"Lab work matters everywhere.  I don't have to tell you about the importance of a controlled environment.  To test things, and all."

"Speaking of which... What exactly have we figured out about the Roshak?  Their power source looks interesting."

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 898):

"Very little," Apex says. "They have tough carapaces and softer vitals inside. They have some psychic properties, but they are inconsistent when observed in a laboratory setting. Their power source is unknown to us -- though we suspect they generate sufficient power for their technology naturally. These are questions Rebecca will be working on solving. And perhaps you, as well."

She curls a lip distastefully.

"All we know for certain is that they are aggressive, hostile creatures bent of domination, slaughter, and destruction. And that, happily, they cannot heal their wounds -- at least, not that we have observed."

Given our track record, I think we might need something with a few more tricks up it's sleeve than a transport or freighter. Ideally, we're probably looking at a frigate or destroyer. Light cruiser at the heaviest. We need an exploration vessel with enough hangar space for Abraxas, Persephone, and maybe a few close-in battlesuits for fighters. The ability to defend itself, and still have enough space for an advanced sensor package. We will be exploring a bold new frontier, after all.

Xander frowns.

That's a tall order, now that I say it out loud.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa.  We don't need half of that shit.  This is our ride from here to Titan, and it's gonna be our ship for the duration of negotiating our way out of human genocide.  Persephone's still in the wind, I don't think she's making this trip.  For now we stick with the bare minimum to get to Titan unmolested.  We can get a bigger, better ship when we're concerned with bigger, better things."

As long as we can remount the engine, that works for me. Given our choices then, I'd think we should go for a transport. The maneuverability is probably to our advantage here.

In reply to Xander (msg # 902):

"Transports, we have," Dr. Pryor nods. "If you'll all accompany me to the hangar, we can get started."

"Can't heal their wounds?"  Fiernas asks with concern.  "Even as much as we can?  Or do you mean they don't just come back to life after you put 'em down?"

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 904):

As Fiernas asks his questions Nightmare sits cross legged in the chair and hugs Percy resting her chin on his head.  While he doesn't squirm or fidget there is an heir of unhappiness about him.

Lots.

She says in response to Apex and fixes her with an impassive calculating look.

What happened to you during the battle?

She holds up a hand if Apex protests

I know it seems unrelated but both you and I are very physiologically different since the attack. Your eyes glow blue with the same color of energy reminiscent of the Roshak. What other side effects have you experienced?  Were these side effects accidental?  Or was this something that came from the lab?

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 905):

"I suspect we might be spoiled as a species regarding our regenerative abilities," Apex says, replying to Fiernas first. "The Roshak cannot repair holes or scratches to their carapace, nor quell the flow of their innards outward naturally. At least, not in a laboratory setting. The only thing we've observed them to do is place energy screens as patches over the afflicted areas. This seems to require some effort and maintenance on their part, and there is a limit to the size and number of patches they can have active at once."

Apex frowns.

"Those we have killed stayed dead, aside from that one unfortunate encounter."

She turns to Rebecca.

"I'm not sure what you mean. You saw the recording -- I was there, and I did what I could to help stop the uprising. I was fortunate to not have been harmed."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

In reply to Apex (msg # 906):

Team Kamikaze

Working together, Dr. Pryor and Viceroy are able to retrofit a SAGE transport into a serviceable platform for the new and improved plasma drive over the course of several days.

Once the task is completed, the time comes to talk about the days to come...

"The design looks sound, but of course there's no way to be certain until we test it under various stresses and loads," Dr. Pryor is saying. "The only way I'm letting this out of my sight is if you're acting in the capacity of test pilots. We'll install monitoring devices to gather data on the drive's performance and transmit it back to us for further refinement."

He glances over at Billy and Xander.

"Are you really planning on taking this thing into a warzone? The ship's not built for combat. It could be destroyed, or the technology could be captured. It's risky. What do you hope to achieve on Titan simply by getting there before Vasquez does?"

"I'm curious about that, too," Fiernas concurs with Rebecca.  "Even you, kiddo.  That claw passed right through you... How was that even possible?"

To Apex: "I'll can be of some help dissecting, but I can do more with a live subject.  Do you have any around here?"

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 908):

She smiles ruefully at FIernas.

If you had asked me a year ago I would have told you it passed through me because I died and I was a ghost.  Now... I'm not so sure.  We have not had an opportunity to check in laboratory circumstances to see if ingestion of Roshak biomass *exaggerated shiver* caused it, or the stress of the attack.  It's something that initially happened involuntarily though I have recently been able to exercise some control over it.

As far as you Apex... Your eyes.

She says simply.

The whites glow the same color as the hands of a Roshak.  I didn't realize it until I saw the video and started reading my papers.  You did not have that glow in the video.  So since that time something has happened to change you significantly.  Either it happened to you spontaneously as mine did, or you intentionally did it... in which case the laboratory was involved and we are experiencing some level of success.

Sounds like the latter is the case.

I also assume this is indicative of greater abilities.  What can you do Apex?

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 909):

"The discoloration you've observed is merely a cosmetic affectation," Apex replies, waving off Rebecca's concerns. "Neither accidental nor the results of an experiment. It's rather boring, really. I'm afraid my 'abilities' are limited to running this colony like an atomic watch, defending humanity against an alien incursion..."

She smiles slightly.

"...and imagining our stale, recycled water supplies taste like fine champagne."

Apex turns to address Fiernas.

"I like your thinking, but securing a living specimen is both difficult and dangerous. It's best to work with the dead until we understand more about what we're dealing with."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

"Are you in any communication with them?  Their fleet?  Negotiations of some kind?  If they wanted to stop fighting, how would we know?"

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 911):

She opens her mouth to say something then shuts it.  Looking down at the table as if she were trying to burn a hole in it.  While looking at the table she says in a far off voice

I have a question to ask you in private about that at the end of this meeting if I may.  It is relevant only on a personal level.

She returns to her normal, analytical self.

The Roshak that 'came back to life' seems very strange... considering they have not exhibited any of that behavior since and given their inability to heal.  I was... in no condition to observe at the time.  What reports, photographs or close up video do we have of the bodies?

Also did anyone else at the facility manifest abilities as I did after the initiation of hostilities?  Has anyone else consumed Roshak biomass, as I did?

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 912):

"If they want to stop fighting, all they have to do is leave," Apex says flatly. "They've spoken loudly enough with their ceaseless attacks. No diplomacy is possible with such a savage race."

She turns to Rebecca.

"We've subjected test subjects -- mice, not humans -- to the scant biomass we had available, but our findings didn't support any broad conclusions. You can ask the research team for more details once you return to work, but don't hold your breath. I've read the reports. They are not encouraging. Your specific situation is likely unique."

She frowns as Rebecca poses her other questions.

"That's been bothering me, too. I have no idea what caused them to come to life, but they won't be doing it again. Their corpses were hollowed out and their innards studied and discarded. You've seen the bodies already -- they are on mannequin stands in the board room. If they could attack me again in their current state, they surely would have done so by now."

Apex narrows her eyes.

"I keep them there as a reminder to never underestimate this foe."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

Billy turns to Xander after Pryor's question, "He has a plan," he says with a nod, refusing to take ownership of it.

Xander nods. Yeah. For being born of desperation, it's not half bad. We zoom in, ask to talk. Figure out what happened, warn them that there will be a war if they aren't transparent. We have enough dirt on them that we're hoping they don't try to kill us on sight. Blackmail security, sent to several servers that will distribute automatically if we don't report back by a certain time.

If they decide to heed the warning, then great, maybe it's crisis averted and we can figure out what exactly happened on Titan. If not, well, we tried. We zoom back here, and let the aliens beat the shit out of Braeburn.

"What a waste," Fiernas spits.  "Think what we could learn if they would stop gnashing their teeth and just talk."

"But you're right.  Look at that naked rage.  Nothing to be done but just put them down.  You've called Earth for reinforcements, right?"

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 916):

Team Titan

"What, and risk throwing the world into a panic? That could threaten global and even interplanetary stability -- not to mention Braeburn's stock price. There's no need for all that, not while we have the situation well in hand."

Apex raises an eyebrow.

"Far better to deal with this ourselves. If it looks like our grip on the situation is going to slip, we can notify the IDA accordingly."

Team Kamikaze

"Seems like a long shot, but...a jaunt from Mars to Titan IS the perfect way to test out the plasma drive's capabilities, especially since you'll be using a standard SAGE transport that would be easily isolated as a control craft for future iterations."

Dr. Pryor purses his lips.

"You'll need a full crew, though. I'd like to send along a mechanic and a technician to take readings and gather data along the way. I trust you'll have no objection to that?"

"Quietly," Fiernas scoffs.  "Quietly, quietly ask for reinforcements.  From... I don't know, whatever secret weapons labs you guys have lying around on some asteroid somewhere.  Or the IDA, sure.  They can keep a secret from the public, I'd bet."

OOC: I'm good to hold here until Nightmare can post.

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 918):

I will report to the science department tomorrow morning.  I think they can answer any of my remaining questions.  Based upon what we have seen I would like a rundown of Roshak combat capabilities.

She walks around the table to Apex and holds out her hand.

Thank you for providing me closure.  I appreciate it.

There is one more thing.  I have sent some emails but have not yet heard back and I expected to.  Are they stuck in some outbox while we are waiting for my paperwork to clear?

When the rest of the team turns to leave she inclines her head up to Apex speaking into her ear quietly.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 919):

"You're very welcome. I only hope it was helpful to view such a disturbing scene."

The guard who led you here opens the door, and Apex begins to usher you out of the room.

"Learning about their combat capabilities is one of the things you'll be studying in the lab. They can fill you in with what we know tomorrow. As for your emails, you're on the Crucible, not the Archive. You won't be able to communicate with anyone who isn't also on our network. Remember, this is Titan. Braeburn's usual communications network doesn't extend this far, and there are rather severe security measures in place to restrict communications between the networks. If your messages are of particular importance, simply forward them to me and I'll move them along for you."


OOC: Any objections to leaving the room?

Fiernas shakes Apex's hand, then leaves the room, the dogs padding quietly by his side.  He doesn't wait for their escort, but instead heads down the hallway at a brisk pace.

OOC: All good, let's move on.

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 921):

Team Titan

Apex exits the room last, walking behind the group as it works its way back toward the elevator and, ultimately, to their quarters.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you're able to accomplish in the lab," Apex says by way of parting words. "And I'm relaxing your restrictions a bit, effective tomorrow. You'll receive badges and keycards and the like -- any hallway marked with a color that's on your badge is open to you, as are any doors your keycard can open."

She gives Rebecca's shoulder a soft squeeze.

"I'm sure we'll be speaking again soon. Until then, take comfort in knowing that I have the watch. No Roshak shall escape my gaze."

With that, Apex and the guard depart, and leaving you alone with your thoughts in your chambers.

(If you had more to say or do, please PM me with specifics)

Team Kamikaze

Hearing no strong objection to having two SAGE personnel accompany the plasma drive's maiden voyage, Dr. Pryor assigns them accordingly. One is a stout man named Bradford with a short beard and thick glasses, while the other is an attractive woman with dark skin and an average build named Whitney.

Before long, the vessel has been loaded, its cargo bays filled, and every nook and cranny inspected without incident.

"You're all set," Dr. Pryor smiles. "Good luck and godspeed, and be sure to transmit your data as often as possible."

"Important. Vital!" Viceroy chimes in. "And do-do not forget-forget, Amgine will protect-protect this sector even if you fail-fail. No pressure."

The transport's seating area and cockpit occupy the same space, with the pilot's seat and consoles set front and center while the passenger seats line either wall behind it. Xander and Billy both eye the pilot's chair, but are relieved to see that neither Bradford nor Whitney pay it much mind.

"Well? What are we waiting for?" Whitney asks, her impatient tone a bit at odds with her smile. "Let's get this show on the road."

(If you had more to say or do, please PM me with specifics)

~~ END CHAPTER 09 ~~

Global Karma Breakdown

These are the global things that will affect everyone equally. Individuals will gain bonuses and penalties beyond these. I will not make those public.

Baseline: +1000

Bonuses
- "Successful" crash landing on Venus: +50
- Discovered New Aliens (Roshak, Lith, Others In Passing): +150
- Learned More About Jump Rings (Muse): +50
- Learned About Consortium: +50
- Learned About AI Classifications and Sophia's Relative Intelligence: +50
- Learned About Titan Situation (aka The Incident): +50
- Learned More About Abraxas: +50
- Looked for IDA Survivors/Salvage: +50
- Defeated Faust: +150
- Peaceful Encounters (Barachiel, Vasquez, Pryor, Alien Ambassadors, Apex): +250
- Created Madisyn: +50
- Survival (Kayla, Barachiel): +100
-- Total Bonuses: 1050

Penalties
- Did not appoint Solese ambassador to Amg (repeat offense): -50
- Did not report encounter with Chitinous vessel near Venus (repeat offense): -50
- Abandoned Gestalt, Holt, Tyndall, Darling to SAGE custody: -200
- Reckless destruction of property: -100
- Conflict escalation in the face of diplomatic overtures: -250
- Party member defeated (None): 0
- Avoidable Losses (Beck, Beck's Team, Dynamis, Persephone): -200
-- Total Penalties: 850

Adjusted Baseline: +1200
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:44, Fri 08 Dec 2017.