Stars Without Number

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 12:12 PM

"Agent Janiskov" the runner says, panting heavily as he turns up outside your door. You can smell the sausages and beer in his sweat as he red faced looks up at you. "Orders from the chairman. He would like to see you, personally. One hour. He said come dressed to leave" There is a small paper message on recycled yellowed paper in the runners hand, sealed with a red wax seal. Antiquated, but more secure than electronic sending certainly. Outside, a factory blows its whistle as the afternoon sun begins to beat down on the Chairman's compound. Workers will be flooding the streets in moments, some heading home after a long shift, and others heading in for an afternoon and evening of toil

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 12:49 PM

"Lovely. I'd ask you to return a message for me but I'm certain you wouldn't make it there before me, perhaps the party has been a bit too fair to you, eh?" Lace remarks, eyeing the man's gut down her nose. "You think if they wanted to reach me quickly they'd send one of my own kin. Or would that be a waste of talent. What do you think comrade?" The psion meets the man's eyes with her own steel blue gaze that appears to read his soul. (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 12:56 PM

"I was asked to deliver the message. I have done my job. The disrespect is unnecessary" he says, straightening up as much as he is able

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 01:11 PM

"And your work is ever appreciated." Lace hesitates as she turns to begin gathering her things, looking over her shoulder at the runner, "You may go now comrade." She dismisses the man with a forced smile and a curt nod. (edited)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 03:18 PM

(Shall we say the runner has left and Lace has had the time to gather her gear and make way to the Chairman's office?)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 03:19 PM

(That’s fine. Just hadn’t made it back to the thread yet)

2

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 04:45 PM

The chairman’s guards open the door as you approach the mahogany wood panel security door. It slides aside and they shoulder arms in respectful salute. Yuri Oktobreskyea sits behind a desk , a physician and engineer tending to his mechanical arm and lung. He waves his organic arm signaling its okay for you to come in, and a seat is moved aside for you to sit by his aide (edited)

“Forgive the crowded house. I’ve been trying for days to get this looked at. It whirrs every time I write something

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 05:35 PM

Lace bows her head slightly as she goes to take the proffered seat, her eyes lingering slightly on the augmetic arm. "Surely the chairman would have access to a biopsion skilled enough in their discipline to regrow such things, no?" Lace shakes her head slightly, speaking before chairman Oktobreskyea has a chance to respond, "Getting away from the point here, I don't think the chairman would have summoned me to give him advice on medical matters."

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 05:37 PM

"I lost my arm in the war, forty years ago when we installed our glorious workers regime. The arm is a reminder of what was lost, and how hard we fought to get where we are now. Perhaps I'm too sentimental, but that;s not why we're here"

"You're going to work. We have an operative and small team on Al-Thynniyan, and the job is bigger than just one small team can do alone. I think its high time Sergeant Felix and his band got some reinforcements

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 05:41 PM

The psion raises her eyebrow ever so slightly with an accompanying head tilt, curious to know more. "And it would be safe to assume then that said reinforcements would consist of at least I, chairman."

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 05:44 PM

"Correct. You and a small squad, making six of you in total. It's too risky to send in more than that at a time, as the planet breaker guns are still operating. There are some gaps in the coverage, but any large troop landers would be detected and fired on"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 05:54 PM

Lace glances downward into empty space momentarily. "Well then, I presume mission specific intel and orders will be given once I'm on the ground there. And I may not be a precog but I'll wager a guess that my ride offworld is waiting for me right now." Lace stands up, addressing the chairman's gaze directly. "If there's nothing else of import then I shall waste no more of your time chairman."

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 05:58 PM

'The shuttle leaves in three hours, the rest of the team is assembling, and two of them had to be recalled from exercises in the countryside. Regular communications with our forces there have been difficult. Standing orders are to help the workers movements there topple their capitalist regimes, but Sergeant Felix can give more environment and locality specific information once you get to the ground there. You'll be meeting with a friendly group of partisans in their mountain camp. The place is a fortress, and they'll be there as support, and guides for you.

"I don't have more information for you than that"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Jun-20 06:42 PM

"Thank you," Lace bows to the chairman "you won't be disappointed with my performance on the mission chairman." With that, the psion leaves the office, making her way out of the compound and to the starport.

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 07:58 PM

The shuttle and the team picked for the job are assembling there when you arrive. It seems the last two were able to hitch rides in from the countryside. The team is evenly divided between men and women , though two members have gear and demeanor more akin to field experts than special operators. One has a large medical bag, while the other has a drone, and some assorted tools. Everyone is kitted in combat field uniforms stripped of CBSS markings, and carries combat rifles, likewise left mostly bare.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 05:15 AM

Lace strides up to the team, clad in an armored bodysuit with a duffel bag across her back, blades rattling against each other in their sheaths. "Seems we're all here," She nods to the shuttle "let's not keep our comrades waiting then."

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 06:03 AM

There is a whine as the engines begin cycling up. Two pilots sit in the cockpit at the front of the ship, pulling levers and getting the needed systems running. Everyone begins climbing aboard and getting their gear stowed into cabins. Each one is largely the same, with a small chest, a study looking bed, and a pair of wall lockers bolted to the floor to prevent them tipping (edited)

out in the hallway, the ramp closes and the pilots begin gently taking the craft up to begin the trip

(we have a day of downtime between here and your destination of you wanted to work on anything, there's a roll20 handout by the top of the list with downtime activities)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 06:11 AM

Lace spends the day cycle during transit ensuring the molecule thin edge of her blades stays as such, as well as maintaining and repairing any imperfections, nicks, or minor damage to her body armor and blades. (Starting to train fix)

The combat psion will look flawless, both in an inspection and on the field of battle.

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 07:17 AM

The ship exits spike space at the edge of system space in the arctic system of Al Thynniyan. A small double pulse of a ground transmission tower directs the shuttle on its final approach, before coming down in the middle of a village. high in the mountains, the village has been built around the mouth of a large cave system, the mountain pass protected by gates, and large walls made of ice and metal. Geothermal heat from this cave network seems to be providing power and warmth to the natives of this village, and a few of them jog over to the landing shuttle, armed with crude hunting rifles

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 08:14 AM

Lace nods to the native soldiers as they approach, scrutinizing them with her hidden sight for any traces of psionic power.

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 08:20 AM

There are none among the assembling villagers that you're able to detect. As the soldiers disembark , the village chief raises a hand in greeting, and shields his face as the rising shuttle kicks up more snow, taking off again for the journey home. "Welcome to our humble hamlet. I'm happy to see the CBSS values our cause enough to send a second group to help our struggle. Your way here was far easier than Sergeant Felix and his men experienced."

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 08:36 AM

"Of course comrade, we wish to see all peoples free from the tyrannical yoke of capitalism. It matters not the cost to our Brotherhood." Lace checks her sheathed blades once more. "People like Felix and I are the hammers of the brotherhood, laying low the caustic values of capitalists so that men like you may reap the full rewards of your labour. Now, direct our blows." (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:35 AM

He shrugs at the poetic language, and thinks for a moment. There's a truck in the village here you can take, theres a road through the mountains, and through a tunnel that ends in a crashed battleship we have commandeered as a fortress. Its drive system is running, so the area is safe from electronic attack and nuclear weapons, and we've been using it as a fortress to stage against the twin cities from. Sergeant Felix left a forward command post there, and should be able to get your tightbeam transmissions from it. The tunnel is watched by Capitalist forces, though not as frequently as it used to be. If you run into trouble on the drive, it will be there"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 09:41 AM

"We appreciate the heads up, although I am certain they would be little of an obstacle for us." Lace reciprocates the greeting the chief gave her earlier and heads off to the truck, directing her team of operatives to follow along.

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 10:04 AM

The truck is a battered pattern of Zil, in use by most of the old Terran governments for most of its pre-scream history. The chassis is tough as is the engine, and there are a few cold weather modifications that have been made to it over time. There is room for two in the drivers cab, where everyone else can ride in an armored cab behind the extra armor has been bolted and welded to the frame. A gun port over the cab has also been added, and the barrel of a rail gun sticks out

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 12:12 PM

Lace tosses her duffel in the cab and takes the passenger seat, allowing one of the other operators to take the wheel. "Let's go."

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 12:39 PM

The railgun moves gently as one of the soliders takes position behind it back in the crew bay, though the solid metal wall between the cab and bed prevents you from seeing who it is. Without seeing it, you know that at least two others have their small guns trained out the back.

The heavy engine rumbles, and the gate opens as the partisans let you exit their mountain fastness, down the ice roads to the tunnel below. The path is skinny, but there is enough room for two of this sort of truck to pass next to one another. It does not seem like there is any other traffic at the moment. (notice/wis)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 12:51 PM

(10)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 12:53 PM

As you round a corner, a few kilometers from the tunnel, you notice the tire tracks in the snow are somewhat new, and deep. Deeper than they should be for travel older than a few hours

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 12:55 PM

Lace puts her hand on the driver's shoulder, "Stop the truck, someone's been here recently." She calls out to the operatives in the back of the truck, "Stay on the gun, the rest disembark and keep an eye out while I check this out.*

(How far out do the tracks go before I lose sight on them)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 12:58 PM

(about 1.5km down this path, and curving around a bend, where the tunnel is at the bottom of that, though you cant see around the bend as it is. Essentially you know someone's been by, and there may be an ambush ahead)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 01:01 PM

Lace proceeds on foot, keeping her profile low as she follows the tracks and teleporting short distances where cover is close together. (Effectively walking the distance, but wherever cover like trees or boulders or hill crests are, and are ten or fewer meters apart she'll be teleporting effortlessly between them.)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 01:06 PM

THe rest of the squad struggles to keep up, and as you approach the bend, you see a technical in the Orange and electric blue pattern of South Warren watching the pass. It's about a kilometer from your position, and the road down to the tunnel mouth is open, kept cleared to allow the passage of wide cargo trucks.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 01:18 PM

(South Warren?)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 01:21 PM

(One of the cities opposing you)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 16-Jun-20 01:46 PM

(Can I see how many troops are around the technical?) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 02:27 PM

(None have dismounted it’s there are any, it for sure has a driver and gunner. If there’s soldiers with it they’re inside the crew bay keeping warm, or elsewhere)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 03:18 AM

Lace orders the team to head back to the vehicle and follows behind them, checking as she goes to make sure they hadn't been spotted.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 03:26 AM

Nothing seems out of place. The technical doesn’t surge up the pass after you and there is no evidence any soldiers on foot have come by, aside from your own footprints

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 03:32 AM

On reaching the truck, Lace sees to it that everyone gets back on board, her in the passenger seat again. "Alright comrades. We're going to storm that checkpoint." She turns to the driver, "Get us moving as fast as possible towards that tunnel, but ensure that you are able to stop before you enter," the psion leans over her shoulder. calling to the operatives in the back, "the second the truck stops, advance on the truck under cover from the emplaced gauss, try not to hit me though." (If combat doesn't start before we're within 100 meters, I'm going to teleport straight onto their technical.)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 03:34 AM

(They’re going to shoot or at least be getting ready to when you come around the corner. I don’t think you can teleport into An area you can’t see either generally, not without the 3 or 4 technique, we should get into initiative just to keep things organized)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 03:34 AM

(Alrighty)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 03:35 AM

(I’ll habe the book in front of me in an hour or so and I can double check teleporting. I just woke up )

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 03:40 AM

(Oh no, I'm aware you can't teleport to places you can't see without a specific technique, I had just figured that there's plenty of open space on or near their vehicle that's easily visible and reachable. rolled a 2 for init)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 05:18 AM

(oh outside yes) (3 for me) As the truck moves around the bend, 500m out from the enemy technical, it becomes apparent that a shooting fight is about to begin. the heavy machine gun on the back of the technical barks, jagged muzzle flash kicking up geysers of snow and ice near the wheels of your own vehicle, and bullets whiz past the crew cab (11, miss)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 05:20 AM

"Don't stop until I leave the truck. Gunner, return fire!" Lace leans down, attempting to take cover behind the dash of the truck without breaking line of sight with the enemy vehicle.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 05:21 AM

(its d20+3 if you wanted to roll for the gunner, up to you, I jsut dont want you to have to sit and wait while i roll dice against myself, unless you want that )

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 05:22 AM

(19)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 05:24 AM

(damage for a rail gun is 3d8)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 05:24 AM

(16)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 05:51 AM

The hypervelocity round punches a solid hole in the engine block of the enemy technical, and small flames begin to billow from the ruptured machinery. The gunner on the back of the technical returns fire, sending a quick burst into the mountainside in front of you, before the gunner jumps free , trying to put some distance between himself and the soon to be flaming wreck

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 06:06 AM

(How long until I'd be in teleport range?)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 06:18 AM

(one more round, vehicle is moving at speed, but they were kind of far away)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 06:23 AM

"Keep firing on them, but try not to hit any of them." Lace braces herself as they approach the tunnel, unsheathing her monosword and mentally preparing herself for a teleport.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 06:31 AM

The gunner swivels, tracking the vehicle and preparing another shot (or we can shoot the running gunner, up to you)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 06:32 AM

(Vehicle, 14 to hit) (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 06:34 AM

(hits! )

(and 3d8 for damage, maybe we can blow this sucker up)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 07:36 AM

(11)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:40 AM

There is a small mushroom cloud of flame and debris as the enemy technical goes up in flames. The driver must have been killed when the railgun shot punched through the engine compartment, as there was never an attempt to get out. The gunner is still running as your truck pulls up to the flaming wreck, easily within range of a few quick teleports

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 07:43 AM

Lace shunts her body through space, appearing next to the fleeing gunner and quickly reorienting herself , bringing her sword in a downward slash across the gunner's torso in the same motion, aiming to maim, not to kill. (edited)

(10 to hit)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:46 AM

The blade sparks off his woven combat armor, and he tries to use the metallic body of his combat rifle to fend you off (5, missing) but the weapon is clumsy and not suited for the kinds of moves he is making with it

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 07:51 AM

Lace focuses her attention on the rifle, attempting to bat it away with her sword.

(12 to hit)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:54 AM

There is a shower of sparks but he is able to keep his hand on the weapon, though it now has a large scar down its metal body. Clubbing the weapon up, he swings the butt like a club, off balance and unsuited to this style of fighting (10) There are some muffled pops behind you as your accompanying soldiers hop out and execute the wounded in the enemy crew bay, a mercy, at this point

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 07:55 AM

"Drop the gun and you live." She declares, making eye contact with the soldier, but not leaving it up to chance and making a second attempt to break the soldier's grip on their weapon.

(6 to hit)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:56 AM

(hes not rolling exert checks since the attacks to hit him arent hitting, but normally he would be)

Seeing his friends dragged out of the technical and shot seems to have an effect on him, along with realizing he is overmatched in this conflict, and he tosses the gun aside, to bury itself in the snow

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 08:20 AM

"Are those your only friends back there, staining the snow red? Or should I expect more trouble?" Even though the soldier is unarmed, her guard is still up and her blade is poised to strike at the man's throat if he tries anything.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 08:21 AM

"The only ones I came out here with. Don't know about others. Didn't need to

"Orders would have been...in there..." he say,s pointing to the burning truck

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 08:22 AM

"Useless, then." Lace flashes her blade out, not wanting to leave witnesses.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 08:31 AM

the headless body topples into the snow, making yet another red stain. The soldiers with you are stripping what supplies they can from the fallen, as you'll be without support or friendly faces around soon.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 08:39 AM

Lace collects the rifle and ammunition from the slain soldier before her and returns to her team, "Move quickly, I don't believe they got off an alarm but someone will come check the commotion or their silence eventually." She deposits her looted wargear in the back of the truck and awaits the rest of the team in the passenger seat.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 10:04 AM

The truck is underway again before long, leaving the burning wreck of the technical by the tunnel mouth. The pavement in here exists, and is clear since it is covered from above. Lights on long ropes of cable hang from the ceiling and provide a pleasant yellow glow to the otherwise unending sea of white and blue so far. As the truck exits the tunnel, ten minutes of tense driving later, the path down to the ruined battleship is clear, and you can see the large vessel's resting place, buried deep within the dirt of this world. buildings cling to its side like barnacles, and it looks like at least three small fires are burning on the plains a short distance from the battleship, though away from the structures along it

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 11:53 AM

"Bring us in" Lace points to the closest fire, "over that way." She keeps her eyes on the move, scanning for more natives with outdated rifles.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 12:01 PM

The communist forces around the battleship, and on the ramparts carved from its metal hull seem to have more modern equipment. It's not CBSS standard, but it's reliable. The wrecks appear to be troop carriers in the same orange and sky blue color scheme, hit by the wall guns of the ship turned fort. The scout you had encountered was likely part of this formation that was able to slip past while its fellows were engaged

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 12:02 PM

"Quite the stronghold they have here." Lace mutters to herself before addressing the driver once again, "Very well. Bring us to the ship."

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 12:05 PM

A human in officer patterned gear, along with a coterie of four other human soldiers meets you as the truck swings back around. There is a robust guard post at the ramp leading into the ship, and another pair of machine guns guard the ramp up from above. The gunners look relaxed, and not over eager to do anything jumpy at the moment

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 12:11 PM

Lace leans out the passenger window, "Greetings, comrades!" She looks back to the fields behind her, focusing on the burning wreckage sites, "Seems like you've spilled your fair share of capitalist blood today." She turns back with a grin to speak directly at the guards, "Your chief up in the mountains sent us. More agents of the Communist Brotherhood of Socialist States to assist your liberation." (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 01:01 PM

"Its hardly fun when they don't put up a fight, but what do you expect from soft city folk" he laughs, stomping out the cigarette he was working on under a boot, the snow squelching the rest "We're happy to hear the CBSS is taking our struggle seriously, not one, but two special teams here within a few weeks. We'll have those dogs on their heels yet"

"What can we do to help the great work?"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 01:07 PM

"We were sent here as reinforcements for the first team here, the chairman wants the liberation of this world to be expedited it would seem." She turns and looks at the rest of her team, "All we need of you is the last known location of that team, so our strength may be combined." Lace has a blank look for a moment, before a slight chuckle escapes her lips, "Ah yes, and for you to keep up the fight against these capitalist scumbags. I'd welcome the sight of burning enemy transports every day."

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 01:12 PM

"Well, if you want more of the South Warren's that's where the first team went. We know they had set up a base inside the the city, somewhere in the warehouse district, but they've been off comms since then. I'm sure its difficult to get messages out without getting noticed in there. Getting into the city is probably going to be a matter of sneaking as well. There are some sections of the city wall that are either fallen, or not as patrolled as they should be, but our spies tell us they're watching things a bit more closely since two guards were found murdered while on patrol. It's hard to confuse mono-axe wounds with something else"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 01:16 PM

"I will be doing what I have been sent to do, so yes, I will be going to the South Warren city then, but you mention them as if they are an independent faction. Are the capitalists on world not a unified force? Have they already done the work of dividing themselves for us to topple them with ease?"

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 01:18 PM

"Hard to tell, they coordinate when they're striking at us, but aside from that there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of traffic between the two. You know how it is, everyone's got their hands in the pie, and it's not even done cooking yet"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 01:21 PM

Lace smiles, "Well, seems like their hands are about to be burnt." The smile fades and Lace redirects the conversation, "Would you happen to have a civilian vehicle we could use to reach the city, while I admire the protection this truck offers, it won't be too subtle when there's capitalist eyes around every corner."

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 01:37 PM

He thinks for a moment. "youre right, we'll get that back up the mountain, I hate the idea of leaving the freeholders without transportation. There was a factory in the mountains that made cars once, we have a couple ground trucks in town here. They're a little battered but they'll take you into the city without trouble.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Jun-20 01:44 PM

"Lovely," she comments, disembarking from the truck and indicating for her fellow comrades to do the same, "We'll leave this with you and take one of them."

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:08 PM

The truck is given over to you, and is indeed in rough condition, but looks more like something that can pass the inspection that will likely happen at the city gates. The team trundles their gear into the open back, drawing straws to see who has to sit back there and who gets to pack into the cab. No one bothers asking you to participate. they know you will be a passenger

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 03:36 AM

Lace sets herself down in the passenger seat, letting out a grumbling sigh of annoyance as the other team members figure their seating arrangements. Once they figure all that out, she has the driver set them on course for South Warren.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 05:36 AM

the fields outside of South Warren are made of massive greenhouses, where the city's food is grown, and reflecting its importance it is also highly patrolled. Battered personnel carriers, modified grav technical, and foot patrols keep watch on farming bots and prison workers in the fields, and ensure that sabotage would be a matter of exceptional cunning. a large city gate, flanked by two pillboxes is ahead, and there is a line of vehicles waiting to be let into the city

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 05:49 AM

"I don't think we'll be getting in that way with all this hardware." Lace muses to herself, eyeing the gate and walls of the city, trying to pick out an alternate entry point.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 05:58 AM

The faint memory of the collapsed wall sections come to mind. Even with heavier patrols, if they're overcome quickly, if encountered at all, that may be a way in

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:58 AM

This close to the city, the CBSS secure comms also finds a mate, and the small overlay on your own pad lights up, showing the second squad is near, within the city, involved in some kind of data hub site. (think of it like a blue force tracker)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 12:01 PM

"Ah, they're already at work in there. We may not have much time left for subtlety." Lace checks the path to the nearby collapsed sections of walls, trying to form a path of cover and concealed line of sight to get as close to the wall as possible before an open charge is needed.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:05 PM

The topography is broken up, and jagged, as a combination of trees, chunks of the old wall, regular field rocks, and clumps of grass make an uneven and winding path to the wall base. the debris slope is open, mostly fallen gravel, that will skylight you for a moment at the top. That looks to be the most dangerous part of the route. Two South Warren sentries stand at the top of the rubble pile , the orange flickers of their cigarettes highlighting them against the sky- slowly getting darker

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 12:12 PM

She contemplates the risk of being spotted at the end of the path and decides it is acceptable, she points out the relatively easy route to take up to the wall and indicates the path she'd like the squad to take, after which she instructs the driver to bring the truck to a location concealed from the city gate and walls where they can disembark without being noticed.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:19 PM

(sneak/dex)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 12:24 PM

(8)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:39 PM

You're not noticed as the truck disembarks,a nd at the top of the incline, the two soldiers begin walking down the other side , back to wherever they came from. They do not seem to have noticed anything in their section of wall either

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 12:49 PM

Lace moves ahead of her team, ensuring the path is safe where there are gaps in coverage, using short range teleports to minimize her exposure.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:51 PM

(their notice was a 7, you'll be able to make it in)

(shoulda told you)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 12:52 PM

(Ah well I still enjoy describing it)

Once within the borders of the walls Lace eases up slightly, but cause for caution still remains. She checks her datapad again and begins working a route to the indicated squad. "Keep your weapons concealed if you can."

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:57 PM

(for sure)

you pass through the walls and beyond the garrison sent to watch it, now one of hundreds of people on the evening city streets. The data hub is a few streets away, and at the end of this street you see a civic defense car, its lights on. Six people have been forced to kneel on the sidewalk, and two officers walk behind them, for now looking at something on compads, and conferring with one another about whatever the matter here happens to be.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Jun-20 01:04 PM

Lace tries to get closer to the officers while attempting to maintain inconspicuous in nearby crowds. (edited)

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 05:51 AM

The officers are reviewing compads for information on 'suspected communist sympathizers"

Another group of figures in furred coats and slightly panting appears on the sidewalk across the street, and your tracker has them marked as friendlies

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 06:01 AM

Lace nods to the other figures, and then to the to-be prisoners on the street, then flashes the top of her sword from its hilt for just a moment.

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 06:02 AM

One of the prisoners has a massive pickaxe laying in the street in front of him, just out of reach

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 06:27 AM

Lace braces herself, tensing up and preparing to teleport into the midst of the officers and strike as soon as the other team makes a move.

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 06:39 AM

Korrin's team draws pistols and begins firing on the police as they're backlit by the explosion of the data hub ( @Reclusiarch Sleemauch I know you were getting ready to teleport in, and @ben_roullier is there is well as one of the captured sympathizers, we can do everything in here to keep it clean for the moment) One of the officers falls, shot through the throat before he had a chance to realize what was happening. The other is wounded, struggling to remain standing while shot through the meat of the leg

(lace next)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 06:41 AM

(6/3)

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 06:47 AM

The sword lodges in his front plate, without cutting too deeply, and as the partisans realize what is happening, Janick feels the zip ties around his wrists loosen, and break. the pickaxe he was holding at the time of his detainment is resting on the sidewalk an arm span away

ben_roullier 19-Jun-20 06:56 AM

Rapidly beginning to understand what's going on, Janick seizes the initiative. In a remarkably deft manoeuvre for a man of his build, he leans to the side, grabs the pick and uses it as a lever against the ground to push himself upright. Holding it in his hands like a cudgel he turns to the wounded officer and snarls: "Looks like you just earned yourself a taste of your own medicine, pig." (I'm assuming standing and picking up are two move actions, so all I can do is be menacing for now!)

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:00 AM

(The pick can count as readied since its within easy reach, you can make an attack)

(wouldnt be any more out of reach than if it was on yourback or something, still an arm motion away, we can say its instant or on turn)

ben_roullier 19-Jun-20 07:06 AM

(in that case I'll do just that!) ... before slamming the pick in an arcing motion into the officer (attack 10, damage 11, 3 shock AC15 - once I figured out the sheet macros!)

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:07 AM

The arc is clean, and the diamond hard pick tip punches through the helmet, dropping the officer to the sidewalk to join his comrade

( @Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) )

The people on the street begin fleeing, a scene most certainly created here. Zip ties are hurriedly cut from the wrists of those who were unable to get themselves free

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 19-Jun-20 07:18 AM

Korrin moves over to the other two groups, putting his pistol away and scanning the area. He stops when he reaches his new allies. "Sergeant Felix. I'd ask for your names but we have to move. My squad has a safehouse a ways from here. Follow us and move fast, and we can get there safely."

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 07:21 AM

"Lead the way, comrade." Lace follows, keeping her extrasensory vision open for any other psions now that they've made a commotion.

ben_roullier 19-Jun-20 07:25 AM

"Sounds good to me, just give us a sec." Janick wrenches open the patrol car's rear door and grabs his pack that the officers had unceremoniously thrown in there. "Come on then lads, you 'eard the man". He addresses the other prisoners, inclining his head in the direction of Korrin before falling into step behind him.

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:26 AM

(so I think our gucci gang is 18 strong now between Janick and the former prisoners, Korrin's squad and Lace's squad, our movement grows!)

The warehouse is quiet and unassuming, and since you did not stick around to loot or otherwise remain in place, the authorities are slow to keep up. Part of the escape is the communications slowdown from the data hub. Flames continue to spread throughout the night, and it occupies most of the South Warren's attention. For tonight, pursuit is not coming (Lace wasn't able to spot any psions within her visible range on the way back, but most people cleared the streets)

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 19-Jun-20 07:36 AM

Korrin takes off his heavy blood spattered jacket and begins removing his CFU, his weapons within arms reach on a nearby crate. He looks over at the newcomers and grins. "Welcome to my little slice of paradise, comrades! I'm happy to see you, this warehouse needs at least a dozen warm bodies to heat it up." He assumedly winks, his eyepatch rendering it uncertain. "I guess we can do introductions now. As I said before, I'm Sergeant Felix. What are my new comrades called?"

ben_roullier 19-Jun-20 07:49 AM

Janick takes a look around and nods appreciatively before replying: "I guess we ought to get used to hiding in places like this now after what happened back there. Name's Janick. Janick Krohn. I am... was... night shift foreman at mine B17 up in the mountains. This merry bunch were my crew, or what's left of 'em. We had a little... disagreement with senior management. Made our own career plans. We were heading down here to meet up with these socialist rebels we've heard about. Guess we found 'em... Comrade. Oh, and thanks, by the way, for getting us out of dodge back there."

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 19-Jun-20 08:06 AM

"Not a problem, Janick. I look forward to working together with you and your crew. I'm sure you'll be able to repay the favour soon enough." Korrin looks over to Lace. "You're CBSS, aren't you?"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 09:21 AM

The psion nods, a lock of brunette hair falling off her temple as she does so, "I am, the chairman sent me himself. Agent Lace Janiskov, Psionic Specialist."

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 19-Jun-20 09:43 AM

Felix's eyes go wide with surprise. "Can't say I've ever met a psion before, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do! Until then, you'll both need somewhere to stay. You're welcome to join us and operate out of here, or we can help you find a safehouse of your own, but you should stay here the next few days regardless. I'm expecting a visit from the local resistance, now that I've held up my end of the bargain." (edited)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jun-20 11:19 AM

"Ah, I appreciate the offer to join teams but perhaps it might be a good idea to keep our cells somewhat isolated. If it so happens that the capitalist forces manage to crack down on one team, we'll still be operating in the city. For now, though, yes it would be a good idea to let things cool down out there."

ben_roullier 19-Jun-20 01:33 PM

"A psion? Wow, this is starting to feel a bit surreal now." Janick takes a look around again before adding: "well if you're offering, we haven't exactly got anywhere else to go. And I've slept in worse warehouses. We want to help though, we're not looking for charity or nothing."

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 02:43 PM

(So I’ve got a few ideas for how liberating this planet might go. You guys can tell me what’s most fun to you I can make a big map of the city and whatnot with rebel actions and government property to destroy like red faction. Everything you do erodes their control and we will keep it about 3-5 missions

I can take a more linear approach with some guided missions and make it less sandbox

Or If there’s things elsewhere in the Cbss we want to look into things here are Definitley starting to swing

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 20-Jun-20 04:54 AM

(I like the map idea)

1

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 06:34 AM

(Ill@make one tonight!)

ben_roullier 20-Jun-20 09:00 AM

(I'm with Korrin)

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 10:20 AM

(Alright. I’ll draw something up and then if we handle them independent or together you guys can tailor it for your needs , but at least everyone’s moving in the same direction )

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 06:04 PM

(Drawing now!)

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 06:13 PM

Objectives: (3/5 needed) - Foster rebellion in Servant's Village, Hartsbrook Borough, and Falls village to control the outer city ring and trap the capitalists inside - Overrun the citadel borough to obtain military grade equipment for the revolution - Secure cooperation of the underworld and black market in West Hydra Borough - Secure repositories of knowledge in Scholars District - Destroy the corporation debt records in coin village to economically free all within the city. Capitalist Properties to destroy (lowers resistance on missions) - Row of Corporate Management Mansions in Scepter District - Stock Exchange in Coppertemple District - Security VI and attending expert systems in Chargers' ward - Stocks of fuel and power cells in craftsmans farthing

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 07:07 PM

(if we decide to split up, I can duplicate this list into other threads, ect, but we can use this to get a conversation about planning going. You might need to make your own copies of the map, if you zoom in there are labels) (edited)

ben_roullier 21-Jun-20 11:18 AM

Janick studies a map of the city and points to a few places, suggesting some ideas he'd be up for leading his merry bunch (if they're up for it) on: "A lot of the industry here is based around 'indentured servitude' and other forms of 'not really slavery'. Taking out the debt records in coin village here would be a great blow against that system. There's a fuel dump just the other side of the wall here that might be worth taking out as well, weaken their ability to respond. MAybe we could come in through the river, take them both that way?"

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 21-Jun-20 09:21 PM

"Brilliant plan, we'll make a revolutionary of you yet. Agent Janiskov, it sounded to me like you'd prefer to run missions alone to spread the risk, so how about Janick and I take our teams to hit those sites while you tackle another? We can regroup a few days after the strikes and plan our next push once the heat dies down a little."

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 22-Jun-20 03:07 AM

"I can take down a number of the targets if you have spare explosives, quite easy for me to get in and out to place charges quickly. Just have to see the place first. I would recommend blowing out the security VI first, take out the crutch from their armed forces."

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 22-Jun-20 05:29 AM

"I've only got one det charge left, but consider it yours. We have enough troops to make do. Make sure you take it with you when you leave. The security VI is going to be a hard target, I'd say that a stealth mission would be the best way to take it out, and that sounds like something right up your alley." (edited)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 22-Jun-20 05:40 AM

"Stealth isn't necessarily my specialty, but my abilities lend to it quite well. Can't be spotted if you're never there to be spotted in the first place."

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 11:18 AM

(so it sounds like we have Korrin and Janick hitting a pair of targets working together, and Lace is going to hit the security VI while this other raid is going on)

3

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 22-Jun-20 06:53 PM

(Looks like we are all agreed)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 05:37 AM

(Alright, we can move into Janick's thread for the two of you, and lace can hit the Vi from here)

Plans are drawn up, involving finding a boat, while Lace prepares to do some street recon near the security VI, to see what might be involved in bringing it down

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 08:23 AM

Before attempting recon, Lace will try to find an abandoned building or some other unused structure to remain somewhat conspicuous while she performs some long term observation, attempting to make out patrol patterns, shift rotations, entrance security. Once she's gotten a decent grasp on those things she'll make rounds of the building housing the security VI, trying to find windows or any such other thing to peek through and use as an entry point. If her face isn't already recognizable to authorities, she'll try and make her way to wherever the city records are held, or attempt to obtain the location of them. If she's able to gain access to the city records, she'll look for blueprints to the security VI building to better plan entry, and more importantly exit routes through the building.

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:24 AM

(Thanks this helps, I think each of these would be about a small mission in length)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:43 AM

the first stage of this is finding an abandoned building or at least an empty place within a building that overlooks the security VI complex so a better idea of what might be waiting inside can be gathered. There is a defector from the city in the warehouse called Kayla. Her son, and Kayla herself were the only survivors from a South Warren security forces raid that had stormed her home and executed her husband and other child, who were running numbers and helping to finance the communist movement here.

she may be a good source of information for what is in the city, as she is a native

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 10:13 AM

Lace will go and seek out Kayla, to try and get some good watch spots.

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 10:16 AM

Kayla is stitting in the warehouse office, smoking a cigarette and watching her other child idly play with some blocks. She stands up quickly as you enter, the chair falling over in her haste to stand and try to get out of your way. "I'm so sorry. Give me a moment to get these toys picked up. I know you guys are working on something"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 10:19 AM

Lace holds her hands up in a mock surrender, "No need madam, I'm just here to ask a few questions. Although the little one's ears may not be ready for all the things we will speak of." She nods to the child, "You can go find somewhere else to play little one, yes? I need to speak to your mother about important business."

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 12:08 PM

The child says nothing but gsathers up her things and goes outside.

"Important business eh?" Kayla asks "I'll help how I can"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 12:13 PM

"I'm working with Comrade Korrin to topple the capitalist regime here, one of the pillars of their strength here is a building containing a security VI. I need to find a nearby location with line of sight to prepare for the VI's sabotage." The warm smile she gave the child melted the instant they left, fatal seriousness drawing her features tight.

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 01:10 PM

"Well, the district itself is thought to be a pretty safe place to live. Lots of corporation middle management and tech trades live there. You won't find a vacant building, its a pretty in demand neighborhood, but you could probably find an apartment to rent.

"They're going to want something in the way of identification for it though. Mine is no good to me anymore but the name is going to raise some flags. Maybe you can alter it?"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 01:21 PM

Lace ponders this obstacle for a moment, rubbing her upper lip while she searches the floor for an answer, "Perhaps there's public spaces I could watch the building from nearby, places that wouldn't draw untoward attention if I were to linger there for some time, outdoor cafes, bank lobbies, such things like that?"

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 01:23 PM

she thinks for a long moment. "Do you like to drink? there's a rooftop bar on the western side of that complex, overlooking it. It's expensive there, but you'll get the long look you want. Might even have a bit of fun doing it"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jun-20 01:25 PM

"Ah, well it's something. Definitely cheaper than renting a place." The psion nods, "Hopefully no-one recognizes me, but I don't think anyone got much a chance to notice. Thank you, Comrade Kayla, the Communist Brotherhood of Socialist States thanks you." (edited)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 03:30 PM

She goes rigid for a moment as pride begins filling her "We do this, the sacrifice of my eldest and my husband was not in vain. I'm counting on you. All of you"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 24-Jun-20 05:53 AM

"We won't disappoint madam." With that, Lace turns and exits the room and the warehouse, ordering her team to remain here and assist with any endeavors at the warehouse while she heads out to the rooftop bar.

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 10:20 AM

The building is tall and made of black steel, and the lower floors seem to be entirely office spaces. The second to top floor is a large gym, where corporate employees can work off their sedentary lifestyles. The top floor is the exclusive bar, and you're asked for a 100 credit cover charge as the elevator reaches the floor.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Jun-20 04:42 AM

Lace reaches into her pocket as if to grab her wallet, but feigns not being able to find one, she starts patting her pockets in increasing panic and then her eyes dart to someone nearby, "Oh my goodness, someone stole my wallet. I-I think it was that man, there!" She points to the worst dressed person in sight.

(I'm going to try and teleport in behind him, somewhere out of sight from other people.)

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 05:04 AM

There is a strong pull, keeping your feet firmly rooted as you try to engage your teleport abilities. It is though the MES senses are still there, but dim. Your metapsionics are not showing anything in the crowd at the moment, but a man sitting at the edge of the bar, against the back wall of the rooftop sets his newspaper down gently, and begins neatly folding it

Nekosmash 28-Jun-20 05:43 PM

He seems to be leaning over to try to get the attention of the bartender, but is looking at you while he does so

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 29-Jun-20 03:51 AM

Lace quickly moves over to press the close door and 1st floor buttons on the elevator, the nullification of her abilities particularly disquieting to her. Particularly given the fact that it seems to have coincided with this man's notice.

Nekosmash 29-Jun-20 06:35 AM

You hear the doorman make some comment about how she must be going to get that credit stick she was talking about, and the doors shut. The elevator begins winching down to the first floor, and as it opens you see a lobby with a number of building residents, workers, and building staff milling about on their own personal errands. There is no sign of additional security or the man from the bar

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 29-Jun-20 07:15 AM

Running her hands through her hair and keeping her head down, Lace quickly makes her way out of the building and to the nearest alley or some other location off the street where she recomposes herself and ensures that no one has followed her.

Nekosmash 29-Jun-20 08:32 AM

The sounds of the street provide a calming backdrop and it does not seem like you have been followed out this far. There is a homeless worker trying to huddle under a sheet of aluminum backed fabric , near the remains of a small trash fire, but otherwise, the area is quiet

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 29-Jun-20 09:42 AM

(Does the alley way have a view of the VI building?)

Nekosmash 29-Jun-20 10:52 AM

(You can see the fence around it, and its upper few floors but not enough for what you were trying to view)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 30-Jun-20 08:01 AM

Lace fishes around in her pockets, finding a credit chit that she had forgotten was there and returns to the building with the rooftop bar. As she presses the button to call the elevator she invokes the teachings of the Pelagosian precog conclave, peeking a minute into the future, unwinding the strand of fate in which she steps out the elevator doors at the top.

Nekosmash 30-Jun-20 08:22 AM

the bar seems normal, and the man with the newspaper has gone, likely not expecting you to come back. It looks like the patrons are having a normal dinner out

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 30-Jun-20 08:23 AM

The psion grasps that thread of the future and holds on to it, following it through in reality as she enters the elevator.

Nekosmash 30-Jun-20 12:03 PM

The elevator door opens once again at the roof, and there is a different door man there. this one does not bother with the polite conversation, merely points to a tap device where your cover charge will be added to corporate accounts

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Jul-20 11:46 AM

Lace pulls her credit chit from her pocket and taps it against the bouncer's device, somewhat anxiously awaiting approval

Nekosmash 01-Jul-20 11:47 AM

it pings gently, before a small gate retracts and allows you onto the large rooftop bar

the staff and other patrons seem to notnotice and are otherwise going about their evening

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Jul-20 11:49 AM

Lace heads to the bar itself, asking the barkeep for a drink as she leans on the bar top. She sweeps her gaze across the rest of the vista, attempting to mask her gaze as simply admiring the view while the psion quickly checks if anyone appears to have noticed her or suddenly have changed their behavior since her entry. (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-20 12:10 PM

Everyone's behavior has remained the same. You have a few admiring looks from male and a few female patrons, but they're seeing you as an attractive person, and not with scrutiny any deeper than that. Across the street, you get a better view into the compound of the security VI. A van is pulling up, with SOLUTIONS BACKWARDS INITIATIVE painted on the side, the name of one of the technology contractors assigned to work on it.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Jul-20 12:41 PM

'Could go right in the front door, hide in plain sight. Rather not be seen on any camera footage though. Maybe scope out and fry their surveillance servers in there?' Lace spends a few hours at the bar, casually observing the comings and goings of the staff over at the VI building, grabbing another drink to nurse every now and then like any other patron.

Nekosmash 01-Jul-20 12:45 PM

It seems like a steady stream of contractors are always coming and going into the building, with solutions backwards being one of the most numerous. Once the vans are inside the gate, little scrutiny seems to be given to the techs, at least from what you an see outside

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Jul-20 03:53 AM

(Is there a local internet equivalent I could look this contracting company up on with my data slab?) (edited)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Jul-20 04:13 AM

(Ah, guess there's some sort of corporate net seeing what you told Janick)

Lace fetches her data pad from her pocket and searches up SOLUTIONS BACKWARDS INITIATIVE on the local corporate network, trying to ascertain the purpose of the company and their headquarters/office location(s)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-20 05:14 AM

The company seems to be responsible for some of the networking tech here in the city, especially in the various corporate buildings. They specialize in high speed communication lines. Most of their offices are the work vans that travel around the city for their corporate and residential customers, but they do have a main office a few blocks west of where you are right now.

Nekosmash 07-Jul-20 05:44 AM

It also does seem that they are hiring technicians, van drivers , and coders

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 07-Jul-20 01:58 PM

(Sorry, a combination of being particularly uninspired, no part of which is because of you, and extremely busy have contributed to me not posting here for a while.) Lace gets up from her seat and pays off her bar tab, thanking the barkeep for his services and goes down the elevator. Once at ground level she seeks out the nearby office of SBI and scopes out the building, taking special care to note the typical routes of employees entering and leaving the office, particularly field technicians like those who would be working at the VI building. (edited)

Nekosmash 07-Jul-20 02:00 PM

Most of the technicians have their vans parked in a side lot of the building that is not watched or even divided from the street in any way. A few lounge out there smoking or talking with each other, waiting for service calls to go out into the city.

The uniform is fairly uninspired, simple work clothes with the company patch, and tools that it looks like they've provided themselves, as they're non-standard among those you see chatting

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 07-Jul-20 03:42 PM

(if only lace was good at embroidery haha. On that note is her data pad capable of taking pictures?)

(If that's the case I'd like to take as clear a picture of someone wearing that uniform as possible and try and find a tailor or someone else half decent at embroidery in order to replicate the uniform)

Nekosmash 07-Jul-20 05:06 PM

(yeah its like a modern date smart phone)

Nekosmash 07-Jul-20 05:16 PM

Near by, "All the W(R)age Dry Cleaning" boasts a seamstress and tailoring services, and the workers there look as sweaty, dirty, and tired as the slowly decaying building around them. Three workers try to keep the place going, surrounded by business suits, worker coverall,s and other safety gear

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 07-Jul-20 05:21 PM

Lace heads into the building and shows a clerk the image she took of one of the uniforms. "Hey I kinda screwed up my work uniform and need to get a new one made. Company rates are way too high for me and on top of that they'd slap a demerit on my work record if they ever found out, can you guys just stitch on that logo there onto a plain jumpsuit?" She fakes embarrassment as Lace explains her alleged situation, rubbing her hand on the back of her neck after handing over the data slab to the worker.

Nekosmash 07-Jul-20 07:20 PM

"Ah happens all the time. We'll do it for you on the sly, half the usual rate, 100 creds. Can you do that?"

"Demerit and the other bullshit they're gonna drag you through is going to cost you more in the long run"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 08-Jul-20 10:26 AM

"Of course of course," she hands over her credit chit to the worker, "Whole lot less taxing on the wallet and mind this way. Hate to have to bring this to my supervisor."

Nekosmash 08-Jul-20 12:34 PM

“Would be better if the whole lot of them weren’t around to bother anyone” she sighs. “We lucky here though. The boss doesn’t come around that much

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 09-Jul-20 06:13 AM

Lace forces a smile, "Well, how long should I expect this will take?"

Nekosmash 09-Jul-20 04:43 PM

“Just an fifteen minutes or so. You’re free to wait if you like, or come back soon. Either way”

Automated machines in the back begin spinning as they make an almost perfectly good replacement uniform

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 10-Jul-20 08:13 AM

Janiskov takes a seat in whatever passes for a lobby in the dry cleaners building, going over in her head the different situations she'll have to talk her way out of with this uniform at the VI facility as she waits. (edited)

Nekosmash 10-Jul-20 08:35 AM

There is a ding from the back room and a hiss of steam from the back room as the uniform completes. Wrapped in plastic, its presented to you, laid out on the clean front counter

"There you go, all done'

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 10-Jul-20 09:30 AM

Lace gives the clerk a nod and thanks them for their help before taking off to find a public restroom or some other private location to change into her new uniform.

Nekosmash 10-Jul-20 10:36 AM

It is a bit starchy and bland, but appears otherwise well made and passable for basic inspections

(should work as long as you dont call undue attention to yourself)

Nekosmash 18-Jul-20 06:51 PM

On the news, a fire at a nearby company tower is being covered, and you have affirmation that Janik succeeded in his mission. An Ambush of officers nearby is also being covered though there is no mention that the authorities are aware uniforms were stolen

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jul-20 03:33 PM

Clad in the drab attire of just another capitalist wage slave, Lace makes her way back to the VI facility on foot. As she approaches the building the psion keeps her gaze low and waits for another SBI employee to make their way into the building, following them inside.

Nekosmash 19-Jul-20 04:25 PM

You'er able to tailgate inside , following closely behind another employee, to the ground floor of the VI building. THe interior is kept very cold, and there is a winding staircase going up to the second floor where it seems most of the office and analysis access is. There is also a heavy duty elevator that looks to go down, perched next to a reception desk where a building aide and two armed security look on at those coming and going

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 19-Jul-20 07:07 PM

(Gonna use precog here, what happens when I try and go past the guards to go down the elevator?)

Nekosmash 20-Jul-20 05:45 AM

The guards will ask to see identification, though the future is too clouded beyond that point depending on if you try to bluff, resist, or take a host of other possible actions

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 22-Jul-20 04:05 PM

Lace approaches the guards and waits for them to ask her for identification, "Well see, that's actually my problem right now, my buddy working down there just called and told me I left my badge down there. Just let me go down there real quick and grab it and I'll be back out in no time."

Nekosmash 22-Jul-20 06:14 PM

(talk/cha, at +2)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 22-Jul-20 09:12 PM

(5)

(whoops forgot the +2, 7 then)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-20 05:04 AM

"Alright, quickly, please. You know the rules. If it happens again I'll have to report things"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 23-Jul-20 09:58 AM

"Thank you so much," Lace hurriedly makes her way into the elevator and sends it down.

Nekosmash 23-Jul-20 10:04 AM

there is a short ding, and the elevator music is nothing but commercials for the local megacorps. Stepping off the elevator a few moments later, a few techs and a clerk shuffle in past you, not bothering to give you a second look. They all seem very tired, and have been working extra hours to try to help the security programs here cope with the distress across the city. There is a metal detector ahead, with a bored looking security officer standing next to it before the room opens into something resembling large cooling fans, heat sinks, and endless arrays of server and hard drive storage decks

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 24-Jul-20 06:19 PM

(Would I know if whatever explosives I have/their detonators would set off the metal detector?)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-20 04:48 AM

(The wires in them could possibly set them off depending on how sensitive but it’s hard to tell the sophistication level)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Jul-20 02:22 PM

Lace walks confidently through the metal detector, suppressing her anxiety as she anticipates the beep of the machine.

Nekosmash 25-Jul-20 04:03 PM

The machine beeps once, before cutting out. The security guard looks up from his magazine and shrugs. “You Mind stepping through again? Think we had something there”

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Jul-20 04:50 PM

Lace pats down her pants, finding whatever she was searching for there she pulls out her knife, making sure to hold it by the blade and offers it to the guard handle first. "Sorry sorry, forgot about this here, I know I can't bring it in. Just gotta go in and grab my ID badge real quick and then head back out. The guards up there aren't gonna be too happy if I take my time down here."

Nekosmash 25-Jul-20 05:08 PM

"Yeah those corporate issued tools aren't the best. I understand. I know a lot of people who had to go buy their own kit since the issued stuff was so cheap. Alright, i'll keep this here with me, go take a look"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Jul-20 05:13 PM

(Am I less than 100 meters under the surface?)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-20 05:21 PM

(yes, more like 30m or so)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Jul-20 05:23 PM

Relieved, Lace offers her thanks to the guard and makes her way into the server room, finding somewhere out of line of sight from the guard and makes to plant the charges given to her, setting them for only sixty seconds. Once satisfied the charges are all set properly she starts the timer and makes her way back to the guard and retrieves her knife from him, thanks him for his time and proceeds to teleport straight outside the building.

Nekosmash 26-Jul-20 05:48 AM

Making your way to the surface you quickly exit the complex. There is a concussive series of explosions below the ground, and the parking lot begins to collapse into the new sinkhole that is forming. The building likewise begins falling down, steel beams and glass raining onto the surrounding side streets

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Jul-20 10:19 AM

(So the Sec VI and Fuel/Power Cell depot have been knocked out, was there another destruction target that was taken out as well?)

Nekosmash 26-Jul-20 10:28 AM

(Company records and security vi were taken out. Korrin and Janick were about to go take it out but haven’t left yet. You could tag along and finish it, and by that point the city should be rising up)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Jul-20 10:54 AM

(I think I'll try and get some underworld/black market contacts going for the coming revolution.) Lace returns to the commandeered warehouse on foot and shoots a message to Korrin over her datapad indicating the success in her efforts to disable the security VI, then reports that she will be attempting to establish black market supply lines to arm the future revolutionaries here.

Nekosmash 26-Jul-20 01:08 PM

(if you had an idea of where to start we can do that, otherwise we can just roll a connect/cha to sort of simulate a beginning of this project here)

(i have a couple different riffs in mind depending on how it goes)O

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Jul-20 03:02 PM

(Yeah I guess I'll roll with the roll as I nor Lace would have much in the way of ideas on finding the black market. Rolled a 10)

Nekosmash 27-Jul-20 05:15 AM

Kristen, your friend from town is still at the warehouse with her child. "I think I can get you connected with the rest of the network, though with the city in this much chaos, weapons might flow in easily anyway. It might be time to reach back out to the wider CBSS, and our friends at that crashed ship. "

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Jul-20 03:47 PM

"Ah true, if the capitalist forces occupying this world are too busy trying to clean up after us, then the chances they'll spot a few unauthorized shuttles carrying arms in are quite slim. Hopefully our rebel allies have gotten a long range transmitter up and we can just call in straight to Pelasgon."

Lace gathers together the squad she was sent here with, wanting to have a little bit of backup if things go south trying to get out of the city.

Nekosmash 28-Jul-20 04:44 PM

The team assembles, everyone pulled from guard duty, or smaller operations elsewhere. Gunshots not associated with your group sound on some of the surrounding streets, and a city bus drives by far outside the warehouse complex almost entirely ablaze. Special attention was made in defacing the corporate logo on its flanks

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 29-Jul-20 10:16 PM

"Excellent, the city's on the tipping point already." Lace remarks, looking out in the direction of the shots before turning to regard her team. "Let us pay our rebel friends outside the city a visit, call home and get some real firepower in the hands of the oppressed."

Nekosmash 30-Jul-20 05:16 AM

The vehicle is assumed to be still stashed nearby, and the group begins setting out into the wide streets. There are signs of growing lawlessness, and the television begins switching to emergency alert stations- warning that martial law will be declared if the citizenry continues to assemble. It does not seem to be doing much good. You approach the wall section where you had initially infiltrated the city, in time to see a gun battle going on between three South Warren security officers, and five citizens, though only three have weapons to return fire with

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Jul-20 10:31 AM

"Chances are with the city in chaos this hole won't be plugged back up by more soldiers when we clear them out," she turns to her squad, "so let's clear out these capitalist goons for these fine brothers and sisters." Lace readies her blade and runs in to end the fight.

Nekosmash 31-Jul-20 11:23 AM

(initiative)

(and they're 30m away)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Jul-20 12:05 PM

(2)

Nekosmash 31-Jul-20 12:17 PM

(3 for them) They turn, as you enter the battle, and begin opening fire on the squad, trying to break the charge or do enough to get you to reconsider your options One of the civilians with guns is cut down, but no other hits are scored

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Jul-20 12:20 PM

Wishing to end this quickly, Lace teleports to the closest soldier and swings for him. (14 to hit, 6 dmg)

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 07:25 AM

The blade sinks into the woven combat armor but does not lasting damage (do you know what your shock value is? some damage may carry through)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Aug-20 11:02 AM

(AC <13)

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 11:04 AM

(How much shock damage do you do then)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Aug-20 11:04 AM

(3)

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 05:45 PM

He parries but the shallow blow leaves a cut behind. The squad levels weapons and lays into the fight , dropping two of the South Warren soldiers in the firefight rapidly erupting around you

The soldier engaged with you swings his weapon like a club (18/4)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Aug-20 06:47 PM

(yep that hit)

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 07:55 PM

(You’re up again)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Aug-20 02:27 PM

Shocked at the mere concept of her foe being capable of fighting back at this point, Lace takes a hard blow from the end of the soldier's rifle to her ribs, knocking the wind slightly from her as she drives her sword home for a retaliatory strike. (17 to hit, 4 damage)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 02:28 PM

The rifle and the man's head are cut in two by the swift and powerful downstroke, and he falls. The rest of his squad is also dead, caught between the armed civilians and the CBSS team led by yourself. The wall section ahead is clear, as the sentries are now lying in steaming puddles of red, soaking into the snow

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Aug-20 02:33 PM

Lace snaps her sword downward, flicking most of the blood off it and returns it to its sheath before speaking to the civilians, "Take their weapons and make yourselves scarce, take your fight inside the walls of your city and purge these thugs from it. My comrades and I will handle these capitalist jailers outside the walls." The psion nods to her squad and leaves the site of the short lived firefight behind, working her way towards their hidden vehicle.

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 02:39 PM

The vehicle is ice covered and it looks like someone had slept in the bed of it once, leaving a few cigarettes and a ratty blanket behind- some transient from the look of things, but on the whole, the vehicle is how you left it

a few test cranks and some jerry rigging with a power cell are able to get it running again, and the heat begins filling the passenger compartments

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Aug-20 02:48 PM

"Alright. Let's make good speed towards the rebel fortress. The guard might be tied up in the city but they may have a few eyes checking on who's leaving."

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Aug-20 02:58 PM

(Oh also, you had marked my goal 'Destroy the Security VI building without leaving substantial evidence' Is that complete now?/was that included in the xp you gave me earlier.) (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 04:04 PM

(It’s an additional 3)

(For a net total of 6 between mission and bonus )

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 04-Aug-20 12:54 PM

(Ah okay. Well, just having one of the squad drive so off we go)

Nekosmash 04-Aug-20 12:55 PM

You're not followed as you move across country, corp attention frimly within the walls at the Workers movements that are mobilizing , and by morning you arrive at the ruined ship. The soldiers are attentive, and anyone not on duty is watching the horizon glow with the orange of recent fires

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 07-Aug-20 10:13 PM

Lace has the driver stop near a guard patrol and asks them to direct the CBSS agents to the rebel leadership to discuss the final stages of South Warren's liberation.

Nekosmash 08-Aug-20 05:41 AM

You’re taken to the bridge of the vessel where most of the systems are once again working. The vessel shakes as preparations are underway on lower decks to begin deployments out into the snow wastes. It seems that CBSS regulars are likewise on the way and they are tracking a troop ship and it’s escorts running in from the system edge. It will be about a day before they’re expected to land and secure your hold here

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 08:44 AM

"Almost don't nee your army friends now" the vessel commander laughs, offering you a cigar as he lights one up himself. "Whole horizon is glowing. Whatever you set in motion, we're here to support you, just tell us what you need, and where you need us"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 11-Aug-20 12:07 PM

Lace politely refuses the offer of the cigar, "I'm positive with our efforts in the city that the people are perfectly capable of liberating themselves now. However I want to be sure." The psion recounts her engagement as they left the city walls to the commander, paying particular note to the lack of arms the citizens had. "We'll want to get some firearms in the hands of these people. Then, with the people of South Warren armed and taking the fight to their capitalist oppressors, my brothers and sisters will simply need to come into the city, clean up and rebuild the foundations of the city. With the best interests of every worker in mind, this time."

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 12:10 PM

"firearms, we have those, plenty of those, and we have more coming from your friends in space. You arrived in the truck, I saw, so we have transport. How safe are the roads? do you think you could make it back in with what we can contribute ?"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 11-Aug-20 12:15 PM

"The guards can barely contain their charges within the city," she nods "they aren't even guarding their walls anymore. We'll be able to get back in with ease, I'm sure."

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 12:19 PM

"We're a bit light on heavy weapons, this was a ship, so they weren't carrying lots of things that would also be able to breach the interior or hull from the inside. Personal weapons, and lighter small arms, we have more than we could ever use here, enough to get a decently sized movement going, and by then, you can start scavenging the South Warren dead for more"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 11-Aug-20 12:26 PM

"Alright then. Get some of your men to start loading up our truck and we'll meet them down there to finish up and head out. Next time you see us, South Warren with be a city of the Brotherhood." Lace gives the commander a salute and heads back the way she came, to their truck.

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 01:03 PM

Boxes of Rimworlder semi-auto rifles, a pair of heavy machine guns, a mortar, and a trio of anti-tank rocket tubes are loaded into the truck, as much as the ship is able to spare without compromising its own defensive stocks, and the ship crew turned soldiers wave and salute as you begin driving away, back toward the city. Dawn is coming soon, and it is hoped that the leaders of south Warren will be greeted with armed workers rather than their morning coffee

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 11-Aug-20 01:15 PM

Lace makes sure that the truck bed is covered with a tarp and hops in the passenger seat, giving the order to head back to the city once the rest of the squad is mounted and settled.

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 01:16 PM

(I know last time we were using the wall section to get in and out, but in this case it means hoofing gear in and out, which is possible, but longer. How did you want to approach the city? )

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 11-Aug-20 01:20 PM

(Well, I'll pull in close enough to get a cursory observation of the city gates. But if it turns out that resistance there is a bit thick or otherwise makes that route effectively impassable I can try and teleport in a fair amount of the gear and move the remainder normally.)

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 12:37 PM

At the gate, you see a pair of South Warren mechs are keeping watch near the city gate, and you're seeing them well before they're seeing you. The pilots are both out, smoking, and watching what is happening inside the city through holo displays mounted on their wrists

they are 2km away, at the end of this flat stretch of road

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 12-Aug-20 04:35 PM

"Oh excellent" Lace remarks under her breath before she returns to the rest of the squad. "I've got an idea comrades, but I need to know if any of you know how to pilot a mech."

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 05:54 PM

The driver is the only one with any driving experience here, but if he is driving one of those, the truck is staying where it is

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 13-Aug-20 02:49 PM

"That's fine enough. Once we take care of those two pilots guarding the gate, shouldn't have any problems bringing the truck in. Just gotta drive straight," Lace nods to one of her squad members, then to the truck, "I'll jump the rest of us right in among them, hopefully we can drop em before they manage to get back in their suits." Lace positions herself in the middle of the remaining squad and prepares to bring them right behind the two guards and their mechs.

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 03:36 PM

(How far can you teleport?)

(Just so I know if they might spot the truck)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 13-Aug-20 03:36 PM

(up to 10 km)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 04:01 PM

(Alright so you can pretty much do that now , when whenever you want

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 14-Aug-20 02:10 PM

"Alright comrades. Here we go." The squad blinks into existence a few kilometers down the road, right on top of the guards. Lace comes out of the teleport already driving her sword tip at one of the mech pilots.

Nekosmash 15-Aug-20 05:27 AM

The pilots are surprised and overwhelmed almost instantly, as you and the rest of your teleported squad arrive. They don’t have time to radio. They don’t have time to even understand what has killed them.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 15-Aug-20 01:16 PM

Lace cleans her blade as she directs the driver to take one of the mechs and destroy the other one once the rest of the squad is clear. Afterwards, she radios down to the man they left behind to bring the truck up the road and follow our newly christened mech pilot down to the commandeered warehouse, this done after she and the rest of the squad hop on the back of the truck. All pretenses of subtlety are gone now, the capture of a mech will either keep wayward Warren soldiers out of our way or flatten them if they do. The rest of the squad take up fire support positions along the truckbed, with Lace calling out priority targets, if any come our way.

Nekosmash 16-Aug-20 02:35 PM

The second mech falls In a smoking fireball as the gate is breached , its wreckage forcing it open. The warehouse district is quiet with most of the fighting happening elsewhere in the more populated areas of the city. CBSS regulars begin landing on the road outside and surrounding country lands now that there is enough chaos here not to oppose their landing

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Aug-20 04:40 PM

Lace has the truck pull up to the warehouse before dismounting and heading in to search for the rebels that had taken shelter there. Outside, the squad spreads out around the truck, ensuring the security of the area under Lace's orders.

Nekosmash 17-Aug-20 05:43 PM

The rebels are gone, fighting with Korrin and Janick in other parts of the city, but dozens of unarmed civilians mill about the area, having been told they could expect a means of fighting and defending themselves here if they arrived

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 17-Aug-20 06:08 PM

Lace tells the civilians here that her team has brought a small load of small arms, as well as some heavier armaments. While she'd rather see the higher grade weapons in the hands of more skilled insurgents, she allows the civilians to take them as well, if they wish, but insists that if they come across more organized allied fighting forces in the city that they would be better suited in their hands.

Nekosmash 18-Aug-20 06:00 AM

They set off, armed, and confident, and it is not long before you hear gunfire in the surrounding neighborhoods. The CBSS comnet expands, as regular forces touching down begin announcing their positions in a city encirclement. Korrin and Janick's team are still embattled at the pump house, and reporting heavy casualties, though their mission of sabotage was successful. Fuel is being pumped to sections of the city that are already ablaze, and South Warren military motor pools are finding their own pumps dry, as the precious fuel has been diverted elsewhere

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Aug-20 03:14 PM

With the arrival of large scale CBSS ground forces nearly in the city Lace's objectives are practically complete. She taps into the CBSS comnet and informs them of her and Korrin's squads' positions and notifies CBSS command that Korrin's team is still engaged in operations within the city, however she notes that her team has no further tasks to complete and resigns the squad to become a free asset for the coming forces.

Nekosmash 18-Aug-20 04:35 PM

(I’m going to write a conclusion for the campaign here by morning if no other movement happens in that thread , not sure if you had your own ideas on direction since we have been doing this for so long)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 18-Aug-20 04:37 PM

(Nah, this city and shortly the world should become CBSS territory, might stick around Al-Thy for a bit just as security, keep an eye on any counter-insurgency from SW loyalists and maybe participate in some purges, if any.)

(Make sure the campaign wraps up cleanly if Lace's higher ups don't have any other immediate taskings.)

Nekosmash 19-Aug-20 10:58 AM

@ben_roullier @Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) As the fight inside the fuel plant rages, CBSS regulars begin moving into the city of South Warren in force. City defenses are quickly overwhelmed, now attacked from within and without- and the highway between here and Swordbreak is quickly blockaded, forcing an armored reinforcement column to turn around for home rather than fight an above-peer force. An official surrender from both cities is broadcast by dawn, as a handmade flag of the Workers Party of Al-Thynnian is flown for the first time over the corporate headquarters in South Warren.

Company executives from this city are dragged from offices and homes. Many are killed by vengeful employees before CBSS regulars restore order. The transition in Swordbreak is more peaceful, the upper class and leadership there choosing exile on Mehani over death

Nekosmash 24-Aug-20 05:35 AM

(I know you said you planned to stay and root out partisans, ect. Still the plan?)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 24-Aug-20 05:46 AM

(Yeah, take your time though not gonna be around for most of today.)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 24-Aug-20 08:56 AM

As events settle down in South Warren and CBSS troops establish a semblance of order, Lace contacts her superiors regarding the strange man she had seen on her visit to the bar, informing them of the possible presence of some kind of metapsionic nullifier that she was unable to detect with her own abilities.

Nekosmash 24-Aug-20 11:52 AM

CBSS command responds a day later, requesting that if you tihnk the man is dangerous, some inquiries should be made, and if he cannot be convinced to change sides, he is not allowed to continue living .

Nekosmash 25-Aug-20 03:27 AM

(oh and 6xp, 10,000 credits from the city liberation)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 25-Aug-20 04:41 AM

Lace starts by trying to search up former local security companies, seeing if any had psionic specialists. If the local net is down or the information unavailable that way she'll try and get access to whatever city records survived the takeover, see if there's any sort of MES registry.

Nekosmash 25-Aug-20 09:13 AM

There is a scattered MES registry, since the city records are now gone. The registry has four names on it, two female, two male, but no ages. One of the females is confirmed dead, one of the last entries before citywide nets went offline and began to run just on local data .

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Aug-20 12:57 PM

Lace takes note of the two male names on her compad and forwards them to local CBSS command, requesting that she be notified immediately if anyone with either of these names turns up. She then slips the compad into her coat and makes her way to the bar where she had seen the man she's searching for, hoping that the building hadn't collapsed along with the VI building, or been destroyed in the chaos of the uprising.

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 01:45 PM

The building is intact though the bar on the roof is very lightly frequented right now. There are several CBSS soldiers drinking here, mostly officers, along with some senior enlisted who served with distinction during the closing phases of the campaign to pacify the city. Public works programs and repairs will begin soon, aside from the fires, most of the city was fortunate enough to be taken intact

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Aug-20 01:50 PM

Giving respectful nods to the enlisted men at the bar as she passes by them, Lace takes a seat at the bar and calls over the barkeep.

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 01:52 PM

He comes over, and puts a glass of water and a short menu in front of you, used to being treated as essentially living furniture, and not someone to interact with

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Aug-20 01:57 PM

Lace palms 100 credits across the bartop and takes a sip from the glass, her eyes remaining locked to the barkeep's as she sets it down. "Not ordering anything. Looking for someone." She keeps her dialogue curt, not wanting to keep the barkeep from his duties with the soldiers' revelries. "This was a high class place before my comrades and I came in, still is mind you, entry fee was pretty big. Odds are you kept records of who came here, yeah?"

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 02:04 PM

"We did have a list of members, and guests brought in by them. We still have the paper files. Are you here to destroy them?"

"Someone from your soldiers or their officers said they were going to begin destroying records soon"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 26-Aug-20 02:07 PM

"Ah, no, came here just in time then. Not here to destroy them, not yet anyways. Like I said, looking for someone. I'd like to see these records."

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 02:10 PM

"Youve certainly given me enough reason to let you see them" he says, palming the credit stick. 'Gentlemen, I'm going to be back in a few moments, I need to step into the storage room to get another couple bottles for you" he says to the soldiers sitting at the tables. There is a low cheer, and some light applause as the soldiers respond well to the news. He motions with a slow jerk of his head for you to come behind the bar, as he works to open a roof access hatch in the floor, that opens into the heavily secured and climate controlled office/storeroom below

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 27-Aug-20 04:56 AM

Lace quickly finishes off the her water and slides around the bar, finding something to lean back against as the barkeep opens the hatch.

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 05:44 AM

The hatch opens and he waves you down below with him, stopping to ignite a small gas lamp on the wall to cast a ruddy orange glow around the small space. "Records are on the terminal , and redundant paper copies there. I can try to help you narrow some things down"

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Aug-20 10:39 AM

Lace sits down at the terminal and waves the barkeep away, "I know who I'm looking for, you can get back to work."

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 11:06 AM

He nods. "I'm going to shut the hatch so I don't accidently fall in while I'm working, but here is the key to open it back up. If you need something to eat or something to drink just send me a message. I'll have it warm or cold for you."

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Aug-20 12:50 PM

"Your offer is appreciated but this shouldn't take long enough for there to be a need of it." Lace starts going through the terminal's records first, checking for either of the names she recorded from the local MES registry.

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 12:51 PM

one name is what you are left with. Cadilus Tirex, who frequented the bar the same night as you initially, and was a very steady patron before that. He was a special consultant for the companies that owned this city once, and his order was the same every night, A ham and cheese sandwich on Rye, with a thin coating of mayo, and an old fashioned on the rocks.

He has not been back since the CBSS took the planet, though the same can be said for many of the patrons here.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Aug-20 12:59 PM

(Do the records specifically state what company(s) Calidus worked for? Or does it seem that he was a freelance contractor of sorts?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 02:28 PM

(freelance, since they all had an interest in keeping order)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Aug-20 03:27 PM

'Looks like I've got some kind of ghost on my hands now. At least I've got a name now.' Lace muses to herself as she shuts the terminal off and fishes her datapad out of her coat pocket, updating her previous report to CBSS command to include the man's name, Calidus Tirex. Once satisfied the report's sent off she leaves the office room, locking the hatch behind her and handing the barkeep the key as she passes him, "Thanks for the help - comrade." On the other side of the bar she slides a cred stick with 250 credits on it onto the bartop, telling the closest soldier that the next few rounds of drinks are on the chairman himself and heads back down to street level.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 28-Aug-20 03:36 PM

(Did any of the larger corporations survive in some capacity? I know they wouldn't be operating as businesses anymore, but their surviving infrastructure would likely be used by the CBSS. I want to try and get into their records some way, and a general net search is no longer possible.) (edited)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 05:12 AM

(the executives and families are being shipped to Mehani, in exile. It was a surrender term the CBSS permitted. Their records would be intact as well, in their former corporate towers. One was heavily damaged by fire during Janick's mission, but the other is intact)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Aug-20 09:40 AM

After a moment's contemplation at ground level, Lace makes her way to the more intact of the two major corporate towers left in the city, hoping that the former corporation that might have had dealings with, and further records of, the man she's looking for.

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 09:44 AM

The ruins of Megaglomerate Enterprises is something less than ruins, but it does resemble a somewhat gutted office building. Civilian natives, and some low level CBSS soldiers are hard at work carrying office supplies, furnishings, and other objects of value from the building. Workers taking back the fruits of their toils, for intents and purposes. A large CBSS flag now drapes down from the roof, large enough to cover a few floors worth of windows in the section it occupies

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Aug-20 09:48 AM

Lace stops one of the soldiers moving office supplies out of the building to ask them a question, "Have you redistributed the materials in the records room yet, comrade? I'm tracking down a potential threat to the state and the information this corporation may have had will help me find it."

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 10:03 AM

"Nothing yet comrade! The upper floors have been sealed, and no one has been able to get inside"|

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 31-Aug-20 10:06 AM

"Thank you comrade, you may carry on." Lace turns from the soldier and makes her way up the corporate tower to see how she might get into the sealed floors.

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 12:09 PM

The elevator itself brings you to the first of the sealed floors, and ytou're able to get into the lobby, but the bulkhead leading into the secure offices beyond has been lowered and fixed into place

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 09:35 AM

(so you can stand up in the lobby, but getting into the actual meat of the floor requires bypassing thisbulkhead)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Sep-20 11:35 AM

Lace studies the secure bulkhead, despite her lack of expertise in the matter it may turn out to be deceptively simple to open the shutters in the manner intended. She checks for levers, keypads, and maintenance panels.

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 11:37 AM

There is a small service panel to the left, embedded in the wall in case of an emergency- there is a red light blinking at the top of it signaling it is locked.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Sep-20 11:41 AM

Lace attempts to pry open the service panel with her thermal knife, not overly hopeful that its contents will of be particular use to her but it can't hurt to make an attempt.

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 12:21 PM

(fix/int, program/int, or exert/str, depending on fixing, hacking, or just trying to be a stronk girl and force it open)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Sep-20 12:28 PM

(Exert/str, 5)

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 12:33 PM

The lever does not engage into the 'cleared' position but through a gap in the platework, you;'re able to see the corridor on the other side of the wall

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 01-Sep-20 12:38 PM

Lace shrugs, just a glance at the other side is enough and the instant she pictures herself on the other side of the bulkhead it becomes reality.

Nekosmash 02-Sep-20 05:58 AM

The hallway beyond runs the outside of the floor, where the offices and other workspaces are on the interior, The records room is easy to see, dozens of computers and paper files on shelves segmented off from the hall by a large glass wall

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 02-Sep-20 06:43 PM

Lace follows the glass wall to the records room entrance and heads in, making her way towards one of the computers and goes to turn it on.

Nekosmash 02-Sep-20 07:35 PM

(You can ask it questions and there might be checks depending on what’s asked/what’s classified)

(Just give em to me one at a time. If it’s a big block I lose things )

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 03-Sep-20 01:11 AM

Lace starts by looking for Tirex's name in the company's payroll records.

Nekosmash 03-Sep-20 04:16 AM

He has been paid a total of seven times over the last few years for psychic suppression and elimination jobs. He isn’t a full time employee but the payment amounts are such that his contract work is more than fulfilling

There is a bank deposit box the payments are sent to for him to pick up in the absence of an address

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 03-Sep-20 04:22 AM

Lace notes down the deposit box number and the associated bank on her datapad then searches for any contracts associated with the paymens for Tirex. (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Sep-20 05:42 AM

The names of past jobs appear, but it seems like they have all been terminated as a result of his work. The contracts themselves were issued on behalf of the corporation-which in itself is an entity- and does not list any corporate officer personally responsible for assigning them

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 03-Sep-20 05:43 AM

(are there any outstanding or common details among the contract targets?)

Nekosmash 03-Sep-20 05:48 AM

(just that they were all suspected psions )

(and the only crime was that they are psions, so probably didn't make for good wage slaves) (edited)

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 03-Sep-20 05:52 AM

A twinge of unease runs through Lace as she goes down the list of contracts, slightly unnerved to know that she's hunting a man who normally hunts people like herself. She recomposes herself shortly though, the psions this man hunted down were likely no where near as well trained as she was, not to mention her mundane capabilities as well. Lace concludes her search of the company records and shuts down the computer she was using, leaving the corporate tower the way she came and heads to the bank to investigate the deposit box next.

Nekosmash 03-Sep-20 05:53 AM

(he has meta and null, so he can find them and shut them down, you sort of had a taste of that already)

The bank has a shell hole in the front lobby, but the vault and deposit rooms are reinforced and still standing. THere are several CBSS guards and most of them are in power armor, working to keep opportunistic looters away while CBSS officials inventory the contents and determine what might be here for later use.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 03-Sep-20 06:00 AM

Lace salutes the armored guards as she passes by them and approaches one of the officials, respectfully waiting at ease for them to finish whatever they're doing before addressing them, "Greetings comrade, I am investigating a potential threat to the state and require access to a specific deposit box at this location, if it does not interfere particularly with your efforts of course."

Nekosmash 03-Sep-20 09:45 AM

The two officials spend a few moments verifying your orders are valid, before stepping aside to let you into the room, where walls of locked bank boxes rise from floor to ceiling, all labeled and tagged

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 04-Sep-20 03:29 PM

Lace searches along the walls for Tirex's deposit box, glancing back at the number it should be on her data pad now and then as she goes along.

Nekosmash 05-Sep-20 08:14 AM

(Gonna be slow this weekend. Brothers in town )

2

The 93rd box is the one youre looking for and it’s quickly found. Inside is a set of keys to a home. The address is listed on the tag, along with credit sticks totaling 250,000 and a certificate logging a completed contract

It seems he hasn’t been by to collect this yet

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 05-Sep-20 08:22 AM

Lace's hand hovers over the collection of cred sticks after she grabs the keys, hesitating for a moment before grabbing just one of them as well as the certificate then closing the deposit box and leaves the bank for the attached address. On her way out she thanks the officials for their assistance and she updates local CBSS command with Tirex's address as well as logging a request for a strike team to be on standby in case things go south for her.

Nekosmash 05-Sep-20 05:32 PM

They can only spare a handful of soldiers and if he is truly a powerful psychic they might be of only limited use. The home is a ranch style home, in the middle of a stylish suburban neighborhood. The home has lights on inside but nobody appears to be home.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 09-Sep-20 07:46 AM

Lace heads around the back of the house, looking for a door from the back yard.

Nekosmash 09-Sep-20 07:54 AM

There is a wooden gate that is simple to open and likely was not meant to be seriously locked. There is a glass sliding door leading into the living room, and you do not see anyone inside. The holovid screen is also turned off, a flat black right now.

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 13-Sep-20 08:05 AM

Lace first tries the glass door in the case that it's unlocked, then will try the key she's got if the door will take it.

Nekosmash 13-Sep-20 01:16 PM

The key fits perfectly and you’re able to slip inside. There is no internal security in the house. It seems like just a pleasant place to lay low and wait things out. Dry goods and food have been stocked into the home along with a choice selection of older movies

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 14-Sep-20 09:52 AM

Keeping her head on a swivel, Lace searches the house for signs of activity. She doesn't necessarily hide her presence as she goes, appearing to just casually search the house.

Nekosmash 14-Sep-20 10:03 AM

It becomes clear that your quarry will be using this as a safehouse, and was expected here soon. It has been stocked with supplies, some luxuries that he must have stipulated as part of their business dealing, and is otherwise all made up for him as though he were staying in some sort of detached hotel. Based on the documentation you found, he should be making use of the property within the coming hours, or day or two at the most.

but no one has been here aside from the residents that clearly were displaced for him to move in, and the former corporate folks trusted enough to supply the place. The home is empty right now aside from you

Reclusiarch Sleemauch 14-Sep-20 10:16 AM

Deciding to test if Tirex's capabilities would extend to her futuresight, Lace tries to envision what will happen if she were to wait for Tirex to arrive in plain sight of the front door. (Time horizon of up to a full day) (edited)

Nekosmash 14-Sep-20 10:20 AM

Tirex is not near you and cannot stop you from peering into the future. He is a metapsion you already know, from your finding of the files. He would detect you as he approached the door, and draw a service weapon, preparing to fight rather than flee at first. Your teleportation powers would be suppressed

The seeking and hunting of other psychics is after all, his profession