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05:03, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2.

Posted by StarMasterFor group 0
StarMaster
GM, 895 posts
Storyteller
License to Tamper
Sun 27 May 2018
at 17:52
  • msg #169

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

The quality of the ore in this location is a bit low, so it requires three full blasts for enough ore to be broken loose, and then hauled over to the processor and dumped in. The processor has several settings for making various types and grades of naquadah. Not surprisingly, though, there's no setting for extracting naquadria.

It takes about an hour to haul and dump all the ore into the processor, as the processor can only extract the mineral at a limited rate.


The resulting liquid naquadah is quite heavy, and requires two people to carry it back to the ship.
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 480 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Mon 28 May 2018
at 01:07
  • msg #170

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 169):

OOC: Hope you don't mind the small hijack, Hilda, but I thought the scene was too good to pass on ^_^



Kaspar looks at Hilda, who's looking at him expectantly.

Kaspar just looks back and happily puffs on his pipe.

Hilda frowns at Kaspar and nods at the naquada fuel containers.

Kaspar gets a confused look on his face and removes his pipe from his mouth, "What?" he asks with feigned innocence.

Hilda silently glares at Kaspar and points at the containers.

"Oh, come on!" Kaspar whines, "I'm an Old Man, you're a Heavyworlder! Back at base you were one-handing electric generators like they were grocery bags!"

"Besides, that's what Jaffa are for." Kaspar grins, raises his pipe and taps the middle of his forehead - right where a Jaffa's Goa'uld symbol would be - with the stem, "First Prime Hilda."
Hilda
SG-X1, 724 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Mon 28 May 2018
at 12:18
  • msg #171

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

During her labours, which despite her high-G strength and fitness still worked up a sweat, especially behind a hot blaster, Hilda had stripped off her vest and jacket. Beneath, the busty Cimmerian was nicely upholstered in a black tanktop, with dogtags, hammer pendant, and wolf-fang necklace dangling around neck. Her bare arms displayed compact muscles, scars of blade and matching wolf bite around one wrist, an arm-ring, and Nordic-style tattoos of a raging dragon on a shoulder and lines of protective runes. The tattoos were blue-black and slightly blurred, indicating they'd been done the traditional way: hammered in manually with a bone needle over the course of hours and days. Getting them took rather more guts than modern-day tattooed bikers, soldiers, and gangsters had to go through. Swinging these guns, she used a pick to break up larger rocks and knock others out of the wall.

Once they were done, and Kaspar began his tirade, Hilda rolled her eyes; that human expression was universal. 'But they weigh less in this gravity. My grandfather could lift it, and he's gone to Valhalla... Oh, alright!' she sighed, and gestured for Bar'tok to take one bucket while she took the other. Between them, they could carry the load back to the ship.

'Are we done here?'
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Mon 28 May 2018.
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 481 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Tue 29 May 2018
at 05:07
  • msg #172

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to Hilda (msg # 171):

"Thank you, Hilda. I appreciate your looking out for a frail old man." Kaspar responded, barely controlling a chuckle, "And yes, I believe we are finished.  Let us return to the Ha'tak and get it properly powered up."
StarMaster
GM, 898 posts
Storyteller
License to Tamper
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 00:51
  • msg #173

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

The hard part of getting fuel was done, and even hauling the refined liquid naquadah back and pouring it into the fuel tank was easy by comparison.

No sooner have you emptied the naquadah than you feel the stargate activate!

A moment later, you get a radio communications from General Hammond.

"Hammond to SG-X1. We've run into a little... wrinkle. I'm recalling Staff Sergeant Rajip Mojdar. There's a family issue he needs to deal with."

"I've got someone else to send you. Unfortunately, he's not military. And he's a Scout. Like Hilda. He's all I've got available at the moment... and, I'm getting some pressure to put him on a team. Do not... I repeat, DO NOT get him killed."

"Once this mission is over, we'll see what happens."



The General waits until he gets a response from Kaspar before he sends Wilhelm through the gate. Once the gate shuts down, you'll have to dial home to send Rajip back.
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 482 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 04:34
  • msg #174

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 173):

"You're taking my Gurkha?" Kaspar snaps back at Hammond - and earning himself a glare from Rajip, "Okay, fine!  You're taking my Nepalese-American Ranger? Sir?  And replacing him with someone that needs special care not to get killed? With respect, General, że gówno jest szalone jak pijany kozioł!"

"Just who is this soft ... Commissar ... that we have to protect him, rather than he protect us?  As Sargent Mojdar currently does?"






OOC:
Z Polski: "...that shit is crazy like a drunk goat!"

_General Hammond
NPC (SGC Commander), 140 posts
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 04:48
  • msg #175

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"You misunderstand me, Major," Hammond replies. "He doesn't need special care to keep from being killed, only that you shouldn't try to get him killed."

"I assure you, Major, his credentials and skill set are just as formidable as Mojdar's."

Hilda
SG-X1, 726 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 06:27
  • msg #176

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

To make matters not any better, Hilda quickly hopped on the radio as well, protesting 'But, my earl, I am the scout. And we are almost done here, I think. Can we not just go back to base now, please? I have much television I need to watch.'
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 483 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 08:31
  • msg #177

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to Hilda (msg # 176):

"Why would you think I'd deliberately try to kill..." Kaspar stops mid-sentence, almost choking on his words.

"It's a Russian, isn't it?  You're sending us a former Soviet Officer, aren't you?" Kaspar shrugs, as if Hammond could see him.

"Why should that bother me, General? I'm a former Soviet Officer.  Granted, most of the modern crop of Russian military officers I've met aren't that much improved, but there is improvement. I wouldn't try to get them killed."

"Unless they're G.R.U., of course.  I'll kill those bastards without so much as a fake apology."
_General Hammond
NPC (SGC Commander), 141 posts
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 22:43
  • msg #178

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"He's not GRU, he's not even Russian," Hammond replies.

"Sending him through now. Make sure you send Rajip back ASAP."


A moment later, Wilhelm emerges from the event horizon of the stargate.
Wilhelm Ashcraft
SG-X1, 3 posts
Human Scout
Civilian
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 00:26
  • msg #179

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

Wilhelm paused one step from the event horizon, his head twitching first left then right as if he was looking for threats.    In addition to the normal SGC deployment BDUs and Tac Vest, his eyes were covered by a pair of sunglasses.   His hair was cut short, not quite regulation but close enough to pass if one only gave a glance.   In addition, he sported a day or so growth of beard.  His appearance seemed to be the kind of slovenly acceptable that a mercenary might have, but didn't mesh with the normal elite status of those deployed on an SG team.

A Zat'nik'tel hung from his left hip opposite of where one might find a sidearm, of which was conspicuously lacking.  There was also no sign of the normal P90 submachine gun...in fact, the Zat'nik'tel was the only weapon other than the survival knife that was visible.

It wasn't until the distinctive hissing sound that signaled the wormhole closure that he moved again.  He reached up with his left hand and removed the sunglasses to reveal a set of hazel eyes, alert and reminding one eerily of that of a bird of prey.   "Bloody Hell."  His voice lacked any sort of an accent, which was usually the result of careful training rather than accident.   "So this is what another world looks like."   He added after a heartbeat as he put the sunglasses back on and strode away from the stargate.  His movements were efficient and precise, like that of a tiger on the hunt.
Hilda
SG-X1, 727 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 08:28
  • msg #180

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

Defeated by the wyrd ways of the Tau'ri military, Hilda sighed, forgetting her radio was still on. It seemed they weren't heading back to base after all. It would be quite a while yet before she could again see Xena: Warrior Princess.

She faced Rajip and clasped his arm, feeling misty-eyed for losing a worthy battle-companion and drinking partner, and perhaps a friend. But if his family were in trouble, then so he must return to his family. Hilda well understood the importance of that. 'It was an honour serving with you, Rajip Mojdar. May Thor speed you to your family, and Sif aid you with them. I will raise a drink to you. Farewell.'

Then, in the light of the waters of the Well of Urðr that washed within the Ring of Stars, she turned and saw his replacement. 'This is not another world.' she told him wearily. 'This is inside of ha'tak cargo bay. It is nothing to sing poems of.' So said the Viking woman with the golden hair and pigtails.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Sun 17 June 2018.
Wilhelm Ashcraft
SG-X1, 6 posts
Human Scout
Civilian
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 14:43
  • msg #181

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"I wondered why it looked rather . . . boxy.   The new arrival said, removing his sunglasses and tucking them into a pocket.   He looked over the gathered members of the group before turning his attention to what was referred unofficially to as the dial home device.   "I could use a sit rep, there was rather a rush to get me here."  He added dryly.   "It more like: he's your kit and this is the Stargate.   And watch the first step as it's a doozie."
Hilda
SG-X1, 729 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 02:57
  • msg #182

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

Hilda looked puzzled. '"Sit rep"? The Jaffa do not have many chairs, but we can maybe find one in the upper levels.' she offered. 'And I did not see a "doozie".'
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 485 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 05:50
  • msg #183

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to Hilda (msg # 182):

An older gentleman steps up to Wilhelm and, with hands on hips, glares at him.  The glare deepens as the old gent realizes that Wilhelm is about two-inches taller than he is.

The name tag on the uniform says "Gorski"; his hair is dark-blonde with much grey sprinkled through, and recently cut short in a military style popular in Europe.  The skin on Gorski's lower chin is slightly paler than the rest of his face, indicating a long-worn full beard had been shaven off recently; within weeks.

Other than looking like he was carrying a few extra pounds under his SGC field uniform, and that he smelled faintly of tobacco and vanilla, the old guy looked like any other dyspeptic career military officer Wilhelm may have ever met.

But there was something about those dark blue eyes.

Finally the old man speaks - from his accent he might be from the Chicago area.

"I'm Major Gorski. I want you to say 'opera' then say 'intercontinental' then say 'booger'. Now, if you please."

Wilhelm Ashcraft
SG-X1, 8 posts
Human Scout
Civilian
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 13:28
  • msg #184

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"In not a soldier and certainly not your lapdog, major."   Wilhelm meets glare coolly.  "Relax, I'm here to help, so..." he draws the last word out a bit, turning his body slightly away from the other and again looking around.  "Is someone going to fill me in or do I have to guess?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Fri 08 June 2018.
Gavan
SG-X1, 167 posts
Tollani
Scientist
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 14:19
  • msg #185

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"That is most unlike General Hammond not to have briefed you," Gavan says as he steps forward.

"I am Gavan, a Tollan. Hilda here is a Cimmerian. Asherrra is a cat-folk from the city we visited. Freyda in the floating chair is an Asgard. This is Bar'tok, a Jaffa now in service to Angrboda, as are we all. Rajip is being sent back to the homeworld."

He then glances to Vasandra, the purple-skinned woman, and bows.

"Our goddess, Angrboda."

He makes sure Bar'tok can't see his face before giving Wilhelm a wink.

"We have captured this ha'tak ship and restoring it to operational condition. We await Angrboda's decision on what to do next."
Wilhelm Ashcraft
SG-X1, 9 posts
Human Scout
Civilian
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 14:53
  • msg #186

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"Good to know.  Whatever the situation that required the recalling of your fellow was apparently quite urgent."   He offers a firm handshake to Gavan as he continues.  "And I suspect that there were, external pressures, to see me in the field as expediently as possible."

That accomplished, he turns to the hoverchair.  He bowed just slightly, a bit more than the nodding of the head.  "It is indeed an honor and a pleasure to finally meet an Asgardian.  I have read and heard much."

He turned to the Jaffa, pressing a fist to his shoulder in a sign of respect before nodding politely to Asherrra.   He then smiled just a bit to Hilde before speaking.  "The sun herself must be envious of your beauty."  Compliment, and a wink delivered, he finally turns to Angrboda.

"I am called Wilhelm, how can I be of assistance?"  He states directly, his glaze once again returning to that eagle-like attentiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Fri 08 June 2018.
Bar'tok
NPC, 2 posts
Jaffa
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 22:35
  • msg #187

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

"I am not a fool!" Bar'tok speaks up.

"You do not need to pretend any more on my account. I know Angrboda is not a goddess. Neither are the Dragon-Lords."
Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 486 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 01:12
  • msg #188

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to Bar'tok (msg # 187):

"Well Praise Holy Mother Mary for small favors!" Kaspar responds to Bar'tok's outburst, "Welcome to a universe that is far more exciting - and far scarier - than you could ever imagine while serving under the Goa'uld, my boy!  Hilda, I am sincerely sorry for this, but could you take the wayward young Bar'tok, here, in hand and explain the realities of the universe to him?  I know you'd rather cut your own teeth out of your head with a dull knife, but, after Freyda, you're the next best thing to a Jaffa expert we have - and you heard me ask General Hammond to send us a Free Jaffa to do this, but there just aren't any available, at the moment."

"So I'm afraid I have to ask you to deal with it, while I deal with..."
Kaspar turns back to glare at Wilhelm, "...Rajip's replacement."

"Alright, buddy, let's clear a few things up, right now."
Kaspar growls in his upper mid-west accent, "First, I know you're a fake.  I'm a Linguist, so I saw right through your 'pretending to hide a Euro-Trash accent' right off the bat.  I've been there, and I'm doing that, right now!  I've had the same infiltration training - maybe not as in depth as yours, but sufficient to the job.  I've also spent years working with KGB and GRU operatives, and while the smell is different, the stink is the same -- you're CIA.  Right?  Or one of the other Alphabet Agencies of the Americans?"

"They think it's bad enough that there's only two Terrans on a Team made up of representatives of our off-world allies -- especially an Asgard!  But it had to have been just eating at the CIA that a former Soviet Red Army Intelligence Officer was running the Team!  So they decided to pull the US Ranger they had watch-dogging me and replace him with a CIA Spook they're trying to pass off as a clueless civilian contractor."

"Well, okay, Mr. Innocent Civilian Contractor, sir, before we figure out how you can be 'of assistance' to our mission, here, perhaps you could tell us just what it is that you do?"

Hilda
SG-X1, 730 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 07:03
  • msg #189

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

'Angrboða.' Hilda had corrected for Gavan, putting emphasis on the "ð".

During the introductions and compliments, Hilda stared blankly at Wilhelm, evidently immune to his attempted charms. ', it probably is.' she finally agreed with an amused grin, speaking with an indeterminate Scandinavian accent.

She was surprised at first Bar'tok's declaration, and then Kaspar's haranguing of this Wilhelm. Some clan rivalry back on Midgard, it seemed. Not understanding a word of it, she did as she was bid and pulled Bar'tok aside. 'No, you are right, she is not a goddess. She is not even Angrboða. She is Vasandra, of Netjeria. I am not her First Prime, I am a free shield-maiden of Cimmeria. We come from many worlds, but we help the Tau'ri of Earth to explore through the Chappa'ai and fight the evil of the Goa'uld that goes a-viking across the stars. We also help the Jaffa escape their slavery.'

'And you're right, the Goa'uld are not gods, and the Dragon-Lords are not gods. They are just snakes that crawl inside the heads and bellies of better men. They are thieves and liars and scavengers.'
she explained. Then she went on: 'No, the only true gods are the Æsir, who are called Asgard. They are mighty warriors and cunning craftsmen, foes to the ettins you call Goa'uld. They are wise and powerful, undying, and are kind protectors and teachers of humans. They do not even demand our worship. Behold, Freyda in her flying chariot!' She flung an arm toward the Asgard in the floating chair, ice-blue eyes gleaming with fervour.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Fri 15 June 2018.
Wilhelm Ashcraft
SG-X1, 10 posts
Human Scout
Civilian
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 14:38
  • msg #190

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

Wilhem either didn't hear what Kaspar said or simply choose not to react to it.  As far as he was concerned, this wasn't the time or place to cater to the man's ego.
Bar'tok
NPC, 3 posts
Jaffa
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 13:51
  • msg #191

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

Bar'tok takes in all that Hilda tells him, even though he's never heard of these places she mentions.

"There are tales of the Asgard," he replies, "but the Dragon-Lords never mention them. They speak of enemies freely, but never of the Asgard. It now makes sense with what you say."

"I can see by your clothing and your equipment, and hear by your words, that you are not kept in the dark as are the Jaffa. Perhaps that is why the Goa'uld have chosen the orak'tar as servants--they are nearly mindless yet obedient."

Kaspar Radoslaw Gorski
SG-X1, 487 posts
Professor of Anthropology
Major, Polish Land Forces
Fri 15 Jun 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #192

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

In reply to Bar'tok (msg # 191):

Kaspar waits, an expectant look on his face, but, after a minute, it's pretty obvious that Wilhelm isn't going to answer the last question Kaspar put to him.

"Hmm.  I see, your lack of an answer makes it pretty obvious you're an unskilled laborer." Kaspar says to Wilhelm, "No shame in that, my boy. Just why the SGC makes such a big deal about getting an unskilled laborer to us, I don't know. Well, we shall make the best of it."

Kaspar draws himself up, "Mr. Ashcraft, welcome to the Team. Your assignment and duty station will be here, at the Gate.  You will guard the gate, and inform us if it should activate.  You will remain here until relieved.  You will now verbally acknowledge your receipt of these orders and your understanding of them."

"Unless, perhaps, you believe that I have incorrectly interpreted your refusal to answer my question regarding just what it is that you are supposed to do here, with us -- that you are not an unskilled contract laborer, and do, indeed, have a purpose here. Because that was the last thing I asked you, Mr. Ashcraft.  And I am the assigned Team Leader, so I get to get an answer when I ask 'what do you do'?"


"So what will it be, Mr. Ashcraft?  Permanent guard duty here at the Gate, or giving us an answer as to what you are trained to do here?"
Hilda
SG-X1, 731 posts
Cimmerian Scout/Soldier
MisSpec, SSgt (honorary)
Fri 15 Jun 2018
at 08:21
  • msg #193

Re: X2U-238: Shot in the Dark 2

'Yes, the Goa'uld never talk of enemies who really threaten them.' Hilda agreed heartily with Bar'tok, suddenly gaining more respect for him now he'd declared his loyalties were not to the Goa'uld, though she could not yet quite trust the ettin warrior, who still had a snake in his belly. She almost felt guilty for leading his whole troop to their destruction. Almost. 'You must tell us more of the orak'tar later. We have not fought them before today. After we return to Earth, and have told Earl Hammond all you know, you will be taken to one of the Free Jaffa. They will find a home for you.'

Turning, she regarded Kaspar and Wilhelm and an impatient eye, and remarked 'But first, we wait for the Old Man and the New Boy to settle their clan feud and compare their manhoods. Then we can decide what we do next.' Her words were addressed at Bar'tok but pointedly aimed at the pair.
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