"We could try it the other way, skipper. Dump me in front of the direction that some of the bugs are heading. If they're driving locals in front of them, then maybe we can make caontact in a favourable way with the local. And kill some bugs," suggests Brutus on a private channel.

That might work and convince them we are on their side. Butyou'll need a team of  five or six and overhead back up.

"Are aye, skipper!" says Brutus trying not to let his smile sound in his voice. Switching to a wider band(?) comms channel he updates the fliers and the 'infantry' aacordingly and waits fro the techies to recommend drop points ahead of the advancing bugs (and hopefully retreating locals.

He adds, "If there are chpoices of terrain, then chest height grasses would be my preference." The whole crew are aware on his fondness for (and skill with) pop-up attacks.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 46):

It takes a few minutes to prepare an away team and launch them (Brutus is in a tank). In that time you notice the bugs are not in a hurry. Their methodical approach involves wiping out everything, so the locals they figure will not be able to run forever.

The APC approaches, and together you move in, the tank taking and returning the heavy fire that deals with the local bugs effectively.

Landing in front of the locals, you note they are very much humanoid, and seeing your men, they hesitate, and watch you cautiously, looking at how you respond.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Putting his weapon away brutus says, "We are here to help you." He hold his open hands out away from his body. The comm channel is open for the computers and tachs to work on the local language.

He points slowly and carefully at himself and says, "Brutus."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 48):

The humanoids are clearly scared, but come closer. They look like Neanderthals form ancient earth, and act similar as well. The have primitive spears leveled, and from the range of 300 yds, you doubt they could hit you. Maybe.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Brutus relays this information upwards and asks, "Orders, skipper? Continued bug hunt? Or..?"

Well, we are in the make contact stage, so complete that while Bug Protecting for the moment

"So is that time to dial up someone with better people skills than me, skipper?"

Send the APC back up, I'll send the skilled folk and some trinkets and a steel knife or two.

"Aye, aye, Skipper," replies Brutus who then makes the appropriate happen. Hus immediate team remain on bug watch.

It's a fairly quick turn around, the two tanks add to the defence.

Brutus lets the experts do their thing but keeps watch to ensure their safety.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 54):

Brutus remains with a security team of 5 others as the APC returns. A shot fired at them from about 800 yds indicates the presence of the bugs he is dealing with, and as Brutus men respond by preparing to fight, the locals start running in fear.

The two tanks arrive and quickly deal with the troublesome bugs...

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Brutus runs with the natives and calls it in.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 58):

They stop when the tanks start unloading, and the rounds stop coming. The language, and indeed the he people, are quite primitive.

Then their curiosity starts to kick in, and the move back towards where the rest of your team took a stand.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

"The locals are coming back. Looks like we have engagement," Brutus broadcasts. He goes back to guarding as the experts restart their contact process.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:25, Fri 21 July 2023.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 60):

The modular small craft comes down as the natives begin back to where the shots from the tanks landed. Seeing the dead bugs, they poke them with their spears, driving them through when the can. The lifeless bugs do not respond, as the natives begin to look closely at the dead bodies.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Brutus keep watch but steps back to let the experts do thier thing.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 62):

The linguists soon establish rudimentary communication with the native, but the concepts that can be communicated are very basic.

The tanks find another group of bugs about 500 yds away, and send them scattering too, killing another 5.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

The ship and it's small craft keep scanning for more bugs.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 64):

There are others, but it is hard to pick them from orbit. However, the survey craft is directing the tanks much more effectively as they move up the line. The bugs have gone to ground now, and it takes much more looking to locate them.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

"Can't readily find any more, skipper. Orders?" asks Brutus.

======
OOC: Did we deal with this bunch's mothership already
This message was last updated by the GM at 11:02, Sat 05 Aug 2023.

Learn what you can from the locals…

The locals are not easy to understand at this point. I will take some time to learn from them, but they do seem to be trying to find the rest of their tribe.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Thu 10 Aug 2023.