RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Stargate SG-X

12:12, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

X82-37R: Waterfallter.

Posted by StarMasterFor group 0
Travis Fox
SG-X2, 390 posts
Full Apache Explorer
Green Beret MSgt
Sat 20 Aug 2016
at 11:23
  • msg #549

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

In reply to Sarnak (msg # 548):

"As near as I can recall," Sarnak replies to the major, "by the time we were able to build our exodus fleet, we'd all been driven back to this planet, and to this city. Our defenses were protecting this city... perhaps because we had to... but just barely. All the other cities had been destroyed by aerial bombardment."

Fox looks at his commander, disturbed that they might have to leave Sarnak behind. "Sir may I suggest getting hold of command and telling the Sarnak is in his new body and asking for instructions"
Coleman Hendricks
SG-X2, 21 posts
Human Scout
Army Ranger LTC
Sat 20 Aug 2016
at 23:04
  • msg #550

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"Yes, that was probably the next move," Coleman replies to Travis. "I was just trying to determine a direction to go after that. We aren't equipped to investigate this entire city and the... presumably... vast array of machinery here. I suspect we could dither for a century and get no closer to figuring out how any of it works... no disrespect intended for our whiz kids here, Carter and McGuinness."

"In a way, we were hoping that Sarnak would be a fount of knowledge, but we would have done what we did even if we'd known ahead of time that he wouldn't be."

"Carter, McGuinness, Parker... you, too, Bjorn... any thoughts on our next move? Do you think there is anything else on this planet to investigate, or do we head home and hope for a new mission?"

"Personally, I'm not... satisfied... with what we've done so far. Don't get me wrong, we've made an impact. We drove off the Goa'uld enslaver, restored the river's flow, discovered the source of the 'ghost' in the city, and revived Sarnak. That one still boggles my mind."

"Is it wrong to think all that isn't... enough?"

Jason Bjorn
SG-X2, 55 posts
Human Soldier
Army Ranger SSgt
Sat 20 Aug 2016
at 23:23
  • msg #551

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Jason was feeling a bit the same.


"I know what you mean, Major," he replies. "While we did things, we don't have anything we can carry in our hands that we can hold up and say 'Hey, look what we found!' Sarnak here only kind of fills the bill. If he had some fantastic piece of data that we could show, like the plans for a disintegrator or something... even if it'd take years to build, well, then that would be more positive."

"And no offense, Sarnak, but, frankly, we still don't really trust you. I think that's mostly because we don't understand what happened to you... or how it happened. If you aren't really the guy in the chair, then maybe you're the one that killed the man in the chair. He did have a dagger through his heart."

"It would certainly explain your 'convenient' memory loss."


As he spoke, the rest of the medical team moved past them, pushing all their equipment. He glanced back in the direct of the stargate, then back at the city... and two thoughts suddenly popped into his head.

"Jackie, Kyle... did either of you check the Library to see if there were any maps of this planet? I can't help thinking we're missing something. While I can understand the Goa'uld not bothering to destroy this city once the ship's had all left, but wouldn't they have looted the technology?"

"For that matter, Crom only told us about these 'ruins'... to the Otter-folk, they probably couldn't make the distinction between an abandoned city and ruins."

"But... and this is my point... Do the Otter-folk or Crom know of any other places? I mean, as hard as it is to accept Crom as this benevolent... druid-like being that is watching out for the Otter-folk, does he really not look around the region? Not look for technology or remnants of such?"

Sarnak
NPC, 6 posts
Sha'Kri mind
in a human body
Sat 20 Aug 2016
at 23:37
  • msg #552

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Sarnak smiled at Jason's comment.

"I am not an idiot, not even in this unnatural body," he replies. "I have had the same thoughts. I cannot think of any way to prove to you that I really have lost much of my memory, since I could just as easily be faking that."

"We had a term for this kind of memory... but I can't remember what it is. Is that irony? I still have some memories... I know how to talk, eat, walk and chew gum at the same time... I am pretty sure I could use your weapons with reasonable accuracy. I can still speak seven languages. I'm pretty sure I could still launch a psionic ship... if my psionic abilities were intact. I still feel they are simply blocked... until such a time as I come to terms with my new... identity... whatever that is."

"It's like they are there... just ever so much out of reach. I can sense Travis, for example, but it's like he's a mute to me now. And I cannot say if that is limitation of mine, or if it was the machine that made that possible."

"I certainly can understand your reluctance to take me back to your homeworld. Might I suggest the following scenario?"

"You contact  your command, and have them send a tech team through to do a detailed investigation of the city. I will remain here and advise them to the best of my ability."

"I would also ask that you provide me with information on your culture, so that if I am ever permitted to visit your world, I will not standout too badly."

Jackie Carter
SG-X2, 179 posts
Human Explorer
Air Force Major
Sun 21 Aug 2016
at 07:28
  • msg #553

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Jackie frowns.

" No, Major, the library was to large to find out info that we first had to guess you wanted. I was looking at files that directly related to accessing the library or my specific field of study. Not answering for Kyle, but assuming he may have done the same or similar thing."
Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 150 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Sun 21 Aug 2016
at 13:54
  • msg #554

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"No, I was finding out about history... I'll trot back and ask for maps if you like."

Kyle got ready to go.
Christopher Hatfield
player, 2 posts
Human
Civilian Scientist
Mon 22 Aug 2016
at 04:32
  • msg #555

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"I'll go with you. Since we got Sarnak back into his body there's not much else to do."

Chris got ready to follow Kyle.
Jackie Carter
SG-X2, 180 posts
Human Explorer
Air Force Major
Mon 22 Aug 2016
at 05:22
  • msg #556

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

In reply to Christopher Hatfield (msg # 555):

Jackie moves as well.

" A unit should stick together."
Coleman Hendricks
SG-X2, 22 posts
Human Scout
Army Ranger LTC
Mon 22 Aug 2016
at 07:57
  • msg #557

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"Weren't you going back with the rest of the tech team?" the Major asks Chris. "Wait. Where's Parker?"

He glanced after the tech team that was already disappearing in the distance and spotted the short form of Parker.

"What's going on here? Did you two decide to swap places? Not that I have anything against you, Hatfield, but I thought Parker was assigned to this unit. Or did I get that mixed up back in the gate room?"

Figuring that's what had happened, he turned to Carter.

"Yeah, you are probably right, Carter... as usual. No sense in us splitting up now. We'll stop at the Library on the way back. It's kind of on the way to the Otter-folk."

"I gather that there weren't any Cromari... Otter-folk... here... when you went to... um, sleep, Sarnak. Is that right?"

Christopher Hatfield
player, 3 posts
Human
Civilian Scientist
Mon 22 Aug 2016
at 13:35
  • msg #558

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"What Parker didn't tell you? He's been reassigned to sg-4. this was his last mission before it becomes official. I've been assigned as his replacement."He replies to the major. He turned to  watch as the tech team  and parker left through the  stargate.
Travis Fox
SG-X2, 391 posts
Full Apache Explorer
Green Beret MSgt
Mon 22 Aug 2016
at 16:18
  • msg #559

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

In reply to Christopher Hatfield (msg # 558):

Fox looks both amused and irritated.
"SNAFU" he mutters almost silently.
"orders commander?"
StarMaster
GM, 702 posts
Storyteller
License to Tamper
Fri 26 Aug 2016
at 05:06
  • msg #560

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

The trek to the hidden library only takes about 20 minutes now because you know where it is and how to find it. When Carter and McGuinness left, they sealed it back up.

So Hatfield gets his first view of it.

Touching a stone set in the ground, a stone arch suddenly rises up out of the ground. The top is covered with dirt and moss, so it blended in with the surroundings quite well.

Once it's completely out, there is a flight of stairs leading down into an underground facility.

If Chris wants to go down into the facility with Carter and McGuinness, he can. They are just trying to find some sort of map of the world.
Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 151 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Fri 26 Aug 2016
at 10:36
  • msg #561

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Kyle scampers eagerly down the stairs to address the Library and ask for maps of the world they are now on.
StarMaster
GM, 704 posts
Storyteller
License to Tamper
Fri 9 Sep 2016
at 02:35
  • msg #562

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Kyle and Jackie, and even Sarnak, address the computer system, while Christopher gets his first view of the Library.

The crystal columns light up and sparkling cascades of light/electrons move through them.

Once the topic is broached to the Librarian, any number of maps are brought up. Over 2,000 maps of the planet as a whole are available, from prehistoric times up to the exodus.

The last map available shows 12 major metropolises spaced more or less equidistant around the planet, in locations that you'd expect... along coasts and riverways. All but one of them are indicated as having been destroyed, with details stating that they were subject to orbital bombardment. Statistics show that less than 1,000 people were killed... those that refused to leave or stayed until the end.

There are numbers of smaller communities, only some of which were destroyed. And there are lots of areas designated at farmland.

The nearest town that may be intact is named Dynara. It's about 30 miles away.
Sarnak
NPC, 7 posts
Sha'Kri mind
in a human body
Fri 9 Sep 2016
at 02:41
  • msg #563

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

As the map of the world is holographically projected into the air in front of the group, Sarnak studies it with interest.

Specified parameters had localized the image centered around the current city.

He reads the name Dynara but it has no meaning for him.

He lifts his hand and points to a place on the map.

"Kerazam," he says. "That's where you want to go."


There is nothing indicated on the map, but the spot is only about 10 miles away.
Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 152 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Fri 9 Sep 2016
at 07:57
  • msg #564

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"What is there, Sarnak?" asked Kyle curiously as he made notes.
Sarnak
NPC, 8 posts
Sha'Kri mind
in a human body
Sat 10 Sep 2016
at 23:02
  • msg #565

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Sarnak looks puzzled for a moment, but then replies.

"Research, I think. I'm not really sure. I know the place, but there's a... memory? Image? Just out of reach of my mind."

"There's no indication of an attack on the facility, so the Goa'uld might not have found it. I don't think I was ever there, but I also don't seem to remember what they were researching."

"I can't say if you could find anything useful in the other cities. This was the only one set up to launch the ships. I have this vague recollection that there was supposed to be some sort of self-destruction sequence on all the mind-launchers. It was precautionary even though there was no way a Goa'uld could have ever used it. It's not so much that the technology was so advanced, just that it was incomprehensible to them."

"Like a mind-switch. This is a switch that is receptive to thought, so that you can just think at it and flip the switch. The mechanism is totally understandable, even to you Tau'ri. But the psycho-sensitive receptor wouldn't appear to be functional no matter how much you delved into... unless you had psychic powers."

Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 153 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Sun 11 Sep 2016
at 13:18
  • msg #566

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"That makes sense, Sarnak," said Kyle, nodding.

"OK, this place is probably worth a look."

He worked out the directions to get there.
Travis Fox
SG-X2, 392 posts
Full Apache Explorer
Green Beret MSgt
Sun 11 Sep 2016
at 20:56
  • msg #567

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

In reply to Kyle McGuinness (msg # 566):

Travis Combat walks along interested not only in how Sarnak is learning to handle his new body and communicate, but the nuances of how he is doing things.
It is as if he is using the basic memories of the spirit of the old body to learn and cope with.
 He turns again watching his surroundings while keeping close to his charge
Coleman Hendricks
SG-X2, 23 posts
Human Scout
Army Ranger LTC
Sun 18 Sep 2016
at 19:58
  • msg #568

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"The decisions of command," he sighs. "We know so little about the Tok'ra still, but Crom is not one, so what does that make him?"

"Our experience with the Goa'uld has been that there is no such thing as a good one. They are all bad and evil, certainly by our standards and, apparently, most of the rest of the galaxy. I mean, the Tollans think they are evil, the Cimmerians think they are evil, even the Asgard think they are evil."

"But are they ALL evil? Crom is the first one that we've encountered that does not act like the rest of the Goa'uld. But I still don't trust him. I'm not sure that is even possible."

"Common courtesy says that we should tell him where we are going and what we are doing, but this may just be what he is waiting for--access to the technology of the Sha'kri. It could be his ticket back into the normal Goa'uld community."

"So now you see my dilemma."

"Let me see if I can still get anyone on the radio."

"Hendricks to Delaney. You guys still on site? Good. We're going to check out some more ruins a few miles away. Not sure. Might be a pile of rubble by now. Roger. Out."

"Okay, that relieves a bit of my worries."

Coleman Hendricks
SG-X2, 24 posts
Human Scout
Army Ranger LTC
Fri 30 Sep 2016
at 05:21
  • msg #569

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

"Travis, take point," the major says as you head out.

"Jason, on our six. Carter, take the left flank, I'll take the right flank. That'll leave our eggheads in the middle. Sarnak, Kyle, Christopher... you got any questions, or  anything to add?"
Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 155 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Fri 30 Sep 2016
at 10:30
  • msg #570

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Kyle made sure that Travis knew where to go, if he was to take the lead, then took his place in the middle of the group as directed.

"No thanks, I'm good."
Travis Fox
SG-X2, 393 posts
Full Apache Explorer
Green Beret MSgt
Fri 30 Sep 2016
at 19:14
  • msg #571

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

In reply to Coleman Hendricks (msg # 569):

Trvis nods and breaks to point to lead the way
StarMaster
GM, 709 posts
Storyteller
License to Tamper
Fri 7 Oct 2016
at 21:12
  • msg #572

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

There's no GPS around this world, so you have to navigate the old-fashioned way--compass and the position of the sun.

Travis is able to verify that the compass consistently points to an arbitrary 'north' which seems to line up with the sun rising in the 'east' and setting in the 'west'. The Librarian gave a few landmarks to steer by, but couldn't verify that they were still there. One of them was a distance mountain, and that is still there. It's unlikely that it moved.

As far as you know from Crom and the Cromar, there are no serious daytime predators, so the only real threat would probably be from the Varana--the gator-Jaffa.

It takes about 3 hours to reach the vicinity of the site, and, in fact, you walk right over it without realizing it is there.

It is only after you've walked on a ways and don't find any significant structures or other indicators that you realize you may have gone too far.

Backtracking to the clearing you crossed, your different point of view lets you realize that the overgrown area was probably once a driveway and parking area. A couple of the rocks turn out to be the remnants of concrete bases for something... possibly a camouflage canopy or light posts.

From there, you are able to figure out that the depression off to one side is probably where the entrance was. It's long ago collapsed, though.
Kyle McGuinness
SG-X2, 156 posts
Human Scientist
Civilian
Sat 8 Oct 2016
at 10:52
  • msg #573

Re: X82-37R: Waterfallter Return

Kyle looked around.

"This is when we need ground-penetrating radar..."
Sign In