James Rogers is pulling guard duty near the summit of Mount Home, the central fastness SCAF operates from on the planet Bergasa. The cold wind pulls at the fur lined cold weather gear, and the rifle is chilly in his hands, though there is no question it will work. Behind him, the postern door set into the cliffside opens, and a messenger is there, red faced and panting despite the cold. A small data-pad is in his hands, and he waves at you, indicating you need to come get it Pushing aside several alerts on it not meant for you, it seems an expedition is being mounted to a previously scouted island, this time, a larger crew is going to begin constructing a settlement there- to ease some of the overcrowding. 350,000 people are stuffed into this titanic mountain, and although friendships are forming, and bonds growing, everyone is eager to have a bit more space to move around

You have been selected as scout and security for this expedition, one of many specialists chosen for the job.

James takes note of the time and place of the march order, and hands back the datapad with a word of thanks. He turns to the view. After months of damning this guard position, he believes he will rather miss it.

As the "newbie" in the standing army, James would take meticulous care of his demeanor and equipment before reporting for duty.

The expedition deck on the bottom of the mountain is build inside a cavern, that opens right into the sea, like the amphibious deck on a warship, but more protected . Hundreds of strung glow-bugs and other lights form the ceiling, and even with all the illumination it is dim. A small patrol green water vessel is being worked on in a small drydock by engineers, while a barge is being pulled into position and loaded with gear. There are many others standing on or around it, and a pair of officers with some security staff are directing people aboard

James will find the most appropriate low ranking officer and give a snappy salute in front of him, showing the info on his compad. "James Rogers, reporting for duty. I believe I was assigned to scouting and security detail. Where do I need to be, sir?" (and/or ma'am)

"Alright soldier, you're here, thanks for getting down from the peak so quick. If you've got your gear together, hop on the barge, we'll be pushing off shortly, with a more detailed briefing en route. If you need anything, there's a requisition barge that's going to be towed behind us, I'll mark off any gear in it you might need"

"I could use some standard issue armor, sir. The vacc suits we get up there are bulky in use. Much appreciated." Another curt salute and a turn by the book, before James hikes his duffel bag over his shoulder and marches his way to the barge. Once there, he makes himself known and takes note of the situation on the barge.

(did you want woven armor, of a combat field uniform?)

(def uniform)

(Go ahead and add one to your sheet, and then ready it, they'll make sure you get it before landing where you're going)

(check)

(For context on the Bergasa map, you're going to the large island on the west)

(between the verdant northern part of the wheel, and that wastelandy south)

(Okido) James will, when not enjoying banter with his colleagues or occupying himself with assigned tasks, be toying with his survey scanner, trying to find out what he can of the water they are on. (edited)

And rearranging his equipment between his bag and his backpack, since he doesn't handle weight very well...

(its 3 days of downtime as the ship sails out there, and the downtime activities are on the roll20, near the top)

(i can help you figure out anything there if you need it too)

(I got it I think, was just occupied with another game)

James spends his time fiddling and practicing with his survey scanner, since he never really got the hang of it during training.

(using it requires a 'know' roll so I guess that's the skill I'm training)

(sure, 3/90 for Know) The weather holds, and although scouting reports mention mysterious masked figures emerging across Bergasa, none of them menace the large boat on its way over to the island. The soil is universally white sanded, though heavily wooded with thick and peeling trees. The trucks are fibrous, similar to Terran coconut shell. Waves gently lap the hull as the barge beaches itself, powerful engines shutting down for the first time in three days, and finally, silent

James' feet thump into the sand as he jumps off the barge. He checks with his colleagues to see whether he should treat the landing zone as being hostile, his lack of experience clearly showing now. If they raise their weapons to scan the area, so will he. If they act cool and start unloading with their backs to the island, so will he.

They raise their weapons, and begin covering the boat as others jump off and also join the picket line. You can see where a gap has been left, clearly a place you're supposed to occupy, and the advance stops 20m from the treeline. (notice/wis)

Training kicks in, and James falls in line. Laser rifle at the ready, he scans the foliage for contacts. (9) (edited)

The jungle is dark, but shafts of sunlight occasionally break in the background shadows. Something stirs, 100m deep within the treeline. You cannot see the shape, but you do see the presence of some sort of shadow moving deepbehind the trees, slowly from left to right

James points with a flat hand in the direction, never taking his rifle's sights off the shape. "I see something in the trees," he calls out, and then towards the shadow, "Who is there!? Show yourself!" He will lower his rifle somewhat to show that he is not hostile, but keeps on alert.

The figure stops, and as it turns to face you, you get a glimpse of a bronze burial mask upon its face

its back is shrouded by trees, though the glitter of a blade in its hand is unmistakable

(would James recognize this figure as something he has seen before or has learned about?) (edited)

(It would resemble one of the masked figures that have been seen around the planet and have been hostile to others, it is well out of range to hurt you at the moment, but they've killed before)

James is hesitant. He calls out "Sir!" to alert his superiors, rifles poised directly at the figure in the bushes. (I will hold an action: open fire on any signs of hostility)

(including James' side)

"They've killed before! If you see a target, shoot! Good eyes Private Rogers!"

James wordlessly pulls the trigger. (Laser rifle: 16/7)

(burst firing)

The creature bucks, hit cleanly by the solid rounds, and its driven back to dash into the trees it stands before. Other gunshots from down the line sound, as more of the figures materialize. It seems your group has foiled some kind of ambush.

Lacking the ability to meaningfully respond at this range, the creatures who have survived, and now you're able to see at least ten, begin to flee deeper into the jungle

James will continue shooting at any movement he sees, and fires even one or two more shots after the figures have gone out of sight, for good measure. He'll check quickly left and right to see how his colleagues are holding up, and if they're alright, awaits further orders. (Laser rifle: 8/8)

Everyone seems fine, though there is some panic as the engineers are beginning to unload. No one had expected contact this soon. "Alright, rally up! Rogers, over here now!" the platoon leader calls, he is standing with two of the other junior officers, frowning over a map

James jumps up from his kneeling position. In passing, he'll quip to the comrade next to him, "We having fun yet?" flashing him a wide grin. He will try to look slightly less pleased with himself as he reports with his superiors, tilting his head not-too-subtly to catch a glimpse of the information on the map.

"We're going to launch a patrol into the woods to get after them. We need to figure out where those things might be coming from. Apparently Rogers is the only one with eyes that work. He's going to be element leader."

five more soldiers, one of whom is a medic, are picked from the nearby soldiers, and begin forming up nearby, organizing their gear

James' smug demeanor melts away rather quickly as he learns that he is "volunteered" for a forward mission. Regardless, he nods in understanding and turns on his heels. He joins the men. "You heard the officer. Let's get to it." Once everyone is organized, James leads them into the bushes. Before going further, he instructs them to look for blood or tracks for them to follow, turning his "eyes that work" down to the ground.

(3xp, 5000 credits for what we've done so far. There is a supply barge with you, which I'm considering access to a locker and armory, so we can requisition any non-vehicle, TL4 weapon or item you need)

(and lets do that lvl up before you go charging into danger)

(sweet. OK Done, most notably I got a sniper rifle, some grenades, and the 'Alert' focus. Put 3 points towards increasing strength, 1 towards Lead skill.

)

(Oh you get 4, right, since yo're an expert. Okay cool. I'l move this forward shortly)

(K) (edited)

The six of you are within visible range of the body that James had killed, and though there is no evidence of the creature there now corporeally, there is a black ashen pile here instead. The golden mask, and the steel sword it was holding are both remaining here as well, embedded in the ground

James picks up the mask and studies it, outside and inside. (edited)

There is writing on the inside, in a script that does not register on any SCAF database (which is comprehensive as far as languages in these sectors, so its not from here)

There is no evidence of its former wearer left behind, and there is a slight burn scar in the front where your shot punched through the forehead

James holds out the artifact and scans it with his survey scanner. He will try and figure out the results at a later time, for now he turns to the closest soldier. "Take the sword and mask to the officers and report back to me." He wanders a bit further, attention divided between his surroundings and the ground, in hope of finding tracks. If none are to be found, James will gather the others and tell them to continue walking perpendicular to the beach, deeper into the woods. He himself will walk second. (edited)

The island is forrested heavily, surrounding a large mountain that the first expedition group climbed and set a survey scanner up on. You're able to patch into it from down here, and it shows that there is a very large spot on the eastern side of the island, deep in the jungle, where the ambient temperature is far cooler than the surrounding area

James downloads the coordinates to his compad and steers his team in that direction. As they near the area, they will prioritize stealth above all else.

(sneak/dex)

(10. My first roll did not roll 3d6 as determined by the Specialist perk.)

You’re able to keep a low profile and maintain noise discipline as you move through the woods toward the cold spot. 300m away the column comes to a halt as you organize. It’s clear there is some kind of activity ahead. Weapons clang against one another, trees fall, and tools hammer away into the afternoon air

James gives a "Hold" signal and advances by himself to take a look.

(we can keep the 10, since you haven't done anything to ruin your stealthy posture)

A camp with 40 of those figures is being constructed in the clearing here. The technology level you can see remains as swords and bows, though they appear to be building siege engines of a sort, catapults and ballistae with brutally carved spiked heads. Some other buildings are being constructed, made from locally fallen wood, and aside from their masks and outdated weapons, it seems that their life mirrors early human life.

James takes out his trusty scanner to film the ongoing work for a few minutes. He circles around to get a better view of the siege weapons, after which he will try and find the person in charge.

There does not seem to be a singular voice directing the work. The beings do not speak, and manage to work together, or on their own, always knowing what comes next, or how things should be done. In the center of the camp, they have some defenses going up, sharpened wooden spikes pointing outward , around a black obelisk. There are a few broken sections of rock that seem to float nearby the object, as though they were taken off of it and are now suspended. The top point is ghostly, almost like vapor, though keeps its shape

Again, James scans the thing thoroughly and saves the whole thing. He will take a wide shot too, in case his superiors notice something that he didn't. When this is done, he sneaks back to the other men and retreat with them. At the landing zone, he will give as thorough a report as he can. "They are digging in. If we are to take action, I advise we do it soon, if possible after bombarding the area. They seem primitive but clearly they have some larger power governing them."

(you can post the image in the meeting channel if you want)

(since its semi live)

(Okay so you’re hanging back to observe and waiting for reinforcements?)

(Yup. They just join me here?)

(I think that is easiest as the pertinent information is already here.) A call for reinforcements is issued and @Proceus Pompeus (Xabast) and @Shutton , along with eight soldiers are dispatched from mount home via cargo lighter. Fighter cover does not have the ability to reach this far out while also making it home again to refuel , one of the reasons a settlement here is so vital.

Lucas attempts to make some medicine on the way there, just basic healing powder.

(What about our helicopter?)

(the reserve helicopter that is)

(The cargo lighter is borrowed from a spaceship in orbit. It doesn’t have weapons)

The ride is too bumpy to allow medicine to be made

(If needed, there is a supply barge present)

A young man steps from the crowd of working people and delivers a snappy salute. He is wearing standard soldier armor and besides the laser rifle in his hand, he has a large sniper variant strapped to his back. "Officers. I am James, we spoke in the meeting chamber. My section and I have been assigned to your squad. I believe I have provided you with all the data I have but should you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Thank you for coming on such short notice."

(The lighter was just to bring them out there)

“Relax, man. Thanks for the information. Is there any time constraints for this mission? Or can I make some medicine?” (edited)

(I think Ibros is referring to the heli we discussed in the meeting chamber, which was on stand-by somewhere near)

A formal yet somehow stilted salute is returned to Officer James. Even after Officer Abast speaks. Ibros is also wearing the standard blues uniform along with a pristine combat rifle probably never being shot before. Hair is intricately braided to keep out od the way and be less likely to be used as a handhold. "The pleasure is ours, and glad you dont have to do this on your own." (edited)

(He mentioned leaving one there but SCAF doesn’t own any and even if they did there’s no fuel )

(Same issue)

(okido)

(The one you own doesn’t have the range )

James leads you both to the hastily constructed forward base around the beached ships. "The sentries that we observed are currently in the process of digging in, building primitive but potentially effective defenses. You can get basic supplies here at the barge but I advise we move in at our earliest convenience." (edited)

“Very well. Any medicine would be appreciated. I have a drone just for injection”

"Same here plus grenades would be wonderful if you can spare them?" (edited)

James gestures at the barge, by which the engineers have set up supply tents. "All is available at official price. I'll gather a squad in the mean time. How many do you think we'll need?"

(Unless Neko disagrees, pretty much all TL4 equipment is available)

(Is lift back in production?)

"were facing about fourty combatants with varying arms. I think at minimum of my best desires would be half that number."

“Ammo is all you need, unless you are a melee user, like me”

“More guns don’t really help. Are you a capable sniper?”

He says this to James

James nods. "Trained specialist, sir." The pride in his voice is noticeable. "Fresh from the academy, but... If it's any indication, I was the only one to kill one of our visitors before." He chuckles, then hides it behind a cough, running off to see how many men he can gather for the mission.

(Dunno about Lift)

(Lift isn’t available unless you’re starting with it by picking the medic gear at creation. The frontier medicine from the iron stars book in rules and books channel is what has replaced most of the drugs )

(What has been done to put it into production again Lucas ? )

(... are mines allowed?)

(Also if possible with all of James scouting can we get a map of the site so we can plan the attack or something else?)

(My bad. I’ll purchase 6 doses of healing powder and 3 medpaks)

(The price of 450 subtracted. I’ll load the healing powder in the drone and keep the medpaks)

(did Lucas give me the 100 here and now? I dont wanna suprise Neko bout your gift)

(I already told him)

(Well, to specify he said I can give you money)

(And I subtracted the amount)

(But yeah anyways do mines count as standard? Cus if they are and some of these guys have melee im totally down for setting up a little sneaky minefield to take a few down.)

(Closest would be jury rigged demo charges )

(With a modified radius with fix)

(charges already have pretty sweet range & damage though)

(The modded range is so it does a cone upward instead of blowing us all to hell)

(Would I need to make it? Cuz im not gonna touch trying to make one myself. But if any are around ill pocket them so we can set up a kill field if we have a map)

(There are no mines available )

(But then rules for them are in starvation cheap)

"are any of you skilled at trap making?"

(I have fix 1)

(0)

"Would it be a good idea to jurry rig some grenade traps then?"

“I can help you if you want”

(James would gather around 30-ish men for the mission. That possible, Neko?) (edited)

(They can help encircle the camp but they’ll largely be the backdrop for what the three of you are more specifically doing )

(Sniper support?)

(Elaborate)

(Well, some people posted places to snipe if things go out of hand.)

(Execution attacks to cover an escape if needed)

(Smoke grenades a thing?)

(They’re not. Also if we are going to do this much ooc between things let’s use the chat)

James thumbs over his shoulder at the group that gathered near the treeline. "We are ready when you are."

“I’m ready when you are” (assuming I have the meds) (edited)

James switches his laser rifle for the sniper on his back and does a thorough check as he approaches the group by treeline. He addresses them, "Your task is to form a shooting line between our base, and theirs. We don't want them to jump us here when they become agitated. Pick a good spot well out of their sight, dig if you must. Move out." He then turns to Lucas and Ibros, and gestures forward. "This way."

(I follow)

Lucas grabs his pistol and follows

(wait do we wanna buy the grenades now?!)

(got so caught bup I almost forgot)

(They are available so go ahead)

(I have a demo charge, so I’m good)

(Okay ill buy 6 -150credits) (edited)

(Neko, is there a convenient hill or rock nearby that would give sight to the camp without being too near it?)

(It’s pretty dense country and the island is relatively flat except for the mountain at its center, but climbing it would put you out of range to really do much in relation to the camp)

James looks around frustrated. "The forest is too dense here to get a clear shot, at least from a distance that would allow the placement of a minefield. Either we lure them out some other way, or engage on their ground. Or we could... Try talking."

"Im willing and able to do option 3 but if it conflicts with orders id rather not imposition you. This is your mission, were only here to help." (edited)

James shrugs, checking the treetops. "Orders were to make the island fit for colonization. How we accomplish that was not specified. As long as we don't escalate the situation, there is time to gain information and start negotiations, I think. ...If they are not hostile, and that's a big 'if'. They are known to attack on sight, though the one that I shot didn't."

"Perhaps I could approach the camp and see if I can catch one isolated, see if I can approach them individually. Even if they respond with hostility, I can probably retreat before it starts raining arrows. I'm not the greatest talker, though..." (edited)

"Alright then. We'll go together. If it comes to a retreat in fast and you can cover me. But if they speak anything I've heard before we could talk. Plus I am a good talker." (She gives a confident smirk.)

“I’m even better. I’l lead this one.”

(Charisma 18, bois)

(Do you have diplomat? Cuz if not I can reroll 1's)

(Ah, don’t have that.)

(Put all foci in to defense and offense)

(Plus healing)

(So before this gets buried in OOC, your plan now is to try to isolate one to see if its capable of negotiations?)

(yup)

Observing the site, you do see that the beings use wood for construction, like any other culture that uses tools. Woodcutting teams of between 3 and 5 of the creatures armed with axes occasionally go out into the forest to fell trunks, and drag them back to the camp using a wooden sled (powered also by them, dragging it) The team you see leave is 4 strong, one armed with a bow, while the rest are on wood chopping duty. Their work takes them 300m from the settlement, into a dense grove of trees where the growth is especially thick.

They move off to labor, not noticing any of you in the forest

James stands behind his colleague(s) as they approach, rifle in hand, pointed at the ground.

(how close do you plan to get to them?)

(I think close enough to talk but stay hidden)

(Right, but how many meters is that, as it might make a difference depending on who is armed with what)

(James, you decide)

(I'd say 20 meters-ish.) (edited)

Approaching to within 20m of the masked group, all hard at work felling trunks, they do not break from their labors. A few trees have fallen, and the branches are being stripped off to be used for other purposes

(I will ready action to open fire upon signs of hostility)

(whispered to Lucas) "do you think we can just knock one out and drag them off. Otherwise all I can think of is directly talking at them and offering them a gift?"

“I think we can talk, but they are incapable of speech. Just saying. I have tried to talk to one.”

"Well that's where the gift comes in. They only have primitive weapons if we offer them the gift you gave me maybe just maybe they will understand. Or murdure me."

"I believe it is important to try. Only one is armed, I think this is a best case scenario. Maybe some medical supply?"

“That is what I was thinking. Tl4 medicine. Anyway, we only have one shot at surprise if they are all telepathically linked”

"Maybe me and you do this together Lucas" (edited)

“Alright then. But you talk”

"Sounds good! Just remember deep breaths." (Ibros stands up with hands up and slowly approaches)

Within 20m, the axe falls suddenly stop, and the four masked figures turn to regard you quietly. The one with the bow nocks an arrow, and raises the weapon to point at you, drawing back on the string slowly.

Ibros bows extrnding her knife handle first and gesturing to Lucas go do the same with medicine.

Lucas brings forth 1 dose of healing powder

And presents it as a gift

The bowman fires, the arrow going wide past Lucas and sticking itself into the trunk of a tree

(initiative then, Lucas and Ibros are within 20m since that was the talking distance they specified, I am not sure where James is fitting into all this)

(I am behind the others, I did say I was holding action to fire once hostility became clear) (edited)

(yes, he snap fired at a -4 penalty to go out of sequence)

(which is why he missed so badly)

(can I still shoot in response?)

(when it is your turn in initiative. You can hold an action if youre already in initiative and you're waiting for events to change, but SWN does not have preparing an action as a move you can do like 5e does)

(Masked men got a 1, so for this first round only the 3 axe-men will be able to do anything, as the bowman has already fired)

(8 for initiative)

(how'd you get 8 bud, roll20 say s6)

(Plus 2 due to kenjutsu and readied sword)

(It was not readied on your sheet, is why, but i fixed it for you)

(You're also heavily encumbered Lucas, since none of your gear was in the correct places)

(your move is 5m per round, base, since you're carrying 4 items beyond your limit)

(Dang, I need to lighten up)

(so far the order is Lucas, James, Masked men, just need to know where ibros fits)

(6)

(James and inros both rolled 6s)

(+1 for Ibros so 7)

(Lucas, Ibros, James, masked man)

(Lucas, I'm the GM,not you)

(I got a 7, so in this case the order is the same)

(but doing it yourself is not acceptable)

(Sorry.)

Lucas does a basic swing once in range (13/9)

(So run 5 meters, take out katana and attack)

(are you attacking the Bowman?)

(Yes)

(you're 20m from them, now 15, so out of melee range Lucas, if you have a ranged weapon that's readied you;re welcome to use it. This is why i was adamant we establish distance before the fight began)

(Oh, I do have one)

(9/10)

(Mag pistol)

The shot goes wide as Lucas moves in to close the distance (Ibros)

Ibros quickly aims her weapon and burst fires at the bowman (18/12) clustering the shots in its torso

She also moves back her full movement hoping to find some cover or something to get between her and further damage

The bowman stumbles but keeps its footing, black particles dripping out from the impact sites

(James)

James lets loose on the bowman, before moving 10m away from the camp to cover his allies' potential retreat. (11-6 burst)

The shots miss. The axemen close to meet Lucas, the three of them descending with their blades. Though none are able to find purchase in his armor. (No shock damage either) The archer fires again narrowly missing James

(Lucas up)

Lucas viciously slashes one of the axe men in his vicinity. (18/9)

A spray of black particles falling upward is the reward for your swing and the first axeman looks heavily wounded. (Ibros. You and James are now 30m from the combat)

(4/6) a brief shot to dismay the enemy fails to do anything but hit dirt and waste ammo. She hunkers by a stump for cover.

(James)

James takes another burst shot at the bowman. He then takes cover behind the biggest tree he can find. (13/11)

(Cowards, hiding and shooting.)

(just taking cover thankyou ) (edited)

(Ey, once your high level you are cover) (edited)

(I'll let you know)

The shots stitch into the ground, and the axemen lay into Lucas (19/7, the others miss) The archer fires another shot but it lodges deep into a tree trunk James is covering behind

Lucas angrily swings at the one he already attacked (15/5)

It fades, the body coming to pieces, mask dropping into the dirt

(ibros)

(8/7 miss probs)

The shots go wide, leaving no discernible harm to the enemy

(James. Wounded archer and two axemen still in it)

Ibros can probably hear James growl, "I can't believe I'm at a fucking stalemate with a fucking archer- Die!" At archer: (20/7) (edited)

Twists back into cover behind the tree.

The archer is hit center mass, falling backwards in a shower of black sparks, the bow tumbling from his dissolving hands

The axe men circle Lucas, though their blows are unable to pierce the thick armor he is wearing, instead kicking up sparks. At the camp, the first stirrings of large scale commotion can be heard, as the combat and sudden loss of two members of their wide telepathic net have been noticed

(Lucas up)

(13/8)

(how much shock do you do)

(3)

The third axeman is slain, the blow clumsy but enough to cleave through his guard and leave a large wound

(ibros)

(14/5)

The shot connects, wounding the axeman, though he is not yet out of the fight

(James)

James watches the guy take the hit, and follows it up with another. (5/2 ) (edited)

"We should be thinking about leaving. The whole forty will be on our ass momentarily."

"We need one alive remember!" Ibros shouts

muttering "two would have been better but semantics"

“Yeah, well they shot first. At least I’m hitting them!”

"Well hit them non-lethal if you can!"

“You owe me a drink after this”

That gets her to give you a shit eating grin gesturing with her hands to proceed.

James misses, and the remaining axeman strikes Lucas but does not land damage or wounding blows. At the camp, there are now definite sounds of a sally out, as weapons are grabbed, and metal clashes on metal as armor is donned

(Lucas up)

Lucas attempts to hit it on the head with the back of his blade (12/9)

Its mask deforms as you throw your strength into it, and it falls, particulate blood slowly going upward into the sky and fading away, though the body remains

Lucas gestures to one of his companions to grab the body, and then get the hell out of there

Full on war is no longer just a theory, it was a possibility

Ibros runs over slinging her weapon away and grabs its feet. "Lets go go go!!"

(two of you need an exert/str since we're doing this at speed)

James grits his teeth and runs forward, grabbing the other end of the body and helping drag it away.

(2)

(6)

Lucas helps

(3)

(Lucas is a fit boi)

(if any of you are pure experts, you do have your expert re-roll available)

(oh hell yes. Thanks for reminding)

(11!)

(Is 6 a fail?)

(You're supposed to decide to use it or not before you know)

(because if the second result is worse you have to take it, there's an element of gamble to it)

(I respectfully disagree)

(6 does fail)

(I'm thinking of 1E) (edited)

(7)

The body is difficult to drag at speed, and the slowness caused from the awkward handling has you in range of an arrow volley coming from the skirmishers sent out ahead of the main war pack. (22/6 Lucas, Missing Ibros, 18/4 on James)

You'll be out of range in seconds, and backup from the beach is not far behind

James yelps out in pain, his movements becoming frantic.

Soldiers carrying instapanels meet you, forming a rudimentary and fragile shield wall, and within a handful of seconds you're within its safety as another volley strikes it. Panels buckle and two men are struck, though the injuries do not appear threatening.

(you guys can disengage safely back to the beach with your prisoner if you're wanting to, we'll call this a success. 3xp, 5000 credits to all)

(Thanks. We will take him on the barge.)

On the ship Lucas rests, attending to james as needed

(I'll wait for Ibros before continuing)

(sorry was driving again) yeah Ibros would come as well taking pot shots at enemies as she comes aboard.

This far back from the fighting, the engineering team continues building the first of the prefabricated buildings, along with the foundations for what will be a temporary set of walls until more building materials can be brought in. Supplies from the barge have nearly been unloaded in their entirety, an armored tractor mean to help level land for an airstrip one of the last things to roll off the long ramp

Ibros whistles at the tractor."damn does that thing plant gun trees! Its like an apc just without a gun mount. Probs could attach one too it just for good measure."

The engineers wave it off, as it crunches onto the beach, and it begins slewing left, toward a grove of trees that will soon be a flattened area where one day, planes can land in safety, and this settlement can grow with that vital link back to Mount Home

The prisoner has not stirred in his temporary bindings, but time is running out to get him secured before he wakes up

"handcuffs wires or ropes we need.' Ibros would go and look for something to bind it up.

(Can Ibros go and purchase something to hold this guy?)

(The barge isnt a general store, all the equipment you can requisition we either did already, or is now being used for construction. Maybe some of your comrades have something that can be used)

(For Ibros and James, don't forget to post your level ups in your thread too so we can track what changed)

“I have a chain. I use it as a weapon, but it can be used for holding”

"That sounds promising enough for now. Question is do we keep this guy here or try and move him off the island?"

“Off the island for intensive study. Lord Mazzio might be interested”

"What about you James? Staying here or outward bound with us?"

"It seems my mission here is done, so I'm available for the next. I'll check with my superiors here, but I see no reason why they won't let me go. Looks like I'm coming with you." (edited)

(Just as an aside, long term military characters dont make a lot of sense in this setting, since you have no agency. Your missions would basically be things youre ordered to do and not things you want to do, if you want to do this slave raid mission you can)

(I figured as much. I consciously made James low ranking, since I'm still getting the hang of the game and going with the flow. I'll act a little more independent once I feel comfortable to get James "promoted" )

(I even made it one of his goals: -Get promoted to officer rank -Make a difference in a mission, with sniper skills -Become known to Mazzio and get on his good side)

(Also, in case I wasn't clear: I'm totally game for the slave raid mission)

(XP assigned, I made a group thread, ill tag you guys in it)

(Any downtime? Can we recover anything HP and battery-wise?)

(There will be minimum three days between the trip back to the mountain,and the spike flight to Balquis)

(but we havent done the spaceflight yet)

Lvl 2 -> lvl 3 11 HP Shoot 1 -> 2 Heal -1 -> 0

(Turned in bayonet (medium advanced melee), mag pistol, got a medkit)

(added 'find and install cyberware' to goals)