"The ship's not on a landing platform.  Do you have like a map?  You have a projector, right?" Billy asks Abe.  if even a rough layout is provided he will indicate the location of the hangar where they left the Ship of Convenience. "If the exterior defenses are only at the top of the towers disabling them before the getaway complicates how we should approach." he says, screwing up his mouth in consternation at the issue.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 946):

"H-hey, get away from me with those," Hadrian says when Rebecca approaches him. "I don't want a haircut right now."

OOC: Neither scissors nor "spare" water are particularly plentiful here in the hideaway, and Hadrian is none too cooperative with getting a haircut. If you're not willing to subdue him, you'll find your dreams of practicing for salon ownership thwarted. For now.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to Hadrian (msg # 948):

Abe does, in fact, have a map, and it is soon projected up on the wall for all to see.

The layout of the colony resolves into clear, top-down focus: the stadium-like Compound itself in the center of a circle comprised of four equal quadrants.

"Hangars are here," Abe says, causing blips of light to pulse on the map. Four landing pads on the Compound's towers, one large hangar to the northeast (cargo, warehousing, supplies) and one large hangar to the southwest (fleet maintenance and repairs).
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:37, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to Hadrian (msg # 948):

When Hadrian protests she puts down the scissors pouting prettily.

Fine, but you better have an explanation ready Apex when she sees you. 

Returning to Billy's drawing on the monitor

Not necessarily. 

She says with an evil smile.

If the turrets can target each other we have two augers who can fly.  I can feign a Roshak attack, cause all kinds of misdirection, take a tower and try to disable the other three with it before disabling it.  Hopefully everyone will be so distracted by the brazen Roshak attack on the tower they leave you and allow everyone to waltz off with the ship while trying to stop us.  At that point we activate project Zord while Kayla and I fly back to the rest of the team before take off.

/ooc somebody had to cut peoples hair while on ship or else we would all look like homeless space pirates.  So I would say its safe to say as the artsiest on board Nightmare has probably cut the entire crew's hair at some point.  I actually envision her being very good at it ;).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

"If you go after the turrets there's no guarantee you draw defenders away from the hangar.  This'll make the approach to the ship riskier," Billy remarks, "And wait, since when can Kayla fly?"

((which of the hangars did we leave the Ship in?))

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 951):

Since we were attacked by the giant squidtopus... c'mon keep up! 

She says airily.

You mean to tell me you think they will maintain people guarding the hangar when their weapons system is being taken.  Besides... you need to get the weapons offline anyway to cover your getaway.  I don't see another way.  How would you disable the weapons system otherwise?

"Squidtopus?  What?" Billy shakes his head, "We have two hours for that part.  If the guns are too far away they may not deploy forces from the hangar specifically to handle it.  However long it takes to suborn the guns they're probably going to be shooting at you too."

"If we have to steal a ship, which ship?  Are we qualified to fly it?  What's the layout of the tunnel system?  Anyone heading that way should be able to navigate it by memory, in the dark.  How many mechs might be left operational, where are they stationed, how can they be ordered to stand down, what are their weak points?"

"A good plan has redundancies, backups, plans in place for when the ideal scenario doesn't work out.  Because it never, never does."

In reply to Fiernas Holm (msg # 954):

But we will need to suborn the guns won't we?  Also my abilities grant me maneuverability that is unmatched by mechs or any other fighters.

As Fiernas asks his questions she sucks her teeth.

Redundancies and backups are luxuries we may not be able to afford. 

She muses then adds brightly.

What about your abilities?  Would you be able to navigate the cave system?  In the dark or otherwise?  Tell us which ship to... steal?  If it comes to that?

I have no idea how to tell you what ships are in the hangar or what their requirements are.  Hadrian would there be a file in the crucible that contains this information?  Or... Abe, Hadrian don't suppose you know offhand?

She shrugs

So far as I'm concerned the weak point of any mech is the pilot.  I can think of at least two, possibly three ways in which I can neutralize them. 

"We're not stealing a ship, we're taking the Ship of Convenience. It's the only one that can get us to the fleet in a reasonable time.  Any specs on the mechs would be great though.  A good plan is just as useful as a bad one when the unexpected happens.  All the contingencies in the world won't stop that.  As long as we keep the plan flexible it can change with the circumstances.  As long as we keep in contact and prioritize the goal and our lives above wrote procedure we can overcome complications as they come.  If you want more than that you're going to have to provide it."

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 956):

"Test pilot, remember?" Kayla says, tapping her chest with her thumb in a backward motion. "If we end up having to bail in a stolen ship, I promise as long as it CAN fly, I can MAKE it fly."

She looks over at Billy.

"And that includes myself, now. I think. Turns out you were right about the powers, but I'm not going to listen to any I-told-you-sos. Especially since I'm still not exactly sure how they work or what I can do with them."

"Oh.  Oh!  Ha!  Nice, I knew it!" Billy beams at Kayla, far more excited than smug, "Oh we need to do so many things after this!  Later, after." He shakes his hands excitedly and then immediately seems to try and physically calm himself down, holding his hands out level and breathing a moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to Kayla Wallin (msg # 957):

"We know the tunnels inside and out. We won't get lost down there so long as you're with me or my team," Abe says. He frowns thoughtfully. "The mechs are MK-II and MK-III models, about a dozen of each, though they aren't all active at the same time -- chassis repairs, pilot fatigue, etc. factor in eventually. They're equipped with the standard suite of energy weapons and suppression countermeasures. They're designed to take apart tanks, other mechs, aircraft, and infantry. In that order, I believe. You can ask one of the mechanics for more details once we make contact and are on our way."

Abe points toward the Cargo Hangar.

"This is where I'm certain your ship would have been taken, at least initially. Once they discovered your mech, it's an even guess whether they moved it to the military hangar or not for further analysis."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:00, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 959):

She gives Kayla a smile that screams I-told-you-so, then suddenly does that crashing thing that glaciers do so majestically in spring.  She looks imminently uncomfortable mumbles something and leaves the room.

quote:

A moment later a psychic scream tears through the room like a tornado.

As the echoes of the scream die down you see Percy sprinting with Kayla out to the hallway.

The bathroom door is left open as Kayla bursts in and anyone who looks will see Nightmare sitting on the toilet.  Kayla standing infront of her, Nightmares angry purple, wet, face is resting on Kayla's hip.

Taking in the scene she holds her hands far out to the side and they are dripping crimson, her thighs are similarly streaked with blood.  She looks at the crowd of faces outside with more academic curiosity than anything else; entirely oblivious to her state of dress.  Her eyes lock on Billy and she says, voice wavering, questioning.

Ghost puberty isn't a thing...

I'm alive!

She breathes heavily you can hear her repeating the last two words.

Kayla looks at you all, just as surprised as you, she pets the back of Nightmare's head and reaches into the medicine cabinet.

So that is why you have been complaining about a headache and your back all day.  Open!

Kayla dinks Nightmare on the lips as she says the last word.  Nightmare looks up and without thinking mechanically opens her mouth.  Kayla drops two pills which a second later clatter off the floor.  As the pills hit the floor Nightmare looks at them then looks up to Kayla, embarassed, and her tears redouble as she chokes out.

Those were NSAID's weren't they?  I can't take those anymore... not since I tried to....

The rest of the sentence is lost as she buries her face fully into Kayla's hip.  Kayla looks perplexed as she twirls her hair absently around a finger, and then slow dawning strikes her.

Oh.... oh.... oh sweetie.

She throws an apologetic look at the team, nodding that everything is ok and she gets down on a knee, closing the bathroom door.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 960):

A few minutes later they emerge from the bathroom, Nightmare cleaned up, and wrapped in whatever towel/sheet/robe they can find.  She pads quietly into the conference room where she curls up in a chair.  She holds out a hand for the dogs to come to her.

Kayla rounds up the team plus Hadrian and ushers them into the conference area, shushing them to keep them quiet.  Once everyone is settled.

Please bring Muse to me.

She puts her hand on the rock and starts, slow and tired sounding.

I'm... really sorry for that.

She starts quietly, hesitantly.

I, didn't expect it.  I guess I should especially apologize to my team for anything I've done or said.  I'm sorry.

What the doctors said at accelerated diagnostics was that I was just an ordinary girl with horrible PTSD.  I denied it.  I fought them... in some cases literally.  I was shuffled off to the IDA after a particularly conentious bout with a doctor that ended with Percy throwing him out of a window... followed by me trying to take a handful of pills.  Each mouth of pills landed on the floor, confirming, in my mind, that I was truly already dead and I was a ghost.

Turns out that I'm not.  I'm just an auger girl, with some severe issues.

She looks at Hadrian and smiles ruefully.

I'm actually ok with this.  It means.  It means that, maybe, I can get fixed. 

She is tearing up but they don't fall just yet.

I'll need each and every one of you here to help me.  I, I don't know anything about personal relationships, or interactions with people, thoughts feelings any of it.  I'll need your support and understanding.  I'll need you as my guides.

I hate to put this on you... but you have all been the only thing that I can even consider a family.

Are you willing?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 961):

Abe, Candy, Huck, Whitney, Bradford, and Barachiel follow Rebecca's initial hasty departure with their eyes, but not their bodies. When Kayla moves to follow the girl, they seem content to let her deal with it.

Hadrian hasn't spoken much since fending off the haircut, and his eyes have been flickering with more purple than even Bradford's had been. He does move to follow Rebecca, but does not intrude once it becomes clear she's gone into a bathroom.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Mon 12 Mar 2018.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 962):

"Is the girl ok?" Abe asks when Kayla pokes her head back into the room.

"I think so," she replies. "At least, I think she will be. Eventually. Baby steps, is all. On the bright side, I'm pretty sure she knows she's not dead now that she's...started."

"Started?" Hadrian asks. "Started what?"

"...you know. Started."

Candy and Whitney arch their eyebrows at each other, exchanging knowing glances, but Abe, Huck, Bradford, and Barachiel sort of nod toward her with the awkward silence of those confronted with a moment they don't know how to respond to.

"She'd like to say a few words to explain the outburst, if that's ok. Then we can resume planning our raid."

Kayla relays Rebecca's request for Billy, Xander, Hadrian/Muse, and Fiernas/Pups to join her in the adjoining room. Whether they choose to follow or not is beyond her control.

In reply to Kayla Wallin (msg # 963):

"I mean, if it's important...a few minutes of delay won't kill us. Probably."

Hadrian cocks his head to the side, but will follow Kayla to the other room unless prohibited from doing so by someone else.

OOC: If you want to be part of the conversation in the other room, you can post to that effect bundled into your response to Rebecca if any. We don't need crossroads-style posts saying "so and so follows into the room" but little else.

***

After Rebecca has finished speaking, Hadrian quirks an eyebrow.

"Fixed? But you're not broken."

He remains near enough that Rebecca can touch the Muse gem as desired.

Billy raises an eyebrow and holds up his hands at a confused loss when Rebecca makes her departure.  He cringes slightly, wiggling one finger in his ear after the scream and sighs heavily after the girls come back.  He follows into the adjoining room when invited and hears Rebecca out before ultimately rolling his eyes, "God you're stupid for a genius," he says finally. "The kid's right," Billy nods his chin toward Hadrian.   He rolls his eyes again before speaking in a distinctly mocking voice "I don't know anything about personal relationships or interacting with people.  Pffft," he shakes his head with a chuckle and turns to return to the operation planning, "Been doing fine at both so far, little sister."

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 965):

Team Focus

"Look..." Whitney says, pointing at the center of the Compound. "...this isn't hard. You've got a tunnel that gets us here, right? How'd you dig it?"

"There was a small natural cavern system in place already," Abe replies. "We just expanded it a bit, is all."

"Right, ok. So you're telling me that this big, heavy fortress thing was built over porous ground?"

Bradford's eyes light up as he follows where this is going, but Candy, Huck, and Barachiel turn to look at Abe.

"Correct," Abe says. "Though not really by choice. The Compound was built around the crash site, so we mostly made do with what topography we had."

Whitney's still looking at the map of the colony.

"Do you have a map of the cavern system?"

Abe nods, and projects it side-by-side with the other map.

"Stress points for weight distribution are probably, what...here, here, and here?" Whitney says, pointing at the cavern map in a few specific places. "What do you think, Bradford?"

"Er, well...no, not that second one," Bradford replies, pointing to a location a few inches away from where Whitney had indicated. "Here, I think. Maybe. But if you want to do it right, we'd need to direct a LOT of force all at once."

"Excuse me," Abe snaps. "But do WHAT now?"

"They want to collapse the colony into the caverns." Barachiel says, gesturing toward the pair of maps.

"What?! Absolutely not!" Abe exclaims. "I want to SAVE the colony, not destroy it!"

"We uh, we'd be able to save most of it," Bradford says, as Whitney nods. "We could, er, just collapse this middle part. The, uh. The Compound. The biggest cave is just beneath the central lift tube, see. Right here. It's, er, almost perfect."

"Really? Cool, let's do it!" Candy says, though Huck and Abe silence this enthusiasm with withering looks.

"Even if we wanted to," Abe says, "which we don't, mind you. But if we did, we still wouldn't be able to do it without a significant amount of blasting materials."

Whitney and Bradford look at each other.

"Well, we could probably develop some," Whitney says. "Anything with an internal power source, or a battery, could be made to do the job. What do you have lying around?"

"Nothing expendable!" Abe says, folding his arms across his chest.

"Topstation's expendable," Candy says. "Or it will be, once we've succeeded."

"No, it's not!" Abe replies.

"What, er, what does the Compound use?" Bradford asks. "For, uh, for a power source?"

"We are not seriously considering breaching this colony's central generator!" Abe growls. "I suggest you forget this fool's errand so we can focus on developing a plan that will actually work."

Barachiel inhales deeply, then exhales, both through his nose.

We are getting nowhere fast, he muses.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Tue 13 Mar 2018.

Xander will join the family conference along with the others.

After Rebecca's speech, he gives her a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. Hey, it's fine. Don't worry about it. I didn't ever really have a family either. My parents died in a car crash when I was young. So, this is all new to me too. I think this is how it's supposed to work though, isn't it? We fight and argue a bunch, but would all take a bullet for each other when push comes to shove?

Xander will return to the war room with the others once the family meeting is over, making an extremely grateful expression to Kayla as he passes.

So, I have some thoughts, as far as redundancies go, he says mostly to Fiernas. If Operation Zord is some form of remote override of the combat suit's battle systems, Sophia and I might be able to co-opt that to forcibly take over some of the mechs, or at least temporarily disable them. The fewer bullets coming from downrange, the better.

Kayla is able to pilot anything that can fly, and some things that can't, he continues, nodding appreciatively to the test pilot, and I'm pretty capable as well, if I can get a decent interface. If the Ship of Convenience is disabled, we can get into orbit with anything else, though we might have to camp out in the black for a while before the IDA/Roshak team shows up.

However, possible wrenches: I need the specs on both the Titan-based AA emplacements, as well as the orbital cannon. Everything you have. I need to know if they can be taken offline remotely, or if we have to do it the hard way.

In reply to Xander (msg # 967):

She smile gratefully at each teammember as they speak.

To Hadrian she gently redirects him.  Smiling sweet and melancholy at him.  Her hand moves from the gem to gently grab his wrist.

I believe you took care of the symptom; not the cause.  The darkness still lurks, and without knowing the extent of your power...

Do you need to stay by my side, propping me up forever and ever?  Are you willing to do that?  Am I willing to accept it?  Healing takes time and like you said we have tools, I'm willing to use them now...

She gently throws a colored marker at Billy as he makes fun of her but tears are behind the gesture.

Studies have shown that intelligent people tend to have less.....

She trails off realizing what was going on as Xander puts his his hand on her shoulder.  She puts her hand over Xander's and presses her cheek to it.  She smiles serenely and looks up eyes sparkling.

I... guess.  Its that feeling of I want to hug you but I also want to punch you?  I get that with Billy a lot.  Today would be the first time ever that I could say that I have felt anything that could be described as love... I think.

She heaves a sigh.

OK lets join the team.  Lord knows what they have gotten up to...

She files in with the rest of the team her face an inscrutible mix of emotions and takes her place at the head of the white board, trying to regally drive the meeting again despite the fact that the sheet she is wrapped in puddles around her feet, and her loose hair is frizzing up out of the confines of its pony tail.

Did you guys come up with any revelations while I was gone?  I apologize for the delay.
 

She jots notes up on the board from Billy and Xander.  She looks expectantly towards Abe for him to answer Xander's questions

So pending the answer to Xander's questions seems we are close to a plan.

An idea... don't know if its a good one... is that given an offline mech I may be able to forcibly eject the pilot and replace them with myself; possibly someone else in this level of gravity.  This will however take some time and drain my battery.  However, could be a more permanent solution to swap out one of their mech pilots for one of ours.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 13 Mar 2018.

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 968):

"There's no orbital cannon that I'm aware of," Abe says. "I believe the holos show an orbital strike from a capital ship. With the fleet deployed as it is, I don't think that's a risk we have to face at the moment."

He frowns.

"Unless Hadrian's abduction prompted her to recall a ship, I suppose."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 969):

"We can pull the turret schemata from the Crucible once we're back in the Compound," Hadrian suggests. His eyes have stopped flickering with purple, and he looks somewhat more enthusiastic than he did before. "Replacing the pilots of the mechs isn't a bad idea, but unless they know what they're doing that's just going to get them killed. Our mechs know who their pilots are supposed to be. You'd need to swap the digital keys to the new pilot."

He blinks.

"Or...just scramble the keys entirely, without even bothering to change the pilots? That might be easier. They'd have to throw a manual override to overcome that. Could reduce their efficacy significantly."

"Ooh, scrambling mechs sounds promising, I like that.  Can we do that?  How do we do that?" Billy looks at the resident tech-heads for clarity.