Lore Keeper Wescott, is there a problem? I didn’t mean to do anything wrong out there. I mean, Lord Kaleb will recover and the mechs can be repaired, right?”
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He says nothing but looks at you with sad eyes , pulling you into a side room. “You did everything perfectly out there. In both conflicts. You even saved the lander. I’m pulling you aside because I have some good news for you, and some bad. I’ll start with the bad. I believe in getting that out of the way. I’ll cut right to it. Lord Draconis has a peculiar bond to his mech I am sure you noticed. He is a psychic with no small degree of power. He found a crown on Rawhani , buried in a desert carin. We have been calling it the crown of command and when he is aboard his mech, mind open, he becomes the mech
13:22
It’s been getting harder and harder for him to separate his mind and senses from the machine itself. The symbiotic injuries are the latest stage of what I think is a path that will lead him to eventually not being able to be removed from the machine”
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Stev Andisom 17-Nov-19 08:47 AM
“So soon he’ll be the mech? I can understand that you don’t want this news to get out, but isn’t there someone that knows how to fix this? Some sort of surgeon-mechanic?”
08:47
I start chewing a dirty fingernail and tapping one foot.
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“We have been searching. It’s my belief that the massive psychic die-off and the following loss of skilled artisans has cut off our best chance at finding someone. You should prepare yourself to be the face of house draconis operations “
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Stev Andisom 17-Nov-19 10:37 PM
“Me? I’m not a member of Draconis! I’m a ring-in, an outsider, I.... why not you? Or another member of the family?”
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“A lore keeper must distance himself from the leadership of the order. History must be recorded in truth, not as the political whims of any one leader. “ He motions for you to sit down and pours strong tea into two tan earthenware mugs. “Kaleb was an outsider when he came to us. Did you know that? We aren’t nobility. We don’t have a pedigree. If you believe in what we stand for and can uphold our traditions, that is what matters”
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Stev Andisom 18-Nov-19 02:52 PM
“So far I can say I like what I see in the way that Draconis fights for Rawhani freedom, but there is a whole heap of history and politics I’m totally ignorant in. Was Kaleb truly an outsider? Never would have guessed that in a million lifetimes.”
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Stev Andisom 18-Nov-19 03:00 PM
“So, that’s the bad news, which I would say is terrible news, as you have to put up with me for longer. What is the good news?”
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“We have a meeting with the mechanized formation commander of nova heavy industries. If this meeting goes well, they may leave corporate service and fight alongside us instead. There’s a lot riding on this but without Kaleb, it would do us well to have someone who was on the front lines in the meeting with us”
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Stev Andisom 18-Nov-19 11:58 PM
“So we talk Nova Heavy, who is already our ally in this endeavour, into losing their own mechanised forces to us. What happens to that relationship afterwards?”
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“Would you consider yourself technically skilled. Handy with tools or the like?”
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Stev Andisom 19-Nov-19 06:17 AM
“Only tools to kill people. Making things work isn’t really my thing. I’ve learned a little bit about making machines move, but if they break down I’d be better off stealing a new one. Why do you ask?”
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“Mechs are nightmares to maintain. They take specialized equipment, tools, and people to use both of those things. I suspect nova heavy is finding itself short of all of that. They’d be freeing up a substantial sum of money and resources for themselves by casting off that specialist equipment. They don’t do it for nothing though.
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Stev Andisom 19-Nov-19 10:01 PM
“Ah. So Nova gets to spend on new toys instead of old ones and the mechs and pilots get a new home with Draconis instead of being scrapped. What’s the catch?”
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“Theres going to be the inevitable clash of personalities as the new pilots come@aboard and begin to learn about our customs. They’re going to need a strong commander to bring them into line, and as much as I love Kaleb as savior of our house, in his current condition we cannot rely on him. You’d be promoted. Immediately, to Knight-Exemplar”
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Stev Andisom 21-Nov-19 02:11 AM
“Will Kaleb still be running the show? If I have to be the spokesman, I can deal with that, as long as someone who knows what is going on behind the scenes is standing there to back me up.”
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"He will be there as you said, for backup, but we need a face, and a strong field commander capable of making the good decisions youve been making"
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Stev Andisom 21-Nov-19 04:40 AM
I start pacing. “Fuck me sideways, this is not how I expected the first day of battle to end. Alright, I’ll do it. Can’t stop fighting when conditions change, or if you lose someone. Keep momentum up.”
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“Exactly. We are going to this meeting and we will give the UNW a few days to consolidate their forces. I’m sure new offensives will be planned”
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Stev Andisom 21-Nov-19 08:56 AM
“The bastards in the MegaCorps haven’t left yet, so there had better be a new offensive or I’ll start beating down UNW doors to find out who pulled back.”
08:58
“What have we got on the ground right now and are we engaged anywhere?”
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(Selgar declared attacks I just have to organize the battles)
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“The UNW is mounting an offensive against the left control node of the panopticon matrix. The enemy has heavy equipment in the field , I expect we will be deploying there next”
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Stev Andisom 22-Nov-19 01:52 PM
“Should we talk with the Nova Heavy mech platoon before we leave, start to roll them into our structure?”
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"It mgiht be wise. We have reason to believe we will be seeing enemy mechs in the field. True engine combat, like the old days"
21:11
"You'll be pleased to know we were able to recover the wreckage of all three, ours and theirs, downed in the last engagement. What we cannot repair we will use for parts"
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Stev Andisom 22-Nov-19 09:47 PM
“Shit, forgot about the other guy! How’s the pilot of the third mech we had with us?” (edited)
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“Did not make it. The fires in the cockpit overwhelmed her before we were able to pry the door open. She’s going to be buried with honors after the meeting
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-19 01:52 PM
“Gods damn it! Another soul taken by the corps. Is the mech salvageable?”
13:53
Wescott can tell that Stev is agitated about the knight dying and Kaleb slowly becoming his mech, but he is trying to focus on the bigger picture.
13:54
“We need to get this meeting done and find out where we are needed. If the UNW is hitting one side of the grid, perhaps we can hit the other, split the defending forces and crush them against their own walls.”
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(There’s three corpsec armies at central. I mean you can but risk is high)
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-19 11:10 PM
(This is more of an idea spitballing session. 😝)
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-19 11:53 PM
Stev gets word of the council meeting and asks Wescott for a place he can remotely join the conversation.
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Wescott provides a small alcove for you inside the hangar Nova Heavy has been letting house draconis forces use. The door shuts and it is surprisingly quiet in the reinforced control room. Through the glass you can see dozens of workers below welding and repairing the mechs, and getting the captured field gun cleaned, reassembled, and painted in draconis colors
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Stev Andisom 27-Nov-19 04:26 AM
I step out of the alcove and go to find Wescott.
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-19 02:05 AM
“Wescott, the UNW and allies are under attack from an external force. I’ve already stated to the council that I’m here till this is done, at the very least, but we can’t rely on help if we get jammed up any harder than we already are.”
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“Agreed. We have corpsec on the ropes and need to continue that. The UNW is preparing to launch An attack on the panopticon left and could use the support. Enemy war engines are in the field
02:38
And they’re serious. They’ve called in the Blackbloods”
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-19 08:21 AM
“Mercenaries?”
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-19 11:06 AM
(Is info on the assembled armies on a computer somewhere, or some sort of map of the area, holographic displays, specially trained monkeys in costume?)
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(In this scene you haven’t met them just yet this is just wescott telling you what he knows but we can move there)
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-19 12:05 AM
(Sure, I think we’ve talked enough shit for now. Onwards!)
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The Nova Heavy mech commander is a small and dutiful corporate officer who screams middle management of some kind. His hands have both been replaced by mechanical ones instead though you can’t tell by battlefield injury or some kind of enhancement. He is bald with a thin mustache and has round glasses on his round face
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“Ah you’re the house lead pilot then. I guess we are taking the field together later on. This is it then. This is what treason looks like”
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-19 01:35 AM
“This is what the pursuit of freedom looks like Commander.”
01:36
I reach out to shake his hand.
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His grip is gentle despite what youd expect. “Indeed. If we should live to see it. The blackbloods are serious foes. Corpsec is clearly trying to stop this while it’s still small”
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-19 09:03 AM
“Can you give me the quick rundown on these guys and why they seem to have everyone rattled? I take it they can’t be paid to change sides, so we are going to have to meet them in the field.”
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-19 11:10 PM
I look for a map of the panopticon and troop deployments, focusing especially on where the Blackbloods are said to be.
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The blackbloods are being kept in reserve from how it seems, waiting for the corpsec line to have a problem. The UNW heavily our numbers the defenders, but for now corpsec entrenchments and artillery are turning the rocky desert into something like the trench warfare of the 1900’s, in its earliest stages
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Stev Andisom 01-Dec-19 01:49 AM
“Looks like they want a siege. What I’d like to do is smash a hole in their lines and draw the UNW in behind us, tearing our way straight to the back. The UNW will cover our backs and the MegaCorps will have to send in Blackblood reinforcements to stop us.”
01:49
I motion towards the map.
01:50
“Does that sound possible with what we have? Does there seem like anywhere we can exploit a weakness in their defences and play havoc behind their lines?”
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Stev Andisom 02-Dec-19 10:23 PM
( @Nekosmash ?)
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(Get to it tonigjt)
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-19 01:33 AM
(No worries mate. 👍)
01:33
(Planning the end of the universe takes time. 😝)
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"There's a small bend in the line, some rocky foothills where the UNW has managed to secure a mountaintop fort. We could get behind corpsec lines easily from there if we aren't detected coming down the mountain pass, force them to pull troops back from the main line, or as you said, commit the reserves to plugging the breach, and we take them in open combat from there"
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-19 03:56 AM
“Perfect! If we can get the UNW to commit forces to follow us in to widen the gap once we’re through they will have to send reserves or they will lose the panopticon.”
03:58
I turn and look towards the window. “How are preparations going? Hopefully our forces are integrating without too much friction.”
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“Nova Heavy has always employed mechs for defense and other purposes. We are used to fighting with multiple formations at once. Rebels or not(, your forces share the culture here. It’s easy to work together when you understand someone”
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-19 02:24 PM
“House Draconis has a long history of using mechs, so apart from maybe a few different phrases for similar things, it sounds like there should be very few issues. Wescott, I’m feeling very rebellious today. Shall we go and kick the termites nest?”
14:25
I lead the Nova Heavy commander, Wescott and whoever else is in the room to the back of the workshop, moving things around once we get there to make enough room for an informal briefing area.
14:28
“Let’s call all the pilots in here, give them the general outline, then we can go over specific orders with each group separately just before we head out.”
14:29
“I always hated being left in the dark when I was a groundstomper. We would get told to march but never with any details. I don’t know if my captain even knew the why of it most times.”
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A briefing room is cleared for your use, the small squad of soldiers using it angry, until they see just who it was for. The pilots are a mix of men and women, though all are Rawhani natives, judging by their dusky skin, tinted with just a small amount of red. The pilot suits each wears are the same, the corpsec pilots relatively free of ornamentation, aside from name, rank, and blood type
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Stev Andisom 04-Dec-19 06:35 AM
I get Wescott and the NH commander to flank me as I walk to the front of the room.
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Stev Andisom 04-Dec-19 07:58 AM
“Pilots, both from Nova Heavy and Draconis, welcome to the other side of madness. CorpSec is making the way to the panopticon a nightmare, so we have a tough job ahead of us. Also, our friends from Nova Heavy bring word that there is a vicious band of mercenaries working for the other side. I say we show them who owns Rawhani!”
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Stev Andisom 04-Dec-19 08:06 AM
“Our plan is for the UNW forces to hit them along a long front, while we will strike like a spear and force our way through their defences. Reserve UNW troops will follow us through so the way out stays open for rescue and repair teams. We hope to draw out CorpSec reserves, including those mercenaries I mentioned, which will be our ultimate target. There is also artillery behind their lines we would like to take out to make it easier for the UNW to overrun the defensive lines to join our attack.”
08:08
“I can’t promise victory. Anyone who can is a damn liar, but I can promise to be out there with you, fighting as as hard as I can for our people and our freedom.”
08:12
“If you get the chance to capture any enemy machines, do so, but only if it is safe. I’d say not to walk into a bad situation, but we’ll already be there, right?” “Last thing, I think, is to take care of yourselves and your squad. Mechs can be repaired. Your lives are worth more.” (edited)
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They all give you their rapt attention and when your speech is concluded there is no rousing cheer, but everyone has a sense of purpose in their eyes. Splitting off into the corridor they begin heading into the hangar and briefing the squads of troopers they’ll be supporting
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Stev Andisom 06-Dec-19 03:54 AM
“That went as well as could be expected.”
03:55
I turn to the other 2. “Wescott, when is the blessing? I want to check in with Kaleb beforehand.”
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"An hour from now. It sounds like our Nova friends will be joining as well. I won't be pushing Auguna and her message on them, but I am hoping we can stir some hearts"
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Stev Andisom 06-Dec-19 04:35 AM
“Excellent. Is there anything you need from me before then? If not, could you point me towards where Kaleb is? Hopefully the medics have finished.”
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“He is in the primary medbay. I’ll send word ahead so you’re admitted but he may not be strong enough to talk for long”
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Stev Andisom 06-Dec-19 01:41 PM
“The bastards gave his mech a real beating. Thanks Wescott. Commander, I’ll see you at the blessing.”
13:42
I give them both a nod and head to the medbay, stopping at the door to check if he’s awake.
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Kaleb is awake and the attendants exit the room, drawing the curtain and door closed behind them as they leave. He is cobwebbed by cables and tubes, his injuries mirroring the damage his heavy mech took during the initial stage of the fighting but he slowly turns to face you
13:47
He says nothing , but you are not certain if it is because he can’t, or won’t
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Stev Andisom 06-Dec-19 10:25 PM
I give him a proper salute and stand at attention at the end of the bed. “My lord, we are preparing for the next attack. I... I am sorry I failed you out there. I will try to be better next time.”
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Stev Andisom 07-Dec-19 12:00 AM
“On a happier note, the Nova Heavy groups are being folded into our own forces with ease and will make our next push a much larger force to be reckoned with.”
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"You...You did not fail" he says, his voice raspy with effort. The blanket shifts and you can see the hurried skin grafting sprayed over the worst of his wounds. You already know the chatter and gossip, but this is the first time seeing the true extend of his symbiosis with the heavy mech.
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-19 06:15 AM
“That thing, the crown, it is killing you. Is it worth this?”
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-19 12:58 PM
I start pacing in the doorway. “Rawhani needs Draconis and Draconis needs a leader. That’s not me, that’s you.”
13:00
“Wescott is going to give the blessing soon. My prayer will be for you, getting out of that bed and looking good as new. The face of rebellion, happy and healthy so I can slink off into the shadows again where I belong.”
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“I think...I think we are past that...” he says heavily. “The crown...it helps me fight. Makes me one. Helps me lead”
13:35
“Can not operate that psimech without it” he coughs
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-19 01:38 PM
“And it’s killing you. Another hit like you took and I’d be standing by your grave, not your hospital bed. Does the reward outweigh the risk here?”
13:39
“Fuck me, can the crown interface be used differently? Has anyone researched it?”
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“The forge. The forge...could tell you” Kalebs monitors start to beep, and you’re gently led out of the room by one of the medical orderlies
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-19 10:41 PM
I let myself be led out, wishing there was something I could do immediately.
22:47
I head back to Wescott. “What is the forge and how could it help Kaleb with that damn crown?”
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“Ah. The psionic forge. That’s back on Gudrun. Kaleb found it here on Rawhani and activated it, before transporting it back home to keep it out of corpsec hands. We don’t fully understand what it does yet. Or how. But maybe that’s just the kind of thing we need to look into”
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Stev Andisom 09-Dec-19 05:57 AM
“Do you know someone back on Gudrun who can look into it while we fight on? At this point I don’t think Kaleb should be anywhere near the crown or his mech until it’s all figured out, otherwise he’ll be dead next time it gets hit.”
05:58
“Let’s get this blessing done and then I can take the others and kick some CorpSec arse while you contact whoever you trust to look into it.”
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(He would know val and the rebirth lab back home have been entrusted with it but the research has stalled )
13:44
(They’ve got a lot on their plate)
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Stev Andisom 09-Dec-19 03:26 PM
(Would he tell Stev?)
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(That’s what he would tell you. Kaleb and Val were supposed to work on it and never did. Currently the forge is a research project but the points saved up so far are being saved for discovering a slyth thing
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-19 02:08 AM
(Okay, that’s cool. Thanks!)
02:09
“Well, we need to keep Kaleb out of his mech until something can be done about it. I don’t want his sacrifice to have no meaning.”
02:10
I walk with Wescott to the hangar and stand beside my mech, watch engineers, mechanics and pilots all swarm over and around their own machines.
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-19 02:26 AM
“This is my favourite part, watching everyone focused on getting the job done.”
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Wescott busies himself after leaving your side and begins heading out into the front of the hangar deck, a few of the more veteran engineers and deck-hands working with him to set up the altar, bowl of water, and the statue of the serpent goddess auguana, of seas, of travelers, and of refuge. Someone lights a bowl of palm fronds and jasmine incense, and the hangar is slowly filled with the soothing smell. Someone crackles a small handful of salt into the brazier, and you're reminded of the sea, and of calm
03:46
Wescott emerges from a side room, clad in a robe of brown, with teal trim, and a hood that is for now pinned to the back of the robe. A silence falls over the hangar as everyone pulls themselves into something of slovenly ranks
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-19 04:33 AM
I walk over and join the ranks, nudging the most slovenly ones to make them stand up a little straighter.
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-19 06:03 AM
“Attention on deck!”
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Wescott stands behind the altar and for a few moments is content just to breathe in the smells and listen to the stillness in a space that normally knows nothing but noise. He sprinkles another handful of salt into the brazier and you’re reminded of waves. “It’s been many years , and we are finally home. We find new members among our congregation, and some old members who have found their way back. Auguana tells us to be welcoming to these travelers , both as a physical community and a spiritual one. We in this hangar have one vow, to free our home from the chains of corpsec oppression. Fight for Auguana, for home, for yourselves and the intentions you keep inside your hearts. It doesn’t matter. You are here and you will fight. Rawhani has everything to gain by what we do here today , and I send you into battle with the blessings of our patron goddess upon you all. “ He waves for Stev to approach first
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Stev Andisom 11-Dec-19 10:26 AM
I walk to the front of the altar and stand at attention.
10:27
“Lord Keeper, I stand ready to serve.”
10:27
I kneel and bow my head.
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You feel is leathered hands on your head and he begins to chant under his breath. It feels like you are standing next to a static generator. The smell of the salt, the feel of the hangar floor under foot. The breeze outside blowing the shifting sands of the world you call home. Your limbs begin to warm with power
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Stev Andisom 15-Dec-19 01:11 PM
Internal monologue: “What the fuck is happening? Is he putting that damn crown near my head?” External: says nothing, closes eyes and waits for the end to come.
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His hands extend to each of your temples and the warming sensation fades, and as you are helped to your feet you feel no extra weight on your head
14:18
(This is your mech becoming your sunblade weapon)
☀️ 2
⚔️ 2
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Stev Andisom 15-Dec-19 02:20 PM
(Ah very cool! I’ll need to write something down for my foci for next level up. Daughter had her dance recital today so it’s been super busy here for the last week.) (edited)
14:21
“Praise Auguana! May our enemies tremble in fear at our coming!”
14:22
I step back and bow to Wescott, bow to the altar and turn and nod to the ex-Nova Heavy commander. (edited)
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He steps forward, and kneels, and you get to see the blessing from the outside, looking in. It takes nearly an hour for all the mech pilots to be blessed, longer than Wescott anticipated, as he ends up performing two official conversions to the faith. On the altar, tools used to maintain the vehicles have been laid out, and he swings the censer over them, allowing the cloud to settle, blessing the tools as he walks down the altars length, and back
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Stev Andisom 16-Dec-19 04:22 AM
I begin to feel fidgety, impatient to go into the field and force our way through the CorpSec line.
04:25
“Lore Keeper Wescott, I thank you for your dedication to House Draconis and Auguana. May Her blessings be always upon you.”
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He smiles, and with a pulsating siren, the mass ends as crews begin running for their mechs
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Stev Andisom 16-Dec-19 10:46 AM
I laugh and slap Wescott on the back as I grab my gear and run to my mech.
10:47
“Who have I got on the other end of this?” I ask as I flick the radio on and power up the mech.
10:48
I test the mobility of the joints and spin up the heavy machine gun and wait for the groups to assemble. (edited)
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“Light armor. Some@infantry and fortifications. Make some noise and the mechs will take the field
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Stev Andisom 18-Dec-19 01:45 AM
“Let’s get to it then!”
01:45
(Are we near the battlefield already or are we being transported there?)
01:45
I flick the radio to the wideband channel to talk to everyone.
01:46
“You all have your orders and the enemy is waiting. Let’s show them what it means to stand against House Draconis!!”
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(You
03:24
are near it, same objectives in this theater, you guys have destroyed 1 of the 3 you need to,)
03:24
(if all goes well, this will be number 2, and if you beat them badly enough, they might withdraw and we can move to a new set of objectives)
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Stev Andisom 18-Dec-19 08:34 AM
(Okay. Thanks!)
08:39
I start the mech moving forwards, waving the Railgun arm above my head as a signal for the attack to commence.
08:40
“If anyone sees the target, or an enemy emplacement, call it out. Eyes on stalks guys!”
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Stev Andisom 21-Dec-19 10:27 AM
I lead the steady charge of the Draconis mech forces towards the CorpSec defensive line.
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(Let’s get a Pilot /dex as you storm over the cratered ground )
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Stev Andisom 22-Dec-19 01:20 AM
(10 for the piloting check. Not terrible! Hooray!)
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The mech deftly avoids craters, the wrecks of armored vehicles from both sides, and the initial trench works that now form no mans land. 100m ahead, a corpsec strongpoint, a large steel tower with a large cannon on top of it looks
01:36
Down at the battle around it. The tower serves as a microgarrison for several corpsec squads to rest in relative safety, until today
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Stev Andisom 22-Dec-19 01:56 AM
I play the part of battlefield general and call up the artillery forces on the radio.
01:57
“Rain hell on that tower please.”
01:58
I slow the charge and take aim at the cannon with both of my weapons. To the other mechs, “Neutralise the tower and watch the flanks.”
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(You do have artillery support since the UNW units have it organically. We can roll that out if you like)
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Stev Andisom 23-Dec-19 10:19 AM
(And the one that I captured? 😝) (Yeah, let’s knock that tower down. What would you like me to roll?) (edited)
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(D100 to start, for what percentage of the target zone is shelled. It’s a 200m radius)
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-19 07:03 AM
(So I rolled a d100 and got 100. Hope that is good. 🤪)
07:03
(I thought I had broken Roll20.)
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(100% of targets in 200m radius being hit. Now a d6
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-19 10:11 PM
(5 on the d6 roll.)
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“Rounds on target in five minutes, they’ve got an umbrella shield. It’ll take about that long to overwhelm it”
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-19 11:01 PM
“Thanks. We’ll keep them distracted.”
23:03
I fire the HMG towards the tower in suppressive mode, not looking to actually hit anything but instead wanting everyone to keep their heads down.
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(its like a stand with a laser on it, like an energy based iron dome)
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-19 11:04 PM
(How many ‘squads’ of mechs are there, or if it is just 1 group, how many mechs?)
23:04
(Not a tower with people inside? Hmm. New plan! 😝)
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(3 squads of four, one heavy and 3 light in each)
23:05
(and theres people in it too, the laser system is just keeping them safe from bombardment)
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-19 11:08 PM
(Cool. Same plan!)
23:09
“Squad 2, check the line 100m down that way. Don’t go any closer than we already are. Squad 3, same but up the other way instead. Squad 1, take out that laser.”
23:10
(Spreading the squads out along the defensive line so if they try to counterattack we don’t all get hit in 1 go.)
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(Got it. Are you joining the tower squad?)
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Stev Andisom 27-Dec-19 11:31 PM
(Yeah, I’ll stay with squad 1 at the tower.)
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(Alright go ahead and roll your attacks. I’ll resolve the mech group
04:41
The artillery crew is preparing their barrage, the last handful of shells are being unloaded and stacked for rapid firing now.
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Stev Andisom 29-Dec-19 11:25 AM
(Railgun 18 to hit, 12 damage.) (HMG 7 to hit.)
11:25
(Also, I get to do the foci thing when I level up, so the mech can be used as my Sunblade, right?)
11:26
(So it doesn’t count right now?)
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(I don’t think I’m going to force you to use a foci for making it a sunblade weapon. You’re already a sunblade. We can just say the ceremony was the mech becoming such
15:49
(A small to hit and damage bonus isn’t worth a foci pick to me)
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Stev Andisom 29-Dec-19 09:55 PM
(Okay, that’s very cool of you. Thanks!)
21:55
(In that case...)
21:57
(The damage from the Railgun goes up to 13 and the hit roll for the HMG goes to 10.)
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Stev Andisom 30-Dec-19 02:28 AM
(If the 10 causes the HMG to hit it does 8 damage)
02:29
I fire the Railgun and HMG at the laser on top of the tower, hoping to take it out and allow the artillery to fire without worry.
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The top of the tower blows out in a shower of fire and sparks. Bodies tumble with the debris as the explosions blast wave knocks them over the edge. The other mech forces are likewise overrunning what they can reach, but with a bombardment on the way they’re unwilling to advance into the projected radius
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Stev Andisom 30-Dec-19 10:09 PM
“Once the area is safe to cross, squads 2 and 3 are to advance on the next defensive line. Squad 1, we are going to secure whatever is left of the tower.”
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The bombardment arrives, annihilating all targets within a 200m radius of the tower. Your mechs endure the massive heat bloom , rocking gently as the rolling blast waves sweep over the formation. On the other side of the expansive wall of fire, the ground sensors in your mechs feet show large seismic disturbances. Mechs walking
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Stev Andisom 30-Dec-19 11:40 PM
“Incoming defenders! Pick a target and slag it. If it’s recoverable after we move on the mechanics can salvage it, but I’d rather we all survive than try to save their damn machines.”
23:41
As soon as it’s safe, even if the fire is still raging in places, I lead the squad forward.
23:42
Is there anything left of the tower or is it totally destroyed?
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(Tower is a ruined stump)
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Stev Andisom 30-Dec-19 11:51 PM
(Excellent! Is there enough left to be able to use it as cover if we want to?)
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(The heavy mechs are too tall, they’re about 30m tall. Like a gundam, but a light mech like yours or a suit mech could)
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Stev Andisom 31-Dec-19 07:13 AM
“Heavy, take the left side. I’ll go round to the right. You others use the tower as cover and fire on anything you can.”
07:13
I move around to the right of the fallen tower.
07:14
“Squads, report when you make contact.”
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Stev Andisom 03-Jan-20 09:51 AM
(Do I need to roll anything to spot the enemy mechs?)
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(No they’re hard to miss)
13:41
Your battle group of four (plus you for five) moves into position as the scout mechs of the enemy force approach. Stepping over the shell ruined and smoking wasteland , the five suit mechs serving as outriders boost through the wrecks on jump jets
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Stev Andisom 03-Jan-20 11:53 PM
“Scouts at the tower. Pick your target and fire when you have a shot.”
23:54
When I can I want to shoot at the one closest to me.
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Snapping fire from the advancing suit mechs ranges in at the mechs in your battle group. Two of the light lasers miss, hitting the ground or tower wreckage but one of the light mechs in your formation is caught in the open and suffers a trio of hits that send sparks flying from its armor
14:43
It limps into cover, knee joint aflame
14:43
(Now you’re up)
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Stev Andisom 06-Jan-20 10:39 AM
(A 6 and a 7. Terribad!) (edited)
10:45
I fire the Railgun, being more of a danger to myself than the mechsuit I’m aiming at. Then the HMG, tearing a line in the dirt in the general direction I was aiming. No hits, no damage, not a good start.
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Return fire from your battlegroup is aimed about as poorly, though the heavy mech scores a direct hit with its rail cannon, the macro sized weapon shattering one of the enemy suit mechs in a single hit. The flaming wreckage adds to the already considerable piles of flaming debris,
12:17
The suits pause their advance, moving to what cover they can find and digging in, their return fire ineffective and too short to hit anyone
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Stev Andisom 06-Jan-20 09:02 PM
(Railgun misses wildly again, HMG likely hits with a 22 and does 14 damage) Round 2: The Do-Over
21:03
With a curse at the sky, I fire again. The Railgun shot flies harmlessly into the air and out of sight, perhaps scaring some native bird with the speed of its passing.
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One of the four remaining suit mechs is stitched by the passage of several high caliber rounds. It limps as it finishes it’s mad dash into cover
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Stev Andisom 07-Jan-20 03:53 AM
I start walking sideways, further to the right and forwards to get a better shot on the suits behind cover.
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As you move laterally you see the suit mech you’d hit with its canopy open. Black smoke billows out from the chest and leg of the suit and the pilot is mid down the crew ladder with his bail out bag across the small of his back. The three surviving suit mechs strike the damaged light from your formation. You don’t see him go critical and explode but you do see the dusty plume rise and see his location runs vanish from the display
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Stev Andisom 07-Jan-20 02:43 PM
“Pilot, if you can hear me, save yourself. We will come for the mech once we are done and the mechanics can get it right.”
14:44
“Mechanics, we have a mech down and maybe a mechsuit we can capture. Be ready to move when we’re clear.”
14:49
“Squads 2 and 3, report when you can. Squad 1 is exchanging fire with mechsuits, likely advance scouts, so stay alert.”
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(Your up)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-20 03:27 AM
I forgo my attack action if possible to try to talk to the 3 remaining CorpSec guys in suits.
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(It’s a free action to talk , so you can hold your attack)
05:08
(If we end up needing a skill check that will be your main action , but let’s see what comes out of this)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-20 06:37 AM
I forgo my attack action if possible to try to talk to the 3 remaining CorpSec guys in suits.
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-20 06:45 AM
“CorpSec pilots, we are House Draconis, the last free people of Rawhani. I urge you to join us in reclaiming our home from the Corps that are exploiting us! If you surrender you will be treated well and will be given the opportunity to help us take control of our world and our future.”
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(Let’s get a cha/lead or talk here. You call on what skill. It’s a skill check so we can’t attack this turn but if it doesn’t work your battlegroup will still shoot
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-20 11:13 PM
(I achieved a 4 on a cha/talk roll. Boo!)
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your allied battlegroup fires at the nimble suit mechs who have stalled their advance, but the enemy force has entrenched themselves in good cover. (didnt roll even into double digits) . Ground penetrating radar has something large approaching, but concealed by smoke
03:09
The scout mechs begin to fall back, engaging a protective smokescreen as they try to withdraw toward whatever is coming
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Stev Andisom 09-Jan-20 04:13 AM
(Artillery is only once per battle, yeah?)
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(Yes, with the number of guns available right now)
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Stev Andisom 09-Jan-20 08:15 AM
(Cool. Danke!)
08:15
“Take cover!”
08:20
“Squads 2 and 3, if you aren’t being engaged by enemy force, wait for the combat to start at the ruined tower and then flank whatever appears out of the smoke.”
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The other two squads try to answer but the link is flawed by so many explosions and the close range release of so many energy particles from the laser fire. It looks like you can get a shot or two off at the fleeing suits before the distance and smokescreen completely occludes them
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-20 06:30 AM
(9 for the Railgun, 10 for the HMG.)
06:31
(I think I need to make a few sacrifices to the Roll20 gods. This is getting ridiculous!)
06:32
Fire both guns and feeling bloody useless, curses stream from the mech and can possibly be heard if anyone is within 20 metres. Luckily I haven’t hit the Push-To-Talk button on the radio. (edited)
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Something large and filled with heavy weaponry makes its way through the smoke, the suit mechs using their jump jets to make it to internal bays in the sides and escape the combat. It stomps the ground, it’s six powerful legs crunching wrecks and trench line underfoot. It towers over even a heavy mech, and your onboard archive system shows this as the Driade
12:44
The command unit and mobile command center of Obsidian Group.
😮 3
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-20 05:31 PM
“Shit.”
17:32
(brb after sleep)
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-20 10:40 PM
(Okay, let’s do this bad idea!)
22:42
Using the fallen tower as partial cover, I hunker down and aim at the things front right leg.
22:43
Radio: “Take out its legs! Put the bastard on the ground, hard! Squads 2 and 3, come join the party!”
22:44
Radio: “If anyone has a signal flare, now would be the time to use it.”
22:46
Not radio: “Auguana, be kind.”
22:46
(Firing at front right leg when I can)
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(youre up and can fire, what did you want the flare to do?_
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Stev Andisom 11-Jan-20 10:32 AM
(Emergency signal, because I haven’t heard from the other squads I sent out. Basically a “bring help” signal for our forces to show them where we are engaged.)
10:37
(6 for Railgun, 16 for HMG and 13 damage for HMG if that hits.)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jan-20 10:45 AM
(Just looking, if the mech is my Sunblade weapon, would that make the weapons both be 3d8 damage, instead of the 3d6 for the HMG?)
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(the hmg is 3d8, the railgun is 3d10, since theyre both mech weapons, its whatevers fitted to the mech)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jan-20 12:35 AM
(Sweet! Next time, for sure I’ll remember. 😝)
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The right leg sparks and the machine staggers. A flare is launched from your own lines and only one answering flare replies. Squad 3 is still in the fight. The Driade is advancing alone, other mech support either destroyed or engaged with your fellow mechs elsewhere. Communications are a hellscape of static
00:48
(Gonna Fire for it soon)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jan-20 12:52 AM
(Bring it on! Btw, to me it looks like a Fallen Walker from Destiny. Straight away I thought “Go for the legs and it will make finding the crit point easy!” Silly brain.)
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(Hahahah)
23:38
Three of the dorsal cannons fire, the high explosive shells pulverizing the ground around you and sending shrapnel spinning through the air. (Two miss, 18/8 for the third)
23:38
(And back to you)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jan-20 11:56 PM
I fire again at the same leg, trying to disable it or even destroy the joint completely.
23:57
(15 for Railgun, 16 for HMG)
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(What were the hit rolls)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jan-20 05:59 AM
Railgun was 15 to hit, HMG was 16 to hit. Didn’t roll damage yet, waiting to see what was successful.
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(Hmg hits)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jan-20 01:36 PM
(Danke!)
13:37
(14 damage with the HMG)
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There is a burst of light around the leg joint as it’s micro burst ecm generator nullifies the hit. The joint smokes and steams, the sensitive shielding equipment now offline. A small light appears over your comms display , someone on another channel trying to patch in
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Stev Andisom 15-Jan-20 06:00 AM
I flick the comm over. “Your timing is off, unless you’re trying to sell mech insurance!” (edited)
06:03
(So the leg is still okay, but the countermeasures are offline, meaning the next hit counts?)
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(That’s right)
13:39
“Draconis , this is Mother In Law 1-1, flight of three bombers from the UNW formation to your south. Comms were passed up saying you needed help.” The gravely voice says through the static and interference of combat
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Stev Andisom 15-Jan-20 09:54 PM
“Whoever passed on that message is an angel! There’s a six-legged walker here that needs to be turned into spare parts. Mother In Law, can you take out the bastard please?”
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“The in laws know how to hit them where it hurts. Keep it busy for a moment and we will have warheads on foreheads”
23:20
(3d6 please. Individual values not total. Gotta see if any get shot down)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jan-20 01:40 AM
(2,3,5 for the rolls.)
01:41
“Best in-laws in the universe. We’ll keep them busy till you arrive. Draconis out.”
01:41
Then I await the counterattack.
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The Driade hunches, a rocket pod rising from its shell-like back, and a dozen rockets streak into the air on winding corkscrews. A volley of explosions from the air launched rockets, and those fired in return light up the ground and sky in a firestorm so intense, your monitors shut down for a moment to protect your eyesight. When they open again, the head of the great machine has been knocked almost entirely off, smoke drifting in massive columns from its broken neck. It has fallen on its belly, legs now splayed out under it, and its cannon bastions sag, the sudden fall stripping most of the elevator gears on its mighty guns
04:39
dozens of escape slides, ladders, and ramps begin extending from doors and viewports all over its massive frame. Distantly, two fireballs streak down from the sky, Mother-In-Law 2 and 3 unable to shake the missile tracking. Only one parachute is seen drifting down through the cloud bank
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Stev Andisom 16-Jan-20 06:22 AM
I flick the comm to the entire group. “The walker is down but the air support took major hits. We need someone tracking where they go down and support to go rescue them please. Squad 1 will stay with me to secure the walker.”
06:23
I then use the suppressive fire on both guns to keep whoever is trying to get out of the walker pinned.
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There are many ways out of the walker and you keep down what you can, squad 1 moving at loping runs to join you now that the main walker has fallen. Most of those bailing out seem to be technical crew rather than actual soldiers
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Stev Andisom 16-Jan-20 09:49 PM
I use an external speaker to talk to the people in the walker.
21:50
“Lay down your weapons and walk towards the base of the fallen tower. If you comply you will not be harmed.”
21:54
Back on the comms, I talk to squad 1.
21:59
“Heavy, take point position and watch for incoming. The rest of us will spread out to cover the prisoners.”
21:59
Then I contact the forward base.
21:59
“The enemy walker is down. We need some infantry to secure the prisoners at the fallen tower.”
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About half begin heading in the direction you indicated, clearly interested in complying with orders. The other half duck back inside, if they haven’t left open doors or windows already, likely heading to the mechs internal armory or preparing holdout positions.
03:33
The heavy mech, damaged and missing an arm, makes its way to a point position. It’s pilot flashes shoulder pad lights by way of affirming the order, having given up on his radio.
03:34
The UNW infantry battalion nearby is relocating as fast as they can but its expected to be a few minutes
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Stev Andisom 17-Jan-20 08:42 AM
Back to the external speaker: “Occupants of the wreck you used to call a command centre, you will be killed if you do not come out. No exceptions. We go looking for you, we’re bringing out a corpse.”
08:43
Then on the comms again: “Squads 2 and 3, please confirm location. Comms seem to be working again. Also, thank you to whoever got the message out to the fliers. Hell of a job.”
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You see a UNW helicopter overhead, rushing out to the suspected site of the flyer crashes. Search teams are already on the way. From thr wreck, you see nothing new in terms of movement. The first UNW troop carriers should be here any moment. (notice/wis)
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Stev Andisom 18-Jan-20 10:58 PM
(7 on the notice roll)
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(23/9). A hatch must exist on the bottom and you do not see the rocket team setting up and firing from the shadows of the Driade’s lolling head until it’s too late. The dumb fire rocket streaks toward you with a hiss bang of exhaust.
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-20 01:53 PM
(17 damage to my mech so far. Must be some smoke coming out of it now.)
13:55
(23 hp left. Time to get nasty.)
13:56
I stagger a few step back and to the left, trying to put a leg between me and where the rocket came from.
13:57
“They’re resisting. Give no quarter to whoever is still inside.”
13:58
Then I would like to fire at the underside, approximately where the rocket came from.
14:00
(Railgun 13 to hit, HMG 5 to hit.)
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You see nothing but red mist from under its head as your heavy weapons turn the soldiers there into chunks.
14:28
The UNW personnel carriers arrive and begin deploying troopers under heavy suppressive fire
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-20 02:33 PM
(Is the suppressive fire coming from the troops deploying or the walker?)
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(Soldiers deploying)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-20 02:33 PM
(Cool. I won’t fire at them then. 😇)
14:35
“There’s something underneath, maybe another way in. Take no prisoners, they’ve had their chance to surrender.”
14:35
I climb out of my mech with a fire extinguisher and make sure that the damage done isn’t putting the rest of the mech or myself at risk.
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(Let’s get a fix /int for field repairs)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-20 02:38 AM
(Woohoo! 9 for the fix roll. Much better than I expected.)
02:38
(Hope your headache is gone by now. They can really ruin your day.)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-20 07:28 AM
(Anything you would like me to roll for the soldiers clearing the walker?)
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(I’m alive again, and I’m going to do some opposed checks)
13:31
The UNW soldiers begin boarding en masse and a brutal room by room hallway fight ensues, combatants down to pistols and knives by the end of the first hour. A constant stream of stretchers and medical flights heads in and out of the walker but the progress on the radio is unmistakable. Room by room, the corpsec walker is being cleared.
13:32
Comms are restored as the orbiting troop carrier risks moving into orbit to help clean up some of the background interference. Squads 2 and 3 fought obsidian group to a standstill while your team fought the Driade. Neither squad survived the conflict, though none of the obsidian mechs left the field either
13:33
(I have to make a handout for what all your merc legion has in it, but you’ve got the damaged mobile hq, the few mechs draconis has and now squad 1’s , and that field gun)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-20 04:25 PM
(So this combat is done? Damn Neko, this has been great fun. Thanks!)
16:25
(Looking forward to round 3 and being able to kick the corps off the planet!)
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(Yeah I’ll roll with selgar over the next couple days when I’m not dying from plague, but you’re outta danger for now)
21:15
With the corpsec lines blown wide open, a screaming tide of UNW soldiers and their armored support catch the defensive positions around the panopticon matrix off guard, and a battle begins playing out. Suffering casualties and the mechs needing repair, Wescott and Kaleb signal for the mechs to withdraw from the field if they’re able. The job for now, is done
21:15
(6xp, 10,000 credits)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-20 10:25 PM
I keep out of the way of the medics and mechanics, waiting for them to clear the mechs off the field before heading in to the walker for a quick look.
22:26
I am especially looking for information on CorpSec they may have left behind.
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The sweep takes most of the day before the bridge is gained, and you’re called aboard, along with Wescott , as the last of the corpsec prisoners are being led off the ship and into a temporary@holding area nearby
12:27
The battle seems to have reached its end for the day
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Stev Andisom 24-Jan-20 11:48 PM
I call over whoever is in command of the ground troops. “The prisoners who surrendered before the final assault, try to make them comfortable somewhere. I promised them we would start trying to find out where they will be most useful. As for the others who were captured in the assault, feel free interrogate them.”
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“We are splitting them up as best we can. Shot two runners already. It’s like they won’t learn “
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-20 12:11 AM
I laugh. “They’re starting to panic. Evidently money can buy fancy weapons but it can’t buy intelligence. Keep up the good work.”
00:12
I slap him on the shoulder before following Wescott in to the walker.
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-20 04:46 AM
Council meeting starts, so I seat myself in the walker commanders chair and join via hologram. Damage to the system makes it buggy as hell, but enough of it works.
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A small window appears , as Wescott enters the walker with the technical crew. The location of a secret supply train that runs underground and under the oceans floor, to the corpsec central command base has been located. Quietly taking it, and using it creatively could end the conflict before the actual corporate holdfasts need to be besieged
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-20 01:47 PM
“Wescott, this train line an entry point, or are we looking to just shut it down? I’m keen to go visit and really mess up their plans, if that’s on the table.”
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“We could use it to get into that undersea dome. This wouldn’t be a fight for mechs. It would be a small, elite team on foot. Maybe the UNW can send some help?”
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Stev Andisom 26-Jan-20 10:14 PM
“I’ll ask if they have a commando force that can be loaned for the effort.”
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(There would be some sweeps and battle recovery going on, once the meeting concludes we can see who comes and get that going)
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Stev Andisom 27-Jan-20 07:37 AM
(Definitely keen to have others join on the sneaky mission.)
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(We will pick up shortly and you can meet everyone. Meetings almost done
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Stev Andisom 01-Feb-20 06:58 AM
( 👍 )
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Karre Mondragon(Timothy) 05-Mar-20 01:04 AM
Stev, Unfortunately, I won’t be able to stick around and help with the transition period on Rawhani. If you find yourself needing agency resources, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’d also like to nominate you for the governorship of Rawhani. At least in the interim if it’s not something you’re eager to take on. They’ll need strong leadership and you’ve definitely shown yourself capable during the campaign. Stay safe, I’ll be back when I can. -Dorian P.S. At some point I need to get a station up and running on Rawhani. Probably a good enough excuse once this nonsense with the Brotherhood is finished.
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Stev Andisom 05-Mar-20 08:16 AM
Stev reads the note and laughs.
08:17
"Me, governor? Not bloody likely."
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Stev Andisom 05-Mar-20 08:24 AM
He goes to wherever his mech and the command tank are parked, congratulating the people he sees along the way on a well-fought battle. (edited)
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The Driade is going to need several weeks of work to become truly operational again, but your crews are doing their best and at least have it sealed against the elements once more. 400 rebels and corpsec defectors have crossed lines and sworn oaths to become Draconis men at arms. Gudrun’s Governor, franz Herzegov is allowing the draocnis hold to remain on the planet outside the city of Rebirth and has permitted UNW work crews on the planet to help with removal and reconstruction efforts if you would like to relocate back to Rawhani
13:50
There’s a personal recommendation that you talk to Herb Neiu Rotterdam of the farming collective Dank Crew for some advice on making the desert bloom- as he’s done on Gudrun thus far
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Stev Andisom 06-Mar-20 02:18 AM
“Supreme Holy Leader Wescott, congratulations on the win for Rawhani and Draconis.”
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Stev Andisom 07-Mar-20 10:22 AM
(Let’s bring Draconis’ stuff back to Rawhani and contact the Dank Crew for some buds and advice on farming the desert.)
10:23
(As for the actual Draconis building on Gudrun, can I use that as a base for the merc crew?)
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(Yeah it’ll still count as a base of influence there but they’ll pack up the psionic forge and the temple of Auguana, since those are draocnis holy relics)
13:33
Dank Crew, back in the deserts of Gudrun is eager for a meeting. Herb, it’s owner and leader, promises not to smoke you out like he did with poor Kaleb the last time they spoke
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Stev Andisom 07-Mar-20 03:21 PM
“Wescott! The altar is coming home! Wescott! Where in the hells is that man?”
15:22
Stev snags a passing engineer and asks them where Wescott is.
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Stev Andisom 08-Mar-20 04:46 AM
Stev goes looking for Wescott, if he can’t find him he grabs his mech and goes to the Draconis base, looking for Kaleb instead.
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Wescott is in the bridge of the Driade, plugged in to the communications terminal
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Stev Andisom 08-Mar-20 04:48 AM
Perfect. He goes to the bridge, pulls up a chair and waits for Wescott to be finished.
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Wescott clicks the comms off as you sit down and sighs , rubbing his eyes
00:41
“I thought I had work to do before. It’s so much more now...but worth it. I heard you calling. I couldn’t find an opportunity to get out of the conversation”
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 12:52 AM
“Not to worry. Just wanted to congratulate you and let you know we can start moving all the gear you left behind on Gudrun, get Kaleb the help he needs, install him as Governor of Rawhani and integrate the people into the UNW.” (edited)
00:54
“Oh, I also heard about some group that is now growing things in the desert on Gudrun so I’m organising a meeting with them to get the same sort of thing started here.”
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“Off the front and away from that damned crown is the best place for him to be. I had to have him held back a few times from his hospital bed. He kept trying to come out and support you”
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 12:56 AM
“That’s more than a possibility now. The committee has totally abdicated so the war is over, barring any holdouts in the CorpSec ranks.”
00:58
“If he’s feeling better, maybe we should set up a meeting. Get a UNW diplomat here to hash out the particulars, put Kaleb up front as our face again and keep him away from his mech and the crown. And you can push to have the crown researched again, try to wind back whatever damage has been done.”
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 01:08 AM
Stev leans back in the chair and looks around the command centre of the Driade.
01:13
“I don’t know how this fits the future of Draconis, or Rawhani, or even myself. I mean, being out there in the fight, front line stuff, piloting the mech... that was fantastic. My previous training had been for behind enemy lines, subversion and guerrilla tactics. This though, this was more direct. I liked it and I want to keep doing it, keep pushing against that front line of the enemy. Once Rawhani is properly secure that won’t be a viable future here. Can Draconis support an offworld fighting force, a squad of mechs and their support staff, maybe a small but specialised ground force of infiltrators to point the way to the most efficient targets.... is that something we could do?”
01:14
He stops, seemingly realising he has started to ramble, and watches for Wescott’s reaction.
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“We would need ships. Two or three, for logistics, carrying our equipment and soldiers , and for escort. It would also take money. The right contracts going forward could keep you going like that for a long time if you’re smart about the jobs you take and are careful with the money”
01:22
“Youd have the backing of the planet of course. The UNW council would need to vote rawhani in, we can’t include ourselves without being ratified- but their soldiers here alongside us makes me feel like we won’t have to push too hard to be let in Still, the ritual and formality is important
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 01:48 AM
“Yeah, ships is the thing I have been worried about the most. Transporting something like this, as well as a half-dozen mechs and their support crews... not an easy task.”
01:50
“Grand scheme idea, for way in the future, would be a self-sustainable task group. Support craft, drop ships, even space-capable fighters and bombers that could act in atmosphere as aerial support. But for right now, with what we can pull together, what are we looking at? What can be spared from what we would have to support the UNW with?”
01:52
“Personally, I’d start with the ex-CorpSec soldiers. Taking them off Rawhani would make it harder for any with a grudge to do any damage to our efforts here.”
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“Over 400 have joined our ranks already. We can put out a call for more but it might be better to get a contract and the finances down first”
01:56
“For ships, we have the pillar of salt, the old colony ship the UNW was using. They have a troop transport now, and may not need the pillar. It’s an old ship but in our hands we can refit it”
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 02:15 AM
“400 troops to be boots on the ground, that’s a good start for a mercenary force. We’ve also got whatever artillery we captured during the last few battles, and any mechs we can scrounge up. Then there’s this bucket of bolts,” and he slaps his hand on the closest panel.
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 02:43 AM
“Let’s start with getting Kaleb up and the process started to get Rawhani into the UNW. Then we can look at the Pillar of Salt and getting a contract.”
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(The UNW meeting hasnt happened yet this month but we can kick it off with the vote to include Rawhani)
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 07:15 AM
( 👍👍 )
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 10:21 AM
Leaving Wescott in the Driade, Stev hops in his mech and takes it back to the Draconis ally stronghold, Nova Heavy. On the way he puts together a plan, involving the Pillar of Salt, "That's going to need a renaming ceremony," the disposition of the CorpSec troops and finding a way to access whatever hidden CorpSec bases he can get into in order to claim their advanced weaponry. (edited)
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(You’ve got access to the remains of the polyopticon matrix, that will give you a partial picture of things here since it’s an all powerful spying tool. It’s core is near the battlefield )
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 12:30 PM
(Would that have info on secret Corporate bases? Maybe places the committee stashed creds or weapons or ships or anything like that? 😄 )
12:31
Stev turns his mech around and trundles off to the Panopticon matrix, or what remains of it, to enquire about the things he is wondering.
🤞 1
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(Without going there to actually look all you can say is there’s a good chance)
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Stev Andisom 09-Mar-20 01:58 PM
(To the Panopticon of Secrets and Illicit Dealings!)
13:58
He starts jotting down name ideas for the Pillar of Salt as the mech plod steadily onwards.
13:59
"Fires of Heaven? Too religious."
13:59
"Death from Above? Bad movie with terrible special effects. Bugger that."
13:59
"Reading Rainbow... why the hell did I write that?"
14:02
In the middle of the wasteland, a lone mech is making its way along determinedly. Casual observers may miss the part where the mech briefly opens it's pilots compartment and a crumpled piece of paper is thrown out. They wouldn't miss the rail gun powering up and blasting the paper into atoms. The pilots compartment then closes and the mech moves on.
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(I would take a look at the merc legion section from skyward steel. Your handout has your current strength on it , but you can estimate your monthly costs from there
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(actually, I did it for you, 218,000 a month in payroll)
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Stev Andisom 10-Mar-20 02:59 AM
(Ouch. Definitely need a contract before we put it together. I’m not that rich!)
02:59
(Thanks for doing the maths. I only just got home.)
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Stev Andisom 10-Mar-20 03:46 AM
(And that doesn't include the cost of a ship to carry us around.)
03:48
(We will need another 100 troops to make the minimum for a battalion and 4 more field guns to be able to call for artillery fire.)
03:52
(With the extra artillery and troops it works out to be 274,000 per month.)
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(they have a higher hire cost too)
03:55
(so you know what kind of gear and peple youre looking for now, just have to get the cash)
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Stev Andisom 10-Mar-20 03:57 AM
( A basic cruiser-sized ship for troop transport is another 160k per month and 10 million to buy. Can 500 troops and all their gear hitchhike? 😛 ) (edited)
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(A contract advance would get you there, we can RP it out)
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The matrix is a damaged building of black iron and stone that is now partially dug out of the desert sands A detachment of UNW troops is standing guard to keep the scavengers away. A small science and battlefield signals team is already on site
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Stev Andisom 10-Mar-20 08:31 AM
The mech stops a few steps from the UNW soldiers, the pilots compartment pops open and Stev clambers out.
08:32
“Fantastic place you’ve got here! Bit of a shame about the scenery, but it’s got potential. Is the immediate area secure? I could lock up the mech but it’s such a hassle.”
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“Area is secure. The science team is inside, trying to salvage what they can from this things databanks, and then after that for parts we can’t make anymore. The quartermaster has some of them earmarked for house draconis”
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Stev Andisom 10-Mar-20 11:41 PM
"That's great. Glad to have you guys working on it so quickly. Who knows what they'll find buried in the databanks."
23:42
Stev gives them a salute, not too sharp but not slovenly either, and walks inside.
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The bunker is cool compared to the hot sun outside and you head down a number of broad steps to a security area Designed as a choke point in the event of a breach, there are shrouds over three dead bodies, and dozens of bulletholes in the walls and floor
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Two surveyors are standing in the room inventorying broken computers. There is another staircase going further down to the west
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Stev Andisom 11-Mar-20 02:35 AM
“Hi! These ones totally wrecked or can we get something from them?”
02:36
He looks approvingly at the damage caused as he waits for an answer.
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"Maybe. We're going to have to take them apart piece by piece, and see what survived. The whole place is a mess. We had to dig them out room by room"
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Stev Andisom 11-Mar-20 05:22 AM
“Did they do this themselves or was it from us breaching their defences? Also, are any of their machines working, or does someone have a way to tap into what we can access?”
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“Some of its working. The deep core seems alright. We can’t tell what was intentional and what was collateral damage. We all use the same caliber weapons”
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Stev Andisom 11-Mar-20 01:55 PM
"That makes it hard to figure out what we should focus on. Well I'll leave you to it and see what we can get already from the deep core. Keep up the good work!"
13:55
He gives the techs a wave and heads down the stairs.
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More bodies line the stairs and you’re forced to one side for a moment as a stretcher team brings a wounded UNW army engineer to the surface. It’s hard to see his wounds under the sheet and the slowly spreading red stain on it. You arrive a sub level down to where the garrison and techs must have lived. The refuse of battle and the chaos of a personal living space turned warzone is everywhere. Two UNW sentries stand at a door at the end of the long hall (edited)
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Stev Andisom 12-Mar-20 12:41 AM
I head towards the sentries, looking serious as I take in the damage around the room.
00:42
“Tough fight. Any of them still alive?”
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“A few. We are waiting to bring them up to be taken for@holding. It was a tough fight. We lost as many as they did”
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Stev Andisom 13-Mar-20 12:27 AM
"Damn. Sorry for your loss soldier. It was tough out on the field too, but it looks like we might have finally won out. Where are the prisoners being held and who is in charge of them at the moment?"
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“They’re below. I think there’s a sergeant watching over them down on the next level until we have a place for them to be taken”
22:41
“I’ll clear you through”
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Stev Andisom 14-Mar-20 01:31 AM
“Thanks for your help soldier. Hope the cleanup goes quickly for you guys so you can get back to civilisation.”
01:32
Stev snaps a quick salute to the soldiers and heads down to the next level, looking for the sergeant and his prisoners.
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He waves you forward and at the bottom of the stairs you emerge into the next chamber. The computers here look more secure , along with a dozen prisoners lined up against the East wall. Eight UNW soldiers with weapons trained keep guard on the mix of corpsec engineers and conscripts
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Stev Andisom 14-Mar-20 02:22 AM
“Now we’re getting somewhere! Sergeant, nice work securing these folks. Which one of them has the highest level of access?”
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One of the engineers is hauled out of the standing assembly of prisoners and hurled to your feet with a derisive kick. “This piece of shit”
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Stev Andisom 14-Mar-20 01:15 PM
“Excellent. Mind if I borrow them for a few minutes? And maybe one of your guards, just to make sure that they don’t try to escape while I get the interrogation area prepared.”
13:15
Stev grins down at the prisoner, perhaps a little evilly, a little maniacally. (edited)
13:16
“There is so much to learn about the darkest corners of the Corporations, don’t you think?”
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He says nothing, his eyes are dead and hardened from seeing so many die and from the brutal close quarters fight he had barely survived. He does however make no attempt to rise to his feet
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Stev Andisom 14-Mar-20 02:06 PM
Stev shrugs and turns his back on the prisoner, surveying the room.
14:07
“I need a secure room. Anywhere down here appropriate?”
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“There’s a server room@that’s been shot to hell a few hall blocks down”
04:34
“Pretty secure”. He hands a card to@open it
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Stev Andisom 15-Mar-20 06:30 AM
"Thanks. I'll try to bring him back in one piece."
06:30
Stev grabs the engineers collar and hauls him to his feet.
06:31
"Let's have that chat." and Stev drags him to the offered room, swiping the door open and casually shoving the engineer inside.
06:32
He follows and closes the door behind him.
06:33
"Right, I need access to the system. If you help I'll make sure you get the chance to live for longer than your current situation seems to suggest. In fact, depending on how good you are at your job, maybe you can live a hell of a lot longer."
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“I’ll. I’ll try. My clearance isn’t that high” he shakes as he’s hauled in front of an access terminal
04:11
(You can ask questions of the database. He might need to make a check depending on what you ask)
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Stev Andisom 17-Mar-20 05:30 AM
“Perfect. First I want to know if there are any off-site storage facilities. Places that the upper echelon might have stored anything they wanted kept secret.”
05:33
“If you can find anything with military hardware, that would be a bonus and go a long way to making me indebted to you.”
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Something goes wrong as he tries to access information on storage facilities. “Fuck. Most of the data was deleted. I triggered some kind of anti tampering measure. There’s a warehouse of stored luxury goods near Saturnetworks though. I was able to pull that before everything scrubbed”
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Stev Andisom 18-Mar-20 06:04 AM
“That’s a start. The government will need money to buy what we need to rebuild. Good work.”
06:04
Stev claps him on the shoulder.
06:10
“Sit tight. See if there’s anything you can recover from that data that just got dumped. Maybe they’ve hidden backups somewhere else.”
06:11
He walks over to the other side of the room and comms the main Draconis channel.
06:11
“Hello, anyone monitoring?”
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You hear a dense cough, and then Wescott’s voice “I’m here Commander. Hs everything okay?”
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Stev Andisom 18-Mar-20 01:43 PM
“Not a problem in sight. Actually, I call bearing gifts!”
13:43
He then proceeds to give Wescott the coordinates to the warehouse.
13:44
“I want Rawhani to use it to rebuild.”
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"I'll see what I can do to sell it on the galactic market. I have a bit of a penchant for business. I should have the goodsmoved by the end of the month."
02:04
"Something to keep even us going, would be a good use for it"
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Stev Andisom 19-Mar-20 02:47 AM
“Whatever you can do with it, all of it is yours. Although, if there are any military toys in there, mind holding onto them for me? Not expecting any but you never know.” (edited)
02:48
He flicks the comm mike off and walks back over to the engineer.
02:49
“Okay, next target is space. Anything out there as an escape strategy, on a moon or asteroid within distance?”
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(For them to escape?)
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Stev Andisom 19-Mar-20 05:20 AM
(Something the committee would have been able to use to escape the planet. I’m looking for secret ships. 😝)
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(Nothing like that. They’re branch offfices of bigger corps elsewhere. The home offices didn’t want them to leave) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 19-Mar-20 02:11 PM
(So the guys here weren’t in control of the whole company, just their own corner of it?)
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(Right but with the scream and their home offices being dozens of sectors away they were the state on this planet, as it were,
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Stev Andisom 19-Mar-20 02:13 PM
(Ah. So they were cast adrift and decided to cut up the planet between them as their own little kingdom, seeing as home is out there somewhere and unable to interfere. Interesting!)
14:17
“Okay, last thing for now. I want dirt on all of the directors. The worst things that you have recorded in the database. We’ll need it for the trial. Find that and you walk out of here with me. Need someone who can break into computers.”
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(Exactly that)
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Dozens of hours of photos from this group and the previous set of directors is downloaded. It would take many times that number of hours to catalog everything , but it’s transferred to your own devices and UNW computing networks active on planet
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Stev Andisom 20-Mar-20 02:26 PM
“Good work. Wait there.”
14:26
Stev flicks the mic back on for his comms.
14:27
“Wescott, still there? Got another present for you, from the directors. They kept information on themselves doing their dirty deeds, all recorded diligently. Use it to nail the bastards to the wall.”
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"I do, It's going to take some time to get through all this"
05:39
"But they'll have their day in court"
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Stev Andisom 21-Mar-20 05:41 AM
“You’ve got time my friend, I just wanted to make sure you had access to it before the UNW decides to lock it down or something. Anyway, I’ve got an engineer to save from the firing squads and you’ve got Kaleb to keep in line. Not sure which job is tougher. Stay safe Wescott.”
05:43
The mic is flicked off again and Stev looks down at the floor.
05:45
“Before we go any further, before I talk to the sergeant outside that door... how deep is the shit you’re in? Is it on the same level as treason and murder, or something more like being a gullible idiot?”
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“I think cat paw is what I heard them call our division once” he says Outside there are several loud bangs. You recognize the voice of the UNW sergeant yelling cease fire, and then for a medic
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Stev Andisom 22-Mar-20 03:17 PM
“Cats paw... so you’re the fall guy, doing the dirty work for some schmuck in a suit. Okay, we can deal with this, after I deal with whatever is going on out there. Don’t move.”
15:18
Stev goes to the door and carefully opens it. “Sarge, everything okay out here?”
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“One of the prisoners pocketed a knife. We have a man down but he will be okay. Things got a little crazy”
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 02:16 AM
He opens the door fully and steps out.
02:17
“We’re done in here but I’m taking him with me to answer some more questions. Thanks for your assistance.”
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The other prisoners have all been killed. The sergeant can only nod in reply, stopping to fire a round through the forehead of a mortally wounded corpsec soldier, beyond help even with prompt medical treatment
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 02:20 AM
“This is under control? Fuck me sideways. I’ll call for a cleanup crew to join you when I get outside.”
02:21
He turns back to the room and whistles sharply.
02:21
“Time to go. Stay behind me till we get outside and stay quiet.”
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(so we've got info they'll review, and goods you'll have the profits from next month, and now a computer expert in tow. there will be some plot hooks generated from the data as the months go on)
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 03:00 AM
(Cool! Are we skipping to contract hunting? 😎)
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Wescott has found three possible contracts for you - The New Moon Cooperative is dealing with an underhill swarm on one of their core (and now only) worlds. Transportation will be provided - The regent of the Elysium Protectorate is seeking help dealing with a troublesome village (need to provide transport, but will pay costs) - The warring corporations of Polychromiu need help exterminating a marauding band of zealots
03:26
(Transportation costs paid, but no ship provided)
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 09:14 AM
The computer tech now safely ensconced in the welcoming arms of the Rawhani Irregulars (name pending evaluation), Stev meets up with Wescott to discuss the contracts.
09:19
“So, I like the sound of the one to the Protectorate. Think they’ll pay to refit the ship Draconis came here on so we can claim it?”
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"It's been offered if we can keep the price of the refit under 5 million"
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 11:08 PM
“Let them know we’re interested. We’ll need to recruit some more soldiers to make up a battalion and the refit will need to be done but we will be there ASAP.”
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Stev Andisom 23-Mar-20 11:37 PM
“Then we will need to put out the word that we’re recruiting. Keep it local for now, no-one off world to apply unless they’re exceptionally gifted.”
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There is one special recruit who puts in an application Hinkler Batch is a psychic, a rescue and formerly from this world. His specialties are electrokinesis, and telepathy, and he believes having someone with his skills as an operative, and advisor, may benefit you. He formerly worked with CIS and agent Theta Eastmarch, and although the operation was successful, he wants more
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Stev Andisom 24-Mar-20 12:20 AM
"Electrokinesis... Wescott, what the hell does that mean? He charges up batteries in his spare time? Could be useful in the field. Lets get him an interview, or a field test, or a shuttle ticket to join us."
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Stev Andisom 25-Mar-20 12:40 AM
Stev leans back in his chair.
00:42
"Okay, we've got the Pillar, we're recruiting and we have a contract. Anything else we need before we pile into space and start lives as wandering mercenaries?"
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“I’ll reach out to him , see if we can even afford it”
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Stev Andisom 25-Mar-20 11:53 AM
“Does Kaleb need anything before we abandon him? I feel bad about putting him in the spotlight.”
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“I think he’s settling in alright. All we can do for him now is try not to cause any trouble while we are out. Shouldn’t be too hard” Wescott winks. “I’ve transferred the forge and the contents of our recovered lore to planetary archives here so it’s safe. Not that we have much to worry about with the pillar protecting us”
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Stev Andisom 25-Mar-20 02:04 PM
“I think it’ll be much safer here than travelling around the galaxy. We should also leave the crown and the big mech here with the forge so they can keep researching it.”
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"I won't miss paying the repair costs on something that big. I think Kaleb would want both of those things here anyway. Alright, well if we have what we need, its off to NMC space for us then, isn't it?"
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Stev Andisom 25-Mar-20 10:38 PM
“I thought we were accepting the job from the Protectorate, because they will pay for the refit we need on the Pillar.”
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 01:44 AM
“And eventually I would love to have the crown figured out so I can get the big guy into the field.”
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(Aj right my bad)
03:18
“Right right. We should be safe for nearly the entire trip. Most of it is within UNW space until the last couple jumps. I think we have all we need”
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 03:18 AM
(Haha all good. Makes him human.)
03:19
“Then let’s get loaded up. Hinkley can catch up with us on the way, if they’re joining us.”
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(12 days in spike. Hinkle is going to consider the offer after this first op)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 03:20 AM
(12 days to figure out the command structure.)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 03:35 AM
(I figure that 500 troops would split into 3 companies of about 150 each, with the remaining 50 being support staff, off-field medics and strategists attached to the Pillar.)
03:40
(One of the companies would be short on soldier types, being focused on the upkeep and maintenance of the mechs and artillery. They would have a number of armed personnel but not enough to field another standard platoon.)
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(Yeah that would be your H/S company right now probably. Makes sense to@me)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 03:48 AM
(Companies would be split in 30-person platoons, making 5 platoons per company.)
03:49
(Except the Mechanised Company, of course. 😝)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 04:12 AM
(TL3 or TL4 troops? I can’t remember.)
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(4)
04:12
(The sheet might be a little off them since we added some troops)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 04:13 AM
(Cool. Laser rifles and combat armor.)
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(Sheet fixed. If you wanted to do any downtime activities you can pick something. There’s a good handout on Roll20)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 04:15 AM
(I’ll have a look when I get back to my PC. Thanks!)
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 06:35 AM
(I know minds work in mysterious ways, and mine is worse than most... but Knights of Draconis shortens to KoD. Signs of the future?)
06:41
On the Pillar, sitting in an area that has been converted into a Command and Strategy Centre (and Command Lounge) Stev is looking over the composition of forces.
06:44
"Wescott, how many mechs pilots do we have on board? I see we've got the heavy and 3 lights, but do we have enough trained people to have separate crews? Also, is Hinkley looking to join as an advisor or special operative, working with a small group? And is there enough room in the roster in the Mech Company for a dedicated recon group that we can eventually outfit with suit-mechs designed for stealth and perhaps infiltration/assassination/guerilla assignments?"
06:47
(Would it be possible to train 10 days of the 90 required for a new skill, then come back to it later? For example, between jobs we have to travel for days on end, so part of that could be slowly training?)
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(Yeah it can be. That’s what it’s for. Basically to fill the downtime )
11:25
There is not enough funds coming in right now to figure out expenses or room for those things and the crew we have right now is doing double duty taking care of the ship and the mechs all as part of the same rotations. More mechs without more techs or more soldiers on hand to cross train will be too much right now
11:26
Batch is not aboard and won’t send any further petitions or advice until the current matter is resolved. He seems to be waiting to see how it’s handled
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 03:34 PM
"Okay, I'm pushing too fast. I hear you loud and clear. Let's see how things go in our first few outings before we make any long term decisions."
15:34
He grins.
15:34
"Chicken for lunch? I know it's the hardest decision you'll have to make today, but its also the tastiest."
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Stev Andisom 26-Mar-20 11:17 PM
(Just looking at my goals and the only one I had was to establish a new rebellion against the MegaCorps. Can I mark that one as done and think of a couple of new ones?)
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(Yeah for sure. You can add more anytime you like(
00:27
(We don’t have to wait for story things to finish)
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 12:48 AM
(Oh. Okay! 😄 😄 😄 )
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 02:28 AM
(Does the 6 next to the goal mean I get 6xp for completing it?)
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(Yes)
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 02:29 AM
(Sweet!)
02:29
(Also, how was work?)
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The trip to Heras is long but most of it takes place in UNW space , where you can rely on space defenses and local fleet patrols raised by world governors for protection. Your first true taste of open space comes from the planet Korra-S, where you are finally sailing alone. (Scouting report is up if you’re curious )
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 02:33 AM
(Oh, interesting. Thanks!)
02:34
(For downtime, I'd like to train in the Lead skill please.)
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(So lead 10/90?)
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 02:36 AM
(Please)
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 02:50 AM
Stev reads the report and grimaces.
02:51
"Let's not go down there. Rain of burning metal and lava seas... no thanks!"
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The Pillar of Salt arrives at the edge of Heras system space and immediately is hailed by the two platforms keeping watch over the planet. Proximity warnings and alerts pop up as the station waits for your reply
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 05:13 AM
“Heras Control, this is the Pillar of Salt, carrying the Knights of Draconis. Someone requested assistance?” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 27-Mar-20 10:05 AM
He looks across the table to Wescott, still sitting in the Command Lounge.
10:06
"What was the name of the person who out the call and fronted the cash?"
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“Regent Ferriman” The weapon locks disengage as clearly they’ve communicated with the ground. The link crackles again. “You’re too big to dock inside. Proceed to the port side boarding tubes and we can welcome you aboard properly”
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 05:35 AM
"Thanks Control, see you soon." He kills the link to the station but keeps it open to the rest of the ship. "Company Captains, assemble at the airlock. Lieutenants, prepare pods for rapid deployment. Pilots, nice work getting us here." He flicks to comm off and beckons to Wescott. "Coming to the party?" (edited)
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 09:03 AM
Hopefully with Wescott in tow, Stev heads to the airlock to meet up with the Company Captains.
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 09:25 AM
When he reaches them he waves them to stop saluting almost immediately.
09:31
"At ease. Save that shit for when we're on a parade ground somewhere. Now I've been reading about these guys and I wanted to warn you they might be a little bit... strange. Seems the bloke that led them got himself blown up by ordering an orbital bombardment on his position during a fight. If that's the leader, who knows what the rest of them will be like."
09:31
He waits a few beats for this to sink in before continuing.
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 09:39 AM
"We're going in to be briefed on the situation. Chapman, as head of the Mech division I want you to figure out the best place to drop in for the artillery and our mech force. Updated maps are a must. Sonels, you will be on the perimeter first, unless we hear there's no time to set up down there. Breton, that leaves you with the fun job of setting up ops. Chapman's extras will be running the supply lines till the heavies get involved, so it'll be a team effort from the word go."
09:39
He pauses again.
09:41
"It's early days. I'm expecting small issues to pop up but from what I've seen on Rawhani you are the right people for the job. Any questions?"
09:41
(Chapman, Sonels and Breton are the surnames of the captains, if that's okay?)
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(All of these posts were when I was sleeping. I wasn’t ignoring anything)
12:40
(That’s fine. We should note that.) The regent wants to brief you first and you’re invited aboard a cargo lighter to head down to the surface for the conference, along with Wescott and your company captains. The nature of the request was murky and the protectorate leader wants to brief you himself to go over the particulars
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 03:34 PM
(I figured you were busy. No worries, I got a rush of blood to the head and had to get everything down. 😝)
15:35
Stev sits in the lighter and considers the upcoming situation, working from the very limited information Wescott has from the listing.
15:37
“If we go in slow and steady we will definitely want a forward base, even just to get everyone familiar with their duties as part of this force. With all the different groups coming together, I expect a few bumps along the way, so it will be better to iron them out quickly.” (edited)
15:39
“If we have to go in hot though, I want a recon team from the Mech company to drop in the Wraith shuttle to scout us out a landing zone for the mechs. The others can use pods to hit the ground running once we’re in position.”
15:40
“Anyone see any problems with that as the basic plan going in to this meeting?”
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“It’s a good plan but we should see what this village did and what their desired outcome is in dealing with the situation. We aren’t here to do the job as we would do it, but as our employer wants it done. That said , I am sure we will have some operational leeway”
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 10:28 PM
“Oh damn, this is going to be harder than I thought. Well, at least we can use it as a framework.”
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“That’s how Mercenary works” he shrugs. With a shake, the lighter begins heading down to the surface p
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Stev Andisom 28-Mar-20 10:59 PM
He sits back and enjoys the ride.
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The lighter sets down on the landing field outside town, where the Regent is waiting for you along with a small personal guard. Three of them are power armored Myrmidons, the few survivors of Cyrus famed regiment. The rest of the ten strong detail are city militia, their equipment nowhere near standard though all look to be competent in the use of their weapons
03:13
he holds up a hand in greeting as the ship sets down
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Stev Andisom 30-Mar-20 06:25 AM
Stev is the first to walk down the ramp, pistol clearly visible but secure in its holster. He nods to the Regent and waits at the foot of the ramp as Wescott, Sonels Breton and Chapman assemble behind him.
06:30
Once everyone is behind him, Stev snaps the Regent a crisp salute and holds it, the Captains following suit. Wescott bows instead, managing to keep it respectful and yet it is over before the militarily inclines are finishing the salute.
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The regent bows himself and gestures for you to follow him to a nearby prefab tent like building. As you enter you see a table and a few crude chairs have been set up
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"thank you for attending and for getting here so quickly. I understand landing an army is a time consuming process and I am sure your soldiers are eager to stretch their legs, so I will be brief about this, and let you handle the situation The village of Phyrica to the north took some of our people captive after a cargo lighter crash a month ago. We've since bargained for the return of the hostages, and they are home now, working once again- but the other city states are watching, and we can't let a fortified hostile village on our northern frontier take advantage of us like that"
19:23
"I don't necessarily want the place leveled. Those are still people living there, and I can only assume most of them have no say in what their leadership decides, but I do think the village needs to be brought into our sphere of influence "
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Stev Andisom 31-Mar-20 12:17 AM
Stev nods thoughtfully. “Any information that can be provided about the village will be appreciated sir, especially anything those who were captured can provide about what they observed, if anything. If you’ll allow me a moment to discuss with my people, we can begin to get my people down here.”
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“They were held in the village holdfast. The walls and keep itself are all stone. There’s a decently strong town guard but it didn’t look like they were heavily armed. I’m not military but my advisors tell me that a mech force shouldn’t have any trouble dealing with them if it comes to that”
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Stev Andisom 31-Mar-20 08:29 AM
“Sir, if you want the cooperation and eventual allegiance of this town, sending a bunch of mechs through the walls might not be the best idea, though if it comes to that eventuality we will be prepared.”
08:30
He turns to Chapman and smiles.
08:32
“Tell the Pillar to prepare the Wraith for Recon if a landing site for the troops. Looks like we’re preparing for a siege.”
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Stev Andisom 31-Mar-20 09:12 AM
“Sonels, use the information from the recon to find chokepoints to the village. Odds are we can’t stop all movement in and out but we can sure as well try.”
09:17
“Breton, the camp will be all yours. We might be here for a little while.”
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(Are you accompanying the shuttle? Or should I just summarize things in a report)
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Stev Andisom 31-Mar-20 04:35 PM
(I’ll leave the Recon to them. It’s what they’re paid for. 😝)
16:39
Once his orders have been received, Stev turns back to Regent Ferriman. “My people will do what has to be done to get us established within range of the village. While we wait, would your people be able to provide us with any other information, perhaps about the leaders of the village themselves? It’s not always possible but sometimes there is something in a persons past that gives us a position to negotiate from before things get crazy.”
16:40
His smile turns to a frown, totally for show. “And sometimes it’s possible to find a leader who isn’t against working with you and surgically removing their opposition.”
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"You might be able to reach Eli, he was captured by them. Sadly the only other person who was part of that crash and capture was killed in space a few days ago. We got word during the night"
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Stev Andisom 01-Apr-20 05:14 PM
“My condolences. Though if I understand the teachings of my friend here, perhaps there is something better beyond this life.”
17:16
Stev nods in Wescott’s direction. “Sometimes I feel like he talks a different language, but there is definitely something special that his words impart to the troops.”
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(So we'll pick up here after the underhill fight, which i guess would be between leaving UNW space and now)
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Stev Andisom 02-Apr-20 12:03 AM
(Hahaha suits me just fine. 😁)
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Stev Andisom 07-Apr-20 04:51 PM
Stev looks thoughtfully at the backs of the company captains as they converse, discussing something just out of earshot.
16:51
“Once my troops start landing I’ll head out with them, so if possible I’d like to talk to Eli before I go.”
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"Here is his communication frequency. He is often times out of town on various expeditions, I can't promise with any kind of certainty he is remaining in the local area" (edited)
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Stev Andisom 08-Apr-20 02:46 AM
Stev copies the comm frequency down. “Thanks, this will be fine. I think that’s all we need to get started.”
02:50
He calls to the captains. “Everything organised? We’re on the clock now.”
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Hailey Clements (Mylonite) 08-Apr-20 09:51 PM
Hey Stev, it’s Hailey I’m on Heras and I’m sure you are too by now. There’s a pretty good bar here in ‘Myta-why did that guy have to give cities weird names.’ Drinks are on me if your interested. -Hailey Clements Master Mechbuilder Hero of Acastus Empress of the Airwaves (We can meet in the underhill thread out of time)
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(Works for me)
21:54
"We're on the clock. I know you were going to reach out to that Eli fellow, I guess whatever he tells you, we can decide how we want to treat this village from there"
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Stev Andisom 09-Apr-20 04:10 AM
@Hailey Clements (Mylonite) Stev grins when he reads the message and calls out to the captains again. “You’ve got point on this. I’ve got a meeting to attend and an ex-hostage to talk to. Set up with the mechs visible on the main road. Let them know we are here.”
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(They'll carry out the orders until you've spoken with Hailey and Eli, and we can pick up here)
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@Rodger Landon (Corn) gets a message from Stev about his time being captured and what the city was like. He and his mechs have been called by the regent to do a show of force and handle this city
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-20 02:57 PM
Eli, My name is Stev, commander of the Knights of Draconis. Your Regent contacted us to deal with the village of Phyrica and he mentioned you were held there for a time. Any information you can provide about the village and its leaders would be a great help in pushing them to join your cause. Hope to hear from you soon. Stev. (edited)
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Rodger Landon (Corn) 11-Apr-20 04:27 PM
Hmm we didn't learn much, There seemed to be several individuals who said they were in charge. A doctor held us for questioning who reported to his own boss, They were the ones who implied our torture, We also traded with the head crafts person who said they were in charge, but as the weren't the one threatening us or dealing with our exchange I'm reluctant to agree. The were somewhat independent but dealt with khans I believe. They had a force that was mostly made up of troops and conventional arms and vehicles, though they took our cargo lifter and melted down it's remains so who can be sure. Sorry I can't be of further help. I hope this is enough. The townspersons seemed pleasant enough I hope you'll be able to accomplish your mission with minimum casualties on both sides, and find the khan that they work with. The nearby village of greencoast should be friendly, but it is possible your mechs might seem distasteful to most as there is a somewhat odd semi luditism towards higher tech on Haras outside of Mytikas. -Good luck Knight Commander Stev -Elis Burl.
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Stev Andisom 11-Apr-20 10:03 PM
@Rodger Landon (Corn) “Thank you for the information Eli. Hopefully we can convince the people to work with us without too much bloodshed. Best of luck out there! Stev.”
👍 2
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The mechs are arrayed in the field, along with the Men-At-Arms, 5 kilometers outside of the village, outside unguided rocket range. The defending city militia has manned the walls, but so far no emissaries have emerged. Wescott has made planetfall, and is waiting for you to report back with the results of your call.
22:40
He seems to be admiring the Dragonfly mech.
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Stev Andisom 12-Apr-20 02:03 AM
(I don’t think the Dragonfly mech is here, is it? Hailey isn’t coming for a while.)
02:09
The shuttle briefly touches down and Stev jumps out, staying low to the ground as the shuttle powers up and takes off again. As the dust clears he stands up, brushes himself off and jogs towards Wescott.
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Stev Andisom 12-Apr-20 02:37 AM
“Well, that was exciting. Looks like things are well in hand here. Hailey will be joining us eventually and she has sent something for the engineers and mechanics to look over. Also received word from Eli. Not much to go on sadly, seems they kept him locked away but he emphasised a couple of times that there seems to be a connection to the khans. Might have to sever that connection to get them to fall into line.”
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(I dont know then, guess not)
03:40
"How do we proceed then? Gunboat diplomacy? that seems to be what the Regent was hoping for with our arrival"
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Stev Andisom 12-Apr-20 04:52 AM
“That’s the idea. We set up the mechs in visible range, have them manned round the clock. Block off other roads with standard troops, have the artillery deploy near the camp and keep them contained.”
04:55
“The other thing we need to figure out is how these khans are involved. As far as I could figure out from what I read, the khans used to rule before the Protectorate was established and are still trying to exert influence, throw out the Protectorate, something like that.”
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Hailey Clements (Mylonite) 12-Apr-20 04:55 AM
(As much as I love my cool stuff being admired by leaders of the mech army, yeah, not there quite yet but it doesn't matter too much)
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“They don’t see Mytikas as the authority on this planet. They’ve ruled for a few hundred years now or more, ever since the first wave of expansion. This isn’t much different than when corpsec came to Rawhani. Feels strange being on the other side of it”
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-20 02:17 AM
“So we get to be the invaders this time? Damn. That’s a spin on this I didn’t see coming.”
02:18
He scans the village walls, wondering what they are thinking of him and the invading army.
02:19
“Let’s go see what they have to say. Assemble a squad, get the mechs fire up and we will have a chat with whoever is in charge.”
02:19
He flicks on his comm unit.
02:20
“Captains, has the village been surrounded yet?”
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"It has. The battle lines are thin, there aren't many of us, but we should be able to at least slow them down if they attempt a breakout"
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-20 06:50 AM
“All we need right now is a show of force. Once we know what we’re dealing with we can make a few solid lines of defence or call them out for a straight up-and-down brawl. Wescott and I are going closer for a chat. Eyes open but fingers off triggers unless everything goes to shit.”
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-20 12:31 PM
Stev watches as the mechs are powered up and the pilots run through the checklist. He grins at Wescott, almost looking like a kid at Christmas.
12:31
“Ready, Lore Keeper?”
12:31
He turns to the assembled squad.
12:34
“Weapons ready? Odds are we go, chat and come back. Anything goes wrong and we get back to the rest of the army. Fire only if fired upon and keep moving. The mechs will probably take the most of the attack if it comes to that.”
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-20 12:41 PM
Stev turns back towards the village and puts his hand in air, palm forward. He looks towards the mechs, the soldiers, Wescott, then the village. He quickly forms a fist and holds it high.
12:44
“Move out! Follow me, mechs at the back. Look menacing!”
12:44
He starts walking towards the village, watching for any reaction on the walls.
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The gate groans open, the wood and metal banded paneling clanking as two men on motorbikes emerge. They mirror your gesture for parley, though it is hard to see anything else beneath dust masks and reflective goggles. They draw up to 50m short of your position, meeting between your army and the walls, before halting and getting off the bikes.
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Stev Andisom 13-Apr-20 04:50 PM
Stev holds up a hand and the mechs clank to a stop. A few seconds later the squad fans out, so they aren’t clumped together in case of a rocket attack. He continues forward, Wescott at his side.
16:51
“Hi. Nice place you’ve got here. Phyrica, right?”
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"that is what we have named our city. Those are some impressive machines. Did the Khan send you out here to invesitigate?"
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Stev Andisom 14-Apr-20 12:50 AM
“Not exactly. The khans are on their way out. You’ve drawn the attention of the Elysium Protectorate, the new power of Heras. We’re here to make sure you make the right decision about your future.”
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"The right decision? I take it you're here to tell us what that might be?"
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-20 12:39 AM
“Tell you? If you think that’s what you need, sure. Stop fucking around and join the Protectorate.”
00:40
He smiles, the kind of smile a shark gives to their next meal.
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“And if we don’t? You’re what. Going to raze the village and the innocent people here?”
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Stev Andisom 15-Apr-20 04:46 AM
“Wouldn’t be our first move. If it was we wouldn’t have had this chance to talk, we would have just walked up in these shiny machines and started pounding in the door. No, I think we might start by stopping all traffic. When you get tired of no food coming in, no help from the khans, then you might want to see what we have to offer. Or we can skip all that and you decide to join the Protectorate now. No-one goes hungry, no shots are fired, everyone is happy.” (edited)
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"The Regent is dumber than he thinks if he's expecting we're just going to change flags. Are you going to stay here and protect us when the Khan inevitably sends his army to get the tribute we'll stop sending?"
15:33
"You're either going to raze the village, or they are"
15:33
(The EP is allied with Hephesta, and Chiron right now, and neither of those Khans claim this village)
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 01:26 AM
“Damn! If only there was an army around that could fight off the khans troops and really liberate you.”
01:26
That statement is follow by a sarcastic glance at the mechs.
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"You realize what starting a shooting war with the Khans might mean, for the people of Mytikas, and everywhere else"
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 04:32 AM
“We’re not starting a shooting war. We’re merely defending your right to join the Protectorate. When it comes down to ultimate choices, you’ve been pretty clear so far: if you join the Protectorate, the khan loses your tribute. If you don’t join the Protectorate, we keep you blocked off and the khan doesn’t get their tribute. Then they have to fight to get it back, losing your village and the tribute anyway when we destroy the place to keep it from them. Any way you look at it, the khan is not on the winning side.”
04:35
“And if the khan does destroy your village, the other villages see what happens and it ferments more discord amongst the people, costing the khans more money and ultimately more lives in quashing any rebellions that arise. What would be safer for them is a token resistance, showing that they don’t want you to go but ultimately realising that you have that freedom of choice. If you were a stronghold for them, the response would be different but to lose one source of income is nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
04:36
“On the other hand... the Protectorate already has interest here after you held some of their folks captive. They want assurances that you’ll play nice, so being part of the Protectorate gives them that feeling.”
04:37
(Sorry for the pontificating. Rush of blood to the head. 😝)
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They seem to think for a moment. “The khans will come. They will. We will join but it does the protectorate no good if we are all dead next month”
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 05:57 AM
“The khans will learn that to stand in the way of progress is to invite in defeat. Already there are some who work with the Protectorate, working towards providing a better future for Heras than inconsequential internal struggles.”
05:57
Stev looks closely at the speaker, then nods once and smiles.
05:59
“I will let the Regent know you will join them and see what defences can be arranged for your long term security. My troops will stand down, allowing you and your people to move about as normal, but we will stay close. If you need help, because of the khan or other security concerns, let me know.”
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"They;ll be here for tribute in three days. When it is not presented and we announce the change in flag, they'll either attack, or return with greater numbers. If you're true to your word, you'll stay until then"
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 04:07 PM
"We will get ready to see them off."
16:08
Stev then turns and walks away, the mechs waiting until the squad is past them before turning and following.
16:11
"Well, that went better than I expected. Now we have a few days to prepare and get the Protectorate involved in defending these people in the long term. Wescott, can you tell the captains and start them fortifying the most obvious approaches? From their reaction," and he points with his thumb over his shoulder, "our mechs should be a decent advantage if we use it properly. I've got a Regent to talk to."
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 06:07 PM
(How large is the village, distance-wise from one end to the other? Thinking of hiding the mechs out of sight behind the village, if that’s possible given the size of the Bugstomper compared to the walls. Does the village even have proper defensive walls, like a medieval castle?)
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(It would be over a handful of acres, like medieval sized. Its contained by a wall, so its not that big))
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Stev Andisom 16-Apr-20 06:15 PM
(So realistically we could put the mechs out of sight from the direction we expect the khan’s forces to come from and they would still be able to get into the fight without issue?)
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(Yeah you could do that)
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 12:08 AM
(Thanks!)
00:10
Once he’s back at his own lines, with the troops already starting to stand down and the mechs being given the once-over by the pilots and mechanics, Stev comms in to the Regent.
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 12:28 AM
(Probably gets some lackey. 😝)
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The regent office picks up and your call is given to the man directly when they realize it’s a report on the village problem
00:30
He and his staff await news
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 12:32 AM
“Sir, Knights of Draconis reporting in. Phyrica has agreed to join the Protectorate. They are gravely concerned about repercussions from the khan. They expect to be destroyed when the tribute isn’t paid in 3 days, so I have promised to stay help defend them from the immediate threat.”
00:33
“After that, they are going to depend on your army for support.”
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“I’ll need to talk to the council. We may have to consider relocating them to get them out of easy reach of the khan. Hold there. I will return with answers”
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 01:38 AM
"Will do sir."
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(probably should check with the polity members before we get into a shooting war)
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 02:27 AM
(Hahaha good idea. 😄 )
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 03:06 PM
(Loving the debate about what happens next. 😁😎)
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(For sure. I would expect by tonight my time, when you're awake again, we should have an answer)
15:06
(You might be about to get very busy)
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Stev Andisom 17-Apr-20 04:23 PM
(Sounds like fun!)
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The link opens again “Alright draconis. We have a plan. Sort of. We are going to see what khan artema does when the tribute stops. First we are going to parley and I understand your order is known to be a religious and spiritual authority too. We hope you’ll be present for this.”
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Stev Andisom 18-Apr-20 02:26 AM
“I’ll bring 500 of my closest friends. Just let me know when and where.”
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"We're going to have them meet us on the plains outside Phyrica. You shouldn't need to reposition, but it'll be a day or so before we can reach you, and longer still for them. Do you have what you need out there?"
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Stev Andisom 18-Apr-20 05:56 AM
"Yes sir, we should have everything we need. While we wait I'll work with my troops to assist in defending Phyrica, just in case it comes to that."
05:57
He is quiet for a second, trying to figure out the right way to say this.
05:58
"Sir, is this parley talk for real, or is it a lure to get the khan outside somewhere to take him down? Not that it bothers me either way, but if it's a hit we will need to be ready for the fallout as soon as it happens, so I want to be prepared."
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"We'd like to end this without bloodshed, I'm sure you want to just collect your pay and move on with as many warm bodies in the barracks deck as you started with too, but if the Khan plans on violence, we have to ensure we can stop him"
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Stev Andisom 18-Apr-20 06:40 AM
"No bloodshed it is then. We'll prepare to defend Phyrica but make no overt moves of aggression. And if we can get out of here with no lives lost it'll be one for the history books. If there's nothing else you need from us for now sir, I'll get back to my troops and get some defensive trenches prepared."
06:41
Stev salutes to the comm, realises there is no video and laughs awkwardly.
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 01:54 AM
He goes to the command tent, requesting Wescott and the captains meet him there. When they are all assembled, he pulls up an overhead photo taken by the wraith shuttle.
01:56
“The first part of our job is done. Phyrica has agreed to join the Protectorate without a shot being fired. However, the khan that ruled them will be here in a few days, or his representative will, and we’ve been asked to be part of the parley that will take place.”
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(Kayden and whoever else is coming should be along soon. I did t get to move many threads today)
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 02:00 AM
“It won’t take 500 troops to have a chat with whoever turns up, so Wescott and I will be there, as well as Stonels. Chapman, I want you in the Bugstomper, with the other mechs and your support behind the village. You’re our backup if everything turns to shit. Breton, you’ll be in the defensive line between the meeting place and Phyrica. We’ll need trenches, fields of fire worked out, the usual.”
02:01
(No worries. I figured I’d left it without actually figuring out a plan.)
02:04
“Stonels, you will be hanging back at this meeting, staying in contact with the other two while Wescott and I are doing the boring talking thing. If the khans troops attack, we be the first and only line of defence, so at the first sign of trouble you let them know. Once they commit to battle, that’s when Chapman and the other come out from behind the village, hopefully catching them off guard and unprepared for mech warfare.”
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“I haven’t seen anything from space that would suggest they have any war engines. Vehicles maybe. We would still need to be careful of tanks. We should see what can be done about blocking them or making it hard for them to get around”
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 03:31 AM
“From What I’ve heard and read about this place, they rely on conventional troop warfare for the most part, so the mechs should be a huge advantage if we need them. I agree about the anti-tank defences too, but try to keep them hidden until they’re needed. We don’t want to show our hand until it’s time.”
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“Well we have a few days before anything happens. What do you think we should do until then?”
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 04:47 AM
“Prepare for war. Dig trenches, dig pits to foul up tanks, get the mechs ready for a fight we hope doesn’t happen.”
04:47
Stev looks at the captains, his eyes seemingly alight from within.
04:49
“This may be our first fight as an army. I want stories of our victory to reach the far edges of the universe. I want the name of the Knights of Draconis to be able to strike fear in the hearts of our enemies before we even take the field of battle.”
04:50
“That walker tank command centre we have, did it make landfall? I don’t remember seeing it.”
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“We can land the Driade whenever you are ready. We didn’t want to risk it until we were certain”
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 07:10 AM
"Yes please. If possible, dig it in somewhere. It can be the fallback point for the Protectorate leaders that are coming to this shindig."
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 07:24 AM
"I mean, dig a wide trench and pile the dirt in front so the top of the Driade can't be seen over the wall of dirt. If the shit hits the fan that's where we will be heading to, so keep a clear run for us near there please. Running while bastards shoot at you is hard enough without having to worry about tripping on snares and falling down trenches."
07:25
"Of course, if everything goes to plan it'll be a lovely place to plant some trees, what with all the digging..."
07:25
He grins at the others.
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“I saw something from orbit maybe we could take a quick detour by air to go investigate” Wescott says
15:37
“We don’t need to join the shovel crews unless you want to make a point”
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-20 05:25 PM
Stev laughs.
17:25
“I was considering throwing a few shovels of dirt for morale, but flying seems like a better idea. Get the wraith shuttle prepped.”
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(You sorta met the protectorate itself but I thought seeing bavid settlement such as it is might be a good thing to do)
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-20 04:11 AM
(Sounds good)
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The shuttle is quickly loaded and takes off. “I saw a settlement on the way down made out of scrap. Like old boats or something like that. Thought we might be able to do some trading or possibly find some recruits there- where we won’t ruffle too many feathers in the big cities. “
04:50
“Anyone who joins us would be someone the khan can’t levy into service”
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-20 06:14 AM
“They made a village out of old boats?”
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-20 07:07 AM
“Okay, what are we looking for in trade? Anything in particular we need?”
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“Bodies to fill the ranks. Maybe some metals as well that we can turn into parts “
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-20 02:38 PM
“Well, we can never have too many spares.”
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-20 04:34 PM
(Shit, I still haven’t leveled up!)
16:35
(It’s after midnight, so I guess I’ll do that when I wake up.)
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Stev Andisom 24-Apr-20 01:18 AM
(Levelling up is finally done. HP goes up to 31, spending 2 points to raise Pilot to 1 and 1 point to raise Fix to 0. Attack Bonus goes to 3. I think that's all.)
01:18
(Does Xp reset to 0?)
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(No)
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Stev Andisom 24-Apr-20 01:18 AM
(cool ty)
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-20 05:27 PM
Back to Phyrica
17:27
Stev steps out of the lighter and waves the pilot away as soon as he's clear, letting them take the bigger mech up to the Pillar.
17:28
"Alright, who do I have to see about getting some of these fine folks signed up for mercenary life? Wescott, you around here??"
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"I am" he appears from a nearby campfire, where he had been speaking to some of the headquarters staff
17:55
"We've had some interest already, 30 inquiries, all people who want to get out of this town and into something betteR'
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-20 05:57 PM
"Excellent. Sign them up, find out what they can do and get them on a ride to the Pillar, if you would be so kind."
17:57
Stev wobbles a little unsteadily and smiles.
17:58
"We were having a little party over there... why did you go?"
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"It was a good opportunity to speak with some of the newer recruits. Moments like this, during the downtime, where we've narrowly avoided burying anyone, they needed to be shown that this is still a victory"
18:00
"Even though they did not see combat"
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-20 06:01 PM
"Good point. Though wouldn't be shoveling dirt back into a trench also show them that we won, because we didn't need the trenches after all?" And with that Stev's eyes glaze over and he slumps to the ground.
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(from exhaustion or are we setting something up?)
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-20 12:06 AM
(Exhaustion. Unless you want to do something else with it. I’m happy to have it play out differently.) (edited)
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You wake the next morning with both a headache, and a message that the remaining mechs have been loaded into the Pillar. Digging crews are expected to finish their work by tonight, at which time they will likewise leave the planet and return to the ship. The remainder of the monies owed for the job have been paid, as have the men for their month of service.
20:47
The new hires are beginning training in one of the unused holds
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Stev Andisom 01-May-20 12:48 AM
Stev sits up, groans, finds something to drink and some painkillers, then wanders out of the tent to see exactly how much had been done already.
00:49
“Someone find me a basic uniform and a shovel please. Gotta sweat this out of me.”
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The requested items are brought to you, laid out gently to not upset your hangover. Wescott has gone to a meeting with the city leaders to explain the fates of the volunteers, and to gather contact information if it is ever needed
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Stev Andisom 01-May-20 04:24 PM
Stev gets to work beside the troops still on the ground, keeping an eye out for the soldiers who display quiet leadership, even in peaceful if exhausting times.
16:27
Once the main part of the work is done, Stev goes back to his tent and uses a small basin of water to wash his face and hands before joining Wescott with the city leadership.
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Wescott and the city leaders are coming to an agreement about recruiting and finalizing the details. The Knights of Draconis are welcome here in the future, and they've even requested a chapel of Auguana being built here so they can spread her peaceful message
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Stev Andisom 01-May-20 05:57 PM
Stev salutes to the city leaders and nods respectfully to Wescott. “Sorry I missed the discussions, but I really wouldn’t have been of any use. Best place for me was on the end of a shovel. I did want to thank you before we leave, both for hearing me out when we arrived and being gracious hosts for the last week.”
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"You were here to ensure the Khan didn't level the town when she heard the news. You are welcome guests, and we will spread the word of Auguana, and honor her customs here. We were poor hosts to travelers in the past, and we have some making things right to do with the people of Mytikas
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Stev Andisom 01-May-20 06:16 PM
“I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that. As far the Knights work here, the trenches have been pretty much filled and the soil looks ready to plow if you want to turn it to fields. Farming isn’t my thing but I’m told by one of the engineers that the ground here is full of things that plants would love to grow in.”
18:17
He shakes his head and smiles.
18:17
“Not sure about you but if I planted some seeds the things would probably grow the wrong way up.”
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There is some polite laughter. "You've done more than enough. Our people can turn the fields from here. We are grateful for the chance to do something beyond the city walls"
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 01:43 AM
He nods and salutes again.
01:46
“I’ll clear the riff-raff off the fields for you and we will be on our way. Thank you again and we’ll be in comm range if you need to contact us. Good luck and Auguana’s grace be with you.”
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"And with you, as you make your way back to the stars"
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 01:56 AM
Stev goes back to the tent, comming the captains on the way.
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 02:08 AM
“The show is over team. We’ve been paid and it’s time to hit the road. Meeting back on the Pillar once we’re packed up. Time to plan for the future.”
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(Did you have anything you wanted to do or did you need some jobs)
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 03:16 AM
(I think we’re going to the junk world to scavenge some more artillery?)
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(oh right!)
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 01:16 PM
Stev helps pack up his gear and the tent, then leaves it all in the pile for the next lighter or shuttle and heads over to Wescott. On the way he calls for the wraith shuttle to pick them up.
13:18
“Wescott, you’ve done well. Didn’t expect to find converts this far from home, so we’re lucky you took the chance. Ready to go?”
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“I am. Off to Musherra next are we? See what we can find in all that junk?”
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Stev Andisom 02-May-20 05:38 PM
“That’s the plan. See if we can pick up some more artillery, maybe some new mechs to go with what we already have. Hells, they might even have some recon trucks, tanks or who knows what else that just needs some tlc and updating to bring it into usable condition again.” (edited)
17:39
He watches for the shuttle as he continues.
17:40
“Before we go I’d like to get a look at the city the khan came from, maybe be able to send some intel back to Kay about them so he isn’t surprised when he has to make that first delivery.”
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“How do we want to do this. Recon flight , or see what we can grab from up here”
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Stev Andisom 03-May-20 05:05 AM
“Just a recon flight I reckon, a quick look from above. Maybe get some images we can transmit.”
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Dense clouds at low altitude foul the pictures as the wraith shuttle returns to the bay several hours later, though some hidden wall guns are more easily seen from above. Their positions are marked, and the data is cataloged for use in the future if needed
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Stev Andisom 04-May-20 06:04 AM
Stev also sends the information to Kay ( @GIlouth ) to let him know what to expect in Artema.
06:04
Then he goes to meet the captains to discuss the future.
06:07
“Okay, we’re short on support like artillery, so we’re looking to swing by Musherra to see what we can find. After that, off to another job. If you hear talk of places we can get other spacecraft, let me know. This is a great troop carrier and mobile home for us but I want to be able to have some force projection as well, so we need fighting ships.”
06:07
He then brings up an overhead shot of Bavi’d’s town.
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Stev Andisom 04-May-20 06:18 AM
“This is going to come as a surprise, but we’ve entered into a trade agreement with this place on Heras too. The guy in charge is going to excavate a hidden base for us, either under the town or nearby enough to be able to be supplied and maintained by them. In exchange we gave him the captured mech frame and parts to repair it. We also entered into an agreement that they would have access to the base workshop and we would provide them with scavenger ships in exchange for continued maintenance of the base and a portion of the profits.”
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Stev Andisom 04-May-20 06:32 AM
“Once it’s established, this base is going to be available as a fallback point, sure, but also as a staging ground for any actions we take in the areas around Heras, a source of income not immediately linked to us and give us an ally we can rely on to keep us updated on the goings on in the burgeoning Electorate.”
06:36
“Now that the Shaper Beast has been defeated the different groups in the universe can look to their own needs. We are a part of that. Our might will be used as a hammer by those who purchase our services, so we need to keep our options open and be careful as to what contracts we take. If you have concerns about the choices I make, don’t hide them. I’m not in the business of killing the messenger or bearer of bad news.”
06:38
Stev smiles.
06:38
“I hate giving speeches. Okay, concerns, points of view, anything?”
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Wescott has nothing to add right now, but forwards the most recent news report to your console "We
14:56
are in the neighborhood of one of those systems that weird light show pointed out. Do you think we should stop in the neighborhood? take a look?"
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Stev Andisom 05-May-20 12:49 AM
“That’s a good idea. Who the hell knows what is happening there.”
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"If it looks bad, we can divert. The armor is thick enough to keep us safe to jump again"
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Stev Andisom 05-May-20 03:21 AM
“Let’s do that on the way to Musherra then. Is everyone and everything onboard?”
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"We're done with the surface of Heras. We can move out on your orders"
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Stev Andisom 05-May-20 03:49 AM
“Let’s get to it then. What’s the name of this planet we’re going to check out and how long to get there?”
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"Actala, its a day trip to Radji, since we have to stop there, and then two days from there out to our destination"
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Stev Andisom 05-May-20 12:45 PM
“Okay then. That’s one day of rest for everyone not involved in getting the ship to where it needs to be, then 2 days to be prepared for anything, seeing as we don’t know what we’re going in to. I want the wraith shuttle ready to launch as soon as we hit Actala with a small force on it, me included. The mechs need to be ready to drop if required, but I’m hoping we don’t need them. I’ll be in my quarters if anyone needs me.”
12:45
(3 days on training lead if I can please.)
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(sure! did you wanna check anything out on Radji on the way, or power on through?)
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Stev Andisom 05-May-20 03:42 PM
(We can swing by and have a look, sure! Is it unexplored space?)
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(its a planet EP has started trading with but not all of it is explored)
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Stev Andisom 06-May-20 01:04 AM
(Cool. Let’s check it out!)
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Radji has recently moved to the credit system and the world government is strict about when a space landing can take place. Wescott calls you to the bridge as the communications terminal begins coming to life
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Stev Andisom 06-May-20 10:16 AM
“Hi there! This is the Pillar of Salt, requesting permission to park up here so we can visit your lovely planet.”
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There is a three tone crackle and beep and the comms officer waves you over
15:11
“Secure line from the planet. An agent from their internal security division”
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Stev Andisom 06-May-20 05:58 PM
“For all that is holy, was I just talking to myself?”
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(Think of it like they want you to take the phone off of speaker )
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Stev Andisom 06-May-20 05:59 PM
He heads over to the comms officer and sits beside them.
17:59
(Cool. Still a fun line, so I’ll say it in character anyway. 😝)
17:59
He picks up a headset and nods for the connection to be put through. (edited)
18:02
“This is Stev, commander of the Pillar of Salt. You wanted to talk?”
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“I do. Our planet has something of a unique relationship with the other spacefaring groups around us. This is a secure line. I will provide you with a location in the southeastern desert to send a landing craft down and we will talk face to face
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Stev Andisom 08-May-20 03:43 AM
"Standing by to receive coordinates. See you soon."
03:43
He nods to the comms officer to take over the conversation and stands, moving quickly to the ready room just off the bridge.
03:48
"Breton, assemble a security detail and have some troops on standby. We're going planetside to a set meeting place and I know nothing about these people, so I want to be ready. We're not taking the wraith shuttle, so have a strike team on it and airborne before the regular shuttle leaves to shadow us in."
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The preparations are made and the two ship flight group makes its way out of the hangar, back toward the surface. Several helicopters are heading to the same meeting point and are not making efforts to mask or hide their radar signatures. “So far everything looks above board” Wescott says on a secure channel.
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Stev Andisom 08-May-20 05:01 AM
“Acknowledged. Fingers crossed for an uneventful meeting.”
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Stev Andisom 08-May-20 05:17 AM
As they descend he watches the radar scan and listens to the chatter of the soldiers around him without engaging in it. (edited)
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The craft sets down, and the helicopters catch up at about the same time, a large sand swirl kicked up in response. Soldiers in black body armor protect a man in a grey suit, who is waiting patiently near the tail ramp of his craft
17:32
he looks up at the desert sun, and tutts for a moment, as though scolding it
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Stev Andisom 09-May-20 01:36 AM
Stev hops out of the shuttle, his own soldiers forming up behind him as he crosses the ground between the shuttle and the helicopter.
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Stev Andisom 09-May-20 06:30 AM
“Strange place to hold a meeting, but hard to be spied on without the spies getting seen I guess.” (edited)
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“That’s the idea. Our planet is a fledgling one and if news came that it was possible to just up and leave we would have people@flocking the airports and trying to get onto rockets.
16:59
“The scream devastated our planet and we have come a long way rebuilding. It’s hard to get information across to many towns and cities and life is hard for the people there. World gov is not effective
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Stev Andisom 09-May-20 05:09 PM
(I’ve tried to write 3 different sentences now and they all come across as snarky. Not sure if that’s Stev’s issue or mine.)
17:10
“So having a former colony ship in orbit... not a good thing?”
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“The ground can’t detect it. You are fine there”
17:10
“We just caught the transmission as you began broadcasting it”
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Stev Andisom 09-May-20 05:11 PM
He looks at the state of readiness of the troops behind the man, hoping to gauge their level of technology and apparent training.
17:13
“Nothing that can see into space? Damn, you need some investment into watching the skies. Word is that the weird thing that caused the scream is dead and gone for good, but there are other thing out there that go bump in the dark. If things are that bleak, pirates or some interstellar government won’t give much of a warning if they’re coming to cause trouble.”
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“That’s why we are trying to get back up there, and that’s why we don’t want the public to know we have been visited. It would cause a massive panic and world gov would never get things back under control”
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 04:13 AM
“Those Elysium folks on Heras are getting themselves organised nice and quick. Maybe they’ll do a deal with you to get something set up. I’d suggest the UNW but they’re a bit far away for a group with no space capability at the moment.”
04:13
He considers the situation for a few moments more.
04:15
“Nothing I can think of that we could do for you in the meantime sadly. We’re set for transporting people and fighting small wars, not building spaceports.”
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The comment about 'fighting small wars' seems to get a bit of a reaction from him, and his pupils widen. "You...you may be able to do something for us after all"
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 05:09 AM
Stev smiles.
05:09
“I love it when we don’t have to go searching for clients. Who is your issue with?”
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"There is a very large city in the center of the northern polar zone. Two months ago, it stopped transmitting weather data, stopped contributing dollars (they've moved to credits within the last couple months thanks to Valentina convincing them to set up a bank) , and when we sent patrol aircraft near city limits to see if everything was alright, they began tracking them with surface to air missiles
14:21
"They didn't fire, we haven't lost any planes, or pilots, but we're not sure what they might be doing in there. At this point, Worldgov is prepared to pay handsomely to avoid any kind of a problem there, even if it means razing the city"
14:21
"we fear that if any kind of reply does not come, they'll band with other arctic cities on the coasts there and form their own power block"
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 03:51 PM
“Polar city... like ice and snow? Big change from fighting in the desert. Interesting challenges. Okay, I’ve got a few mechs but if you’ve got artillery we can use it’ll make the job easier.” (edited)
15:52
Stev hits his comm on and starts issuing orders.
15:57
“Wraith, head to the arctic. I’ll send you coords soon. Need the city scouted. Stay alert, locals got painted by anti-air when they went for a look. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, scout out a drop zone and set up the onboard team to secure it. Lighters will be landing soon.”
15:59
He flicks to a different channel.
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 04:12 PM
“Pillar, we’ve got work. Get everyone ready to deploy and come loaded for polar bear. City is causing problems with the local gov and they want it dealt with. Possible razing. Will definitely need the mechs. Wraith team will contact you with coords when they have a secure landing site.”
16:14
He looks up, realises he’s been pacing as he talks and grins.
16:15
“Sorry, wanted to get them moving. So, you mentioned that you’ll pay anything to have this blight removed. What’s on the table? Doesn’t need to be credits either, if you’ve got anything interesting to offer.”
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“There’s a boneyard in the city nearby world government uses for some of the vehicles it has mothballed. We have to hide your origins but I have an idea. You and I make a visit. Bribe the yard commander and his men. We pick out the things you need. They’ll take some refurbishment. I trust you can do that in orbit away from prying eyes
16:17
All we have to do in the yard is get them mobile enough to drive out here”
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 04:19 PM
“We can do that. The Pillar has everything we should need. Once we’ve fixed them up, we keep them as part of the payment though.”
16:20
“Shit, does that mean we can’t use the mechs?”
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“Those who see them wont live to tell about it. You may use them in your final assault and will keep whatever you buy from the boneyard. Payment upon successful completion of the task, and I will arrange another visit after for you to replace or expand based on your needs”
16:24
(So mechanically we will pay whatever you can afford as far as hire cost for this first visit so there is some kind of cap on forces, after that you can replace what was lost , will get credits and there will be a few special things you can buy)
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 04:24 PM
“Okay. That works for me. I’ll get the engineers we need planetside and we can go in your vehicles to get what we need from the junkyard.”
16:25
(Cap on forces, so I can’t go crazy and get 100 tanks? Fair. 😝)
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(Yeah exactly. And on their side, you looting mass amounts of armor from their storage area even in the guise of flying worldgovs flag is inviting a heavily armed problem to their doorstep)
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Stev Andisom 10-May-20 04:28 PM
(Hahaha fair enough.)
16:28
Stev comms the Pillar again.
16:30
“Need some mechanics down here that can get wheeled vehicles started, even after some time in storage or a junkyard. We’ll also need lighters, but we’ll comm with a meeting place once we have the vehicles moving. Gotta keep our offworld origins quiet on this one. Mechs stay under wraps until we are on the final push. May as well keep them up there until needed, keep them out of the cold.”
16:33
Back to the gentleman in the suit.
16:33
“Well, let’s get this show on the road. Name’s Stev, by the way.”
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"Agent...well, I'm just an Agent working for Worldgov, but it's nice to meet you as well. So, are you ready to buy some weapons? " he points to the fat bodied chinook style helicopter
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Stev Andisom 11-May-20 03:44 AM
“Let’s go shopping.”
03:46
Stev laughs and gets into the chopper, taking a few men of the team with him but waving the others back.
03:49
“Wait for the mech team to land, then come with them and send the shuttle back to the Pillar.”
03:50
He settles into hard helicopter seat and looks over to the agent.
03:52
“So what’s on offer at this boneyard place? Anything like this, or old space-capable stuff?”
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Stev Andisom 11-May-20 04:00 AM
He gestures to the roof of the helicopter.
04:04
“Oh shit, got the coordinates of the city for my teams? We’ll also need numbers - people living there, possible troops, weapons and armaments, whatever you know about what we’ll be facing up there.”
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"Your air recon will be able to provide you with information we cannot. The city is walled, and three divisions of soldiers were stationed there, we presume they're all weakened with infighting, but still largely the same. The Boneyard has armored vehicles, aircraft, self propelled guns, and other rudiments you may need for the job you've just taken. Pepolinko the yard officer can probably get whatever they dont have there, he has his hands in many pockets"
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Stev Andisom 11-May-20 04:30 PM
“Fantastic. 3 divisions is what we can bring to the fight, so whatever we can get here will be a huge help.”
16:32
Stev comms the captains directly.
16:36
“We have a new job, as you’ve likely been told by Wescott. Sorry I didn’t tell you all first, it was very spur of the moment. We’re going in under the guise of being part of the planetary governments army, I’m on my way to pick up some refurbished artillery. We got room in the hangar or mech bay for some tanks as well?”
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"The hold is virtually empty cap, bring your findings up here, we'll be ready to go in notime"
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Stev Andisom 11-May-20 05:57 PM
“Nice. As soon as the wraith reports back, start sending troops their way. Not sure what the situation is with the terrain and transport for the locals, so we’ll need that report before we can make solid plans. If we can cut them off and have a talk with them, maybe this can be another Phyrica job and we leave with more gear and no-one dead.”
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(i think for them to do a good job they'll probably finish about the time youre done buying arms)
14:36
The helicopter sets downa t the edge of the desert boneyard, where a legions worth of tanks, planes, aircraft, helicopters, and artillery pieces sit slowly decaying under the hot sun. The air is thin, and blows an abrasive grit through the slowly decaying hulks here.
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Stev Andisom 12-May-20 02:40 PM
Stev whistles in appreciation as he climbs out of the chopper.
14:45
“That’s an incredible amount of rust you’re collecting here. Hells, where do we start.... where do we... Artillery! Then tanks, aircraft... any old spacecraft?”
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"I bet the yard agent might know if theres anything like that under all this junk. We did have some once, long ago, during the Black Sun conflict"
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Stev Andisom 12-May-20 04:44 PM
“Great! Okay, where’s the overseer of this place? We’ve got some work to do before we can go and see what this city is up to.”
16:46
(So I’m thinking that if there is old space stuff that isn’t useable any more in its current state, we can combine some of the aircraft with spacecraft parts, like the X302 in Stargate. Get some air fighter support that could be space fighter support as well, or at least something that can traverse space to get to the planet without having to be shipped via lighter first.)
16:50
(I’ll try to get onto my PC tomorrow, see if I can mock something up on the vehicle sheet.)
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(no thats a great idea, we can work something out behind the scenes if we need to but there are environment fittings you can mount on regular vehicles
17:40
one of which is space which you could give to an atmoflyer or grav flyer)
17:41
(I'm not going to Kvetch about the fittings or make you pay the refits, since you have very high per month costs to operate your army, you end up paying for far more over the same operating period of time, so as long as you stay within mass/power, and no pretech mods are used for general army equipment, I think we're good)
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Stev Andisom 13-May-20 12:51 AM
(Awesome. 😁😎 Thanks Neko!)
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"He should be called for us once we roll up. He likes to meet everyone coming into the yard ahead of time"
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Stev Andisom 13-May-20 06:45 PM
Stev starts walking towards the fence, trying to pick out gear he’s either familiar with or looks to be in decent shape.
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Several armoed personnel carriers rust against the fence, along with a few small bore artillery pieces that need to be towed. There are many more pieces further into the yard, along with dozens of covered buildings with their doors closed.
19:21
the yard officer and two of his associates are waiting at the gate, as you and the agent arrive.
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 01:50 AM
01:50
Stev waves, very friendly, but let’s the agent talk first.
01:51
(Sorry, screen cap broke my computer somehow, so apologies for the photo of the screen. Is this okay for the Gravflyer space force? 😎)
01:52
(They won’t be too useful in space, but to be able to launch from the Pillar to support the ground forces is really what I’m looking for.)
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(works great! There is a section in starvation cheap where it says how many you need to offer a unit organic air support, make sure you get enough to give them the +2 and allow them to call on the air support powers if youre in the area)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 02:32 PM
(So at battalion strength I need 5 to be able to provide organic support. If I get 10 does that add the +2?)
14:36
Realising the agent isn’t going to talk, Stev clears his throat.
14:39
“Hi! We need some things from your boneyard here, not much, but enough to make a convincing statement. The gentleman here,” and he gestures to the agent, “said you were the person to see. We need 4-9 pieces of artillery, 10 tanks, 10 fliers and some of the stuff that used to be spaceworthy.”
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(you need 5 for each battalion sized formation for the +2)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 02:42 PM
(Okay. That means I need more than I said.)
14:42
Stev looks at his notes and grimaces.
14:45
“Sorry. Stuffed up the numbers. 14 artillery pieces, 15 tanks, 15 fliers and the previously space going gear. I wish they’d get their numbers figured out already. It’s been a nightmare trying to get everything organised. At least I’m nearly done with it.”
14:50
(T4 vehicles: 14 artillery = 560,000 creds 15 tanks = 900,000 creds 15 fliers = 4.5 million creds)
14:51
(5.96 million creds for T4 stuff. I think we’re going T3.)
14:55
(T3: 14 artillery = 140,000 creds 15 tanks = 225,000 creds 15 fliers = 600,000 creds Total = 965,000 creds)
14:58
(Unless they’re paying 6 million up front for the job? 🤞)
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The agent looks at the list. "this is a hefty price tag. I see you're going to need to requisition some serious equipment, and the men to operate these things.... I suppose this is a good time to discuss payment. Obviously, we need to see how the job is done before we can release a full payment. What do the Knights of Draconis think is a fair rate for an undertaking this size?"
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:17 PM
“Depends on if we can get the city to capitulate without having to resort to extreme measures. Unless, if you just want it gone without a chance, then we just do that. Your call.”
15:17
He ponders the situation for a moment.
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"Anyone who wishes to surrender should have that honored, but if they resist, then an example should be made. "
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:24 PM
“Okay. Last job involved a small town that we managed to save instead of just grinding it to dust. 5 million signing bonus and another 3 million at the end for a job well done. Managed to help bring about a successful peace talk after the fact as well. Taking out a city should be at least the same, but if we do this deal now for the vehicles we can see that the signing bonus is waived.”
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"So you're willing to consider upfront payment for the vehicles as payment for the entire job?"
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:28 PM
“That’s the cost to get us to go out there and start the job for you. When we’re done we’ll need payment for the people that fought, fees to replace those that were lost, ammunition spent. Let’s say 1 months pay, unless it goes longer.”
15:29
“If we lose too many in the fighting I won’t jack the price up, although hiring costs more than paying someone for the month, so it’s not a bad deal for you. Some companies have a separate fee for having to replace any soldiers but that’s got to be a con, right?”
15:33
“That’s... 900,000 credits for 1 months pay for the Knights. Doesn’t seem too excessive, does it?” (edited)
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"Not for the problem you're going to solve. Alright, we can handle that, and I can initiate the transfer now"
15:38
(we can opt for the Lord of War shopping montage haha)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:38 PM
(Hahaha perfect. Start the music!!)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:40 PM
(So that gives all 3 divisions access to organic support from artillery, tanks and air. Awesome!)
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(this is literally the scene, as you go through the boneyard in the back of a jeep, picking out things you want)
15:41
(this does it so much better than I could describe it)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 03:43 PM
(Says it’s not available. 😢 probably some international copyright bullshit. I know the scene though and I approve.)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Pinned a message.
15:52
(so we went TL 4 stuff for everything? Going to update your sheet)
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Stev Andisom 14-May-20 11:50 PM
(Sorry, fell asleep. Yes please to TL4. 😁)
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(Will update shortly)
00:07
The yard commander takes a credit stick covetously, clearly his portion of the payment and hush money. “I might be able to pull some more stuff together if you can bring me some things from off world. Any kind of luxuries. I’ll make it worth your while”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 12:13 AM
“We’re not carrying anything for trade at the moment, but I’ll remember for next time we’re in the area.”
00:13
Stev comms back to the Pillar.
00:16
“Wescott, these guys are looking to trade offworld luxuries for more of their gear. Can you make a note somewhere so we can set up the trade when we’re next in the area?”
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(costs updated)
00:38
"Of course. I think it might also be prudent to see if we can recruit some volunteers or take a cut of prisoners taken too, we're running really short on manpower with all this equipment we're buying. Someones got to fly these planes and drive these tanks"
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 12:55 AM
“Let’s see what we can organise while we’re here.”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 01:32 AM
Stev goes back to the agent.
01:33
"So, whats the go with recruiting from any prisoners we take, and perhaps from the general populace?"
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“Volunteers. If we get word of you press ganging you’ll be considered a hostile combatant group as well.”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 01:37 AM
"So if the prisoners volunteer we can take them? We can work with that."
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 01:45 AM
He watches for the engineers arrival.
01:46
"Hey, now this guy knows we're from offworld, would it be faster to bring the lighters here instead of having to drive off the lot?"
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“He’s in on it. His men are not, and we don’t want to cut them in. You understand”
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 01:55 AM
"Right. Well, it'll take a while but we can definitely keep up the charade."
01:58
He turns back to look out again.
01:58
"Where the hell are they?"
01:59
Comm: "Pillar, this is Stev. Where are those engineers? We've got a haul to get back..."
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A group of techs and drivers begin walking up the hill out of the desert , discreetly dropped off some distance away by the other landers aboard your ship
02:00
They have removed their uniforms and are wearing fairly colorless white fatigues
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 02:02 AM
Comm: "Never mind Pillar, they're here."
02:02
He waves them over.
02:06
"Okay, they're collecting our purchases as we speak. Once we know which ones we're taking, we just need to get them running. Once we're far enough away we'll take them to the Pillar and fix them up properly. Any questions?"
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They have none and begin walking into the yard where selected units are being marked with a red chalk X. They start and drive but some just barely. The desert sun has not been kind to the vehicles
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 02:25 AM
Stev smiles as the first vehicles rolls off the lot.
02:25
"Glad that worked. Anything in particular you want for trade next time? We've got a whole galaxy to pick stuff up from for you."
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"Booze, or any recreational substances"
🤣 2
👍 3
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Stev Andisom 15-May-20 11:33 PM
“That is something we can manage. Thanks for opening the shop for us. Agent, you need anything else before we head back to get these fixed up? Might take a few days to get everything fixed, but we’ll start gathering intel in the north ASAP so when we’re ready we’ll hit the ground running.”
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"We will be monitoring things while you make the arrangements you need, and we will appraise you of any changes on the ground, as much as we can. When you hit them, hit them hard"
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Stev Andisom 16-May-20 08:24 AM
“Thanks. We’ll have our own teams on the ground to secure landing sites, so if it is something urgent you can contact them directly. I’m hoping we can get a couple of sites secured at least so we can come at them from different angles.”
08:24
He nods to the agent in farewell.
08:24
“I’ll comm you when it’s done, although I suspect you’ll be keeping an eye on ya as well.”
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“Indeed we will” The first of the vehicles begins heading out behind you, into the desert for the waiting drop landers
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Stev Andisom 16-May-20 02:23 PM
Stev wanders over to where the soldiers accompanying him are standing.
14:25
“Once the vehicles are loaded on the lighters we’ll head back to the Pillar. I know standing around is boring but we’re going into combat in the next couple of days, so soak up all the boring you can.”
14:25
He then heads back to the agent.
14:26
“Any chance you’ve got vehicle operators that have finished up with your army and wouldn’t mind joining us? Our signing bonus for soldiers is decent and they’ll get the chance to travel the galaxy.”
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“You’re free to make inquiries in some of tbe other cities around here. Keep things discrete until you get them alone. That’s the best advice I can give you”
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Stev Andisom 16-May-20 05:50 PM
“Thanks. I’ll have a look around once the repairs are well underway.”
17:51
He nods goodbye again and catches a ride with the final vehicle coming out of the yard.
17:53
Knowing it would take a number of trips to ferry them all to the Pillar, he gets onto the next lighter. The soldiers wait behind with the remaining vehicles as the engineers start making lists of what needs to be done to them.
17:54
The flight is boring and he sits quietly, planning out possible tactics for the coming fight in his head.
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Stev Andisom 16-May-20 06:04 PM
Once on board he makes a request for a dataslab from Supply to help with his planning and keeping notes. Then he meets with the chief engineer in the workshop, wanting to know roughly how long it will take to get the repairs done, both with and without the retrofit of the gravfliers for space traversal.
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The refit is expected to take three days, virtually the entire crew will be assigned to the work in some way or another. The wraith shuttle will be flying twice daily over the target area to check for changes, and already worldgov troops seem to be digging in at the borders of the arctic zone
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Stev Andisom 17-May-20 03:29 AM
Stev thanks the engineering team, laughs with them about being a bastard who makes them work too hard on short notice, then heads up to the conference room to check out the aerial images and start work on the tactical side of the conflict.
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(image coming)
23:58
The imagery comes back from the southern neighborhoods. The city is a ring, where mansions, heat plants, and what looks to be food growing domes are separated from a massive slum town thatclings to the defensive walls. The inner city inside the ring seems much cleaner, more advanced, and generally better off than the outer city, which does not have a wall of its own. The outer city slums are not planned and the streets are narrow, winding, and choked with trash. The people there live in subsistence conditions and that is a generous assessment. The walls are thick, four men can walk abreast, and it seems like every 50m, there is a light bore field piece set up.
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Stev Andisom 18-May-20 02:00 AM
(Are there any major roads through the slums to gates in the city walls?)
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(A few happen to be bigger but the vehicles will be single file. You could also drive through the slum buildings if the tanks lead and have some kind of plow
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Stev Andisom 18-May-20 04:06 PM
(Thanks!)
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(options here for sure, just depends how much of a dick you want to be)
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Stev Andisom 18-May-20 04:18 PM
Stev makes some notes about a few of the tanks being set up with bulldozer blades on them and for the fliers to hold back until the anti-air emplacements are dealt with. He then plans out routes for all 3 companies, leaving the main roads clear for people to leave the city safely. 1/4 of the troops are designated to stay back and secure anyone leaving and another 1/4 designated as flying teams for backing up the front lines.
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Stev Andisom 18-May-20 04:36 PM
The artillery he places within 30km of the walls, divided into 3 groups. Each had one of the companies to cover, however he also designates targets within the city and on the wall to assist with breaking through as the tanks clear the way.
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(so this is a battle plan, we're not actually deploying forces right now, correcct?)
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Stev Andisom 18-May-20 05:58 PM
(Only a battle plan, unless you want to skip ahead 3 days. I don’t know what else there is for me to do.)
17:59
(This is all happening on the images, via the datapad. Then it’ll be displayed on the wall for the captains and whoever they bring with them to the briefing to be discussed and changed as required.)
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The next 3 days pass quickly, as things are a flurry of work refitting the old vehicles into something that has a place on the modern battlefield. Worldgov forces keep their positions on the borders of the arctic zone, to catch stragglers fleeing the region, but will not leave their positions or advance close enough to help with storming the city.
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Stev Andisom 20-May-20 12:41 AM
With a slight change to the strategy, as his captains suggest keeping the tanks outside the city and mobile to assist where needed instead of bogged down, and issuing the shoot and move orders to the artillery so they aren’t in place long enough to be targeted effectively, Stev catches a ride planetside on a lighter with one of the artillery vehicles.
00:47
With snow crunching beneath his boots, he takes a pair of binoculars to the top of a rise and surveys the city from afar as the Knight of Draconis fully deploy out of sight.
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(So mech wise, the Driade projects a 50km nuke snuffer field, so you can deploy it while keeping it in reserve. You've got the heavy mech, and the 3 light mechs. I believe the super heavy is bonded with kaleb, then we have your armsmen and their vehicles/stuff you just bought. Sound right to you too?)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-20 06:02 AM
(Sounds perfect. Can’t use the mechs until everyone who is going to flee is gone, because the Worldgov army doesn’t have them, but we can use them in trouble spots once we’re fully engaged.)
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The city walls are brick, and thick.
15:29
There are men on top of the walls, about 10-15m apart, just sentries right now and it doesnt appear they are aware of what is coming
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Stev Andisom 20-May-20 04:21 PM
Stev contacts the artillery team via comm.
16:22
"Once the companies start to advance, target the walls. We want them ducking for cover instead of shooting at our guys."
16:23
"See if you can make a few holes for them to get through, but I'll leave it to your imagination."
16:24
He then comms the fliers who are on stationkeeping far outside AA range.
16:25
"Once the AA is destroyed you're free to engage anything in the city. Prioritise military targets, but don't hesitate. There are no neutral parties that we're interested in."
16:26
Finally, he comms the wraith shuttle.
16:26
"Keep an eye on the battle and stay in contact. Feed coords to the artillery if you spot anything that needs to be taken out."
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Wescott appears at your side "Do you mind pre-recording a surrender message? just so we have something ready to broadcast once we make a breach"
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Stev Andisom 20-May-20 05:44 PM
"We're going to give them the option?"
17:46
Stev groans.
17:47
"Sure, we can do that. I want to give those outside the walls a chance, so once we start hitting the walls I think we should broadcast. Give everyone the message early."
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(mostly like if civilians surrender to you, and want to become recruits, ect)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-20 06:05 PM
(Yeah, that's what I thought. I also want to give the ones outside a chance to flee before we get too entrenched in fighting outside the walls.)
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"Right, we want to have it ready to play. We might not get another chance at this"
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Stev Andisom 21-May-20 01:46 AM
“Right. Let’s word this so it makes some sort of sense.”
01:47
He clears his throat and stands as he imagines an orator would (and looks rather ridiculous).
01:48
“Traitors! Your city has committed crimes against the Worldgov and has been found guilty! Surrender now and be spared! Bring your civic leaders and military to us and be pardoned!”
01:49
“How’s that?”
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"Good enough. We'll broadcast it once the preliminary bombardment begins. I think everyone's in place. The mechs are in reserve, along with the Driade. They won't nuke us with that snuffer field up."
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Stev Andisom 21-May-20 03:15 PM
"Excellent. Shall we go and run things from the Driade?"
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He nods, eager to be off what will soon be the front lines
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Stev Andisom 21-May-20 04:02 PM
Stev follows, calling for the mechs to be ready to deploy once the noncombatants have been rounded up and taken away to safety.
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(that might be some time) The Driade's command center comes online, and several projections show the disposition of your forces at the southern side of the city, where they have deployed in their entirety. It seems the wall guns are out ranged by your own, or else surely their own bombardment would have started. "They await the command to open fire. The tanks will move in once the bombardment begins, with the infantry columns advancing behind them. Mechs in the reserve force will move to any areas where the advance is getting bogged down. We stop moving that close to the wall, we lose"
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Stev Andisom 21-May-20 05:15 PM
“Excellent. Start the tanks rolling and open fire on the wall.”
17:18
He looks excitedly at the projections for the opening volley.
17:18
“It’s very different fighting from in here Wescott. The mech was a lot more immediate.”
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"You'll get your chance to ride into battle in the heavy mech. I'm assured of it. We're undermanned for a siege like this. We can only hope a blitz like this is able to get them to capitulate. I've identified a few points we need to take once we get behind the walls'
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Stev Andisom 22-May-20 01:08 AM
"Mark them up on the map and we can send the troops in that direction once they're through the walls."
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Stev Andisom 22-May-20 11:32 AM
Stev waits for the first of the shells to hit the wall to see what the response is from the city.
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The heavy Draconis guns all fire their first shots within microseconds of one another. Half are ranged too short, churning up sections of the slum city before the wall, and starting some small fires as structures directly hit begin to burn. A handful more strike the wall directly, pockmarking it, and cracking some of the flagstones. Two hits near the gatehouse send a tumble of masonry crashing to the ground, unseating one of the heavy guns mounted there, on a towe
15:02
Shouting, and sirens within the city begin to wail. Those wall guns facing the right direction open fire, the battery commanders offering fire at will orders to their men. Clods of dirty and filthy snow blast skyward, tens of meters short of your own battery positions
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Stev Andisom 22-May-20 05:08 PM
Stev nods.
17:09
“Aim for their closest emplacements this shot, then move before they get the right range on us. While they’re firing high, send in the tanks. Let’s split their concentration.”
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Another volley, this time adjusted for range, batters the walltops, sending shrapnel through defenders, and unseating another pair of light howitzers set into the walls. The tanks begin moving forward, approaching the slums.
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Stev Andisom 22-May-20 11:38 PM
Stev grins. “Tell the artillery that was a great shot. “
23:40
“Wraith, what’s the situation look like inside the walls?”
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A volley of anti-aircraft fire from the city has chased the Wraith shuttle off, and communications from the craft seem to be down, though it has not been destroyed.
04:50
(13 v 8 for notice/hide)
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Stev Andisom 23-May-20 10:40 AM
“Wraith? Dammit, where the hell are they? Do the flyers have eyes on the shuttle? Someone find out where the hell they are and what’s happening.”
10:41
He kicks the wall under the console and swears as his toes/foot aches in response.
10:42
He looks over at Wescott and shakes his head.
10:44
“Can’t wait till we get some more spacecraft and can have real-time feeds from orbit.”
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“One day soon” he says reassuringly. The tanks closest to the wall are reporting that there is a flood of refugees and those trying to surrender, almost all Civilian from the outside wall districts, choking the road. One of the commanders is about to make a report when his tank is evidently struck by something and the hologram fades out
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Stev Andisom 23-May-20 02:59 PM
Stev taps the console in front of him to bring that part of the map into focus.
15:00
“Tell the others to watch for incoming anti-armor fire and find out where it’s coming from. Then give the coordinates to the artillery and take it out.”
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Wescott looks pale as the monitors come into focus. “Sir....theyre. ...they’re using the civilian exodus to mire our tanks down. They’re...they’re shelling them anyway”
15:02
Two Draconis tanks are showing disabled or knocked out on the force disposition chart. Another has slipped a track, while the rest report they’re either backing off or refusing to advance. The artillery is in the middle of displacing and is not available for counter battery fire right now
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Stev Andisom 23-May-20 03:32 PM
“They’re shelling the tanks and the civilians? Bastards knew we were coming! Okay, start playing the message and get the people out of there. Order the tanks back and send in the troops, house to house. And warm up the mechs. As soon as the civilians that are fleeing are out of the way we’re going to knock those bloody walls down.”
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(The wall Captain is seeing the civilians fleeing. Your tanks aren’t trying to squish the civilians , so as they’re waiting for the crowds to disperse around them, wall artillery is able to hit the slowed tanks. They don’t care about civilian casualties )
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Stev Andisom 24-May-20 04:38 AM
(Cool. Might have to force our way through the civilians.)
04:39
“Send the troops around the tanks, giving extra room to avoid the shells. When they’re in front, tell them to send the civilians down the major roads and keep them away from the tanks. Once those emplacements are down we’ll send in the engineers to recover the tanks.”
04:40
“And whatever tanks are still able to move, tell them to start driving slowly. Those civilians will get the hells out of the way with a tank bearing down on them.” (edited)
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The advance stalls as soldiers become mired down in the thicket of fleeting civilians heading out of the slums. Shell fire from the city slacks off, as fires from your own and their bombardment throw up so much black smoke it’s hard to see the walls, and hard for them to see you.
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Stev Andisom 25-May-20 04:56 AM
“Do we have any smoke shells? If we do, hit the wall with them and the ground between our forces and them. Give the soldiers a screen to move. That’ll also give the civilians a better chance at escape.”
04:57
Stev stands and starts pacing the command centre, biting his lip as he tries to figure out the next move.
04:58
(This is intense on a whole different level. Thanks for making it exciting and challenging!) (edited)
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The smoke screen is deployed along with the drifting smoke from the fires of the bombardment. Large sections of the southern slums are ablaze, and the Draconis forces are pulling back. Recovery crews and a handful of small squads for security use the time to extract the damaged tanks. All three can be returned to service soon, but two will need to be extracted back to the Pillar for more serious refit
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Stev Andisom 26-May-20 05:04 AM
Stev watches the smoke for signs of the enemy approach as the crews work to get the disabled tanks off the field.
05:05
“Keep the smoke going. Give the fliers the order to do a quick run at the edge of their range, ready to get out of there at the first sign their being targeted. If the smoke fouls their aim, we can start using the fliers to pick off gun placements and AA inside the city.”
05:06
“And order the soldiers to push through the civilians. Use the smoke to cover their approach and get under the angle those guns on the wall can hit.”
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(lets get a lead/cha, as battlefield conditions are turning against this first thrust)
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Stev Andisom 27-May-20 01:59 AM
(12. What a great roll!)
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Your fighters pound the wall and the buildings closest to the walls , knocking out a handful of guns and anti air defenses that pop up. As the civilian tide begins to trickle, your soldiers have set up defensive positions in the rubble beneath the minimum range of the wall artillery. This close , they are well within small arms range and are trading fire with wall top defenders.
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Stev Andisom 27-May-20 07:30 AM
Stev grins and gives Wescott two thumbs up.
07:33
“Send congratulations to everyone. Barrage against the walls again and get the tanks ready to support once we’ve made a hole. Tell the soldiers to keep up the harassment on the walls but keep behind cover. I’ll be along with the mechs soon.”
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Stev Andisom 27-May-20 07:42 AM
(Anything you need me to do to help you out with the battle? You’re doing great but I’m sure it must be a real pain to keep everything moving.)
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(they're going to need your support, but lets roll our mass combat result so we can see where the mechs are needed. You've got 3 formations?)
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Stev Andisom 27-May-20 04:22 PM
(Yeah, 3 companies)
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(lets do some mass combatttt!! , you're squaring off against 3 battalions, one on West Section, one in Center Section, and one in East Section, lets see how the firefight is going, and you'll know where to commit the mechs)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 02:14 AM
(Awesome! Let's roll up some combat. :D)
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(Alright, step by step, lets do west section first 2d6, I don't add anything since battallion is the smallest formation size, i have a +2 for the wall guns adding organic artillery support. End result is a 10)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:12 PM
(So that’s a 10 for the city defenders?)
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(yes)
16:13
(you said 3 companies, which is lower than a battalion and not large enough to be a mass combat formation, not sure how you've got everyone split)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:20 PM
(I can’t open the sheet at the moment, but I think we have 500 people in each company, for 1500 total.)
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(gotcha, so we're even with battalions squaring off)
16:21
(so you'd roll a 2d6, +2 for organic artillery, +2 for organic air, and +2 for organic armor)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:21 PM
(Excellent!) (edited)
16:22
(I rolled a 7, which ends up as a 13 with the additions.)
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(you roll a d2, and I roll a d6 for casualties)
16:23
(I suffered 1 step of damage, so I have moved from a Fresh to a readied battalion on West Wall)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:23 PM
(2!)
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(you move down from fresh to readied to bloodied)
16:24
(Now we do wall center, same rolls)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:24 PM
(Hang on... we won but got more beat up? Damn.)
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(I only got a 1 on my dice, but i had the chance to lose the whole unit)
16:25
(got an 11 for center)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:25 PM
(Ah. Fair nuff.)
16:25
(15 for me)
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(same thing, d2 for you, d6 for me)
16:26
(Wall center unit is destroyed for me)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:26 PM
(Another 2)
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(Bloodied Battalion vs no resistance now)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:26 PM
(Oh wow, that’s a big roll.)
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(now east wall, same tihng again)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:27 PM
(Frees them up I guess.)
16:27
(12 for the good guys)
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(you just take 1 step of damage, i have to roll a d8
16:29
(we have two readied battalions squaring off there, got a 1 myself)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:30 PM
(Stalemate. No-one goes home yet.)
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West Wall Draconis- Bloodied battalion Worldgov- Ready Battalion Center Wall Draconis- Bloodied Battalion Worldgov- Destroyed East Wall- Draconis- Readied Battalion Draconis- Readied Battalion
16:31
Draconis forces are able to take the center wall by mid day, scattering the rebel defenders, and securing the towers and gatehouse there, opening it and allowing enough space for mechs to enter if needed. The wall skirmishes are deadlocked, with the fiercer of the fighting on the western side where Draconis forces are being more steadily driven back. They did not benefit from smoke from the bombardments, and more of the Draconis men-at-arms were targets before getting into cover closer to the wall, though the survivors are putting up dogged resistance.
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:32 PM
Stev waves one of the Command centre pilots forward.
16:34
“Take the big mech, group up with the others and push through to the city proper.”
16:34
He then turns to one of the comm operators.
16:36
“Reinforcements from the centre to fight along the wall to the west, aiding the guys still stuck outside. The rest need to hold the gate against counterattack until the mechs make it through.”
16:36
(Giving up his mech to stay in the command centre and play General.)
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(your mech group can give another +2 to one of the formations here)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:39 PM
(Can they attack the west wall from the inside?)
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(yes, so we can roll the combats again, as we're forgoing a mission here, and that side will roll a 2d6+8 now due to all its supports. East wall still gets +6 since the mechs cant be in two places)
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 04:41 PM
(Works for me.)
16:42
(14 for the west wall.)
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(8 for west for me)
18:11
(you take 1 step, and i roll a d8
18:11
(Crippled battalion for you, West wall forces destroyed for me)
18:11
(and then east)
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(10 in the east, opposing your 2d6+6
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Stev Andisom 28-May-20 11:33 PM
(Sorry, fell asleep. I got 11)
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(1d4 for you 1d6 for me)
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Stev Andisom 29-May-20 01:27 AM
(1 for me)
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3 for me. You’re now a bloodied battalion and I have been destroyed )
02:13
By sunset, house draocnis forces have claimed the outer defenses of the city. Scattered resistance from nearby neighborhoods has the men at arms confined to the wall, but it also traps any would be resistance firmly within the city
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Stev Andisom 29-May-20 02:49 AM
“Nice work everyone. Secure the walls and get the wounded out of there. Tanks to the main gates and mechs to support the cleanup of the last soldiers on the walls. Artillery, shift fire to the first of the military targets inside the walls.”
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Stev Andisom 29-May-20 03:03 AM
He turns to Wescott.
03:03
"Time to move in. I'll drive."
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(Moving the Driade in?)
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Stev Andisom 29-May-20 01:33 PM
(Yeah. Looking to get it into the city.)
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As the Driade begins getting onto its legs, the radar begins getting returns from a large force, approaching from behind. Worldgov armored columns are advancing in support, now that the walls have been taken, to help tighten the dragnet and ensure refugees cannot escape. Projected movement patterns show up on the tactical display as vehicle commanders send their battle plans over to your powerful computers
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Stev Andisom 31-May-20 01:12 AM
Stev takes the controls and watches the projected movements of the Worldgov forces to plot a route that keeps them out of immediate sight of the Driade.
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It will take them twenty minutes to finish closing the gap, and the Driade will be safely inside the city by time that happens
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-20 06:23 AM
Smiling at the thought of getting this job done quickly, yet this turning into a frown as he thinks of the losses his soldiers have suffered, he carefully drives the Driade across the slums to the city.
06:24
“How’s the cleanup on the walls going? We need to hit those sites within the city.”
06:26
“Also, what’s the status of our forces? Can we merge some units to bring them back to full strength? Even if we go from 3 to 2 battalions, hitting them with complete units would be better than running into the piecemeal.”
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(generally you cant merge units mid battle)
15:20
Organized resistance within the city is crumbling, and with Worldgov all marching on the city now as well, their backs seem to be broken. There are haphazard pockets of resisting enemy soldiers, but their cause is, to most outside historical observers, lost
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-20 03:26 PM
(No worries. Didn't know how that worked.)
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(There's an option to put a unit into reserve to heal them, but for that mass combat round, they cannot also participate in it)
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-20 03:50 PM
"Take the marked buildings within the city. The locals are coming to clean up and I want the whole city secured before they roll in."
15:51
"Tanks to the gates to hold them against anyone trying to leave. Mechs to the main barracks. Tear the place apart. The Driade will join you."
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Around the barracks a siege within a siege has developed. Guard towers rake the streets with heavy machine guns and the occasional rocket. Dozens of burned out civilian cars mark the streets, and a gutted city defense force APC lends its black hulk as a barrier to prevent an easy breach of the barracks gate. The corner towers light the streets with search lights, followed by tracer fire if movement is seen outside. Someone in the base also sounds like they are setting up a mortar tube, judging by the flares and starshot continually launched into the night.
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-20 04:49 PM
Stev brings the Driade to the same street but a couple of blocks away.
16:50
"Okay, need an update on the mechs. Looks like they're waiting for us."
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The mechs are moving to surround the base, using adjacent city blocks to screen their approach. With your command, the fight here will be short, and the city defenders will be overwhelmed. Wescott looks on with rapt attention, eager to see how the final minutes of the fight willg o
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-20 04:56 PM
"Wescott, what weapons does this thing have? I know it kicked my arse of the mech when we went up against it but I can't remember how."
16:57
"I'm thinking that maybe we just blast a hole in the wall, take out those guard towers on the closest wall and let the mechs do the cleaning."
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'The front legs are capable of tearing almost anything to pieces, we never fit any new weapons in orbit, but we have a heavy anti armor laser in the chin"
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 12:34 AM
“Excellent! Target the towers with the laser and we will go make a door for the mechs.”
00:34
(Wescott can shoot something for a change. 😝)
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The first shot goes wide, hitting a nearby building across the street and setting it ablaze as the intense beam lances through the middle of it. Several internal floors begin to burn
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 07:39 AM
Stev glances across at Wescott, then at the burning building, then back.
07:40
“Okay, that’s a start I guess. This time, aim for the towers?”
07:40
He laughs and starts the Driade forward.
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The second shot annihilates the closest tower, and the rest of the mechs begin moving in, sweeping the remainder of the exterior defenses with dense thickets of laser and machine gun fire
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 03:41 PM
Stev aims the Driade directly at the wall and moves them purposefully towards it.
15:45
"Hang on to something!"
15:45
He then uses the legs to cut/push/smash through the walls.
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The walls crumble under the thick claws and bulk of the Driade, and soldiers scatter inside the base as point defense machine guns cut them down, along with the mechs striding into the firestorm. Eager calls for total surrender broadcast from the city center, though the other mechs in formation with you show no sign of relenting their attack, many now firing on surrounding buildings and flattening cars under their iron feet
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 04:50 PM
Stev keys on a loudspeaker so everyone outside, including the defenders, can hear him. "Cut down anyone still resisting. Everyone else comes here to sit under the watchful cannons of Driade. They have a unique opportunity in front of them."
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Resistance crumbles immediately, as it seems you;re now welcoming surrenders. The base stands down, the sirens stop, and outside the city, Worldgov takes their blocking positions a few kilometers outside the walls, in a ring.
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 04:53 PM
Once the situation calms down, Stev climbs out of the Driade and stands in front of the surrendering soldiers.
16:54
"The soldiers outside those walls want you all dead. I need soldiers who will fight. Your choice."
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1200 soldiers remain in the base, some with light injuries, the rest are dead. if the choice is death, or service, none of them feel attached enough to their homes to wait for worldgov to kill them
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-20 04:59 PM
(That more than makes up for the soldiers lost in this fight. 😄 )
17:00
"If you have any fellows left in the city who are putting up resistance, I urge you to contact them and give them the same offer. Worldgov won't come after you if you come with us."
17:00
He takes a few moments to climb to the top of the Driade's head.
17:01
"We are the Knights of Draconis. We are young but we have ambition and the ability to back that ambition up!"
17:05
"Wescott, tell the others inside to contact the troops. Bring in anyone who surrenders and wants to join us. The rest can deal with the Worldgov forces that are waiting outside. Get the Captains marshalling our new troops for transport to the Pillar while you and I take an unbloodied group to meet the agent outside the walls."
17:05
"Oh, and let the soldiers do some looting. These things happen, right?"
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(would you take families?)
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-20 12:13 AM
(That’s a good question. I’ll get back to you once I’ve thought about it.)
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-20 02:06 PM
(So... families. Would they travel with us constantly or would we be able to relocate them to Rawhani or the hidden base?)
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(I think as long as they're not about to get slaughtered by Worldgov, if you decide they need to go to Rawhani, they'll make do with that, they're not really in a position to negotiate)
14:36
(Rawhani, Gudrun, Tsatsos, really anywhere but here)
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-20 09:17 PM
(Okay, that sounds like a plan! Families it is.)
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The next several hours is chaos as families and the surrendered soldiers are piled aboard landers and then pushed into the hold of the Pillar of Salt. Your soldiers are pulled out with them to serve as guards and as families are reunited medical staff and food distribution takes its turn. Worldgov surrounds the city and as your mechs withdraw back to orbit as well, they begin a rolling and systematic flattening of the entire urbanscape
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Stev Andisom 04-Jun-20 07:40 AM
Stev takes Wescott and the same guards as before in the wraith shuttle, landing on the outside of the Worldgov ring of forces as they do their work.
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The agent you'd dealt with, along with another pair of high ranking military officers stands near the rear of the tightening noose. Field guns continue to fire, a mix of high explosive to topple buildings, and incendiary shells to ensure the homes and other smaller dwellings are likewise leveled
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Stev Andisom 04-Jun-20 10:36 PM
Stev approaches the agent and officers, signaling for the soldiers with him to stay back and for Wescott to follow.
22:37
"Looks like you have the cleanup well in hand."
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“Everything will be set right again. Without your men I don’t think the arctic zone would have surrendered this quickly. Radji is whole once again”
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Stev Andisom 05-Jun-20 01:23 AM
"Well if that's it from our end we'll be on our way. Next time we're in the neighbourhood I'll put in a call to you." (edited)
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(The accounts are square if I recall correctly )
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Stev Andisom 05-Jun-20 04:07 AM
(Yeah, they paid 900k creds up front iirc. That's 1 month of pay for the initial soldiers, not including the new ones.)
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(yeah, we would consider this month free for them as part of the deal, but I will add the additional 1200 to our sheet. It's also assumed casualties in wounded units are replaced as we're on R and R and you deployed to a planet, so the 1500 you had plus new recruits)
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Stev Andisom 05-Jun-20 03:28 PM
(That gives us another 2 battalions of 600 without support, or we can take the 9 support units and spread it over the 5 so there are 4 with 2 supports and 1 with 1 support. Sweet!)
15:29
(Also, I was considering dropping the families off on Rawhani once we’ve been to the junkyard planet.)
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(Musheera?)
15:51
(We can do that, its closeby)
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Stev Andisom 06-Jun-20 02:48 AM
(Yeah, that was our aim before getting sidetracked to here. Still keen to find some more stuff, to bring each of the battalions back up to 3 organic support each if possible. Or some spacefaring ships to send back to Bavi’d to further our deal.)
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(I’ll get back to you on the downtime. I don’t have a map in front of me right now )
02:34
The planet Musheera is an ever tangled pile of slyth debris both from space and things that existed on the planet already. The entire surface of the world has been given away to factory ruins the size of cities, graves of void ships pushed down from space, and entire assembly fields where the wrecks of vehicles that never saw use now linger in an atmosphere made caustic by decades of unrestricted pollution
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Stev Andisom 07-Jun-20 04:34 AM
Stev stands on the bridge looking at a screens of information, laid alongside orbital views of the planet.
04:35
“Doesn’t look all that inviting down there, does it? We got any suits to protect whoever goes down there?”
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“The ship suits we use aboard during combat should be plenty enough. There’s a few bases down there too. I see one belonging to RCoE, and there’s some activity around a factory district down there. A couple ships and a dome going up around the buildings near them”
15:12
(Nobody owns the planet. Wanted to keep it a neutral and ever changing dungeon like world but some people have set up outposts )
15:12
(To make future exploring easier)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jun-20 12:33 AM
“Well, do we want to drop in on someone or just make our own way? Either way, there’s no chance of taking everyone down there safely, so maybe a lighter with one of the mechs and a couple of squads of soldiers to secure the area, then enough engineers and mechanics to pick over whatever we find.”
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(Wendel, Skolli and Severus are in one party, and we can get a message out, or you could send one to billy, to see if you can stage at his place, if you do decide to work through one of their outposts. both groups are UNW aligned, and nothing has happened in character where they should suddenly have a hostile or lesser opinion of you)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jun-20 08:15 AM
(Stev has met Billy in UNW meetings I think, so that would be more likely. Not sure if he’s ever spoken to any of the others.)
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(You’ve been in unity meetings so you’d know them by reputation if not personally )
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Stev Andisom 08-Jun-20 04:14 PM
(Are the others on the planet at the moment?)
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(Wendel, Skolli, and Severus are here yes)
17:42
(Billy is not)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jun-20 06:05 PM
(Hmmm. Let’s go say hello to them then. 😄 )
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-20 06:18 PM
Stev cuts the connection and looks around.
18:19
“You heard him, stuff lying around everywhere, so pick a spot that looks clear enough for a lighter to land and get on it.”
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A lighter is prepared for landing, as well as protective equipment for those planning to do some digging. "So we can try to land close to them just in case, or we can pick the other side of the planet, what do you think?"
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-20 12:06 AM
“Land near them. That way if they start shouting for help we can race over. But what’s going to go wrong in a giant junkyard?”
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Wescott laughs, and is ever making notes.
00:08
The old man seems in better health now that he has been for the long years on Rawhani, and is even developing a bit of a paunch, but its clear without speaking that he knows he has lived longer than he has left to live. The tome of Draconis history grows ever longer, and he seeks to document everything he sees, especially now as your second in command
00:08
(some kind of long history someday might be cool, we should think about that)
00:08
(give our merc legion some characteR)
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-20 01:09 AM
“Assemble a couple of squads to escort the engineering crews and get one of the light mechs on the lighter to provide support. Just in case, right Wescott?”
01:09
Stev smiles, then looks quizzically at the book.
01:10
“How is the compilation of the worst command decisions coming along?”
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“The corrosive atmosphere isn’t going to be good for the mech” he says, looking down at his pad. “Otherwise , you’re far from the worst commander Draconis has ever had”
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-20 06:48 AM
“Not the best? Now I’m crushed Wescott.”
06:49
He laughs and signals for the comm officer to send a message throughout the ship.
06:52
“Attention all hands. We’re in orbit above the biggest junkyard I’ve ever seen. We’re not sure what we’ll find here but the atmosphere isn’t breathable and machines go down fast in the pollution so most of you will be staying onboard. Please give the families of our newest recruits a hand in getting around, and take any issues to the nearest officer. First person to harm another of my crew or the families gets tied to the front of the ship as a buffer when we’re docking.”
06:53
“The lucky ones who get chosen to head dirt side, suit up and meet in the hangar. Your Captains will be notifying you soon.”
06:53
He then makes the ‘turn it off’ signal to the comms officer and turns back to Wescott.
06:55
“How’s the integration of the new guys coming along? And we need 2 more captains, one from the new guys at least. And banners, or some sort of insignia for each company that can be painted onto armour to give them pride in their units.”
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"I would agree with all of that. They're getting by. There is some resentment and right now you're seen as just as bad as Worldgov, even though we were just working for them"
14:31
"but, in time things will fade. We don't have violence on the ship right now because deep down they realize you got their families out, and you bent the terms of the deal a bit by accepting their surrender'
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-20 04:31 PM
“Maybe have it whispered about, especially near the families, that we defied Worldgov to get them out of there. Some of the younger recruits can discuss it as they help out down in the hold, let word filter throughout without it being seen as directly coming from us.” (edited)
16:34
“Comms, send word to the captains to meet in the ready room in 10. And bring the commanding officer of the new recruits with them.”
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The word passes through the ship, and a few minutes late, the last of the assembled group arrives. The Radji force commander is downcast and his uniform is burned horribly in several places. He has done what he can to make the dress uniform look presentable, but with no tools he cannot undo the widespread fire damage
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-20 12:24 AM
“Thank you all for coming so quickly. As you’ve heard, we’re sending teams down to the planet and I need your best people. From what I can gather, conditions are terrible. Who knows what we’ll find. So... we’ll need a couple of squads to secure the area for the engineering team. I want the squads to have at least one Radji recruit on it. Once the teams are down there, the companies need to be restructured to accommodate our newest recruits. We’ll also need 2 new companies formed and 2 new captains. Make your recommendations when I get back. And please, for the sake of the Gods, get this man some new clothes.”
00:24
Stev then approaches the Radji commander.
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-20 12:47 AM
“Sorry, we haven’t actually spoken privately before now. Getting everyone settled and secure... I lost focus on anything else and I dropped the ball. I’m Stev, commander of the Knights of Draconis. I want your help integrating your men into our forces. If you think you’d be the best choice for command of one of the companies, I want you to say so. Opinion won’t get you in trouble under my command, so speak up. Once orders are given I expect them carried out, but until then every voice is heard.”
00:48
“Any issues, come to me or one of the existing captains. I know the current situation isn’t what you or your men wanted, but we’re in this together now.”
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“Thank you. I think Yanarine from our old engineering company would be a good choice. He’s got the technical knowledge and was a good sapper before that whole mess went down back there. He can demolish pretty much anything “
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-20 01:26 AM
“That’s a bloody handy skill to have, plus we have a wide complement of machinery to look after now. Chapman here is currently in charge of the company with our mechs attached. Chapman, feel like giving the mechs up?”
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“Alright. Fine. I’ll take a different outfit”
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-20 01:36 AM
Stev laughs.
01:43
“It was just a question! If you want to keep the mechs you can. Yanarine can run a squad of sappers in his command and take over watch of the engineering crew that aren’t detailed to the mech bay. It was just a bloody question.”
01:46
“Remember, the companies are being restructured because we have enough for 2 more and we don’t want the Radji troops formed into their own companies and treated like outsiders. We’re one big happy bloody family and we need to act it. So, once again Chapman... do you want to keep the mechs?”
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"I'll take command of one of the infantry companies instead if we're reforming them. It's been too long since I've held a rifle, and there's glory to be won there"
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-20 04:50 AM
“Fair enough. Draw from the regulars and get them outfitted for standard warfare. Yana can take over the maintenance of the mechanised units. I’ll leave it to you to get them sorted and lead the conversation on reorganising the troops while I’m on the planet. Wescott can stand in for me.”
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Wescott nods, and begins getting the landing ships ready to deploy the scout teams.
16:54
a landing zone is identified nearby, the Northern side borders the constructing dome and wreck that the Skolli/Wendel/Severus team are scouting already. To the west, A vast chemical plant lies in ruins, its storage tanks rusting under the uncaring sun. To the south, a scrapyard of derelict small craft lies, most of them look to be several times smaller than the pillar, and finally to the west, a site of launch pads and cargo rockets have been set up but never launched. Some have fallen and broken into pieces
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Stev Andisom 12-Jun-20 02:43 AM
(Small craft like fighters or small craft like possible trading ships?)
02:45
Stev gets on the lighter with the scouts, getting himself set in the suit and checking his pistol.
02:47
"Secure the perimeter and make sure you have good contact with the team scavenging to the north. We don't want anyone shot by accident, on either side. Double-check the southern side and post extra troops there because that's where I'll be sending most of the engineering team to start with."
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(Like corvette/free merchant sized)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jun-20 03:58 PM
(Perfect! Definitely time to scrounge up some ships for Bavi’d and maybe one for Draconis to be able to land troops directly on the planet if we can find enough working parts.)
15:58
As the lighter touches down and the doors open, Stev let’s the scouts exit first and follows behind.
16:01
“Pillar, we’re here. Send the engineers immediately. There is much here to work with. Hells, send all the engineers we can spare and another few squads to help secure the site. And someone figure out what we would need to establish an outpost on the planet for as long as we want to stay. Not sure how long we might end up being here for.” (edited)
16:07
To the troops already on the ground: “Someone check the cargo that those rockets have, if any. Might be something useful or maybe trade-worthy. Make sure you’re careful near the plant to the west. If the containers are falling apart we don’t want anyone to get hurt or contaminated by whatever is in them.”
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(what part is stev going to do)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jun-20 01:09 AM
Stev goes south, following the scouts towards the remains of the ships.
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There are three vessels wrecked nearby , each of them is small. Two look to be patrol@boats and the last is a free merchant. All will need serious work to rise again
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Stev Andisom 14-Jun-20 01:27 AM
Stev goes to the free merchant first, taking a quick tour of the interior as the scouts clear it.
01:32
If everything is secure, he calls the engineers in to start on this one first.
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The scouts aren’t able to get inside. The airlock will not cycle and the engineers are trying to figure it out.
02:28
(We are gonna explore the wreck rather than just assign people to take care of it)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jun-20 08:38 AM
(Sweet! Lock and load gentlefolks.)
08:41
“What’s the hold-up? Is the door rusted shut or something?”
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“Jammed and not letting the pad we have override it. Might have to cut the outer one open for now”
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Stev Andisom 15-Jun-20 01:48 AM
“Any other ways inside? Cut through here but keep looking.”
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Stev Andisom 15-Jun-20 06:51 AM
Stev grabs the attention of a couple of soldiers and starts looking for another way into the ship.
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There seems to be some kind of crew rescue hatch on the roof that looks to be in better condition. A few people could slip inside and try to explore the ship that way
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 01:04 AM
Stev calls back to the team working on the main hatch.
01:04
“We’re going through here. Meet up with you inside.”
01:04
He then works with the few guys he’s with to open the rescue hatch.
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The hatch pops open with a groan of rusty metal, and there is a smaller hatch inside that opens directly into the free merchant
01:56
01:56
(You’d be in the middle room on the left. Behind the bridge)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 02:02 AM
“Let’s secure the bridge and see if we can let in the others outside.”
02:05
(Is the door to the bridge open?)
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(It’s closed but unlocked )
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 02:20 AM
Stev unholsters his pistol and motions for the others to flank the door, then he opens it.
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The consoles are dead, the reactor, elsewhere int he ship, is also down and dead. The machinery itself looks to be in good condition despite the ship being pushed from orbit
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 03:00 AM
Stev pushes a few buttons, hoping for a reaction. On finding none, he looks around for signs that anyone has been here recently.
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The ship does not appear to have been entered anytime recently, judging by the amount of dust on all the surfaces. The reactor must be damaged or out of fuel since there is no response from the controls
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 03:03 AM
“Okay, the tech-heads will need to have a look at all this. Let’s make sure the place is safe for them to do their jobs. Sweep down the left corridor, checking rooms as you go. I’ll do the same down the right.”
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(lets get a notice/wis)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 03:54 AM
(10 for notice)
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It sounds like something is rolling down the passageway, out of the darkness, though you cannot see it yet.
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 03:57 AM
Quick peek down the corridor, gun leading.
03:58
(Of the 3 doors down the corridor, are any open?)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Pinned a message.
04:08
(The middle one)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 04:53 AM
Ignoring the first door, Stev moves down the corridor as stealthily as possible, trying to look in the open doorway.
04:55
(13 on sneak, if required)
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Heading into the empty middle room, a small metal sphere rolls by, scanning the passageway with a grid like set of red lights. You are no longer out in the hall, and satisfied, the small sphere moves on, continuing forward along the path you just traveled
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Stev Andisom 16-Jun-20 03:07 PM
Stev watches the ball roll on and shrugs.
15:08
On comms: "Something strange coming your way guys. Small ball rolling around on its own in the corridor."
15:08
Once it's out of sight he goes back to the first door and opens it.
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The sphere has just rolled around the corner to the left, and you do not see it any further The first door is a crew galley of some kind. There are kitchen machines against the wall and bolted on to prevent them toppling over in an impact. The cabinets and shelves have hurled their contents across the floor.
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Stev Andisom 17-Jun-20 02:18 AM
Stev checks for signs that anything has been in here recently. If he doesn’t find anything he moves back the the doorway to the room they entered the ship through and looks in there for the ball.
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The ball begins rolling back down the hallway toward you, before stopping and beginning to open to re deploy the scanner
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Stev Andisom 17-Jun-20 05:09 AM
(Can I try and grab the thing please?)
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(Lets get an exert/dex)
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Stev Andisom 17-Jun-20 12:42 PM
(8 for exert/Dex)
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Stev's arm snaps out, picking up the sphere before it can open and scan him
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 01:02 AM
“Okay little guy, where in the hells did you come from?”
01:02
He takes a closer look at the sphere.
01:03
(Is it small enough to be held in 1 hand or does it take ?)
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It tries to open, the red light of its scanner flashing for a second before you close it back up. It seems to be struggling in your grip
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 01:05 AM
He holds it tight in both hands and calls out loud, “Someone bring a bag? I’ve caught the thing but it’s struggling.”
01:06
While he waits, Stev tries to get a better look at whatever markings he can see on it.
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The sphere has no marks on it aside from some light damage. There is a muffled sound of a laser firing a corridor over where the rest of your team split off to
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 02:23 AM
“Oh shit.”
02:23
Stev throws the ball into the galley and closes the door behind it before heading across to the other corridor.
02:24
“Report!”
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The galley door bubbles twice as laser beams hit it from the inside, though none of them punch through the surface
02:56
"Sphere! Its shooting at us Knight-Seneschal!"
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 03:33 AM
“I’ve got the same. Draw it into a room if you can, then close it in!”
03:33
Stev peeks around the corner to see.
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One of the draconis engineers is prone, dealing with a horrible looking gut shot. The other is tending to him, while the third has seemingly emptied the entire magazine of his rifle into the robot
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 04:11 AM
Stev runs over and tries to kick the robot into an open doorway.
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The blackened sphere tumbles end over end into the room, its gyro too damaged from laser fire to continue moving at the same pace.
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 04:08 PM
He then slams the door closed and turns to where the injured engineer is laying.
16:09
“How bad is it? Can’t get you outside and back to the ship right away, not with that shot also tearing your suit up...”
16:10
Comms: “Is there a medic outside? We have at least one injured in here and the suit is a bust.”
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(Going into an environment like this, the medics probably would have suit patches too, even if its just basically a really sticky piece of tape)
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 04:11 PM
(Good call! Go team medics!)
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"I can move..he gasps, still trying to sit up from the shot
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Stev Andisom 18-Jun-20 04:20 PM
“Get him back to the first room. Keep pressure on the wound and if there’s no medic outside call one down in the wraith. And get another team in here to deal with these little bastards, preferably with armor.”
16:22
“Oh, and try not to get shot again,” he says to the wounded soldier, “if you can manage. Hurts like a bitch.”
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Several changes are made and a set of crude boarding shields is provided to everyone , far from what draconis forces would have used in their heyday
05:32
For now the two security spheres you’ve seen are the only ones to be noticed aboard
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Stev Andisom 19-Jun-20 07:31 AM
Stev takes one of the shields and places it firmly in front of the door where the damaged sphere is contained.
07:34
“Set another to either side. Anyone not covered by a shield should stay well back. Once we open the door, acquire the target and shoot it until it is in pieces.”
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Everyone is braced, and ready for your signal
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Stev Andisom 19-Jun-20 03:38 PM
Stev nods to the man closest to the side of the door where it opens, drawing his pistol and sighting with it over the shield.
15:39
(I’m imagining that these are like tower shields the Romans used?)
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(yeah, probably with a gun port cut into the sides just to help hold it, not really for accuracy)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jun-20 04:06 PM
(Cool, that’s what I figured. Something big to try to block the worst of the shots from hitting.)
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(it cant do anything unitl the door opens, and you guys have the initiative here as far as the actual committing of violence, so id say you go first and we dont need to bother with an initiative roll here)
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-20 12:19 AM
The soldier off to the side pushes on the door and slides it open. As soon as the sphere is in sight, Stev and the others open fire.
00:20
(24 to hit, 14 damage if successful for Stev.)
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The drone sparks twice as the laser shots hit it before it falls apart into its component pieces
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-20 10:52 PM
After a few moments of watching, Stev moves the shield out of the way and approaches the broken sphere.
22:54
“Well, that was anti-climactic. Collect these parts and get the engineers to have a look once we’re back in orbit. These things could be useful to our scouts if they can be programmed properly.”
22:55
He then motions for the soldiers to follow as he heads to where the other sphere is trapped.
22:55
“Same again. This one hasn’t been damaged so it might take longer to destroy.”
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The soldiers raise their shields and prepare to make a cordon around the door, weapons out and ready for suppressing the robot
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-20 02:48 AM
Stev sets up again, pistol raised and the door is opened.
02:49
(19 to hit and 8 damage for Stev’s first shot, when allowed.)
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The robot gets a pair of beams off at the boarding shields, scorching a pair of holes into them, though without hurting anyone behind it. they quickly dispatch this bot as well, scattering its burned and shattered component parts across the room
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-20 04:33 AM
Stev nods in satisfaction.
04:37
“Well done. We continue exploring this ship to catalogue the extent of the damage and what it will take to get it space worthy again. Two full squads, shields in front. Anything seems hinky, take it slow.”
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(so left and right hallways on this level from bow look to be clear, aside from the bots you established. This deck looks ok structurally, if there's damage, it might be downstairs, which we can move into as we hit the back of the ship)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-20 03:54 AM
(Nice. Hope I don’t fall through the floor anywhere!)
03:54
😝
03:55
Stev motions for one of the squads to stay to secure this corridor and takes front-line of the other squad, going back to the left-side corridor to finish checking out the rooms on that side.
03:55
(I know I started checking the right side, so I don’t know what’s in these rooms at all.)
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(everything so far is just normal ship stuff, nothing super advanced, but no damage either so far)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-20 11:57 AM
After checking the rooms in the corridor, Stev leads his group to the open area at the back of the ship, stopping at the top of the stairs to make sure they’re safe to walk down.
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the lift down to the hold and lower level looks secure, though the basement level is dark. there are no sounds indicating security spheres are present on this level, and no tell-tale flashes of red light
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-20 03:53 PM
He takes the lead again and heads down the lift to the lower level...
15:54
(Does the lift still work, or is there climbing involved?)
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(the lift still works, it can transport you all down there. Is this going to be like gladiator where they make that shield wall around you? hahah)
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 12:12 AM
(Haha only if we knew there was a problem down there. )
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 01:20 AM
Stev and the soldiers reach the lower floor and spread out upon exiting the lift. (edited)
01:21
“Secure this area while the other team finishes upstairs. Then follow me and send the others down the other side. I’m going right.”
01:23
With that he goes out the door and turns right, intent on checking each room for danger and leaving the damage assessment for the engineering crews.
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(Lets get a know/int for what’s ahead)
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 02:56 AM
(3. Go team!!)
🤣 1
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In the darkness below, lit by glowbugs, there is an elaborate array of coils. Most of them look burned, and the engineering sections around them have fried electronics. The air stinks of melted rubber after all this time
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 03:39 PM
Stev looks around and shakes his head.
15:41
"Not sure what the hell happened but its probably not good, not with that smell."
15:41
He shrugs. "That's for the engineers to figure out."
15:42
Seeing as nothing attacked him, he moves on to the next room.
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One of the panels has a burned off label, and one of the engineers looks on with you as you enter the next room "Shield Status Panel" he says under his breath "Like an energy shield....interesting"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 03:54 PM
"So, an energy shield for the ship or is this room shielded for some reason?" (edited)
15:55
He stands near the doorway, not wanting to get in the way of the engineer or inadvertently touch something that might cause more trouble.
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"Looks like for the ship, see how these wires and pipes go through the hull, and outside?"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 04:34 PM
“I believe you. Can’t make heads or tails of any of it myself. Do you recognise the style of construction?”
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"Well, its slyth in nature, I only know the language, but we could try to talk with some of the revived ones if we get this in orbit and otherwise spaceworthy"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-20 04:40 PM
“Slyph. That’s means its got to be old. Interesting. Well, let’s make sure there’s nothing hiding down here that will make the job any harder.”
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Pushing on, the rest of the vessel is swept and although there is no damage, it was likely hit by some disabling weapon in orbit, or in atmosphere,and its electrical systems were disabled. Nearly every cable and console in the ship will need to be replaced but the vessel will be structurally sound
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 12:26 AM
“Right. Where in the hells do we get enough wiring to replace everything in this.... we’re in a junkyard! Okay, we need some scavenging teams.”
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"I was doing some reading" Wescott says, piping into the squad feed
00:27
"That UNW post nearby has managed to get a matter compiler working. I bet they could print anything we might need for wiring"
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 12:29 AM
“Do we have anything to trade for it? Don’t want to go over there begging for wiring.”
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“Knowledge , and we do have another of those blackblood mech frames we never got around to repairing. “
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 03:36 AM
“We’re never going to get those things up and running, are we? May as well get some value out of them. Okay, get them on a lighter and send them down to the northern edge of the landing area. I’ll meet it there and then go visit our friends from the UNW post. Oh, send down some alcohol too. I think there is still some stashed.”
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(I set up your landing in wendels channel under unw)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 03:39 AM
👍
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(6xp, and 10,000 credits for exploring, once you guys strike an accord you'll have a free merchant in short order)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 03:39 AM
(Woohoo!)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 03:49 AM
(Level up time!)
03:52
(While I’m discussing, can the teams check out the other small ships to see if they’re usable please?)
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(sure, you'l get a report)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 03:53 AM
(Awesome, thanks!)
03:53
(I was hoping to get a ship to Bavi’d to get our deal off the ground.)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-20 11:57 AM
(Level up to 7. Taking Tinker, level 1 as my focus. HP went from 31 to 34. Leveling Fix to 1 for 2 points and Lead to 0 for 1 point.)
11:58
(Have I missed anything?)
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(Doesn’t look like it to me!)
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-20 12:25 AM
(Sweet. 😄 )
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-20 04:23 PM
(Can the free merchant and the Pillar dock together in space?)
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(they couldn't make spike jumps linked together without the pillar having the shiptender mount fitted, but if youre just J-chilling in deep space, transfer between vessels is possible as long as both are stationary and not in orbit)
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-20 04:55 PM
(That’s perfect. I’m thinking we can move the families of the new recruits onto the Hawk and it can take them to either the EP world and they can set up in the new town with Bavi’d‘s folks, or they can go to Rawhani. Then the Hawk can meet up with us wherever we are and we can transfer the mechs across to it.)
16:56
(It won’t be comfortable for the families but it shouldn’t be for long and they can get their fresh start while we finish up here.)
17:02
(Still hopeful on getting the small ships going again. 😝)
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(Either one, you're closer to Rawhani, leaving from Musheera)
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-20 05:48 PM
(Rawhani was going to be my first choice, so if it’s closer that settles it.)
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(Yep! I'll include them when I update populations as we get into the new year)
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-20 01:56 AM
(No rush.)
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(updated earlier today)
02:57
(so now its a matter of what KoD is up to now)
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-20 03:24 AM
(Hanging out over Junkworld, playing cards and trading sheep stations. 😛 )
03:25
Stev enters his ready room and sits heavily at the table.
03:27
"Wescott, have the companies been reformed? We've been sat here for too long and I'm itching to get moving on to whatever conflict is in need of our skills."
03:29
"I know it has only been a couple of days but we're an efficient fighting machine, right?"
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"We are at full fighting strength for our current numbers, though wages need to be paid for the month"
03:49
"Happy new year. by the way"
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-20 04:01 AM
"Happy New Year my friend."
04:01
"As for wages, if we've got the credits on hand we can parcel them out. If not, we've got to find a job, fast."
04:05
"What are our credit reserves at?"
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(its 870k for wages a month right now)
04:14
(I know you got at least a few mil from your last job)
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-20 05:09 AM
(Yeah, I have a feeling we were okay for the next few months, but that wasn’t taking into account the new troops and extra support craft, or the new ship upkeep.)
05:10
Stev checks Skynet for available jobs.
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(Ships are paid until M6)
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-20 03:11 PM
👍
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 12:56 AM
Until a promising job lead turns up, Stev decides to continue exploring the closest sectors of space, perhaps to find another isolated planet with a need for the Knights brand of problem solving.
00:59
He calls up the list of planets nearby, sees Rannveig and selects it to see further information.
01:00
“Can’t land on a gas giant... and the moons don’t seem to be harbouring any potential clients. Not Rannveig then.”
01:02
He taps on another with a funny name.
01:03
“Ziya-Al-Ghulam. What is happening on you?”
01:04
(Can’t find it on the Roll20 page. Is it there and I’m more blind than I knew, or is there no information about it at the moment?)
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(It hasn’t been explored )
01:47
(There’s no information to display)
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 03:30 AM
“Hmmm, nothing at all is recorded. Well, while we wait for work to be found, why don’t we go and check it out. I wonder who is hiding on you...”
03:31
To the bridge, via comm: “Navigator, we’re done here for now and the families have left for their new homes. Take us to Ziya-Al-Ghulam, if you would be so kind.”
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(Two days in spike space)
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Ziya-Al-Ghulam is a three planet system revolving around a pale green star. The furthest planet from this sun, ZAG III for short, is a barren dwarf planet. ZAG 1 and ZAG 2 are both temperate planets occupied by human life. Each planet is united under a single government, though each planet is in the midst of what you can already see is some kind of armed conflict against the other
05:30
System ships duel in the void between both planets, though nothing they have equipped can come close to breaching the Pillar
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 06:21 AM
Stev orders the Pillar to stay well back from the conflict and to initiate communications with whoever will talk to them.
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It seems ships from both sides are trying to open a link with you in return, though the contents of each message are about the same, wanting assistance against the other side
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 03:06 PM
Stev considers for a moment before muting the comm and talking to the bridge crew.
15:09
“Have we got scans on either of those planets? Are they from the same civilisation, what is the population like on both, known or scannable resources, stuff like that.”
15:10
He then clicks the comm back on.
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(No information was ever collected about either one of them)
15:14
(Everything you've gathered within the last handful of posts is closer than anyone's ever been)
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 03:16 PM
“This is Stev Andisom, commander of the Knights of Draconis. We are a mercenary company and will gladly commence discussions with both parties to determine who we will support. Send representatives in an unarmed shuttle to the Pillar of Salt.” (edited)
15:17
Comm muted again.
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Fighting between both fleets intensifies as a few runabouts from each are launched. Fighters swarm after the loose formations, half sent to protect their own, half sent to shoot down the others
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 03:21 PM
“Damn, they really don’t like each other. When the shuttles are within range, allow them to dock on opposite sides of the ship. Inform them they are allowed one negotiator and one bodyguard each. If they touch anything they will be shot. Then watch them closely so they don’t cause any trouble on the way to my ready room. And call the commanders to the ready room. And fully armed escorts for the negotiators. And some food, for me. I want to make them think I really don’t care who we support.”
15:23
(Well, this might be a fun expansion of UNW influence. 😝)
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The guards have their weapons taken on arrival, as they point them at one another almost right away, before two women and their escorts are brought into your office. Each is a twin of the other. and waits to be addressed as you've gone through the process of inviting them here first
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Stev Andisom 01-Jul-20 06:10 PM
When they enter the ready room, Stev is seated at the head of the table in the ready room, enjoying a vat-grown steak.
18:11
“Come in, please, have a seat. Your guards can wait at either side of the room, can’t have them tearing each other apart and getting blood on everything.”
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They each sit down, and look almost about to come to blows with one another, as well
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 12:28 AM
“Welcome to the Pillar of Salt. Now, my army stands ready for deployment, however we need to work out a price and rules of engagement. By the looks of things you both want a scorched earth policy, which we can do. While you both consider how much our involvement is worth, would either of you like to fill us in on the recent history of your lovely little system?”
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It becomes clear after needing to pull them off one another several times that the two are sisters and had formally been officers in the Black Sun resistance movement against the Tenebrian Empire. The sisters had been offered this system and each had picked a planet to set down on. The first planet is lush and verdant while the second is barren and near lifeless. A horrific resource war has broken out between the two after years of tension. One sister fights so her people may live. The other fights so her people may defend their homes
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 02:57 AM
“Ladies, please stop trying to claw each other’s eyes out. It makes negotiating difficult.”
02:57
He stands and starts pacing the short end of the room, muttering to himself.
02:59
“This isn’t good. Wipe out one side and the other will regret it later in life, then probably hold the Knights responsible. Bad way to conduct business.”
02:59
He stops mid-stride and turns to face the pair.
03:00
“Let me guess, food and such is scare on one side of the battle and rare minerals and the like scarce on the other?” (edited)
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ZAG 1 seems to have virtually all the resources. ZAG 2 is fighting with scavenged machinery, former ZAG 1 humanitarian aid, and whatever scraps of industry they've managed to raise for themselves
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 05:54 AM
Stev looks at the ZAG 2 leader.
05:55
“Wow, you really lucked out. As bitter as all this seems to be, do you really want to kill your own sister?” (edited)
05:55
He then looks at the ZAG 1 leader.
05:57
“And you, who seem to have everything, you would rather kill your sister than help out? That is a shame. ZAG 1 could be a wonderful place for tourism... if only there was another planet nearby that could sustain a massive industrial complex to help the system flourish and not destroy the natural beauty of your own world.”
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"DO you have a way to mediate this situation then? It sounds as though you're speaking with some knowledge that we do not have"
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 02:55 PM
“We can hang around for a while, sure. Best way I can see this working though is if you both agree to rule everyone jointly, instead of keeping everything separate. That way, it doesn’t matter which planet has what, as the whole system would profit from whatever you do.”
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"We're giving nothing to those grubby rock dwellers. They leave or they die. They dont get to come into our homes and just take our shit like my sister here has been promising them'
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 03:04 PM
“Giving? Who the hell is talking about giving?? You’re working together to make your system a better place!”
15:04
He sits down at the table with them and sighs.
15:06
“Right, let’s say you go ahead with this thing and the barren world is vacated of all life. Then you start to build it up, giving your industry somewhere to grow without spoiling your pristine world. Who is going to work at the factories? Are you going to send your own people, who have grown used to their current lives, to live on another planet? If your people hear this plan, you won’t be in power for long.”
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(So you're suggesting factories and whatnot on the barren world so they dont mess up the good one? and basically raw materials there, finished goods back?)
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 03:47 PM
(Yeah. Run the planets together instead of as separate and competing.)
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"Then the power is going to eventually favor ZAG 2. We're going to rely on them for all our manufactured goods, they're going to lord it over us. Maybe not today, or a decade from now, but someday soon
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 04:31 PM
“And if they do, you stop feeding them! Remember, you’re working together for the good of everyone. This isn’t about one side having power over the other. Of course, if you stop feeding them, they stop producing, so you both hold power in this relationship.”
16:31
He sighs.
16:34
“After 2 years of fighting, this isn’t going to be solved today. Hells, this might not be solved in a month. However, if this system is going to succeed, you’ll need to work together. Not holding threats above each other’s heads, but actually work together. Threats can get the ball rolling, making sure that one side doesn’t screw over the other, but eventually you’ll get so used to working together and seeing the benefits of your labours that you won’t need the threats any more.”
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"Draconis, do you serve as just a strictly war fighting body? or would your forces be amenable to arbitration and peacekeeping, as we try to create some kind of arrangement here?"
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-20 06:14 PM
“We would be available for peacekeeping duties, for the right price.”
18:15
“As far as being an arbitrator, if you would have me sit in on your meetings I would be happy to provide a tie-breaking vote and the voice of reason.”
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"And your men, do you have the forces to protect important sites on both worlds?"
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-20 12:04 AM
“I have 5 companies that can be deployed, so depending on what sites and how far apart they are, we can certainly help keep them secure.”
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-20 12:13 AM
“Having Draconis forces will only be a temporary fix though. We cannot stay here forever, so you will have to learn to work together for the benefit of all your people.”
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“If the fighting stops how long can we count on you for?”
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-20 02:00 AM
“That will depend on what else comes up. As it stands, we can commit to 1 standard month with the option to continue our contract at your agreement.”
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“We will hire draconis then for the month to see what you can do. Perhaps you can help after all”
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Stev Andisom 04-Jul-20 05:11 AM
“We would be pleased to be able to assist you in solving this dispute without one side destroying the other. Usually we ask for a million credits for a month of service, which covers our costs for the soldiers and support vehicles. We also ask for a signing fee, which is also usually a million credits. We are willing to take other items in lieu of payment, such as advanced weapons, space ships or land-based vehicles.”
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(So you’re making 2 million in gross profit before expenses based on what you’re asking here?)
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Stev Andisom 05-Jul-20 12:14 AM
(To open negotiations, yeah. 😁)
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The offer is accepted and both sisters use what they can to foot the bill. Even this is uneven, but it is a chance for peace
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-20 12:56 AM
Stev looks out the window. “You both have fighter/interceptor craft out there, and carriers for them?”
00:57
“Hold off on payment for now. If we stay for a couple of months, how about we take a carrier and fighter wing and we call it even.”
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(theyre system ships, no spike drive, and refitting them would be equivalent to just buying new)
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-20 02:14 AM
(Damn. That’s a shame.)
02:15
(What about just a fighter wing, then I can come and pick it up later when I get myself a carrier. I don’t mind the fighters being system only if they’ve got a ride to where we need them.)
02:18
“Okay, where do you think the worst troubles will happen? I’ll get the troops moving and you can let your people know to stop killing each other out there.”
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(They’d probably sell one yeah)
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-20 04:31 AM
Stev orders the army to begin transporting down the the planets, starting with 2 companies to each one and the third company being split to reinforce whoever needs it. The mechs get detailed to be sent to ZAG1, being the more prosperous and therefore the most likely for troubles to arise on.
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-20 12:31 PM
(So that’s 2.5 companies to each planet, with their organic support visible but not to be used unless required. The mechs are more visibility, plus a good way to get recruits interested. 😎)
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(I was just about to asl that, thank you)
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The deployments begin in the 'capital' regions of both planets, one being far more urban and cultured than the other- which is a mecca only for dust storms, prospecting disputes, and tumbleweeds. The locals on both planets are cautious, understanding why the outsiders are here, but very much seeing them as interlopers in a conflict that is very personal to each of them.
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-20 12:47 PM
Stev thanks the sisters for allowing him to help them and asks how they wish to proceed now that the troops are deployed.
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As Draconis soldiers land on Zag1, a number of small bombings occur at cafe's , restaurants, parks, and cultural sites around the capital. No soldiers are hurt, but several civilians are killed, and it seems to be one of many waves of terror attacks that groups either loyal to Zag2, or bought by Zag2 are carrying out. No distinct links showing they're directly funded have yet been turned over
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-20 03:54 PM
Stev calls for the soldiers nearby to assist with any clearing/rescue that is going on in those areas and for patrols to be seen in various places around the city.
15:55
He also gets word to the fliers tasked to ZAG1 to do some flyovers, hoping that the sight of different aircraft in the sky will give his people a better chance at being recognised as outsiders. (edited)
15:57
To the sisters, who haven't as yet left the ship: "Tell your people what is happening. Any attacks on my soldiers will be considered as enemy attacks and the people responsible will be treated as enemy soldiers. We don't take prisoners."
15:57
(Although they totally do take prisoners, and half the bloody army were technically prisoners at one point...)
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(they dont know that!)
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-20 05:53 PM
(Exactly. 😝)
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"Are we free to return to our homes, or are we to remain here until the situation moves as you see fit?"
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-20 01:00 AM
“You aren’t prisoners. I would suggest we stay somewhere together and fairly neutral, just so if a problem arises it can be dealt with by all sides quickly, but that is just a suggestion.”
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"That sounds liek this ship might be the only place then, which we will do so long as we're kept apart|
04:27
(that or split them between here and the hawk)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-20 08:36 AM
(Has the Hawk caught up?)
08:37
“I’m happy to provide you both with room on this ship if you would like. We’re outfitted for carrying a large number of soldiers, so most of the luxuries you may be used to will be lacking, but I can get you into the officers quarters while they are all in the field.”
08:39
He summons an aide from outside and instructs them to have room readied in officer country, but at opposite ends of that space. He also asks that soldiers be provided for their security and a couple of aides to be on call for them as well.
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(Yeah your ships jump in at about the same time)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-20 04:49 PM
(Cool. The mechs can get picked up by it then when we’re done here. 👍)
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The sisters are parted with draconis security and an aide each. Wescott also advises you that the psychic academy has used the forge and have left draconis grounds
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Stev Andisom 09-Jul-20 01:10 PM
“Didn’t even know they were there. We’re they able to do whatever it was they were trying to do?”
13:13
He sits heavily at the now vacated table and waves Wescott to sit.
13:14
“What do you think of this mess I seem to have gotten us into? I think this might make a best hits entry into your worst decisions book.”
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“I think we have a unique opportunity to benefit here but you’re not going to like what I’ve got to say”
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-20 01:51 AM
"That's okay. I'll not bite your head off for speaking the truth. Might stomp around and yell at some poor scrubs before I get it worked out of my system."
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"House Draoconis is a force for good. We always have been, though sometimes love needs to be tough to be effective. The people here are in need of less divided leadership, and I think even when an equitable balance between the sisters here is reached- somehow, there is still going to be lingering tension"
04:03
"too much bad blood"
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-20 04:54 AM
“So, are you saying one of the sisters needs to disappear? It can be done, but I’m loathe to just kill one of them and hand the system over to the other. I wasn’t kidding when I said that whoever is left would come to regret the decision.”
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“What about both. And not kill them. We aren’t animals. But something needs to be done to reduce their power. Maybe some state building with the locals?”
05:06
“Force these two to become exiles and let the people work it out, with our help”
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-20 08:41 AM
“You’re saying we remove them from power, put in some sort of council? How do we balance it so that the representatives from both planets stop this madness?”
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"That is exactly what I am saying"
15:18
"We pick the same number from each, and hope that they are more reasonable. I generally think they will be
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-20 05:43 PM
“Okay, I think we can work on that. Then we just have to get the sisters away from here. I wonder...”
17:44
He pulls up a screen and starts conducting a search for very low technology planets with minimal outside contact.
17:45
“Wherever they end up, we don’t want them to be able to get back here any time soon. We probably want them to take their most vocal supporters with them too, so if they do manage to get back here eventually they won’t have an opening to take control again.”
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"I think the same , It's just a matter of rooting them out, and where we take them"
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 01:08 AM
“Get the sisters to call a meeting up here. We welcome the guests with open arms, lock them in the conference room and fly them somewhere. When we arrive, we flood the area with soldiers and march the prisoners onto lighters and take them planetside.”
01:09
“As you say though, where do we take them?”
01:09
He keeps looking for scouting reports that match what he’s looking for.
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(What are you looking for. Maybe I can help)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 01:21 AM
(Low tech level with minimal interaction from the polities)
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(Could always drop them into the middle of musheera
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 01:21 AM
(Don’t want to kill them though)
01:22
(What if I take them to the planet I picked up my new soldiers from? They have no space capability at the moment, and the gov there won’t tolerate them causing strife.)
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(That could be fine)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 01:24 AM
(Just chuckled at the thought of dropping them in the now destroyed city, then heading back to the junkyard to buy more tanks and artillery to cover the new companies.)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 01:41 AM
“Radji”
01:41
Stev looks as Wescott and smiles.
01:42
“We take them to a planet who has a government that has full control of the population. There’s next to no contact with space faring people, and there’s the remains of a city they can begin their new lives in.”
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 04:19 AM
Stev starts rattling off orders to the computer, ordering the company split between both worlds to be recalled to the ship but to remain fully equipped. Then he comms the sister from ZAG1.
04:22
“While I love sitting above your planet and waiting for whatever will come, how about we call together a meeting of your people to figure out what we can do to help your people with adjusting to the new situation.”
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It will take a few hours to extract everyone, but the orderly re-deployment begins. Both sisters are brought to the chamber under heavy guard, and placed in front of you, a bit forcibly instructed to sit
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-20 03:26 PM
“Ladies, thank you for joining me. As fun as this is, we’re mercenaries, not babysitters. So, let’s get started on what the future holds for both of your peoples. Call your councils, advisors or whatever support you rely on. I will especially need to talk to your Generals, face-to-face. I’ll make this room available to you both to conduct your own internal meetings before we combine to hammer out the details. While not in council, your people will join you in officer country. Please, call them up.”
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It takes two days to round everyone up and assemble them to a place where they can easily be brought into orbit. There is apprehension in the group, as the bulk of the planet's leadership is now in one place
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Stev Andisom 12-Jul-20 12:28 AM
Once they’re all settled in their rooms, Stev gives the order to lock them all down. The soldiers move in to secure the area and the pilot of the Pillar lays in a course for Radji.
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There is a riot on the ship as the spike drive begins charging and the ship begins moving. The split company is able to keep them in check but it’s clear the interiors of several holding or bunk rooms are being destroyed
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Stev Andisom 12-Jul-20 04:02 PM
Stev sighs at the destruction and looks over to Wescott.
16:03
“We might need to have a minor refit after this. Maybe some sort of jail cells disguised as guest rooms, in case we do this again elsewhere.”
16:03
He then looks out at the Hawk holding station above ZAG1 and hopes it’s not a long trip.
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(6 days is the shortest route ive been able to plot)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-20 03:21 AM
(Sounds like a plan!)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-20 06:00 AM
Before the Spike Drive is engaged, he comms the Hawk.
06:02
“Start finding civic leaders who are more concerned with keeping their people alive, rather than perpetuating this war any longer. Get them talking, from both sides. We’ll be back in 2 weeks.”
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The hawk replies an affirmative and hopes to see you back soon. Aboard the Pillar, the riots continue long into the night despite the spike drive humming away. Your garrison company aboard is forced to shoot three from various factions before things calm
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-20 02:33 PM
Stev shakes his head sadly.
14:33
“Any of our own injured?”
14:35
Without waiting for an answer, he strides onto the bridge and selects the comm for the ship.
14:37
“Attention honoured guests! You have been found guilty of squandering the lives of your people, using them to further your own power and selfish pursuits. We are taking you to a new home, one where you can fight there amongst yourselves if that is your wish, or you can work together to build a new future.”
14:40
“Now, if you wish to be fed in the next week you will calm down and stop wrecking my ship. You know already that my people have orders to shoot if necessary. If none of you end up being alive before we get to your new home, that will save me some fuel and shorten my trip.”
14:41
“If you want to survive, stand down and maintain some semblance of order.”
14:42
He switches off the comm, looks towards Wescott and shrugs.
14:43
“If they have finally stopped, we might try giving them some food tomorrow. What do prisoners eat in jail?”
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"Corpsec was fine with us drinking our own piss. You seem nicer than that, though"
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 05:29 AM
“Yeah, let’s avoid that if we can. I’m sure we can rustle up some bread and water for them at least.”
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 05:36 AM
He sets some of the soldiers the fun task of getting food to the prisoners, some of them armed and aware them at they could be called on to defend their colleagues.
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 07:24 AM
(Happy to roll 6 days travel unless you want to unleash hell in the Pillar. 😝)
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(What are you spending the downtime@on?)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 01:03 PM
(Lead skill please.)
13:03
(It’s on my sheet where I’m up to. I’ll check it out in a minute.)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 01:28 PM
(So at the moment I'm at Lead 10/90.)
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Radji is much quieter now than when you had left, and with Worldgov taking control of the planet, information has begun to slowly trickle out- on their schedule, about what has happened in the wider galaxy since The Scream. With their usual flare, they've turned the last four years into a ten part television series, and almost everyone who is not in custody, or otherwise living a hermit like living, has been watching. Although the Pillar cannot land, your landing craft are permitted on the tarmac at the capital city's airport
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Stev Andisom 14-Jul-20 04:01 PM
Stev takes the wraith shuttle down to talk to the representative they send out.
16:01
He spends the flight watching the first episode of the series.
16:01
“Well, that’s one way to tell the story.”
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The same location in the desert is selected for Ease but once introductions are made it’s expected that the planet will be developing some of its own space industries and places to land
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-20 06:43 PM
“Well, we’ve got some new inhabitants for you to start rebuilding that city in the north. We were thinking that they would be the least likely to have access to space and interstellar travel, at least for the foreseeable future, and they have been warned that going against Worldgov would see them destroyed without hesitation. There are people amongst them though that may be useful to you. They shouldn’t need much to begin, once they have a source of food and some sort of shelter.”
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“What did they do on their former worlds. We should know just who it is we are welcoming here onto our own shores”
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-20 12:16 AM
“They were the leaders, however instead of thinking of their people and the lives they should have been protecting, they thought only if their own greed and list for power. They started a war. I’m ending it for them.”
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“Ah so much like those in the polar district. We have a lovely prison camp your captives will feel right at home at. I hope they enjoy coal and fuel oils “
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-20 01:17 AM
“That’s perfect! If you can get them to work towards something that would benefit society, please encourage them.”
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"They'll be working the pits, bringing ore and coal from the crust of the planet for use by everyone. "
04:48
"We did not expect to see House Draconis again so soon. We have no more rebels here for you to punish, I'm afraid"
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-20 06:29 AM
“That’s okay, we didn’t expect to be back so soon either, but after working with you and seeing how you dealt with people who go against the will of the government... well, I figured that you would be the best situated to deal with these people.”
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"Indeed. We found something in the ruins of that city that might be of value to you as well, if you have some time to divert and see it with us"
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-20 03:33 PM
“Sure. If you would like we can also get started transporting people down to wherever you want to pick them up from, with my soldiers providing security until your trucks get there.... if you want our involvement kept quiet.”
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"I take it you had a chance to watch some television on the way in?"
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-20 05:40 PM
“I did catch the first episode of something new, if that is what you are referring to.”
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"That's just the thing, yes. The people are begining to find out the truth, but it's being done Worldgov's way"
18:45
"We're mentioning your intervention in the last episode"
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Stev Andisom 18-Jul-20 12:25 AM
“Ah, so the Knights are going to be famous tv stars! Did you get someone handsome to play my part?”
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“One of our best. What’s the situation out in space right now? I understand the protectorate is visiting us again soon but it’s been quiet beyond that
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Stev Andisom 18-Jul-20 01:53 AM
“I haven’t heard anything new since I was here. Spent some time getting the Knights a new ship that we can enter atmosphere with to drop the mechs down faster, then stumbled upon a war between two worlds led by sisters... they’re currently locked in a room on the Pillar waiting to join your labour camp. We jumped into the middle of a space battle, called the two sides to come and talk and here we are.”
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“And the people we have now are their supporters then. They won’t have much to support without their leaders here
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Stev Andisom 18-Jul-20 04:24 AM
“I was hoping you would take the sisters as well, but put them somewhere they will only be able to enjoy each other’s company and not ferment discord... a nice little labour camp somewhere else they can dig holes or break rocks?”
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“If you have them we can take them as well, sure. They’ll fit in well with the other prisoners “
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-20 01:03 AM
“Excellent! I’ll get the transfers started.”
01:03
He comms the Pillar.
01:05
“We’ve been given the okay to bring everyone down. Restrain the prisoners before losing them onto the lighters and keep a squad with each group until they have been taken by the Radji troops. Have them land wherever the locals designate. Looks like we’re not staying undercover in this run.”
01:06
He waits for confirmation before ending the connection, then turns back to the Radji rep.
01:06
“So what have you found in the Arctic?”
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"You in the market for a used spacecraft?"
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-20 02:39 AM
“Not going to say no to having a look at it. What sort is she?”
02:39
Stev signals for the wraith shuttle to get ready to depart and begins trying to subtly shepherd the rep towards the hatch.
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"Frigate. Damn thing's been worked on in secret by the rebels, trying to run the blockade. The Protectorate will probably take it when they get here, if we can make some credits off it before they do , I'd rather sell to a friend. Worldgov agrees|
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-20 03:06 AM
“Fantastic! Let’s have a look and we can come to an agreement on price quickly so I can get it off the ground before the Protectorate gets here. You’re welcome to come in the shuttle...”
03:07
He motions for the rep to enter the hatch.
03:07
“Bring whoever you want on the trip, and call up some engineers to have a look over it while we have a look at the frigate if you would like.”
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Engineers look over the ship and send a technical report back to you. It seems to match something you're looking for, and they give you an approximate cost as though the ship needed to be constructed in a yard. It seems like a fair deal, and Wescott seems to give his tacit approval
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Stev Andisom 23-Jul-20 12:53 AM
Stev agrees to the deal.
00:54
“While we’re here and while recognition of the Knights is good, mind if we do some recruiting?”
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"Of course, we will not take measures to stop any applicants from joining your ranks. It would be wrong for us to try given all you have done for us"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jul-20 03:42 AM
“Thank you. Between this, the ship and taking the troublemakers off our hands you have done us a great favour. Any time you need our help, send out a message and we will be here as soon as possible... within the bounds of whatever contract we hold at the time. We will also refuse contracts we know work against your interests.”
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“That’s generous of you. That promise may expand , we plan to formally join the protectorate soon as you know.
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Stev Andisom 23-Jul-20 05:41 AM
“Well, we have no formal standing with the Protectorate so I can’t commit to anything concerning them as a whole, not without commitment from their side as well, but for Radji we will be there.”
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“Your offer is generous and hopefully not needed. Your engineering teams are free to work on the merchant for as many days as it takes to get space worthy again. Our forces will make a very large encirclement so they have room to work and wandering eyes are kept away”
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Stev Andisom 23-Jul-20 05:53 AM
“You have my thanks. While the work is done, if any of your engineers want to study the stealth shuttle, one of our mechs or even have a tour of the Pillar they are welcome to. Anything you can bring to the table as you negotiate with the Protectorate can only do you more good, right?”
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"It's something we're doing willingly. They re-instituted the old Exchange of Light banking system, along with some other needed reforms. Worldgov still has control over our direct affairs, and for now that is how it has to be
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Stev Andisom 24-Jul-20 12:43 AM
“As long as it’s good for your people.”
00:43
He looks over at the new ship and smiles.
00:44
“Not sure how good a blockade runner it would have been but they were well on the way to making something with a solid punch.”
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“Indeed. It’s yours.” (Didn’t habe much else here. They don’t have any problems right now and they’re going to take your prisoners with no problem since you helped them)
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Stev Andisom 25-Jul-20 02:56 AM
With the frigate rebuild underway, Stevs attention turns towards recruitment and returning to ZAG space to see how everything is going.
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(i can give you numbers of soldiers that can be hired if you want, and from there you can decide what you can affors)
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Stev Andisom 26-Jul-20 09:46 AM
(Yes please.)
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(up to 90,000 from Radji, Zag is more complicated and probably won't be ready for recruitment until things there have developed some)
22:25
(15 mil total pop, 6% under arms give us 900,000, and then 10% of that brings us to our figure)
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-20 12:17 AM
(Okay, definitely can’t recruit 90,000 more soldiers at this point. 😝)
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(That’s just what’s available for the year. So anyone trying to recruit faction peoples that’s the pool they pull from)
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-20 12:19 AM
(Cool. Just thinking about recruiting them all made my eyes light up. That’s one hell of a mercenary army. 😁😁😎)
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(It’ll be different numbers on different worlds. Radji is one of the more populated )
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Stev Andisom 27-Jul-20 01:22 AM
(Once I can get to my PC I’ll have a look at what we can recruit. Won’t be huge because I’m almost at the limit of what I can lead.)
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(right, sounds good to me)
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(I can help you figure out the recruitment if you need it)
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Stev Andisom 03-Aug-20 01:08 AM
(Sorry, it’s been a bad week/weekend. Computer is buried right now and for some reason I can’t open the Roll20 sheets properly on my phone.)
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(its been acting up for me too again)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 04-Aug-20 09:44 PM
Hello Stev, It is Shriven with Ad Astra, I used to work with Seneschal Kaleb but with his current status I was told to reach out to you. I wish to once again hire the House to help restore a planet from an invading empire. The System in question is Brizeno, while it is far away i will finance the expedition and any supplies needed on top of your commission. Let me know if you are interested or should look elsewhere. Shriven CEO of Ad Astra
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Stev Andisom 05-Aug-20 04:16 AM
@Lance | Ling (Shriven) Greetings Shriven of Ad Astra, We of the Knights of Draconis are finalising our current charter, hopefully within a couple of days, and as such are excited to have received your message of a new job. Please send the details of where we are needed and the Knights will be there as quickly as our ships can carry us. We can discuss finances once we are underway, knowing that you have worked with Draconis in the past and the continuation of this relationship will see both sides profit. Regards, Stev. (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 05-Aug-20 04:45 AM
I am working on trying to gather more support as well. Let’s make the trip begin next month if you don’t mind and last time it was a million credits a day but I’m guessing the army have grown since then so how does 2 million credits a day work for you? Travel time included of course. Shriven CEO of Ad Astra (It would be minimum of 16 days of travel if you do not require refueling. With 7 planets you have to jump to.)
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Stev Andisom 08-Aug-20 04:55 PM
@Lance | Ling (Shriven) 1 million a day? That is outrageous! I would perhaps request 3 million a month, which is plenty to see the troops fed and paid, equipment maintained and the ships maintenance covered for this cycle, but to ask for 1 million a day would be way too much. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 09-Aug-20 04:02 PM
@Lance | Ling (Shriven) Shriven, I don’t want you to think I’m being cheap and that the Knights of Draconis aren’t worth what you’ve offered. Would you consider 5 million a week? That would allow us to upgrade our space capabilities eventually and keep the lights on back on Rawhani.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 09-Aug-20 04:11 PM
That is perfect. I will send the money for the first 2 months at the beginning of next month.
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Stev Andisom 09-Aug-20 05:26 PM
Stev sighs with relief, sends out the call to get the Pillar ready to leave for ZAG space.
17:32
(Okay, I think I’ve finally figured out I can have another 300 troops, bringing the total to 3000. That’ll make 5 companies of 600. And then the Knights of Draconis constitutes 1 battalion!)
17:34
(Can Radji be plundered for 300 recruits? 😝)
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(Yes they can)
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Stev Andisom 10-Aug-20 01:50 AM
(Sweet! Plundering 300 troops then please! Or recruiting, your call.)
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(recruiting, since theyre stable now, but they're available for work)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 02:33 AM
Once recruiting has finished, Stev orders the Pillar to head back to ZAG space to pick up the troops there and give the people a chance to govern themselves properly.
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(we can always come back to this later. I know a new job came@up and im gonna favor Pc interaction as opposed to my bullshit
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 02:34 AM
(Sorry it has been so long. Life has been hectic but I think I'm back, so I'm keen to continue whenever you can.)
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(I think forces are going to begin gathering at Sumati for a push south)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 02:35 AM
(Is that the job Shriven is hiring the Knights for?)
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(Yes)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 02:07 PM
(Excellent! That’s where Stev is going then.)
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(3 days to Sumati, and we'll pick up from there)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 02:57 PM
(Sweet! Collect the Hawk on the way and the teams. Oh, should probably have a convo with whoever is going to be the council or ruler or whatever for ZAG.)
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(I think the original plan was for a council, between both worlds)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-20 03:05 PM
(Cool. Let’s fly in system, I can comm them and give them the good news about the sisters and their supporters, then we can wave and be on our way.)
15:06
(How’s things been for you recently Neko? Covid madness set in like it has for many??)
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(Sure has! and yes we can do that)
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Stev Andisom 16-Aug-20 03:07 AM
The Pillar reaches ZAG space and rejoins the Hawk in orbit between ZAG1 and ZAG2.
03:07
Stev comms the Hawk. “We’re back and the place is finally clean. What’s been happening here?”
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"The locals can't agree on a representative body, and now there is fighting on both worlds. We haven't been targeted much, but it might be wise to start the run south and let these people handle it on their own. "
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-20 09:58 AM
"Agreed. We've taken away the instigators and their supporters. Hopefully that gives the people a chance. Have the men transferred back to the Pillar and see if you can find somewhere on the way to get some fresh meat to supplement the food we grow here. I've been told it's a long way south."
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the contents of several neighborhood butchers are purchased by KoD quartermasters, and the meat is brought back aboard with the last of the landers
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-20 04:29 PM
Stev gives the order to leave the ZAG system behind and goes to the ready room to see what he can find out about the system they are heading for.
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(heading to Sumati first, to meet with the rest of the forces)
16:47
(Sumati is sending some of its homeguard, and Eish with AYT has thrown a temporary trade legion together)
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-20 04:48 PM
(Does Stev know about the eventual target system, or only that they’re meeting at Sumati?)
16:49
(If he knows where they are heading to fight, that’s what he’d look up.)
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(Brizeno, one of the people you'll be meeting has info about it, but there isnt much known)
22:21
(in a database)
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-20 02:49 AM
(Many thanks. 😁 I’ll look that up before we start to group RP at Sumati.)
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(this was the last confirmed info, no one has been there since the EE took over)
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-20 04:10 PM
(No worries. Happy to have the travel happen. Nothing else I can think of doing during the journey, except keep working on the lead skill)
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(4 days in spike space)
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( not sure if @Lance | Ling (Shriven) or @Eisheru | Reza [Jack] want to engage here at all since we all have forces that are going to begin moving south)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 27-Aug-20 12:53 AM
(Rey will be joining just after the meeting in #venser I dont know if shriven needs to say anything unless stev needs him to.)
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-20 02:38 PM
(As long as the info gets passed along as to where we are going Stev is right to go.)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 27-Aug-20 02:42 PM
(Eisheru is trusting the safety of the Dahg Nehedar to Rey. The 3500 mercenaries he is sending would probably be best served being commanded by Stev as he has the most battlefield experience. Their goal is to support you in the war effort.)
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-20 02:46 PM
(As long as the mercenaries have a commander that Stev can make “suggestions” to. He’s hit the limit for the number of troops he can command at the moment.)
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(they'd have a flag officer serving under you, responsible for leading them)
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-20 02:12 AM
(Perfect! That’s another battalion for the good guys. 😝)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 29-Aug-20 02:36 PM
Rey aboard nightwatch sends a message to stev. “I heard your going south to deal with the Empire with me. Thanks for coming should be a good fight.” The free merchant nightfall is a streamlined ship that appears to be just your normal cargo ship but for some reason nearly disappears from sensors.
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 29-Aug-20 03:25 PM
The wildstar similarly emerges from spike space. Itself a sleek free merchant of Psi Academy design. "Hello? Hello? Is this transmitting? Ah." There are a couple clangs and the connection stabilises. "What Rey said, good to have you with us Mr Andisom!"
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Stev Andisom 30-Aug-20 04:28 AM
Stev broadcasts to both ships.
04:30
“Happy to be here. The Knights of Draconis are spoiling for a fight and I haven’t piloted my mech in months. Are we waiting on anyone else or can we get this show on the road?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 30-Aug-20 02:06 PM
"I think we are it. Its a long flight but should be better going south than coming north."
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Stev Andisom 30-Aug-20 02:13 PM
“What’s the difference between north and south in space? Isn’t it all the same?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 30-Aug-20 10:20 PM
“Pretty much. Just old map skills coming into play.” Rey shrugs but realizes that no one can see him.
😆 3
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 30-Aug-20 10:55 PM
"I've just finished some mods to my gear and ship. So I believe we're all good here."
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Stev Andisom 31-Aug-20 04:30 AM
Stev wonders if going south makes Rey feel like he’s going downhill. (edited)
🌲 3
😉 1
04:32
“Okay then. Well, if anyone has made this journey before, happy to take advice on the best route. If not, I guess it’s up to each ship captain as to what would suit his or her needs.” (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 31-Aug-20 03:52 PM
"I think we should all stay together at the least. As far as a path I think we should hit the following:" Rey sends a list of jump coordinates, Iaria>Mohini>Chhavvi>Alctyl>Maysoon>Brizeno "That will allow us to approach brizeno without going near Etxaurren which i think is advisable as we do not have the combat craft to be able to force our way through anything."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 01:29 AM
“That work for everyone?”
👍 2
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-20 01:54 AM
“Can’t see a problem with it myself, but last word on my end will have to be with the clever people who fly this giant tin can.”
01:54
“By the way, what’s the problem with Etxaurren? Another war going on?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 03:18 PM
"They are taking entire planet captive and turning them in to slaves. They kill indiscriminately and have a large population of blade weilding sunblades. They are relentless and have captured brizeno completely and i only hope that they had more problems with the moon then they did the planet."
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-20 05:21 PM
“And this is who we are going to fight? Well, this got interesting really quickly.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 05:24 PM
"Yes, they were able to take the planet in only 6 months. Our goal is to push them back off the planet."
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-20 05:43 PM
“How’s their coverage of nearby space? I’ve got a stealth shuttle we can use for recon but nothing with weapons to fight our way through... just this big girl with enough armour plating to shrug off most of what is thrown at it.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 06:16 PM
"I have no idea, when i let 4 months ago it was mostly just free merchants that they were using to transport people a few shuttles. Not sure where they got everything from though."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 01-Sep-20 06:37 PM
“We recently discovered a shuttle they used to land on Thorfinna. It’s was of slyth design, clearly stolen or repurposed. So they’re a real mixed bag.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 09:22 PM
"Im concerned that they may have taken some of the asteroids and turned them into primitave stations. They never struck me as the build complex projects away from home type."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 01-Sep-20 09:34 PM
"Well they're slavers, pardon my piggen but clearly they're all fucking idiots."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Sep-20 10:21 PM
"Venser before we get started want to come over and link with my new toy? It will allow you to teleport to the ship as long as it is in system." (edited)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 01-Sep-20 10:56 PM
Venser smiles wide. "I will be right over!"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 02-Sep-20 01:12 AM
(After he links to it I think we are good to start.)
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(Yeah. Ready for the first jump?)
👍 4
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 02-Sep-20 08:33 AM
(Yeh, for brevity I link to it.)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Lance | Ling (Shriven) 02-Sep-20 02:56 PM
Pinned a message.
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Iaria is a densely populated solar system when you arrive, with four planetary bodies spinning around a bright golden sun, very similar to the Sol system. Iaria I is a dense world, close to the system sun and as a result too scorched for life to flourish there as is. Solar radiation and the bombardment of other sensor scrambling particles makes a more complete reading impossible from this distance Iaria 2 is a barren planetoid, the color of ochre, where sand endlessly swirls in country sized sandstorms sweeping across the continents. Its seas are a pale brown, filled with sediment. Iaria 3 is a habitable planet, though there are no signs of organized life down on the planet below. It is dense, and jungle filled, with tectonic activity making volcanoes bloom and rage on the planet. It seems barely elevated from the primoridial soup that allowed life to begin. The combined Slyth/Children of Joy colony has chosen this planet as the site of their settlement, and currently their massive recovered carrier sits in orbit- using almost all their available strength to crew. Iaria 4 is a gas giant, supermassive, but calm. It has rings of rock and ice, made when its two moons collided with one another and splintered into millions of pieces
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-20 03:56 PM
"That's a pretty sight. Wonder if they will need that carrier once they've settled."
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three fighters launch from it, on escort rather than intercept courses, and comms lights on all vessels begin to flash as a wideband call is being made
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-20 04:03 PM
Stev nods to his comms officer to allow the contact.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 02-Sep-20 04:50 PM
(Rey lets Admiral Stev take lead.)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 02-Sep-20 05:17 PM
(Venser does the same.)
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-20 05:35 PM
(Gee, thanks. 😝)
🧀 4
17:36
“This is the commander of the Knights of Draconis. Who am I speaking with?”
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"This is Slyth Patrol- Forktongue 1-1. Welcome to Iaria space. What is your business in system?"
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-20 05:05 AM
“Just passing through. Once our business is finished elsewhere, the Knights would like to return this way and assist with your work here, if you would have it.”
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"Understood. If you need fuel, the carrier can provide it, otherwise proceed on your course"
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-20 12:22 PM
“Thanks. I’ll check with the others and if they need it they will contact you directly. Draconis out.”
12:24
He nods and the frequency is flicked to the common one the flotilla is using. “The Pillar can resupply in a pinch, from what I understand of these things.”
12:24
(If I’m wrong in that assumption, please correct me. 😁)
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(we made it pretty autonomous, but the slyth are being courteous)
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-20 03:01 PM
(That’s cool. More worried about offering it to the other ships travelling with us and then not being able to live up to the hype. Getting my allies lost in the black, out of gas... not a good look for a browncoat)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Sep-20 03:30 PM
"Getting Fuel without having to harvest from a star may be helpful. Nightfall (rey's ship) has 3 jumps of fuel but a top off would be nice."
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(yeah it takes 4 days with scoops, compared to 6 hours from a fleet fuel tank)
15:32
(so make hay while you can)
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-20 04:41 PM
“Sounds like a plan. My pilots are saying that they’d rather fuel from the carrier than scoop as well, so I’ll give them some time to thank their lucky stars that I don’t make them do it anyway before lining up behind you.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 03-Sep-20 05:46 PM
"Thank you very much Admiral. The wildstar likewise has three jumps left in her."
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Dozens of fuel tenders emerge from the carrier, carrying probes, hooks, and nozzles extend, allowing the entire task force south to take on fuel and prepare for their next jump into wild country. ( @Eisheru | Reza [Jack] the AYT merc legion is here too isnt it?)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 03-Sep-20 05:57 PM
(Yes Merc legion is traveling on the Dahg Nehedar with the main force as it lacks strong defenses. They would need the fuel support on every jump unfortunately)
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(Pillar has the fleet fuel tanks, so we're good there)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 03-Sep-20 07:50 PM
(Dahg Nehedar will refuel with the carrier then is ready to continue)
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(Mohini is next, and I will get that generated)
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Biosphere Remains Thin Atmosphere TL4 Thousands of Inhabitants Mohini comprises a principle earth sized world in the habitable zone, along with a gas giant, bright green local sun, and small planetoid at system edge. The habitable planet has been hit by a large asteroid and it has devastated the surface of the world. The biosphere is a mess of petrified tress, ash rains, and boiling oceans as the world is slowly stripped of its atmosphere and protective radiation belts. The few remaining inhabitants live underground and are forced to use oxygen generation systems whenever venturing to the surface.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Sep-20 08:43 PM
Rey looks at the wreck of a planet and shakes his head. "Nothing that i can see for us to do here for now. Maybe one day we can do something about this but for now i think we need to just keep on moving."
20:46
(BTW for the entire trip i have added in the days of downtime to the following in () Sumati>(3)Iaria>(3)Mohini>(2)Chhavvi>(3+4Fuel)Alctyl>(2)Maysoon>(2)Brizeno (total of 19 days)) (edited)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 03-Sep-20 08:48 PM
(Should we do them at the end of the journey?)
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(Yeah we can do them at journey end)
👍 2
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 03-Sep-20 08:51 PM
Venser stares out at the broken system from the observation bay in awe. "But the oddities the 'verse throws at you sure are breathtaking sometimes..." (edited)
20:52
There's a long pause before he seems to get a thought. "Should we be doing anything specific in the systems we pass through? Like looking for more evidence of Extaurren influences and these 'asteroid stations' ?" (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Sep-20 09:03 PM
"I dont see a reason, we shouldn't give the Extaurren time to react to a fleet heading south. Surprise is our greatest advantage right now."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 03-Sep-20 09:08 PM
"Totally fair. I worry a little about them seeing us as we pass but us not seeing them, is all."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Sep-20 09:08 PM
"Yeah but hopefully we can just jump in and out in less than an hour so they dont have time to react."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 03-Sep-20 09:09 PM
"Works for me, shall we continue Admiral?"
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(Might be room on the return trip for them, depending on how things go
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Stev Andisom 04-Sep-20 01:00 AM
"If there is nothing for us to do here, I'm happy to continue."
01:01
He marks down the coordinates of the planet, hoping that they can at least save whoever is still alive down there.
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(Alright, generating something for Chhavvi)
❤️ 2
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Invasive Atmosphere Hostile Biosphere TL 3 Hundreds of Thousands of Inhabitants The system is centered around a single world in the habitable zone, though the atmosphere is reading as incredibly invasive. The natives on the surface have constructed some sort of energy screens around their settlement that keep the as now unknown effects of their atmosphere at bay. Hostile fauna also patrols the settlement outskirts, feasting on the current residents as well as one another depending on what is available. The local community used to be much richer, but something happened recently to crush its source of prosperity. Different factions of the community might be trying to grasp at the remaining dregs of wealth, others might try to restart the failed industry, and some might look for a new livelihood. Any group or entity thought responsible for the collapse is likely to be treated very harshly, and some locals might find profit in shifting the blame to their enemies.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 04-Sep-20 08:31 PM
"So many people! The empire must be salavating to get at these people!"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 04-Sep-20 08:55 PM
"I wish that there was something we could do to make sure there arent any raids going on." (can we do a prog to check their com traffic out this far?)
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(yeah, we can, program/int)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 04-Sep-20 09:07 PM
(1,2,3 not it)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 04-Sep-20 09:08 PM
(I have program-0 unless Stev you have better?)
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Stev Andisom 05-Sep-20 12:31 AM
(Not I.)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 05-Sep-20 10:19 AM
(Program/int roll: 5)
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The comms traffic cannot be deciphered. The energy fields must be scrambling it
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 05-Sep-20 07:21 PM
"Damn, I just tried but can't get anything out here."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 05-Sep-20 08:48 PM
“If we had some kind of sign then we may need to help but without any confirmation we would need to risk to much for no confirmed reward. Let’s keep going is my vote.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 05-Sep-20 08:49 PM
"Agreed."
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Stev Andisom 06-Sep-20 12:12 AM
“Definitely. If there was something concrete we could do it might be different, but we can’t afford to lose anyone or the time it will take.”
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(Alright. Moving on then?)
👍 3
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The system of Alcatyl is a pair of planets that sit far too close to the local sun to support any kind of complex life. One of them is enveloped in dense vapor clouds of toxic fumes, while the other is a dead rock that is baking in the heat. A large asteroid belt divides the two planets, and a small signal is appearing inside the dense tangle of floating rock. The signal was revealed to be a shattered frigate, first found by Jaxton Ryder in March 2668, though extensive damage from collision inside the dense rock zone have destroyed the vessel beyond the point of worthwhile salvage. Jaxton and his vessel are still here, pulled up alongside the frigate wreck
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 06-Sep-20 10:42 PM
(How much would we know about Jaxton?)
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(His work for the UNW, and he did announce in the galatea council that he was working with the Chimeran's most recently. He has departed from that, but your last info had them as their leadeR)
👍 1
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 06-Sep-20 10:46 PM
(So we have to either refill here or the next stop.)
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(yeah, the pillar is full, it has fleet fuel tanks for everyone)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 06-Sep-20 10:48 PM
(Cool)
22:49
"Well at least we can be pretty sure about the Extaurren presence here..." Venser says, again looking at the view. "But we probably just scared the shit out of that ship and its crew."
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(up to you guys on if you want to talk to him or not. We know this system is safe, so we can spend six hours fueling here from the Pillar, spend 4 days filling with scoops if we want to spare the fleet tanks, or move on now but we will be absolutely needing to refuel when we get to what comes next)
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-20 12:33 AM
“While we have the time, let’s scoop and save the spare fuel for later. We can meet up with whoever is over there and share gossip.”
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-20 12:50 AM
“Sorry, intel. I meant intel, not gossip.”
😆 1
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(I mentioned you guys coming in over at his thread but we can tag him here if we decide to chat)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 07-Sep-20 03:45 PM
Rey tells Dig to take the nightwatch to the sun to refuel for a few days.
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-20 03:58 PM
Stev sends the wraith shuttle in for a closer look at the asteroid belt and the ship that is located there as the Pillar also starts scooping to refuel.
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 07-Sep-20 03:59 PM
Venser leaves Ande to manage the wildstar's scoop. After all she's probably much better at it than me. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-20 04:00 PM
“And give the mechs a full service. Who knows what we’re dropping in to when we get there. And call me if theres an emergency. Or if we hear from that other ship. Or if the others want to talk.”
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There is an incoming transmission from the intact vessel across all local bands. “Attention unidentified space vessel, this is the starship Farscape. If you can hear this, please switch your channel and contact us on the following frequency.” Attached is a secured coms frequency.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 07-Sep-20 09:53 PM
Rey sighs and changes frequency, “This is Nightwatch, we have limited time in system before heading out, what aid do and your people require before we do so?” (edited)
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Jax blinked and cleared his throat, “This is Captain Jaxton Ryder of the Farscape. I require no aid of any sort. With whom are you affiliated?”
00:20
“And what system did you just come from?”
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 03:10 AM
Stev is notified of the conversation and joins.
03:10
“The is Stev Andisom of the Knights of Draconis. To who are we speaking?”
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“Gah, I hate being on a conference call. Well, like I told the other guy, I’m Captain Jaxton Ryder of the Farscape. Remind me what the mission of the Knights of Draconis is, again?” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 04:19 AM
“We are mercenaries, formerly the soldiers of House Draconis, though now we have recruited from other places and peoples as well.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Sep-20 04:32 AM
“And as for where we came for doesn’t matter to you as we will be leaving soon. Unless you and your ascendancy needs our aid I don’t see why you would demand to know our plans, path and purpose. You are your ascendancy are a rouge element that I don’t care for.”
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 12:21 PM
Stev wonders about the direction the conversation has taken.
12:23
"We are no threat to you and your people. It seems as there is history here that I am unaware of, so I suggest we will all keep out of each others way and this has to go no further."
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“Hey, I’m just as confused as you are, bud. Seems like unidentified guy doesn’t like me too much, does he? Look, all I was doing was investigating a rogue signal inside this wreckage. Maybe even switch it off so it doesn’t attract anyone to the dangerous area it’s located. If you’d like to join me in doing so, I’d be happy for the help and the company. If not, I wish you a safe journey wherever you’re headed.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Sep-20 03:15 PM
"I don't like risk. An unknown leader who walks into the Galatean Galactic Conference stating he leads a people begins to demand to know where i came from and where I am heading after disappearing from the galactic scene for months. It smells of risk and of some kind of bad faith request. For all I know the reason that you went dark was due to you aligning with those who are in direct opposition to all that the UNW and the Galatean Council stands for. So yes, I don't like what you represent in this mission."
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“If you don’t like risk, you’re gonna hate space. You levy a lot of unfounded accusations for someone who is too scared to identify himself. But I guess that’s the plus side of anonymity, isn’t it? Mr. Andisom, you seem to be rational. In the interest of setting the record straight, you all should know that we are no longer with the Ascendancy. I did my duty and righted a serious wrong that the Tenebrians had subjected their people to. Now that their future is theirs again, my crew and I are returning to less... volatile space.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 03:29 PM
“Mr Ryder, if you will accept our help we will send a shuttle over with some soldiers to assist with your task.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 08-Sep-20 04:19 PM
Venser is tuned into this frequency but has been noticeably quiet for those who are aware of him.
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 04:35 PM
Stev orders the wraith shuttle to be prepared and a group of 6 mercenaries to board it and head over to the Farscape, all audible to everyone on the call. He then mutes and orders the shuttle to fly to the Nightwatch first, staying at low emissions until they have left the immediate area of the convoy ships.
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“Negative, I’d prefer not to have a full contingent if unnecessary. One or two is fine. Plus, I would rather there not be a lot of semi-hostile mercenary soldiers on my ship.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Sep-20 09:07 PM
(letting stev respond as he is in charge of marines.)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-20 11:52 PM
“6 is not a full contingent... I’d rather send over a squad, only because that’s how they are trained but if that’s your request, we can accommodate.”
23:54
He calls out for the squad of mercs to stand down, and instead orders that only a pair of them makes the journey.
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The shuttle makes its designated points of dock before two marines (and any PCs) climb aboard with toolboxes, hammers , and other materials to dock with the jumbled mix of the farsight and ruined wreckage
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“Very well. I will meet you on the Farscape,” said Ryder before going directly to resuit up. After finishing, he, Jet, and Scott stood at the docking ring connecting his ship to his shuttle, ready to escort them directly to the destroyed vessel, supervising and limiting their time aboard the ship.
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Stev Andisom 09-Sep-20 06:47 AM
(Only the two mercs and a pilot for the shuttle are on it.)
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The shuttle docks, and the airlock hisses as the two soldiers burdened with tools make their way aboard. One sets a bright red toolbox down for a second, adjusting the load straps on his back. "These things always seem to be getting heavier, no matter how much new space saving tech they give us" one laughs, trying to reach out to Jaxton for some support staying upright. "Can you tell us what's going on over therE?"
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(Should we take this back to my thread since no other PCs are joining in?)
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(I think they're just waiting on your reply and what you do with the marines here)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 09-Sep-20 10:43 PM
Rey sends a message to the Farscape, "Theres your aid, please dont get them killed. We are going to be fueling. Nightwatch Actual, out."
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Jax helps the mercenary steady himself, but stands ready for any tricks. “I don’t know the extent of everything yet. I had only just gotten to the engineering bulkhead when I heard word you were all here. There is at least one cadaver inside. I don’t know the cause yet as I hadn’t visited the bridge yet.”
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“Alright. We are here to help then. Let’s wedge that door open and see if we can finish marking the wreck. The others should be standing by on the ship just in case we run into trouble “
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Ryder begins to lead the two mercenaries toward the airlock, speaking as he went, “I’m sorry, marking?”
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“You said you were marking it as a hazard sir”
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“I said I was gonna investigate the cause and switch off the signal, but also marking it as a hazard would be a good plan for future traffic, I suppose,” Ryder replied.
01:59
“Either way, let’s head over.” (edited)
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They follow, reaching the corridor where the cadaver was pinned. “Alright. So we gotta get this hallway open and probably get this guy down rifht? Bad way to go”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 02:21 AM
Getting the proximity signal from the pilot on the docked shuttle, Rey teleports next to the red tool box with @Stev Andisom , @Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] and a marine. “Let’s secure coms and remove the threat to the mission. Remember no lethal force unless there is no other choice.”
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There is an ascendency pilot and human engineer aboard who look on in shock as you suddenly appear. One of them presses a button on the comms panel that gently alerts Jaxton with a quiet warble on his ear bead
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-20 03:32 AM
Stev pulls his pistol, not pointing it at anyone but plainly ready to use it if necessary.
03:33
“This is the time you gentlemen step away from the consoles. No-one needs to get hurt and we can all be happily on our way quickly.”
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They do as instructed and sit quietly just looking on and waiting to see how this plays out
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-20 03:39 AM
He nods to Rey and Venser. (edited)
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Jax hears the emergency warble in his ear and looks at the men with him. “Right, if you don’t mind working on that, I’ll head to the bridge and see if I can pull any information.” That said, Jax moves to return to his ship to respond to the emergency beacon.
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On the bridge, you see Jet and the engineer standing against a bank of consoles as Stev, Rey, and Vencer are aboard the Farsight now, and the mood is strangely calm
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“Right, so what’s the deal here?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 04:44 AM
“We aren’t here to hurt you or to stop you from going on your way. We have 4 days in the system, we need to make sure that no communication goes out nor does a few days after we leave. So to that end you have two well, three options.” Rey says to Jaxton holding up a finger at each point. “1. We place you all in cabins and send a small team back with your ship to sumati where they disembark and you continue on your way. 2. You choose to put up a fuss and we put you on the hulk and take you ship to sumati where we then send back a shuttle for you to pick up your ship. 3. You fight us and we disable you ship and communications and you can spend the next month trying to repair it.” Rey lowers his hand, “I really hope you choose option one, it saves everyone time and energy but options two and three work as well. I just can’t have you compromising the one chance my planet has at freedom.”
04:47
“I should mention that if you choose option 3 that we would need to deconstruct some of the prettier toys I see on this panel like your reactor and several of these other modifications I see.”
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“How about option 4, where both sides forget they saw one another and continue on their way? I’m headed up that way to begin with. I’ve got no quarrel with you, so I’d prefer to be left alone.” (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 05:01 AM
Rey shakes his head, “I really wish that were an option, but we have to be in this system far to long for that to be a viable option. We can do a modified option one and three if you want. We bust up your coms, leave a small contingent of guards and you drop them off at sumati at the end of all of this ruckus. Of course that would mean that your life support would be overburdened so we would need to take some of your men to not overtax the system for that length of time.” Rey sighs, “There really isn’t an option that doesn’t leave you with either a damaged ship or heading to sumati shortly.”
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“What are your names? At least do me the courtesy of introducing yourselves before you bend me over the barrel.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-20 05:35 AM
“Stev. We spoke before. This really isn’t meant to be some deep space heist or anything. We are just being careful, otherwise our future plans are ruined before they even get off the ground and lots of people die that really don’t have to.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 05:43 AM
“I’m Rey, Reynaldo Messi. My parents had a thing for old earth football.” Rey shrugs.
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 10-Sep-20 09:09 AM
Venser nods at Jaxton. "Venser Reach." He says flatly, hand casually hovering around what looks like a collapsed nightstick.
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“You sure you can’t just babysit me here for a few days? I’m exploring and charting as I go and there’s several systems I’d like to check out between here and where you intend to bring us.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 04:50 PM
"You have 4 days then when we leave the system you will be leaving as well. We cant risk you heading toward the Empire's space. So you will need to head toward Mohini which is a heavily populated system then on to Iaria which is friendly space."
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“Wait, what Empire? What’s even going on?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 05:59 PM
"It is just safer if you head north. There is Civilization up there. No roaming groups, no direct threats to your crew. We are on a mission to deal a blow to the empire that conquered my home so we can't have you risking that."
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Jax nodded slightly as he replied, “That’s where I am headed. I’m coming from the south - Maysoon. Also, FYI, if you’d have asked nicely, I might’ve even thrown my hat in with you on that. I’m normally all about long odds and hopeless causes.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 06:22 PM
Rey shrugs, "If we had met in safe space then maybe but out here... Well lets just say that if i were defending a position i would set pickets that had orders to either report back or rejoin to get back and do as much damage as they could when in the system i was defending."
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“So, what’s going to happen now?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 10-Sep-20 10:34 PM
“You can stick around for 4 days if you want but then you need to either head out with our team to sumati without stops or we can start you ship on its way there now and you will get a pick up on 8 days.”
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“So, you’re going to let me go now?”
01:07
“Well, hell. Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? I was still going to disable the signal and investigate the wreckage, if that’s fine with all of you?”
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-20 01:07 AM
“With our crew. Let you go with our crew. That’s what he said. I believe that was option 1?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 11-Sep-20 01:09 AM
Rey nods
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“But they won’t interfere with my normal exploration on the way, right? As long as I don’t rat you out and I drop them off at Sumati?” (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 11-Sep-20 01:43 AM
“They will hold you to the approved route I mentioned before. Exploring off that route could mean the end of this expedition. Here to Mohini, then to Iaria.”
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“I don’t like it, but I don’t have any other choice. Very well.” (edited)
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(I’ll have to check to make sure mohini doesn’t have anything up already but I think we are good here
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-20 05:22 AM
“Thank you. Hopefully this doesn’t interrupt your plans too much. As for the hulk out there, you can still do whatever it was you were attempting to do, with the assistance we have already provided, as we still have to refuel over the next few days.”
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(up to you guys how we split off from here, just let me know who's staying behind, if Jax wants to even bother continuing to explore the wreck, and so on)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 11-Sep-20 02:26 PM
(rey is good to move forward and i think the plan is to leave the 2 marines to help them back to safe space)
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-20 02:41 PM
(Happy with that.)
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(I think Jax is wanting to finish things up with the wreck first)
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-20 05:13 PM
Stev gives orders to the mercs to allow the wreck to be explored, salvaged, whatever Jaxton wants to do with it, but when they leave it is to follow the route chosen by Rey. Messages out are to be stopped. Once they arrive on Sumati they are to get themselves to Rawhani, where they can assist with the new settlers until the Knights return.
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(Cool. Want to migrate this back to my thread, Neko?)
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(sure, we can do that)
22:54
The parties separate, and the ships do as well. The Nightfall and Wildstar return to their stations near the Pillar of Salt, and the refueling process either begins or continues depending on what the ships needed done. Infantry training continues onboard the pillar and simulated urban environments have been set up in one of the cavernous landing bays- where marines with adapted laser weapons for training are working to clear buildings, secure urban objectives, and perfect small unit tactics
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(I'm good to jump ahead if Stev/Vencer/Rey are)
👍 3
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Stev Andisom 12-Sep-20 04:12 PM
Back on board the Pillar, Stev comms the others.
16:13
“Hope Jax doesn’t hold a grudge.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 12-Sep-20 04:30 PM
“Agreed, he seemed to understand but we can’t risk that he could accidentally alert the empire. We are a little light on a screening force so our only hope is surprise and stealth.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 12-Sep-20 05:38 PM
"All good Rey, you made the right call."
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(Moving on to May soon?6
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 12-Sep-20 06:45 PM
Rey spends the time working on how to build a pressure bubble around him and making sure that there isn’t anything wrong with the marines. 4 days later Rey looks to the captain, “Ready when you are.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 12-Sep-20 07:05 PM
"Likewise."
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Maysoon is a rich world of dense jungle and a single colony. Smoke rises from a few points of the jungle around it, and a peerless class platform sits in orbit over its single settlement below. (Program/int checks for everyone’s ships)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 12-Sep-20 09:46 PM
(9 for the Dahg Nehedar, Rolled [6] +1 Int +1 Program +1 for being a cruiser. Am assuming this is a check to remain hidden from scanner) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-20 02:55 AM
(4 for the Pillar, 3 for the Hawk)
02:56
(That’s using Stev’s int/prog)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 13-Sep-20 04:22 AM
(12 using NPC +1skill +1 int +1 size if observering otherwise 14 and it is a plus 3 to being observed.) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-20 05:44 AM
(Okay, with those rolls I think I did something wrong with mine, unless I’m totally terrible at them.)
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(You got a 5 and a 4, with a -1 to int, but i think you'd have bridge personnel doing them rather than you, so do two new rolls of 2d6+2
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-20 05:45 AM
(Good idea! I’m not the best person for the job.)
05:46
(14 for the Pillar, 8 for the Hawk)
05:47
(That’s much better. Stev shouldn’t try to fly these things himself.)
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(None of the ships are detected)
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-20 09:16 AM
“Second to last stop and there is someone here. Are they from the same group we’re heading towards?”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 13-Sep-20 09:20 AM
(Sorry! 12 for the Wildstar, Rolled [5+5] + 2 for frigate size)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 13-Sep-20 09:36 AM
"Space age technology combined with archaic, almost tribalistic practices does have me worried." He says referencing the space station and fires respectively. "Feels very Extaurren..."
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-20 11:32 AM
“So let’s stay well away from them and get ready for the final jump. We can always swing back this way when we’re done. Anyone need fuel for the final jump?”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 13-Sep-20 11:49 AM
"I believe I'm all good."
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(They’d be like forest fires)
13:42
There is also evidence of a good deal of system traffic here, as dozens of trips were made through the area by smaller vessels
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 13-Sep-20 03:49 PM
(Onward. Nearly there! 🙂 )
🥳 5
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(Alright, another round of checks as we jump in)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 14-Sep-20 02:52 AM
(10 for Dahg Nehedar)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 03:33 AM
(18 11+5+2 for fittings) (edited)
🔥 2
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(i got an 8 base for detect before we factor in ship size , we'll see what stev and venser come up with)
04:48
(and we'll figure it out from there)
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Stev Andisom 14-Sep-20 04:55 AM
(Oh crap. Rolling 2d6+2, I got a 7 for the Pillar and a 6 for the Hawk.)
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(and just Venser, when he is around)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 14-Sep-20 02:37 PM
(13, [6+5]+2)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 14-Sep-20 02:40 PM
(Hawk is actually an 8, 2d6+1(NPC INT)+1(NPC Program)+2(Ship Size Bonus))
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Two platforms hang in orbit over Brizeno, both of them also peerless class and similar in construction to the one at Maysoon. Even from space, a large stepped pyramid can be seen in the main settlement of New Astria and there are several camps outside the main city that are clearly new constructions since Rey had last been here. Ground and air defenses have also been installed, some moved from the ruins of Old Astria after being overcome , and others are new constructions. The planet looks well defended, and a tough nut to crack. Warnings are already being passed between both platforms, though there is no evidence of other Etxaurren ships in the region
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 04:13 PM
(where is the moon in coorilation to those platforms?)
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(One platform shares defensive coverage of the planet and moon, one just guards the planet)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 04:44 PM
(Does there appear to be battlefields on the moon?)
16:45
(Trying to figure out if the zadack are free.)
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(nothing that would indicate a large battle but there are a few small points of fire, where skirmishes have probably taken place recently)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 05:43 PM
Rey sends to the other captains, "I know we could make it onto the planet through the 1/3 of the planet that doesnt have coverage and that is a valid option but i also think that making it to the moon to see what the zadack are doing should be a priority as well. I am pretty confident that my ship can make that trip. What are your thoughts on the situation?"
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(there would be some gaps, but since the platforms move, there would be some complications making a direct planetside run, especially with the pillar unable to actually land itself)
18:08
(it would likely come in range of one of them at some point during sitting in orbit and disgorging troops)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 14-Sep-20 07:37 PM
"My only fear is a long drawn out conflict. I don't think we have favourable odds in that circumstance, the UNW is simply too far away relative to Extaurren to reinforce. The moon and Zadack are a clear strategic objective, but if we become trapped on the moon, we might not hold against the retaliation if they have the chance to call the full might of the Empire." (edited)
19:40
"I assumed that even if we take the planet quickly, we would have to set up defences for an inevitable counterattack once word reached Extaurren."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 07:49 PM
"I wonder if there is a way to stealth in and take one of those platforms. If we could it would give us a good base of operations and the ability to keep our ground forces safe from bombardment from orbit. Any ideas on how to get that done?"
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 14-Sep-20 07:49 PM
"I have one idea: You." (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 07:52 PM
Rey shakes his head. "I once thought i was a one man army. It ended with alot of people dead and the campaign in ruins. We need a more coherent plan then send Rey and he will get it done."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 14-Sep-20 08:03 PM
"I respect that. Well if it's not you, it's your people. The way I see it there are three main objectives to this assault: 1) Block all external communication from the Extaurrens, we can't let them coordinate a response; 2) Destroy their leadership, 'rip out the throat and let the body die'; 3) Incite uprising among the slaves, we need to inspire them and make them believe this is their chance, without them the Extaurrens have nothing. I still think if you want to take a platform our best bet is a special strike team, but the key to the mission will be to take the bridge and free as many slaves as we can. This can give us an opening and maybe even some propaganda power for the slaves on world. Same deal on the ground. Use a speartip and let the people do the rest."
20:04
"That is however simply an analytical mind attacking the problem, I am no commander. It's up to Stev to tell us how feasible these tactics actually are."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Sep-20 08:21 PM
Rey waits for Stev to advise.
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-20 05:33 AM
“The Hawk can do the run to the planet through one of those gaps you mentioned, dropping the mechs and their support crews, however without the troops there I think it would be a waste of resources. Can we take the moon and one of the platforms? We do have one stealth shuttle over here that could take a strike team... Rey, could you do the same thing as we did with Jaxton if we could get something onto the platform?”
05:33
“I’m thinking we could possibly take over part of the platform with a team, shutting down the defences so that we can ferry more troops over to complete the takeover.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 15-Sep-20 08:20 AM
"That sounds good! Should we commence an attack on the moon to pull their forces and then take a platform when they're distracted?"
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-20 12:04 PM
“That’s what I would suggest. Draw their attention and then sneak the initial team onto the platform. Rey can then teleport over with another team once the first team has secured the landing zone. More shuttles or even cargo lighters can bring the rest of a company when the defences are disabled for that region of space.”
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(I'm caught up, just waiting to see what pulls together)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 15-Sep-20 03:05 PM
(Do we have any way of stopping them communicating out of system?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 03:05 PM
(I don't and i dont see anything on the Pillar either)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 15-Sep-20 03:08 PM
(Damn, so our best bet is to make it swift)
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(We're still bound by the messages needing time to travel, its one day per hex
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 03:09 PM
(we would have 4 days before they can mount a response. 2 to get there and 2 to spike in.)
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(so reinforcements wouldnt be showing up rapidly unless they were already on the way here fr something totally unrelated)
15:10
(and nobody detected you at Maysoon, so they didnt have any kind of advanced warning)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 04:50 PM
"So your suggesting that we move to the moon and send the wraith shuttle to land on the station then have me teleport reinforcements there once they land? While the rest of the fleet attempts to land on the moon for now? If so im good with that idea. The Toolbox gets to go on another adventure." (edited)
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-20 04:57 PM
“That’s the plan, yeah. Keep them tied up with a major battle on the moon, whilst we sneak in behind them and wrestle control of the platform away from them. That would then give us a bigger opening in the defences of the planet, plus allow us to defend better against any response.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 15-Sep-20 05:34 PM
"If we're part of the strike team, I think Rey should pre-record some kind of message for the Zadack if our guys find any. They need to know we're on their side."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 06:01 PM
"Good idea, I will prepare a Compad Message for them. They dont like them but they will watch it if you begin to replay it."
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(do they understand english/common? )
20:08
(I am not sure how grupp was playing them)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 08:09 PM
(they did, they mostly talked via mental connection though from what i recall.)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Sep-20 09:46 PM
"So i see one issue on this. If the Zadack are still actively in control of the planet our rescue fleet could be misconstrued as another invasion. How do we overcome that hurdle? Venser do you sense any metaphysical minds that you can contact out there?"
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Stev Andisom 16-Sep-20 02:53 AM
“I have to admit I didn’t think of that. What if they’re using captured military resources and now control the planet?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Sep-20 02:57 AM
“Sorry I mispoke, actively control the moon still.”
03:00
“The zadack we’re controlling the moon when I left and there seems to be recent battles on the moon so that would suggest they still are.”
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Stev Andisom 16-Sep-20 03:04 AM
“Oh. If that’s the case, why isn’t the platform bombarding them?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Sep-20 03:33 AM
“I’m guessing that the telekinesis masters are defending them from such bombardments. However I don’t have anything to confirm that.”
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Stev Andisom 16-Sep-20 06:12 AM
“Should we send an infiltration team down to the moon first to find out?”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 16-Sep-20 08:31 AM
"I don't believe my range is large enough at the moment, but I can try. If the Zadack are as strong as you say, maybe projecting my mind will allow them to contact me..." Venser begins to focus, reaching outwards for any strong MES presence.
🤞 4
👈 2
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There are presences below deep in the winding and endless jungle
16:58
None of them are able to project out this far, but you can feel them
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 16-Sep-20 05:40 PM
Venser begins speaking very softly, eyes still closed, like he's not even aware he's doing it. "I feel... Something. Many things...? In the jungles below. Both of us, just out of reach of one another, but... close." Venser eyes roll forward as he opens them and returns to his immediate surroundings. "I believe I felt them."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Sep-20 06:23 PM
"Are we sure that we want to land on the moon and not the planet? The forces on the moon are probably friendlies not hostile. I dont want us to get stuck on the moon. Well i dont want us to get stuck on the planet either so its your call Stev."
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-20 12:12 AM
(Jungle moon, like Endor?)
00:12
(Endor-ish)
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Regulus/Grupp 17-Sep-20 12:13 AM
(Ish. Has different biomes but each has very vibrant/dense plant life)
00:14
(Rey has only briefly been there before and was in an Endor-like forest then)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Sep-20 12:24 AM
(We are going to land on the moon and send the wraith shuttle to the station with the tool box.)
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-20 12:33 AM
“If the Zadack are in control, we can land safely but still take the attention of those on the platform so we can infiltrate.”
00:34
“I’ll send a company. That should make them worry.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Sep-20 01:52 AM
“Sounds like a solid plan, We should all go down with the initial group to make contact while the wraith shuttle is approaching. Then I can take us all there.”
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(I'm caught up, just didnt want to interfere with the planning)
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-20 06:17 AM
“Agreed.”
06:18
He calls for a company to assemble and prepare for possible action, as well as getting a group of specialists ready to run the wraith right to the platform with the aim of securing a safe spot to teleport to. (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Sep-20 02:50 PM
(nightfall is going to land on the moon waiting to teleport to the station after meeting with the zadack.)
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(this almost sounds like 2 different missions now)
14:55
(possibly 3 depending on what Venser wants to do)
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-20 05:48 PM
Mission 1: Contact the Zadack on the moon. Mission 2: Infiltrate and take over the platform covering the moon. Mission 3: Lead Zadack rebellion against their oppressors.
17:48
(Mission 4: Profit!)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 17-Sep-20 05:50 PM
(I figured I was going with them. We're the 'strike team') (edited)
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(Alright, so are all of Rey, Venser and Stev going down to the moon first?)
👍 3
18:36
(or is tht happening while the platform assault is going on)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Sep-20 10:43 PM
(Correct for Rey and Venser vai reactions, Stev Is that your plan too?)
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(Once we get a reply I can rapidly get us caught up. Thanks for being good sports. This is just. A big thing we are about to do
23:24
And I don’t want it to go off the rails because I misunderstood soemthing )
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 18-Sep-20 03:35 AM
(That’s all three of us.)
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A wraith shuttle is prepared for a planetside run, as the rising and falling psionic contact attempts from the moon below ebb and fade in venders mind
04:46
Something down there is trying to talk, and it needs you to be closer to listen
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-20 06:03 AM
(Can we get a normal shuttle to the moon without being attacked? Unless there are a few wraith shuttles we have access to, I think we were going to have the strike team head to the platform on it while we were making a scene of going to the moon.)
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(They'll be able to see it, and a shuttle is an actual ship on its own. You do have drop pods if that helps)
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-20 04:48 PM
(Drop pods sound like fun!)
16:48
(Okay, drop pods for us to reach the Zadack and the wraith shuttle for the initial platform infiltration team.)
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(Okay this iswhere the confusion was coming in because I thought Rey also needed to teleport people to get that to work)
16:59
(so he cant be in two places at once)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 18-Sep-20 05:03 PM
(My understanding of the plan. PCs in nightwatch and a drop pod or 2 go to the moon while the wraith shuttle goes to the station. We make contact with the zadack. Once contact made shuttle heads attaches to station, we teleport everyone in with as many as we can (72 from Rey), hoping to get teleport aid from the zadack to bring the rest. We try to take the station, if we fail we lose the marines and Venser can get 9 people out. And Rey can get himself out.)
17:04
(So 3 phases of the operation. 1. The approaches 2. Contact with zadack 3. Boarding and station battle.)
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(Alright, so they're not concurrent, just close together)
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The nightfall is loaded, along with a drop pod for additional forces that may need to get down to the moon undetected. It seems for now there is no immediate danger from the station but the crews are on high alert, ready to respond in moments if needed.
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 18-Sep-20 10:05 PM
"I feel like the Zadack are trying to get through to me. Just a heads up I may get weird as we make planetfall..." Venser says, rubbing one of his scorched temples. (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 19-Sep-20 03:43 AM
“Don’t let their appearance and speech take you off guard. They are a benevolent people who just want peace and health for their planet and people.”
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Stev Andisom 19-Sep-20 03:53 AM
“”I’ll work with anyone who wants to control their own lives, no matter if they have 6 arms or 3 heads or whatever.”
03:54
The drop pods are loaded, troops file in to be packed like sardines, ready to be fired to the moon.
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 19-Sep-20 09:47 PM
"Rey, ready to take us down?"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 19-Sep-20 10:02 PM
“Dig, take us down to the planet. As quietly as you can.”
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Youre undetected on your flight down to the moon and the rolling forests and plains spread out below you. (I will post the map when I get gome)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 19-Sep-20 10:57 PM
(No rush)
💯 1
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Stev Andisom 20-Sep-20 01:21 AM
Stev watches the closest screen that shows a live feed of the moon as the ship enters the atmosphere.
01:22
"Lots of cover down there. No wonder the Zadack are able to hide so effectively."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Sep-20 01:38 AM
“All of their psychics are also nullifiers so they will be fading into the shadows as well.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 20-Sep-20 02:08 AM
"Is that a new thing for them? I mean, if they are so good at hiding, how did the Ex's find them?"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Sep-20 02:22 AM
“My people knew they inhabited the moon and any of them could have told their captors just about anything for a lesser sentence. But that’s how they survived the scream with so many psychics still in existence.”
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(Where did you guys wanna set down?)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Pinned a message.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Sep-20 03:12 AM
(Stev’s call but I would suggest nearish the city.)
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Stev Andisom 20-Sep-20 05:26 AM
(Yeah, within walking distance of the city would be good.)
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The endless gardens of the Zadak have the planet's moon covered. There is mist and dust everywhere as you land, and the chirp of birds in the air. Scattered small arms fire, kilometers away fades and rises occasionally, but there is nothing sustained.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 21-Sep-20 03:25 AM
Rey lands the Nightwatch, Stepping out the back loading bay Rey turns to Venser, “Do you have anything?”
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Stev Andisom 21-Sep-20 03:53 AM
Stev points and a squad of mercs makes for the tree line closest to where the small arms fire can be heard from. Another squad files out to scout the immediate area around the Nightwatch.
03:53
“When we know where to head I’ll signal the Pillar to send the pods.”
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(would be a metapsi or telepathy/ wis or con, your call venser, have to beat a 9. if you do, you'll make contact with one)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 21-Sep-20 09:37 AM
(13!)
🔥 2
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Stev Andisom 21-Sep-20 10:57 AM
(Nice!!)
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You feel a chill as an alien presence slowly makes itself known in your mind. It approaches hesitantly like a lope approaching a watering hole where predators are known to frequent. You feel the creature rifling through your surface memories and feelings and it seems appeased
13:44
You have come a long way to throw yourselves at a wall of steel , humans
😲 3
😁 3
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 21-Sep-20 03:00 PM
Venser stops suddenly and his eyes roll back in his head as the lids close. He instictively reaches out and grabs Rey's shoulder for stability and acknowledgement. "Well it does seem to be what we're best at..."
15:05
He begins sending images of Thorfinna, Geon and the senseless slaughter by the Extaurrens. As well as a sunblade warlord being brought low by a Brizeno man they might recognise. All he can that explains why they are here. His eyelids flutter rapidly as he does so. (edited)
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Venser sees a pathway in his mind, winding through the enchanted woods of the Zadack, trees opening in a way that only they can. Even when focus on this mental image is lost, after taking a few steps, Venser can feel the path under his feet, instinctively knowing if it is right
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 21-Sep-20 03:15 PM
"Well this is... strange." Venser turns around to Rey and Stev. "They're leading me to them, this way."
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Stev Andisom 21-Sep-20 03:20 PM
"That's handy. I'll get the guys to stay here and keep the ship secure. I guess the Zadack's don't want the beginnings of an army marching in."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 21-Sep-20 03:24 PM
"Good plan."
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Stev Andisom 21-Sep-20 03:35 PM
Stev laughs.
15:35
"Not really much of a plan, but it'll do until we know what we're facing."
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 21-Sep-20 03:35 PM
Rey Laughs and walks with Venser
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The path brings you to the end of the large forrested zone around Nosh Zadak, and true to the vision the branches and trees begin to bend gently, out of the way. you pass evidence of a skirmish at the edge of the wood. If there were any Zadak casualties they've taken their own dead away. The Etxaurren war thralls have been left here in pieces for the animals and other moon creatures to eat
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 22-Sep-20 02:24 AM
“Looks like the Zadack are doing well for themselves as usual. Though I am surprised that the Empire is pushing so hard on this moon for them.”
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Stev Andisom 22-Sep-20 03:36 AM
“If they’ll allow we can start pushing back against the Empire alongside them.”
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 22-Sep-20 02:13 PM
"Rey you want to take the lead?"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 22-Sep-20 02:15 PM
“Sure. Hopefully they will recognize me.”
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venser can still feel the path as the thick mist swirls in around everyone, a locus of direction, balance, and sense of grounding as the group continues moving forward. Locust like chitters echo from the trees, and the sweet smell of honeyed fruit gently wafts through the air, though it is faint, like a memory of standing somewhere else
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 22-Sep-20 06:25 PM
Rey grins remembering simpler times, "I was expecting to see someone by now. I guess they are 'otherwise occupied' greeting the other arrivals."
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 22-Sep-20 08:50 PM
Venser continues leading the group on instinct, feeling nature and the balance around him. Is this how the Jademane feel? He thinks to himself.
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You come to a clearing, and indeterminate distance from Nosh Zadak, and two of the mantis warriors are waiting for you, with three of their chainsaw snouted animal pets. They are calm, and have just finished dismembering a small group of Etxaurren war slaves that had either made their way into the wood this far or were let in here on purpose so they could be ambushed. All of the Zadak here are splashed in gore.
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-20 12:09 AM
Stev stumbles to a stop, jaw dropping in surprise.
00:10
“So when you said they were different... you were sure as hell right about that.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Sep-20 12:35 AM
Rey bows at the waist, “Masters, it is a pleasure to see you again. I have returned with help. I hope to speak to those who would listen, I am unaware of who would see me considering the current state.” Rey says in a very formal tone bowing his head and staying perfectly still.
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"Help, we can sense them. Things have changed since you were here last. Has the grow gun been performing?"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Sep-20 04:45 AM
Rey pulls the gun out of his jacket presenting it to the Zadack. “It has served me well, the seeds you gave me have been given life on a planet where the people are tied to their planet closer than I have seen anywhere in the galaxy.” Looking up Rey says, “We have come with a plan to take the station near the moon and either hold it or destroy it. We need your permission and are here to help.”
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(They're not going to take it from you, they're just hopig it helped)
👍 1
04:48
"Your plan, we will hear it, and bring you into the city if it is acceptable"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Sep-20 04:50 AM
Rey stands and stores his gun, “Thank you.” Then looks to his companions for input.
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-20 04:51 AM
Stev nods to the Zadack.
04:52
“I’m Stev Andisom, current leader of a mercenary group. We would like to help you with these invaders and hope that by taking the platform above the moon to begin with we can take some of the pressure of you and your people.”
04:54
“Depending on your agreement, we plan to bring troops here to force the Exes to focus their attention somewhere here, then use their inattentiveness to sneak a group onboard the platform. Once there, they would take control of a small area while my friend here brings a larger and better equipped force up to support them and either take control of a functional platform or destroy enough to render it useless to them.”
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(Just want to allow Venser to chime in as well)
👍 3
05:03
(since he's the one who made telepathic contact)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 23-Sep-20 08:21 AM
Venser bows his head. "I am Venser Reach. I'm not sure who specifically I spoke with earlier, but I made telepathic contact with your people and they led me here. I am very greatful for your kindness, connecting with unknown minds is no trivial matter. My friend Stev here has the plan. The only thing I might add is we wondered if your people could offer additional teleportation capabilities, so that we might bring more men up to the station at once to make our surprise attack more effective."
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"Zadak teleportation is different when reconstructing sometthing that is not us, or our beasts. Some of your soldiers may be lost, or translate badly on the other side. It would be a very painful way to die"
14:18
(almost like the beam gates how a small percentage usually get mulched)
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-20 03:18 PM
Stev winces.
15:19
"Sounds painful. If you have the resources though, you are welcome to join us when we attack."
15:21
"Actually, seeing as you'll likely be the ones to use the platform if we can keep it operational and get the Exes off it... sorry to be blunt, but what is your grasp of technology like? I mean, if we take the platform will your people be able to use it?"
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"The Zadak cannot make technology, we do not strive for the stars, but we may use what is found if the situation demands it, and if survival is at stake"
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-20 03:30 PM
"Excellent! Well if you aren't against using what is available, your people should be able to better protect yourselves with the platform, if we can take it."
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Stev Andisom 24-Sep-20 04:21 AM
Feeling that the conversation has gone as far as it can, Stev radios the Pillar.
04:23
“Get the wraith moving and assemble a company to be teleported from the ground. Make sure they know we are only accepting volunteers... the process isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone. Once the troops have landed we’ll be needing the beachhead on the platform secured.”
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“The zadak may only use found technology , and only for a specific purpose. We cannot do as you ask “
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Stev Andisom 24-Sep-20 05:33 AM
“That is a shame. Still, we can put it to use, right guys?”
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“Humans can, yes. We want the invaders removed from our moon first, and then we will aid you”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 24-Sep-20 08:13 PM
"How many fronts do you have?"
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"There are three camps where te invaders are striking at us from. Hitting them at once would leave them scattered and broken. though a large force would be detected quickly, and reinforcements would come'
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 24-Sep-20 09:39 PM
“Part of our plan is that these reinforcements would draw focus away from the station, making it easier for us to take.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 25-Sep-20 02:10 AM
“Looks like we need to figure out how to get your troops down here. Or do you think we can clear it up with the zadack and 100 of your men we have down here already Stev?”
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Venser is shown an image of the camps in question. These are warbands, led by a sunblade or two, and their paired partners, along with war slaves , not mass formations in the thousands
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Stev Andisom 25-Sep-20 05:09 AM
“If we can get the volunteers and the Zadack can transfer them, knowing the potential cost of life, we can put a whole bloody company on the platform. As for getting them down here, we’ve got drop pods ready to go for the first group, then when we’re attacking the platform we can shuttle more down.”
05:11
“Between the extra troops on the ground here and the mechs I can bring in with the Hawk, we can have 4 companies, their support vehicles and the mechs ready to go in a day.”
05:13
(The plan: drop pods bring the platform invading troops to the moon, grabbing the attention of the Ex’s on the platform. The wraith gets to the platform, giving us the teleport point we need. The attack on the platform begins, drawing the attention of the Ex’s away from the moon, so we can then land the rest of the troops on the moon and attack the camps here.)
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(Everyone else on board ?)
👍 2
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 25-Sep-20 01:32 PM
Rey sees Venser nod and nods as well at Stev’s words.
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(Alright, drop pods ready, did you guys want to split up to each lead your own camp assault?)
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Stev Andisom 25-Sep-20 03:48 PM
(After the platform assault, yeah?)
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(the zadak aren't willing to teleport anyone until their problem is handled first)
15:57
(They have no guarantee you're actually going to help once they help get your men aboard)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 25-Sep-20 05:45 PM
(Ah ok, so maybe we don't join the camp assault and instead wait until we can assault the platform with Rey teleporting max like 72 guys?)
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(that is also an option)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 25-Sep-20 06:10 PM
(I would prefer not to put us in a position that we cannot retreat from. since the zadack are willing to help)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 25-Sep-20 06:12 PM
(Ok so we take the camps with the zadack then when the Ex's respond we attack the station with the zadack's help?)
👍 1
18:13
(Sorry if I'm restating a previous plan just want to be on the same page)
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(you got it right Venser, no problem with trying to ensure clarity)
🇹 2
🇾 2
❤️ 3
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 25-Sep-20 09:27 PM
(Should we have a group mission thread for this? Genuine question. I'm still unsure about what warrants a group thread.)
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(Were we splitting up, or were you all going together to hit a camp
21:28
(if we are sticking together ill make one)
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Venser | Uriel [Z341-0T] 25-Sep-20 09:28 PM
(I think Venser would prefer sticking together.)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 25-Sep-20 09:39 PM
(Same I would be willing to split but would rather group up)
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Stev Andisom 26-Sep-20 01:01 AM
(I’m good with sticking together.)
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(aright, ive got a group thread up)
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Stev Andisom 01-Oct-20 02:42 PM
14:43
Can that image be pinned please Neko? For future reference.
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 01-Oct-20 02:47 PM
Pinned a message.
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Stev Andisom 01-Oct-20 03:46 PM
Thank you!!
👍 1
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Stev Andisom 08-Nov-20 12:16 AM
(Aaaaand we’re back!) @Nekosmash (edited)
🔨 2
00:18
Stev orders the Hawk to Rawhani so the soldiers can have some downtime while the remaining troops on the Pillar help the Zadack establish a safe area for their new city.
00:18
“Once we’re done we’ll hit Rawhani for some R&R as well, so don’t worry about missing out folks.”
00:22
He then sits down with the captains and Wescott to figure out what’s next for Draconis and what they are going to spend their latest fees on... 5 million a week... for how many weeks?
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(Ahhh whyyy)
00:38
(Okay so the Zadak are on Sumati 2 as best I recall. )
00:39
(The trip there and back was two weeks, and then scooping at two planets and fighting is about another two)
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Stev Andisom 08-Nov-20 02:44 AM
(lol sorry to make you think. I was totally lost as to timings. 😁)
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(so we're looking at 6 weeks total for transit time/costs
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Stev Andisom 08-Nov-20 03:42 AM
(So that’s 30 million. We’re rich!)
03:44
(So... did I do something wrong by tagging you earlier? I miss 99% of what happens ooc so I’m totally lost. Apologies if I fucked up.)
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)you’re good haha
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 01:34 AM
"While we're on Rawhani we'll need to recruit to replace our losses, and we should also find some more flyers, battletanks and artillery to support all five companies properly. We should also look at another ship, either something with firepower or another troop carrier to be able to land us faster."
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"With the money we were given for this last job, we may have enough to lay something down" Wescott volunteers
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 02:43 AM
"Oh, there's also a couple of Zadack hounds that'll be with us from now on. We'll need to set up a room on board the Pillar to keep them. They're bred for war, but I'm not sure what use they'll be if I'm in the Driade or a mech. That's something I'll have to figure out."
02:49
"I also want to get some squads trained as special ops teams. Not a whole company, but enough to be able to support anyone we fight alongside, like with Rey and Venser. We might have had a better chance and I want to give us that chance next time."
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 09-Nov-20 02:55 AM
An incoming message appears on Stev's compad, it is from the commander of the mercenary force hired by Aiya Technologies. Commander Andisom Greetings, our contract with Aiya Tech is coming to a close. Some of the boys were wondering if you are taking on more soldiers. They like the outfit you run and are willing to sign on with you if you would have them. Respectfully, Commander Shaw (ooc, 3500 mercenaries to pull from before they get disbanded. Up to you if you want to use them to replace any losses)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 03:07 AM
Stev reads the message and smiles.
03:09
"Okay, scratch recruiting on Rawhani. There's another mercenary outfit that has soldiers wanting to join us. I'll contact them and let them know we're keen."
03:11
(Okay, ruling on how many soldiers I can lead... that includes everyone under my command, right? Just wondering, because I'd like to set up a training base on Rawhani if I can, but I can't afford to lose soldiers from the mobile force. The troops from Eisheru would double what we have now and I can only lead up to 3000, if I've done my calculations correctly. If I can still pay for the others, can they be training until we need them, or have them as a second force that can do mercenary work separate from Stev's group?) (edited)
03:16
(Also, is this okay to post as the new troop ship?)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 03:42 AM
(I'd also like to get a couple of scout suit mechs for the special ops squads if I can please. That is, if I can get at least 1 special ops squad trained up. I'm thinking 6 soldiers, 6 suits.)
03:44
(7 suits. Stev would want one he can fly around in too. 😄 )
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(You can hold as many as you want but actually leading into battle is a set amount based on your stats)
04:00
(so you could always have reserves)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 04:02 AM
(Awesome! Thanks Neko, that makes life much easier.)
04:07
@Eisheru | Reza [Jack] Commander Shaw, The Knights of Draconis would welcome each and every man or woman who would like to join our ranks, yourself included. We are looking to establish a permanent base for recruitment, training and recovery on Rawhani (with the agreement of the current Governor, of course) so any of your people who wish to join us should head there. We would welcome your expertise if you would join us as well. Your Brother In Arms, Stev Andisom.
04:08
"Oh shit, permission! Wescott, have we still got communications with the Lord Governor? I want to set up a base on Rawhani, but we'd better run it by him first."
04:10
(Here's another one! Modified shuttle for the empty bay in the Falcon. Stealth-ish insertion shuttle that isn't a wraith, because they're damned expensive!)
04:11
(I'll stop adding to the carnage here for a while. 😉 )
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 09-Nov-20 04:19 AM
(Feel free to take any amount or all of the 3500. They would be going away this month either way.)
04:19
(And any ships you are building need to go into #shipyard-updates to be considered valid ships)
04:20
(Talk with Neko about your ship build slots since you aren't part of a polity)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 05:09 AM
(Thanks Eish! Yeah, that’s why I’m asking here about the ships before I add them to the official channel.) (edited)
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(He
14:01
(KoD has 2, one at Rawhani, and one with Bavi'd
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-20 02:02 PM
(Oh yeah. Forgot that we were already established on Rawhani with a base. I thought we just dumped the families there.)
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(correct. There will be a war against the ghoul king in a matter of days, not sure if KoD wants to get in on that)
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There is also a knock at the door as a KoD intelligence officer appears. his face is white, and he is out of breath from running
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Stev Andisom 10-Nov-20 07:45 AM
Stev waves him in. “What’s got sig-int looking like he’s running from lions?”
07:47
(Another war? Count us in!)
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"Bad news sir. I think we were followed through Spike Space when we left Brizeno'
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Stev Andisom 10-Nov-20 09:40 PM
“Back to here or Sumati?”
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"Here, to Rawhani. They'll be here within a day. "
22:12
"too late for any of the ships out west to help us, and Rawhani has no space defenses of note. They're going to be unbothered while they land troops"
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Stev Andisom 11-Nov-20 10:54 AM
Stev swears up a storm.
10:59
“Contact the governor. He’ll need to push this info through to the UNW council, so give him everything we know. Then land the troops and get the Pillar and Hawk away to separate uninhabited systems. If they’re tracking something on either ship we might trick them away. The mechs should go into the wasteland, probably the old rally point from the resistance days, so we’ve got some forces that aren’t stuck in a city somewhere. Send a couple of companies with them, a couple to the capital to reinforce the locals and the last to hold our base until help arrives.”
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"Sir, I think this is personal. I think they're going to be coming here, probably to punish us for taking part in the raid"
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Stev Andisom 11-Nov-20 02:53 PM
“We still need to warn everyone. However, if they’re focused on us we can set the field. Move the families out of the base and into the general populace. I wonder if we can... okay, scrap that. The families have to leave the base, along with anyone else who wants out. They can’t hang around nearby either. They can come back once the danger is past. We’re turning the base into a death trap in the limited time we have.”
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"Sir I've also got comms with Rey, He came to use the forge and is in space now, he's requesting permission to land"
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Stev Andisom 11-Nov-20 08:08 PM
“Give him permission, but also warn him.”
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Stev Andisom 11-Nov-20 08:29 PM
“Actually, I’ll do that. Relay the orders to the base and get everyone planetside please. And warn the governor.”
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(Wendel is the governor but i know he is intermittently posting. You're more than welcome to drop a messatge into his channel though just for completeness sake)
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Stev Andisom 12-Nov-20 11:10 PM
(Done and done. 😁)
23:11
Stev plans out the defence of the Knights base with his captains and Wescott.
23:12
“Mechs under cover here, and here. The big guy will have to be packed up or something until we want to make our move to crush them against the walls.” (edited)
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Stev Andisom 13-Nov-20 02:25 AM
"3 companies inside, 2 outside. Artillery will have to be inside to keep it safe, but I want the tanks and flyers in support of the companies outside and I want the artillery firing on the landing site if they are within range."
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“If those drop crsft are armed we are going to have a big problem on our hands”
03:30
Wescott looks at the sky furtively, mopping his brow with a cloth
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Stev Andisom 13-Nov-20 03:31 AM
"Can't do much about that. The flyers might be able to harass them but everyone else is just going to have to hide and wait it out."
03:32
"Sadly, Rawhani still hasn't recovered enough to support a fleet of any size."
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Wescott nods, and begins getting everyone prepared. (did you want the soldiers to do anything like earthworks, or digging in? there would be time)
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Stev Andisom 13-Nov-20 08:44 AM
(If there are walls around the Draconis city/compound then we won’t need earthworks, but they can get prepared inside the city with barricades across the smaller roads to funnel the enemy down set paths we can control. Outside, I was hoping to be a more mobile force, hidden until they had committed to the attack, then coming up from behind and pinning them to the wall.)
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(there are walls around the draconis compound)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 13-Nov-20 09:10 PM
Rey teleports to the gates of the compound with a backpack full of explosives. "Hey Stev, heard you may be expecting guests, Thought i would help prepare a welcome due their lowly position in the galaxy."
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Stev Andisom 14-Nov-20 04:08 AM
Stev laughs. “Welcome! The party hasn’t started yet, but I can see you’ve got some presents for the guests of dishonour. Come and get settled in, play around in the forge... whatever it is you need, you’ve got it.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Nov-20 04:12 AM
“Just sightlines and a target which I think we will have in plenty. I also don’t want to spend all my energies before the fight so the forge is out for now. I’m hoping to try to disable one of the ships with all this depending on which one is retreating with either something of value or the most people. Hopefully this can be the last stop for one of those ships.”
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Stev Andisom 14-Nov-20 04:56 AM
“Targets won’t be scarce. I’ve set up roughly half the band inside the walls, building barricades to funnel anyone who gets inside into killing zones, and the other half outside to crush them against the walls once the attack has started. You’re welcome to join whichever group you’d like. I’ll be outside because that where the mechs are.”
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Stev Andisom 14-Nov-20 05:04 AM
(Neko, those ship specs I posted the other day okay to start up in a UNW shipyard somewhere?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Nov-20 04:22 PM
Rey nods, “I’ll be around.”
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(They should be building already if there’s a check under them)
02:10
(You’ve got your own yard slots )
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Stev Andisom 15-Nov-20 12:47 PM
(I haven’t posted them in the shipyard channel yet. I wanted to check with you if they were okay to go ahead first.)
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Stev Andisom 16-Nov-20 02:27 AM
(Okay, if that’s all I’m ready to rock and roll with the Ex’s. Stev will be outside, camped with the heavy mech and waiting for the assault to begin.)
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(Rey, good to go?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Nov-20 01:43 PM
(Ready here)
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The system early warning service begins broadcasting its alert as the Etxaurren fleet begins translating into the system. The cruiser seems to be hanging back in an overwatch formation while the two free merchants and three corvettes spread out into a more defensible planetary assault formation. THey're expected to make planetfall within a few hours, and ground stations begin tracking their approach, trying to narrow down possible landnig sites.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Nov-20 03:19 PM
Rey messages Stev, “One of these days we are actually going to be able to deal with their fleet...” Rey trails off realizing that he is getting distracted.
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There are no space defenses on rawhani and a reinforcement fleet is days away. Ordered to scatter, the draconis fleet hides at the far edge of the system, as trained spacers and the large ships cannot be quickly replaced and will be needed to tend to survivors should you prove victorious.
23:13
The free merchants and their escorts charge forward for a planetside run
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Stev Andisom 17-Nov-20 01:18 AM
“Wait for them to land, then pound them with artillery if we have the range. Might get a lucky shot off.”
01:19
“Rey, think you could get a present in to one of these ships when they’ve landed?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Nov-20 04:36 PM
"I hope to but i think it will only be enough for one. I dont think they will let that trick work more than once. Last time i blew up the cockpit so they will be watching for that one."
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(and unless you've got some magic witchfuckery, you cant teleport inside a ship too)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Nov-20 04:40 PM
(Have to sneak in like a normal human. but can teleport through open doors) (edited)
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There are five comets in the northern sky, as the assault wave begins making planetside run to disgorge its troops. "sir, I just had a troubling thought" Wescott says. "They might not care so much about indiscriminate bombardment. We might want to consider pulling the vehicles back"
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Nov-20 05:42 PM
"they would likely do just that..."
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"that's if they even hit, but if they do, we're going to be in a world of hurt"
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Stev Andisom 17-Nov-20 11:05 PM
“Where do we pull them back to? The artillery is in the compound, but the rest of it is scattered outside the city. Fingers crossed they’re more interested in taking slaves and aren’t just here to pound us into rubble from the air.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Nov-20 11:43 PM
“Let’s hope. If not I may be able to redirect some of the impacts around a small area with my telekinesis but that is really a last resort.”
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Stev Andisom 18-Nov-20 01:18 AM
“Don’t take too big a risk. The soldiers all knew that the day might come where they would die in battle... we don’t go looking for death, but we do embrace it when it is our time.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 18-Nov-20 01:23 AM
“My life means less than that forge. I have never heard of the like in all my years.”
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Stev Andisom 18-Nov-20 02:22 AM
“If they take the forge, we chase them down. They seem to be here for us anyway, not the forge, so... let’s focus on beating them before it becomes an issue.”
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The atmospheric burn in begins do dissipate, as the ships come closer. Smaller dark shapes detach from their undersides, either landers, or fighter aircraft, or both, heading this way. The corvettes blink and flash, as the first salvoes of the foretold indiscriminate bombardment land far short of the Draconis Compound
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 18-Nov-20 07:02 PM
Rey turns to Stev, “Can the forge survive an orbital bombardment? Is it deep enough and have enough defenses or should we try to get it out of here or defend it?”
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Stev Andisom 19-Nov-20 09:20 AM
“The forge... hells, I know nothing about it. I know they’re researching the crown there but that’s about the extent of my knowledge. Wescott probably knows more if you can find him in the madness. Is it something you can feel or... I don’t know, do you know something is there without knowing what it is?”
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The ships come in to 500m from the base, angling for their armored tops to face the base. Small arms and artillery shells explode harmlessly along the top of the ship , You can see the bottom coils of fast ropes on the other side as the first thralls begin descending, shielded by the ships for now
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Stev Andisom 19-Nov-20 03:30 PM
“Keep firing the artillery! Aim for the troop formations as they get organised!”
15:33
Internal conversation: “Shit! Some artillery outside the city now, firing straight up at the ships as the troops disembark... next time we need to have further rings of hidden defences.” (edited)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 19-Nov-20 05:42 PM
(Which ships are dropping people off? The FMs or corvettes?)
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(The merchants at the moment )
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 19-Nov-20 06:35 PM
Rey looks to Stev, “I can try to target one of those but I would rather wait for a Corvette. Commander I await your orders.”
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The hovering merchants keep their topsides angled toward you, shielding the forming up group of thrall stormtroopers
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Stev Andisom 19-Nov-20 10:03 PM
Stev just shakes his head. “I’d sooner command the sun to stop moving or the wastelands to bloom with wildflowers. You know your abilities best, I trust you know what you can handle.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Nov-20 04:08 AM
Rey nods then prepares to divert any rocks or iron rain falling down on their position while he waits for the corvettes to come in and drop off their crews as well. (Then teleport where he can see in then teleport inside and fight it out from there.)
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One of the corvettes presents its broadside, weapons batteries flashing but missing horrendously, overshooting by kilometers and glassing a swathe of desert sand
05:12
Its airlock is visible, and its exterior door is open, though the internal one is not
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Stev Andisom 20-Nov-20 06:54 AM
Stev hunkers down next to the mech and waits for the corvette barrage to stop.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Nov-20 03:05 PM
Rey says “Off we go!” As he teleports up into the airlock. Activating his holoskin emitters to look like an engineering thrall.
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The internal door has a keypad as most airlocks do, along with an emergency flywheel that can also open the door if released
15:19
You don't see anyone on the other side
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 20-Nov-20 03:20 PM
Rey teleports through the window to the other side pulling out his toolbox to try to help sell the disguise. Then begins to rush towards the engineering section of the ship.
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Stev Andisom 21-Nov-20 12:12 AM
(Go Rey Go!)
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(I’ve got a map for this I’ll post it shortly)
03:19
(Upper deck right side airlock)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 21-Nov-20 03:37 AM
Rey recognizing the ships layout teleports down the hallway peeking around the corner trying to get to engineering without triggering any alarms. Stopping at each corner and peeking around the corner before moving onward. (Stealth or notice?)
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(Sneak/dex)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 21-Nov-20 03:42 AM
(12)
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Stev Andisom 21-Nov-20 04:14 AM
(Hey, I've got one of these! 😄 )
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Your uniform and the toolbox go a long way In preventing any unwanted attention as you pass other deck crew and a nexus bound to what must be the captain or one of the higher officers. He looks at you for a moment before continuing on his way, silver cane swirling in hand stopping only@to hit a crew member. They’ve clearly embraced their position as useful slave
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 22-Nov-20 10:56 PM
Rey ducks his head and then continues down the hallway to the engineering room. Thinking to himself, It will be over soon.
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Heading down a flight of metal stairs, you feel the questing presence of a metapsionic aboard, sweeping gently over the ship like a routine sweep
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Nov-20 07:32 PM
Rey makes sure incognito is still up then nods as he prepares to enter the engine room. Takes a deep break then lowers his head and continues on.
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the heat is furnace hot as the bulkhead opens, and war slaves are busy keeping the reactor fed, the conditions for fusion nominal, and occassionally slotting more fuel or cooling rods into the reactor.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Nov-20 10:26 PM
Rey moves over to the side to look like he is going to repair something. Setting down the tool box and sliding it off to the side.
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(crew has an 8 for notice which i dont think cuts it with incognito and the other not being seen stuff Rey has, so you're good to be elsewhere)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Nov-20 10:44 PM
Rey sets down the toolbox near the engine but mostly out of sight, then teleports out back down to the ground. “The waypoint is staged. We can go back and blow it if the need arises.”
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-20 10:51 PM
Stev looks surprised at Rey’s appearance, then impressed.
22:52
“Nicely done. No issues getting inside?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Nov-20 10:53 PM
Rey shakes his head to the negative, “There was a lot of anti-psychic security and without a little luck and history with them I probably would have been caught.”
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-20 10:57 PM
“Handy skills to have. After all this is done, want to run a division of Draconis of your own?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 23-Nov-20 11:20 PM
Rey shakes his head again, “Thanks but I’m trying to avoid more responsibility. I may need us doing something to help but not on that scale.”
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The first wave of thralls has made it to the ground now, as the two forces begin clashing
00:14
(Okay, now we do mass combat)
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Stev Andisom 24-Nov-20 08:03 AM
(Combat at the walls, as the outside forces are hidden? Or have they been discovered?)
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(whatever they can see i guess. you cant really hide formations in mass combat, so i guess whatever you want the first match up to be)
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Stev Andisom 25-Nov-20 03:59 AM
(In that case the first combat would be at the walls as the ones outside move around to flank the attackers.)
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(alright, lets get our combat resolution scores up_
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(For the thrall battalion I got a 9)
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Stev Andisom 26-Nov-20 12:03 PM
(Rolled 12 without adding anything because I can't remember what I have to add. Very sorry... pain and meds are interfering with my memory at the moment. )
12:04
(Inside guys have artillery support, outside guys have planes and tanks from what I wrote earlier)
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Stev Andisom 26-Nov-20 12:49 PM
(I think I add 0 because they're battalion sized groups and 2 for the artillery support, so if that's the case they got 14.)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 26-Nov-20 01:10 PM
(you add tech level + organic support + veterancy bonus (if any) + unit strength) (edited)
13:11
(there is a handy new tracker tool in the resource document. #rules-and-books )
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Stev Andisom 26-Nov-20 01:39 PM
(Thanks!)
13:42
(In that case, tech level 4 and possibly 1 level of veterancy takes them up to 19, 18 without veteran)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 26-Nov-20 05:14 PM
(organic support is +1 per different support. So if you just have artillery it's a 12+4+1+1(?)+0 for 17 or 18 depending on veterancy) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 27-Nov-20 05:30 AM
(Sounds good. I’ll go with that. 😁👍 Thanks Eish.)
👍 1
❤️ 1
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(I’ll get my results up shortly and they have vet 1 since we have been through a few campaigns)
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(13 for me )
02:13
(You roll d2 for steps of damage. I roll d6
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-20 02:28 AM
(Rolled a 2. Doh!)
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(So you’re a bloodied brigade I believe was the formation size (I take six and am a bloodied battalion). The fight is going exceedingly well for the knights and their forces. Home turf was well prepared but just like in the moon, you haven’t been seeing many sunblades so far
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-20 10:07 PM
(We’re battalion sized too.)
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(So oh okay. So a bloodied battalion vs same)
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Sitting in the command center with Wescott , the eastern annex alarms begin to sound as intruders have slipped by the main fighting and breached the base
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Stev Andisom 29-Nov-20 04:07 AM
“Send the 2nd to plug that gap. Rey, want to come hunting?” says Stev as he halls himself out of the chair and adjusts his gun belt.
04:07
(Can we make this a mini-mission to go after whoever made it through?)
04:08
(Please?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 29-Nov-20 04:09 AM
“Let’s stop them. We need to take down that group. Where are they?”
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Stev Andisom 29-Nov-20 04:11 AM
“They’ve come in through the eastern section. Got your Zadack hunting dogs with you?”
04:11
He calls for his two to join him from outside.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 29-Nov-20 04:20 AM
“Uhhhh they don’t teleport well so uhhh not right now.”
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Stev Andisom 29-Nov-20 05:01 AM
“That’s okay. Mine will lead the way.”
05:01
He orders off a squad to follow them out.
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(That’s what I was intending )
14:49
Rey’s own dogs catch up to him as you both make your way to the eastern annex of the facility. Less well trained and less well armed security personnel report sword wielding warriors rampaging through the training halls, trying to reach the lore vault and the forge. The garrison commander has resorted to the distasteful tactic of ordering armsmen squads to fight to the last man in order to slow the enemy down
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Stev Andisom 29-Nov-20 02:54 PM
“They’re going after the forge. Does that thing broadcast on some psychic wavelength? Never mind, not important right now. Let’s get after the bastards before they can make off with anyone.”
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(The free nexuses they have could feel it , so could anyone metapsionic)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 29-Nov-20 02:59 PM
Rey growls. Then looks at the dogs and grins a feral grin. “They won’t make it out with anything today.”
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Your path looks like it will converge with theirs in the atrium outside where Wescott normally keeps his offices and the Draconis proper lore repository. The room is large with a high ceiling, and the ceiling is fitted with normal looking glass, the stained murals are not yet finished with the craftsman
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 30-Nov-20 09:15 PM
Rey looks to see if there has been any damage and seeing none teleports ahead a few steps his hounds chasing him as he teleports 5 meteres faster than they can run grinning as they chase him down.
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You sense their thrill of the hunt, matching your own in a strange way through the shared telepathic connection.
21:19
You hear some shouting, and the fire of weapons the next chamber down
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 30-Nov-20 09:39 PM
Rey looks back at Stev and the guards and says, "im going to teleport in deep as you open the door. I will do what i can but the brunt of this is going to fall on you all. Breach when ready."
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-20 10:12 PM
Stev nods and gives his hounds a quick pat on the head as the soldiers split to either side of the door, ready to race in when they open.
22:13
“Stay safe seems a bit rich to say right now, but I mean it in the nicest possible way.”
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The two soldiers, one on each side of the door look at Rey. When he nods, they open it enough for Rey to see two sunblades and their nexi standing there. They were considering the closed door and how to get through it for themselves, likely scouts for the main group, and seem surprised it has opened so suddenly
02:48
let alone to see defenders behind it
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Stev Andisom 01-Dec-20 10:33 AM
As soon as he's sure that Rey has seen what lies ahead, Stev nods for the soldiers to push the doors wide open, sending the Zadack hounds racing in as he aims at the closest Sunblade. (edited)
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(I think you guys get a surprise round here since you got the drop on them)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Dec-20 10:12 PM
Rey prepares by extending his Incognito to the marines, (2 actions during suprise rounds, 4/9 effort now committed.)
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(THe marines get two actions? or everyone does)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Dec-20 10:45 PM
(i used incognito 2 times so 11 marines and Stev do i thought that was all that we had. otherwise i can do more)
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(Nope thats fine, i was just making sure it was everyone)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 01-Dec-20 11:37 PM
(I will let Stev and his marines go first) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 02-Dec-20 01:23 PM
(Okay, for Stev it's a 25 to hit and 10 damage on the closest Sunblade. The hounds are going to race in, not sure if they have the movement to reach the Nexi this round but that's who they're aiming for.)
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(they do , we can resolve that too and then move on to the marines)
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Stev Andisom 02-Dec-20 11:41 PM
(Where are the stats for the hounds please?)
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(I’ll find them. They’re pinned in a thread somewhere)
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-20 12:02 AM
(Thanks. 😁)
02:34
(AC is 16 under revised, still 3 attacks at +7)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Dec-20 03:48 AM
Pinned a message.
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-20 05:53 AM
First hound: 14/6, 11/4, 14/6 Second hound: 16/5, 17/5, 15/3 (edited)
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-20 06:04 AM
Soldiers: 25/11 24/6 26/8 17/8 19/4 7/4 9/6 24/9 11/4 11/4 8/4
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The ambush is flawless, the hounds and marines pile into the fight and down every enemy in sight. Chainsaw snouted Zadak warhounds rut and feed on the warm bodies , snacking noisily while the squad rallies
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 03-Dec-20 05:45 PM
Rey prepares to teleport then looks around at all the dead, and just teleports over to the door that was about to hit the wall after being slammed open and stops it from slamming against the wall. "Shhhh it looks like the enemy is sleeping, we wouldnt want to disturbe them." Rey says with a slanted grin.
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Stev Andisom 03-Dec-20 10:11 PM
Stev chuckles.
22:12
“Sorry to spoil your part of the plan.”
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Stev Andisom 04-Dec-20 12:32 AM
He pats the hounds on the head as the soldiers secure the immediate area.
00:32
“We should make sure the forge is secure. Something tells me this won’t be all they’ve sent.”
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"These were scouts" one of the Zadak says, now in specially fitted marine garb. "They did the same, at Nosh-Zadak"
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Stev Andisom 04-Dec-20 10:58 PM
“That’s what I would do in their place. Well, I wouldn’t be in their place, but if I was, I’d send out scouts to find the easiest way through. Time to cut off their escape.”
22:59
Stev gets on comms and gives the order for the groups outside the walls to cut off the Exes retreat to their ships and grind them against the walls of the base.
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You have a scout unit moving into position out there. They’ll be in place soon.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 05-Dec-20 04:10 PM
Rey looks over at his hounds, “Sorry guys, looks like we will have to find another group out there for you.”
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They go down onto their haunches, and begin sniffing the air, almost like they have the scent of more. They move about aimlessly through the space, trying to find and track the scent in the confusing series of bookshelves, passages, and tunnels
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Stev Andisom 06-Dec-20 01:49 AM
Stev nods for Rey and his hounds to take the lead as he tries to get his own hounds to heel again.
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(Survive/wis to wrangle them)
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Stev Andisom 07-Dec-20 09:07 AM
(6 on the survive/wis. Yeouch.)
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You’re able to wrangle the hounds but barely. They surge out into the next chamber where a muffled bang announces demo charges and the arrival of more sunblades
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 07-Dec-20 02:42 PM
Rey looks over to Stev and says, “This time I think I’ll go first if you don’t mind. Though I will mind my clearing angles. I will pick off one on the edges.” Rey waits for the marines to prepare and be in position. Then looks to Stev for the go.
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-20 12:22 AM
Stev laughs and gives Rey a respectful nod.
00:22
“Don’t have too much fun.”
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Rey moves ahead to the forge chamber itself where six sunblades and their free nexus are working on the forge and dismantling it
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Dec-20 02:31 AM
(Have they noticed me? Or can I vacant ambush them?)
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(Your default sneak is 9 right ?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Dec-20 02:41 AM
(9+)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Dec-20 03:15 AM
(Best of 2 rolls +3 3d6 drop lowest)
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(Would be no way mathematically for them to detect you if that’s what you’re packing)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Dec-20 03:31 AM
Rey blasts one of the sun blades with a vacant ambush then teleports and blasts a second while appearing next to a third near the edge of the room with his sword drawn. (20 damage and 21 damage.)
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Stev Andisom 08-Dec-20 10:26 AM
"Impressive. Well boys and girls, we can't let him have all the fun. Get in there!"
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(lets get initiative)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 08-Dec-20 03:57 PM
(7)
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(6, we will plug in stev when we get it and the marines will act with him, and ill set things up taking into account your ambush)
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Stev Andisom 09-Dec-20 02:57 AM
(9 for me)
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Two of the sunblades are horribly wounded by the hidden shooter, before Rey materializes behind a third with his weapons drawn. Stev and the marines pile in, trapping the Etxaurren between the hammer and anvil. (stev an marines up)
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Stev Andisom 09-Dec-20 02:40 PM
(16/14 for Stev and his pistol.)
14:44
Soldiers, all firing on the 3 Sunblade that aren’t being stalked by Rey: 16/6 9/11 19/6 25/9 20/5 24/3 18/9 19/5 16/10 10/7 11/3
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 09-Dec-20 07:28 PM
“Go ahead and finish off those two next time I will work on this one.”
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(I'll just do this 1/3 - 1/3- 1/3)
19:55
(for hots)
19:56
Two of the three targeted sunblaes are droppd, and the last one is wounded,
19:56
(rey)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 09-Dec-20 08:03 PM
Rey stabs out with his Geon Blade at the sun blade, (26/13) “Don’t you dare touch this forge!”
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One of the sunblades is wounded, and the survivors begin to rally. The free nexi each perform distributive action, a complex series of hand movements in synch with the surviving sunblades. (each of them is getting 2 attacks, since we have more nexi than surviving sunblades) (stev 18/4 , other misses. Both miss Rey, two marines are killed) The sunblades leap in with their dual blades as the first round of symbiotic connection powers their muscles and reaction times beyond what humans are capable of on their own. They blur into combat, ducking, weaving, stabbing and slashing
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(so then back to stev and marines, then Rey, then if i have anyone left me again)
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Stev Andisom 11-Dec-20 10:00 AM
Stev hisses at the pain of being slashed, lashing out with some sunblade power of his own.
10:05
(19/14 from Stev, then 8/6, 26/6, 9/2, 25/8, 10/7, 9/11, 14/8, 12/4, 25/9 for the soldiers.)
10:07
The hounds leap into action, charging the closest 2 Nexi.
10:09
(First: 13/7 , 10/5 , 10/5) (Second: 14/1 , 14/4 , 14/2)
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The hounds are unable to piecr the thick armor of the free nexi, but the marines land a couple of hits, and Stev himself is able to get a crippling shot in , though none of the remaining sunblades fall just yet.
16:19
(rey)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 11-Dec-20 09:20 PM
Rey spins around and strikes the Sunblade he was dueling in the neck. “Stop Chasing me and Leave MEEE ALONE!!!!” Rey yells as the blade makes impact.
21:21
(Crit/24 damage)
🔥 2
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There is no time for a witty retort as the blade sinks deep in, piercing through the neck down into the chest to destroy organs and puncture lungs. You withdraw it with a flourish, flicking blood away from the edge
22:17
(down to 3 sunblades and all the nexi by my count, rolling for them shortly)
👍 3
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The nexi once again empower the sunblades around them to act with extra haste, the three of them launch furious attacks, (four miss off the bat, 17/3 Stev, 20/2 Stev 20/2 Stev 20/6 Rey, 19/8 Rey)
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Stev Andisom 13-Dec-20 05:19 AM
(11 damage to me so far, so looking hurt but not yet out of the fight.)
05:23
“I wonder, Mr Rey, if there is a reason these Nexi want to help their captors?” Stev says as he fires at the Sunblade hacking at him. The latest cuts have left their mark and he’s visibly hurting.
05:24
(14/14 for Stev.)
05:26
(Soldiers are firing at the Sunblades.) (15/7, 19/2, 26/3, 15/2, 21/10, 12/6, 24/2, 21/2, 15/9.)
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The sunblades are routed, concentrated gunfire finally ending the threat. THeir captors executed, the nexi try to surrender, though the weevil dogs are hard at work trying to pull one off her feet and down to the ground
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Stev Andisom 14-Dec-20 03:16 AM
With a whistle, both physically and mentally, Stev tries to call the hounds off.
03:20
(5 survive/wis if it follows the same as last time.)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Dec-20 05:22 AM
Rey looks around seeing the forge secure and the sunblade retreating. “Looks like this is secured. Is it time to have that corvette have an engine failure?”
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Stev Andisom 14-Dec-20 10:54 AM
Stev laughs. “I think this would be a great time for that. Reckon there’ll be enough left after you’ve finished to start rebuilding the ship for the Knights?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Dec-20 03:31 PM
“Unlikely though I could take a group of 8 marines up at a time and you could try to commandeer it while it is flying. Though if things go poorly i can only get a few out.”
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Stev Andisom 14-Dec-20 03:52 PM
“Not worth the hassle or risk to you. Give them the warm send-off they deserve and we’ll search for stragglers and get these Nexi somewhere safe.”
15:53
He turns to give orders to the soldiers, then turns back to Rey. “Thanks for your help, with all this.”
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The Etxaurrens outside have broken off, leaving a small group of thralls as a doomed rearguard to die at Draconis blades and guns. You can hear the roar of starship engines overhead.
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 14-Dec-20 06:12 PM
Rey nods then pulls out the exposives and prepares them to explode in 2 seconds after the button has been pressed. (giving me in theory enough time to throw one and drop the otheres and teleport out.)
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(agreed, isnt a bomb on one already too?)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Dec-20 02:31 AM
(just the toolbox for me to teleport back to and set it off. I wanted to leave the options open incase they got the forge i had a chance that we could save it.)
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(Gorcha. Okay we can do that. The timing works)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 15-Dec-20 11:07 PM
Rey teleports to his toolbox looking around and grins as he throws one bomb at the nearby reactor and drops the others as he grabs his toolbox. 🧰 “Catch you later.” (Rey is waiting to teleport out in case someone can do anything during this round.)
🧰 1
🔥 1
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(even if any techs around snap fire and actually hit its not going to be enough damage to do more than annoy you)
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 16-Dec-20 01:42 AM
(True.) Rey teleports back to the forge with his tool box as an explosion sounds in the distance. “One down the rest are yours.”
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Stev Andisom 16-Dec-20 11:23 AM
“Can’t do anything about them. Nothing that can chase down spacers. Now we just need to figure out if they’ve taken anything and where they’re going with it if they have.”
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There is a dust storm on the horizon, as the broken corvette slams into the desert bowl, disturbing thousands of meters of sand and rock
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Stev Andisom 17-Dec-20 01:24 AM
Stev cheers and hits Rey with a hearty slap on the back.
01:30
“That there is poetry. Wescott! Can we get the scouts out there to keep track of anyone who survived the crash? And get the mech squad and the troops outside the walls to make a forced march there. Rey, want to go see your handiwork?”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 17-Dec-20 03:53 PM
Rey nods, "Lets go see whats left." Rey whistles to his dogs and begins to play teleport tag with them while moving back towards the outside. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 17-Dec-20 10:39 PM
Stev’s hounds chase Rey to play as well. Stev himself follows more sedately, using the time to organise soldiers into search teams and repair teams.
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The wreck has fallen like a broad bellied crash landing rather than hitting the ground like a spear. The ship is heavily damaged and the sand around the ship has turned to glass due to the intense heat.
04:35
Within 200m of the ship the conditions are too hazardous to approach without protection
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Stev Andisom 18-Dec-20 01:24 PM
Stopping closer to 500m out, Stev calls back his hounds and goes down onto one knee to balance himself and let the hounds while he waits for the scouts to report back.
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The scouts are unable to get any closer than 200m either. There doesnt seem to be anything leaving the ship.
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Stev Andisom 19-Dec-20 09:12 AM
“Set up an over watch. Get drones and soldiers in hazmat suits if you have to. We don’t know if they could have survived that crash.”
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The soldiers even in hazmat are unable to advance closer. It won't protect them from the heat and dangerous doses of escaping radiation. Drone wranglers do their best to set up stationkeeping and patrolling drones. Any survivors emerging from the smoke will likely be spotted
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Stev Andisom 21-Dec-20 02:46 AM
“Well... that’s done for now I guess. Thanks again for the assistance Rey. Oh, the forge is open for you to use whenever. I’ll get Wescott to set a room aside for you to use while you’re here.”
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Lance | Ling (Shriven) 21-Dec-20 05:03 PM
“Perfect thanks, I’m just going to work on my daggers and then I’ll probably go to work with the zadack for a bit. Thank you for everything. It has been a pleasure.”
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(6xp, 10,000 credits)
🥳 2
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Stev Andisom 21-Dec-20 11:13 PM
“You hear anything about those Exe’s you’ll let me know?”
23:15
The Knights start cleaning up from the attack: burying the dead, repairing the battle-damaged walls, looting whatever strange technologies they can off the slain enemy.
23:17
(Level up! Whoop whoop!!)
🥳 3
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Stev Andisom 22-Dec-20 12:01 AM
(HP from 34 to 41, 2 points to advance Talk to level 1, 1 point to advance Dex to 15 for my first bonus, and taking Self-Sustenance as my new Sunblade ability.)
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Stev Andisom 22-Dec-20 12:20 AM
While the clean-up is happening, Stev and Wescott spend time in the command bunker discussing future plans, the potential of jobs on the current market and ways in which the training Stev has already completed can be advanced. Stev takes these suggestions on board and, in the early hours of the morning, meditates on the possibilities.
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(you'd have a dozen of the Etxaurren short swords, and aside from them being sunblade weapons, they're a pair of medium advanced weapons)
15:27
(not sure if we're trophy hunting here or not)
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Stev Andisom 23-Dec-20 01:50 AM
(I’d like to grab them to outfit a squad and train them up as Sunblades in the future, but that’s for another time.)
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(Yeah. They’d squire under you for a bit and I guess that’s the question if they follow you and the mech becomes their sunblade weapon or if we begin a new tradition. )
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Stev Andisom 23-Dec-20 11:54 PM
(Draconis Sunblade Mech Squad sounds fantastic. Better keep saving up for more mechs!)
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You return from your encounter with Krampus and santa, case in hand under your arm.
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Stev Andisom 27-Dec-20 11:30 AM
Stepping into the situation room, totally unsure what the fuck is going on, Stev opens the case and puts it on the table in the middle. Inside sits a shiny new pistol, engraved with runes that shimmer under the fluorescent lights.
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Stev Andisom 27-Dec-20 11:48 AM
He takes it out and the runes flare up briefly. "Hello new friend."
11:49
The runes pulse briefly before he replaces his old pistol with this new one in its holster.
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The pistol is a silvery but warm finish and the muzzle is a roaring dragons head- the beams it fires akin to concentrated destruction. A set of rubies have been embedded as its eyes , smooth to a mirror polish. The body is scaled and a pair of engraved swept back wings protect the power coil where energy from the cell is fed.
20:26
(Counts as a fiat lux weapon with +2/+2 for hit and damage)
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Stev Andisom 28-Dec-20 05:33 AM
As he settles and adjusts the pistol in the holster, Stev realises he and the Knights have an opportunity to start a new Sunblade tradition. Draconis Knights wielding the same energies he was taught to use by the MegaCorps... that was a cosmic joke he wouldn’t mind being the punchline of.
05:36
“Wescott, what is on the table for upcoming jobs? I’ve just been in one of the weirdest fights I think I have ever fought and I need some normalcy to see me through the day.”
05:38
“And is there a chapel around? I feel the need for a chat and the guidance of Auguana.”
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“Sir we’re on the home compound still. The chapel is right on campus and wasn’t damaged during the attack. There’s an offer to deploy to yauvani to assist with peace keeping efforts there. UNW is paying of course”
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Stev Andisom 28-Dec-20 06:59 AM
“Of course. We haven’t gone anywhere yet. We’ve got those new recruits from the other mercenary company incoming, so we should be fine with getting this place back to normal and doing that job for the UNW. Give the okay, start assembling troops to assist with the peace keeping efforts and set up a watch on that fallen cruiser for when we can move in and start rebuilding it for ourselves. Once that is done we should go and commune. Is it communing when you talk to a god?”
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"I believe that is an accepted enough phrase for it. If you require counsel after, my office is always open. Mostly because the door was destroyed"
14:55
"but you know what I mean" Wescott places a firm grip on your shoulder, bewildering strength for a man his age, before shuffling off to his archives, roping dozens of soldiers around him into an involuntary cleanup crew. Uncle Wescott's Mandatory Fun Summer Camp 2668 T shirts will no doubt be barracks fashion before the end of the year.
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Stev Andisom 28-Dec-20 03:47 PM
“The door was destroyed,” chuckles Stev as he walks away. “Glad he’s got a good sense of humour about this.”
15:48
Stev goes to the chapel and finds a spot he can sit on the floor and meditate.
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The enormity of the last few months begins playing out over you. The confused campaign on ZAG, the strange series of encounters on the way south to confront the Etxaurren Empire- the hasty retreat from Nosh Zadak as the hidden sunblade counter revealed itself and the enemy fleet translated in-system. Burning forest, ambushes, counter ambushes, downed pilots, and chainsaw snouted centipedes. Returning home didn't bring peace, it brought pursuit, and pain, as the very heart and home of House Draconis was directly threatened. As of now, you're a sunblade order of one, fighting with the sacred Mech as an extension of yourself.
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Stev Andisom 29-Dec-20 09:00 AM
“How do we go on, Auguana? Draconis is made of your people, your worshippers. I want to keep them safe, honour them and their efforts... honour you.”
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There is a shifting feeling inside you, as you feel your powers change. You are still a mech pilot, though perhaps Draconis is more about the men and women to serve it, than a group of tech- hot shots. You feel called to the slim case with the ornate pistol in it, and subconsciously you begin to move your hands to undo the clasps.
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Stev Andisom 31-Dec-20 07:07 AM
(It's in the holster at my side, but we can work around that. 😄 )
07:08
He pulls out the pistol and places it on the floor in front of him.
07:10
"The fat guy in the red suit can get his hands on some interesting tech by the looks of this... what use is it to Draconis?"
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Memories of your first few missions begin to surface as you leaned on your old pistol, a trusty device that never failed, never needed complicated repair, and always felt like a lighthouse beacon shot of cleansing energy at whatever you pointed it toward
15:07
Enemies fell and planets were saved as much by your mech as your pistol.
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Stev Andisom 01-Jan-21 04:20 AM
"The fall of the MegaCorps. It seems like a lifetime ago. Draconis was there for that, along with the UNW forces and others like me who had been spat out by the great machine of the corrupt few. Is that the next step? I don't know if I'm the right one..."
04:21
Stev leans back against the wall behind him, eyes closed again.
04:23
"I guess we've come full circle. I didn't think I was ready to lead Draconis either and yet we're now a force to be reckon with, small but determined and eager to get our hands dirty. Maybe this is the time to start a new tradition within the House. Draconis warriors, wielding blades powered by their belief, pistols that they focus their faith in you on to give them strength. The elite of the Knights of Draconis."
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Fighting as more traditional knights seems to please the energy in the room. Perhaps Auguana. Perhaps some enhanced reflection of yourself. It is fitting and it is good. You sense that with these two weapons Draconis is blessed with a rich dual tradition that will carry them into the future
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Stev Andisom 02-Jan-21 09:53 PM
Satisfied with this choice, Stev stands, nods in appreciation towards the altar and leaves to look for Wescott.
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Wescott has a small labor army getting his stuff back together and is in the middle of a whirlwind of younger men getting everything together
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Stev Andisom 03-Jan-21 06:33 AM
Almost dancing his way through the storm to get the Wescott’s side, Stev looks the most calm he has in a long time. “My friend, if anyone could organise chaos, it would be you. Which is good, because I’ve had a revelation. Although we may be mercenaries and the leader of this ragged bunch is definitely not up to the task, we’ve done some good so far. However, the Knights of Draconis can be so much more and I know you’ve been holding out on me with some of the secrets of your faith... like the way you could do smoothly transfer my special connection with my old pistol to that mech I used in the civil war.”
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“I didn’t do that”
17:00
“Nobody here could have done that
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Stev Andisom 04-Jan-21 12:04 AM
"Well you were the conduit or something then, but if it wasn't you then I fell a little less confident about what I am going to say next. I want to start a new tradition, train an elite force within the Knights to do what I can do. I've heard them called Sunblades before, but that name is a little misleading as I've never had the ability to imbue a blade with whatever this is."
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“You’re right about it being a misnomer. The concept is a catch all for a bond with a type of weapon. What you can do with your pistol or those etxaurren with their paired short swords”
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Stev Andisom 04-Jan-21 06:05 AM
"Well that's what I want to start here, a place where we can teach people to wield the same energy. I could say that we will be able to better defend ourselves and Rawhani when we can field a force of Sunblades, but that's a side benefit. I want our soldiers to be a known force throughout the galaxy. Whether peace keeping, fighting off an encroaching empire or just our standard mercenary work, I want to know we have something about us that will make us a superior force."
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"Sunblades are not easy to teach, the process takes years to fully go from page, to squire, to a full sunblade. Not all who are imbued with the power survive to finish their training either. You're heading down a long road boss"
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Stev Andisom 04-Jan-21 04:17 PM
“Hells, I’m still on that journey myself, but I think it would give something to the Knights, set them a path to follow as a group and goals to achieve individually.”
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"We should consider reaching out to a metapsionic, or a mage. THey can detect the latent abilities needed to make a sunblade. "
16:36
"The academy may need to become an affiliate"
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“We should also start thinking about moving our forces out to yauvani. It’s going to take a lot of money to expand the campus and repair what the attack damaged “
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Stev Andisom 05-Jan-21 06:32 AM
“They’re already preparing for the Yauvani mission, so once the captains give the go ahead we can board the Pillar and get moving. While that’s happening, I’ll contact the Psychic Academy and see what we can organise.”
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(that could probably be handled via messages to respective players and NPCS, I'm thinking, unless you;d prefer to do it face to face)
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Stev Andisom 06-Jan-21 11:55 AM
(Messages would work with the deployment of Draconis happening soon. Who should I talk to?)
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(Regulus is probably your best bet)
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Stev Andisom 07-Jan-21 06:48 AM
(Okay, blonde moment... who is Regulus today? 😝)
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Eisheru | Reza [Jack] 07-Jan-21 07:17 AM
(you can put the message in #psionic-academy reg = Dave)
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Stev Andisom 07-Jan-21 08:18 AM
(Thanks! I’ll post in the academy chat.)
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Regulus/Grupp 07-Jan-21 03:50 PM
Mr. Andisom, We of the academy have many capable of detecting latent talent for the manifold forms of manipulation of metadimensional energy. Our existing partnership through use of the psionic forge has been fruitful and many of my scholars will happily assist you for increased access to study and utilize the forge. I will send an agent to meet you on Rawhani when you return. Might I also advise you to speak with Calidorius of the Knotted Wheel—he has much experience and wisdom to share concerning the growing of his own order of sunblades. Headmaster Regulus Fate (edited)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-21 07:04 AM
“Wescott! Regulus at the Academy of Weird Mental Gifts has replied and is keen to send some instructors over when we get back from this peacekeeping mission.”
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"I'll have my work friends here make some accommodations for them while we pick all this crap up. I'll see you at Yauvani next week"
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Stev Andisom 09-Jan-21 06:55 AM
“Excellent. I’m going to find out where we’re up to in getting everyone onboard the Pillar. Don’t have too much fun cleaning up!”
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Stev Andisom 09-Jan-21 12:13 PM
Stev finds where the captains are and requests an update on the preparations.
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The legion is loaded and ready to go west, the pillar is prepped and the engines are ready for action
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-21 01:17 AM
Stev hops a shuttle to the Pillar and, if its okay, the KoD heads to Yauvani.
01:24
Once onboard, he heads straight to the situation room to check out what the mission details are for Yauvani and what they can expect to deal with on arrival.
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The ghoul estates in the countryside are islands of resistance amid a planet that is slowly on the mend. The estates are walled and fortified , each one a fortress in themselves. They haven’t been able to be breached so far and agent theta has seen the inside of one. It is a place where mal tech is maintained
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-21 04:35 AM
Stev starts making plans for a flyby on one of the estates by the Wraith shuttle to get an up-to date picture of what it is like on the ground. He then calls for the captains to join him when they are in system but before they reach orbit.
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Stev Andisom 10-Jan-21 04:42 AM
When they're jumping, he goes to the engineering bay to talk with the soldiers there about swapping out the heavy machine gun on his mech with something more suitable to clearing large numbers of people, like maybe a flamethrower or one of the cutting plates.
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(Would a plasma scythe fit?)
🔥 3
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Stev Andisom 11-Jan-21 10:30 AM
Sure!
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(That's a flamethrower but an upgraded version, if there's room on your mech for it and its what you want we can make that change)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jan-21 10:08 AM
(I'd love to if we can fit it instead of the HMG. I've been having troubles with that recently. Can't hit the broad side of a bloody barn!) (edited)
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(do you need me to re-make the mech for you? i can put a plan together)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jan-21 03:04 AM
(That’s be great, thanks. Not at home, so I only have my phone and the sheet doesn’t like that.)
14:47
(thoughts?)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jan-21 10:37 AM
(That looks nasty! Thanks!)
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The mech has been refit with a flamethrower, removing some of the less necessary systems in place instead. You're left with a heavy mech that can orbital insert without the use of the Drop Pods, and it is prepared for any length of serious fighting. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 14-Jan-21 09:07 PM
“Now we can storm one of those compounds if we have to and get a really good look inside.”
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Stev Andisom 15-Jan-21 09:25 AM
(I'd like to spend the rest of the journey training lead if I can please.)
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(8 days to the front)
14:27
The compounds are walled and towered structures meant to keep people in and , to especially keep people out. Not that anyone would be caught dead walking up to a ghoul fortress.
14:27
The forest and swamps surrounding them are rough country where escapees would be brutally hunted down and processed on site by fat bellied culler bots
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Stev Andisom 16-Jan-21 08:38 AM
In orbit, Stev puts a call through to whoever requested his mercenaries.
08:39
“This is Stev Andisom of the Knights of Draconis. We have achieved orbit and are ready to deploy, with your permission. Please advise of a landing area for the lighters and the corvette, and also advise if the area needs to be secured first.”
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Depending on how close you’re willing to get to the first of the estates your security situation on the ground could change drastically. Each of them are islands of resisting too far away to directly help one another, but close enough to where broad flanking maneuvers or bypassing them is impossible
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Stev Andisom 17-Jan-21 06:25 AM
“What’s their coverage a couple of miles from their front gate? If we can establish an initial base of operations from where we can strike the first few estates, then we can take over the most appropriate estate as our more permanent command base... if that is permitted? We don’t want to overstep our bounds.”
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“Coverage? In what way?”
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Stev Andisom 17-Jan-21 10:53 PM
“Anything they can use to blow our ships out of the sky?”
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“Orbital defenses were destroyed during the initial days of the offensive”
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Stev Andisom 18-Jan-21 08:28 AM
“Excellent! We’ll land the mechs and a company to hold the landing area first, then get everyone else down and start on the first compound. Anything off the table in the war effort? I mean, we can go in and kill everyone if you want, but we can also try to take prisoners, leave civilians in the compounds alone... totally your call.”
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“We should try to get prisoners out if we can. There will be human collaborators among the ghoul ranks and they should be treated like enemies , as they are”
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-21 01:59 AM
“That sounds fair. Enemy combatants won’t be given quarter, but if we find any prisoners we will endeavour to secure them and bring them back to the base of operations. From there they can be relocated, debriefed, or whatever you would like.”
01:59
Stev is quiet for a moment as he considers if there is anything else he wants to ask, then decides he has enough information for now.
02:01
“Well, thank you for the information. If that’s all I’ll get the first company started on the landing area and get the mechs on the ground for the first assault. If you need to reach me, you can call the Pillar and they can patch you through, or send a representative to the base.”
02:02
He clicks off the call and issues the orders to the captains to start the landing and securing operations.
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(Would a local map help?)
02:14
(It’s not hard to draw something )
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-21 03:17 AM
(Nah, that’s okay. Plan is to drop a few kilometres/miles away so we’re close enough to be a threat but far enough away we can see them coming and be prepared for them.)
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The first wave of landing craft deploy and you begin setting up on the surface below. Soldiers fan out to establish a Defensive cordon as the engineers begin setting up temporary berms until materials for walls are shipped down
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-21 05:13 AM
“Get the mechs up and running and start establishing a patrol between here and the first enclave. Set the Driade up centre of the defensive line and we’ll use it as a command post and relay between us and the Pillar until better communications are established.”
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(I tihnk its cannon might even be in range if you wanted to do some preliminary shelling)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-21 10:12 PM
(That sounds like fun!)
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The Driade sets its thick columned spider legs into the ground, burrowing them in slightly, as the rail cannon battery extends from a roof cupola. Engineers and gun crew begin getting ranging solutions, though reports from the field and shell corrections would help. This seems like a fine opportunity for some scouting
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Stev Andisom 20-Jan-21 12:33 AM
Stev grabs his pistol, a pair of binoculars and calls for a squad to join him for a little foray towards the closest enemy stronghold.
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You and a nimble four person fire team begin assembling, taking cover as you run from camp into the thick woods around the first of the estates you’re planning to destroy.
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Stev Andisom 20-Jan-21 11:28 AM
Slipping back into his training, Stev immerses himself in the sounds of the woods, slowly filtering out the shuttles and lighters overhead, the construction of the berm wall around the FOB, waiting for the normal noises to be more prominent.
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All the wildlife is gone due to the noise anyway, but you hear what sounds like a group of poorly disciplined enemy scouts 100m ahead screened by some brush
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Stev Andisom 20-Jan-21 01:53 PM
Stev points to where the sounds are coming from as her slides his new pistol out of its holster.
13:53
whispering "Not sure how many, but there's someone behind those bushes."
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(sneak/dex)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-21 12:16 AM
(11)
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The trio of enemy scouts doesn’t hear you. One is a minor ghoul and the others are a pair of skinny looking human collaborators who haven’t had a solid meal in months from how it seems
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-21 08:03 AM
Stev takes aim at the ghoul and waits for the others to be ready to fire before taking the shot.
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(They haven’t noticed you. We could attempt execution shots if you want)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-21 01:30 PM
(Sure!)
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(shoot/dex vs DC 8, its an actual skill check in this case rather than an attack roll)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-21 02:56 PM
(8, but for some reason the result is showing up on my end as a 0 in the overview.)
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(I’ll see what happened )
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(I tihnk theres an extra + or - in when it asked for a modifier, but i do see the 8)
03:24
The shot is clean, taking the ghoul in the throat and almost severing its head. It falls onto its back as though it walked straight into a plank. The two collaborators dive for cover. Your scouts down one, leaving a survivor cowering behind a fallen moss covered log
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There is a small beep on your wrist communicator as well. The Dark Star and @Theta Eastmarch have entered the system and the UNW intelligence chief, and now owner of Nebula Enterprises is looking for some work down on the planet below
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Stev Andisom 22-Jan-21 07:34 AM
Stev pushes the scouts with him forward to capture the surviving collaborator while he answers the call.
07:36
“Dark Star, this is Stev Andisom of the Knights of Draconis. You’re welcome to come and join us at our base. We just got here so we can’t provide any comforts but we will soon be advancing on the closest ghoul enclave if you’re interested in joining the fun.”
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Theta Eastmarch 22-Jan-21 08:39 AM
"Stev," Theta replies, "Good to hear from you. I'll be there shortly. I can't sit idly by with all this abhorrent tech corrupting creeping around Yauvani, I'd be happy to join you. Looking forward to seeing what your Knights are made of." He hangs up and waits in the cargo bay of the Dark Star to be dropped off.
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Stev Andisom 22-Jan-21 11:36 AM
Stev grins and turns to his scouts. “Got him?”
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"Got him" There is another shot, and the final scout is downed. The Dark Star makes landing back at the Draconis camp, Stev and his scouts able to see it from here. At least the woods will be silent upon your return.
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Stev Andisom 22-Jan-21 03:22 PM
Stev leads the scouts back to the camp and tells them to report back when they’ve had something to eat. He goes to where the Dark Star is landed to meet Theta.
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Theta Eastmarch 23-Jan-21 12:47 AM
Theta stepsoff the ship in storm armour, with the helmet held at his side. Approaching the edge of the camp, Theta extends his hand to meet Stev's. "How are you, Stev? We've met properly before, right? I don't think we've worked very closely together in the past though. How are things down here?"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jan-21 12:57 AM
Stev shakes Theta’s hand firmly. “Welcome to the arse end of Ghoul Town. We just got here ourselves so we don’t have much to work with yet, however the enemy knows we’re here and have already sent scouts to have a look. We found one group but no doubt there are more out there.”
00:57
He stops and thinks for a moment. “I’m sure we’ve met... did you come to Rawhani during the revolution?”
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Theta Eastmarch 23-Jan-21 03:21 PM
(sorry for the delay!) "No, I was never involved in Rawhani - I was working odd jobs on Gudrun when all that went down, wasn't really entangled with the UNW yet. Maybe we've only met across the table in meetings? It's hard to say." Theta observes the camp and watches the Knights doing their work. "Regardless, what can I do to help? Is there any imminent danger, or do we have time to develop a plan?"
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Stev Andisom 23-Jan-21 10:59 PM
“Plenty of time to plan. The Driade is getting ready to start knocking on the door, so once we’ve come up with something we can get their undivided attention. When everyone is landed we’ll have 5 companies of 600 soldiers, enough artillery, tanks and aircraft to get them the support they need and 3 mechs to form the tip of the spear.”
23:02
“So, where do you feel the most comfortable? Running a mech, leading a charge, infiltrating the stronghold and making a mockery of their defences? I’m happy to come with you if you want to have a look around in their base, these guys can do wonders without me looking over their shoulders.”
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Theta Eastmarch 24-Jan-21 12:42 AM
"I'm definitely more of an infiltrator than anything else, and I can handle myself in a firefight. I know my way around security systems, but also have some demo charges with me for when the simple solutions are the best. I have a decent amount of cyberware to back me up - you name it, I have an implant for it. I'd be happy to scope out their base with you - let's do some recon. I'll follow your lead."
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Stev Andisom 24-Jan-21 02:08 AM
“By the sounds of it, I’m following your lead. Give me 5 to get a squad assembled to support us up to their walls. If you’ve got comms in that cyberware, sync them with the Driade so we can call in support if the shit hits the fan.”
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Theta Eastmarch 24-Jan-21 02:29 AM
Theta bursts out laughing. "Funny enough, I don't have built-in comms. I should fix that. We'll manage with a normal earpiece though. I'm ready when you are." Theta puts on his helmet as he finishes speaking, and gives his gear a quick look-over.
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Stev Andisom 24-Jan-21 08:41 AM
Stev calls for the scouting team he had before, as well as a heavy fire support team to cover them from the tree line. He checks his gear on the way to the Driade, checking to make sure someone will guide Theta there when he’s ready.
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(How many men are on each then. I’m trying to get an idea of scale here for meaningful clhallenge
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-21 01:12 AM
(Scouting team from before would be the same and the heavy fire support would be 6 at most. A couple of heavy weapons, a spotter and comms for artillery targeting and a couple with rifles to cover them all.)
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The woods are clear of scouts. Artillery fire from the estate itself is scattered, unguided and forced to range manually without the advantages of called corrections in the field. The woods seem largely ignored by the uneven exchange of shelling
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-21 07:13 AM
“Theta, you’re probably more comfortable in this sort of environment. Want to take the lead?”
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Theta Eastmarch 25-Jan-21 07:37 AM
"I'd be happy to. Let's spread into a long line and stay under the trees where we can." Hugging close to the trees, and watching the sky for shells, Theta attempts to lead the group through the woods with as much cover as possible.
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-21 10:32 AM
Stev gets the scouts to follow immediately behind Theta, then the heavy support team, with himself taking up the rear spot.
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(lets get a luck save each but ill move the scene up as we take it) The treeline ends 100m from the walls of the estate. Theta has seen this configuration before, the ghouls following a certain set of construction practices. High walls, corner towers, a keep inside that is as much feasting hall and palace of debauchery as fortified outpost. You cannot be sure of home-guard, or armed slaves conscripted into fighting in exchange for not suffering a worse fate
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Stev Andisom 25-Jan-21 02:36 PM
(Success 11v8)
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Theta Eastmarch 25-Jan-21 02:57 PM
(Success 20v7)
🔥 2
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Shelling is random and unaimed, and one explodes distantly, in a position you'd occupied just a moment ago. The slower heavy weapon team is not so lucky. Half of them are atomized on the spot, while the others are dealing with the wide range of wounds high explosives inflict on their targets. Your scouts look at you, waiting for orders. Several of them instinctively reach to their individual first aid kits
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Stev Andisom 26-Jan-21 06:42 AM
“You guys stabilise who you can and call in for an extraction team to get the wounded back to base. Theta and I will go ahead. When the extraction team gets here, follow our path to the tree line and wait there just in case we need support.”
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Theta Eastmarch 26-Jan-21 08:40 AM
Theta gives a solemn nod, and looks around for a place that the remaining members of the squad could hide in.
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There are numerous shell craters around the forest now, and a few of them are deep enough to provide both cover and concealment while medical evac arrives
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Theta Eastmarch 27-Jan-21 12:05 AM
Theta quietly points them to the squad and assists in moving some of the wounded into the closest one. Once that's done, he stands and leads Stev forward, toward the estate. "Nothings ever easy on Yauvani, hey. These estates are hard to get into as well. Any ideas for that last hundred metres?"
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Stev Andisom 27-Jan-21 04:29 AM
“I suppose running like the hounds of hell are chasing us isn’t the sort of suggestion you’re after? Baring that, I was thinking we could get the Driade to fire towards the opposite wall to draw their attention.”
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Theta Eastmarch 27-Jan-21 05:18 AM
"That's worth trying, definitely. If it fails we could make a run for it - I can get up the wall, but I'd need to find a way to get you inside if you can't. We might also be able to take some potshots at any guards on the battlements to make some space." (How high is the wall?)
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Stev Andisom 27-Jan-21 06:02 AM
“Damn! I should have had the enemy scouts we found before stripped of their uniforms. That way us running towards the wall wouldn’t have been an issue.”
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Theta Eastmarch 27-Jan-21 06:19 AM
"I can disguise myself as one of them, and have done it before to get around a similar compound. I'm probably a little big in this armour to pass as a scout, but I could try it if you think it's worth a go." Theta sighs and squats down, resting his legs. "However, they might be on high alert for that kind of trick since it's worked before, and we do look a little suspicious coming from this direction, I think. We're not here to take the whole place out though, we just need to know what we're dealing with, right? Let's get around as much of the perimeter as we can and see what we find."
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Stev Andisom 27-Jan-21 07:01 AM
“Sounds fair. If we circle around once we can meet the scouts back here once the wounded are extracted. If we’re unhappy with what we see, or if we don’t see enough, we can always commandeer the wraith shuttle and get a birds eye view.”
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Theta Eastmarch 27-Jan-21 10:38 AM
Theta takes the lead, attempting to stick to the treeline around the estate and lead Stev in a full circuit, looking for weaknesses in the walls, numbers of guards in the towers, and any other visible defenses or possible entries.
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Stev Andisom 27-Jan-21 10:54 AM
Stev, noticing Theta’s examination of the walls, puts most of his efforts into making sure they remain undiscovered, watching within the trees for signs that ghoul scouts are in the area.
16:04
(same image as last time, its the layout they tend to favor)
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There are no scouts in the area but theta recognizes the area. He has been in a similarly laid out settlement before and this must follow typical ghoul construction patterns
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Theta Eastmarch 28-Jan-21 08:16 AM
"I've seen this sort of thing before." Theta whispers, watching the building from behind a tree. "Slave pens inside, maybe with stations for those culler robots. There were probably a dozen ghouls and some cullers inside the last one I went into. That time, I snuck into the front door in the back of a truck. Bit harder this time. There's probably a grille over the river mouth. So maybe the solution is just to run it in the end - blow a hole in the wall or jump onto the battlements and take out the guards. If we can take out the artillery we can back up and bring more people. If you think we have a good overview of the place, we could also just head back now, if you have enough info. What do you think?"
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Stev Andisom 28-Jan-21 08:20 AM
“If we go back I’m getting a couple of companies to come back with us to crush this place. With the support of the fliers and tanks, as well as the mechs leading the assault, it shouldn’t take too much. If you want to have a look around, we should do that now.”
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Theta Eastmarch 28-Jan-21 11:22 AM
"I don't need anything else. Let's go get some backup."
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Stev Andisom 28-Jan-21 11:23 AM
Stev grins. "Sounds like a plan. Want to borrow a mech for the assault?"
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Theta Eastmarch 28-Jan-21 11:37 AM
Theta's eyes light up, and he grins back. "Absolutely! I've never used one before. I promise to cover it if I scratch the paint."
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Stev Andisom 28-Jan-21 11:42 AM
"Hahaha, if it comes back without scratches I'll be disappointed. I'll introduce you to the engineers and mechanics when we get back and they can set you up with a flight suit and get you sorted. They're not hard to use, just takes a bit of time to adjust to the size." (edited)
11:42
With that, Stev takes the lead to get them back to where the scouts are waiting.
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The mechs are being fitted out for field duty. Stev can see that his heavy mech has undergone a significant amount of refitting, with flame weapons and more horde cutting devices- along with heavier armor. The light mechs continue sporting their heavy machine gun/railgun fits, and final locomotion checks have been completed. Companies are forming up, digging defenses around the firebase, and getting pits dug for the artillery
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Stev Andisom 28-Jan-21 11:34 PM
Stev points out the mechs as they re-enter the base. “I figured we’d have a little more close range fighting this time around, so they’ve changed out the machine gun on the heavy for something with a little more... sizzle. He then calls over the first captain he sees, asking them how the preparations are going.
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The mechs are ready to walk. By time you get into the field and do anything of note the supporting forces will be able to mobilize too
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Stev Andisom 29-Jan-21 02:29 AM
"Excellent work. Bring up the first two companies and get the artillery ready to knock down the closest wall. Once we can get in the mechs will lead the charge, so at that time please stop dropping explosive on my head." He grins as he says that last bit.
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Theta Eastmarch 29-Jan-21 03:10 AM
Theta hangs back and watches Stev organise the troops. "So what have we got here? Tell me about this extra sizzle!"
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Stev Andisom 29-Jan-21 03:13 AM
Stev looks over at the heavy mech. "Flamethrower for a start, and a few cutting blades to get right into the action. The light mechs are set up for ranged combat, so there's a heavy machine gun and a railgun on each. Hopefully we can breach the walls and I can get inside so they can't drop artillery on me."
03:14
"If we were still in orbit I'd drop the thing on their heads, but I guess we'll just have to walk there instead."
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Theta Eastmarch 29-Jan-21 12:24 PM
"Fingers crossed. Sounds like you're ready to move - let's do it." (Can I find the mech controls/stats somewhere?)
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(I will dig them out)
15:19
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Stev Andisom 30-Jan-21 12:08 PM
Stev climbs into his mech and runs through the power up checklist, blades spinning up to speed for a few moments once everyone is out of the way, a couple of bursts of flame into the air and a giant mech fist-pump to show he is ready.
12:08
"Theta, spin up the heavy barrel to make sure it's okay. Don't want that thing to stop working in the middle of battle."
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Theta Eastmarch 31-Jan-21 02:59 AM
Theta watches Stev enter the mech and copies him, climbing into the seat. He spends a few moments checking where the controls are, where he has to reach to access each weapon, then cycles up the gun. He takes a few steps forward, feeling out the controls. "Seems good to me! Let's get moving!"
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Stev Andisom 31-Jan-21 08:25 AM
Stev opens comms to Theta, the Driade and the captains. "Okay people, we're hitting this first place like we're cracking a coconut. One solid breach and then I'll be the pointy end of the blade. Send in the other mechs and the tanks after me, with one company flanking the compound so no-one gets out. Theta says there are possible non-combatants in there, so if someone is unarmed and not resisting, leave them to be picked up in the sweep later. Don't compromise though - if they're holding a weapon you have orders to put them down. Any questions?"
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Theta Eastmarch 31-Jan-21 11:35 AM
"You'll be able to tell the non-combatants apart pretty easily - they're still human. Watch out for the culler robots, don't get close to them if you can help it. Good luck everyone."
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The mech echelon spreads out on the plains and ineffective range fire from the walls sends earthen geysers into the air. A pair of planes drops flares ahead signaling to the draconis forces begin the attack.
19:26
The towers have heavy weapons in them and they’re being cranked around to fire on you (edited)
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Stev Andisom 31-Jan-21 11:09 PM
“Driade, can you take out a chunk of wall please? I think they’ll have a harder time hitting me if I’m inside.”
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Stev Andisom 01-Feb-21 12:24 AM
"Theta, see if you can give them something else to think about!"
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Stev Andisom 01-Feb-21 12:36 AM
Stev starts the mech moving towards the closest wall.
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Theta Eastmarch 01-Feb-21 10:12 AM
"I'm on it!" Theta lurches forward alongside Stev, twenty metres apart. He sprays the railgun at the closest tower to Stev, shooting to suppress the ghouls maneuvering it. (28/15)
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You see wood and metal sent skyward in a plume of dust. A shredded body falls out the front of the tower. It’s impossible to see if the entire crew is down or not
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Stev Andisom 02-Feb-21 05:27 AM
Stev continues forward. “Thanks Theta, nice shot! Driade, where’s the wall buster?”
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(need a D6, and a D100 from Stev, to see the radius and time on target and we're good to go)
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Stev Andisom 02-Feb-21 02:59 PM
(Rolled a 1 on the d6 and 65 on the d100)
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65% of the front wall is destroyed , including the gate, as the nutcracker charge from the railcannon sends a shockwave washing over the ground. Infantry on both sides are knocked to their feet, and one of the guard towers collapses, backfilling the ruined wall section. Smoke and dust blow in front of the compound as the ground is so violently disturbed.
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Stev Andisom 02-Feb-21 03:15 PM
“Thanks Driade, right on target!”
15:15
Stev laughs as he charges for the gap in the wall.
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(just gonna see what theta does and ill move the scene)
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Stev Andisom 03-Feb-21 12:08 AM
👍
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Theta Eastmarch 03-Feb-21 01:40 AM
"Let's get the infantry through the gate!" Theta calls out, laying suppressing fire down towards the remaining tower on the front wall. (if I can see that tower and target it, otherwise I'll go for a closer one to give the soldiers a path) (27/14)
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The two mechs carve a path to the main gate, destroying the remainder of the cover available there, as the defenders retreat to within the great hall- fortified against attack
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The hall is a fortified keep building that looks resistant to even heavy weapon attacks for a prolonged period of time. You're reminded of the work of middle age siege specialists, settling in for long days, and weeks of bombardment. Assaults elsewhere have the countryside difficult to travel in, so you can put your hopes in relief not coming for the defenders.
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Theta Eastmarch 04-Feb-21 12:24 AM
Theta steps out of the mech and drops to the ground. Rifle held high, he searches around exterior the keep, looking for any point that might let him get inside.
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Stev Andisom 04-Feb-21 06:11 AM
Stev stays in his mech, weapons trained on the door of the keep. “Not sure we can crack this one in a hurry.”
06:11
He spins up the cutter blades and takes an experimental thrust at the doors.
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As the mech nears the gate, sally ports built iinto the upper floor open, and a handful of grenades are thrown outwards, air bursting and sending stinging shrapnel everywhere. (totals 27 damage - armor, none scattered)
14:04
The mech takes a reflexive step backwards
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Stev Andisom 04-Feb-21 02:22 PM
Stev takes another couple of steps backwards. "Well, that's not very welcoming!"
14:22
"Theta, see any ways in?"
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The gate is heavily defended we now know. THe courtyard is open, to the left, and surely there is a postern gate somewhere
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Stev Andisom 04-Feb-21 02:43 PM
"I'll keep them occupied here if you want to take a look around. Just don't get shot, okay?"
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Theta Eastmarch 05-Feb-21 04:39 AM
"Got it!" Theta ducks low and continues to search for another entrance, or an escape tunnel.
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Stev Andisom 05-Feb-21 04:45 AM
Once Theta is clear, Stev would go back to keeping their attention, flamethrower spewing in the direction of the gate, cutter blades whirring.
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In the fields , theta finds evidence of freshly turned dirt and sees a heat signature under the ground where one shouldn’t be. Slaves have been digging an escape tunnel under the farm it seems and you’ve stumbled upon the furthest point of their work. A couple solid stomps from your storm armor should have enough of the soil caved in for you to jump down and follow it back
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Theta Eastmarch 05-Feb-21 12:42 PM
"Reckon this will get us killed?" Theta asks, grinning behind his helmet as he stamps his boot into the dirt.
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Stev Andisom 05-Feb-21 12:45 PM
Stev stops flaming the gate for a moment and steps back a few steps. “What did you find?”
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Theta Eastmarch 05-Feb-21 12:47 PM
"Be quick, there's a tunnel!" Theta calls back, waving Stev over, then lowering himself into the cavity
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You can see a small lamp has been knocked over by your stomp, the source of the heat you saw below the fields. It runs almost as wide as your power armor, straight ahead to a crude wooden ladder
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Stev Andisom 06-Feb-21 12:43 AM
Stev retreats with his mech to outside the wall, trading places with one of the nearby soldiers so he can join Theta.
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Theta Eastmarch 06-Feb-21 01:04 AM
Theta swaps to his pistol. Holding it in one hand, he shuffles sideways through the narrow tunnel, listening intently for anything ahead.
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Stev Andisom 06-Feb-21 01:05 AM
Dropping down behind Theta, Stev grabs his new pistol and follows closely.
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The tunnel was not discovered by the ghouls it seems and you make your way to the ladder. Above it you can hear heavy furnature being dragged across the floors probably to make barricades
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Theta Eastmarch 06-Feb-21 02:42 AM
Theta turns to Stev. "I can probably get us a few extra seconds, but we need to open those doors quickly." He activates his holoskin emitter to disguise himself as a large ghoul, then quietly climbs the ladder to head inside.
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Stev Andisom 06-Feb-21 05:12 AM
Stev waits about 20 seconds for Theta to get clear, then rubs some dirt on his face and hands and climbs out of the hole, pistol in hand.
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A descending shovel breaks against theta ‘s helmet as a slave smashes downward at the ghoul rising through the floor. “They know about the tunnels! Get him!”
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Theta Eastmarch 07-Feb-21 04:37 AM
Theta drops the disguise and raises his hands "I'm UNW! We're getting you out!" he hisses at the slave.
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The shoveling carried on for another few seconds as they come to their senses
23:47
“Where do you need us to go? They’ll find us!”
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Stev Andisom 08-Feb-21 12:34 AM
Stev, blocked by Theta at the entrance of the tunnel, asks with a whispered hiss, “What’s the hold up? Someone playing drums or something up there?”
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Theta Eastmarch 08-Feb-21 12:37 AM
"Yep, drumming circle." Theta swats the shovel aside and hauls himself out of the tunnel, then turns to help Stev up. "Get going." he says to the slaves, pointing down the hole. "We have the building surrounded. You can leave the rest to us."
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Stev Andisom 08-Feb-21 04:33 AM
Stev gratefully straightens and stretches once he's out of the hole. "Once you reach the other end, head for the treeline. I'll give my guys a heads up and they'll point you towards safe ground."
04:34
He then gets on the comms. "Driade, got some escaping slaves headed towards our troops. Give them the okay and find somewhere secure for them to rest if you wouldn't mind."
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15:18
They acknowledge the order as you emerge into room 4, which is now empty save for some broken lawn tools and you. There is chaos on the other side of the door as the ghouls do their best to drive back the invaders outside , not realizing they’ve been breached from within now as well
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Stev Andisom 08-Feb-21 04:24 PM
“So, do we send for some troops and rush the ghouls from in here?”
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Theta Eastmarch 08-Feb-21 09:46 PM
"Yep. Let's try to open the front door." Theta changes back to his rifle, nods to Stev, then steps into the corridor, looking for the main hall, 3.
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A fighting position is being prepared from furniture, scrap, and other materials from around the area. Two major ghouls oversee a dozen human collaborators.
21:58
A pair of light machine guns are being set up, and grenades are being tossed up to those on the second floor to be thrown outside if anyone else comes close
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Stev Andisom 09-Feb-21 12:27 AM
Stev gets back on the comms. "Driade, we've found a way inside. Send a heavy squad to our location via the tunnel the rescued slaves are exiting from, followed by another 30 seconds later. We'll try and hold this building until reinforcements arrive."
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(We've got probably a few minutes at least before any reinforcements are within a reasonable distance to change the scene. What did we want to do?)
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Stev Andisom 09-Feb-21 03:40 AM
“Theta, do you want to try to clear the building, leading them away from the hole here while the heavy weapons teams come through?”
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Theta Eastmarch 09-Feb-21 03:52 AM
"Yep, sounds like a plan. There might be more slaves in here, too. Let's make some noise - it'll help our reinforcements get here safely." Theta steps into the doorway of the main room, and burst-fires his rifle at one of the ghouls. (27/8)
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Stev Andisom 09-Feb-21 04:05 AM
Stev laughs and brings his pistol to bear. “Driade, we’re going loud. Any flyers in the area we can get to do low-level flybys to keep them guessing? No need to fire unless fired upon, just lots of noise.”
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There are not flyers on the ground yet, the mechs and garrison were the first priority for the landing teams. Theta fires as Stev gets the news, hitting one of the ghouls before any of them get a chance to see you. (stev is up then we will do initiative)
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Stev Andisom 10-Feb-21 01:26 PM
Stev fires at the next closest ghoul before ducking back into the room, hopefully without being seen. (26/13)
13:26
(Init 9)
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Theta Eastmarch 10-Feb-21 02:34 PM
(I have Alert-2)
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(Okay theta, Stev and the entire rest of the room after that )
18:38
The ghoul is killed as you capitalize on thetas earlier shot, now alerted the remaining ghoul and the dozen armed thralls begin hunting for intruders
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Theta Eastmarch 10-Feb-21 11:01 PM
"There's a lot of them, look for an opening to get to the door!" Theta fires at the remaining ghoul from the doorway, then leaps across the main hall towards 11. (23/9)
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Stev Andisom 11-Feb-21 11:13 AM
Stev ducks across the hallway towards room 2, firing as he goes.
11:15
(12/13, firing at whoever is closest that isn’t Theta. 😁👍)
😆 2
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The ghoul is hit, and stev misses his own shot, as the responding soldiers begin firing back
14:20
(This never lit for me im sorry i missed you guys)
14:22
the ghoul misses, but two grenades are dropped from the rampart above. A third scatters and slides to the side of the room, detonating harmlessly. (12 damage from the first, 10 from the second, can make an evasion save to halve both)
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Stev Andisom 13-Feb-21 12:52 AM
(Succeeded on the evasion - 19v7)
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Stev Andisom 13-Feb-21 03:56 AM
(And don’t stress Neko. You’re a busy guy and it just seems to be getting busier around here!)
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Theta Eastmarch 13-Feb-21 05:25 AM
(Success 6v6 😓 )
05:26
Theta fires at the same ghoul again, and attempts to find some cover through the doorway to 11. (18/15)
05:27
(Yeah no worries Neko!)
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Stev Andisom 13-Feb-21 07:34 AM
Going through room 2, heading towards the outer door to try and open it to give the troops another way inside.
07:36
(HP: 30/41)
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The door outside looks like you can open it but you’re not sure what might be out in the courtyard
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Stev Andisom 14-Feb-21 12:13 AM
(Is that the wall that was mostly destroyed by the Driade?)
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(yeah the south wall is the one the Driade hit)
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Stev Andisom 14-Feb-21 10:11 AM
(Cool. Definitely opening it then.)
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Out in the main room Theta is able to down his target, and with the ghouls dispatched the morale of their lesser soldiers begins to waiver, and the rain of grenades from above falls one more time (Evasion save for theta)
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Theta Eastmarch 14-Feb-21 03:44 PM
(success 17v6)
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Theta Eastmarch 15-Feb-21 02:49 AM
Theta ducks away from the next round of explosions. Wincing as he walks, he steps out into the main room and fires up towards the ramparts. "Is that the best you've got?" he calls out. "How's that door coming, Stev?" (21/13 if it's relevant, I figure I probably can't see anyone on the rampart from here)
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Stev Andisom 15-Feb-21 04:53 AM
(What sort of roll would you like for getting the door open Neko?)
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(Wouldn’t need one. It’s just a regular door)
21:01
One of the thralls up there falls down to splatter at thetas feet. The grenade he was about to drop explodes up above killing the other members of the gate defense crew
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Theta Eastmarch 17-Feb-21 02:02 AM
Panting, Theta jogs over to Stev to join him at the door, pointing his rifle at the remaining thralls to keep them at bay.
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Those still Alive are horribly confused by the grenades and stagger about in a daze. The first of the Draconis men at arms are closing in on the wall section that’s been downed now and with the gatehouse cleared they’ll be able to advance directly inside without taking further fire
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Stev Andisom 17-Feb-21 12:46 PM
Stev waves a squad over to the side door to keep it secure.
12:47
“Keep your eyes peeled. They dropped grenades on us from the balcony above the main room, so look up as well.”
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The first ten of them enter, panning through the entryway and meeting up with Theta in the main hall for additional instruction
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Stev Andisom 18-Feb-21 02:24 AM
“Theta, where should the other slaves be? If we want to save them we should get there ASAP.”
02:26
Comms: “Driade, squads are entering the keep. I don’t think we’ll need more fire support for now, but if we can get the flyers launched and scouting, we can set up our FOB here and work on securing the next one.”
02:26
(The flyers we’ve got can be launched straight from the Pillar and fly through space, they just aren’t rated for fighting in space.)
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Dr truffles and Valentina spiros are assaulting a nearby fort alone as well, and between the two fo you this has shifted from cracking a pair of heavily fortified targets to mopping up the last of the serious resistance here
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Theta Eastmarch 18-Feb-21 09:19 AM
Theta sighs, lowering his gun. He walks over to Stev and claps him on the shoulder. "You and your Knights are incredibly impressive. Thanks for letting me join you - the ghouls are proving difficult to, uh, excise from Yauvani. Even then, we haven't cracked into their homeworld."
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Stev Andisom 18-Feb-21 03:11 PM
“You mean this isn’t where they’re from? Damn! Well, you’re welcome to stick around with us while we continue this little party, or even when we go after wherever they come from.”
15:13
Comms: “Driade, send regards to the other force assaulting the ghouls and enquire if they have any more targets they would like assistance in squashing.”
15:15
Stev then claps Theta on the opposite shoulder and heads off at a jog further into the keep to help his soldiers secure the area and free the remaining slaves.
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finding the way in has allowed KoD soldiers to enter, and although room to room fighting needs to be done, it will be over quickly with your teams now having so many ways in. Slaves are also betraying the fighting positions of their masters, and well aimed grenades handle the rest. By evening, the estate is yours, and the ghoul masters here along with their stocks of chemical food, are heaped into pyres and burned to ensure no taint remains.
17:15
(6xp, 50,000 credits)
🥳 3
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Theta Eastmarch 19-Feb-21 12:52 AM
"I'll let you know if I'm around. I've got my eyes on Uretturre, but it might be a little while before we can get in there." (Thanks for having me! This was fun)
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Stev Andisom 19-Feb-21 12:56 AM
“Sure thing! Got a mech with your name on it when you want to hit the bastards.”
00:56
(Thanks for joining! Definitely more fun than flying solo.)
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(The other two would have their assault done by time this is done. This was the last of the serious ghoul resistance here. I know there's talk of pushing on to their final planet but we haven't devised a plan yet)
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Stev Andisom 20-Feb-21 06:24 AM
Comms: “Driade, we’re done here, all except the final pockets of resistance. We’re taking over this keep and giving the people in the area a fresh sense of security. Put out the call on all frequencies, broadcast it from the Pillar if that helps spread the word: the ghouls have lost, humanity and its allies are free once more.”
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The broadcast repeats and it doesn’t seem like the ghouls can meaningfully resist on this world any longer
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Stev Andisom 22-Feb-21 12:37 AM
(Thanks Neko. This assault was really fun. 😁)
00:38
Stev coordinates with the captains to move the forward base to the keep and establish patrols in the surrounding area to ensure that whoever arrives to take advantage of the safety they provide can actually be kept as safe as possible.
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(We also should start thinking ahead into what’s coming next for the knights)
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Stev Andisom 22-Feb-21 02:56 AM
(I was thinking that I still want to go back to where that secret base was being built, get them some more ships to fulfill my side of the bargain and set up the Knights with a presence in that area of the galaxy, if that would fit in with other things going on.)
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(Bavid and his collective were killed/destroyed, as they broke from EP officially)
15:31
(broke some supply contracts and then shelled EP soldiers/diplomats who came to see what went wrong)
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Stev Andisom 23-Feb-21 12:50 AM
(They’re all gone? Damn. No more secret base. Okay, I’ll have to make some new plans and change out my goals because that’s what I had down to do.)
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(Yes entirely gone. Intended for it to be a flashpoint but the timing didn’t end up working out on either end with the other things going on)
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Stev Andisom 25-Feb-21 01:31 AM
(Okay, I'm out of ideas. I've been trying to think what the Knights might be good for over the last couple of days and the only thing I can think of is attacking the Exes forces on whatever new planet they're attacking.)
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(Did you want to help with the attack on the final ghoul planet since you’re one short jump away
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Stev Andisom 25-Feb-21 07:32 AM
(Sounds good!)
07:33
With the base established, Stev and the Knights hand over control of the keep to the locals and load back up, getting the Pillar ready to move on to the next conflict.
07:34
"Make sure they've got our details, just in case they need our help in the future."
07:34
To Wescott: "How much trouble would it be to set up an outpost around here once the planet is up and running again?"
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“As things stand right now the UNW and the Elysium Protectorate have agreed on holding off any builds here. They want to give the people a chance to choose for themselves. The Aphrodite’s Guild has held back from building here as well even though they’re not part of both- they can see the wisdom in self determination though”
13:55
“If the decision was mine alone, I’d wait to see who plants the flag here and when”
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Stev Andisom 25-Feb-21 02:37 PM
"That sounds like a smart idea."
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Stev Andisom 25-Feb-21 03:27 PM
"Any word on conflicts we can invite ourselves to? I want another run at those damn Exes if we can manage it."
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"Might have to wait. If we see this thing with the ghouls through to the end, itll free up a lot more of these forces to come with us to the Ex front"
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Stev Andisom 25-Feb-21 10:35 PM
“Excellent. After that last run in with them I wouldn’t be upset with more forces coming to the party.”
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“This is going to be a tough one. It’s their capital planet and the space defenses around it are going to take some deft flying for our troop landers to get through”
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Stev Andisom 27-Feb-21 12:32 AM
"We'll have to get someone with an actual fighting Navy to kick in then, otherwise it'll be a really short flight for out landers."
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“The Protectorate and UNW fleets will also be attending “
02:24
“With nearly their full strength “
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Stev Andisom 27-Feb-21 09:32 AM
"That's a huge relief. I know the Pillar can take a beating, but the only way she's landing is if someone crashes her into the planet."
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(I just have to see that the combined plan is. Both groups are talking about it now)
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Stev Andisom 27-Feb-21 03:53 PM
👍
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(Sounds like a pc strike team with KoD as a raiding force)
02:54
(Sneaking through the blockade )
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Stev Andisom 02-Mar-21 05:52 AM
(That sounds great!)
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(the mission is under group threads)
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Stev Andisom 06-Mar-21 01:08 AM
(Thanks!)
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Stev Andisom 14-Mar-21 11:02 AM
(I'm deleting the B'avid goals from my character sheet. I'll add a couple more for myself after this mission.)
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(We'll make some new ones. There;s a corvette wreck on Rawhani you could get a combat ship together with)
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-21 10:54 AM
Stev steps back into the Pillar, uniform freshly washed and pressed to remove the grime and whatever else he was covered in once he finally climbed out of the pipe. “So good to be home.”
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“It’ good to have you home” Wescott says, meeting you on the landing deck. “There’s plenty more to do around here, and elsewhere. But for tonight, everyone being home is worth celebrating
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Stev Andisom 19-Apr-21 03:50 PM
“I agree. How did our side fare in the overall outcome?”
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"We didn't deploy ground troops to the planet, no one has yet, since the defense grid was up. You're here, safe, and our men have not made planetside run just yet. For now, we're just as well as when we departed Yauvani"
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-21 05:29 AM
“Well that’s great news! Are we expected to send troops down once they’ve broken the grid open or are we finished?”
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“Peace keeping and hunting these ghouls down is going to take every able bodied man that can be spared , especially with so many other forces out fighting other wars
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Stev Andisom 20-Apr-21 11:26 AM
“Excellent! If everyone here is ready to go and the mechs are loaded on the Hawk for a fast deployment, I’m going to go to the chapel. Would you mind holding a sermon in the main shuttle bay before we’re given the green light to start landing?”
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"Of course, any specific topics for me to cover?"
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-21 05:44 AM
“Maybe something about the sanctity of life and the obligations of the powerful to shield the weak from evil?”
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"I'll find my best prayerbooks" he says, taking your suggestion seriously. "I think that will do nicely. Get cleaned up, I'll have your ceremonial uniform laid out for you. there's another matter I need to discuss with you first as well. Kaleb Draconis has passed away. They weren't able to rouse him from the heavy mech's life support cradle. The crown killed him"
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-21 02:57 PM
Stev stumbles as he's getting ready to walk away. "He's dead? Please include him in your prayers, as I will mine. The others... the others will need to know. Leave it with me. I'll make an announcement after the main part of the sermon, if that's alright with you."
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"Its why I told you before the news went out. Only the technical crew assigned to his mech know and they understood the reason to not mention it until you could be recalled from the surface. They're professionals for a reason"
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-21 05:08 PM
"Thank you Wescott. We'll need to communicate with Rawhani at some point as well, to find out who is taking over and what they're doing for a funeral."
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"Wendel Cadman has been sworn in as deputy governor, I believe the funeral details have been left to us"
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-21 05:23 PM
"We should return quickly. If we transfer the mechs to the Pillar and take one company with us as an honour guard on the Hawk, we can leave the rest of the troops here to assist with the ground operation. I'll contact the Captains to arrange it. My contemplation time will have to wait." He turns again to leave, then turns back. "I'm sorry Wescott. I know you and the Duke were close."
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"Draconis lives. Our traditions live. He will be noted in our history as a good leader during a difficult time"
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Stev Andisom 21-Apr-21 05:46 PM
"Agreed. If you need anything, please let me know."
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For now, he will continue working on his sermon, and will wait for the ceremony before the two ships part ways
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Stev Andisom 22-Apr-21 02:37 AM
Stev calls a meeting of the company captains and finds himself a quiet corner to grieve for a few minutes before the meeting begins.
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Stev Andisom 23-Apr-21 03:08 PM
(Sorry, I’ll be back to continue this in a couple of days. Family stuff.)
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(No problem friend. Hope it’s ok)
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Stev Andisom 26-Apr-21 06:23 AM
Stev found himself in the chapel on the Pillar, tears rolling unnoticed down his cheeks as he remembered the cheerful but thin face of the Duke. He remembered the smile that the man had given when he told Stev that House Draconis would be able to return to Rawhani for good, and that Stev would lead them as the Duke was being made Governor. “Thank you sir, for everything you gave me. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there, even if there was nothing I could have done. I... I will always remember the trust you placed in me to look after your people and hope that it wasn’t misplaced.”
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The company captains arrive over the next ten minutes, some of them were mid drill with their teams and are out of breath from either that, or running here to come to the meeting. No one is quite sure where or how to begin the discussion
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Stev Andisom 26-Apr-21 04:16 PM
Stev stands at the front of the chapel as they enter, eyes downcast. "I can't sugarcoat this. Duke Kaleb Draconis has died due to complications from the special mech he piloted. The mech is already being kept in a secure location and tests have been run on the device that allows a deeper connection between man and machine, but nothing could be done to save him." He starts pacing the front of the room. "I'll be making the announcement towards the end of a special ceremony I've asked Wescott to hold in order to bless the troops before we commit to peacekeeping activities here." He stops pacing and looks at each of them for a few seconds. "I'll be taking a company back to Rawhani with me to attend to matters there while everything gets sorted out. The company will be a mixed group from all the companies present, made up of original Draconis soldiers. If any of them don't want to come, I won't take that as an insult to the Duke or the House and I expect you all to hold the others to the same standard. We all grieve in different ways. The Pillar will stay to support the troops and the Hawk will transport those of us who are going back. Any questions?"
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None of them have any specific questions, expecting only to be sending a man or two back from each squad , some of the squads do not even have any original soldiers in them anymore- as they were hired later, or the former old hands perished in combat
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Stev Andisom 26-Apr-21 04:46 PM
“In that case, pick one of you to accompany the returning soldiers and meet me in the hangar in hour, all available troops assembled for the sermon. Dismissed.”
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(did you have anything you wanted to do beforehand?)
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Stev Andisom 27-Apr-21 08:55 AM
(Don't think so.)
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The company officers are permitted into the chapel chamber aboard the Pillar of Salt , with others watching in the troop bays and mech hangars. War preparations halt for a long hour, while the rest of the fleet draws close to protect you while your crew is at observance. A copy of the fountain back home on Rawhani in the temple of Auguana is flowing, and incense has been lit. Candles adorn the base, as do flowers grown in the hydroponics bay of the pillar
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-21 02:41 AM
Stev stands at the front of the chapel, facing the fountain with the rest of the officers, leaving room for the camera to be able to relay everything that is happening.
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The camera man counts down, and wescott takes the stage (unless you wanted to announce things first)
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Stev Andisom 28-Apr-21 08:00 AM
(Nah, I'll let Wescott do his thing first, then come in before the final prayer.)
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Wescott, the wizened old Loremaster of the Knights of Draconis takes the stand, a small water fall built into the front of it with rocks claimed from all the worlds Draconis soldiers have had boots on so far. Another, far grander one, with more rocks of the same is being built at home as companions ship them off to friends waiting back on Rawhani. One day, the desert may bloom around it, and the collection will be an art installation for the entire sector to be proud of. He clears his throat, and holds up a hand indicating everyone should bow their heads.
14:18
"Brave men and women of Draconis, fighting men and women, scions of a proud tradition, all, we gather here today for the solemn occasion of both a planet-fall- committing ourselves to conflict, and for another matter we have been empowered to hear tonight.
14:20
"We pray for Auguana's blessing. May she ease the traveling paths below your boots. May she clear obstacles from your journey, and should you fall in battle on the planet below, may she provide calm moving waters to bring your soul home where you will know peace. We do the things no one else can, because no one else has the strength to do it. Draconis numbers few now, though the day may come where we number far more. Each and every one of your lives will be just as valuable then, as it is now. Each of you are the hope, and life, of the proud tradition we carry. Commit to your tasks. Obey your leaders. Protect yourself, and your team. In her name, we pray" As the group chants the response back, Wescott takes a shuffling few steps back from the podium
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-21 01:31 PM
Taking that as his queue, Stev steps forward and stands to the side of the podium, facing the camera. "Loyal soldiers of Draconis, today we begin helping the people of this place recover from the ghouls that held them captive for so long. They will finally have a chance to live their lives and find their own greatness, all because of the actions of men and women they do not know."
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-21 01:58 PM
"Today I stand here because of the actions of one man I didn't know. One man who gave me a chance at my own path to greatness. That man, Duke Kaleb Draconis, showed me the first steps to the path and then gave me a shove when Rawhani was in need of a Governor."
13:59
He stands quietly for a moment, looking at the waterfall, before continuing.
14:05
"Duke Kaleb has been gathered into the arms of Auguana. His time amongst us was a time full of great trials and great deeds. Without his leadership, Rawhani would still be under the heel of the MegaCorps, Draconis would still be in exile and I would be another out-of-work soldier struggling to survive."
14:07
"I would like to ask for a minute of silence to contemplate the life of Duke Kaleb Draconis, for us to be able to reflect on his actions, without which we would all be in a very different place."
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The entire assembly looks down, and a somber mood pervades the room as everyone absorbs the momentous news in their own way.
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Stev Andisom 29-Apr-21 02:51 PM
After the minute, Stev looks back to the camera.
14:55
"I shall be returning back to Rawhani to oversee Duke Kaleb's funeral and final rites. I am taking with me one company, made of volunteers, to provide the Duke with an escort worthy of his station. Everyone else will be staying here with the Pillar to start our peacekeeping duties. Please take some time to decide whether you would like the duty on Rawhani and inform your commanding officer if you would like to be considered. Depending on numbers we may not be able to take everyone who volunteers."
14:55
"Thank you all for your attendance. Loremaster?"
14:55
Stev steps back and gives the floor again to Wescott.
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"Saying anything else after the two speeches you just heard will make the message hollow. You all know what is expected of you. Make Draconis proud, for our Duke, and for who comes next. They are both watching!"
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-21 02:16 AM
"Soldiers of Draconis.... Dismissed!"
02:17
Once the camera is off, Stev steps over to Wescott. "Thank you. Is there anything you need before we transfer to the Hawk?"
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“I think we did all we can with just talking about it. Actions are what matters how” Wescott says
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Stev Andisom 30-Apr-21 11:40 AM
“Then I’ll see you on the Hawk once the mechs have been transferred across.”
11:42
Stev nods to Wescott, then leaves the chapel, heading for his quarters to pack what he needs for Rawhani.
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You can hear how the transfer operations are going, and it seems as though things are largely completed by the time you are done packing. The transport coffins for the mechs have been stowed aboard the pillar, where they'll be unpacked and the mechs will be readied for surface transport- it is hoped the dwindling number of draconis mechs will not be needed
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Stev Andisom 01-May-21 09:34 AM
His gear packed, Stev goes to the executive shuttle bay, closest to the bridge of the Pillar, to board a shuttle. However, before he leave he checks on the progress one more time.
09:38
“Stev to all company captains. Please keep the Hawk advised as to the state of preparations and execution of peacekeeping duties while we are away. House Draconis lives on through us all.”
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They will send messages back through UNW space. There will be the normal lag time that accompanies all messages when traveling through deep space, but they will arrive.
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Stev Andisom 01-May-21 03:35 PM
That taken care of, Stev steps onto the shuttle and heads over to the Hawk.
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The hawk is prepared to leave the area, with you aboard- the fleet is given their final orders as the Hawk departs- heading galactic east
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Stev Andisom 04-May-21 02:29 AM
(On the trip, depending on how long it is, I'd like to spend some more time training leadership. I think it is becoming more and more apparent I really need some levels in it. 😛 (edited)
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(I have 8 days from here to Rawhani using the most direct route )
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Stev Andisom 04-May-21 05:29 AM
(Awesome. I’ll spend that time learning Leadership if I can please.)
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(Lead is already 0, so we can’t go any higher via downtime , but connect and administrate are still -1)
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Stev Andisom 04-May-21 06:26 AM
(Hmmmm. Connect sounds good. Let’s go with that one.)
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(alright, so 8/90 on connect)
14:08
Rawhani has a few more ships in its sky, but still not many for the planet in the past and what it was used to. Most of them are here for the memorial service for Kaleb Draconis, the first of the restored house. The compound and its cave hangars have been converted into a large memorial for the founder, to allow for public viewing- though you have no doubt once this is over, mechs will be serviced in this space again before the week is out
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Stev Andisom 05-May-21 06:41 AM
Stev steps off the shuttle in an out-of-the-way corner of the main Draconis compound and looks around at the people already in attendance.
06:42
“I’m glad there are crowds. He might not have been governor for long but he led Draconis for enough years that people knew him.”
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setting down at the compound, you see mourners passing by the chapel and some of the other buildings Draconis has constructed. Security is on scene, along with a detachment from the UNW garrison to ensure things run smoothly and nothing goes awry with the funeral- especially given the high number of officials here
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Stev Andisom 09-May-21 12:55 AM
“Captain, we need everyone in full parade uniform so we can take over security on the chapel and VIPs. Work with the UNW commander as we’ll want them to stay on site as well. Wescott, let’s find whoever is in charge of this cluster-fain.”
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Stev and Wescott deploy to the ground to meet with the security official in charge of keeping things safe. Draconis appointed a cadre of officers taken from the corporate war and a few campaigns after so there’s even representation across the base. They seem to be getting along enough to maintain operations here and the meeting room is prepared for all of you to talk
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Stev Andisom 09-May-21 05:08 PM
Stev and Wescott sit at the table, opposite the UNW delegates. “Thank you for your help in getting this organised. Duke Kaleb was a great man.”
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Stev Andisom 10-May-21 03:04 PM
He quickly checks his pad for updates before turning his attention back to the delegates. "What have you got planned so far? I know we're late so I'd rather fit in to what you've already got organised."
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"We have another day in state for him to rest and be seen. After that, we have a public funeral and remembrance, and then finally with Mr. Kaleb's wishes we will burn the body, and place the ashes to rest in the chapel here"
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Stev Andisom 10-May-21 03:22 PM
"Very good. If you don't mind, I'd like for Draconis forces to join the honour guard around the viewing area, and then the company I've bought with me to escort him to the funeral bier and stand in attendance until his ashes are collected."
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They see no reason to refuse this request, and more armed personnel on station will help the security posture here for everyone
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Stev Andisom 10-May-21 03:53 PM
"Thank you. If there's nothing else, I would like to see my people settled in and start them rotating through guard duties. Would it be possible to pay my respects once the site is closed down for the night?"
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"You do not need to ask. There is one other matter, instructions left behind by the former House Lord, and it is good you decided to come in person. I think he expected you would. " They pull out a large sheet of paper, and you can see several seals of authenticity on it.
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Stev Andisom 10-May-21 04:47 PM
Stev takes the paper with a nod and places it on the table between him and Wescott.
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The letter is short. The handwriting is terrible and it is probably one of the last things Lord Draconis ever did with his actual hands again. By this point, every word must have required a great amount of concentration and control over the muscle movements. Andisom, You are Lord Draconis now. You have been for quite some time. Lead us into a new era. Keep my people safe. Make Rawhani bloom again. This is my final command as Kaleb Draconis (edited)
🔥 3
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Stev Andisom 10-May-21 05:19 PM
Stev sits quietly for a moment, realising he knew this was coming but was not looking forward to it becoming official. "It seems Draconis has a new leader. Lord Kaleb has placed a heavy weight on my shoulders."
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"We will conduct a coronation then, the day after the ashes are collected. Draconis cannot be without a head for long- lest factions within develop
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Stev Andisom 11-May-21 02:36 AM
“It seems I’ve said this a few times already, but it seems I have much to thank you for. The UNW has been a great friend to Rawhani and Draconis and I hope we will be able to work together for many more years to come.”
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“We hope the same. draconis has been an honored partner and the shared world of Rawhani has not been used as a political tool like some analysts feared.
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Stev Andisom 11-May-21 12:11 PM
"As long as my voice is listened to I'll try and keep it that way. The people of Rawhani have been political pawns for far too long."
12:12
He stands and reaches out a hand towards the lead delegate.
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It is firmly clasped. "We're going to crown you. We're not going to use the actual crown of command. Not until you feel ready to risk that, if ever. We have a convincing replica we're going to use instead, that is not psionically active"
14:46
"Wescott said we had better tell you now, before you bolt from your chair on Coronation day"
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Stev Andisom 15-May-21 01:46 AM
He laughs. “Good idea. I haven’t given up the idea of using the crown eventually, but right now that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
01:50
Stev heads out the door, Wescott following close behind, to find his quarters and work more on his speech.
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The quarters are clean and calm. You’re able to get back to your speech writing without trouble , shielded from the sun inside of the shrine turned cave
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Stev Andisom 16-May-21 05:22 AM
He sits and writes some, crossing parts out and rewriting others, trying to get across the feelings, not just his, but if everyone who knew the Duke, who he worked with and those who didn’t know him but benefited from his actions. “Fuck me sideways, if I had a year I couldn’t say everything that needed to be said.”
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Wescott makes himself available if you need it, but otherwise keeps to himself, grappling with the solemnity of the occasion in his own way. Lord Kaleb is not the first Lord of Draconis he has seen die, and this no doubt stirs long buried feelings.
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Stev Andisom 17-May-21 02:10 AM
Stev stays in his quarters until the sun sets, alternatively working on the speech and pacing the room while reading what he wrote, editing and revising as he goes.
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(I'm good for whatever you're ready to move into, didnt want to throwyou into it unexpectedly)
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Stev Andisom 17-May-21 06:42 AM
(Yeah, I’m happy to move forward with this.)
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The state visits end quickly, the occasion is sad and aside from getting in the face time, most seem content to privately deal with their grief. The morning of the funeral, wescott comes to get you to lead you down to the ceremony himself.
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Stev Andisom 19-May-21 02:33 AM
As Wescott enters the room, Stev is standing in front of a mirror, looking at his reflection. He doesn't seem to recognise the face staring back at him. "Wescott, can I really go through with this? I mean, for someone from outside the House to come in, take all their fighters and turn them into a mercenary force and then just be handed total control over the House, by the UNW... it doesn't seem right."
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“The UNW isn’t electing you. The House leadership did. The UNW is just here as guests and allies. They do manage rawhani after all “
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Stev Andisom 19-May-21 11:08 AM
“But… aren’t they the ones doing… Never mind. Can’t seem to get out of my own way.”
11:09
He smiles wryly at Wescott. “Feels like we’ve had this sort of conversation before. Let’s go before I start another rendition of it.”
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(I can help clarify the power structure if you need it)
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Stev Andisom 19-May-21 04:06 PM
(Just a quick overview would be helpful, thanks!)
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(House Draconis is free to recruit on Rawhani, and maintain their holdings there. They are a domestic authority over their people, but off world, undertaking various contracts, you do not represent the UNW because they do not want your business dealings to complicate their own relationships with others- there is the hidden string of if you're out there behaving badly and there is a threat to UNW territory/Rawhani because of it, that might be a problem and the UNW might step in. Draconis is otherwise a semi-autonomous group. THey're free to elect their own leaders and its expected they'll work with the planetary government) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 01:19 AM
(Okay. That’s what I thought but with the delegate saying they would crown Stev as new leader of the house I had started to doubt.)
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(THat might have been a mistake on my part, would have been one of the house officials)
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 03:00 AM
👍
03:01
Stev stands at the door, looking out onto the assembled crowd. "Let's go and say goodbye to a great leader and a loyal friend."
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The slow sound of organ greets your senses as you enter the chapel. The water has been turned up gently around the statue , and you can see petals from flowers all across the UNW have been laid within it. Their scents mix into a heady and pleasant scent. The casket for now is transparent. You can see Kaleb, looking somehow very withered and old but at peace inside , laid out in his Draconis state robes. Trappings of war are absent though someone has pressed a simple copper charm into one of his hands.
14:04
The rows of people here are filled with mostly people from across draconis and Rawhani, given priority over those from other places who do not know the house but have come to witness history. More watch outside from holo displays and speakers
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 02:16 PM
Stev steps up to the podium beside the casket, taking a moment to stand with his head bowed, hand resting on the closest edge. "Here lies a great man. When his world was torn apart, he gathered his people and led them to safety instead of leading them to their deaths in a struggle he couldn't win. When his people needed him, he was always there." He takes his hand off the casket and sighs. "To those of us outside, looking in, he was the pinnacle of leadership. Selfless, dependable, solid. He made sacrifices that no-one would know or understand. And when the time was right, he led his people back to help retake their homes."
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 02:25 PM
"I was once on the other side. Trained by the same people that chased him from his lands, given no choice but to oppress those I called friends. When I questioned this, I was exiled. Sent into the desert to die a lonely death. Duke Kaleb gave me a chance to make a difference. When the time came that he could no longer lead his army, he again gave me a chance. This most generous of men gave a nobody a chance to prove themselves." "When Rawhani needed a leader he stepped up, even though his House needed him too. He saw the need of an entire planet and took up the mantle of Governor in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. On that day House Draconis got to share him with everyone."
14:29
Tears running down his face, he looks at the clear casket again. "The lengths he went to behind the scenes, behind closed doors, to do the right thing, even when no-one else would know... it was amazing. Duke Kaleb had to make tough decisions every day, decisions that affected the lives of people he didn't know, and he did so with the knowledge that he was making a difference." "People like him aren't born often and Rawhani will seem darker without his light. Duke Kaleb, soldier, leader... friend. You will be sorely missed."
14:33
Stev steps back from the podium and casket, snaps to attention and salutes.
14:33
(Which might be the only time he does something so... disciplined!)
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THere are only a couple dry eyes in the house, or outside of it. Wescott gently helps you back to your seat, before he steps up. "My good friend died the other day. My good friend has died, and is presented before us now. As old as I am , Kaleb always had a way of imparting wisdom when we spoke. During the dark times several years ago, instead of me being the comforting presence at our House leader's side, it was the opposite. I have so many memories of Lord Kaleb saying This too will pass when things seemed so hopeless. Even now I find myself writing him messages. Keeping him updated on the comings and goings of the house, various projects, personnel, as though he never left. He will never read them, but somehow I find myself hoping I will see something there just so we can talk one more time. There will always be more to say. All of it is meaningless now. His wisdom will go on, through me, through Mr. Andisom, and through other close friends. It will be repeated in scraps of conversation with others. It will be repeated in our minds. We will still hear him, adrift on the mental sea of 2AM regret wreckage, so intrinsic to the human condition. Cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Never hold back when it comes to protecting them. Never hold back when it comes to making the right decision. My friend is dead, and the universe is entirely poorer for it. " Two houseguards have to step forward to help a weeping Wescott off the podium, and back to his seat (edited)
😢 1
❤️ 1
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 03:20 PM
Stev signals to the leader of the guards flanking the walls and they all snap to attention at his barked order. He stands again and steps over to lay a hand on Wescott's shoulder. "Thank you." He quickly walks forward and retakes the podium. "Ladies, Gentlemen, Honoured Delegates and well wishers. Your attendance today is greatly appreciated. I think it would please Kaleb to know he was well respected and loved by so many people. As High Priest Wescott has said, the universe is poorer for having lost such a great man, but we are all richer for having known him."
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There is some solemn music, and a few more speeches that you turn out once you hear they are mostly idle platitudes spoken by people who didnt really know the man. It is another hour before the service concludes, and his body is slowly lowered into the psionic forge, the great dragon of the house, taking back one of its own. Only immediate command echelon Draconis personnel are allowed inside. When the universe sees Kaleb again, it will be as an urn, filled with ash, stoppered in wax with the Draconis seal.
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Stev Andisom 20-May-21 05:22 PM
Stev stays seated until Kaleb is lowered, when he stands at attention once again. Outside, a squad of soldiers set to ceremonial duties lets off a 21 gun salute with old-fashioned rifles.
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The ceremony ends, as the doors are opened, and the ring of guards parts to allow the grav-case with Kaleb's ashes in them pass by, to its final resting place back in the chapel
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Stev Andisom 21-May-21 01:40 AM
Stev joins Wescott in following the grav-case out the door. "That was a very nice speech."
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"I felt caged by my own feelings. I am embarrassed at my outburst"
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Stev Andisom 21-May-21 03:25 AM
"No need to be embarrassed. You spoke from the heart and everyone watching knows that. Kaleb would be proud."
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(3xp, 5000 credits, and a re-roll token)
14:09
He nods, drying his eyes and changing the subject. "Tomorrow you will your coronation . It is going to be a mostly private affair, though the ending where you are presented to the public will be televised. There is little you need to do but walk, sit, and stand with the proper cues. "
14:09
"After that, if you decide to take our army back into the stars, others can run things here"
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Stev Andisom 21-May-21 02:14 PM
“Fantastic. I was worried so was going to be stuck doing administrative tasks for the rest of my life. I do want to be involved in what happens to the people here though. Carry on the Kaleb’s legacy.”
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"Ships, and numbers. He would be concerned about the same things as you right now. Have you begun putting any thought into fleet escorts of some kind?"
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Stev Andisom 21-May-21 02:23 PM
“I have. I think we need a couple of decent sized escorts, possibly corvettes as well, to go with the Pillar and a couple of corvettes for the Hawk. I’d also like to get a carrier online at some stage to hold a couple of wing of fighter/bombers for support. That is, when we can afford it.”
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"We'll need to take on some more jobs soon" he says grimly. "No shortage of them I am sure"
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Stev Andisom 22-May-21 06:02 AM
“That’s good, because after the peacekeeping is done back on Ghoulworld, everyone should be ready to get back into the thick of it.”
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"And there will be plenty to do. For today, we'll make good with the dignitaries, and in the morning, I will get you early to prepare you for your Coronation"
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Stev Andisom 25-May-21 10:24 AM
“Time to shake some hands with the rich and powerful. Isn’t there some conflict I can head to instead? Or we could rustle up some torture devices, like having my nails pulled or electrodes taped to me…”
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Stev Andisom 25-May-21 01:43 PM
He beckons to Wescott to follow as he heads to the reception hall to mingle with the delegates and various other funeral goers.
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(did you want to play that out? or just sort of smooth it over until we get to the next day?)
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Stev Andisom 26-May-21 12:20 AM
(Time skip, if that’s okay. Small talk is the bane of my existence.)
🤣 1
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Wescott comes for you the following morning by himself. No bodyguards, no well wishers from far flung parts of the UNW, and no other important guests. This is a moment for the two of you, as the two most senior surviving Draconis personnel- the warrior heart, and the scholar's soul of the organization.
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Stev Andisom 26-May-21 02:59 PM
When Wescott enters the room Stev is just sitting on the edge of the bed, his pistol in hand as he traces the outline of the Sunblade runes on the outside.
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"Hard at work? You've got a busy enough day ahead of you" Wescott laughs
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Stev Andisom 26-May-21 04:57 PM
“Just remembering the past and considering the future. The work began long ago, as you well know. You were there, right beside Kaleb after all.”
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"that wasn't work" Wescott says, coming in and closing the door. "That was toil. Work for its own sake, not going anywhere. Are you ready for this?"
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Stev Andisom 27-May-21 12:53 AM
“Actually, I think I am. There’s still doubts, but if I let them stop me the House stops as well and I can’t let that happen.”
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"Like the wheels of a clock" Wescott agrees. "All we can do is emulate Time, and keep marching forward. We have an hour before the Ceremony is going to begin. You're not needed for much, and it will not be long. You do not have to speak if you do not want to"
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Stev Andisom 28-May-21 12:52 PM
“I don’t know what to say, but I think I have to say something, at least to thank the elders of the house for their faith in me.”
12:56
Stev stands and turns to face Wescott. He’s wearing a brand new uniform with the symbol of House Draconis over his heart and the mercenary tag of the Knights of Draconis on his sleeve.
12:59
“Does this look as stupid as I feel it does? When in the hell am I ever going to wear this again? There’s not even any pockets for spare ammo.”
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“You’re never going to wear it again probably unless the sector reaches true peace somehow and you’re stuck here doing this kind of thing all the time. Guess we better hope the wars go on forever” he laughs
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Stev Andisom 31-May-21 06:13 AM
"Not likely. Maybe if we can calm things down enough we can both start looking for new hobbies." Stev embraces Wescott roughly and laughs. "Let's get out there and put on a good show. I guess you get to be the one to put the replica crown on me?"
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"I will indeed. I've certified it twice now, there was no factory mix-up. It's is indeed a very convincing fake"
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-21 02:30 AM
“That’s good to hear. The real one is locked up tight somewhere, right?” Stev walks with Wescott to the door and outside, guards falling in around them, dressed in their own new parade uniforms.
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Stev Andisom 01-Jun-21 02:38 AM
“I must remember to thank whoever had these uniforms made so quickly. As much as I hate wearing it, seeing all of our people here today as a unified force is very… damn, I can’t think of a forceful enough word to describe it. I’m proud, determined to lead these people well… Speaking of leading, have we heard back from that operative who joined us for one of the earlier missions? I offered them a position to lead their own company, taken from the troops stationed here that we picked up from that other mercenary company.”
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"The crown might be something we are better off giving to the academy to investigate. i know Kaleb had thought of doing it before he put it on, and then was unable to take it off" (edited)
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Stev Andisom 02-Jun-21 05:42 AM
“I thought they already were, but if they’re not maybe someone can look into it there for us.”
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"Losses from the shaper war. THen the still lady, and the distractions of cleaning things up after. It took almost all the talent our section of the universe had to breach the metaspace barrier around Rana, based on the mission reports. We've been to some warzones, but I don't know how anyone lives through that"
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Stev Andisom 03-Jun-21 04:56 AM
"Once we're done here, if you know anyone who might be willing to start the research again, that would be a great benefit. As for the rest, as long as people... beings... whatever, as long as things keep trying to destabilise our part of the universe we'll need to keep stepping up to protect it. With or without the crown, the job stays the same."
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"It stays the same" He agrees. Dressed and prepared, he looks at the door. "I'll do my best to make this quick"
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Stev Andisom 04-Jun-21 12:30 AM
“Thanks.”
00:31
With that said, Stev takes a moment to clear his head before entering the hall and making his way down to the front.
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Opening the door, the honor guard of twenty men is arranged down the hall at even intervals. The banners of the house replace their rifles. Doors at the other end of the hall open when you are close to them, and you have a cleared processional walkway to the Chapel of Auguana. Three ranks of Draconis soldiers are in the front row, keeping a healthy wall of discipline between yourself, the proceedings, and the dignitaries and others that have come out to see the historical event taking place on their world. Thousands of people are here, and drones hover at the edge of the compound ECM field, hardly able to get a good picture of anything.
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-21 01:01 AM
Stony faced, Stev walks down the walkway, only stopping when he reaches the raised platform at the end. He doesn't sit, instead just turning the face the crowd.
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There is a hush , as Wescott helps you into the chair. He narrowly avoids tripping over the ceremonial robe that was made for him at a time where he was much heavier than he is now. He gives you a reassuring wink as the trumpet fanfare picks up. You enter the chapel and have sat on the raised platform. Inside the fountain is running with a perfumed mix of water. Cameras are not permitted in here and only the most senior staff are allowed inside. The honor guard remains in front of the doors and around the windows. When you emerge, you will be the scion of the house. The crown is presented by a team of monks, lesser lorekeepers under Wescott who normally ignores much of what they do.
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-21 03:24 AM
Stev sits quietly, not wanting to interrupt such a solemn occasion. He watches as the crown is brought forth. The monks present it to Wescott and Stev gives a small smile to the Lorekeeper.
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The crown is held above your head. “Stev Andisom you will rise from this chair as Stev Draconis, leader of our house, upholder of our tradition , the strength in our arms and the guardian of all the peoples of Rawhani. In you we place our trust , our hopes, and our dreams. May you spend the remaining days of your life fulfilling your duties to the best of your ability. With this crown I declare you Scion of our house. “ There is a cool sensation as the ring of the crown is pressed down upon your head. The weight takes a moment to get used to but the circlet is well fitting. “Rise, Scion, and greet your people’s
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Stev Andisom 09-Jun-21 05:54 AM
Stev stands and nods his thanks to Wescott, then snaps to attention and salutes to the crowd.
05:58
"As the scion of Draconis, I will do my best to represent our ideals to the galaxy and sectors around us. Any issues, concerns or outright problems that can't be solved by your local community are of interest to me and my advisors. House Draconis will be strong enough that what has befallen us in the past will not happen again. Rawhani will be strong!"
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(3xp, 5000 credits, a re roll token and a plot point)
15:06
(I think we've bogged you down in nonsense long enough)
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Stev Andisom 10-Jun-21 03:07 AM
(Hahaha I love the RP, though I am looking forward to moving on.) (edited)
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(our ships arent done until next month, so its upt o you how you want to proceed)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jun-21 04:19 PM
(Training montage, getting the first wave of Sunblade acolytes up and running?)
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Stev Andisom 19-Jun-21 07:41 AM
(Does building my cruisers count to my personal goal of having fighting ships for Draconis? Or do I have to wait till they're finished construction?)
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(It counts as finished. They’re corvettes though )
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Stev Andisom 20-Jun-21 04:55 AM
Oh yeah. Damn.
04:55
Thanks. 😄
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The training is difficult and three initiates progress enough for you to consider them as full Knights of Draocnis. The pistol is their signature weapon thanks to your long nights in meditation , imbuing them at the forge in a long process to be receptive to those with the same energy.
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-21 02:51 AM
(Rawhani Sunblades story idea: The Sunblades were a wasteland-dwelling sect before the MegaCorps took over. They were part of the initial resistance against the MegaCorps, however with the destruction of the Houses and the withdrawal of Draconis and UNW troops they were wiped out. Only a few of the members remained, hiding amongst the populace. They were eventually forced to work as the people couldn't afford to keep them clothed and fed forever, so they took jobs with the security forces and slowly trained other like-minded people in the hope that one day they would be able to fight back against the corps from the inside.)
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(alrighty, we'll massage something out from that)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-21 03:19 AM
👍
03:25
At the ceremony, Stev stands with Wescott and beams with pride. “The wastelands are harsh and unforgiving, however you have proved yourselves worthy by completing the Trials. Rawhani has never been a place for leisure, constantly testing our resolve to fight, to survive. You are the latest in a long line of guardians, people who have sacrificed their own lives to defend those who depend upon us to shield them from the worst the planet has to throw at us. Now we are players on the galactic stage, those dangers have grown. I am proud to welcome you three into the Light. Serve well.”
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(any idea what you wanna roll into?)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-21 04:24 AM
(New job time? Whose in need of a small army?)
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(The etxaurren war is still happening. Maysoon is free , there’s a big space battle at brizeno , that world might need ground troops when it’s over
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-21 01:43 PM
(So we can mount up and get ready for the Brizeno ground war… nice! Is that anywhere near the ship junkyard planet? Figured we might be able to swing by and find another transport-type ship we can refit, if possible. 😁)
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(Musheera is somewhat on the way)
14:09
(Anything cruiser sized and above though which would cover a troop transport wouldnt be able to take off again, too heavy)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jun-21 04:23 PM
(I was thinking more of a cargo transport, merchant-esque. Start small, maybe getting them fitted for recon runs ahead of the taskforce.)
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(So a free merchant sized?)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-21 03:09 AM
(If possible, yes please. Thinking we can start using the Sunblades as a strike force once we have enough of them. Not big enough for a platoon, but maybe a squad? Sunblade infiltrators?)
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(with the right foci i could see leading them as a thing we can do)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jun-21 03:21 PM
👍
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From rawhani, Musheera is a six day spike journey away. A slyth explorer known as Itse is also on the planet exploring for any lost pieces of the past he can return home to the slyth colony
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-21 01:04 PM
After 6 days of uneventful travel and some studying, Stev is on the bridge when they translate back to realspace. On seeing the Slyth ship, he steps up to stand beside the captains chair. "Captain, scan for free merchant sized ships on the surface, but leave the immediate area around the Slyth ship alone. I don't want to scavenge on top of them. Once we've got a good candidate for refitting we can go down with a few teams and see what we'll need to fix it up."
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The endless piles of junk on the surface, leaking ambient radiation, scouring metal flecked winds, and general inhospitality of the world make that sort of fine detailed scanning almost impossible. The entire planet is covered in junk
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Stev Andisom 23-Jun-21 05:15 PM
“Nothing? Okay then, get the wraith shuttle organised with a squad and ready a few squads and engineers with a lighter to come down when we’ve found a likely candidate. Oh, and have an engineer with the first squad down. And make it two lighters of troops. Who the hell knows what we’ll find down there.”
17:15
Once his orders are being relayed, Stev goes to his own room to quickly change before heading to the shuttle bay to meet with the squad.
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(d100 for our landing zone)
17:34
(also what ships are present in orbit?)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-21 02:45 AM
(Have the combat ships finished construction yet?)
02:46
95 for the roll.
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(Nope, we're still in Y4M12, there will be a post in #galnet-all-sector-news when its time for Y5M1, and the ships will be done then)
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Stev Andisom 24-Jun-21 02:39 PM
(Cool, in that case it's just the 2 troop transports - the Pillar and Hawk.)
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The entire draconis company is back on the move now, on orbit over Musheera. The landing zone most likely to yield what you want is pulled together from limited scan information and seems to center around an abandoned village the natives of this world vacated. Some of that looks recent.
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Stev Andisom 25-Jun-21 04:28 AM
Stev joins the first group in the wraith to secure a landing zone, but changes his orders to the other shuttles/lighters to follow about 5 minutes behind with more troops and engineers to help fortify a base of operations for the time they’re on planet.
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The zone identified as easiest to land on is the village square, and it seems as five minutes pass that there is no immediate danger in the vicinity though the amounts of drop craft coming from space will surely be noticed by anyone in the surrounding area
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Stev Andisom 28-Jun-21 04:31 AM
With the first group scouting the area immediately around the village, Stev works with the company captains to set up a perimeter and secure the village.
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The village is empty and scrap metal is collected from the surroundings to make some impromptu defensive works. As of now, this is not expected to be a long term base
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Stev Andisom 29-Jun-21 09:27 AM
“Land a company to make this place as secure as possible without setting up a camp. Once we’ve found what we’re looking for we will move operations there.” (edited)
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The officers hurry off to implement your wishes while you begin getting a pioneer team together to sally out into the junk
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-21 01:45 AM
Stev checks his gear, making sure to grab extra ropes and a few ration packs. When the team was ready, Stev asks the scouts to work in pairs and the small team of engineers to speak up if they see anything that might be workable, or even something out of the ordinary.
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(notice/wis)
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Stev Andisom 30-Jun-21 03:49 AM
7 for wis/notice (edited)
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A somewhat collapsed worship spire 500m away is unique and odd as the slyth do not have many spiritual buildings.
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-21 01:06 AM
“Let’s go that way and see what the hell that’s all about.”
01:06
The group changes direction, angling towards the fallen spire.
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(so this, but very big)
03:28
03:28
Birds scatter as you approach, complaining loudly as their nest is disturbed. THe doorway at the base is still present and can be accessed to get inside though there are no clues about what this structure might be
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Stev Andisom 02-Jul-21 03:31 AM
"Aleph Squad, set up a loose perimeter. Bravo, you're with me."
03:32
With those orders given, Stev is happy to be the first one through the doors.
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Spikes and spires have always had cultural significance as a place where the heavens and the earth meet. Entering the spire you can see that the left branch leads to the taller side. The right seems to spiral upwards into what were once residence apartments where the left is taller and left to more industrial and scientific enterprises
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Stev Andisom 03-Jul-21 04:00 AM
Stev motions for a couple of soldiers to head into the residential section and leads the others and the engineers with them into the other side. "Look for any sort of tech we can take with us. No need to figure out what the hell it does right now. Anything too big to move, we'll mark the location and come back to investigate it more fully later. Hells, if we find anything interesting we might have to set up a base here to make full use of it."
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(What would Stev be doing during this time?)
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Stev Andisom 05-Jul-21 05:31 AM
(Exploring the room with the engineers.)
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Climbing the spire, low level lights begin clicking on illuminating what looks to be computer simulation decks and lab space on this level. Some of it is broken down and overgrown with native life where the exterior glass has broken or cracked- allowing outside moisture and plant life to get it
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-21 10:55 AM
While the engineers and soldiers keep exploring, Stev goes over to one of the computers and tries to power it on.
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It begins powering up, and a user name and password screen appears. The cursor flashes gently waiting for input.
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Stev Andisom 06-Jul-21 03:28 PM
“Ah, guys… this thing is on and is asking for user details. Anyone got anything in writing as to who the hell this might have been?”
15:29
He starts looking around for books or scraps of paper or anything that might have details written on it.
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The habitation side seems to be running into the same roadblocks. Sadly the slyth here seemed to be somewhat dilligent about keeping their workspaces clean, but someone might have taken passwords across the tower back home
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-21 02:14 AM
Stev radios the other searchers. “We’ve got computers here looking for user details. Collect any written materials you can find, especially handwritten.”
02:15
He then goes back to exploring more of this place, leaving the computers alone for now.
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The search continues with the small team you've brought in here. Back at the village fortification efforts are continuing. They'll need more space to house the entire troop compartment of your soldier mover
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Stev Andisom 07-Jul-21 04:14 PM
(Is that info radioed to Stev from the village camp?)
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(yes)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-21 03:30 AM
(How far away from the camp is this spire?)
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(500m)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-21 04:44 AM
(Cool. Thanks!)
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Stev Andisom 08-Jul-21 05:22 AM
Stev radioes back. “Expand the borders of the camp towards the spire. We’ll want the engineers to work on this place. Depending on what they find, we might want to set up a permanent presence here.”
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Some codes have been found in a nearby office. No one is sure what they're for, or what might happen if they're incorrect
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-21 05:13 AM
“Shit, we need someone who can translate this into words a moron like me can understand and might have some sort of idea what to do…”
05:14
Stev stops looking around and sighs.
05:17
“Okay people, we’re securing this tower! The village out there and the area between there and here is now ours. We need a full defensive perimeter, barracks for our troops and a map of the immediate area around us so we know what we’re dealing with. Someone contact the Pillar and get them to head back to Rawhani for more troops. When they get back they can take over duties here and we can get back into space. Engineers, catalogue everything you can understand and contact our allies to see if anyone has the expertise or knowledge to help us out.”
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The slyth on Ilaria are somewhat close by and would know what some of this stuff is. Contacting them may be worth the time
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Stev Andisom 10-Jul-21 04:23 PM
Stev thanks the person, probably Wescott, for finding that information and asks someone to contact them and patch him through. (edited)
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(they're 9 days away, you'd have to conduct a message and wait the 18 days for it to send and get their reply, or we could just go there)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-21 12:59 AM
“Wasn’t there a Slyth ship in orbit when we arrived? Are they still around?”
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(Its Itse, a UNW explorer, but hes been kinda inactive lately)
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Stev Andisom 11-Jul-21 05:25 AM
“No response? Fair enough. Send out a message for assistance from Ilaria. While we wait for a reply we can fortify this place and make a solid base here.”
05:27
With that Stev ends the radio call and calls for the team in the spire to finish up so they can get back to looking for a ship they can refit and repurpose as a smaller transport.
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(If you want to compose a message to them to be sent we can do that. It’s 18 days round trip for a message to get there and for a reply to come back to you)
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Stev Andisom 13-Jul-21 09:55 AM
While the team finishes up, Stev dictates a message to the Hawk to be relayed to Ilaria. “Greetings, my name is Stev Andisom and I’m the leader of House Draconis. We have stumbled upon a spire on Musherra that contains some sort of slyth technology that we are intrigued by and would like your assistance in figuring out what it is and how we may be able to use it. We are establishing a base here and would like to offer you a place here with us, a working relationship. The ship that has sent this message should be staying in orbit for the foreseeable future, so you can use it as a relay when you reply….”
10:00
He pauses for a few moments and then starts talking normally to whoever is taking the dictation. “Then finish it off with the usual platitudes. Anything else I should have said, maybe offering some of our tech knowledge, add that in as well.”
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The message is sent and in a few weeeks you will have an answer. From orbital scans of the junk pile it seems like your best chance at finding a ship you have a hope of flying again is going to come from building it here using reclaimed raw materials. There is quality composite in abundance here, and your technicians are skilled at bending metal as they're used to working on mechs. The spike drive is the only element you will need to recover from the depths of the junk field, and RCOE has a small station on planet who may be able to help with recovering one
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Stev Andisom 15-Jul-21 08:37 AM
Stev takes the wraith shuttle up with a squad of soldiers and the chief engineer, scouting out the immediate area and organising positions to defend the camp from before the walls are up. "How long will it take to make a merchant-class ship with what we have on hand, with all the right markings and looks to be able to do undercover insertions but have enough speed and firepower to be able to defend itself for long enough to be able to flee if they have to?"
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"Hard to estimate without some idea of a fitting plan. You're asking a lot out of a single vessel and that said a merchant might not be what you're looking for after all"
18:14
(This almost seems like a job for a heavy frigate with Q-Ship cladding modded on if your want list is that long)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-21 12:44 AM
“Would a heavy frigate be able to masquerade as some sort of trade ship without too many questions asked?”
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(That what the Q ship cladding does. Electronic sensors make it look like a merchant ship)
01:56
(Visual inspection would reveal it as a warship , but visual range is hard to get into in space
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Stev Andisom 16-Jul-21 04:03 AM
“Alright then, that sounds like a plan. Start scanning the debris for whatever pieces you need. When the Pillar returns with the other company we’ll set them up here with you and you can get started on the work. Til then, we need this place fortified.”
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(Program/int)
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Stev Andisom 17-Jul-21 01:28 PM
(7 on the Program/Int roll. I'm not trained in that, so I'm not expecting much.)
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You manage to clear enough of the interference to find the skeleton of a wreck in one of the junk piles near your settlement. You’re not sure how deep it might be buried and most of the soldiers you have here are already busy on engineering tasks
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Stev Andisom 20-Jul-21 04:27 AM
“Mark that one for extraction once we’ve established the base. The incoming troops can start digging it out when they get here.”
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(ThTs all there is. We have very busy npcs but it’s been tough finding something for you to do directly)
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Stev Andisom 21-Jul-21 01:29 PM
(That’s okay man. I’m kinda lost as to what to do next as well, until the replacement troops get here, then it’s on to whatever Draconis was going to attack next… Brizeno!)
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(how many replacement troops were coming?)
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Stev Andisom 22-Jul-21 03:25 AM
(Leaving 1 company on Rawhani, so 2 companies coming to take over the fortifications here.)
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(Alright, ill get something figured out here)
👍 1
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The knights of draconis have been met with the first defeat of the campaign. The enemy here is dug in and tenacious , and a friendly unit has been wiped out. Scouts report that looting of the dead has become commonplace in the district and this patrol represents a chance to ensure loyal sons return home- and a chance to blood the enemy for their further disrespect
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Stev Andisom 12-Aug-21 10:08 AM
Stev climbs around his mech, checking connections and ensuring everything is properly attached after the drop pod landing earlier, his two KoD pilots doing the same with their own light mechs.
10:10
“I can’t believe they’re desecrating the dead. I understand looting valuables and technology, but to actually mutilate bodies… I had hoped we would never see that sort of treatment again.”
10:11
“This is Stev, calling the Pillar. What’s the latest from orbital scans?”
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"There is a lot of smoke and dust down there, we know the unit was routed a half kilometer west of you, but no idea what you'll find there now"
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Stev Andisom 12-Aug-21 02:25 PM
"That's a start. Keep an eye on the situation and get back to me if anything changes. I'll be taking the mechs in with me to try and run them off, get what we can to bring back for the families of the fallen."
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The command ship cuts the connection, but you know the crew there is listening to cockpit mics in case they are needed or can provide further support. The tall buildings here are dangerous for mechs, blocking both line of sight, and offering excellent vantage points for enemy weapon teams to try for close range dumb-fire shots needed to hurt a mech. Extreme caution is advised by every KoD combat controller in the area.
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Stev Andisom 12-Aug-21 03:56 PM
Stev flicks the comm channel over to the other mechs.
15:58
“Okay folks, this is going to be a major shit show. Keep your eyes on the rooftops and don’t hesitate to take the shot if you think someone is up there.”
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(notice/wis)
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Stev Andisom 13-Aug-21 04:05 AM
(5)
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Moving out into the city streets things seem too quiet, and your suspicion is rewarded almost right away as an enemy low flying aircraft passes overhead. It is not armed, but drops several flares around your formation, each of them sending palls of colored smoke skywards. What its signaling, you are not sure, but a 200m radius around your mech formation is highlighted.
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Stev Andisom 13-Aug-21 03:21 PM
“Head for the side streets, we have possible mortar rounds incoming!”
15:22
Matching his actions to his words, Stev goes to the left of the street, crashing into the side of the buildings in his haste to get out of the marked area.
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There is a hiss of mechanical joints as the formation begins quickly moving left down a side street and out of the impact zone. Greasy trails of propellant dot the sky, from the battery at the far edge of the city sighted on this area. At least three guns have fired a shell into the air.
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Stev Andisom 13-Aug-21 04:13 PM
(Crap, I can’t find the specs of the heavy mech on my computer. Have you got a copy that you can link/paste for me please?)
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)okay I’ll take a look for it)
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Stev Andisom 13-Aug-21 04:15 PM
(Thank you!)
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Pinned a message.
17:27
(found it and pinned!
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-21 07:58 AM
(Legend!)
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Stev Andisom 14-Aug-21 10:36 AM
Stev checked the sensors to make sure no-one was in the closest building, then fired the plasma thrower into the middle of the structure to hollow out a significant portion of it. That done, he crashed the heavy mech into the building, mostly into the hollow but collecting the edges of the wall, his fingers crossed as he hoped it would be enough to protect him from the bombardment.
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The shells crash around you and you’re able to improvise some@cover for yourself. The shells smash the road and crater buildings , leaving you untouched
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Stev Andisom 15-Aug-21 01:58 AM
As the last shells explode, Stev pushes the mech back out of the building.
01:58
“Everyone okay?”
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All mechs report back green. The buildings have sheltered them from the barrage though they'll need to be attentive to a return pass by any kind of spotter planes or drones
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Stev Andisom 17-Aug-21 04:27 AM
Holding back a sigh of relief, Stev comms for the mechs to move out again, starting his own heavy further into the city streets, eyes scanning the road ahead, the rooftops and for telltale signs of flyers or more shells.
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The patrol's last known location is 200m ahead and you can see where the buildings open into a town square. A burning APC and bodies scattered around it, all covered in dust is the first thing you see as you clear the wreckage of the building you crashed through
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Stev Andisom 18-Aug-21 02:53 AM
“Hold up here and scan the area. Don’t want to walk right into an ambush.”
02:54
Stev takes a few steps towards the town square, checking his scans for movement or signs of life.
02:56
(Polyspectral Scanners, so I believe I get a decent scan out to 100m?)
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There are two life signs huddled within the wreck of the personnel carrier. You can only see their signatures, there is no indication on if they are friends who have lost their comms equipment, or foes who never had it
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Stev Andisom 19-Aug-21 01:55 AM
Comm: “Two in the APC, no idea if they’re friendlies. Cover me, follow the perimeter of the square to the half and keep your eyes up.”
01:58
Stev steps the heavy forward a few steps into the square and stops to give the lights time to spread out and start walking down the edge of the square.
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THe massacre here unfolds before your eyes. At the end of the square a dozen thralls and two war dogs pick through the bodies of the dead, doing their best to grab weapons, armor, or anything else that looks to be of value or better than their current equipment from the dead Draconis soldiers.
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Stev Andisom 21-Aug-21 02:47 AM
The HMG barrel starts spinning as Stev takes aim at the scavengers.
02:48
Comm: “Take position on either side of the square and start firing as you move. I’m going up the middle. No-one escapes with Draconis mementos.”
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The other mechs begin moving into position. It seems you’ve got the drop on the enemy here
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Stev Andisom 22-Aug-21 01:17 PM
(Are they within Plasma Thrower range? 250/500m)
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(They’d be within your long range)
01:30
(So that’s a -2 on hit rolls)
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Stev Andisom 23-Aug-21 02:15 AM
(Sounds like fun. Fire the plasma!)
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Stev Andisom 23-Aug-21 02:37 AM
(21 to hit. I’ll roll damage up in a sec. just used a different weapon to get the to hit because I’m lazy.)
02:38
(28 damage, 10 AP)
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A swathe of raiders along with the bodies they were hoping to loot are incinerated by the weapons fire. They have nothing on them that can hurt a surprise detachment of mechs and begin to try to run, vanishing into the surrounding buildings to take advantage of the human and piggen living shields inside them. Your companions want to know if firing on buildings is permitted, given the civilian casualties
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Stev Andisom 23-Aug-21 03:56 PM
Comm: "Don't fire indiscriminately into the buildings. If you've got a hostile target, take it out."
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THose foes who have fled within don't seem to have any interest in firing back, as they cannot harm you with small arms.
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Stev Andisom 24-Aug-21 04:02 AM
Stev watches the buildings where the enemy fled to and considers his next move for a moment.
04:03
Comm: “I’m going to open the mech so I can talk with the people inside. If anyone fires at me, take them out.”
04:06
He then opens the hatch and climbs up onto the top of the mech. “You inside! Come out and you won’t be harmed. If you won’t come out, release your prisoners and we can talk. I guarantee your safety if you come out and bring your prisoners with you.”
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"Prisoners? " someone calls out from inside the building "These are our subjects! They have graciously allowed us into the fold here, and will do anything to protect us!"
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Stev Andisom 24-Aug-21 03:44 PM
“In that case, you won’t have any issues with everyone coming outside then, with my guarantee of your safety!”
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"you're going to have to do better than a guarantee! Have your men exit their mechs!"
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Stev Andisom 25-Aug-21 03:01 AM
“So you can shoot them? Not a chance! I’ve ordered them to stand down and not shoot unless we are fired upon. That’s the best offer I have for you.”
03:01
He shrugs and motions towards the inside of his mech.
03:04
“Of course, if you won’t comply, I can always turn the building into a funeral pyre. Won’t be the best outcome for anyone, but if you won’t come out I guess that’s my option.”
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“We have a better chance in here than out there! Tell them to stand down and disembark and we will come. Out peacefully!”
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Stev Andisom 25-Aug-21 04:49 AM
Stev clambers back into the mech and flicks the comm on. Comm: “Pull back to the far edge of the square. Don’t fire unless you see me go down. I want to see what the heck they’re up to.”
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The mechs begin to pull back and you hear stirring within the building. Two of the collaborators emerge and look to be unarmed, intending to talk.
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-21 02:32 AM
Stev climbs down from his mech and stands near its feet, waiting for the two to approach.
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"So, what happens now?"
03:18
"Your men have pulled back, for how long?"
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-21 04:00 AM
“If someone makes a stupid decision and shoots at us, they’ll be back. Otherwise, we talk and they stay away.”
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-21 04:07 AM
“I’m here to recover my men. If any are still alive and in there, I want them back. Anyone else wants to leave, they get to leave as well. I’ll take anyone who wants out, no matter where they’re from.”
04:08
“I’m also here to recover the fallen. We do all that and then leave. No-one else gets hurt.”
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"We have two of your men, one of them is hurt pretty bad. We let you recover your losses, we get to leave peacefully?"
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-21 05:15 AM
"If that's what you want, yes. The offer to leave this place with us is open to you too."
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"Your men would never look on us kindly for the looting, would they?"
15:30
"Escaping the planet to get knifed in your barracks decks or cargo holds sounds...like we're going to die jsut as fast as down here
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Stev Andisom 26-Aug-21 04:23 PM
“Well, you stopped looting and nothing was lost. They understand what it’s like in war. You fight alongside us and you follow orders, whatever you did down here is forgotten. Hells, the only ones who know where you’re from are the two in the mechs. I say you killed the ones looting, they believe me and no-one else has to know. Of course, you won’t be taking part in any more battles here, but you’ll be safe until we leave.”
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(talk/cha at +2)
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-21 03:34 AM
(14)
🔥 1
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"Alright, we'll call it here then. No sense turning coat yet again to get a knife in the back. We're done here"
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Stev Andisom 27-Aug-21 04:01 AM
“If you want to join us, stay clear of the fighting and we can collect you later. Send up a couple of flares or something and I’ll have the Pillar keep an eye out for you.”
04:02
With that Stev gives the two a nod of thanks and climbs back up to sit on top of his mech while they organise to send out his few remaining men.
04:04
Comm: “Pillar, we need a med team on the wraith and sent to my position. We have at least one badly injured soldier to recover.”
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(yeah they're not going to move from this spot until its safe, and we may have a cease fire in the works too)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-21 03:17 AM
(Nice!)
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Stev Andisom 28-Aug-21 11:31 AM
Stev waves the two back from the mech as he climbs back into the cockpit and straps himself in again, making sure to keep the weapons aimed at the ground as he runs through a quick check of the systems. (edited)
11:34
Comm: "Alright, looks like we've got our wish. They're releasing two of ours that were captured in the fight. One is badly wounded, so I've called or the wraith to bring a med team to collect them. Once that's done, we have access to our fallen. Think we can fashion a stretcher of some sort... a sling between your two mechs to carry them away?"
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They might be able to, but the mechanics of piling that many bodies on it makes conventional recovering more apt
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-21 01:43 AM
Stev nods in agreement, then remembers the others can’t hear that.
01:44
“Good point. I’m hearing word that there’s a ceasefire happening, so we might be able to get a crew down here with a lighter to collect everyone. Hang tight and stay alert until we get proper confirmation.”
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(I think anyone you pick up would replace that 500 man battalion that got routed but I don’t think we would get much more than that)
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Stev Andisom 29-Aug-21 05:17 AM
(That’s fine by me. Mixed group of infantry?)
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(Yeah just replacing the unit you lost)
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Stev Andisom 31-Aug-21 04:30 AM
Stev calls for a lighter to land at his location, as well as the wraith to bring extra medics and supplies for whoever is in the buildings lining the square.
04:31
Then he clambers back out of the mech and sits on top of it to wait.
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(just so i can start my own planning, did we have any ideas for what we might want to do next? The amount of wars across the sector is a big fat gooseegg right now)
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-21 02:57 AM
(Any small scale issues on planets? Civil wars, uprisings?)
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(Not really. The polities are kind of all keeping things together right now )
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Stev Andisom 01-Sep-21 03:12 AM
(Hmmm. Okay, are there any areas that haven’t been explored? Might be able to get some more Sunblade training happening and some exploring while the other half of the Knights work on Musherra to get some ships airborne?)
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(I think we've exhausted any readily available salvage there unless there's some serious investment in finding more. Not sure how your finances are looking right now either since the legion is getting kinda large, and ships especially are expensive to run. As far as unexplored planets there are tons, really just a matter of where we want to go)
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-21 03:44 AM
(Last I checked we had over a years worth of funding for the legion, but that wasn’t including the ships…)
03:46
(Okay, let’s see how this works: can we get the Pillar to take two companies back to Rawhani, while the Hawk and the new warships take Stev, the mechs and one company to an unexplored planet close to UNW space so we can start to chart it?)
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(yes and we have 4 ships now, so its worth looking over again)
14:49
(I think most of the planets that way have been scouted, ill find something)
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Stev Andisom 02-Sep-21 05:35 PM
(Thank you!)
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(AMPHINOME doesnt look to have been explored, north UNW region. We're looking at 23 days of downtime)
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-21 12:54 AM
(Cool. I can run with that. I’m sure I’ve got something in training.)
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(37/90 days for connect, ill get a system report up soon. )
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Stev Andisom 03-Sep-21 04:13 PM
(So, definitely not recruiting anyone from this place, but it sounds like a fun place for a holiday. 😁🤪)
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(Yes and we still arent sure if we have the funds, since we never figured out the ships)
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Stev Andisom 06-Sep-21 10:54 AM
(Okay, so the full cost of the corvettes averaged at 9.55 million credits each. 9.45 for 2 and 9.65 for the other 2.)
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(Okay. New month so we pay that and our troop costs. If we are still in the green, we can take a look for recruits elsewhere but for now this the system we set out to explore
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Stev Andisom 07-Sep-21 02:16 AM
(If we’ve replaced what we lost I’m happy to forgo getting new recruits.)
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(Those guyus you pulled out of the buildings replaced the unit you lost)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-21 09:36 AM
(So are the Knights back to their pre-Exe war strength? If they are, I’m good to keep it that way. If we’re still short we will have to wait for another campaign payment before recruiting again.)
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(yeah they are0
14:28
(back to pre-war strength with integrated prisoners and freely signed recruits from Brizeno)
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-21 02:38 PM
(Awesome. I’m happy to leave off recruiting for a while then. Can’t lead any more troops myself at the moment anyways.)
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The Amphimone system stretches out before you as your exploration team arrives. The bulk of draconis forces are headed home now to rest and recover from the pace of war fighting abroad
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Stev Andisom 08-Sep-21 04:10 PM
Stev stands on the bridge of the Hawk, looking out the viewport at the system laid out before him.
16:16
“Well folks, looks like a perfect place for a vacation. Sun, sand and all the time in a pressure suit you can handle. As far as we’re aware this place is deserted, but with an atmosphere like on Anphinome we don’t know who or what may have moved in. The gas giant has a few moons we can explore and there’s a ruined shipyard we can dig around in. Lots of choices of holiday destinations for the discerning patron.”
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(I'm ready for whatever you want to look into first)
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Stev Andisom 09-Sep-21 05:06 AM
(Let’s go to the shipyards first. Might not be usable for more than scrap, but who knows what might be hidden there.)
05:09
The Hawk, Hyena and Dingo turn towards the ruined shipyard and start making their way through the asteroids in the area, while the Coyote and Racoon move to make scans of the Star Poison-wracked planet.
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Stev and his team begin looking at the shipyard, preparing to sail over via a shuttle so investigate what might be inside. The group dons armored vac suits, and looks out into the darkness of space as the superstructure of the large installation gets ever closer.
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-21 01:36 AM
Stev checks the seals on the closest soldiers suit before the soldier checks his as well. “Listen up. We don’t know what’s over there and we don’t know how safe it is, so stay in radio contact with the squad. Hawk will stay on position here but the cruisers will be flanking the shipyard at a closer range in case they’re needed and will be listening to our chatter as well. Guns up as we leave the shuttle. Let’s find some cool tech the engineers can play with!”
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(Your ships are just corvettes.) An upper and lower airlock are both discovered after a quick scan of the derelict structure. Power seems to be on in the lower reaches of the station but the upper reaches are closer to the bridge and other more sensitive spaces
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Stev Andisom 10-Sep-21 05:56 AM
(Yeah, that’s what I meant. Sorry. 😂)
05:57
“Looks like something is still running over there. Head for the lower, see if we can restore power to the rest of the place before we start further in.”
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(Seen. Looking for a map I like)
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Stev Andisom 11-Sep-21 03:46 PM
(No worries!)
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-21 04:11 AM
The shuttle heads for the airlock, Stev and the two Sunblade Aspirants closest to the door with the other soldiers stacked up behind them.
04:12
“We’re expecting no atmosphere, minimal power and likely no-one to be alive here, but stay in your groups and cover the angles as you go. Who knows what remains active…”
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-21 04:21 AM
The two aspirants are detailed to join a group each with Stev leading a group of his own.
04:21
(I figure we can take a unit and split it into 3 group, with Stev and the sunblades adding an extra person to each group.)
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(How big is a unit/group?)
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Stev Andisom 13-Sep-21 04:22 AM
(12 iirc)
04:22
(So each group will be 5 including the sunblade.)
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(aLRIGHT, we have the map, just let me know where you;re going. The shuttle will have docked at the bottom right, where it says dock and airlock) Moving into the airlock and the large reception chamber beyond you see this was once a busy mall-like concourse that many space stations would have boasted in better days. The kiosks are silent now. No power, no one to work them, no customers, and certainly no products to sell,.
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Stev Andisom 14-Sep-21 08:01 AM
Stev leads his group through the concourse, heading in the direction he believes the Command Centre is. The second group turns left almost immediately, heading for the Habitation module. The third follows Stev’s group but turns off at the sensor array.
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(okay, thats on the other side of the station so if you're game for it, we'll look into some places on the way rather than abbreviate the adventure)
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Stev Andisom 14-Sep-21 03:55 PM
(Sure! I figured it wouldn't be a short jaunt. 😛 )
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Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.
Pinned a message.
18:50
an access door from this concourse goes right toward engineering, and left toward the scientific wing of this station. You're not sure what ship related projects they would have been working on,
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Stev Andisom 15-Sep-21 03:29 AM
Stev signals for the following team to make their way to the scientific wing while he leads his team towards engineering.
03:30
“Record everything you find and mark down tech that we might be able to take with us when we leave.”
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Engineering is on partial lockdown when you arrive. Damage control has put the reactor on standby and cut power to most of the platform to prevent fires or other disasters. The station logs scroll by on screen but the text is fast and hard to follow. Most of it seems highly technical
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Stev Andisom 16-Sep-21 02:11 PM
(Sorry, been busy. I'll have something planned tomorrow.)
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(Take your time)
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Stev Andisom 17-Sep-21 04:04 AM
(Okay, can I use Fix to try and figure out what the consoles are saying and trying to make whatever it is work again?)
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(sure, fix/int)
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-21 02:39 AM
(6 for the fix)
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The station seems to be aware it has been boarded. The technical readouts report it is going to activate its tech failsafe in an hour to destroy any sensitive materials on board.
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Stev Andisom 18-Sep-21 05:18 AM
Comm: “Some sort of failsafe has been triggered. Need an engineer here on the double or whatever info is being stored will be wiped.” (edited)
05:20
(Is there anything else I can do, maybe not to get the info myself because my roll wasn’t great, but could I slow down the timer or direct people to where they can grab stuff before it’s gone?)
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(the 6 was our best effort at doing that, we've done what we're able to do for now)
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Stev Andisom 19-Sep-21 03:58 AM
( 👍 )
03:58
“We’d better keep moving, see if we can get to the command centre before we’re shut out of everything.” He details 2 squad members to wait for the engineering team and leads the others further on.
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Heading into the next room there is a sudden shiver in the floor plating as something large and out of view stomps nearby.
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Stev Andisom 20-Sep-21 03:09 AM
"Weapons up" is called as Stev signals for the squad to spread out as they advance. (edited)
03:09
As everyone spreads out, Stev continues forward, sweeping his weapon left and right as he goes.
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A rolling framed combat droid enters the hallway ahead of you. Twin weapon pods unfurl from its sides, as it stands finally on six stalk like legs , 40m away from you
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-21 12:03 PM
(Is there any cover in the hallway - like other doorways or something we can use to set up a primitive barricade?)
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(there is the bulkhead hatch, like the doorframe surrounding it)
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Stev Andisom 23-Sep-21 03:50 PM
Stev ducks into the doorway and aims his pistol at the droid. "Take cover!"
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(initiative)
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Stev Andisom 26-Sep-21 04:35 AM
(I rolled a 4 for initiative)
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(2 for the bot)
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(so you guys are up first, it is 10m away)
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Stev Andisom 02-Oct-21 08:21 AM
(Rolled 11/8 with Stev's pistol)
08:21
Stev opens fire on the droid, followed closely by the 4 soldiers behind him.
08:22
(First soldier 21/7)
08:22
(2nd 23/9)
08:23
(3rd 18/5)
08:23
(4th 28/3)
08:24
Taking cover in the doorway after firing his shot, Stev comms to the other groups: "We've got a robot defender here. Be careful."
08:24
(End turn)
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Two shots hit the bot, one of them dampens the shield and the other shot shatters it in a spray of blue light. It flakes away like wind blown ash. The final shot scorches a bit of armor as the bot sets up to fire. (Evasion save)
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Stev Andisom 03-Oct-21 06:40 AM
(19v7)
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The hail of shots coming back toward you misses but strikes down two of your companions. The door frame is burned and cracked by the frosted high energy impacts
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Stev Andisom 04-Oct-21 10:09 AM
Firing again..
10:12
(27/11 for Stev, 20/11 for soldier 1, totally flustered and likely to hit himself in the foot for soldier 2 - 9/6)
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The bot is peppered by two more rounds before it staggers and falls back onto its rear foot claw. The hydraulics fail and it collapses onto its back. (edited)
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Stev Andisom 09-Oct-21 04:47 AM
Stev points the 2 remaining soldiers to check on their comrades while he slowly approaches the bot. (edited)
04:47
Keeping his pistol trained on it, Stev nudges it with his foot.
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The bot is down. There isn’t enough of it left to hurt you anymore.
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Stev Andisom 14-Oct-21 03:11 AM
(Sorry, pc is broken and I’ve been out of contact. I’ll be active again soon!)
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)no problem !)
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Stev Andisom 24-Oct-21 02:44 PM
(Okay! Computer is back and I can do stuff again! Sorry about the delay. 😄 )
14:46
Stev heads back to his men to check on the soldiers that were hit by the bots attacks.
14:47
"How are they?" he asks the two unharmed soldiers.
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“Two dead. The bolts utterly took them to pieces and boiled what’s underneath. The bot is pretech , with weapons like that “
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Stev Andisom 25-Oct-21 12:00 AM
Stev sighs and gestures to the soldiers. “Lets take them back to the shuttle. I’ll drag the bot back with us and the engineers can strip it for parts or try to remake it for ourselves.”
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chains are affixed to it and the bot is dragged back toward the boarding ship, scraping deck plates all through the shipyard on its way out.
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Stev Andisom 26-Oct-21 06:41 AM
Stev oversees the loading of his fallen men and the broken bot onto the shuttle, then calls in to the other groups. “Draconis patrols, this is Draconis One-One. We’ve lost two men to a particularly nasty bot. Looks pre-tech, so if you take one down make sure you bring it back to the shuttle. What progress have you made on your end?”
06:42
While waiting for an answer he regroups with his remaining squad and leads them back towards where the fight happened.
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Engineering is working on downloading data and determining if this station will work again. So far the prognosis is leaning against that but there may be valuable salvage aboard , more than the bot you captured
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Stev Andisom 26-Oct-21 03:24 PM
"Send any info you find about this place to us and back to the Pillar, give them something to do. We're heading towards the bridge again."
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Moving close to the bridge, on the right you come to a small launch bay where the twin clawed "Shrimp" service drone is docked. It is about a shuttle in size, and able to do repairs on its parent vessel without needing more than a skilled drone controller. The bay doors have been jammed shut, but the drone looks to be in good condition.
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Stev Andisom 27-Oct-21 06:26 AM
“Draconis One-One to the Pillar. There’s a repair shuttle docked here near the bridge of this facility. If we can get it free we’ll need a lifter or one of the corvettes to come and pick it up.”
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"Pillar to One-One, can you get it free, then?"
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Stev Andisom 28-Oct-21 01:47 PM
"We'll have to see if we can get it going from the bridge. Doesn't seem to be any controls for it here."
13:48
He then turns to the others. "Can you guys see any controls?"
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The shrimp is a very large drone, about the size of a shuttle and moving into the hangar they find controls on the side of the drone. There’s also a hatch on it that can be opened to get inside and access its core directly
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Stev Andisom 29-Oct-21 01:05 AM
Comm: "Okay Pillar, looks like we might have some way to control it from over here. Give us a moment to see if we can get it moving."
01:06
To the soldiers: "Okay, I'll check out the controls. See if there is some sort of tool on the drone there that we can use to cut through the doors."
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(Fix/int)
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Stev Andisom 30-Oct-21 10:50 AM
(9 Fix/Int)
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You’re able to get inside and configure things properly. The drone has a large sawblade cutter meant for salvaging space wreckage and you can cut the bay door open to release the drone handily
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Stev Andisom 02-Nov-21 02:18 PM
Comm: 'One-One to Pillar. Shuttle-drone coming out as soon as I can get the doors open." He ushers the soldiers out of the way and starts the shuttle moving toward the door, the blade spinning up.
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There looks to be room for a pair of human passengers, and you along with an engineer are able to get in. Everyone else clears the bay. The sawblade spins up, and with the pull of a lever you can lower the blade to begin cutting through the door.
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Stev Andisom 03-Nov-21 02:45 AM
(So I’m on the shuttle-drone?)
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(yeah in its small little cockpit for engineer workers)
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Stev Andisom 03-Nov-21 11:59 PM
(Cool.)
00:02
Stev keeps up a steady stream of conversation as he operates the shuttle-drone, basically just describing what he’s doing and seeing as he goes.
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(this never lit up for me i am not sure why)
21:28
The drone seems to be responding normally, and the Hawk is able ot take it aboard its small cargo bay for now to allow you to continue looking over it later. A short spacewalk can return you to the drone bay for a look into the bridge
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-21 03:39 AM
(No stress.)
03:40
Stev leaves the drone in the capable hands of the engineers on the Hawk and makes the jump back across the emptiness of space to get back to the station.
03:41
Comm: "One-One to all teams on the station. We found a drone and have delivered it to the Hawk for study. Returning to continue to the bridge. Any updates from your explorations?"
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Their comms seem to be entirely silent and jammed (edited)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-21 10:01 AM
Rejoining his remaining soldiers, Stev asks them to try and contact the other teams.
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(I forgot what they were even supposed to be doing, its been so long. Let's just hit the bridge and finish this)
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Stev Andisom 09-Nov-21 03:10 PM
(hahaha okay)
15:11
Stev leads the couple of soldiers he has with him towards the bridge, keeping an ear out for any more of the damn robots that cut down half of his squad.
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The bridge doors are lowered and it looks like the keypad is intact and might have been tampered with at one point in the distant past
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Stev Andisom 13-Nov-21 09:28 AM
(Lowered, as in closed?)
09:29
Stev steps up to the keypad and looks at it closely, focusing on the possible tampering.
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(Yes)
00:48
The keypad was attempted to be hacked. The wires and parts of the pad itself have been burned by whatever inexpert skill they others did the task with
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Stev Andisom 15-Nov-21 04:35 AM
“Amateurs. Okay, what have we got on the ship that can cut through this?”
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Stev Andisom 15-Nov-21 05:19 AM
(Can I do a fix check to see if I can get the door opened before resorting to cutting through it?)
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(sure!)
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(let me know the result once you've rolled it)
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Stev Andisom 22-Nov-21 07:48 AM
(Sorry, been really sick. I’ll do the roll tonight.)
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Stev Andisom 23-Nov-21 03:01 PM
(5 on the Fix/Int roll. Sorry again!)
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It doesn’t seem like a more mechanically finessable situation is possible here. You’ll have to cut through like a bull in a China shop
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Stev Andisom 24-Nov-21 01:04 AM
quietly "Inept bastards."
01:05
Comm: "Hawk, I need a few engineers down here with cutting tools for the bridge emergency doors."
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The engineers will be able to cut through the door and eight hours later the panels are removed. You’re free to enter the bridge
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Stev Andisom 28-Nov-21 12:54 PM
Stev has been sitting, leaning against the wall, standing impatiently and exploring the side rooms in the 8 hours and smiles as they finally break through.
12:56
“Well done lads. Stay out here for a moment while we make sure it’s clear,” he says to the engineers as he leads his two soldiers into the bridge.
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No traps or automated defenses seem to be on in here. The door was the obstacle, and you've finally made a way through.
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Stev Andisom 30-Nov-21 10:15 AM
Stev heads for the main control panel and orders the engineers to spread out and check all of the panels to see what is operational.
10:16
Comm: "Hawk, we've finally made it in. Report any signs of activity out there on the hull of this thing, just in case someone touches something in here and we have no idea what it does."
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The ship will stand by. It look slike the reactor can be brought to life from here, and the command and control systems are working. It will need extensive repairs to become a functional shipyard again, but it could be sold or towed to someone with the expertise to handle it themselves.
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Stev Andisom 01-Dec-21 06:21 AM
“Alright folks, let’s get as much of this place stabilised as we can. Not sure who wants another shipyard but I doubt we’ll be short of offers once we can get it up and running.”
06:27
Fleet-wide comms: “Draconis One-One to all ships. The station is nominally under our control. We need to rig some way to tow the station out of the asteroid belt without banging it up any more than it already is, and then we need to get everything on it secured for interstellar travel.” “For the moment we need all engineers not already committed to an urgent task either over here working on getting everything secured or planning for moving it.” “I also want half a dozen squads to finish sweeping the station and making sure nothing hostile remains by the time the engineers need access to the outer areas.”
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(any ideas who we might want to pitch this to
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Stev Andisom 02-Dec-21 12:56 AM
(I think the Knights and Draconis are closest to the UNW, so I’d like to offer it to them first.)
🤑 1
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(If you want to drop a note in the #united-nations-of-worlds channel, that’s probably the best place )
01:42
(You guys can negotiate a price )
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(Alright, so it looks like a task force is assembling at Brizeno now that it's in friendly hands)
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-21 12:32 AM
Time has passed and the shipyard is now floating safely outside the asteroid belt, although it will still take some time to get back into working order again. Stev is on board the Pillar, leading the new Sunblades through a series of katas. (edited)
00:33
Comm, to Stev: “Commander, High Priest Wescott requests your presence in the War Room.”
00:34
Stev grumbles and steps out of the practice room, the Sunblades out of his mind as he starts to worry about what fresh hell they’ve found now.
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(What should I be setting up here?)
05:07
(Or did you want to Roleplay something specific )
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Stev Andisom 10-Dec-21 07:46 AM
(Nothing specific, just getting organised for the next leg of the adventure. Brizeno bound!)
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(I've got 27 days of downtime using the shortest route, but I know this took a while so this more or less catches us up to everyone else)
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Stev Andisom 11-Dec-21 05:34 AM
(Awesome. When I get a chance I’ll have a look at what I can possibly train in the trip over. What’s the go with training more Sunblades, or training up the few we have to a higher level?)
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(I think it’s probably going to come from our various campaigns than down time. A giant squad of full high level sunblades personally accompanying you at all times clashes pretty heavily with our npc rules , but if they remain background characters and you’re just trying to lore build your order I don’t mind saying that’s progressing )
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Stev Andisom 11-Dec-21 11:04 PM
(It was more for RP, with the Sunblades becoming squad commanders over time, but I’m happy to let it stay as a campaign thing.)
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(Oh okay, that works fine by me. Looks like the council is going to take you up on your offer since credits are something they’ve got more than enough of )
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The ships enter local space and aside from confirming your presence with the other Iron Stars Federation ships here, you're welcomed into the battle line and given a spot to anchor in orbit.
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Stev Andisom 21-Dec-21 01:40 AM
Stev watches the orbiting fleet with interest.
01:40
“This looks like it’s going to be one hell of a push.”
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The position of the enemy stormtrooper force on the surface has been located, and as things stand now yours is the only unit not engaged in peacekeeping or reconstruction duties. The honor of combat falls to you.
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Stev Andisom 21-Dec-21 04:16 AM
Stev calls the company captains and chief engineers to the main conference room of the Pillar.
04:20
“Looks like we get to be the hammer on this one folks. Way I see it, we land the mechs to start the show, pilots already strapped in and loaded for bear. The first companies to land will be under heavy fire, so the mechs will have to clear a landing zone asap. We’ll need a strike group in the Wraith, supported by the apprentice Sunblades, ready to land and take down any anti-air sites that could cause the landers trouble.”
04:21
He starts pacing, back and forth along the length of the room.
04:25
“First groups down will have to fight and push the enemy back. Following groups will have to support them and protect the engineers as they try to set us up some fortified positions. Can we position the Hawk in orbit above landing zone to provide some sort of fire support? Hells, how does that even work?? Does anyone have a clue as to how we can use that sort of thing? I’m used to being a ground-pounder.”
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(Orbital bombardment has been outlawed by the Galatean treaty, but generally you need iron rain or spitball tubes to do it) (edited)
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Stev Andisom 22-Dec-21 01:10 AM
After the horrified looks, gasps of horror and a few chuckles from the officers of the Hawk, Wescott takes Stev aside and explains why the Hawk can’t provide cover from space. “Really? But it was such a good idea!” He looks at the assembled officers and smiles. “Well, I guess that the Hawk should stick to the Pillar as support. We still have our flyers and artillery, so taking out those anti-air defences is a priority.”
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It looks like the Phemno Mining Guild stormtroopers are an infantry heavy element that has been living in the wilds since the rest of their forces were routed. There may be the occasional anti-air rocket tube among the formation, b ut its not expected dedicated fortifications or emplacements will be encountered- rather a slog through a dense forest.
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Stev Andisom 23-Dec-21 08:14 AM
Stev steps away from the table as reports start coming in from those already on the ground. “Okay, looks like we’re not in for an urban fight this time. Dense forest and scattered troops. Someone contact whoever is in charge on the ground and find out how important those forests are. Maybe we can set up a trap and burn the forest down around their ears, forcing them to come to us instead of having to dig them out…”
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It takes an hour to get ahold of the combined generals of the army groups on planet. The woods represent a good place to supplement thin food reserves through foraging, but if they're going to be a home for an enemy striking at the health and safety of the people who live here , the only thing asked is that capital weapons aren't employed. (nothing that's going to make the area radioactive or generally just a toxic environment)
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Stev Andisom 24-Dec-21 09:07 AM
“Right then. No using weapons we don’t have access to. I’m sure we can follow those rules. What about the lasers from the Hawk? Can we use those to set fire to large areas of the forest?”
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Once again they state that orbital bombardment or the use of starship grade weapons against the surface of a planet is illegal.
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Stev Andisom 25-Dec-21 10:06 AM
“Even against a forest? Did they have nothing to that day in the meeting so they decided to outlaw attacking a forest with lasers? Damnation take them all.” Stev sighs and stops pacing. “Okay, looks like we do all of this with boots on the ground. Artillery and air support loaded with incendiaries to start the fires when we have figured out where we want them. Two companies in the forward base, preparing the kill zone for when the Guild troopers get pushed towards them. The third company needs to be mobile, making sure that the troops don’t escape out behind the fires. I’m sure the Hawk can provide sensor support… that’s still allowed, right?”
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(Using planetary surface destroying weapons on a world capable of sustaining human life was illegal even before the scream since earth like planets are very rare )
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Stev Andisom 27-Dec-21 04:03 AM
(That’s okay. Stev’s just in a mood. As a player I know we can’t do it. As a character… I’ve got a shiny ship that has everything I need to be comfortable, why can’t I use it?)
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(all good. Players have different amount of touch with the lore/what we've changed, so it never hurts to circle back both for you and anyone who might be reading)
15:33
Scanning capabilities are things the fleet can provide for you, and the Dredeo can be launched to the ground for additional support if needed
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Stev Andisom 28-Dec-21 05:54 AM
“That’s how we’ll do it then. Find us a clearing we can start landing in. We’ll start firing on the outer edge of the forest when we’re ready and drive them to us. Mechs on the front line, Driade as the command centre with the main bulk of the infantry, artillery set up way back to keep it protected and the Hawk can support the flyers so we don’t need to find anywhere down there to land them.”
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there is a large clearing to the south of the forest, and one to the north. A pincer is possible if you think splitting your forces is a smart plan
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Stev Andisom 04-Jan-22 05:54 AM
“Can we trap the northern clearing and then force them that way? The southern we can leave as a rally point for them… then hammer them with artillery if they flee there?”
05:55
“I don’t think splitting our forces is a good idea, at least not in a way that will leave each part of the force totally cut off if they decide to push one hard.”
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The team agrees to this plan, and awaits deployment. The mechs are loaded into their specialized pods, and once again Draconis is eager to fight.
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Stev Andisom 05-Jan-22 02:45 AM
“Mechs down with the first wave to secure the northern clearing.” Stev nods to the commanders and makes his way to the heavy mech, happy to be back in the thick of things again.
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The crew waves as you settle in and you feel the connection cables disengage one by one as ship power and fuel are disconnected. The ammo@hoppers show full and your other mech forces are coming online-joining the command network so all of you can talk.
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Stev Andisom 05-Jan-22 03:17 AM
Stev flicks a few switches to get the mech fully powered, cycling through the relevant power modes as he waits for the mech pod to be launched. Comm: “This is Mech-One-One, testing comms. Report in when ready.”
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The rest of the team reports in. The first wave will primarily be the mechs and infantry, with vehicles and artillery coming in later waves. In a few days the CBSS mech carrier will also be entering the region and may be able to support you if its captain decides to commit the forces he has inside- it is rumored they're heading for a possible front opening up against the Chimeran Ascendency- and you may well be on their way there too.
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Stev Andisom 06-Jan-22 06:18 AM
Stev acknowledges the report and waits for the lighters carrying the infantry to be in space and on their way planetside before ordering the mechs to be launched for the northern end of the forest.
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The first wave has hit the ground six minutes after your last order. So far things are quiet. There has not been any contact but there are signs the land has been lived off here.
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Stev Andisom 07-Jan-22 10:56 AM
Stev thanks Auguana for the safe landing of the troops as the pod he’s in careens towards the surface. Comm: “Mechs coming in hot. Start establishing a perimeter but keep the LZ clear till we’ve landed.”
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"Should we start deploying scouts? "the ground commander says. You can already hear the sounds of grav bikes powering up in the background.
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Stev Andisom 08-Jan-22 08:56 AM
“Once the perimeter is secured you can start sending out scouts and have the flyers give them immediate support.”
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(lets get a lead/cha as we come in for landing)
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Stev Andisom 12-Jan-22 08:34 AM
(Sorry, my computer is down for the count again so I have been really slack at getting back here. Trying to get my phone to do the thing now.)
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(need me to do it? )
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Stev Andisom 13-Jan-22 12:50 AM
(Please)
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The scouts are in the wind and have located a PMG construction crew nearby. With your coaching they're able to take prisoners, and the three bruised survivors are waiting for you upon landing for questioning
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Stev Andisom 14-Jan-22 12:01 AM
The pod comes to earth with a thud and Stev immediately kicks the front of it open with a large mech foot. Grinning at the rush, he steps the mech out and turns it towards where the prisoners are being kept.
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They’ve been dropped to their knees and look up with bruised faces to see the mech stirring out of its drop pod
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Stev Andisom 14-Jan-22 10:02 AM
Once the mech is fully out of the pod, Stev pops the cockpit hatch and climbs out to stand in front of the prisoners.
10:03
“The Knights of Draconis have a message for the scattered troops hiding out in this forest. Can any of you relay that message to whomever is in charge?”
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They state they can reach their superior officers most likely, but it is not common for a line trooper to be able to directly contact a general.
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Stev Andisom 15-Jan-22 09:23 AM
“That’s a start. Someone get them a pad to give us the details and we’ll relay a message through.”
09:23
Stev steps away from the prisoners and gestures one of the soldiers over.
09:25
“Don’t let them talk directly to anyone. If they give away our location or composition of forces it will make life a hell of a lot more difficult. Just grab the details and who we’ll be speaking to… and try to locate where they’re contacting in this blasted forest. If they don’t talk we can always shell them directly.”
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(did you want to supervise this? or are you leaving your men to do it?)
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Stev Andisom 16-Jan-22 12:52 AM
(I’ll hang around but not take a direct hand)
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A pad is held up, and a frequency is found. One of the prisoners takes a deep breath, and when their squad officer is brought to the phone the prisoner takes in a tremendous breath of air. He looks around quickly at the camp. "SIR! i'VE BEEN CAPTURED! THEIR LOCATION IS RIGHT WHERE THIS PAD IS, FIND IT AND SHOOT EVERY GUN YOU'---" There is a thundercrack of a laser pistol being fired. Then two more, as your men take matters into their own hands and execute the captives.
😱 1
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Stev Andisom 17-Jan-22 12:00 AM
Stev turns back to the soldiers as the situation spirals out of control. “What part of ‘Don’t let them speak’ was hard to understand? Turn that damn pad off before they locate us with it and then report yourself for latrine digging duty.”
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“Sir how were they supposed to talk to their commanding officer but not be allowed to speak?” The junior officer asks , trying not to wince as some of the sprayed blood drips down his hands and uniform leg
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Stev Andisom 17-Jan-22 03:49 AM
“Get the details for how to contact their superiors and talk to them ourselves…”
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The PMG commanders don't seem to be willing to talk this out. Communications to them go unanswered
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Stev Andisom 18-Jan-22 05:54 AM
“Okay, looks like they want to do this the hard way. Dig in! Send down the Driade with the artillery to act as the Command Centre and start constructing some basic fortifications and bunkers at the edge of the forest.”
05:55
He watches them for a moment before turning back to his mech and climbing back in.
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A location for the other side of the signal has been detected. 2 kilometers in front of you it seems like there was some kind of communications base, but shooting through the woods and hoping to hit it from here presents problems. You'll have to march there
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Stev Andisom 19-Jan-22 04:31 AM
Stev grins and hits the comm. “Alright folks, we’ve got our first hint. Let’s go secure that comm centre. Mechs will lead with a few squads and tanks in support. Artillery, be ready to fire.”
🤖 1
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Upon marching into the forest, mechs have no issue stomping through the trees but trying to drive a column of tanks through the closely packed vegetation is presenting issues. Many columns grind to a halt with no way to turn or reverse without the rest of the column doing so. Enemy battery fire begins to land nearby, ranging shots, several tens of meters short at the moment.
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Stev Andisom 21-Jan-22 08:25 AM
Stev swear loudly, comms still on. “Right, everyone get back! Flyers, see if you can pinpoint where the artillery is so we can get our own shots on it. Mechs, push forward and start flaming!”
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(lead/cha)\
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