Stars Without Number

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 03:25 PM

Janov, one of the vaunted precognitive conclave on Pelsagon is hard at work in her small office when there is a knock on the door. Looking down at the clock it is far too early in the day for mid meal , and minister of procurement already received her weekly report, two days ahead of schedule like usual. The knock repeats, this time a little bit more insistent

3

Sage 08-Apr-20 06:55 PM

Unfamiliar with surprises Janov’s face twists into a speculative smile. She seems to enjoy the unexpected almost as one enjoys a new food after years of the same meals. It’s a breath of fresh air. After pausing just a moment to enjoy the feeling, she stands and brushes off her clothing. She inspects herself in a nearby slightly grimy mirror, then heads for the door. She opens it and beams a smile at whoever is behind it. “How may I help you?” (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 07:06 AM

"The Chairman is requesting you." The squat and portly runner hands a message to you. It is an actual paper envelope with a wax seal, bearing the CBSS emblem. "Your eyes only. Not sure what it is about, but he said to come as soon as you've read it"

he salutes, and trudges off as quick as his squat legs will take him

Sage 09-Apr-20 07:32 AM

Janov's smile grows to that which is usually reserved for small children at birthday parties. She then closes the door, pivots and heads to her cluttered desk. She sits down and begins the overly careful process of slowly opening the envelope.

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 07:50 AM

Inside, on a yellowed sheet of paper, there is a message, and a small metal chit that can be plugged in to one of dozens of procurement terminals around the government district.

Comrade Pelorat Your talents have been noticed and you have been selected for a special assignment. Our colonists on Mehani are having some difficulty adapting to their surroundings. We had previously thought the world to be entirely uninhabited but it seems this may not be the case. There have been reports of strange creatures, made of metal or some sort of stone, lurking in the trees, and simply watching the encampment. You can see how precognitive talents in predicting their movements, and how to approach them, could be valuable to the colonists there The chit contains 750 credits to procure yourself some additional gear that you think may be required. We have also cleared you to purchase an Argus Web to aid your study there if you find it necessary

Sage 09-Apr-20 07:59 AM

Janov's smile hardens to a steadfast grin. She memorizes the letter then does her best to destroy is completely. She then packs a small satchel with an extra change of clothes. She then heads for the nearest procurement terminal. (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:01 AM

There are dozens of the machines, all pulling gear up from a highly secured inventory and elevator system below. On this level of the admin complex, they look like a vending machine for the very rare snack foods or drinks available here. Most of the time those machines have nothing in them at all. This terminal opens its display as you approach, and the chit reader drains the credits from the disposable chit, adding them to your account

(I know you're an old hand. The argus web is in the original version of the game and didnt make the jump into revised. i can post a description for you if you dont know what it is, so you know what you have a choice about)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:03 AM

(No I've already pulled it up. Are we using listed prices or due to the low resources are prices higher?)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:04 AM

(book prices are fine, you're working for the government, so in this case theyre giving you a bit of cash and stabilizing the price for you to book levels)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:05 AM

(Nice. So I'm good to just buy all gear listed? As long as it's TL4 or below. Correct?)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:09 AM

(CBSS stocks wouldn't have any gaps in what is not available for you right now. Some frontier worlds might not have everything available, but you're in a good position here to pick up anything you might need)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:09 AM

(cool I will make a selection and the post everything I have bought)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:32 AM

(Buying 1 - TL4 Backpack 50 credits 1 - TL4 Binocular 200 credits 1 - Dataslab 300 credits 1 - Thermal Pistol 300 credits 10 - Power cell type A - 100 credits )

(If available I would like to get a fairly small Thermal pistol so it can be kept in a boot or similar small place. Deringer style.)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:33 AM

(A second gun, or this one just modified somehow?)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:34 AM

(The first pistol I bought if possible I would have bought a smaller model.)

(perhaps willing to pay some extra if necessary)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:35 AM

(We're not disguising it as something else, so the concealed mod is an unfair thing to impose here, i think we can just flavor the existing weapon that way for you)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:36 AM

(Thank you it's more for character flavor than anything. She's not the type to openly carry a weapon she just carries it for those just in case sort of moments.) (edited)

(Oh I almost forgot, I also buy one Argus Web for 200)

Sage 09-Apr-20 08:48 AM

After gathering her gear Janov types a quick report of her status and willingness to eagerly undertake such a mission. She types a quick couple hundred word report and sends it the minister in charge of such matters. With determination and purpose she walks quickly to the nearest port that will take her to Mehani.

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 10:52 AM

The craft taking you is a frigate, one of the few to survive the most recent confrontation with the shapers . None the less, it has been repaired, and its crew have been tested in combat. The ramp is extended as it sits on the landing field east of Pelsagon Prime and the last of the maintainers are pulling out ground power cables and fueling lines

Sage 09-Apr-20 11:21 AM

Janov being all business and no play enters the frigate with as little fanfare or conversation as possible. She then gets acquainted with her quarters and unpacks her bag. After that is finished she will take a walk around the vessel to get a feel for the layout of her new temporary home for the upcoming flight.

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 01:50 PM

The ship is a blocky craft, seemingly built entirely around the centerline torpedo launcher it carries. The large ammunition magazine is the entire armored belly of the ship. Plans are already in place for a redesign when resource stocks allow. The bridge at the front of the craft is open, and the minimum number of crew seem to be assigned to this operation

The pilot is on his way forward, as you explore "Morning there, you're our special cargo then right? I'm Vitoli. Its a short jump to Mehani, you wont be stuck in this thing long, but I'll try to make it smooth trip for you"

Sage 09-Apr-20 03:45 PM

Janov smiles an only half forced smile and speaks with flattery. “Ah comrade Vitoli, I commend you on the state of your ship, and I thank you for your hospitality. I was already touring your ship myself but if you find yourself disposable I’d love for you to lead the tour yourself.”

Nekosmash 10-Apr-20 12:15 PM

(I don’t have a floor plan really. Most of the time it doesn’t end up making a difference. ) Pre flight checks aren’t due to start for another fifteen minutes and you’re shown around the ship, specifically where to go to get to the emergency lifeboats and where the main crew areas of the ship are. This ship being on the small end of that the military deploys ,it’s clear to see how it would be cramped when taking a full free compliment. "Well, so there you have it. We're not expecting to be in spike for long, just a day or so. By time the boredom starts to get you, we'll already be where we're going" Today, it is barely over the minimum size needed to keep things running (edited)

Sage 11-Apr-20 10:33 AM

Janov listens intently the entire short tour, committing the emergency lifeboats to memory just incase a hasty escape should be needed."Thank you comrade, well I suppose I shall dispose myself to my quarters and do my best to stay out of your way." Janov heads to her quarters and settles in. If possible she would begin to research Mehani on her dataslab. She would spend the rest of the downtime learning as much as she can.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 10:56 AM

(on roll 20 we have a downtime activity handout. Feel free to look at that and work on one of the things there.)

Sage 11-Apr-20 10:56 AM

(Cool thanks

)

1

Nekosmash 11-Apr-20 01:24 PM

Most of the planet has never been surveyed aside from the initial colony. The world is locked in ice, the planet a bit too far from the sun to melt the thick coating. There is plant life, adapted to meet the cold conditions, and animals, though too those have not been documented. Prior to CBSS colonization, the planet had never known the boot of any sentient life.

(and whatever you want to work on we can put a day toward that)

Sage 11-Apr-20 01:25 PM

(Ok cool)

(Since she'll probably get bored being alone, she'll spend the day socializing with the crew and gain 1 day toward training connect)

Nekosmash 12-Apr-20 02:20 PM

(Works for me!)

The trip is short, and the blocky corvette arrives in the Mehani system a day later as promised. Rudimentary fueling facilities have been constructed on the planet below, and with a grind the ship moves into atmospheric operation as more delicate flight control surfaces fold out of the hull. There is no tower to help direct flight, and after a landing a bit short of the cleared field, but the only casualties are a couple of trees close to the flight area. A small group of civilians and techs begin moving toward the ship as the ramp begins to lower

Nekosmash 15-Apr-20 05:10 AM

“Welcome to Mehani!” Their apparent leader says, stepping forward. “You must be the team from back home. You’ve come at the right time. There’s a lot of work for you to be done here”

Nekosmash 18-Apr-20 01:47 PM

(Let me know if you're stuck)

Sage 23-Apr-20 07:08 PM

(so sorry I have been very busy lately I should have sent you a text letting you know sooner)

Nekosmash 23-Apr-20 07:12 PM

(all good, just didnt want to leave you stuck)

Sage 23-Apr-20 07:14 PM

She salutes the group and steps forward with a slight grin. "Good because there is a lot of eagerness for me to work." She approaches the group quickly with her bag of belongings in hand. Upon arriving in front of the leader she presents identification. (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 06:49 AM

"From the home office even. Well, you;ve come at the right time. As you know, us setting down mines and factories here means we can develop at home even faster. Something is watching us from the woods though. No one has gone missing yet, but everyone is frightened. We have science. I don't think it is evil spirits, but something is out there"

Sage 25-Apr-20 01:12 PM

"Well you're in luck, I happen to be a precog so if whatever it is plans to make a move I'll see it coming before it happens."

Nekosmash 25-Apr-20 03:58 PM

“What can we provide you to help you get started , Agent...Pelorat” he says, squinting to read the name off your documentation. “I wouldn’t want to keep one of the CBSS’s top agents here for longer than necessary “

Sage 05-May-20 05:25 PM

"Well to start, I'll need an entire briefing on the situation at hand. Perhaps even interviews with the witnesses of these creatures. My precognition can only go so far. But for tonight perhaps a room is most important, I will need a private place to focus my mind and reach into the future."

Nekosmash 06-May-20 06:54 PM

You're taken from the ship to a small office building in the colony, which is the only building with two floors. "Top floor is yours, here is the key" and a heavy iron key for a matching lock is handed to you. It is weighty and warm from being carried. "It should be quiet up there, only the mayor has access, and he is under strict instructions from the home office not to disturb you. We will begin rounding up everyone who has seen the creatures, and we can bring them to you when you are ready"

Sage 08-May-20 09:12 AM

Janov takes the key and slides it into her breast pocket. She then extends her hand towards him to shake. "Thank you comrade, your assistance has been most helpful. When you before you gather the people allow me a few hours to settle in and peer into the future to see if anything immediately presents itself to me. Also your mayor is welcome to visit me at any time he wishes. If possible I would love to share a meal with him so as to pick his brain."

Nekosmash 08-May-20 09:17 AM

"I'll arrange it, stop by once you've settled in, his wife makes a fantastic meal. I'll let him know you're coming. This being a frontier world, if you have indeed come armed, you're permitted to wear your weapons inside the settlement, just don't go waving them around if you're not planning to use them. It makes people uneasy"

Sage 08-May-20 09:20 AM

"With luck the safety will never disengage." She says beaming a somewhat forced but convincing smile. "Well good luck and safe travels to you comrade I will begin settling in now" She bids the man farewell and begins ascending the stairs to her quarters.

Nekosmash 08-May-20 12:04 PM

The room is made of a light colored wood that is somewhat soft underfoot. The carpet is spongy and the furniture is local in origin. Several of the boards used have large knots in them from improper plaining. The floorspace is big enough to allow some meditation, and the walls are thick enough to keep out the worst of this frozen world's chill

Nekosmash 19-May-20 05:50 AM

Outside, snow begins to fall, and distantly at the edge of the woods, you can see a set of glowing red lights, that somehow don't seem artificial, begin to wink out

Sage 20-May-20 08:03 PM

(Sorry for my inactivity) As the snow falls outside, she rolls out a small mat in the middle of the room and kneels upon it. She focuses her mind towards the day ahead and engages her precognitive abilities. (I'm going to use my Oracle ability to look one day into the future since I am level 1 precog.)

Nekosmash 20-May-20 08:11 PM

There is a small creature that resembles a rat. It will appear near the southern gate tonight and guide you to what you are seeking

Sage 20-May-20 08:16 PM

"Intriguing..." She will roll up her mat and contemplate on this for a small time. Eventually she gathers her thoughts and heads out of her room to seek the mayor and the meal that was offered. "Perhaps the mayor may shed some light on the rodent..."

Nekosmash 21-May-20 04:20 AM

The mayors home is predictably one of the better constructed ones in town. It is two floors with strong walls and it looks to have at least a wood burning stove if not more traditional heat judging by the large chimney currently wafting white smoke into the night air. The door opens and you’re welcomed in by his family, and asked to sit at a dining set carved from local timber. It’s a light colored wood and slightly imperfect. The mayor sits at the end, opposite you, a lean man with a hard face and twin scars on his cheek, wounds from the workers war years ago

Sage 22-May-20 10:52 AM

Janov grants the man all expected respect and graciousness, as per usual her flattery is forced but convincing enough for most. She converses with the mayor and his family, and compliments the meal. She converses mostly about the town and how she can be of use. Eventually she starts turning the conversation towards more immediate concerns. "So comrade other than strange glimpses on the fringe of your colony, have any other nasty problems risen their heads? Sickness, hunger, rodents, perhaps the weather has been even more fierce than what I've already witnessed?"

Nekosmash 22-May-20 10:59 AM

"We may be thin on food when the season gets toward the end of the big freeze. I'm told this world is never going to truly melt, but it does get above freezing and stays there when 'spring' comes"

Sage 22-May-20 11:00 AM

"So is the only trouble found in the weather? If so you and your people shall adapt soon enough I imagine. We are a hardy people comrade."

Nekosmash 22-May-20 11:01 AM

"We are. Central office placed our colony well. We have not been here long, but stock levels will hold. I would like to know whats going on out there beyond the walls"

Sage 22-May-20 11:04 AM

"Well with luck I shall calm the worries of the beyond good mayor. Now if you could help me, what is know of the beyond. I don't expect much to be known that is of course my purpose to discover at least partially, but if starting from scratch can be avoided well that would be a great boon to us both."

Nekosmash 22-May-20 01:07 PM

"Well, the wilds have been largely tame. Rodents and such get close to the encampment but we have not had too many problems with hostile wildlife- so far. Those eyes, out in the woods, we hope arent the harbingers of something worse coming. No one has been attacked, or gone missing yet, but the people who have seen these things up close are speaking the impossible. Something about living rocks"

Nekosmash 27-May-20 05:47 PM

At that moment a guard from the walls bursts in, telling you about the creatures showing themselves at the gate. The mayor and others begi. Gathering their gear and running outside